0. History
The annals of martial arts are filled with tales of warriors. Some are famous, like Bruce Lee. Some less known, but influential, like Kanō Jigorō or Masahiko Kimura. Some are fictional, like Mulan or "the last samurai." One made a difference in each of our lives. And so, as the art evolves, and as Professor Tobias Vogt would demand, so will we. On this day, and those that follow, we seek to be worthy of his guidance.
1. What is the best martial art for self defense, according to artificial intelligence?
According to ChatGPT, "It's difficult to say which martial art is the "best" for self defense, as different martial arts have different strengths and focus on different aspects of self defense. Some martial arts, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga, focus heavily on ground fighting and close-quarters combat, while others, like Karate and Taekwondo, emphasize striking and kicking. Ultimately, the best martial art for self defense is one that you feel comfortable and confident using, and that you are able to train consistently. Some other martial arts that are often recommended for self defense include Boxing, Judo, and Muay Thai. It's also worth noting that self defense involves more than just physical techniques - it also includes awareness, verbal de-escalation, and strategies for avoiding dangerous situations. Therefore, it can be helpful to also consider training in other self defense skills such as self defense classes or workshops focused on personal safety."
2. Featured
Stories that inspire (thought or emotion).
3. Blueprint
Fundamentals is key. Start with defense, keeping in mind what the best defense is.
1 - Close the distance
2 - Take the fight to the ground
3 - Achieve a dominant position
4 - Finish the fight
Additional insights
4. Fundamentals
Learn—and revisit often—core concepts. Focus on technical precision. And, a life devoted to transitions (i.e., improving one's position) is a life well spent. Identify and study great thinkers (e.g., Biernacki, Danaher, Dale, Gregoriades, Pedro, Stevens), educators (e.g., Kesting, Kwok, Lukehart, Sauer), analysts (e.g., "BJJ Scout"), innovators (e.g., de la Riva, Telles), non-politic (Osiander), practitioners (e.g., Justino), and the Renaissance class (e.g., Nunes, Rousey, Cornelius, Gable, Garcia, Gracie, Hall, Lavato Jr., Machado, Ribeiro, Smith, Vogt). You have already chosen the path less traveled; enjoy the journey. If you have time for only one thing, let that be experimentation.
Here's a quick overview that includes: space management (aka distance), awareness, decision making, alignment, opposition, hip and leg power, leverage, connection, closed versus open elbows, base, grips, the bottom game, and the top game.
5. Styles
We each have a natural temperament, which is complex and dependent on many factors. It is vital that we also develop the capacity to transform as the situation dictates, as the requirements for success are dependent on context. For example, whereas one's natural profile as playful counterpuncher is adequate when training with a less experienced opponent in an initial interaction at a new facility, it takes little imagination to visualize settings where greater intensity and aggression are imperative.
So, consider training in fighting forms which naturally align with your DNA, and even more importantly, those that do not.
Martial arts styles are a worldwide phenomenon.
Africa
Angola
Engolo
Egypt
Tahtib
Madagascar
Moraingy
Nigeria
Dambe
Senegal
Lutte Traditionnelle
Senegalese Wrestling (Laamb)
Somalia
Istunka
South Africa
Nguni stick-fighting
Sudan
Nuba fighting
Oceania
Australia
Coreeda
New Zealand
Mau rākau
Samoa
Lima Lama
Asia
Bangladesh
Butthan
Lathi Khela
Mokkar Boli Khela
China
Babu Lian Huan Quan (8-step chained boxing)
Bā Fǎ Quán (Eight Methods - 八法拳)
Bāguà Zhǎng (Eight Trigrams Palm - 八卦掌)
Bājíquán (Eight Extremities Fist - 八極拳)
Chāquán (查拳)
Chángquán (Long Fist - 长拳)
Chin Na (擒拿)
Choy Li Fut (蔡李佛)
Chuōjiǎo (戳腳)
Dì Tǎng Quán (地趟拳)
Drunken Monkey
Zuì Quán (Drunken boxing - 醉拳)
Duan Quan (短拳门)
Yīng Zhǎo Pài (Eagle Claw - 鷹爪派)
Emeiquan
Fānziquán ("rotating fist" - 翻子拳)
Feng Shao ((風手)
Wu Zu Quan (Five Ancestors Boxing - [五祖拳]
Fujian White Crane (白鶴拳)
Fu Jow Pai (Tiger Claw Style - 虎爪派)
Fut Gar
Hēi Hǔ Quán (Black Tiger Fist - 黑虎拳)
Hua Quan
Hung Fut
Hung Ga
Jow-Ga Kung Fu
Kung Fu
Kunlunquan (昆仑拳)
Lai Tung Pai (黎峒派)
Leopard Kung Fu
Li Family (李家功夫)
Meihuaquan (Plum-blossom Fist - 梅花拳)
Mian Quan (Cotton Fist)
Mízōngyì (Lost Track Skill - 迷蹤藝)
Mok Gar (莫家)
Hóu Quán (Monkey Fist - 猴拳)
Nanquan
Táng Láng Quán (praying mantis fist - 螳螂拳)
Běishàolín (Northern Shaolin - 北少林)
Sān Huáng Pào Chuí (Three Emperor Cannon Punch - 三皇炮捶)
Piguaquan (chop-hanging fist - 劈挂拳)
Pushing hands
Sǎndǎ (Chinese kickboxing - 散打)
Shaolin Kung Fu
Shuāijiāo (Chinese Wrestling - 摔跤 or 摔角)
Liùhébāfǎquán (Six Harmonies Eight Methods Boxing - 六合八法拳)
Shé Quán (snake fist - 蛇拳)
Southern Dragon Kung Fu (dragon shape rubbing bridges - 龍形摩橋)
Southern Praying Mantis (南派螳螂)
There are five main branches:
- Chow Gar (周家)
- Chu Gar (朱家)
- Jiāngxī zhúlín (Jiāngxī Bamboo Forest - 江西竹林)
- Tiě niú (Iron Ox - 鐵牛)
- tángláng guóshù (Mantis Martial Arts - 螳螂國術)
Tai Chi
Tán Tuǐ (form, set, routine, kata - 彈腿)
Tiān Shān Pài (天山派)
Tongbeiquan (Spreading Power from the Back Boxing - 通背拳)
Wing Chun (singing spring - 詠春 or 咏春)
There are distinct lineages of Wing Chun, including:
- Ip Man
- Yuen Kay San
- Gu Lao Village / Forty Points Wing Chun
- Nanyang / Cao Dean
- Pan Nam
- Pao Fa Lien
- Hung Suen / Hung Gu Biu
- Jee Shim / Weng Chun
- Law-family / Snake-Pattern Wing Chun
- Yuen Chai Wan / Nguyen Te Cong / Vietnamese Wing Chun
- Yiu Choi / Yiu Kai
- Fujian Wing Chun Kuen
- Hung Suen - Hay Ban Wing Chun
- Gu Lao - Pien San Wing Chun / Side Body Wing Chun
- Practical Wing Chun
- Jun Fan Gung Fu
Wǔdāng quán (武當拳)
Chinese martial arts styles are generally classified into two major groups: Wudang, named after the Wudang Mountains; and Shaolin, named after the Shaolin Monastery. Wudang lineages include:
- Fu Style Wudang Quan
- Wudang Dan Pai
- Wudang Taiyi Boxing
- Xuanwu Pai
- Sanfeng Pai
Xìng Yì Quán
Yao Kung Moon (the style of flexible power - 柔功門)
Yìquán (Intent boxing - 意拳).
Yuejiaquan (Yue Family Fist - 岳家拳)
Zì Rán Mén (natural boxing - 自然门)
India
Malla-yuddha
Kalaripayattu
Vajra-mushti
Adimurai
Indonesia
Pencak silat
Kuntao
Caci
Tarung Derajat
Pasola
Perang pandan
Iraq
Wrestling
Israel
Kapap
Krav Maga
Lotar
Haganah
Iran
Pehlwani
Japan
Araki-ryū
Bajutsu
Jiu-jitsu
Shotokan
Judo
Karate
Ko-ryū
Sumo
Kenjutsu
Battōjutsu
Iaijutsu
Naginatajutsu
Sōjutsu
Ninjutsu
Jōdō
Gendai budō
Kendo
Iaidō
Aikido
Kyūdō
Shorinji Kempo
Aiki
Budō
Bushido
Kiai
Maai
Shuhari
Kata
Mushin
Fudōshin
Zanshib
Shoshin
Atemi Ju-Jitsu
Korea
Tang Soo Do
Taekwondo
Taekkyeon
Subak
Hapkido
Korean sword fighting
Han Mu Do
Gungdo
Yongmudo
Korean spears
Muyedobotongji
Laos
Muay Lao
Malaysia
Silat
Mongolia
Mongolian wrestling
Myanmar
Silat
Bando
Banshay
Lethwei
Naban
Pongyi thaing
Cambodia
Bokator
Pradal serey
Philippines
Filipino martial arts, Arnis, Kali, Eskrima
Arnis
Suntukan
Sikaran
Dumog
Buno
Bultong
Yaw-Yan
Sibat
Buterfly knife
Karambit
Bolo knife
Kalis
Golok
Bungot Pagi
Tabak-Toyok
Kinamutay
Pakistan
Gatka
Thailand
Krabi-krabong
Lerdrit
Muay boran
Muay Thai
Silat Pattani
Turkey
Matrak
Oil wrestling
Sayokan
Vietnam
Vietnamese martial arts
Võ thuật Bình Định
Nhất Nam
Vovinam
Ngô Đồng
Qwan Ki Do
Tam Qui Khi-Kong
[832] Tam Qui Khi-Kong: Wikipedia
Sri Lanka
Angampora
Europe
Finland
Hokutoryu Ju-Jutsu
France
Canne de combat
French school of fencing
Gouren
Qwan Ki Do
Savate
Germany
German school of fencing
Ringen
Serbia
Real Aikido
Narodno rvanje
Greece
Greek wrestling
Pankration
Ancient Greek boxing
Iceland
Glima
Italy
Italian martial arts
Nova Scrimia
Republic of Ireland
Irish martial arts
Irish stick fighting
Collar and elbow wrestling
Bataireacht
Spain
Keysi Fighting Method
Leonese wrestling
Lucha Canaria
Russia
Systema
Sambo
Russian boxing
ARB
Buza
ROSS
Switzerland
Schwingen
Ukraine
Combat Hopak
United Kingdom
Bare-knuckle boxing
Bartitsu
Catch wrestling
Combat pistol shooting
Cornish wrestling
Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling
Defendu
Devon wrestling
English Longsword School
Historical fencing in Scotland
Lancashire wrestling
Suffrajitsu
Singlestick
Shin-kicking
Scottish Backhold
The Approach
Barróg
Americas
Barbados
Bajan stick-licking
Brazil
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Capoeira, Huka-huka, Luta Livre, Vale Tudo
Canada
Defendo, Okichitaw, SPEAR System, Wen-Do
Colombia
Colombian grima
Cuba
Juego de maní
Haiti
Tire machèt
Peru
Bakom
United States
American Kempo, Collegiate wrestling, Close-quarters combat, Dog Brothers, Emerson Combat Systems, Gouging, Jeet Kune Do, Jailhouse rock, Kajukenbo, Kapa Kuialua, LINE, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Model Mugging, Shootfighting, Special Combat Aggressiv Reactionary System, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
Others
Unifight, Ghost, Galley tactics, Melee
6a. Positions (classical)
Positions are conjugate pairs where, with the exception of the symmetric class (e.g., standing disengaged, kneeling, 50/50), one is superior in terms of offensive and defensive potential. We have arbitarily partitioned positions into two general categories (labelled "classical" and "leg-centric") to aid conceptualization, and also to buy us some time to deliberate the relative position metrics. As a general philosophy, seek to improve your position, looking for submission opportunities as they arise.
