BJJ is done by I believe 1% of the population. And those who try it don’t always stick to it. For a variety of reasons. BJJ is a super power. Not just of the body but of the mind. To be able to do difficult things. Not everyone likes to do difficult things. BJJ just so happens to be one of those difficult things that have a few drawbacks that others don’t feel like succumbing to. Whether it’s the sweat from your partner the aggressiveness or it just doesn’t sit well. Our bodies ache. However with that being said. The main focus is why you do BJJ? Here we need to be a little selfish. There always will be someone to train with, what is it you want to get out of it would be my main focus. 

Making the impossible possible in escaping the dreaded side control. Teaching them how critical the bridge and frames to aid in their escape and see their frown turn upside down, is why I teach. 

Haughter . Chris Haughter. When on top stay on top. And the hammer and the nail concept really hit home. 

Don’t like being smashed in side control? Stop in, we have escapes. All are WBMK’s Mon-Wed. 

RNC. Lights out and won’t break any bones. 

I agonized over this one. What felt like years of all submissions. To pick one is  ery difficult because of the learning opportunity. I would have to say, arm bars. Just to see where my trex had failed me.

Wow, great question Russ. I had my first experience at Legacy Burbank. That being said, I would like to train at Gracie HQ. Haughters garage for sure. Chris Burns in Australia, to name a few. 

I took Professor Thomas’s Instructors development class, last year, and at the time, I knew it was great. But it wasn’t until I began teaching that I fully realized how valuable it really was. 

The course gave me the tools to plan lessons, break down techniques clearly, and most importantly connect with students at their level. Through real teaching experience, I’ve seen just how crucial things like rehearsal, structure, and communication really are. 

What stood out most was how the course focused not just on technique, but on how to run a class with purpose- how to set the tone, manage time, and create a learning environment that’s both disciplined and fun. 

I highly recommend this course to anyone serious about teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the right way. It laid the foundation for everything I do on the mat as a coach. 

Afterward, I sit back and go over the good and the bad. No matter the outcome, there is something to learn. If and when I fail, I hone in on that weakness or failure and use it as a guide. It is the way to become better. Whether asking someone, instructional vids or journaling. I drill and roll till I get a feel for what I need to do to change the outcome.  This will give me an opportunity to right the wrongs and create strengths instead of resting on my weaknesses. 

Wow great question. All great replies. I have to say that Jiu Jitsu has taught me that if you are patient and  stay calm you’ll either figure out the how or why it didn’t work. The biggest takeaway for me is the problem solving while staying calm and being humble is a major factor.