Jiu-jitsu allows a smaller person to defeat a larger one, and leg locks represent this principle best. Strength and size differences become much more important when both opponents are of equal skill, but leg locks are the great equalizer. Heel hooks have become the go-to leg locks in no-gi, but a crafty submission also legal in the gi is the … Read More
Few things have revolutionized jiu-jitsu to the same extent as leg locks. In the short span of 10 years, they went from fringe techniques almost no one used to the most dangerous weapon in no-gi jiu-jitsu. But what are these leg locks, and are they revolutionary? Leg locks are attacks on the lower body, mainly targeting the ankle or the … Read More
Jiu-jitsu can be a strange sport. Despite the common purpose, not all joint locks are treated equally, and some attacks are considered dirty, low-class, or even cheating, while others remain the gold standard. One set of submissions falling into the first category is wrist locks. A wrist lock is a submission hold that bends, flexes, extends, or rotates the wrist … Read More
Wrestling has been a part of human culture and a way to prove dominance without severely hurting someone since the beginning of time. There are countless styles worldwide, but the most popular ones today are the Olympic disciplines of Greco-Roman and freestyle. In the USA, however, folkstyle wrestling is much more widespread. But what is it? Folkstyle or collegiate wrestling … Read More
The uniform of a sport is often enough for it to be recognized instantly. This is true for all sports, but few competition attires are as symbolic as the one used in wrestling. I am sure you know how wrestlers look, but do you know everything they wear in competition and training? The wrestling uniform is called a singlet, a … Read More
Freestyle wrestling is the worldwide practiced version of wrestling where grabbing the legs is allowed. In the USA, wrestling is also held in high regard and is an integral part of the athletic landscape in the school system, but the style they practice is slightly different and is called folkstyle wrestling. But what is the difference? Freestyle wrestling is the … Read More
Leg locks usually don’t come into the picture for BJJ practitioners until a few years into their journey. They have been stigmatized culturally in Brazil and are more dangerous than many other submissions, and people with less experience are not trusted with their execution. But there is one exception, which is taught to fresh white belts and is allowed in … Read More
As grapplers, we use little protective equipment. There’s no need for boxing gloves, shin guards, headgear, and such, just a gi and a rash guard, and we are ready to go. But there is a single piece of protective gear every jiu-jitsu practitioner needs: the mouth guard. The mouth guard is a godsend for athletes of all disciplines because a simple, … Read More
Oftentimes, a martial art can be instantly recognized through a still image because of the fighting stance used. The way the body is positioned when standing reflects what the offensive and defensive purposes are. The stance is usually the first thing you learn in martial arts, but not in jiu-jitsu, where the ground positions are more important. But is there … Read More
Brain damage has long been considered a worry only for boxers, whose trade is punching people in the head. In recent years, studies have shown that many more athletes, like soccer and water polo players, suffer from concussions and brain damage, even those that would seem much safer. But where does BJJ fit in terms of brain damage probability? Due … Read More
