9 772049 454007

ISSUE: 30 / 2016 3.95

ORLANDO
SANCHEZ

GILBERT
DURINHO

30
BJJ IN POP
CULTURE

ZE RADIOLA
MASTERCLASS

AYEAR IN REVIEW
WE LOOK BACK AT A FANTASTIC 12 MONTHS OF BJJ
TAKING IT
BACK TO
BASICS

AVAILABLE NOW
TATAMIFIGHTWEAR.COM
NOVA/KIMONO
N OVA 2015 / L A D I ES N OVA 2015 / K ID S N OVA 2015 / N OVA M IN IM O
MADE BY HAND. WASHED WITH STONE. INNOVATED THROUGH PASSION.

Enjoy a new Kimono experience:

a unique stone washing process meets the best
italian design and reliable sportswear performance.
From the north-east of Italy, the land of denim,
GR1PS will support you and your fight with
a new extraordinary Kimono.

www.gr1ps.com - nfo@gr1ps.com
 CONTENTS
ISSUE 30 2016

11 THE BIG PICTURE

A striking image from
our archives
54 bjj in popular culture
With Emil Fischer

19 
POSITION STUDY
The Omoplata
56 bjj - the new religion?
Matt Jardines 10 BJJ
commandments

14: CLASSIC MATCH - eddie bravo vs royler gracie 20 BELT PROMOTIONS

Snaps from your gradings 67 THE BJJ DOCTOR
Braulio Estima answers
your questions
24 its science
Osvaldo Queixinho
70 SHEDDING THE GI
Matheus Diniz shares
26 history 101
Roy Harris Team
some nogi techniques

28 SAMANTha COOK
On quitting the job and
76 NICK BROOKS
Attacks from sleeve and
trouser grips
chasing the dream

31 hannah gorman
With the Fightworx
84 mike leng
Top tips for your nutrition
planning from our expert
Academy Juniors
38: DURINHO

47 OLI GEDDES
Structuring a class - the
86 dr rebecca hill
Why we limit our BJJ
potential
hows and whys

50 BUDO JAKE
What to consider when
89 REVIEW CORNER
The latest BJJ goodies
under the JJS microscope
visiting another gym

52 SAM JOSEPH
Questions that can help
98 MAT LIFE
The adventures of a bjj
noob - Meerkatsu style
our BJJ

42: ORLANDO SANCHEZ

58: MASTERCLASS WITH ZE RADIOLA

94: EBI V TOURNAMENT REVIEW

32 A YEAR IN REVIEW
Our 2015 highlights

7
 Published by
Second Front Publishing Ltd ROGER
GRACIE
22 Beecham Road, Reading,
Berkshire, RG30 2RD

ISSN 2049-4548 (Print)

ISSN 2049-4556 (Online)

Call: +44 (0)1189 594765 CONSULTANT EDITOR

General email: info@bjjstyle.com
Editorial email: callum@bjjstyle.com
Advertising email: sales@bjjstyle.com
Subscription email: diane@bjjstyle.com

www.facebook.com/bjjstyle
www.twitter.com/jiujitsustyle

Annual digital subscription just 15.

Jiu Jitsu Styles digital edition is
available via the Android market and
iTunes store. Visit our website for
more details, search JIU JITSU STYLE
on your smartphone or tablet, or visit
pocketmags.com.

EDITOR: Callum Medcraft

CONSULTANT EDITOR: Roger Gracie

CONTRIBUTORS:
Ze Radiola Matheus Diniz
Nick Brooks Braulio Estima
Roger Gracie Emil Fischer
Sam Joseph Andre Borges
Can Snmez Hannah Gorman Rafael Mendes is another fighter
Seymour Yang Tyler Bishop who is clearly competing in a
Callum Medcraft
Felix Rodriguez
Rebecca Hill
Matt Jardine ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I AM league of his own at the moment.
To win his fifth world title without
Jake McKee Tom Bell conceding a single point in any
Oliver Geddes

Mike Leng

ILLUSTRATION CONTRIBUTORS:
ADAMANT THAT 2016 WILL BE THE match is exceptional. Mendes
now stands alone as the only
featherweight to win five world
Jody Clark, Seymour Yang & Gartista

PHOTOGRAHIC CONTRIBUTORS:
YEAR THAT SEES ME RETURN TO titles and who knows what more
he is capable of achieving.

Stefan Kocev
Hannah Gorman
Callum Medcraft
Blanca Marisa Garcia
Alberto Marchetti Budo Dave
FIGHTING IN THE GI We have a great Masterclass inside
this issue with my friend and great
teacher, Ze Radiola. Ze has been
Ric Ricard Patrick Flores responsible for helping to develop
Flavio Scorsato I always enjoy writing my first column of some amazing athletes, like Braulio
a new year, as it offers a great chance to and Victor Estima, as well as Charles
COVER ILLUSTRATION: JODY CLARK reflect on some of the standout stories Negromonte who teaches at my academy.
over the past twelve months. As expected, Ze is a guy who always likes to keep up to
Distributed to the newstrade by: there have been some fantastic performers date and learn new techniques, so make
COMAG Specialist 01895 433800 at the major competitions, and weve sure you check out this feature.
decided to put together a list of our
PRINTED BY: favourites in Our Year In Review feature. On a personal note, I am adamant that
www.imageryuk.com 2016 will be the year that sees me return
Mackenzie Dern will look back at 2015 to fighting in the gi. Ive been talking to a
as the year she managed to cement her number of people about some potential
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by status as one of the best fighters in jiu super fights that would be very interesting,
the contributors to this magazine may not represent jitsu. Beating Gabi Garcia in Abu Dhabi, so lets see what the future holds. One
the views of the publishers Second Front Publishing then picking up a submission win in her thing is for sure and that is my desire to
Limited. Second Front Publishing Limited are not
liable for any mistake, misprint or typographic errors.
World Championship final against Michelle make a return to jiu jitsu.
Copyright: 2016 Second Front Publishing Limited. Nicolini were both fantastic to watch.
All material in this magazine, including both text Enjoy the latest issue of the magazine guys
and images, is protected by copyright. Replication I also want to congratulate Bernardo Faria, and until next time keep training and
via republishing in any print or digital form requires who emerged as the man on top at the enjoying jiu jitsu.
consent from Second Front Publishing Limited.
World Championships this year. Though
Rodolfo Vieira was not able to compete
due to injury, and Buchecha was as also
forced to withdraw, Bernardo looked
like he was in unbeatable form and he
deserves his moment in the spotlight. ROGER GRACIE

