The most important lesson for a white belt to learn is know when to relax and when to resist. On one hand, too much resistance will prevent your partner from completing the move. On the other, too little resistance cannot lead to improvement, because it simply is not realistic. The key is to be observant […]
Continue reading
Despite sharing the word ‘jiu-jitsu’, the Japanese and Brazilian versions of the martial art are dissimilar from one another. There are key distinctions between the two styles, in origin and application. Practitioners of both would most certainly appreciate the distinction being made, so let us get started. Japanese jujitsu, like other martial arts, is believed to […]
Continue reading
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, […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading
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, […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading