Boxers wrap their hands with tape primarily for protection, but practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rely on them for another reason: gripping. To sweep or escape/attempt submissions, BJJ grapplers need to grab their opponent’s gi. When their opponent aggressively attempts to pry their fingers from said grip, their finger ligaments can end up damaged or sprained. Often, […]
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A dominant grip allows a fighter to control distance, secure a position, or finish the match. The fundamentals of grip control stem from the oldest grappling sport, which is wrestling. There are four or five grips that apply whether your opponent is wearing a gi or not.Ball & SocketThis is a go-to grip due to […]
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A little over 25 years after Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, and 75 years since the art was first developed in Rio De Janeiro, the public safety sector has also jumped on the BJJ bandwagon. The techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are now included in the curriculum of agencies such as the FBI, […]
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Mixed martial arts is the only sport with the word ‘arts’ in it. That may not matter to the Saturday night crowd at Buffalo Wild Wings, but for BJJ practitioners, it is an important distinction. On one hand, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has played a huge role in the UFC’s world dominance, but on the other, it […]
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Diehard BJJ devotees have been known to apply their competitive spirit to verbal combat when they are off the mat. Their passion carries over to debates about the same topics year after year. There are no wrong or right answers, just opportunities for afficionados to chat about their favorite subject. So, what are the most common […]
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Do not be surprised if you drive by your local mini-mall and spot a small group of young people in gis and belts working out under a tent. Martial arts training is returning in some form or another. However, with the scarcity of fitness equipment and approaching winter months, finding ways to stay in shape […]
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Martial arts schools are starting to find their footing, as business owners continue to approach re-opening with caution. Before rushing to return to training, students should treat the last six months as what they were: a long break. BJJ practitioners are eager to return to the mat, but it is imperative that we take the […]
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Jiu-jitsu is a martial art renowned for empowering its students regardless of size and strength. Our family here at GUMA is proud of its diversity, especially its female practitioners. When this piece of history came to our attention, with the unique role jiu-jitsu plays, we knew we had to share it. This is the story […]
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Even other martial artists do not realize that there is a difference between a judo gi and a BJJ gi. It is just something that grapplers know. Both uniforms have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look, shall we? Expensive competition-level judo gis tend to be heavier than the cheap ones that students wear. The […]
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Martial arts schools may not be open for indoor training yet but BJJ practitioners have been finding other ways to stay in shape. Some schools are offering classes outdoors with appropriate social distancing. In the meantime, the summer weather is perfect for cross training! Did you know that spending time outdoors is beneficial to your mental […]
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