Episodes — Just Jiu Jitsu

BJJ Giants: Count Koma

Without Mitsuyo Maeda, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu would be very different from what we know today. Maeda, also known as Count Koma, started training Judo under the legendary Kano Jigoro. After gaining the respect of his peer, he started traveling the world with the sole purpose of demonstrating the efficacy of Judo. During his time in Brazil, he met and trained a fourteen year old Carlos Gracie. Maeda taught Carlos a lot about Judo and the philosophy of self defense. Anyone who trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu owes a great debt to Mitsuyo Maeda and the fire he started in the minds and hearts of the Gracie family. In this episode we learn about the life and impact that Count Koma had on the martial art we all love.

Killing Yourself With Kindness

In a very special episode, Andrew and Kroyler use a recent roll together to discuss a common problem people have, specifically Andrew. Hesitating to pull the trigger on a submission. What reasons do people do this? Some people are too nice. Others aren't confident. There are numerous reasons for hesitation, but fortunately there are also numerous solutions.

Kroyler also discusses what training is like when you're a black belt. How do you improve when you're the best in the school? What can be done to stay sharp and progress?

To close the show, Andrew and Kroyler discuss the ideal dinner guest. Things get a little weird.

Listener Email- Training Efficiently

We start out recapping last weekend’s ADCC tournament. Then we turn to a listener email that asks multiple valuable questions. The first topic is training methods that will help competitors and hobbyists retain information. Kroyler discusses his style of teaching and how it helps veterans and beginners. Next our listener asks about what class structure is most helpful for students. Lastly we discuss balancing your rolls with white belts and higher colored belts so that your development progresses evenly.

Straight Ankle Lock

Pull up a chair and join us as we discuss the straight ankle lock. We start off examining the evolution of this submission, from foot placement to ankle rotation, and everything in between. After this Kroyler describes every step of the straight ankle lock and how to properly execute it. If you have issues when trying this lock, Kroyler also troubleshoots common mistakes.

The last twenty minutes cover the upcoming ADCC tournament.

Grappling for the Gray Haired Gods

It’s time to show some love for the older men and women who train! Starting jiu jitsu at a late age is no small feat. At first it can be taxing mentally and physically, but soon the payoff comes when you start seeing hard-earned improvement. Being the old person in the room means you need to train smarter. As you progress in years, you have to become more strategic. This mentality fosters sharp technique and a methodic mindset. In this episode we talk about the challenges and rewards that come with starting jiu jitsu after fifty, getting your body to perform difficult techniques, and how to roll with younger people.

Classic Guillotine

The classic two hand guillotine can stop an aggressive opponent in their tracks. Anytime someone pushes forward and leaves their neck out, the guillotine is an option. Big or small, this submission works on all body types. Whether you’re Marcelo Garcia using this on world-class athletes, or a blue belt using it during a weekly roll, the guillotine makes any practitioner dangerous.

Jiu Jitsu for Giants

This episode is aimed towards our large compatriots. If you’ve ever felt like there is a technique you can’t do, or been frustrated by perceived “limitations” due to being bigger, this episode is for you. Kroyler, fellow giant, explains to Andrew, known little fella, the mindset someone should have when they’re bigger than most of their training partners. Learn how to effectively use your physical attributes while showing everyone that big guys can also have solid technique.

Cross Choke

It has been a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the early days and it was one of Helio Gracie’s signature moves. When people start jiu jitsu, it is one of the first techniques they learn. The Cross Choke, aka Technical Choke, has survived the test of time. This episode looks at its history, how to perform it properly, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

Vale Tudo Guard vs Competition Guard

If you compared the closed guard of someone with a self defense mentality to someone with a sport mentality, what differences would you see? What happens when threats like strikes, headbutts, and other attacks no longer need to be taken into consideration? How does this affect the way closed guard is used?

