BJJ grip fighting

Don’t Ignore or Overlook Grip Fighting in BJJ

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Want to stop your opponent’s techniques before they start? Want to disrupt what your opponent is able to do before it even begins. 

We all do right?

Well here’s what I’ve figured out.

By dominating grips, you do just this! 

Identify Their Primary Grip

Before a match if I am able to watch video of an opponent. I might see that they like to play a Half Guard game. Half Guard has a few particular grips necessary for effective action.

So when I go into the match. I focus less on how to stop their techniques and how to prevent their grips. Grips are the prerequisite for the technique. 

In the gym when rolling with someone knew. I often play a game where I break grips and then let go so they can re grip. Then I look for the pattern. I follow their hands and see which grips they continually go for over and over again.

This let’s me know what they are up to. 

After I identify the grip they are really going for. I attempt to take it away from them. And this forces them to take a new plan of action.

Good Black Belts Do This

I’m sharing this message with you guys because this past weekend we had Kristian Woodmansee in our gym doing a seminar. And during his seminar he showed some beautiful adjustments, passing and great grip breaks.

What I really enjoyed about it was the methodology and process of his game. It’s a brutally effective process good Black belts have. The process is simple but not easy. . .

Take Your Opponent’s Grips Away -> Get What You Want -> Force Them to Play Where You Want

And I always like to reiterate this message to people. Because grip fighting goes often overlooked early on. I know I did for years (as I talk about in this previous post). Grip fighting looks simple, it’s not sexy, but it’s brutally effective and efficient.

More BJJ Grip Fighting Videos Coming!

Currently I’m finishing up an additional add on series for my BJJ Grip Fighting series. 

Currently the series is mostly focused on BJJ grip fighting from the feet. With a little from the ground. Simple, easy to use techniques and adjustments. The new add ons will be focused on the ground and dominating grips once it hits the floor.

You can check out the BJJ Grip Fighting series (Click here)

If you’ve already got the series. I’ll let you know when the new videos are up!

And regardless of whether or not you want the series.

 

Here’s a little BJJ grip fighting takeaway for your training today! 

  • When you roll with your training partners. Identify their main grip. Maybe it’s a cross collar, maybe it’s a under hook, a lapel. . . whatever.
  • Then focus your energy on controlling that grip and don’t let them have it.
  • Make your whole focus on stopping that grip! And just see what happens. See how it forces them out of their normal game.

If you don’t do this already. They might even mention something to you about it after the roll.

Talk soon!

-Chewy

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2 days a week training

Is Training BJJ 2 Days a Week is a Waste of Time ?

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If you’re a father, mother, student or maybe someone working 60 hours a week who can only train BJJ 2 days a week. Is it even worth it? Can you get better at BJJ training on only 2 days a week, or are you wasting your time?

 

This is a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu question I received from Instagram. The person asking this question is currently training No Gi BJJ 2 days a week. He has a ton of other interests. In general he’s just a fitness fanatic. And on top of all of that, he’s balancing being a family man and working a full time job.

 

Because of all of these other things on his plate. He’s wondering if he’s wasting his time training 2 times a week of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I mean can he really improve?

Don’t Let Excitement Knock You Off Track

In this video I talk about how people mimic the extremes of BJJ like high level competitors. And it’s not always in alignment with their goals. They get distracted by the excitement and fascination of high level BJJ competitions. Even though it’s not what THEY want.

 

Now I understand, I really do! BJJ competitions and grappling competitors are fascinating. And their performances inspire us. You can watch a crazy match online or some hardcore BJJ training session. And you’re instantly filled with energy to go to your gym and train hard.

 

But the problem is when you begin to constantly emulate this style of training. Regardless of whether or not you intend to follow that same path.

 

And in the the case of the person who asked the question. He has a ton of other goals and interests. So it only makes sense that he would not be as invested into BJJ.  And I try to explain why training twice a week is not a waste of time and how it can even be beneficial for your training because it can create better focus.

I Have Student’s Who Train 2 Days a Week and WIN!

Some of my students have been people who can only train a couple times a week. Every now and then if they are preparing for a competition they’ll train a bit more. But in most cases they do 2 days a week.

The interesting part about these people is that they hang with some of the people who train more just fine.

 

So if you’re in this situation, don’t worry! There’s plenty of growth potential for you in BJJ. And I hope the information in the video is useful for you! Don’t let competitions and the excitement of it shame you or make you feel guilty.

