A concept in Bjj is a description of a mechanism that makes a technique work. We usually cover one position every week. Positions may have as many as three variations that we cover. For more complex movements, I will break it down into three stages. When we progress to another position from week to week,Continue reading “Concepts in Bjj”
Author Archives: Josh Littleton
Training Sustainably Over 40.
Your first and most important job is to last. Most of these ideas are good advice for younger people too. They are of increasing importance for those training sustainably over 40. I’m currently 41, and have been doing this for 16 years, full time for eight years. Most adults are not in a position toContinue reading “Training Sustainably Over 40.”
Break this rule, but do it in this way.
Almost everyone says not to talk about gym rolls, almost everyone does it anyway. Talking about a roll makes us better. The ability to recall precisely what happened and try to improve based on it is a higher level skill. What we are doing is largely about pattern recognition. Ask questions immediately after the roll.Continue reading “Break this rule, but do it in this way.”
Some of the Joys of Jiu Jitsu
Most of us started training because we wanted to learn how to fight. But we keep training because it’s fun. It’s a place where complex problem solving and an average level of athleticism meet in a unique way. This is a quick list of things that I love about Bjj. We might encounter them inContinue reading “Some of the Joys of Jiu Jitsu”
Emotion in Position
A Position in Bjj is often a trigger for people. As we prepare to watch the customary Black Friday fights on our social media feeds, we will be studying the positions these totally uneducated street fighters will naturally find. Half Guard, Mount, various Clenches from standing will all be explored in extremely dramatic fashion. ForContinue reading “Emotion in Position”
What is Control?
The dictionary definition of control goes on for a while. We use this word a lot, and for many purposes. Basic psychology teaches that you can only control your own actions, and not the actions of others. Jiu Jitsu seems to follow this idea in many ways. In a grappling situation, the word control tendsContinue reading “What is Control?”
Unwritten Rules in Bjj
Nobody likes being the last one to know an unwritten rule. Every single gym has its own set of unique rules, both written and unwritten. Having a set of easily understood rules helps new people to start training with a clear understanding of expectations. We should get these ideas hammered out as efficiently as possibleContinue reading “Unwritten Rules in Bjj”
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
What does one do in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Who is it for? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the study of positions and transitions in a struggle between two people, mostly on the ground. We all have natural tendencies in each position, and they are often incorrect. Once we learn where we are, it’s much easier toContinue reading “What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?”
How do You Treat New People?
It’s no secret that I have talked lately about bringing in some more people. A few of the guys remember the early days when we had the same small group for many months. Everyone learned each other’s names without prompting, and tried to help the new person to catch on as quickly as possible. NotContinue reading “How do You Treat New People?”
How do You Roll With Women?
Me? How do I roll with women? If you’re asking that, there’s one of the few different things it could be a problem for you. Most commonly, someone’s insecure girlfriend gets very upset at the idea that they might roll with a girl. If you spent any amount of time training at all, you knowContinue reading “How do You Roll With Women?”