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  • 10 tips to improve your grip strength for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 10 tips to improve your grip strength for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    0 comments / Posted on by Pedro Barcellos

    Improving your grip strength is super important in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), as it can significantly increase your ability to control an opponent's gi, hold submissions, and defend against attacks. Here are ten practical tips to improve your grip strength for BJJ, designed to help BJJ fighters at any level develop a killer grip.

    1. Train with Gi Grips

    Incorporate  gi exercises into your training program. Use the lapel, sleeve, and pant grips in your drills to simulate the grips you use in BJJ. Exercises like gi pull-ups or rows where you grip the gi instead of a bar can increase your grip strength in a very specific manner.

    2. Grip Strengthening Tools

    Utilize grip strengtheners, such as hand grippers or grip rings, throughout the day. These tools are portable and can be used anywhere, allowing you to work on your grip strength outside the gym. Aim for high repetitions to build endurance in your grip.

    3. Climbing and Bouldering

    Rock climbing and bouldering are excellent ways to improve grip strength and endurance. Climbing requires you to support your body weight with your fingers and hands, which translates very well into stronger grips in BJJ.

    4. Farmer’s Walks

    This exercise is simple yet effective. Hold a heavy weight in each hand, such as kettlebells or dumbbells, and walk a specified distance. This challenges your grip and improves your overall strength and stability.

    5. Rope Climbing

    Climbing a rope not only enhances your grip strength but also builds arm and shoulder power. It's a functional exercise that mimics pulling motions similar to those used in BJJ, arm-drag for example.

    6. Dead Hangs

    Dead hangs from a pull-up bar can significantly improve your grip endurance. Try to hang for as long as possible and gradually increase the time. For an added challenge, perform dead hangs from a gi draped over the bar.

    7. Towel Wraps

    Wrap a towel around the bar when doing pull-ups, rows, or deadlifts. The increased diameter forces your hands to work harder to maintain the grip, strengthening the fingers, hands, and forearms.

    8. Judo Rope Pulls

    Use a thick rope to simulate judo gi sleeves. Perform pulling exercises by wrapping the rope around a solid object and pulling towards you, mimicking the motion of pulling an opponent in BJJ.

    9. Sandbag Training

    Training with sandbags can improve your grip because the shifting weight requires constant adjustment of your grip. Exercises like sandbag carries, cleans, or throws are beneficial.

    10. Consistent Practice and Patience

    Finally, the key to developing a strong grip for BJJ is consistent practice and patience. Your grip strength will improve over time with regular training, so stay dedicated and incorporate grip exercises into your weekly routine.

    By integrating these tips into your training, you can develop a stronger grip, giving you an edge in your BJJ practice. Remember, grip strength is not just about raw power; it's also about endurance and technique. So, focus on both strength and skill to maximize your performance on the mats.

    Improving your grip strength is super important in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), as it can significantly increase your ability to control an opponent's gi, hold submissions, and defend against attacks. Here are ten practical tips to improve your grip strength for BJJ, designed to help BJJ fighters at any level develop a killer grip.

    1. Train with Gi Grips

    Incorporate  gi exercises into your training program. Use the lapel, sleeve, and pant grips in your drills to simulate the grips you use in BJJ. Exercises like gi pull-ups or rows where you grip the gi instead of a bar can increase your grip strength in a very specific manner.

    2. Grip Strengthening Tools

    Utilize grip strengtheners, such as hand grippers or grip rings, throughout the day. These tools are portable and can be used anywhere, allowing you to work on your grip strength outside the gym. Aim for high repetitions to build endurance in your grip.

    3. Climbing and Bouldering

    Rock climbing and bouldering are excellent ways to improve grip strength and endurance. Climbing requires you to support your body weight with your fingers and hands, which translates very well into stronger grips in BJJ.

    4. Farmer’s Walks

    This exercise is simple yet effective. Hold a heavy weight in each hand, such as kettlebells or dumbbells, and walk a specified distance. This challenges your grip and improves your overall strength and stability.

