Great question Pete!I can say for me personally teaching gave me the ability to answer questions. Your level of understanding, problem solving, and the ability to think quickly all speed up a little bit when you have to run the class. That was my biggest take away.

A hidden benefit can be seeing all the behind the scenes work that it takes to make a program successful.

I don't think everyone should teach regularly. I agree there are great practitioners that just make poor teachers. On the flipside there are great teachers that just aren't the best if they go out and compete. I've also seen blackbelts who one on one are amazing but in a group setting it just doesn't come across. Aside from what was already mentioned personality is a huge driver of being a great teacher. 

I think the topic of training and life balance is so underrated and a discussion that should be had with new students. 

If you are in this for the long haul and had a significant other or family at home you need to find a way to fit BJJ into your family's life in a way that works and doesn't create constant tension. This tension often leads to people quitting. There will be weeks where you can go a few times and then there may be a week where you can't go at all, and that's ok. You'll need that home support if plan to do this for more than 1 year.

Yes, my approach has changed as I realized the above. Some weeks my training or mat connection comes from helping with my son's class or his wrestling program and nothing directly for myself. That's just the stage of life. The mats are always there, the time with your family isn't. 

The trap bridge and roll is a classic. Over 11 years on the mats and this simple escape is still one of my go to moves. Plus it can lead to other escapes if your partner is just too good at defending it.

If we are going famous but not because of jiu jitsu I think there are so many like Chuck Norris, Zoltan Bathory or Ed O'Neill. All black belts each with unique background. Chuck Norris for obvious reasons but so many stories I'm sure with the Machados.

Zoltan again for the stories from being a touring musician. If you ever looked at his IG or YouTube such an interesting person. He has a huge love of Judo, he is a big part of the  PGF and don't forget you might get to roll in his castle.

Ed O'Neill again being an actor for so long and a black belt for so long the stories would be great. Plus who doesn't want to say they rolled with Al Bundy 😂

Tripod sweep from guard is by far my favorite sweep. We perfectly executed I love seeing my partner float midair for a second. This is one of the reasons breakfalls are so important. 

And don't forget it's #WristLockWednesday

Smartest thing I've ever heard anyone say!

When it comes to guard retention and closed guard using my legs and not just my arms hands down. People will have an extremely tough time opening your guard if they are constantly being moved around. 

When it comes to strength legs > arms so use them both!

Perfect timing for this week's techniques. Saturday 6/13 join me at a 11AM for a workshop that is going to take a deep dive into opening closed guard. Once we open the guard I'll be showing my 2 favorite options. 

Can't make it Saturday? Well you should change your plans but it you can't, Wednesday night at 8PM will be a great preview. 

This makes so much sense, but I never thought about it in that way. Definitely food for thought.

Better start loosening up those shoulders for Wednesday! Kimuras are a great way to attack your partner. 

Plenty of wrist locks available since you better have that elbow locked in too! #WristLockWednesday

Bonus question: Why is it called a Kimura? Don't know? Answer revealed only on Wednesday night!