We provide a relative position metric, where a positive score denotes the superior position; whereas, a negative score denotes the inferior. For example, mount(+8) is the top/dominant/preferred position and mount(-8) is bottom/inferior/down/below/in trouble. A position score is best thought of as a range of scores, where realignment might change the advantage/disadvantage proportion in say the "50/50" to 60/40 or 70/30 depending on who has better control of the knee and access to a dangling ankle. Position ratings represent ordinal-scale approximations of relative desirability. The utility of a transition may be computed by subtracting the starting from the ending position, so, moving from bottom mount to bottom half guard is a 6-point [i.e., (-2)-(-8) = 6] improvement in position. This is conceptual guidance, not the scoring system used in IBJJF tournaments. It would be misleading to interpret these metrics too literally, as the metrics differ for each practitioner. If, for example, you are a Darce choke aficionado (e.g., Porter), then those positions where there is easier access (e.g., Side Control, Turtle) could be bumped up a little, whereas if you are weak in a position, let's arbitrarily choose guard, then your guard score should be reduced.
It is important to recognize that submissions are really positions in and of themselves. That is, a submission is simply a realignment within that position. Consider the triangle position, where the triangle choke and armbar are both viable options, or the omoplata, where the shoulder and wrist lock are readily available. Note also, advantage/disadvantage metric is rule dependent. For example, John Danaher considers the closed guard position to be neutral (0.0), which is a rational argument in the context of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament, where striking is forbidden, whereas in a mixed martial arts competition where striking is permissible, the striking advantage tilts the scales in favor of the (upper body) top individual. The complexity increases swiftly as weapons, terrain, and teams are considered.
Back Mount (+9)
Learn to maintain the position before you hyper-focus on submissions. Consider ignoring submissions until your can control the opposition for 3 minutes. Optimal orientation is belly down, but difficult to achieve. Standard attacks include strangulation (e.g., rear naked choke, bow and arrow choke, Ezekiel choke) or joint hyperextension (e.g., armbar). Experts include: Ryan Hall (Back Attacks), Stephen Kesting & Rob Biernacki (BJJ Back Attacks Formula), and Matt Arroyo (Back Attack Blueprint).
Mount (+8)
Attack (e.g., Ezekiel choke, cross collar choke, americana) or take their back.
Technical Mount/Side Mount (+7)
Attack (e.g., bow and arrow choke, armbar) or improve position.
Knee-on-belly (+6)
Attack (e.g., paper cutter choke, cross collar choke, baseball choke, near-side armbar, far-side armbar) or improve position.
Side Control (+5)
Modified kase gatame is a strong attacking position. Kase gatame provides pressure but less control; use temporarily and move to one of the other side control positions, at least until you've mastered Henry Akins's pressure concepts. Classic and reverse kase gatame are excellent for facilitating position improvement.
Overview
classic
kase gatame (aka scarf hold)
modified kase gatame
reverse kase gatame
North-South (+4)
Attack (e.g., north-south choke) or improve position (e.g., side control).
Turtle (+3)
Attack (e.g., clock choke) or improve position.
Half Guard (+2)
Attack (e.g., classic: kimura, classic: Ezekiel, z-guard: German necktie) or improve position.
classic
half butterfly
lockdown
z guard
instep guard
deep half guard
octopus guard
Could find no references on passing the Octopus Guard!
Open Guard (+1.01)
Pass to a leg lock position or half guard (+2) depending on your desire to attack their lower or upper body. Progress! As you are passing, you will often find yourself in configurations where you are no longer in the superior position. As an example, they may get you in a triangle, and so there will be many times where your escape from these transition positions becomes your passing, or being submitted, option.
passing
classic
Break open, which puts you at open guard (+1.01). Progress!
classic
[472] breaking open: Danaher
[475] breaking open: Jedi Does Jiujitsu
[385] Jiu-Jitsu Times
[154] Kesting & Kip
[134] breaking open: Ribeiro
[129] breaking open: Kip
[203] BJJ Initiative Program
[153] pass: Scully
[220] pass: Gracie
[157] pass: Cavalcanti
[178] cross collar choke counter: Kesting & Kip
high guard
[386] BJJ World
Standing (0)
It is ironic that the most important single position is often, for most BJJ practitioners, the least studied. Develop a personal system that integrates takedown (e.g., clinch, sweeps, trips, wrestling) techniques. Listen closely, and often, to John Smith, Dan Gable, Vlad Koulkov, Travis Stevens, and Jimmy Pedro.
