BJJ classes aren't cheap, especially for a uni student like myself, This fact, as well as a lack of free time, mean that I can't train everyday. So, I really want to maximise my learning potential whilst in class - and this is something that everyone should strive to achieve. To start, here is the format of my classes, which has been common...

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Good nutrition = good health. It's simple, common-sense stuff. Eating well maximises the results you'll see when training, for both cardio and building strength. So, what are some easy ways to eat better, without buying a book written by a shit-peddling quasi-nutritionist? I'm no nutritionist either, but I've outlined some handy ways to make your diet work. 1. Eliminating or Reducing Sugar Source:...

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Hey guys! I've been doing a lot of reading lately (it's kind of my thing), and have been noticing just how many people seem so incredibly impatient in regards to obtaining a new belt rank. It got me wondering - why on earth would you want a quicker promotion? BJJ takes an enormously long time to learn, and the time between promotions reflects...

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Throughout human history there have been a multitude of philosophical notions concerned with ideas of our 'spirit' and the way in which we harness our own 'internal energy' (a concept completely separate from physical models of energy, I assure you). These philosophical forces come under many names. qi, chi, pneuma, mana, prana and the soul are notions of 'life-force' or spirit - an...

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Sometimes training sessions with our instructor are too few and far between. Sometimes, for those with a bit of a BJJ addiction, every moment of free time spent without training is a moment wasted. I've seen and tried a number of solo home training ideas, and here are the basic forms I've distinguished: 1. Working Out The first is easy - simply supplementing...

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When we walk on the mat, we shouldn't have fear. We should have confidence in our abilities, and faith in our training partners (in a training scenario, of course). I do, however, have one fear - a grotty bastard infecting me with his gross skin condition. Let's face it, it happens all too often in BJJ, especially in competitions. So, I'm putting together...

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I thought this was mildly hilarious. This guy was harassing women outside Kurt Oslander's BJJ Gym, and promptly receives a karmic response. I like the guy's restraint - apart from a couple strikes, that was super gentle. Nawwh. From a legal perspective, however, this probably wasn't the best way to go about things. Technical battery isn't generally viewed kindly.. Send me comments with...

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Hey everyone! Everyone knows a brick's attributes: it's strong, stable, brittle, and quite shit at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In terms of flexibility, I am a brick. I struggle to touch my toes, my knees are 6 inches off the ground in a butterfly stretch, and I'd have more luck making a perfect Croquembouche than pulling my foot to my chest. This brick can't...

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Well. Saturday has come and gone (in Australia at least), and taken with it the Spring Cup. I must say, the atmosphere at the tournament was electric; it was small and intimate despite have six mats on the go.  I got warmed up and stretched, ready to go.  - when I say ready, I mean 'as prepared as I could possibly be at...

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Açaí. When you say the word at your local BJJ academy, I can absolutely not guarantee anyone Brazilian or of Brazilian heritage will start drooling. My advice? Don't say it - save yourself from cleaning the mats (drool ain't hygienic, kids). Source: HealthyWeightLossInformation.com But why are Brazilians so mad about their daily Açaí na tigela? Lets find out. Here are 6 of the magic...

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I'm writing this surrounded by puppies - I can imagine that this is the kind of joy Dan Bilzerian is searching for in his life. I win, Dan. Anyway, onto non-puppy-related stuff. What is the proper etiquette in an Academy? The places I've trained have been quite relaxed, though etiquette is still central to maintaining a friendly, respectful atmosphere. The issue, however, is...

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One More Roll? My academy's coach is trying to make this into a bit of a motto for us, and I quite like it. As far as I'm concerned, unless you're about to spew on the mat, or some part of your body is broken, bent or bleeding, your answer should always be yes. Every roll is a learning experience, not to mention...

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Hey Y'all! Sucking at BJJ is what I'm really good at right now, and that doesn't particularly bother me! People keep saying "I know its frustrating" etc. The fact of the matter is, every time I step on a mat my only goal is to learn, and so far that's going quite well. So, news: I've registered for my first comp! I'm going...

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Hey Guys! We all know the importance of keeping in shape whilst training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - though avoiding gassing out and making weight are only the half of it! Sure, cardio is important, but forgetting to develop strength outside of the time you have on the mat is a huge no-no. Let me tell you why. Doing resistance exercise, such as training...

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It's been about three weeks since I first stepped onto the mat, and already BJJ has become an incredible part of my life.  The positive change in my overall physical fitness has been the most noticeable aspect thus far, but it's also quite invigorating to be able to notice the small steps and gradual development my game is taking on. This is almost...

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