 

Oh and a side note for your competitors. Remember, BJJ often lacks a true season where tournaments stop. Be sure to implement mandated seasons for yourself where you back off the gas pedal a little and allow your body and mind to recover.

-Chewy
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tapping in bjj

Tapping in BJJ IS Losing, IT’S Failure  

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This morning I saw a video showing a guy at a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournament who simply REFUSED to use tapping out as an option. He continued even after being caught in several submissions. One leg lock attempt that left him visibly injured, to the point where he could no longer stand without a limp

Here’s the video if you haven’t seen it:

 

Why Didn’t You Tap???

I’ve run into the “Not Tapping” thing several times in my 14+ years of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training.

There was this time when I was a White Belt.  These 3 MMA fighters stopped by our gym for a grappling class. During the class one of my good friends who was nearing his Blue Belt (but was still a White Belt) caught one of the MMA fighters in a Kimura. As he cranked the guys arm the MMA fighter began to grunt and make sounds of discomfort. My friend sensing the pain eased up and held the position of the Kimura but stopped cranking it any further.

Eventually our coach stepped in and broke it off. The MMA fighter then stood up screaming about how he hadn’t tapped and my coach calmly informed him that he was saving his shoulder so he could train tomorrow.

The man stormed out of the room.

 

Why Didn’t You Tap?

As a coach I’ve run into this before as well. I once had a situation with a student who REFUSED to tap to things. In a lot of cases till it was too late.

In one particular instance. One of my other student’s placed a wrist lock onto another student who refused to tap. As the wrist lock slowly got tighter and tighter, the student applying the lock asked verbally, “Are you alright?”

To which the non-tapping student replied, “Yeah, I’m fine.”

There eventually came a POP and my non-tapping student stood up clutching his wrist while wincing in pain. I quickly rushed over to look at the person and see what exactly happened.

The student who applied the submission was visibly shaken by the fact that he hurt a fellow training partner. Contrary to the hard nature of training and potential of submissions. Most people don’t enjoy hurting their training partners.

I quickly, took the student over to the side and asked, “Hey man, did it hurt when the wrist lock was being applied?”

The student’s reply came as he was still holding the injured wrist in his other palm, “Yeah. . .”

My face at this point had to have been one of just complete anger because I was so irritated by that response. Then I asked the question that got to the root of the issue. “Why didn’t you tap????”

His reply sums up why some people still insist on waiting till the last possible moment or refuse to tap at all, “Because I didn’t want to lose.”

After hearing this. . . I lost it a bit and went on a long rant about training properly.

Not Tapping is like Not Respecting The Check Mate in Chess

Even at my worst in regards to being overly competitive and going too hard. I still tapped all the time. Could you imagine all the injuries if I hadn’t tapped often. I wouldn’t be able to do BJJ today. Even today. I’ll tap very quickly than risk my long term ability to train and just be a human. No tournament or win during a roll is worth 3 – 12 months of time off the mat and away from my students as well as the possibly long term consequences.

Also, if you don’t tap. You’re not respecting the game of rolling. Rolling is 100% a game. There are players, with basic rules to govern the environment and finally there is a way to win and lose.

When you don’t tap to a submission. It’s like playing a game and not respecting the rules once you’ve lost. It’s as if you were playing a game of chess. And once your partner established a check mate against you. Instead of saying good game and rearranging your pieces. You begin to just start moving your pieces as if nothing happened.

The difference though is that where as in a chess game you can always just get your pieces back after the game. When you don’t tap to legitimate submissions. You don’t get those “pieces” you’ve lost back.

 

Tapping IS Losing, IT’S Failure

People use this saying that tapping isn’t losing, it’s learning. I don’t agree with that exactly.

Tapping is losing. You lost. . . plain and simple. You can doll it up however you want to in order to make yourself feel better, but it’s losing. We play a game and when you tap, you lose. When you get the tap, you win.

That said, tapping out is still learning. As is every loss and failure. And I feel like that’s one of the benefits to BJJ is becoming ok with losing.

Failures are like the scars that lay scattered around my eyebrows. Each one of them has a story of me doing something wrong. The only reason I have the scars are because I did something wrong. And you better believe that I learned from them and corrected the mistakes later on. And I wear the scars proudly.

