How BJJ Works

When you first begin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you may not understand what exactly a match, rolling, or sparring is. What is the difference? How do you start? How hard should you go? It seems simple enough, but there are a few nuances that will help you get the bigger picture.

In this podcast episode, we will talk about:

Understand the context of the roll.

Establish how to start the match.

Touch hands (or don’t) and begin the match.

https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/10/25/bjj-matches-context-starting-and-sparring-info

The bottom line is that you should train both Gi and No Gi--if you can. There are advantages and disadvantages that come with each style, and each will make you a better grappler. For the most part, you shouldn’t commit yourself entirely to one style vs. the other, and the people who do this are only limiting their growth (more on this later).

In this podcast, we will cover:

Don’t Overthink Training Gi vs. No Gi

Why You Should Train in the Gi

Why You Should Train No Gi

When You Should Train Only Gi or Only No Gi

Bonus Tips for Gi and No Gi


https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/9/12/should-you-train-gi-or-no-gi

When you first start training, you will probably learn individual techniques without the context of how you arrive to that point. This is done to keep things simple, and it’s an effective way to teach newcomers. For example, if you are learning an armbar, you start in an armbar position, with the arm captured and full control of the opponent.

You probably learn sweeps the same way. However, you’ve probably found that it’s hard to hit these sweep when sparring, especially against a larger opponent. Why is that?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Sweeps can work on anyone, but know the limits and what it takes to create a successful sweep.
OPPONENT: HOW GOOD ARE THEY AT BJJ?

ABILITY: HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT BJJ?

SETUP: DON’T TRY TO FORCE IT.

TIMING: DON’T WAIT TOO LONG.

EXECUTION: DON’T HALF-ASS IT.

General training tips that will help with BJJ sweeps.
PICK A FEW SWEEPS THAT YOU LIKE AND FOCUS ON THEM.

YOU NEED TO PRACTICE SWEEPS TO GET GOOD AT THEM.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL OR GET YOUR GUARD PASSED.

KEEP WORKING ON IT; YOU’LL GET THERE ONE DAY.

UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROCESS NEVER ENDS.

Advanced: Counter-techniques and how to deal with them.
KNOW WHEN A TECHNIQUE IS COUNTERED.

HOW TO DEAL WITH A COUNTER TO YOUR TECHNIQUE.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR IMPROVEMENT.


Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/10/11/bjj-sweeps-and-do-they-work-on-bigger-people

At the simplest level, a frame is a part of your body that is used to create and maintain space. To take it one step further, a good frame is a part of your body that relies more on the bone structure of your body than it does muscular strength.

The Basics of Frames
A DEFENSIVE CONTEXT

USE YOUR BONE STRUCTURE

CONTROL THE MOVEMENT 



How Frames are Used
FRAMES USE STRUCTURE TO CREATE SPACE

ONCE YOU’VE CREATED SPACE, DON’T GIVE IT BACK

USE THE SPACE YOU CREATED TO MOVE OR ESCAPE

DON’T DO NOTHING WITH YOUR FRAMES 



Details of a Successful Frame
GETTING THE FRAME IS HARD WORK

USE THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR BODY

DON’T WORK HARD, WORK SMART

KEEP MOVING AT ALL TIMES

USE YOUR FRAMES TO ESCAPE



Why are Frames so Difficult to Learn?
Why it’s Hard to Escape Even After Getting Frames
ARE YOU AFRAID TO RISK AN ESCAPE?

HAVE YOU NOT LEARNED ANY ESCAPES?


Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/9/5/what-are-frames-and-how-do-they-work-in-bjj

If you are thinking about starting a martial art like jiu jitsu, you might be asking yourself, “Can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu help me lose weight?” Many people have lost weight simply by joining a BJJ gym, even when they didn’t follow a dietary plan. Does that mean Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can help you lose weight? Well, sort of. Though it is not a cure-all weight loss solution, it can help immensely, and it comes down to a few different reasons.

Before we get started, understand that diet can be a complicated topic. It is important to note that I am not a doctor, and you shouldn’t accept this as medical advice. If you are thinking about starting BJJ, you should consult your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough. If your doctor has given you the go ahead, here are some reasons why doing BJJ can help you lose weight.

1. You’ll Burn More Calories From the Increased Activity
2. You’ll Spend Less Time Eating and Drinking or Going Out

3. You’ll Only Have the Energy for Work and Training
4. You’ll be Around Healthy People who Will Influence You

5. You’ll Feel Better and Want to Keep Getting Healthier
Read the blog post at: https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/8/28/5-reasons-why-bjj-can-help-you-lose-weight