8
THE BIG
PICTURE
One of the standout athletes
of 2015, Mackenzie Dern,
photographed in California.

PICTURE: FLAVIO SCORSATO

11
TRAIN
FOR
LIFE
Full range of new products at
WWW.GAMENESSEUROPE.COM

ARYA ESFANDMAZ IN GAMENESS AIR KIMONO AVAILABLE FROM 54.99

CLASSIC MATCH
I DIDNT EXPECT THE GI LOVERS TO JUMP FOR
JOY, BUT I TRULY THOUGHT THEY WOULD ADMIT I
WAS ONTO SOMETHING. INSTEAD, THEY DID THEIR
BEST TO SWEEP MY VICTORY UNDER THE RUG. IT
WAS THE LARGEST UPSET IN ABU DHABI HISTORY,
AND THEY SIMPLY IGNORED IT - EDDIE BRAVO

in 2000, but his

achievement was
(and has remained)
a rarity. Even today,
only Rafael Lovato
Jr, Robert Drysdale,
BACKGROUND Hillary Williams and Lana Stefanac have been able to follow Penns example
(Lana went one better, winning the Absolute division as well). Though the US has
By 2003, Brazilian jiu jitsu was fairly well established in the United States and a slightly better pedigree in the ADCC (with ten champions up until 2015), few
beginning to spread out to the rest of the world. It was an integral (if declining) expectations rested on the shoulders of a Jean Jacques Machado brown belt
part of MMA, though the Gracie family status had diminished with successive competing at the 2003 event, a man who entered the world as Edgar Cano. He
victories by Kazushi Sakuraba. In BJJ competition however, Gracie remained a became rather better known as Eddie Bravo.
name to conjure with. Royler Gracie was of particular importance, a legendary
and still active figure in the featherweight division. His trophy cabinet was An experienced competitor, Bravo had begun his training in 1994, entering
overflowing with titles from the Mundials as well as the most prestigious nogi his first tournament in 1996. He was only a brown belt, but had demonstrated
tournament, the ADCC. his skill by defeating Gustavo Dantas, a well-regarded competitor out of Nova
Uniao. However, Bravo would next be facing Royler Gracie. A largely unlauded
American black belts were unusual at the highest echelons of the sport. BJ Penn American brown belt approaching his mid-thirties, against the greatest 66kg
was an exception, becoming the first American to win gold at the Mundials competitor in the sports history? The result was surely a foregone conclusion.

FEW EXPECTATIONS RESTED ON THE SHOULDERS OF A JEAN JACQUES MACHADO EDDIE BRAVO SPENT 48% OF THE MATCH
BROWN BELT COMPETING AT THE 2003 EVENT, A MAN WHO ENTERED THE WORLD AS
EDGAR CANO. HE BECAME RATHER BETTER KNOWN AS EDDIE BRAVO FIGHTING FROM HIS HALF GUARD

14
 BY CAN SNMEZ

THE MATCH MATCH LENGTH: 8 MINS 30 SECS LOCATION: SAO PAOLO, BRAZIL
Visibly nervous, Bravo dropped DATE: 17TH MAY 2003 EVENT: ADCC 2003
straight to the mat, scooting
towards Royler. He eventually VENUE: GINSIO DO IBIRAPUERA ATTENDANCE: 5,000
managed to pull Royler into his
half guard, working on head
control. Royler passed with his
patented knee cut, but his side
control was loose, enabling
Bravo to roll back on top. He
didnt stay there long, as Royler
drove through to the top a
few seconds later while Bravo
backed away.

Bravo re-established half guard,

which Royler almost instantly
passed. Yet he didnt count on
Bravos flexibility: the American
was able to hook his foot by
Roylers hip, using that control
to gain butterfly guard. It was at
this point that the rubber guard
Bravo is best known for made
an appearance, though to little
effect.

After attempting a triangle

set-up, Bravo locked in closed
guard, but his legs slipped
down low on the Brazilians
body. Sensing a lack of control,
Royler exploded into a guard
pass. However, Bravo caught
him a second time with that
same escape to butterfly
guard. He got Roylers wrist
and pushed out Gracies arm,
providing him with the space he
needed to move into a classic
triangle entry.

Royler tried to stack his

opponent, but Bravo rolled with
it, curling his body, never letting
go of that triangle. Royler sat
to his butt, pulling on Bravos
knee. It was too late: almost
imperceptibly, Royler tapped.