There’s no shame in losing, and failure. Here’s the root issue that a lot of us have trouble with. Including myself at times. We act as if failure is so bad. But it’s not. It’s only bad if you perceive it to be so and give it that negative power. It’s the failures we experience that really push us forward and make us better. Nothing lights a fire under you or makes you get your shit together quite like screwing something up. And behind each failure is a story of you not doing something correctly. And you’ve got to be open to reviewing that story to get the most out of anything.

So respect your opponent’s by playing the game of rolling correctly. Respect your body and it’s longevity by tapping to legitimate submission attempts. And lastly, embrace your failures. Lose the aversion you have to failure and move towards it! Failing is what you’re supposed to do! Because that’s where you need to go to improve.

 

-Chewy

 

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BJJ White Belt

This is Why You Roll Worse against White Belts in BJJ

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Are you a White Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu who feels better when they roll with a Higher Belt?

This is the question I received from our BJJ White Belt friend Brianda who asked,
” I’ve been training for four months and I know I’m improving a lot (everybody tells me), but when I roll with white belts. Why do I feel like I can’t do anything? When I roll with higher belts everything goes better and I can practice all the movements and submissions I’ve learned, is it normal?”

In this Chewy ramble video I discuss this common situation in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

So Why Do I Roll Better Against Higher Belts?

When it boils down to it this is caused by a couple things.

A higher belt (Blue Belt, Purple Belt, Brown Belt, Black Belt) is in much better control of the roll and is much more relaxed. This relaxed state is usually fueled by the fact that the higher belt can finish the roll and gain the upper hand at any point. This oftentimes leads higher belts to play down a little bit during BJJ training to allow the newer student to move around and attempt their techniques.

The roll takes on a back and forth flow dynamic. Rather than the super intense style of roll that happens when two people of the same level are rolling with one another.  So if you’re a White Belt and you’re rolling with a higher belt who is playing around a bit. This is why you feel like you’re doing better against them during BJJ training.

 

Why Do I Roll Worse Against White Belts?

In contrast you might feel like you roll worse against a White Belt. This is because a fellow White Belt does not have the security of being more advanced technically. They don’t have the same control a more experienced grappler does. So, instead they are fighting life and death when pitted against another beginner during a Brazilian Jiujitsu class.

The roll then takes on a much more aggressive nature and makes it more difficult to execute techniques. And this would lead you to think that you are doing “worse” during the roll.

I go into more detail in the video and share a few stories. But don’t worry, in short, yes this is a normal situation.

If you’re running into this as a BJJ White Belt. I hope the video is helpful!

Thanks!
-Chewy

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leg locks in bjj

Are Leg Locks in BJJ More Dangerous Than Other Submissions?

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Are Leg Locks in BJJ really that Dangerous? Some people avoid them like the plague citing that leg locks are so destructive that they shouldn’t almost not be practiced at all. As if they are some evil section of grappling that should be avoided at all costs.

 

But in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, as I think we all know, all submissions are dangerous and have the potential to alter someone’s life in a very profound way. I’ve met people who have had permanent caused by things like armbars or rear naked chokes (improperly applied), which many unanimously agree are “safe” submissions to use in BJJ training.

Rolling is a Serious Game

Because of this inherent danger in everything we do on the mats. I think it’s always important to remind ourselves of just how serious the game of Rolling can actually be. We have a blast and it’s so much fun. But when it comes time to finish our training partners in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. We have to be smart.

Accidents happen in BJJ and people get injured. It’s just how it is and there is no way around it completely. But one goal we should always keep close to home as a training partner is to do everything in our power to ensure our partners leave in the same shape they came in. So if they were healthy and uninjured walked into the gym. They should be that way walking out.

Aversion to Leg Locks in BJJ

Many people have a certain aversion to Leg Locks in BJJ. I know that during my first few years of BJJ. A lot of coaches at this time talked about the techniques as if they were evil and just bad! It reminded me of the Dark Arts of Harry Potter or something.

But overtime they’ve become more and more prominent in BJJ and because of this more and more people are practicing them as part of their Brazilian Jiujitsu. I believe their prominence was caused by the gaping hole that was created by the lack of people in Brazilian Jiujitsu actually focusing on the lower body submissions.

I personally had to let go of the consistent idea that I had about leg locks in BJJ. That idea was mainly that they were too dangerous.