BJJ Giants: Renzo Gracie: Part 2

Our first episode on Renzo Gracie was centered around his contributions to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In part two we focus on the legendary stories surrounding him. Whether it’s live tweeting a street fight or walking into the favelas of Rio to find his stolen black belt, we savor the adventures of Renzo. Grab a hot cup of cocoa, dim the lights, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and enjoy some Renzo bedtime stories.

BJJ Giants: Renzo Gracie: Part 1

Intelligent, passionate, technical, wild, tough, hilarious, all of these traits are contained in Renzo Gracie. It is unusual to have these characteristics in a single person because they seem to be conflicting with one another. That’s what makes Renzo so fascinating. One moment he can be in a fight where he shows grit and brutality, twenty minutes later he is in the locker room smiling and laughing with his opponent. On top of his complex personality, he has also produced some of the best jiu jitsu and MMA fighters of all time.

This week we talk about a master of martial arts and one of jiu jitsu’s most entertaining characters.

Flow Rolling

Flow rolling is frequently talked about in jiu jitsu circles. Everyone seems to have different advice on how to do it, or even what it is exactly. Flow rolling is a time to be playful. Using this approach will allow your rolls to become more experimental. You and your partner will end up in positions that you may not usually experience. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable during your flow rolls in order to try new techniques and concepts.

Pacing

Everyone has been told to “slow down” while rolling. What does this mean? When you’re brand new this advice can be counterintuitive and frustrating. Understanding this paramount concept will change your game. Managing the finite amount of energy you posses will allow you to make educated decisions in the heat of battle. In this episode we talk about strategies for dictating pace and how to economically expend energy.

Kimura

When Hélio Gracie's arm was broken by Masahiko Kimura in 1951, it was with a submission he had never seen. Hélio's reaction epitomized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; he began studying the armlock used to defeat him and soon it was added to his toolkit. From that day forward the Kimura submission has been a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Nowadays the Kimura is used from many different positions to submit and control opponents. A testament to the technique, after all these years the basic mechanics remain the same.

Artist vs Strategist: Part Two

In our final episode of Artist vs Strategist, we focus on the Strategist. There are countless ways you can construct your plan of attack. How do you formulate an approach that is comprehensive, but not so complex that it overwhelms you? We discuss how to be a tactician that makes educated decisions quickly and efficiently.

Artist vs Strategist: Part One

Everyone rolls differently. Some people act as a general going to battle. They enjoy going over different scenarios they may encounter and coming up with tactics to overcome anything an opponent may throw their way. Other people take a completely different approach. Their decisions are made by what they feel in the moment. Moves are made spontaneously as the individual responds to what is enfolding in front of them. What can we learn from both ends of the spectrum?

Two greatly varying styles warrant a two part series!

Classic Half Guard

If you're new to jiu jitsu, half guard can be a little confusing. How are you supposed to use it? Is it a transitional position, or just a way to prevent someone from passing to side control? The way people view half guard has changed over the years and in this episode we discuss its status in modern-day jiu jitsu.

BJJ Giants: Marcelo Garcia

Behind a warm smile and welcoming demeanor resides a skill set that few in the jiu jitsu community could handle. At the black belt level, Marcelo Garcia won five IBJFF World Championships, four ADCCs, one Pan-Am, and three Brazilian Nationals. An insatiable dedication for perfection led Marcelo to sharpen his game and revitalize techniques like the guillotine and X-Guard. In today’s episode we talk about the man who is respected off the mats as much as he is on them.

Takedowns

Everyone who does jiu jitsu is comfortable on the ground. However not everyone is comfortable getting their opponent there. This part of jiu jitsu isn't emphasized as much as it once was, so in this week's episode we take a comprehensive look at one of the most important stages of a fight: the takedown.

IBJJF Worlds Review

When the world's best gi competitors come together you can be confident that you'll see incredible technique. One week after the World Tournament we give our thoughts on the event. The tournament had its ups and downs and we discuss our opinions of this year's championship and what we'd like to see in the future.