A Guillotine Choke Counter Is A Must

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2 Half Guard BJJ Drills For Positional Control

February 20, 2017/in BJJ, Guard Passes, Videos /by Chewy

One of the most important aspects of the Half Guard is control of the underhook and space. Whether you’re on top or bottom. Having control of the Underhook gives you such a stronger position to attack from.

There are ways around the underhook, But if you are able to secure it, why not do it?

This video was taken during one of our No Gi BJJ classes. We did a series of Half Guard BJJ drills.

The 2 shown in this video were focused solely around regaining or countering the Underhook and to build better movement for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

I like these Half Guard BJJ drills because they help develop technique for positioning in BJJ and give both top and bottom, something to work on. Instead of just one person going while the other sits idle.

This helps keep both parties focused and moving. When we do drills like this I prefer to set a timer rather than shoot for a particular rep count.

One reason is because people move at different speeds. Second is because oftentimes people move quickly to achieve the rep count they were given and then ease up after that’s accomplished. Even if there is more time to drill.

The first drill is a Half Guard Pummeling drill. This drill was inspired by the stand up pummeling drill used in Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. But just from the Half Guard.

The second drill which starts at 1:35 of the video is a Hip Switch to a Reverse Half Guard position. In the video we go to Quarter Mount since this was the position we planned to set up our passes from that day. But there are an innumerable amount of attacks you can use in Brazilian Jiu jitsu from that position.

So if you’re a Half Guard BJJ player or have trouble giving up the Underhook when your rolling or competing in Brazilian Jiujitsu. Watch the video, try the drills and hopefully they’ll help you improve!

As always, thanks for watching!
-Chewy

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BJJ Armbar From Mount Vs Tight Hands

February 10, 2017/in BJJ, Submissions, Training, Videos /by Chewy

If you’ve train BJJ then I guarantee you have been in a Mount positions unable to finish your opponent. If you get someone in Mount and they just ball up it can be very difficult to get the Submission. This is especially true when someone keeps their hands together.

This is the problem our buddy Nurzhigit is having. He says he’s finally able to get some offense going during his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training but says that he can’t seem to finish once he gets to Mount because the person will lock their hands together.

I have a whole arsenal of techniques to deal with this very situation because over the years I’ve experienced the same frustration. I could get to Mount during BJJ competitions or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training but I couldn’t seem to get the submission.

So I had to develop multiple ways to attack because I knew I SHOULD be able to snag the submission from Mount.

In the video I give two of the simplest ways I know to combat our opponent in Brazilian Jiu jitsu locking their hands.

Basic Setups for BJJ Armbar and Keylock

1 option is a basic 2 on 1 that works well pretty much through all belt levels. A basic setup using the Keylock / Americana from Mount and transitioning to the BJJ Armbar from Mount if the opponent turns to defend (which is very common).

The 2nd is another evergreen technique involving a hand crawl to isolate the head and shoulder. I’ve used this one, again, since I was a BJJ white belt.

If you watch my channel you know that I’m not really into fancy techniques. I like straight forward, more “old school”, Brazilian Jiujitsu techniques that allow me to dominate position and chip away at the opponent.

I hope the 2 submissions and BJJ armbar setup from mount shown in this video helps!

Thanks again to Nurzhigit, from Kazakhstan, Aktau city. Who trains at Caspian Brothers BJJ.

-Chewy

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Be a FAST BJJ Big Guy by Rolling This Way

January 17, 2017/in BJJ, Training, Videos /by Chewy

Are you a BJJ big guy? If so, how do you roll with smaller training partners during your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practices?

In my experience one of the best ways for BJJ big guys to roll with their smaller training partners is to do so with as much finesse and speed as possible.

The reason?

Because every big guy is strong, right? But not every big guy is fast. So by adapting your style and attempting to move at a smaller person’s pace. You in turn train your body to be quicker. I mean who doesn’t want to become a fast big guy?

I was a BJJ Big Guy who wanted to move FAST!

One of the comments I get consistently when I roll in jiu jitsu with people is that I move really quickly for a big guy. This was not by accident or because I’m naturally a fast person. Instead, it’s something I’ve developed over the years when training with my smaller training partners.

I’ve talked about it before. But back in 2009-2010 I went on a journey to create more movement and develop more speed into my game. When I watched Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competitions I noticed that I was attracted to the people that had very good movement.

I also noticed that in many cases. The person that stops moving usually loses the match.

So in order to boost my ability to move in BJJ. I started training with my smaller training partners in a much more speed and finesse oriented fashion. There is far more scrambles and constant adjusting. Which is tiring for a big guy at first, but gets easier overtime.

This encouraged my smaller training partners to roll more with me because I wasn’t trying to smash their head off every time. And the benefit for me was that I learned to be faster and more fluid in Brazilian Jiu jitsu.

And I still have the option of turning the strength on and being heavy if I need it.

