Unstoppable guard.

The logic is simple in my mind: if you can’t pass my legs, how are you going to do anything else?

The guard isn’t just a defensive position, it’s a control system. My legs are the first line of defense, but also the engine for offense. They manage distance, disrupt posture, off-balance the opponent, and dictate where the exchange happens. When my guard is intact, I control the tempo. I decide when we engage, when we disengage, and when the fight shifts.

Passing the guard isn’t just about getting around the legs, it’s about solving a series of problems: frames, hooks, angles, timing, and constant movement. If those problems never get solved, progress stops. No pressure, no pins, no submissions.

That’s why guard work matters. Because everything starts (and often ends) at the legs.

This week we’ll take a deeper dive into kettlebell movement while continuing to put in solid, intentional work. The key focus will be building a strong connection between the kettlebell and the body by actively engaging the elbow and maintaining a powerful, stable frame. This connection is what allows for efficient movement, better control, and safer, stronger lifts.

This week in Intermediate class, the focus is on S-Mount as an attacking hub. We’ll break down how to connect Gi chokes with joint manipulation in No-Gi, emphasizing control, transitions, and decision-making rather than isolated submissions.

There was a time when I traveled with my gi everywhere I went. I made it a point to visit new academies, train, and build friendships wherever I landed.

These days, I’m a bit more strategic, choosing to visit friends and people I already know rather than random locations.

If you find yourself in a position to visit another academy, always call ahead, introduce yourself, and remember that you are a guest. Treating people and their space with respect is essential.

Due to high demand, this week we’ll be diving deeper into Deep Half Guard.

Expect a true nerd-level breakdown, focused on control, structure, and the fine details that make this position reliable at every level.

Come ready to slow things down, understand the mechanics, and sharpen your ability to control and reverse from the bottom.

See you on the mat 👊🏻

One of my favorites 

Great week ahead for kids 

Escaping S-mount can feel nearly impossible when pressure and isolation are applied correctly. This week, we will focus on using deep half guard as a transitional pathway, addressing hip alignment, inside control, and under-hook positioning to off-balance the top player, relieve pressure, and systematically reverse the position.

Consistence Sunday Open Training with the crew 

If I could talk to a younger Thomas, I’d tell him this:

Jiu Jitsu is a long road, and it’s not meant to be perfect. There’s no finish line you suddenly cross where everything clicks forever. Some days feel great, others feel frustrating and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

I’d remind him that submissions aren’t the goal. They’re a byproduct of doing the right things well, position, control, patience, and timing. You don’t need to win every round to be moving forward. In fact, chasing wins too hard often slows real progress.

Every round is a lesson, whether you’re on top, on bottom, tapping, or doing the tapping. But those lessons only show themselves if you stay open-minded, curious, and willing to learn, especially when things don’t go your way.

Trust the process. Show up. Be patient. Progress will take care of itself.