striking
[555] combinations: UFC
[546] 20 knockouts: UFC
[548] fast finishes: UFC
[550] spinning: UFC
[551] front kick: UFC
[553] wheel kicks: UFC
[556] body shots: UFC
[558] flying finishes: UFC
[833] strike: Wikipedia
[834] elbow (strike): Wikipedia
[835] kick: Wikipedia
[836] knee (strike): Wikipedia
-- using combinations
[453] Lawrence Kenshin Striking Breakdowns
-- fist
[451] Top Fights
[561] Superman punch: Hayabusa
-- elbow
[449] ONE Championship
-- foot
[450] Fight Nation
-- shin
[441] Mr J
-- knee
[440] Evolve University
-- head
[439] headbutt: hard2hurt
grips
[512] gi: Renaldo Souza & Bernardo Faria
grappling
[547] slams: UFC
[549] standing rear naked chokes: UFC
[552] standing guillotines: UFC
[573] submissions: UFC
[557] 21 takedowns in a single fight: UFC
[524] defense: BJJ Scout
[460] John Danaher & Bernardo Faria
[222] posture: Dale
[244] breaking posture: Stevens
[245] combinations: Stevens
[248] on Stevens: Danaher
[226] Albin
[253] ashi-waza: Judo
[254] gokyo no waza: wikipedia
takedown
[432] combatives clinch: Danny Belisle
[193] Gable
[378] Kesting
[380] Danaher
[197] Kesting & Kip
[130] Scully
[192] Valko
[221] Akbari
[225] Matthews
[241] russian pancake: Pedro
[272] sambo: Koulkov
[375] Faria
trip
[236] grips: Pedro & Faria
[238] stiff opponents: Pedro
[239] setup: Hadad
[234] kouchi gari: Pedro
[198] Leverton
[240] tai otoshi: Pedro
[247] sweep: Collins
throw
[235] grips: Pedro
[243] drop seoi nage: Stevens & Pedro
[191] john wick throw: Hill
[242] ko uchi gari: Pedro
[237] ude gaeski: Jordan
pull guard
[228] Bravo
[227] defend: Maia
[229] defend: Mullins
[231] attack: Quick
[230] armbar: Sousa
[232] Soul Fighters
clinch
[352] Fazen
[353] Kwonkicker & Fazen
[433] entry: fighttips
[435] sweep: fighttips
attack
[233] guillotine: Tagarela
[47] wrist lock: Cornelius
Closed Guard (-1.0)
Improve your position (e.g., hip bump sweep) or attack (e.g., cross collar choke).
Overview
[470] 38 combinations: Jason Scully
[469] gi: Roger Gracie
[468] no gi: Gordon Ryan & Bernardo Faria
[467] gi: John Danaher & Bernardo Faria
[471] basics: Stephen Kesting
grips
[461] no gi: Matt Arroyo
[463] gi: RVV BJJ
attack
[466] submissions: Knight Jiu-Jitsu
[464] cross collar choke: Chewjitsu
sweep
[465] hip bump sweep: Jon Thomas
Open Guard (-1.01)
Improve your position (i.e., sweep) or attack (e.g., triangle choke, armbar).
analysis of Cornelius
[204] Lukehart
classic
[554] triangle chokes: UFC
[206] sweep: Weintz & Kesting
[142] Ribeiro & Lavato
[96] Langhi
[35] triangle choke: Kesting & Kip
[46] armbar: Skully
[48] omoplata: Gracie
[348] omoplata: Faria
[429] triangle chain: Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy
[562] triangle choke: Hayabusa
butterfly
[514] Garcia & Kesting
[70] Moura
spider
[71] Terra
de la Riva
[72] de la Riva
reverse de la Riva
[170] Manastyrski & Kesting
[73] Galvao
inverted
[75] Tribe
sitting
[76] Terra
[171] sweep: Garcia
[196] sweep: Cobrinha
[518] loop choke: Cornelius
worm
[78] Cornelius
[525] BJJ Scout
cross grip
[175] armbar: Moura
[176] Zombie BJJ
[177] sweep: Johnson & Callos
[184] variant: Cavaca
spider web
[516] finishing the armbar: Kesting
[180] Laranja
berimbolo
[566] gi vs no gi: Ryan & Faria
[565] Clark Gracie back escape vs Rafael Mendes: Ostap Manastyrski
Half Guard (-2)
Improve your position.
overview
[81] Kesting & Bayev
classic
[185] attack: Kim
[187] knee slice pass: Faria
half butterfly
[188] sweep: Quick
lockdown
[189] sweep: Palladino
z guard
[532] craig jones: BJJ Scout
[181] structure: Gasperin
[219] Machado
instep guard
[190] sweep: Weintz
deep half guard
[37] Bertuccelli
[323] entry: Glover
rubber guard
[136] pass: Biernacki
octopus guard
[389] Quick
Turtle (-3)
Improve your position.
[31] classic: Telles
North-South (-4)
Escape.
[131] escape: Garcia
Side Control (-5)
Escape.
[148] escape: Gurgel
[132] escape: Zahabi
[306] escape: Laranja
Knee-on-belly (-6)
Escape.
[133] escape: Christopher
Technical Mount/Side Mount (-7)
Escape.
[126] escape: Merullo
Mount (-8)
Next to worst position. Escape.
[88] escape: Kwok
[89] escape: Zahabi
[90] escape: Dean
Back Mount (-9)
Worst position. Protect your neck--immediate threats are rear naked choke, bow and arrow choke, or Ezekiel choke--and face, as aggressive opponents will smash your nose, teeth, or eyes. Weld your arms to your sides. Escape: go low only if your arms are free.