I’ve actually found through years of coaching that with proper knowledge they’re just about as safe as anything else. In fact, inside our gym over the last 3 years I’ve seen less injuries related to Leg Locks since we started practicing them on a weekly basis.

People are more sensitive to them now, they know how to escape and they know how to apply them with control. They know when to tap and how to adjust their body through the technique.

I know you may not agree. But I hope you at least consider the way you think about Leg Locks. Are they you’re own thoughts based on your own experiences, or are they the beliefs of another person?

Because through my experience as a BJJ Black Belt and Coach. Whether we are talking about an Armbar, Kimura or a Heel Hook in BJJ. . . they are all dangerous.

Thanks!
-Chewy

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BJJ armbar vs tight hands

BJJ Armbar From Mount Vs Tight Hands

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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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Fast BJJ Big guy

Be a FAST BJJ Big Guy by Rolling This Way

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

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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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Tips For Grappling After 30 ( I Feel Better At 31 Than 28 )

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Tips For Grappling After 30 ( I Feel Better At 31 Than 28 )

Getting old and grappling after 30 years old is something I’ve discovered isn’t as bad as I was expecting. Eventually my body will break down as it ages. And hard rolling will be out of the question.

But for now, I’ve found several ways to lessen the frequency of injuries and stay healthy on the mat. Even though I’m now 30+ years old. I can honestly say I feel better than I did at 28.

In this video I discuss some of the issues I started having in my late 20s. Everyone tells you that as you get older you will just feel your body more. And this was the case for me.

In the video I share some of the simple things I started doing after I noticed my body felt worse and worse when I was around 28 years old.

 

The Secret To Grappling After 30

Making routine maintenance a part of my routine has been my secret to feeling better and healthier as I’m becoming older and grappling after 30.

Some of the benefits I’ve received by staying on top of my maintenance work is . . .

  • In general I feel less stiff and take less time to warm up.
  • By respecting my body’s needs. I perform better when I train hard.
  • I’m injured less and on the mat more.

Some of the different things I do to relax and repair my body are. . .

  • Stretching and deep breathing.
  • A more relax, yin, style yoga.
  • Myofascial release. Foam rolling, lacrosse ball work, etc.
  • Corrective exercises.
  • Believe it or not, walks. On my off days I like to go for a nice walk or hike.
  • Laying in my hammock. You might be rolling your eyes. But a lot of us don’t give ourselves proper time to rest. Even when we rest we feel like we’re being lazy or aren’t making progress. I know that’s a problem for me. Giving myself the mental OK that it’s ok to rest goes a long way.

Start At Any Age

No matter what age you are. If you take the idea that you are a high performance machine and work on developing a routine for your maintenance. I promise, you’ll feel and perform better when you’re on the mats.

Here’s the Attack The Back post if you’re interested in hearing more about my take on grappling after 30 and beyond.

Click here to check out the full interview at Attack The Back.

Thanks!
-Chewy

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11 Solo BJJ Drills W/ Stability Ball (Guard Passing And Hips)

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11 Solo BJJ Drills W/ Stability Ball (Guard Passing And Hips)

Solo BJJ drills are no replacement for drills with a partner. But solo BJJ drills can be a great way to get some movement in when a partner is not available.

Maybe when you’re at home or unable to make it to the gym.

If I do solo BJJ drills. I’m focused on building good movement that will translate over to training. In this video I share 11 solo BJJ drills you can do with a stability ball that will help build your guard passing game and hip movement. BJJ is all about hips right?

 

Some of the movements may be challenging to you currently and if that is the case. Do what you can and work towards performing the movement as shown in the video. Also, BE CREATIVE! Think about ways you could perform movements that are tailor made for your game on the ball.

 

Turn This Into A Stability Ball Circuit Workout

Perform each drill or movement for 45 seconds to 1 minute and move through each drill without rest. Take a couple of minutes and then repeat if able. This would definitely be a solid workout. I know that just after filming these drills, I was soaked in sweat.

 

I’m a big fan of building movement. As a bigger guy I like being able to move with agility and quickness. Every big guy can be heavy but it takes a lot of work to be a fast big guy. So these drills are great for further developing that. Let that also be me encouraging all of you big guys out there to get moving on the mats and push yourself rather than always just being the heavy big guy.

 

I hope these drills help you with your BJJ training!

Thanks!
-Chewy

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