I didnt expect the gi lovers to jump for joy, but I truly thought they would
AFTERMATH admit I was onto something. Instead, they did their best to sweep my victory
under the rug. It was the largest upset in Abu Dhabi history, and they simply
Nobody was more surprised than Eddie Bravo at the victory. He answered the ignored it. I figured the American jiu-jitsu press would at least give me some
Brazilian interviewer in a daze, eyes wet. Hes a legend. I cant believe I won. props in the magazines, but that never happened either.
I cant believe I won. He would be knocked out of the ADCC by Leo Vieira
in the next round (Vieira went on to win gold). As Bravo put it in an interview Things have changed since then, in large part due to another match between
with Total-MMA.com, fighting again after beating Royler was like winning the Bravo and Royler. This time the stage was Metamoris III. Though Bravo did not
Super Bowl, then having to win again. His head was no longer in the game. It submit Royler, he dominated the fight: Royler was forced on the defensive,
didnt matter. Bravos victory over Royler was undoubtedly the making of him. using his incredible flexibility (something he and Bravo have in common) to
As the first American to defeat Royler Gracie, he now had the notoriety he his advantage. While Roylers game looked much the same as it did in 2003,
needed to establish and build his own team, 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. Bravos performance proved he had grown a great deal in the last decade. The
BJJ community was impressed.
Initially, the rhetoric coming out of that team, denigrating the gi (something
Bravo dismissed as an ancient Asian superhero outfit) and making bold He then compounded that goodwill by establishing the Eddie Bravo
claims about Bravos revolutionary approach, were ridiculed. Though he Invitational, which has further raised the profile of both Bravo and his team. He
always attracted a certain segment of the market, reaching them through his was able to use EBI to showcase some of the rising stars at 10th Planet, like
books (especially Mastering the Rubber Guard) and later his DVDs, 10th Planet Geo Martinez. Along with other new promotions like Polaris, the Eddie Bravo
was outside of the mainstream. Bravo was somewhat bitter about what he Invitational has become a premium submission only event. It has been a long
perceived as a lack of recognition after the Abu Dhabi victory, writing in the wait, but the day when a student produced by 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu manages to
introduction to Mastering the Rubber Guard: surpass Bravos achievement and win the ADCC looks to be getting closer.

SOURCES: BRAVO, EDDIE, THE TWISTER [DVD] BRAVO, EDDIE, MASTERING THE RUBBER
GUARD (LAS VEGAS, NV: VICTORY BELT, 2006) BRAVO, EDDIE, MASTERING THE TWISTER
(LAS VEGAS, NV: VICTORY BELT, 2007) THEFIGHTWORKSPODCAST.COM
WWW.SLIDEYFOOT.COM WWW.HIGHTIMES.COM WWW.TOTAL-MMA.COM

15
 ABU DHABI GRAND SLAM
JIU-JITSU WORLD TOUR

Open to ALL nationalities. ALL Belts, Adults & Masters Massive cash prizes and
UAEJJF World Ranking Points.

The Journey To Professional Jiu-Jitsu Has Begun

For more information visit www.uaejjf.org

 POSITION STUDY
THE OMOPLATA
The omoplata appeared in Brazil either through judo or catch wrestling, both popular fighting
styles during the 1930s and 1940s. The position was not seen as highly effective in the early days,
but was part of the curriculum taught by most jiu jitsu academies.

When interviewed for this piece, Otavio Peixotinho one of the great
Carlson Gracie students of the 1970s and 1980s stated that:

The omoplata existed, but it lacked effectiveness. It was something youd THE OMOPLATA EXISTED, BUT IT LACKED
try in training, but not at competitions. I saw Rickson and Rolls compete
many times and even they wouldnt put it to use.
EFFECTIVENESS. IT WAS SOMETHING YOUD
Firstly with the submission only style competitions - and later due to the rigid
jiu jitsu rules established by the Rio de Janeiro federation in the early 1970s
- the omoplata was regarded as a submission move only. It was not seen as a
set up for a sweep, so remained dormant in the competitive scene for almost
TRY IN TRAINING, BUT NOT AT COMPETITIONS
seven decades. It was only in 1994, when the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Confederation
(CBJJ) re-opened the rulebook allowing points for this situation, that the
omoplata started being seen as a good option for a reversal.
- OTAVIO PEIXOTINHO
The change in the rules of jiu jitsus sporting environment coincided with developments. Since the improvements made by Nino, many more have
the growth in popularity of this ancient technique, a growth led by one added their input, making the omoplata one of the most utilised attacks in
competitor who revolutionised the guard game during the 1990s, Mr modern day jiu jitsu.
Antonio Nino Schembri.

Schembri opened the eyes of many fighters to the efficiency of the position, WORDS: ANDRE BORGES, EDITOR AT WWW.BJJHEROES.COM
using it as a set up not only for sweeps, but also armbars, chokes and other

19
 BELT PROMOTIONS
IF YOU WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE AWARDED A NEW BELT RECENTLY, THIS PAGE REPRESENTS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SAVOUR
THE MOMENT WITH RECOGNITION IN JIU JITSU STYLE! SEND IN DETAILS OF YOUR RECENT PROMOTION, INCLUDING THE RANK YOU
ACHIEVED AND YOUR INSTRUCTORS NAME, AND WE WILL PUBLISH AS MANY AS WE CAN IN OUR MAGAZINE.

SEND YOUR EMAILS TO U2US@BJJSTYLE.COM

Fernando Latorre was promoted to blue belt by Chen Moraes at Ollie Dillon, Martin Fernandes and Dominic Dillon were all promoted to purple belt at
Anaconda BJJ academy, Barcelona. Norwich BJJ by Baruc Martin and Tito Beltran.

Nora Malchin receives her blue belt from Franjo Artukovic, Dominik
Artukovic, Nico Penzer and Renato Migliaccio. at Stallion Gym, Artukovic
Jiu Jitsu, in Stuttgart, Germany.
Jiu Jitsu Style contributor, Matt Jardine, received his purple belt from Mauricio
Gomes and Roger Gracie.

Joshua Bull was promoted to blue belt by Nick Brooks and Roger Gracie
Alex Cannon received his purple belt from Arlans Siqueira (Arlans Siqueira
black belt, Luc Lamude.
Cheshire BJJ).

20
 blue belt
Keith Scott (aka Bruce) received his
from Aaron Naisbet at The Dungeon Grading day at Urban Kings Gym for Jude Samuel and his Inglorious Grapplers team congratulations
in Sunderland. to everyone that was promoted!

Shawn Bunting received his brown belt from

Paul Creighton (CMMA) and Sam Joseph
Seymour Yang, Shaun Beattie and Stephen de Aguiar were promoted to black belt by Nick Brooks. (Buckhead Jiu Jitsu).

James Choe received his purple belt from Gerson Sanginitto and Daniel Tcruz.