[84] escape: Mullins
[85] escape: Ribeiro
[86] escape: Osiander
[273] escape: Chaves
[558] if rear naked choke is not set properly: The Grappling Academy
6b. Positions (leg-centric)
Learn defense first. Turn to offense afterwards. Tap early, as the duration between discomfort/pain and injury is shorter than for upper body submissions. Submit your opponent slowly and gently. Experts: Start with Gustavo Gasperin, who provides an outstanding introduction. Then, cross reference other experts, such as John Danaher, Gary Tonnon, Eddie Cummings, Reilly Bodycomb, Dean Lister, Vladislav Koulikov, Kenny Lovetere, Igor Kurinnoy, Rousimar Palhares, Masakazu Imanari, Roli Delgado, Josh Hayden, Mike Palladino, and Gordon Ryan. X-guard: Marcelo Garcia. 50/50: Ryan Hall. Cross body ride: John Smith. Russian cowboy: Chris Herzog. Donkey guard: Jeff Glover.
Techniques in Real Time
[570] Ryan Hall vs BJ Penn: QaraqalpaQ Rap TeXaS
[571] Ryan Hall in UFC: Knowledge is Power
Overview
[517] submissions: Jason Scully
[462] grips: John Danaher
[33] Gasperin
[324] Danaher
[271] Djokovic
[302] defense: AntonChigurification
[312] defense: BJJ Saarbrucken Casa De Luta Fightklub
ashi garami
[300] defense: Osiander
[310] defense: Theodore
[299] escape: Herzog
[99] escape: Gasperin
[309] escape: MMA Rhode Island
[97] entry: Hamilton
[98] attack: Vuong
[50] heelhook: Cummings
[51] ankle lock: Lister
single leg x
[110] entry: Palladino
[112] entry: Royal Grappling Academy
[114] entry: BJJ Private Eye
[100] pass: Miyao
[301] defense: Primo
[339] entry: Giles
[340] defense: Larsen
leg knot/gameover
[105] entry: Bodycomb
[106] Bodycomb
[107] Bodycomb
[104] Desir
[108] Quick
[103] attacks: Bodycomb
outside ashi garami
[121] entry and attack: Marshall
[122] escape: Marshall
50/50 (0.0)
[94] overview: Biernacki
[95] control: Hall
[93] attack: Cornelius
[91] pass: Lo
[334] defense: Bradford
[335] defense: Avellan
[336] defense: Migliarese
[337] defense: Crudeur
russian cowboy
[123] entry: Herzog
[314] attack: Herzog
[315] attack: Herzog
[316] attack: Herzog
[317] entry: Yockel
[318] attack: Theodore
[319] attack: Theodore
cross body ride
[213] entry: Cross
[215] escape: Smith, J.
[210] entry: Red Hawk Wrestling Club
[214] entry: Scioli
[211] attacks: Machado, R.
inside sankaku/saddle/411/honeyhole
[374] defense: Cornelius
[109] entry: Hamilton
[116] entry: AntonChigurificatiob
[327] entry: Khera
[328] entry: Avellan
[115] escape: Bodycomb
[303] defense: The Pain Factory
[313] defense: Bravo
[329] defense: Belcher
[330] defense: Mancuso
[331] defense: Bishop
[332] entry: ZombieProof BJJ
x guard
[101] entry: Lavato
[113] attack: D'Arce Vader BJJ
[102] pass: Mendes
reverse guard/donkey guard
[29] Glover
[320] entry: Glover
[321] competition: Glover
7. Wellness
Approach comprehensively (e.g., endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, nutrition, sleep, cognition, emotion).
[392] tabata clock: pinzone
[38] tabata
[373] weight loss: Meerman
[267] conditioning: Galvao
[194] conditioning: Gable
[216] flexibility: Nielson
[456] flexibility: Pentagon Mixed Martial Arts
[39] kettlebells: bodybuilding.com
[125] strength training: endofthreefitness
[270] body weight exercises: Frazen
[269] 4-minute workout: Bright Side
[341] building muscle: Cavaliere
8. Drills
“I drill techniques – my main techniques, my “A” move, my “A Game” sweep, the guard pass and sub[mission] I hit the most, over and over again. I’ve drilled them so many times, my body just reacts now. I can go out and let instinct take over. Most of our training is drilling, based on our individual games and what we do best. Before a big tournament I stick to the stuff I’ve been doing, and just drill it to death. If you’re thinking about what to do next, your competitor is already moving to his next move. It’s best to just react and let your body take over.” Keenan Cornelius
Andre Galvao is perhaps the best-known advocate of drilling. "Chewy" Albin, and others, also contribute to this literature.
[224] takedown: Gregoriades
[333] leg-centric: Cummings
[262] stability ball: Glover
[169] Ribeiro & Mesquita
[160] Galvao & Lemos
[162] Lemos
[168] Albin
[166] Galvao
[165] Scully
[167] Albin
[205] Milicevic
[268] Salazar
[371] Evolve University
9. Competition
"There is no losing in jiu-jitsu. You either win or you learn."