    5. Rope Climbing

    Climbing a rope not only enhances your grip strength but also builds arm and shoulder power. It's a functional exercise that mimics pulling motions similar to those used in BJJ, arm-drag for example.

    6. Dead Hangs

    Dead hangs from a pull-up bar can significantly improve your grip endurance. Try to hang for as long as possible and gradually increase the time. For an added challenge, perform dead hangs from a gi draped over the bar.

    7. Towel Wraps

    Wrap a towel around the bar when doing pull-ups, rows, or deadlifts. The increased diameter forces your hands to work harder to maintain the grip, strengthening the fingers, hands, and forearms.

    8. Judo Rope Pulls

    Use a thick rope to simulate judo gi sleeves. Perform pulling exercises by wrapping the rope around a solid object and pulling towards you, mimicking the motion of pulling an opponent in BJJ.

    9. Sandbag Training

    Training with sandbags can improve your grip because the shifting weight requires constant adjustment of your grip. Exercises like sandbag carries, cleans, or throws are beneficial.

    10. Consistent Practice and Patience

    Finally, the key to developing a strong grip for BJJ is consistent practice and patience. Your grip strength will improve over time with regular training, so stay dedicated and incorporate grip exercises into your weekly routine.

    By integrating these tips into your training, you can develop a stronger grip, giving you an edge in your BJJ practice. Remember, grip strength is not just about raw power; it's also about endurance and technique. So, focus on both strength and skill to maximize your performance on the mats.

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  • Mastering Guard Passing: 5 Essential Tips for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioners Mastering Guard Passing: 5 Essential Tips for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

    0 comments / Posted on by Pedro Barcellos

    Introduction: Welcome to our comprehensive guide on improving guard passing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a passionate Jiu Jitsu practitioner, 5th degree Black Belt and owner of an e-commerce store specializing in Atama's premium kimonos, I understand the importance of mastering this fundamental skill. In this post, we'll delve into five key strategies to elevate your guard passing game and dominate on the mat.

    1. Establish a Strong Posture: Effective guard passing starts with a solid foundation. Maintaining a strong posture not only ensures better mobility but also minimizes the risk of your opponent pulling off sweeps or submissions. Keep your back straight, head up, and hips low. This posture will provide you with better control and leverage, allowing you to initiate passes with confidence.

    2. Timing and Patience: Timing is everything in Jiu Jitsu, and guard passing is no exception. Patience is a virtue that pays off when attempting to pass your opponent's guard. Observe their movements, anticipate their reactions, and seize the right moment to initiate your pass. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so take your time and capitalize on openings. 

    3. Use Effective Grips and Pressure: Grips are crucial in guard passing, providing you with control over your opponent's limbs. Utilize cross-collar grips, sleeve grips, and pant grips strategically to immobilize their attacks. Additionally, applying steady pressure with your bodyweight can disrupt their guard and create opportunities for successful passes. 

    4. Master Transition Movements: Smooth transitions between passes are essential for maintaining momentum and outmaneuvering your opponent. Work on connecting different pass variations seamlessly. For example, transition from a knee slide pass to a leg drag or a toreando pass to a backstep pass. By mastering these transitions, you'll become a more unpredictable and versatile guard passer. 

    5. Drill and Repetition: Repetition is the mother of skill in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Devote dedicated training sessions to guard passing drills. Focus on specific passes and scenarios, gradually increasing the complexity as you become more proficient. Consistent drilling will help solidify your technique and make it second nature on the mat. 

    Conclusion: By implementing these five essential strategies, you'll undoubtedly elevate your guard passing game in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Remember, success in Jiu Jitsu, much like in entrepreneurship, requires dedication, patience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

    Introduction: Welcome to our comprehensive guide on improving guard passing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a passionate Jiu Jitsu practitioner, 5th degree Black Belt and owner of an e-commerce store specializing in Atama's premium kimonos, I understand the importance of mastering this fundamental skill. In this post, we'll delve into five key strategies to elevate your guard passing game and dominate on the mat.

