I might be the wrong person to ask this since I technically don’t have a gym bag, I keep all of my Gis and gear in my office 😄

That said, I’ve always believed in being prepared. I typically had two Gis on hand: one that I plan to train in that day, and an extra one in my car trunk.

You just never know when you’ll need a second Gi, another class, helping a student, or even just staying ready for an unexpected opportunity to train.

This week in our Intermediate classes, we will focus on back control concepts and strategies. We’ll be studying how to establish and maintain strong control, improve positional awareness, and apply effective attacks with the gi, including some of the most powerful chokes in Jiu Jitsu.

This is a great opportunity to sharpen both your control and finishing mechanics from one of the most dominant positions in grappling. Looking forward to a strong week of training.

Here is a sample of our focus ⤵️

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/back-control-chokes-sequence-84fed0?category_id=173535

Many people see a quick submission as a sign of dominance. I often see it differently. Sometimes it is the result of perfect timing, a brief opening, or even a bit of luck.

True dominance in Jiu-Jitsu is something deeper. It is the ability to control the entire exchange. To take away space. To dictate the pace. To decide where the fight goes and how it unfolds. When one can consistently guide the direction of the match not just the outcome but also the direction of the exchange, there is no question about who is in control.

In that moment luck disappears. What remains is skill, awareness, pressure, and mastery.

Dominance is not just finishing the fight. Dominance is owning every moment of it.

This is a loaded question. Both strength and flexibility are important in Jiu-Jitsu, and which one matters more often depends on the individual athlete and their physical attributes.

The real priority is mobility combined with usable strength.

Beginners benefit most from developing general strength and stability.Advanced practitioners often rely more on mobility, efficiency, and refined technique.

Many grapplers eventually find themselves in the middle... strong, mobile, and technically efficient.

Strength keeps you safe and stable.Flexibility expands your options.

Strength → Mobility → Technique Integration

Patrick Morton, what do you think?

I very selfishly have a plan every time I step on the mat.

This morning I did 12 solid rounds, and my objective was simple: no one gets underhooks on me. And when I was on top, I was fighting for every possible underhook. 

Having a specific goal each session keeps me focused. It prevents me from chasing “shiny objects” or rolling just to survive the round. Instead, I’m training with intention.

That clarity allows me to make small, tangible improvements, the kind that compound over time. One detail. One battle. One focus.

You don’t have to win every round.

But if you win your objective for the day, you’re getting better.