[572] The Ultimate Fighter: UFC
[207] lesson learned from competing: Arel
[19] Kevin Leavitt
[216] Curreri
10. Entertainment
“Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” Bruce Lee
[409] Brutal TV
[257] Yeap
[258] Rousey
[260] Tate
[259] Gracie
[255] Vamos & Belcher
[208] Arel
[256] Caraway & Tate
11. Self Defense
general
[399] Wikipedia
[411] US Army Combatives
[400] improvised weapons: Imperial Combat Arts
[118] Kenshin
[117] Kesting
[120] Gracie
[119] Hopkins
flashlight
[396] 5.11 Tactical
[395] hard2hurt
[397] Nightcore Worldwide
[363] Black Belt Magazine
[362] McKay & McKay
[364] Survival Life
[361] Pew Pew Tactical
pistol
[510] how to shoot: t.rex arms
[508] sight alignment & trigger control: mixup98
[345] Ho
[347] X-treme Defense Advanced Training
[349] Weapons Education
[350] Miculek
[360] Shoot 101
[366] Givens
[368] Towsley
[369] Koumalatsos
[370] Wikipedia
dog
[342] Systema Spetsnaz
[343] Emerson
knife
[426] grips: Kali Center
[398] The1 Don
[404] Nick Drossos
[419] Greg Thompson
[418] Special Operations Combatives Program
[420] x drill: Greg Thompson
[421] Redcon1
[422] Kali Center
[425] Sandboxx
[431] Kali Center
[968] How Knife Fighting Really Works: Combat Self Defense
bō
[837] bō: Wikipedia
sword
[838] sword: Wikipedia
halberd
[839] halberd: Wikipedia
rope dart
[840] rope dart: Wikipedia
tactical pen
[401] Xtreme Training Academy
kubotan
[402] Wikipeda
[403] hard2hurt
stick
[866] stick fighting: Wikipedia
[405] Wikipedia
[865] Matt Pasquinilli
[406] Stephen Kesting
[423] Kali Center
pepper spray
[407] SABRE Red
12. Self Evaluation
"Jiu-jitsu is not about being better than someone else. It is about being better than you used to be."
[411] US Army fitness: Bloomberg
[417] Russian Special Forces: Military Forces XXI Century
[416] bjj white belt: Bernardo Faria & Gordon Ryan
[410] bjj blue belt: The Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood
[413] bjj purple belt: Jiu-Jitsu Times
[414] bjj brown belt: BJJ World
[415] bjj black belt: B King
[430] stripes: Project BJJ
[428] how to put stripes oh a belt: Ohio Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
13. Resources (free)
[282] Kesting
[283] Faria
[285] 40-Plus BJJ
[287] Gregoriades
[288] Gracie & Gracie
[294] Gracie & Gracie
[295] Worthington
[297] Yang
[298] Sherdog forum
14. Who have you inspired today?
[509] Training Montage [Rocky IV] - Chris Whiter
Henry Ford "Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right."
Jimmy Dean "I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."
Robert Louis Stevenson "Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
Eleanor Roosevelt "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."
Albert Einstein "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."
Ayn Rand "The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me."
Unknown "A truly rich person is one whose children run into their arms when their hands are empty."
Confucius "Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see."
Anne Frank "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
Eleanor Roosevelt "Dear Lord, lest I continue my complacent ways, help me to remember that somewhere, somehow out there, a man died for me today. As long as there be war, I then must ask and answer: Am I worth dying for?"
William Wallace "Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live; at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance--just one chance--to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom! Alba gu bràth!"
15. Team Combat USA DC
We love to discuss reactions, especially if you are our modern-day Publius. Team Combat USA is currently focused on the following: (a) what connects different types of competitions (e.g., combatives, tennis, chess)? and (b) if we place traditional position on a scale of -9 (someone on your back) to 9 (you are on their back), what numerical value would you give to leg-centric positions? 50/50 (0.0), we provide for the price of admission. "You get what you pay for."
A. What connects combatives, tennis, table tennis, and chess?
There are obvious differences, of course. Just look at the reigning champions. But, can one benefit from the expertise of another discipline? If so, how? Consider the mental processes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt Kenan Cornelius and Chess Grand Master Danel Naroditsky as each narratives their thoughts during live matches.
[519] Kenan Cornelius
[520] Daniel Naroditsky
[521] Tennis 360
[867] chess and table tennis: The Chess Improver
16. Academic Findings
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes had low body fat without differences between novices and experts or between elite and non-elite athletes.
- Aerobic power was similar to that of other grappling combat sports and did not seem to be influenced by the Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete’s competitive level.
- Experience and competitive level seem to influence an athlete’s flexibility responses as experienced athletes had greater flexibility than beginners and elite athletes showed more flexibility than non-elite athletes.
[900] Physical and Physiological Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: Andreato et al.