    1. Establish a Strong Posture: Effective guard passing starts with a solid foundation. Maintaining a strong posture not only ensures better mobility but also minimizes the risk of your opponent pulling off sweeps or submissions. Keep your back straight, head up, and hips low. This posture will provide you with better control and leverage, allowing you to initiate passes with confidence.

    2. Timing and Patience: Timing is everything in Jiu Jitsu, and guard passing is no exception. Patience is a virtue that pays off when attempting to pass your opponent's guard. Observe their movements, anticipate their reactions, and seize the right moment to initiate your pass. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so take your time and capitalize on openings. 

    3. Use Effective Grips and Pressure: Grips are crucial in guard passing, providing you with control over your opponent's limbs. Utilize cross-collar grips, sleeve grips, and pant grips strategically to immobilize their attacks. Additionally, applying steady pressure with your bodyweight can disrupt their guard and create opportunities for successful passes. 

    4. Master Transition Movements: Smooth transitions between passes are essential for maintaining momentum and outmaneuvering your opponent. Work on connecting different pass variations seamlessly. For example, transition from a knee slide pass to a leg drag or a toreando pass to a backstep pass. By mastering these transitions, you'll become a more unpredictable and versatile guard passer. 

    5. Drill and Repetition: Repetition is the mother of skill in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Devote dedicated training sessions to guard passing drills. Focus on specific passes and scenarios, gradually increasing the complexity as you become more proficient. Consistent drilling will help solidify your technique and make it second nature on the mat. 

    Conclusion: By implementing these five essential strategies, you'll undoubtedly elevate your guard passing game in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Remember, success in Jiu Jitsu, much like in entrepreneurship, requires dedication, patience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

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  • Complemental activities to improve your BJJ game Complemental activities to improve your BJJ game

    0 comments / Posted on by Pedro Barcellos

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a physically and mentally exhausting, demanding sport. It involves grappling and submission moves that call for a lot of stamina, strength, and flexibility in the body. BJJ athletes must therefore supplement their training with physical activities that can raise their resistance and cardiovascular fitness. The following are some complementary exercises that jiu-jitsu athletes can use to increase their cardio and resistance:

    Running
    Jogging is a quick and efficient strategy to increase heart endurance. Leg muscles can be strengthened, total endurance can be improved, and lung capacity can be increased. You can increase your agility and mobility on the mat by incorporating running into your regimen and maintaining a healthy weight.

    Swimming
    Swimming is a low-impact activity that can increase lung capacity, cardiovascular endurance, and general fitness. Strength and flexibility of the muscles, both of which are essential for BJJ competitors, can also be improved. Swimming can be a great method to unwind after a demanding workout because it relaxes muscles and increases circulation. Training in

    Strength
    Strength and endurance in the muscles can be enhanced by strength training, which is beneficial for BJJ competitors. Increased bone density, improved joint stability, and muscular growth can all be attributed to resistance exercise. Moreover, strength training can help you achieve a better body composition, which will enhance your performance on the mat.

    High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
    HIIT entails brief intervals of vigorous exercise followed by rest intervals. It can assist strengthen lung capacity, cardiovascular endurance, and general fitness. In addition to helping with fat loss and muscle growth, HIIT can benefit BJJ's competitors.

    Yoga
    Yoga can help with flexibility, balance, and strength improvement, all of which are crucial for BJJ competitors. Moreover, it can aid in lowering anxiety and stress, which can enhance clarity of thought and focus. Including yoga in your regimen can also speed up healing and reduce the risk of injury.

    Old School is Cool
    Many old-school athletes say that the best way to improve cardio and resistance for BJJ is .... TRAIN BJJ.

    In conclusion, BJJ athletes should supplement their training with sports that can boost their cardio and resistance. For jiu-jitsu athletes, complementary physical activities that might enhance resistance and cardio include running, swimming, strength training, HIIT, and yoga. Including these exercises in your daily practice can enhance your general fitness and on-the-mat performance. To avoid injury, always seek advice from a certified fitness professional before beginning a new exercise regimen.