Noor McVay was promoted to blue belt by Nova Forca UK head coach
Ricardo Da Silva. Lubomir Repasky was promoted to black belt by Nick Brooks.

21
 A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

THE DREADED INJURY LAY OFF

After over eight years of training, it finally happened. I
suffered my first extensive injury lay off, which left me
genuinely worried for my sanity.

Like any jiu jitsu practitioner Ive had my fair exertion for such a long time, I was also excited However, after watching and reading content
share of minor injuries: a bloody nose, hyper- by the prospect of watching, reading and from the likes of Eddie Cummings and Dean
extended limbs (I did eventually learn to tap), reflecting on as much BJJ content as I could get Lister, I have a new-found desire to look at this
sprained fingers and cauliflower ears. As youll my hands on. whole new area of potential development.
all know, these relatively minor injuries do little
in the way of keeping you away from training; I decided to use my new found spare time At the time of writing Im due back to training
theyre more of an inconvenience if anything to research some of my favourite athletes in the next few days for the first time since the
else. As fate would have it, what eventually kept and their standout techniques in an attempt injury, and I can honestly say this has turned
me away from the mats for my first extensive lay to head back to the mats with plenty of new into a really positive experience. My hunger for
off was a fall during judo practice. material to work on. It was not only great development has grown greater than ever and
fun watching highlights, reading blogs and if it is possible I think Im in love with the
Having fallen awkwardly during judo randori searching for new content, but it also helped gentle art even more. If youre facing a lengthy
and experiencing a sharp pain in my lower me think about the sort of grappler I aspire to layoff from the mats, my advice would be to use
back, I stumbled through the rest of the session be. Instead of coming home from a training this as a time to reflect on your journey so far,
feeling like I was constantly winded. After session reflecting on the obvious areas I figure out where you want to grow as a grappler
peeing blood for 36 hours, being admitted to needed to work on, watching and reading and work hard to keep jiu jitsu in your life even
hospital for two days, getting diagnosed with content helped me think more about the when you cant practise it.
renal trauma and ordered away from training additional areas Id LIKE to work on.
for six weeks, I started to think of other ways to Thanks for picking up our latest issue, and keep
amuse myself. Obviously we need to be mindful of addressing training!
the flaws that live sparring unearths, but I think
Our resident BJJ Doctor, Braulio Estima, has it can be equally important to maintain an idea
addressed the issue of developing your BJJ of the skills you wish to learn. For example,
away from actual training in our last mag, so I though Im a brown belt my attacking leglock
dug through my back issues and sought out his game is still very limited, but I dont often
words of wisdom. Though I still felt depressed come away from a training session reflecting on
by the prospect of no rolling or any physical this in my game because I can work around it. CALLUM MEDCRAFT
 BY TYLER BISHOP

Osvaldo
ITS SCIENCE
OSVALDO QUEIXINHO MOIZINHO IS A SOUL FIGHTERS BLACK BELT
AND ONE OF THE MOST TECHNICAL FIGHTERS COMPETING IN THE 70KG
DIVISION. HAVING TRAINED EXTENSIVELY WITH CAIO TERRA, QUEIXINHO

Moizinho IS KNOWN FOR HIS EXCELLENT USE OF THE DE LA RIVA GUARD AND
PRECISE, VERSATILE PASSING AND SUBMISSIONS.

QUEIXINHOS AVERAGE
MATCH LENGTH WAS
6 MINS 52 SECONDS

71%
OF QUEIXINHOS WINS
Its Science is brought to you by BishopBjj.
WERE BY SUBMISSION
com. The goal of BishopBjj.com is to expand
and empower the jiu jitsu community by
emphasising the science and art of jiu jitsu in
QUEIXINHO GAINED MOST
fun and exciting ways. We want to highlight
what makes jiu jitsu so calculated, but also
SUCCESS FROM STANDING
what makes it so much fun. GUARD PASSES
24
 60% 73%
ABSTRACT:
All matches observed of Osvaldo Queixinho, used
in this small sample occurred at IBJJF events, inside of
his weight division, and in the years 2011-2015. Only
techniques, occurrences, and outcomes that were recorded
are displayed in the data below (i.e. if no butterfly sweeps
OF QUEIXINHOS MATCHES occurred, there will not be a representation of that in the
sample data charts). Matches were selected at random

OF HIS SWEEPS CAME FROM THE ENDED IN VICTORY based on freely available matches. This is a limited sample
but given the estimated amount of matches in this time
period it is well above the percentage necessary to create
OPEN GUARD a scientifically validated trend sampling.

78% 15
TOTAL MATCHES
OBSERVED
TOTAL MINUTES
OBSERVED 104
OF HIS PASSES OCCURRED
MATCHES WON
BY SUBMISSION 08
FROM STANDING
MATCHES WON
BY POINTS 03
HE SCORED FIRST IN
OPPONENT
WON MATCH 04
TOTAL
MATCHES DRAWN 00
10 OF HIS 11 WINS TOTAL
MATCHES WON 11
he found a way to get those submissions in seven is dynamic nonetheless. He found success passing,
THE BREAKDOWN different ways. Thats the greatest submission sweeping, and submitting in more different ways
There are some names that fly just under the diversity weve seen in any of our studies. than anyone else weve studied.
radar in BJJ, and one of the guys that has to be
mentioned in this category is Osvaldo Queixinho Queixinhos entire game is diverse; we witnessed Ultimately, whats most impressive about Queixinho
Moizinho. Many will recognise him from his him employ different strategies for each opponent. is how dynamic his submission game is; he was
successful battles with Joao and Paulo Miyao this In fact, the only technique he successfully used able to nab a lot of different kinds of submissions
year, but Queixinho has been a dominant force more than twice in the entire study was de La Riva from many different positions. While many athletes
in the featherweight division for years now, and guard. He does a very good job of deflecting and weve studied have found success from minimising
the most interesting thing about him may be the shutting down the berimbolo of his opponents, their toolkit, Queixinho seems to thrive with a
diversity in his game. and even countered with his own on one or two broad approach.
occasions. His sweep to pass ratio was almost dead
even (10/9). When he went to sweep, he would Queixinho has yet to win a world championship,
THE STUDY often rely on various open guards, with de La Riva but with the exit of Gui Mendes from the division
Queixinho first came to prominence several years being the most popular. When passing, he really and his recent success over the Miyao brothers,
ago with a quick footlock win over UFC star Nate kept his opponents guessing; while nearly 80% Queixinho has to be a favourite for a 2016 world
Diaz. Since then the young Brazilian has proven of his passes were from standing, he varied his title. He is certainly an athlete to follow.
himself to be a top IBJJF competitor to watch. approaches considerably. In the study, he was able
What makes watching him so much fun is seeing to execute seven seven different styles of passes.
just how well-rounded his game is.