17. References
1 Biernacki, R., & Kesting, S. (2 October 2021). "The Three Most Critical Concepts of BJJ" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5RaxEV9fx8)
2 Gracie, R., & Kesting, S. (31 March 2017). "Clark Gracie with Rear Naked Choke Details" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDaq6Fu1vGc)
3 Gasperin, G. (31 March 2017). "A guide to the main leglock positions: Ashi garami, saddle, leg knot, 50/50, outside ashi" (youtu.be/xWrEk9MbvUc)
4 Chambers, J., & Duff, B. (31 March 2017). "Human weapon" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwernxQZtw&feature=youtu.be)
5 Asche, D. (31 May 2017). "Double under pass" (youtu.be/mnzAGDj2Jzk)
6 Mesquita, D. (31 May 2017). "Guard pass" (youtu.be/RCChpN3KGls)
7 Kesting, S., & Kip, R. (1 June 2017). "2 guard passing tips"(youtu.be/4sT533p1VHc)
8 Lo, L. (1 June 2017). "Leandro Lo: My Passes, My Guard, My Game" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODpQvHE0Q9s&feature=youtu.be)
9 Biernacki, R., & Kesting, S. (1 June 2017). "Hip and lever control with 5 guard passing examples" (youtu.be/yk9H_cqjNQg)
10 Scully, J. (1 June 2017). "BJJ Concepts: Becoming a Guard Passing Finisher" (t.co/Or5qhOw29t)
11 Hall, R. (1 June 2017). "Passing the Guard - Fundamentals, Grip Fighting, Passing Sequences & Specialty Situations" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3jzIOw1ehI&feature=youtu.be)
12 Dale, K. (1 June 2017). "How to do an EASY Guard Pass (Toreando)" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjDB9WrnG9E&feature=youtu.be)
13 BJJ Heroes. (1 June 2017). "Top guard passers in jiu-jitsu" (www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-news/top-guard-passers-in-jiu-jitsu)
14 Ribeiro, S. (1 June 2017). "Jiu-Jitsu Revolution 1 - Passing the Guard" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZHOYWZTqNY&feature=youtu.be)
15 Ribeiro, X. (1 June 2017). "X Pass to Torreando Guard Pass" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbLzrLzgTzs&feature=youtu.be)
16 Larsen, M. (1 June 2017). "MACP Modern Army Combatives Program" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA8GLYOJFmY&feature=youtu.be)
17 Zahabi, F. (1 June 2017). "Simple and effective takedown for BJJ Fighters" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km9nmxjM0eg&feature=youtu.be)
18 Flowgrappling. (2 June 2017). "Brett Rainey (aka Monk) in 2016 IBJJF Pan No-Gi" (www.flograppling.com/video/995377-michael-chungsik-yun-vs-brett-rainey-2016-ibjjf-pan-nogi#.WTGrZevyuM8)
19 Team Combat USA. (2 June 2017). "Kevin Leavitt in 2012 European BJJ Championship 2012" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHyIcZANHDY&t=4s)
20 Jiu Jitsu Magazine. (3 June 2017). "Henry Akins: Invisible Jiu-Jitsu Connection" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Ly2Xtjj7A)
21 Cornelius, K. (3 June 2017). "Jiu-jitsu gripping fundamentals part 1 - Keenanonline.com" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3EaQIW4nnI&t=25s)
22 Kurtus, R. (3 June 2017). "Lever classes" (www.school-for-champions.com/machines/levers_classess.htm#.WTLokOvyuM8)
23 Gregoriades, N. (3 June 2017). "Using a Class 1 Lever in BJJ" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj2d0pP5zss)
24 Faria, B. (3 June 2017). "Bernardo Faria Shows His Principles of Pressure Passing" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU2MKcq5we0)
25 Grant, T.P. (3 June 2017). "Jiu-Jitsu History: Birth on the Battlefield"
26 Hall, R. (3 June 2017). "Defensive Guard, Strategy, Fundamentals, Building Walls, Sweeps & Submissons" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo1NUdmaT54)
27 Biernacki, R., & Kesting, S. (3 June 2017). "The 3 Types of Levers in BJJ" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gOPy2-fPJs)
28 Zahabi, F. (3 June 2017). "Pulling Web Guard Part 1 - Firas Zahabi - Guard Pulling 2.0 Series" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2SvF6kXNGk)
29 Glover, J. (3 June 2017). "Jeff Glover's Donkey Guard Sweep from BJJLibrary.com" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLChCOxi_T8&t=54s)
31 Telles, E. (3 June 2017). "Eduardo Telles Turtle & Octopus Guard - Turtle Guard Basics" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7j8aduqDeg)
32 Telles, E. (3 June 2017). "Eduardo Telles Turtle & Octopus Guard - Octopus Guard" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPeIq2aDOmw)
33 Gasperin, G. (3 June 2017). "A Guide To The Main Leglock Positions: Ashi Garami, Saddle, Leg Knot, 50/50, Outside Ashi" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWrEk9MbvUc&t=2s)
34 Gracie Barra. (3 June 2017). "Top ten BJJ fighters of all time" (www.gbnorthridge.com/jiu-jitsu-news/the-top-ten-bjj-fighters-of-all-time/)
35 Kesting, S, & Kip, R. (3 June 2017). "Five Triangle Chokes You Must Know" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbXunEbkf8E&t=12s)
36 Hall, R. (3 June 2017). "Ryan Hall Arm Triangles - Positions, Theory of Choking, Openings, Finishing, Troubleshooting, Drills" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPH4KFe3P84&t=17s)
37 Bertuccelli, J.P. (3 June 2017). "Exclusive Jiu-Jitsu - How to Enter and Sweep in the Deep Half Guard - Essence Of Jiu-Jitsu" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2jge_FCaSk)
38 Kesting, S. (3 June 2017). "Tabata Intervals - The Most Efficient Cardio for Combat Sports" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2N9LzCkZYo)
39 Iardella, S. (3 June 2017). "The 6 Best Kettlebell Exercises You Need To Do" (www.bodybuilding.com/content/the-6-best-kettlebell-exercises-you-need-to-do.html)
40 Kwok, E., & Kesting, S. (4 June 2017). "The Bow and Arrow Choke with Killer Gripping Details" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS6ALx73epc)
41 Machado, J. (4 June 2017). "Secrets of Turtle Clock Choke" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qmq81d5X0M)
