Blog

Remove the colored fabric and the room still needs trust, teaching, and a way to recognize progress. A thought experiment about rank in BJJ.

Braulio Estima's 2009 ADCC double gold was more than a medal count. Two brackets show the different problems a complete tournament run has to solve.

The quiet technician, the enthusiastic beginner, the useful skeptic: seven familiar training roles and how to make the most of each pairing.

Romulo Barral's career connects elite gi guard work, an ADCC title, and academy life. The interesting part is how those achievements differ.

Hannette Staack's record includes ADCC double gold, but her own interviews reveal an equally persistent commitment to students and teaching.

Robert Drysdale won world titles in the gi and at ADCC. His books and interviews open a different question: how did jiu-jitsu become this sport?

Keenan Cornelius's lapel experiments made his reputation. His ADCC medals, instructionals, and San Diego academy tell a wider story.

Tammi Musumeci's world titles stand on their own. Her legal career and public reflections make the story wider than the family name.

Enjoy the special gi. First, check the fit, care, and actual use—because a release timer cannot decide whether a uniform belongs in your week.

Ryan Hall's ADCC medal, TUF title, and Penn submission reveal more than a signature move: the challenge of reaching it against resistance.

A quiet student needs room to train, ask questions, and choose partners without being pushed into performing an outgoing personality.

A practical guide to sharing rides to BJJ: pickup times, costs, clean gear, extra rounds, and getting everyone home without an awkward negotiation.

Jeff Glover beyond the highlight clip: ADCC results, deep-half teaching, Glover’s Travels, and the competitive work behind the unusual positions.

An open-mat timer can organize rounds without organizing your life. Plan useful training, breaks, questions, and a departure you can actually keep.

Three adult world titles in three weight classes, plus the wider competition and teaching work behind Claudia do Val’s record.

When a favorite BJJ partner disappears from class, keep the friendship open, respect their reasons, and find a new rhythm for your own training.

A practical guide to cancelled BJJ seminars: booking contacts, travel arrangements, replacement dates, and clear communication without blame.

Victor Hugo’s 2019 brown-belt double began a distinct chapter: no-gi gold, a Worlds comeback, and a later double at black belt.

A BJJ gym’s history includes more than belts and medals. How to acknowledge ordinary contributions without creating another popularity contest.

Side control, side mount, cross side: how to make sense of BJJ names without confusing a familiar label with a complete explanation.

Fabio Gurgel won four World titles. His coaching career asks a different question: what does it take to make a whole team better?

Four World titles, then a different kind of work: how to understand Gui Mendes as both a competitor and a teacher.

Prize money is only one part of professional BJJ. Understand teaching, seminars, instructionals, sponsorships, and the difference between revenue and income.

How to decline a BJJ round clearly, stop mid-round when needed, and respect a training partner’s boundaries without making it awkward.