In the matches we viewed Queixinho had an

Whats important to keep in mind is that in most
of our studies we see a strong prevalence of
QUEIXINHO FINISHED 7 DIFFERENT
impressive 73% win rate. His submission rate in a game. Queixinho seems able to tailor his
those wins ended up being around 72%! This is
no easy feat. Whats even more impressive is that
approach depending on his opponent. Whether
this is done subconsciously or on purpose, his style
KINDS OF SUBMISSIONS

SWEEP (POSITION) PASS (POSITION) SUBMISSION (POSITION)

DE LA RIVA............................................................................... 4 HALF-GUARD............................................................................ 2 BACK........................................................................................ 2
50/50...................................................................................... 2 STANDING.................................................................................7 SIDE CONTROL..........................................................................1
HALF GUARD............................................................................ 2 MOUNT......................................................................................1
SPIDER GUARD.........................................................................1
OPEN GUARD.............................................................................1 PASS (TYPE) HALF-GUARD TOP.....................................................................1
LEG DRAG..................................................................................1 DE LA RIVA................................................................................1
SWEEP (TYPE) KNEE THROUGH.........................................................................1 50/50.......................................................................................1
ANKLE PICK.............................................................................. 2 MISC..........................................................................................1
X-PASS..................................................................................... 2
TOMANAGI................................................................................ 2
BULLFIGHTER .......................................................................... 2
SCISSOR....................................................................................1
LEG-WEAVE...............................................................................1
SUBMISSION (TYPE)
TRIPS/OFF-BALANCING............................................................1 CHOKE FROM BACK................................................................. 2
SIT-UP AND OVERTAKE OPPONENT..........................................1 KNEE CUT FROM HALF GUARD..................................................1 KIMURA/AMERICANA...............................................................1
BERIMBOLO.............................................................................. 3 REVERSE SITTING HALF GUARD................................................1 ARMBAR....................................................................................1
SUMMARY TAKING THE BACK
CROSS COLLAR TOP..................................................................1
SUCCESSES: STANDING GUARD PASSES LEGLOCK....................................................................................1
AVOIDED: BOTTOM HALF GUARD SIDE CONTROL..........................................................................1 NECK CHOKE (GUILLOTINE, BRABO, ETC.)................................1
TOP TECHNIQUES: STANDING GUARD PASSES & DE LA RIVA FROM PASSING THE GUARD.................................................... 2 OMOPLATA................................................................................1

25
 HISTORY 101:
about these Brazilian guys who were awesome
on the ground. Up until that point in time, I
only had a minimal interest in ground fighting.
However, my friend showed me what it was all
about. We sparred in the parking lot outside
of the Academy. He took me to the pavement

ROY HARRIS TEAM

and choked me in about ten seconds flat.
Now, keep in mind my friend weighed 50
lbs less than I did. Needless to say, I was
impressed. No one had ever done that to me
before, so I knew he was onto something. I
went driving through Torrance in search of the
new Gracie Academy.
The United States was the starting point for jiu ranging from familiar styles like judo, aikido
jitsus international expansion, initially due to and boxing through to rather more esoteric Though Harris has since voiced his regrets at
Rorion Gracies second attempt to establish a names, like sho shin ti karate and balintawak. publically sharing his early recollections of BJJ
US foothold in 1978, which accelerated in the (its a remarkably honest account), it remains
late 80s with the release of Gracie Jiu Jitsu in That all began in 1981, as Harris documented a valuable insight into a very different world.
Action and subsequent instructional videos. in a fascinating thread on The Underground Back in the early 90s, BJJ was a closed-off
The major catalyst arrived in 1993 with the back in 2001. He writes that after reading environment where training was hard to come
UFC, but by that point the legendary Dirty Bruce Lees Fighting Methods: Basic by, knowledge tightly held by a handful of
Dozen group comprising the first non-Brazilian Training, he headed off to a wing chun class. Brazilians. His first classes were with Rorion
black belts had already been training for years. Unimpressed, he moved on to jeet kune do and Royler, in the winter of 1990.
The first of them to reach black belt, Craig with Rick Faye in Minnesota until 1986 (due
Kukuk and Ken Gabrielson, earned their rank to a move to California). Faye recommended After only thirteen lessons with Royler, Harris
in 1992, a year before Royce stepped into the Harris try Dan Inosanto and Paul Vunak, who in was presented with a blue belt. He was also
Octagon. keeping with the original precepts of JKD were teaching self defence classes at the time, over
always looking to expand their knowledge. at the University of California (which also led to
There are multiple versions of the Dirty Dozen a year training in sambo with Nikolay Baturin).
list, with some debate about the order, but As you might expect from an open-minded That would eventually lead to a falling out with
Roy Harris can lay claim to a place. Like a martial arts school in California at that time, the Gracie Academy over money in 1992, as
number of other early adopters, Harris had a word about the Gracies training over in Harris was being paid by the University. Harris
long background in other martial arts before Torrance had got around: states that he was already passing some of that
encountering Brazilian jiu jitsu. He counts an income to Rorion, but that Rorion expected
impressive twenty-seven different A friend of mine who was training more. According to Harris, he went
disciplines on his website, at the Inosanto Academy told me through several

26
 BY CAN SNMEZ

TIMELINE

1981
Harris starts training in wing
chun, inspired by Bruce Lee

1986
Harris moves to California,
having trained JKD in Minnesota

1990
Harris enrols at the Gracie
Academy

1993
Harris begins training with Joe
Moreira in Newport Beach

1998
Moreira promotes Harris to
instructors after that, but all of them cut ties black belt
because of unfounded rumours circulating

2009
about him. Eventually, he found an instructor
ready to hear his side of the story: Joe Moreira.
Harris has stuck with Moreira ever since, Harris promotes Sheila Bird to
receiving his purple belt in 1994, brown belt in black belt
1996, and finally the black belt in 1998.

