Every day and every minute that goes by, another female around the world will experience some form of sexual assault, harassment, battery, or victimization. I am sure that this information is nothing new and at this point, fairly common knowledge. It is the sad and undeniable truth. It is also my truth. I was asked to write this blog about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and why women should train. There are countless reasons, articles, and studies as to why this is so beneficial. I was internally conflicted about whether or not to publicly share my experiences and story with you, some random stranger rea ..read more

A short clip where BJJ black belt and former Navy Seal Jocko Willink talks about what art he considers to be the best for self-defense.   ..read more

On T-Nation.com, there is a series of articles called “Blood And Chalk” in which S&C coach Jim Wendler speaks his mind. He is what you could call…… Direct. I mean, he says whatever the hell he thinks! And, it is not in ANY WAY candy coated. Obviously….. I like him. I agree with damn near everything I’ve heard him say. But, when I saw him asked a question about women as athletes…. I was a little worried. I really expected him to say some not so encouraging stuff. But, to my excitement, he was very encouraging. Here is what he had to say: TM: I was thinking about getting my wife started on ..read more

Great little compilation of the upkick in MMA.  They’re one of the first things people learn who train under Jay; either at the Academy or via Functionalbjj.com.  They’re a great way to maintain distance when you’re on the ground, and, as shown in the video, a way to end the fight ..read more

As Jay wrote a few years ago: I know, everyone waits till New Years to make the big push. But you’re not everyone. You’re different. Or at least, you want to be. Well, screw that….. START NOW. START TODAY!!!!! So what, it’s not the “New Years”. Or the 1st of the month. Hell. it ain’t even a Monday…. But who cares. Today is a good day to change your life. And there’s good reason not to wait until the First . . . New Year’s Resolutions often fail, and for a variety of reasons.  It’s not that you shouldn’t want to make changes, but you need to be mindful of the goals you set, and that ther ..read more

A recent article on Mark Rippetoe’s Starting Strength website piqued my interest in the ‘size and strength’ debate within the BJJ community.  Being someone who has been into lifting for several years, I shared the author’s sentiments; especially this bit to kick things off: You do not have to be strong to do Martial Arts. There. It has been written. Without a shadow of a doubt, my opening sentence is true, and true in all cases. As you continue reading, you may feel your fury rising at something I have put forward as an opinion. If this happens, you can go back to the first sentence, tak ..read more

The purpose of this post isn’t to get a huge debate started about gun control. It’s about the psychology of fighting. Actually, the psychology that dictates whether a fight occurs at all, or is avoided. In the wild, fights are EXPENSIVE. Literally. They can cost you. If a wolf gets a small bite on it’s mouth from a fight, it could get an infection and actually die. Even though it “won” the fight and got the food (or whatever)….. It died. That was expensive food. It’s not hard to see, how even little “scraps” can have horrendous costs. So, all animals (intelligent ones anyways) have an ingraine ..read more

Yeah, I know they’re spelled nunchakus, but the Lady that said it definitely said numchuk. And if that really twisted you up, you’re a goober. Catch me in person some time and we’ll talk about translating japanese, or your level 24 Wizard, cause you’re probably just as fired up about that. Anyway, back to topic. I’m in the gas station by my house and one of the things I have to endure is this woman who works there, always going on and on about her daughter doing karate. I’m polite. I smile and congratulate. Karate may be silly for self defense, and any actual life altering depth. But it can be ..read more

I have this conversation at least once a week. It starts with someone asking me which class they should take….. BJJ, or Muay Thai? I say “Depends on your goals”. See, both are great for fitness. Both are tons of fun. Both have camaraderie with the same group of people. Both will teach you a new Art/Sport that can turn into a huge focus of your life. Both Are tough, and challenging. They are both awesome. However……….. Muay Thai (or any striking art) only works if the other guy AGREES TO COOPERATE with you. The second that guy says “screw this” and tackles you…. No more Muay Thai. Watch a Boxin ..read more

This post was sent to us from a long time student and brown belt Nick Collins. He’s in the uber-typical boat of being madly in love with BJJ, while having to juggle it with spouse, child, job, and other grown up stuff. He talks about the the way he keeps all the plates spinning. Check it out. Those who know me know that my attendance at the gym is not spectacular.  Those who don’t know me, you don’t know me because my attendance at the gym is not spectacular. Over the past 6 years that I’ve been a student at The Academy (six years?!?), my attendance has been spotty at best.  Even ear ..read more