42 Osiander, K. (4 June 2017). "Kurt Osiander's Move of the Week - Choke from Side Control" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDcmw4_l6YE)
43 Dreifuss, R.A. (4 June 2017). "Marcelo Garcia-Style Guillotine Choke" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ortF7sjrrc)
44 Gracie, R. (4 June 2017). "Roger Gracie, Setting Up the Ezekiel Choke: Jiu-Jitsu Magazine, Issue #27." (www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-KCxVQFMOU)
45 Kang, D., & Kesting, S. (4 June 2017). "The Easiest Way to do the Twister" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3nDmb66Xpc)
46 Scully, J. (4 June 2017). "39 Armbars & Arm Locks in Less Than 4 Minutes" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVpQiNNBP9k)
47 Cornelius, K. (4 June 2017). "The 7 Deadly Wrist Locks" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=uidHY-HcY9M)
48 Gracie, C. (4 June 2017). "Clark Gracie, the Omoplata master - BJJ way of life" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcA0mN4NZTI&t=14s)
49 Cornelius, K. (4 June 2017). "Keenan Cornelius, Knee Bar Trap Series: Jiu-Jitsu Magazine, Issue #24" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoUv2kmQ7_A&t=538s)
50 Cummings, E. (4 June 2017). "Eddie Cummings heelhook finishing details - 4 of 4" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=keeTKizdZzU)
51 Lister, D. (4 June 2017). "Dean Lister Straight Ankle Foot Lock from BJJ Library" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=auZeB95UkA4)
52 Maia, D. (4 June 2017). "Demian Maia Science of Jiu Jitsu 2 - Maintaining the Mount position" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO5aipaY0cc)
53 Kwok, E. (4 June 2017). "Rear Mount Strategy" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGbIknf1Di8)
54 Lukehart, D. (4 June 2017). "Side Control - L1 - Roger Gracie Side Control to Mount Analysis" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=drR7qaSbak0&t=16s)
55 Massey, M. (4 June 2017). "BJJ Drills: Mount to Technical Mount Drill" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7qYV5v9Oj4)
56 Biernacki, R., & Kesting, S. (4 June 2017). "How to Use Knee On Belly to Force Movement" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kfn0FA5hHo)
57 Ribeiro, X. (4 June 2017). "Controlling Side Control Concepts with Xande Ribeiro " (www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZAs-ZrjsdQ)
58 Garcia, M., & Kesting, S. (4 June 2017). "How to do the North South Choke by Marcelo Garcia" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkFHJHC58qc)
59 Cavalcanti, R. (4 June 2017). "Jiu Jitsu Techniques - North South Attacks" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DGQ1xrwLhc)
60 Ribeiro, X. (5 June 2017). "Flattening to Pass the Half Guard by Xande Ribeiro" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjN6ehT3qEs)
61 Kesting, S. (5 June 2017). "BJJ Closed Guard Principles" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKxD5kdOkk0)
62 Alpha BJJ. (5 June 2017). "High guard sequence" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcDXLpvBPZE)
63 Bravo, E. (5 June 2017). "Eddie Bravo Rubber Guard Basics" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=de9uvQxSDQw)
64 Bolden, A. (5 June 2017). "Anaconda Body Lock 101: Beginning Jiu Jitsu Moves" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk90tAHRdlE)
65 DanTheWolfman. (10 November 2021). "Real Catch Jitsu Wrestling Ultimate Kesa Gatame Tons O Subs & Escapes UFC MMA Jiu-jitsu!" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrUkxTvJ0-w&list=PLDqTjfE7rj2KADUjbr0Wg_nqcilVVE-hj)
66 Massey, M. (10 November 2021). "BJJ Techniques: Submission options from Modified Kesa Gatame" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBd625gsCI4)
67 JM Modern Jiu Jitsu (10 November 2021). "Subs from Reverse Reverse Kesa Gatame" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqXCaCj0JoM)
68 Gokor MMA. (5 June 2017). "Leg hook guard concepts and set ups" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx9zKcNR67I)
69 Williams, S. (5 June 2017). "JJM 22 Shawn Williams - Getting To The Williams Guard" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRfJvbw7N_Y)
70 Moura, R. (6 June 2017). "Robson Moura Shows Butterfly Guard Basics" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO_if6ilONg)
71 Terra, C. (6 June 2017). "CAIO TERRA Technique - Spider Guard Concepts" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkXZYFNVxx0)
72 De la Riva, R. (6 June 2017). "The History of the De la Riva Guard" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=00YeBJBS9Eo)
73 Galvao, A. (6 June 2017). "Reverse De la Riva Sweep with Andre Galvao " (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtGoz8osm0Q)
74 Hall, R. (6 June 2017). "Ryan Hall Inverted Guard - Cross Grip Fundamentals, Inverting" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DqcPZC0ot8)
75 Tribe, D. (6 June 2017). "Cross grips to inverted guard techniques" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pz-gZ8dB8)
76 Terra, C. (6 June 2017). "Caio Terra, Modern Jiu Jitsu - Collar Drag" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVw7bIqeME&list=PL7Vk2ahCLbf3jPOQMvALPpEDD3bDmRtCN)
77 Wehby, G. (6 June 2017). "Sit Up Guard Concepts" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXo4hGUVAsc)
78 Cornelius, K. (6 June 2017). "Worm Guard 101 - Keenanonline.com" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLvkMU0xdHw)
79 Biernacki, R., & Kesting, S. (7 June 2017). "BJJ Choke Mechanics- How to Make Your Chokes Tighter and More Effective" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVcUp2bGk-A)
80 Vu, B. (7 June 2017). "Grasshopper guard pass" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWZFXzzs05U)
81 Kesting, S., & Bayev, E. (8 June 2017). "A glossary of guards" (www.grapplearts.com/A-Glossary-Of-Guards.pdf)
82 IBJJF. (8 June 2017). "International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Rules" (ibjjf.com/rules/)