Noted for his heavily structured approach he had learned once he got home.
to teaching, Harris produced a clear set of After years of being Brians training dummy,
criteria that had to be met before he would she eventually felt motivated to sign up for
rank a student. This formal approach remains classes at his school (which became a Roy Harris
rare in BJJ and is not suited to everybody, but affiliate in 2001).
Harris was among the first to bring that level of
specificity to the grading process (his students Within a year of starting BJJ, Bird was already
have continued that process, perhaps most good enough to win bronze in the mens
notably Roy Dean). It is something that can also absolute division at a small local tournament.
be seen in his instructional tapes, where again An avid competitor, Bird has over 100 grappling
Harris was something of a pioneer. He created matches, as well as a 3-0 record in MMA. She
a set designed for the older grappler, BJJ Over was awarded her black belt from Harris in 2009,
40, as well as DVDs that cover grip fighting for having won the FILA Grappling Worlds event
BJJ and takedowns from the knees. His first the previous year (she won the gi division three
instructional tapes, BJJ 101, arrived in the 90s, years in a row). Sheila currently teaches at the
when there were barely any Americans in the school she co-owns with her husband Brian (he
market (Craig Kukuk is among the few to have is now a third degree black belt under Harris),
preceded Harris). Champions Creed in Calgary.

Sheila Bird began training in the same year To finish with the words of Roy Harris black
Harris gained his black belt. Her interest was belt, Chris Martell: Along the way, I had my
piqued by her then-boyfriend Brian Bird, a keen eyes opened to more martial arts concepts
martial artist who started BJJ in 1995. He was and microscopic details than I could ever have
always asking Sheila if he could practise what imagined. Mr. Harris sees the matrix.

SOURCES: ROYHARRIS.COM STICKGRAPPLER.NET FIGHTERGIRLS.NET AWAKENINGFIGHTERS.COM

CHAMPIONSCREED.CA SLIDEYFOOT.COM MODERNSELFDEFENCE.COM MIXEDMARTIALARTS.COM

27
WORDS: TOM BELL
Words: Tom Bell Pictures: Callum Medcraft
PICTURES PATRICK FLORES

QUIT THE JOB, CHASE THE DREAM

A Chico Mendes brown belt since July, London Fight Factorys Samantha
Cook has had a barnstormer of a debut year at faixa marrom.

H aving secured a place at the Abu

Dhabi Pro Finals next year, quickly
followed by becoming a World Nogi
avenue I should explore where I can, because
I have my degree and previous hard work to
fall back on. If I could switch the work to part
When I was a blue belt, even a purple belt, I was still
getting smashed and something didnt feel right about it,
but then one day it kind of just clicked. This is what I want
Champion, we caught up with Sam to time, like Im trying to get now in London, I to get across to people when I teach, I want them to know
talk success, being a role model, leaving could keep my foot in the door. its achievable.
a competitive profession and generally
seeing how the cookie really crumbles. I enjoyed it, but the work with sprains and So how do you think your enthusiasm fits in with your
strains, it wasnt too satisfying and I didnt work in promoting womens BJJ in the UK? Not sure if
Hi Sam, can you tell us a little about your really believe I was helping people, so I theres a competition photo out there where you dont
life before you decided to take up jiu jitsu specialised in respiratory physio where I have a smile on your face!
full time? helped people on intensive care, cystic [Laughs] Thats what I want people to know me by. You have
I started training in 2008 or 2009 under fibrosis sufferers, people where I could the ups and downs of BJJ, competitions all the time, and
Italo Ferreira, I got my blue belt under Italo make a difference. still have a smile on your face and stay humble - thats me.
before he moved to Abu Dhabi, so we had Most people who spend time around me will pretty much
Chico (Mendes) come over. He changed the Well, as a world champion in jiu jitsu know Im laughing all the time and its usually the loudest
gym and I continued to train with him. and working in physio, its a similar kind laugh in the room.
of story to Janni Larsson. Shes a world
However, I recently moved to London to champion, working in medicine and shes Its a competitive sport, but we do this because we love
fulfil a mission of full time training. With also your good friend! Tell us about your it, right? Im training every day, getting smashed, getting
Chico moving at the time and creating frequent trips to Denmark. beat up but you know what, Im smiling because I love
the new academy, there was a vibe that Yes, shes my very good friend. So I what we do and others can be like that too. I want to be
many of the people trained part time. I originally did a Europeans training camp as helpful and approachable as possible and if me being
was working as a physio, in Copenhagen under
living in Cheltenham and Shimon Mochizuki. I
commuting to Bristol to
train every night. Id go
straight after work and
IM NOT SUPER HUMAN, started speaking with
Shanti (Abelha) before
Id met them, she told
then not get back home
until late. NONE OF US ARE, I JUST me Janni would be
there, Camila (Hansen),
Ida Hansson and I was
I went to the Europeans
for the first time in 2014
and won it as a purple
ENJOY WHAT I DO, HAVE like man this is going
to be great training
for me!
belt and decided to leave
my job to train full time.
I thought why not? You
FUN, TRAIN HARD AND I spoke with Chico and
he told me it would be
have the rest of your life
to work and Id really like
to see how this goes as a
IT PAYS OFF excellent for me. I did
my first camp there
for my first Europeans,
career. I handed my notice in at work, left which was very successful as I won. Janni and
and started training full time. As I did that, I I since then have trained together lots my
injured my knee and was out for six months, whole game is based around, and similar,
I had no job, no sick pay and no jiu jitsu it to hers. She was awesome, she took time
was a miserable time in my life! to show me things, drill with me; everyone
was awesome there but in particular Janni
Anyway, in the September-ish I came back, seemed to stand out. She would smash
competed at the London Open and I didnt me and it would be so effortless, it left me
do very well. I needed the full time training, wanting to learn from her. happy helps that then I wouldnt
so as much as I had fantastic training and have it any other way.
partners in Bristol, I felt like I had a different In particular, her spider, x-guard and
mindset towards what I wanted to do. It was footlock game was something I thought The number of women training
more than a hobby to me, so I spoke with I could use. We drilled a lot and when BJJ is constantly on the rise, but
Chico and explained; Id already trained Michelle Nicolini came to train with us at quite often the numbers turning
with Luiz (Manxinha Ribeiro) so it was the LSF, we rolled a little bit and Michelle asked up at competitions arent there
most natural progression. me if Id been training with Janni! She told yet any thought on why this is?
me we had very similar styles. Its difficult to say. Ive spoken
Physiotherapy is a notoriously with Lawrence at BJJ247 whod
competitive field, so was it difficult to Your success on the mat and level of been offering Europeans prize
leave something youd worked so hard to jiu jitsu has now led to you teaching packages. I said that he should
get in to? seminars, so tell us a little about how you think about offering a package for
I managed to get in at university to study find that experience? women at brown and purple, after
it on a course of only 70-100 people and So I did my first ever seminar in November he already offered one to white
in Bristol where its extremely competitive, before I went to the Worlds and it was and blue belts, and he did that,
graduating in 2011. really, really successful, I was so pleased. 21 but only one girl signed up, which
girls turned out, girls whod Id never met made me really sad to see.
I worked from 2011-2014 between from clubs Id never been to I spotted
Cheltenham and Gloucester and I just some familiar faces but there was a lot of It cant be about the prize offers,
decided I liked training full time and it was an novice girls. It really surprised me! because the prize offers are there. The competitions arent

