I'm a fan of closed guard. A really good closed guard can dictate how a jiu jitsu match goes. There are opportunities for endless attacks, transitions, and maybe most importantly control. Great control in closed guard will wear you opponent/partner down as they are fighting to get away. I often find the more they struggle and fight the more opportunities they create for attacks. Also a good option when your partner weighs a little more because you can keep them in front of you vs on top of you.  

Pretty excited this week as the first time in probably 2ish years I'm back to teaching fundamentals. Join me in my new time slot every Wednesday at 8pm!This week we'll be going over some valuable self defense and a very powerful submission/sweep sequence.

See you soon!

If sport is largely rooted in submissions and control self defense will not disappear. 

I consider it a Martial Art first. But there are times like competitions where it's truly sport based. However, I do recognize that many approach it as a sport and that is what is probably bringing most people through the doors. With that in mind I always try to include the details that keep it a martial art, like strong frames on sensitive areas. 

Make sure you are at Gi Study this week. Last week before it takes a hiatus. This week we will be talking how to get out or spider guard. 

Gi study will be taking a deeper diver into more spider guard sweeps and drills. Time permitting maybe even an attack or 2!You've probably seen the emails that gi study will be on a hiatus for a bit. Don't worry I'll still be teaching just Wednesdays at 8PM for gi fundamentals. You know what that means? If there a wrist lock opportunity in a fundamentals technique I'll be showing it! 🤣Let's pack the mats for these last few gi study classes!!!

I feel often times you hear not to give up a position that would be considered advantageous or dominant. However, sometimes these are great positions for us personally or we know the person is about to get out or sweep us. When we know this is coming I'm a firm believer in letting it happen if we can control the outcome. I'd rather give up a position if I control where it is going vs letting the other person decide.

Also, wrist lock white belts 🤣

Daniel Bianchi🤣

Sorry to have missed this week's gi study being sick but you all were in great hands with Professor Thomas as we started spider guard. 

If you could instantly absorb this one, it'd leave alot of time to focus on everything else.

But what if you focus on sport and they pull guard? New skills, gone 🤣