The training environment and culture of individual Jiu Jitsu schools can be distinctly unique in their approaches to teaching the “gentle art”. Every grappling club will have a distinct vibe that is a fusion of the design aesthetic of the school, the personality of the instructor, the energy of the community, and lastly, the sonic spectrum that is playing through the sound system during training rounds. These factors will contribute to the overall feel of a school and will undoubtedly become an integral part of the critical decision to sign-up and join a grappling team for the long haul. At Authentic Jiu Jitsu, we endeavour to thoughtfully curate soundtracks that accompany training and this blog series is dedicated to keeping the tunes fresh and the good times rolling.

Learning turtle guard can be the difference between surviving a misjudgement made in the heat of a match versus being instantly submitted from a disadvantageous position. This BLOG will focus on reasons why the turtle guard is a highly effective system that can be used to defend, counter, and attack with precise skill in the midst of a back and forth Jiu Jitsu contest. 

Technical skill development and the art of drilling in Jiu Jitsu has evolved substantially in the last decade. The act of repetition is an important one, however, it is important to also counter-balance repetitive movements with the law of diminishing returns which can plague out-dated drilling practices. Utilizing a scaffolded approach to skill acquisition includes technical study to build cognitive knowledge, mindfully moving through biomechanical movements, learning how to properly drill using cooperative resistance, and lastly, practicing newly refined techniques in rolling rounds that are specifically structured to help new grapplers evolve into skilled teammates. A dynamic pedagogy in Jiu Jitsu schools that emphasizes proper skill development, formative student evaluation, and structured rolling will lead to long term technical growth and enjoyment of the sport while avoiding stagnation in skill acquisition and development. 

We have all had to buddy up with a training partner who is difficult to jive with and/or inadvertently ends up disrupting what should be an enjoyable experience. Not all training relationships will start smoothly and it takes time to familiarize new students to the norms and culture of a tight-knit training room. It is important, however, to remember that many individuals who are initially frustrating to be around in a Jiu Jitsu context are usually a product of two scenarios: they are anxious about training (i.e. they might be new, intimidated, or introverted) OR they are unaware of the often unsaid “rules” and “standards” of a Jiu Jitsu academy (i.e. they are definitely new). With some guidance, newcomers who routinely frustrate others can eventually be transformed into invaluable training partners on the mats and friends outside of training as they familiarize themselves with the unique vibe of a grappling club. If you are worried about not making a great first impression, being awkward while training, or have had trouble making friends in Jiu Jitsu, read these helpful insights.

The training environment and culture of Jiu Jitsu schools around the world can be distinctly unique in their approaches to teaching the “gentle art”. Every academy will have a distinct flavour that is a fusion of the design aesthetic of the school, the personality of the instructor, the vibe of the community, and lastly, the playlist that is making its way through the speakers during open mat time. These factors will contribute to the overall feel of a school and will undoubtedly become an integral part of the critical decision to sign-up and join a grappling team for the long haul. At Authentic Jiu Jitsu, we endeavour to thoughtfully curate soundtracks that accompany training and this blog series is dedicated to keeping the tunes fresh and the good times rolling.

Walking into a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school for the first time can feel like blindly heading into a storm that you are terribly unprepared for and the undisputed truth is, you aren’t. You know nothing, you are an empty vessel, a blank canvas, you can’t hide your inexperience in this environment, if this bugs you, change your attitude or you will not endure the first few years of training. Take a moment to embrace the opportunity, it isn't every day that you are completely out of your element and standing at the beginning of a treacherous learning curve with trepidation and hopefully… excitement. It takes courage to begin a combat sport that is as technically demanding as Jiu Jitsu; be proud of taking the first step. With the right attitude and a supportive community of team members, what will now feel like an insurmountable obstacle can be conquered in time. Included in this post are essential tips that will help foster a positive mindset for individuals who are starting their Jiu Jitsu journey so success can be achieved, anxiety eased, and enjoyment maximized.

A pedagogical practice I found helpful in my teaching career was curating quotes for my students and displaying them in my classroom. The goal of this routine was to motivate students and to also promote inquiry into whatever curricular outcome was being covered in class at that point in time. Personally, however, I found that putting problems of the present into perspective by contrasting these dilemmas to historical quotes of the past had a profound effect. The aforementioned statements would awaken an inner fortitude and enthusiasm that would aid in the task of taking on formidable challenges in my own life. Included in each “Quotes & Chokes” blog post will be a quote, a short synopsis of the credited author for historical context, and lastly, an explanation that connects the theme of the quote to lessons learned on the mat. I hope anyone who stumbles upon these entries can find comfort in the wisdom provided by these statements and also begin to understand how the context of shared human history can create tangible purpose and motivation to overcome difficult scenarios in the present day.

The training environment of Jiu Jitsu is unique in the sense that a school’s playlist can say a lot about the atmosphere contained within an academy. All clubs will have a distinct vibe that is created by a fusion of the design aesthetic of the school, the personality/technical style/lineage of the instructor(s), the energy of the community, and lastly, the sonic spectrum pumping through the speakers during mat time. All of the aforementioned factors will contribute to the overall feel of a school and will also become an integral part of the decision to join a grappling team for the long haul. At Authentic Jiu Jitsu, we endeavour to thoughtfully curate soundtracks that will nicely accompany training and this blog series is dedicated to keeping the tunes fresh and the good times rolling.