So if you’re a BJJ big guy and you train with smaller guys often. Try rolling with them in the way I talk about in the video and see how it helps you.

I hope the video helps!
-Chewy

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Don’t Play Catch Up As A BJJ White Belt

January 10, 2017/2 Comments/in Beginners, BJJ, Lifestyle, Videos /by Chewy

How can you catch up to the people in front of you as a BJJ White Belt? How do you stick it out in training when you get frustrating because nothing is working?

These are the questions our friend Jeff asked concerning his BJJ training.

He’s being doing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for about 2 months and says everyone in his gym is either a 2 stripe white belt or above, and no matter what he does, he just continues to get smashed.

Part of the Process as a BJJ White Belt

Getting smashed into the mat as a BJJ White Belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu is one of the most frustrating things in BJJ. But it’s something we all go through, it’s part of the process.

BJJ is often fun at first because of how new it is. But overtime it can become aggravating when you don’t feel like you’re making progress. You just feel stuck.

Having an “A-HA” Moment

In the video I share a story from my personal BJJ journey about how I got beat on for nearly 6 months of my BJJ training. Then eventually things started to “click” and I started to make noticeable progress. I had what I call an “A-HA” moment in BJJ. It’s that moment in your Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training where things just seem to come together.

This moment turned Brazilian Jiu-jitsu into something completely different for me.

If you’re someone who is experiencing a rough patch in BJJ. Even if you’re not a BJJ White Belt. Maybe you’re a higher level belt. Watch the video and see if you’re able to take some of the advice and apply to your situation and avoid getting frustrated, or at least have a way to work through it. Because if you can work through it. Those moments where everything clicks are ahead.

Thanks for watching! I hope the video helps!
-Chewy

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Guillotine Choke Counter With Double Leg Takedown

December 28, 2016/in BJJ, Takedowns, Videos /by Chewy

A Guillotine Choke Counter Is A Must

The Standing Guillotine Choke can be a nasty submission that makes people get gun shy with their takedowns. Having a guillotine choke counter is an important tool to have if you plan on having a takedown oriented game.

Typically I’ve seen two common mistakes people make when they are coming in for a single leg or double leg takedown and get caught in a Guillotine Choke.

First is that they freeze. Instead of adjusting and making angles. They have a oh shit, deer in the headlights, moment and freeze up. Then they’re submitted.

The other mistake I see really often when stuck in a standing guillotine choke is that they continue to drive straight forward right into the person’s full guard. Which pretty much seals the deal for them.

I’ve done previous videos talking about head positioning and how important it is. You can check that video out here.

I posted another Guillotine Choke Defense Using Front Head Lock Counter From Wrestling
https://youtu.be/xdNLElSqFhw

As I share in a lot of my videos. I use a lot of wrestling with my Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. So in this video I show some basic adjustments that will help you blast through the guillotine choke with a double leg takedown.

You’ll beat the submission and you’ll also end up in side control.

So if you’re getting caught in the guillotine choke when you’re practicing or competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Check out the video and start drilling this guillotine choke counter.

Even if you’re not getting caught. The tips in the video will help make sure you don’t get stuck when trying to do a double leg takedown in BJJ.

I hope the video helps!
Thanks!
-Chewy

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2 Non-BJJ Books For BJJ Training

December 18, 2016/in Beginners, BJJ, Tips, Videos /by Chewy

2 Non-BJJ Books For BJJ Training

Recently I was asked about what books I would recommend for BJJ training, Martial Arts and life. While I feel unqualified to touch on “life” I do feel plenty qualified to talk about BJJ training.

I also took this question to be non-BJJ books.

Taking Ideas from Non BJJ Sources

Being able to draw parallels to BJJ through other non BJJ sources is important for the overall mindset of someone training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I think this because if you can find other sources of information or input it helps you get outside of box and ensure that you’re no being restricted.

Think of it as learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques from multiple sources. Your coach, training partners, seminars, drop ins at other gyms, youtube, dvd, etc. All of these areas have their contribution to your training and learning. Not being restricted to one in particular is helpful to your growth.

Using 2 Non Bjj Books for Bjj Training

In the video I talk about 2 books that have had a big impact on my BJJ training.

The first is Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. I first read this book back in 2010 when I started teaching and training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu full-time.

With the ample time I had to train. The lesson of deliberate practice in this book helped me direct my training properly so that I was able to train effectively.

The second book recommendation I share in the video is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

It’s a very short read but packed with all sorts of thought provoking ideas. One such idea is adopting the lunch pail mentality to your creative endeavors. Basically embracing the grind.

Adopting these two ideas, deliberate training and being able to grind it out, made a huge impact on my game.

So to my buddy Luis, and anyone who is looking for some non-BJJ books to inspire their BJJ training. I hope these recommendations help!