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a physically and mentally exhausting, demanding sport. It involves grappling and submission moves that call for a lot of stamina, strength, and flexibility in the body. BJJ athletes must therefore supplement their training with physical activities that can raise their resistance and cardiovascular fitness. The following are some complementary exercises that jiu-jitsu athletes can use to increase their cardio and resistance:

    Running
    Jogging is a quick and efficient strategy to increase heart endurance. Leg muscles can be strengthened, total endurance can be improved, and lung capacity can be increased. You can increase your agility and mobility on the mat by incorporating running into your regimen and maintaining a healthy weight.

    Swimming
    Swimming is a low-impact activity that can increase lung capacity, cardiovascular endurance, and general fitness. Strength and flexibility of the muscles, both of which are essential for BJJ competitors, can also be improved. Swimming can be a great method to unwind after a demanding workout because it relaxes muscles and increases circulation. Training in

    Strength
    Strength and endurance in the muscles can be enhanced by strength training, which is beneficial for BJJ competitors. Increased bone density, improved joint stability, and muscular growth can all be attributed to resistance exercise. Moreover, strength training can help you achieve a better body composition, which will enhance your performance on the mat.

    High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
    HIIT entails brief intervals of vigorous exercise followed by rest intervals. It can assist strengthen lung capacity, cardiovascular endurance, and general fitness. In addition to helping with fat loss and muscle growth, HIIT can benefit BJJ's competitors.

    Yoga
    Yoga can help with flexibility, balance, and strength improvement, all of which are crucial for BJJ competitors. Moreover, it can aid in lowering anxiety and stress, which can enhance clarity of thought and focus. Including yoga in your regimen can also speed up healing and reduce the risk of injury.

    Old School is Cool
    Many old-school athletes say that the best way to improve cardio and resistance for BJJ is .... TRAIN BJJ.

    In conclusion, BJJ athletes should supplement their training with sports that can boost their cardio and resistance. For jiu-jitsu athletes, complementary physical activities that might enhance resistance and cardio include running, swimming, strength training, HIIT, and yoga. Including these exercises in your daily practice can enhance your general fitness and on-the-mat performance. To avoid injury, always seek advice from a certified fitness professional before beginning a new exercise regimen.

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  • How BJJ can help prevent bullying situations How BJJ can help prevent bullying situations

    1 comment / Posted on by Pedro Barcellos

    Bullying is a problem that affects a lot of schools and communities all around the world. It can have long-lasting impacts on victims, including sadness, anxiety and a lack of self-esteem. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been proven to be a useful strategy for stopping bullying, though. Children can learn self-defense, gain confidence, and learn discipline by practicing BJJ, a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground combat.

    The following are some ways that BJJ can help stop bullying:

    Teaches techniques for self-defense
    Students study techniques for bringing an opponent to the ground and taking control of them because BJJ is a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground combat. Students build self-assurance in their capacity to protect themselves against physical assaults by acquiring these abilities. Bullies may be deterred from picking on them in the first place by their self-assurance.

    Increases confidence
    BJJ can help trainees develop their self-confidence in addition to teaching them how to defend themselves. Students must continually practice moves in BJJ until they are second nature. Students gain confidence in their talents as they develop their capabilities. Students that possess this confidence are more able to confront bullies and assert themselves in challenging circumstances.

    Enhances discipline
    BJJ is a difficult sport that calls for focus and discipline. Students must be dedicated to their education, showing up to class regularly, and working hard to develop their talents. This discipline will help them maintain their concentration on their objectives and stay away from harmful influences in other aspects of their lives.

    Encourages respect for others
    Respect for one's adversaries is emphasized in the martial art of BJJ. Even when competing against their training partners, students are taught to appreciate them. Students who respect others may grow in their capacity for empathy and compassion, two traits that are potent defenses against bullying.

    Creates a feeling of community
    BJJ can also provide trainees with a sense of connection and camaraderie. Students in a BJJ class collaborate to develop their skills, helping and motivating one another along the way. This sense of community can make students feel more socially connected and less alone, which is particularly crucial for those who could be bullied easily.