28
too far away either, theyre all over the UK and anywhere is The message I would want to hear and the message I
accessible if you plan your competition trip properly. would give? Easy. It is achievable and it is doable. Even SAMANTHA
if you dont train full time and you just train with guys, or
I dont know; for me, I tend to plan for the big youre not in the best position to travel to competitions
COOK
tournaments in the Europeans, Pans and Worlds but in the - experience different training, which I think can help a Sam is a
UK, we have the UKBJJA now using a ranking system so game quite a lot. reigning IBJJF
rankings are covered here in the UK. Its really difficult to middleweight
say, because there are the numbers in the gyms and a lot Its just to know that if you stick with it then it will pay Nogi World
of people talk - even Dan Strauss was saying about Kleos off. Okay, I fight between weights and Im trying to Champion
Grappling that the girls wanted their own war hammers. stay at middle. Im not the smallest girl but Im not the
He said okay, I can give you a war hammer but we need biggest girl, so it isnt like Im some monster girl in the
you to get a minimum amount of female competitors, and gym who can smash through any opponent I still get
then people didnt really sign up. beaten up every day and its that reassurance that even
though youre getting crushed, or that technique isnt
Its tricky, is there a stigma attached to it that we havent working, just keep going.
quite outgrown yet? The girls know that when it comes
to the Europeans and the biggest competitions, yes Try and get some self-training in. If theres a womens
theyre expensive, but youll get a minimum amount of open mat, go to it, or if theres a woman centric seminar,
3-4 fights and at white and blue, its massive. There are go and learn. Just test yourself and just try and compete.
loads of people registered that wasnt there when I was Like I said, I want to be the approachable girl whos always
competing at blue, maybe theyre saving themselves smiling and laughing because that is me and I hope it
financially and physically. comes across to people too. Its not unachievable to reach
a high level at a sacrifice of happiness and relaxation.
Is it a double edged sword? More people registered
could intimidate you out of signing up yourself, but on We all have our fan girl moments, if you meet Michelle
the other hand, there are people who will only register Nicolini, Mackenzie Dern or Bia Mesquita. Its easy to think
when others do. oh my god, this isnt achievable and its so far away, but
I would agree. Its difficult because of types of its not. Its easy to forget that these people were white and
competitors. blue belts once. Its a competitive
sport, but we do this
Is it a case of, do you want to win a medal by I recently saw a picture of Shanti in a purple belt on the because we love it,
having one fight, or do you want to earn a medal podium; it took me by surprise because its easy to think right? Im training
by having four? that these people have always been black belts. Its so every day, getting
Maybe it will start with the big tournaments first and then close, the belt gaps may be far apart but you will get your smashed, getting
filter down to the national, regional and local tournaments. reward back from what you put in and it will be the best beat up but you know
I would encourage people to compete all the time. thing youve ever done. what, Im smiling
People get very nervous, thats okay, I used to get nervous because I love what
too. But its like, competition is such a small part of your I hope that my story so far is a success story. I had a full we do and others can
training, you will do things in training that you wont do time career and I left everything to go into a difficult be like that too
in competition. In competition you will stick to what you sport where I knew I would make no money from it. So, I
know, you will avoid being that little bit reckless and doing hope people look at me and see that making sacrifices,
fancy stuff if youre going to give something away. leaving your job, moving in with your parents theyre
not steps backwards and they can help you get to where
So maybe with the girls, its people feeling like theyre not you really want to be.
ready, but do you know what? Other than training with
my team mates at the gym and within competing, you Its working, this year alone since getting my brown belt I
learn so much more in competition. You can have some have won tickets to Abu Dhabi by winning the trials; I went
hard lessons on the competition mats and trust me Ive to Finland, fought in nogi and won a ticket to the Worlds
had them, but when I compete and I make a mistake I will If one person says, well if she can do it, I can do it, then I
never make them again. have helped and I will be happy.

