
The Kimura: The Lock That Named Itself by Beating a Gracie
The kimura lock explained — the 1951 Masahiko Kimura vs Helio Gracie story, its double wristlock roots, and why it's a control system, not just a tap.
Training, technique, and the culture of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
7 articles

The kimura lock explained — the 1951 Masahiko Kimura vs Helio Gracie story, its double wristlock roots, and why it's a control system, not just a tap.

Butterfly guard explained — why this unglamorous seated guard ages better than any other, how hooks and elevation work, and when beginners should learn it.

Back control is BJJ's king position — how to take the back, keep it with seatbelt and hooks, and escape it safely by winning the hand fight first.

Takedowns for BJJ when you hate standup — why gyms neglect it, wrestling vs judo entries, three high-percentage options, and honest guard-pulling talk.

Leg locks in BJJ, honestly — why they were taboo, what changed, where beginners should start, what's legal at your belt, and how to keep partners safe.

Guard passing is one of the hardest skills in BJJ. Here are the principles that make passing work — pressure, posture, grips, and patience — plus beginner mistakes to fix.

Some techniques define the art. From the triangle choke to the berimbolo, these are the most iconic BJJ techniques — their origins, mechanics, and why they've shaped how the world grapples.