    In conclusion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help to stop bullying by using effective tools. BJJ can empower students and provide them with the tools they need to deal with challenging situations by teaching self-defense techniques, boosting confidence, establishing discipline, fostering respect for others, and creating a feeling of community. Consider enrolling your child in a BJJ class or pushing them to try it if you are worried about bullying in your town. The advantages can be substantial and permanent.

    Bullying is a problem that affects a lot of schools and communities all around the world. It can have long-lasting impacts on victims, including sadness, anxiety and a lack of self-esteem. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been proven to be a useful strategy for stopping bullying, though. Children can learn self-defense, gain confidence, and learn discipline by practicing BJJ, a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground combat.

    The following are some ways that BJJ can help stop bullying:

    Teaches techniques for self-defense
    Students study techniques for bringing an opponent to the ground and taking control of them because BJJ is a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground combat. Students build self-assurance in their capacity to protect themselves against physical assaults by acquiring these abilities. Bullies may be deterred from picking on them in the first place by their self-assurance.

    Increases confidence
    BJJ can help trainees develop their self-confidence in addition to teaching them how to defend themselves. Students must continually practice moves in BJJ until they are second nature. Students gain confidence in their talents as they develop their capabilities. Students that possess this confidence are more able to confront bullies and assert themselves in challenging circumstances.

    Enhances discipline
    BJJ is a difficult sport that calls for focus and discipline. Students must be dedicated to their education, showing up to class regularly, and working hard to develop their talents. This discipline will help them maintain their concentration on their objectives and stay away from harmful influences in other aspects of their lives.

    Encourages respect for others
    Respect for one's adversaries is emphasized in the martial art of BJJ. Even when competing against their training partners, students are taught to appreciate them. Students who respect others may grow in their capacity for empathy and compassion, two traits that are potent defenses against bullying.

    Creates a feeling of community
    BJJ can also provide trainees with a sense of connection and camaraderie. Students in a BJJ class collaborate to develop their skills, helping and motivating one another along the way. This sense of community can make students feel more socially connected and less alone, which is particularly crucial for those who could be bullied easily.

    In conclusion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help to stop bullying by using effective tools. BJJ can empower students and provide them with the tools they need to deal with challenging situations by teaching self-defense techniques, boosting confidence, establishing discipline, fostering respect for others, and creating a feeling of community. Consider enrolling your child in a BJJ class or pushing them to try it if you are worried about bullying in your town. The advantages can be substantial and permanent.

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  • Ten tips to help you improve your BJJ guard Ten tips to help you improve your BJJ guard

    0 comments / Posted on by Pedro Barcellos

    1- Understand the Basics of the Guard Position
    The guard position is when you are on your back, and your opponent is standing over you. You can use your legs to control your opponent's body, prevent them from passing your guard and look for submission opportunities. Understanding the basics of the guard position is crucial in BJJ and it will help you to defend yourself and launch attacks from this position.

    2- Keep Your Footwork in Mind
    Your BJJ guard relies heavily on your footwork. You must have a firm foundation and use your feet to control your opponent's movement. Quick, nimble, and accurate footwork can help you keep control of your opponent while searching for submission opportunities. Using the proper hooks, blocking the opponent's hips, changing between biceps, shoulders will help your guard to become more versatile.

    3- Increase Hip Mobility
    Hip mobility is essential for BJJ and can significantly enhance your guard. You must be able to freely shift your hips so that you can change positions while keeping control of your adversary. Your hip mobility can be improved with exercises like leg swings, hip circles, and hip bridges.

    4- Use Your Legs to Control Your Opponent
    In terms of the BJJ guard, your strongest weapon is your legs. They can be used to exert physical control over your adversary and keep them from getting past your defenses. You should concentrate on keeping your legs moving so you can make room and search for submitting possibilities.

    5- Build a Solid Core
    In BJJ, a solid core is crucial and may significantly enhance your guard. You need to have a solid core to keep your opponent under control and keep them from getting the better of you. Planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists are all exercises that can help you build a strong core.

    6- Improve Your Timing In BJJ
    Timing is essential and can spell the difference between success and failure. You must have the ability to foresee your opponent's movements and respond appropriately. You'll be able to use techniques more skillfully and keep your opponent from getting the better of you if you can tighten up your timing.