-Chewy

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Emotional BJJ Black Belt Promotion at Derby City MMA

November 22, 2016/in BJJ, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Videos /by Chewy

Emotional BJJ Black Belt Promotion

The speech and BJJ Black Belt promotion starts at 3:20 . But feel free to watch it all the way through if you enjoying listening to me ramble.

This video came from our promotions last night and was by far one of the most powerful and meaningful moments I’ve ever had as a coach. Promoting not only a crop of tough people to Purple and Brown Belt. But also promoting my “little brother” Chad Hardy to Black Belt.

I’ve known Chad since he was 11 years old. I’ve had the pleasure of removing his original White Belt and have had the pleasure of tying on the belts he’s received after. I’ve also had the pleasure of getting to know him incredibly well over the last 10+ years. We even lived together for a while.

As a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu coach there is no more satisfying a feeling then to see the fruits of your labor realized in front of you. I’ve watched Chad grow as a person. From a young kid to a surprisingly mature young man.

What Makes The BJJ Black Belt Meaningful

The BJJ belt is, itself, just a piece of fabric that has been dyed a particular color. But the long arduous journey that had to have taken place is what makes the BJJ Black Belt so meaningful.

In Chad’s case. He’s battled and won more competition than I can count. As a competitor he’s always been amazing to watch and an inspiration to the people inside the gym.

And as an instructor and a fixture in our gym he’s turned into someone that is all about building up those around him. Something equally impressive and admirable.

This will certainly not be one of my more popular videos but it is a glimpse into our gym ( Derby City MMA ) and what we are all about.

We all love competition. But at the end of the day we are in this because we feel apart of a team and want to grow with each other.

And for those of you who follow me. I know I ramble on in my videos a lot. As I do in person. But you can at least be sure that anything I say in the videos is what I believe. Regardless if you disagree with my philosophy in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I assure you it’s 100% genuine.

– Chewy

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Simple Single Leg Takedown Setup Against Frankenstein Opponent

November 1, 2016/in BJJ, Takedowns, Videos /by Chewy

Simple Single Leg Takedown Setup Against Frankenstein Opponent

A single leg takedown is by far one my favorite type of takedowns. They’re incredibly versatile. You can do them against smaller or larger opponents. They’re easy to setup from high or low positions.

And most importantly for BJJ. I find that a single leg takedown is easy to setup in gi or no gi.

In this particular video I show how to do a simple single leg takedown setup when you have someone walking into you with their arms stretched out like Frankenstein.

In the gi this happens often. Two people walk in, lock up with the sleeve and collar and push and shove each other around a bit. Then they break grips and do it all over again.

This is where this takedown comes in. Start by reading your opponent and which foot they’re placing forward and post off the opposite side shoulder when they come in to grip up.

While pushing them back and causing their weight to rock to their back foot come in and grab the single leg.

This is a great single leg takedown setup in gi or no gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Nothing about the technique is gi specific.

This is also good for you guys with less than stellar knees. Because you’re not dropping down low and jamming your knees on the ground. It’s a little easier on the knee.

Lastly this takedown is really forgiving when you try it. If you’re in the middle of BJJ training and go for this single leg takedown. Even if you fail it’s unlikely you’re opponent will be able to snap you down to the ground. Typically the worst thing that happens is that they step out of the way.

So give it a try and I hope it helps!

-Chewy
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10 BJJ Solo Drills W/ Heavy Bag ( Top Pressure )

October 31, 2016/2 Comments/in Beginners, BJJ, Training, Videos /by Chewy

solo BJJ drills

10 BJJ Solo Drills W/ Heavy Bag (Top Pressure And Movement)

In this video I show 10 BJJ solo drills you can do with an old heavy bag you might have laying around. The BJJ solo drills in this video will help develop better top pressure and movement from top positions.

I shared in a recent video that I think grappling dummies are a potential waste of time and money. Not because they’re not a good tool. But because most people lack the discipline and drive to do use them much at home.

After I made the video a bunch of you sent me messages saying that you have grappling dummies or do solo drills a great deal from your home. Either because it’s supplemental BJJ training or because there isn’t a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school close by.

So to help out with your BJJ training I did another set of BJJ solo drills you can do. Many of these are similar to the various drills I’ve done before. But the purpose isn’t just the drills themselves but getting you to think about how you can use a old heavy bag you might have. You can be creative and get something out of a simple tool.

How To Use These BJJ Solo Drills

When you do the drills, if you’re looking for a good workout. Do each drill for 30-45 seconds a piece. Then transition to the next drill with no rest. Do this for a full pass through and repeat for 2-3 rounds.

It’s guaranteed to get you sweating and you’ll be developing good movement for top positions in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

In our gym we also use old heavy bags that have broken for MMA fighters to beat on and punch like ground and pound. But you can also use them for your Brazilian Jiu jitsu training in the form of these solo drills.

So if you’re looking for solo BJJ drills you can do from home. This is a cheaper option than a grappling dummy. Check out the video and I hope it helps!

Thanks!
-Chewy
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