One year is a long time, and this is a tough question—but if I had to choose, I’d go with the triangle choke. It’s hard to beat the combination of control, simplicity, and finishing power. When your opponent gives you just enough space to lock it in, and you’re able to secure the finish using your legs—that’s a huge statement. It’s not just a submission; it’s a demonstration of timing, awareness, and precision. A clean strangle, if left unchecked, ends the engagement decisively. And doing it all with your legs? That just takes the control to another level.

Keep training, stay sharp, and keep hunting those triangles.

Over the last few weeks in Kids NoGi, we’ve been working on transitioning from half guard to back control 🌀, and introducing key turtle position concepts 🐢.

This week, we shift focus to one of the most important systems every grappler should understand — especially in NoGi Jiu Jitsu:  🎯 Back Control Escapes!

Learning how to stay calm, protect the neck, and recover position from one of the toughest spots in grappling is a huge step forward for our young athletes 💪

See you on the mats! 🥋

I know I say this a lot… but it’s true every time — it’s going to be another great week ahead! 🙌

👊 In Fundamentals: we’ll focus on the most important escapes everyone should know — Side Control Escapes 

🧠 In Intermediate: it’s all about Top Control Escapes — how to stay calm, create space, and get out of tough spots 

If you ever find yourself stuck in one of these positions, this is the week to show up. Let’s level up together 💥

See you all on the mat! 🥋

Games are super fun but I need endless reps, reps and more reps 

Couture in Vegas is full of history and stories. I had a pleasure to visit back in a day. Great place to see and train at. Enjoy it 

Visiting other academies while you travel is a great way to make friends, get a different perspective on other facilities and Jiu Jitsu styles. There should always be room for a Gi in your suitcase.

As far as tips for your travel… do a little research to know what to expect from the Academy you are visiting. Always call ahead and understand if visitors are welcome. Finally, be humble and friendly.

This week in our Intermediate Gi class, we’ll be linking Toreando and Folding passes—building fluid transitions and pressure from one to the other.

In NoGi, we’ll be focusing on guillotine chokes—developing control, timing, and finishing mechanics from a variety of entries

Don’t leave your stinky Gi in the trunk overnight, specially in the summer time… just saying…

Yes! There is an actually story associated this time suggestion 😮 DON’T BE THAT GUY❗

Good point Daniel Bianchi, there are so many phenomenal instructors out there and access to their content is at our fingertips. So many secrets are secrets no more.

This is one of my favorite weeks in the Intermediate program, guard passing… often underestimated and often time a point of struggle for many. We will be discussing Toreando and Leg Drag passing systems in Gi and NoGi (respectively). This will be highly technical approach, so be ready for a lot of drilling. See you on the mat guys 👊