    7- Control your opponent using the right grips
    Another crucial component of your BJJ guard is your grip. These can help you keep an eye on your opponent's movements and stop them from slipping past your defenses. Focus on strengthening and improving your grips so that you can carry out techniques more successfully. Also, changing the grip between the collar, lapel, sleeves, and pants will put you a few steps ahead of your opponent.

    8- Make Room with Your Hips
    In BJJ, making space is crucial, and your hips may help with that. You should concentrate on separating yourself from your opponent with your hips so that you can change positions or launch attacks. Shrimping, hip bumps, and hip escapes are all maneuvers that can assist you to make room.

    9-Create a Diverse Defense
    A guard who can strike and defend in a variety of ways is said to be varied. Develop a guard that incorporates a range of moves, including sweeps, submissions, and transitions. This will improve your odds of success and make it harder for your adversary to get past your defenses.

    10- Pull Guard
    Finally, the key to improving your BJJ guard in practice. You need to pull guard as much as you can, even if in the beginning see yourself in trouble getting your guard easily passed, trust the process and you'll see the results. The more you pull guard, the better you'll become, and the harder to pass it will become.

    1- Understand the Basics of the Guard Position
    The guard position is when you are on your back, and your opponent is standing over you. You can use your legs to control your opponent's body, prevent them from passing your guard and look for submission opportunities. Understanding the basics of the guard position is crucial in BJJ and it will help you to defend yourself and launch attacks from this position.

    2- Keep Your Footwork in Mind
    Your BJJ guard relies heavily on your footwork. You must have a firm foundation and use your feet to control your opponent's movement. Quick, nimble, and accurate footwork can help you keep control of your opponent while searching for submission opportunities. Using the proper hooks, blocking the opponent's hips, changing between biceps, shoulders will help your guard to become more versatile.

    3- Increase Hip Mobility
    Hip mobility is essential for BJJ and can significantly enhance your guard. You must be able to freely shift your hips so that you can change positions while keeping control of your adversary. Your hip mobility can be improved with exercises like leg swings, hip circles, and hip bridges.

    4- Use Your Legs to Control Your Opponent
    In terms of the BJJ guard, your strongest weapon is your legs. They can be used to exert physical control over your adversary and keep them from getting past your defenses. You should concentrate on keeping your legs moving so you can make room and search for submitting possibilities.

    5- Build a Solid Core
    In BJJ, a solid core is crucial and may significantly enhance your guard. You need to have a solid core to keep your opponent under control and keep them from getting the better of you. Planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists are all exercises that can help you build a strong core.

    6- Improve Your Timing In BJJ
    Timing is essential and can spell the difference between success and failure. You must have the ability to foresee your opponent's movements and respond appropriately. You'll be able to use techniques more skillfully and keep your opponent from getting the better of you if you can tighten up your timing.

    7- Control your opponent using the right grips
    Another crucial component of your BJJ guard is your grip. These can help you keep an eye on your opponent's movements and stop them from slipping past your defenses. Focus on strengthening and improving your grips so that you can carry out techniques more successfully. Also, changing the grip between the collar, lapel, sleeves, and pants will put you a few steps ahead of your opponent.

    8- Make Room with Your Hips
    In BJJ, making space is crucial, and your hips may help with that. You should concentrate on separating yourself from your opponent with your hips so that you can change positions or launch attacks. Shrimping, hip bumps, and hip escapes are all maneuvers that can assist you to make room.

    9-Create a Diverse Defense
    A guard who can strike and defend in a variety of ways is said to be varied. Develop a guard that incorporates a range of moves, including sweeps, submissions, and transitions. This will improve your odds of success and make it harder for your adversary to get past your defenses.

    10- Pull Guard
    Finally, the key to improving your BJJ guard in practice. You need to pull guard as much as you can, even if in the beginning see yourself in trouble getting your guard easily passed, trust the process and you'll see the results. The more you pull guard, the better you'll become, and the harder to pass it will become.

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