If you cast your mind back to white or blue belt Sam Im not super human, none of us are, I just enjoy what I do,
Cook, talking to her as a brown belt world champion, have fun, train hard and it pays off.
what message would YOU want to hear?

29
AESTHETIC

F I G H TA E S T H E T I C . C O M
WORDS & PICTURES:
HANNAH GORMAN

FIGHTWORX ACADEMY JUNIORS

Fightworx Academy is based in Torquay and as of November 2015 it is
home to three Junior European champions.

T he highly decorated Fightworx junior team is run by

brown belt Vikki Todd, under head instructor and
black belt, Darren Yeoman. In this article, I introduce you
FIGHTWORX
to three of the most avid competitors from the Fightworx JUNIORS
Academy junior team; Madison Murphy, Kasey Lyon and Madison
Mario Schiano. Murphy

Hi guys, please introduce yourselves Kasey Lyon

Madi: Im 14, a yellow belt with two tabs and have been
training BJJ for a year and a half. Mario Schiano
Kasey: Im 14 too, an orange belt, and Ill have been
training three years in February.
Mario: Im 15 years old and a green belt. Ive been
training at Fightworx Academy for almost six years.

What has been your biggest achievement to date? Talk us through your training. Does it differ in the
Madi: It would probably have to be winning the Junior build up to a competition?
National Championships in March 2015. This was my first Madi: I train on Tuesdays, when I also help coach the
competition and I had only been training for a couple kids class. I also train on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
of months. I was against people who were a lot more and Sundays. So, five times a week. When preparing for
experienced than me. competitions I train every day as well as participating in
Kasey: Winning gold at the recent Junior European the adult classes. I also do circuit training and go to the
Championships. gym to build up my strength. I put a lot of effort into
Mario: My attendance at training. I think Ive missed getting myself ready!
about four sessions due to illness in five years. Kasey: At the moment Im training one or two days a week
but before competitions I train about five times a week.
Who do you look up to? Mario: I train at the junior and adult class. There is no
Madi: My instructor Vikki Todd. She puts so much effort difference in my preparation, I always train hard!
into teaching myself and the other juniors. She does so
much more than is expected of her. What has been your hardest or most challenging BJJ has made me
Kasey: People taller than me, ha! Nah, Hannah Gorman competitive fight? much more confident
and Vikki Todd. Madi: It would probably have been when I fought Kasey in myself and it has
Mario: Rafael Mendes and Cobrinha. Also my dad, who at the final of the British Open. It was such an even and taught me not to be
never stops talking about jiu jitsu! close match and it was a real struggle as we both knew afraid to put myself
each others games so well! out there
What has been your most memorable moment since Kasey: I fought Charli Simkin two years ago at the British - Madison Murphy
you began training? Championships. That was a hard match!
Madi: Winning the Junior Nationals this year. Mario: My hardest fight is always in my head. I suffer
Kasey: I recently defeated a girl at the Junior Europeans from a lot of anxiety and nerves before a fight.
who had been selected to represent the Junior Elite
Squad at the kids Pan Ams. I won gold in my category. Favourite guard?
Mario: I was really proud to win gold at the 2015 Madi: De la Riva guard, mainly because there are so
European Championships. It was my last big tournament many different options you have from that guard.
as a junior as Ill be in the juvenile division next year. Kasey: Yeah, I like the overhead sweeps from de La Riva
guard.
BJJ is more than just a sport. What has BJJ taught Mario: De La Riva.
you about yourself?
Madi: BJJ has made me much more confident in myself Favourite submission?
and it has taught me not to be afraid to put myself out Madi: Probably the kimura. Im always looking for it from
there. every position!
Kasey: How to defend myself. Kasey: I like that choke from mount where you grab your
Mario: That discipline and hard work brings rewards. own gi and then put it under their neck before spinning
round to north south.
Mario: Rear naked chokes and triangles.

What do you love most about training Jiu Jitsu at

Fightworx?
Madi: Fightworx is such a friendly environment, with
brilliant teachers and the people are amazing. Theyre all
so supportive and always help me out. Ive learned and
grown so much as a person and its all down to the guys
at Fightworx.
Kasey: Everyone is really friendly and it feels like a big
family.
Mario: Its good fun, good vibes (because of great team-
mates) and the teachers are great as they encourage me
to work hard and be the best that I can be!

31
 ILLUSTRATION: JODY CLARK

WORDS: CALLUM MEDCRAFT

AYEAR IN REVIEW
WE LOOK BACK AT A FANTASTIC 12 MONTHS OF BJJ
It seems a lot can happen in 12 months...
AS YOUD EXPECT FROM SUCH AN EXCITING, PROGRESSIVE AND DEVELOPING SCENE AS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU, 2015 DID ITS BEST TO

SHOWCASE THE ATHLETES AND ORGANISATIONS STRIVING FOR GREATNESS. AS ALWAYS, WE WERE NOT LEFT DISAPPOINTED.

WEVE SEEN STANDOUT PERFORMANCES FROM ATHLETES LIKE GARRY TONON AND

MACKENZIE DERN, HUGE CAREER MILESTONES FOR RAFA MENDES AND BRUNO

MALFACINE, PLUS A WHOLE HOST OF CAPTIVATING MATCHES, EVENTS, SUBMISSIONS AND

PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS. ITS BEEN TOUGH TO NARROW DOWN BUT, LADIES AND

GENTLEMEN, WE GIVE YOU THE JIU JITSU STYLE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR.

The Giant Killer: Mackenzie Dern beats all-comers

Since gaining her black belt in 2012, Mackenzie Dern has been pushing the
worlds best and chasing gold medals at every major tournament. As fate
would have it, the last twelve months have seen the 22 year-old hit the best
form of her young career.

Despite a narrow (and somewhat controversial) defeat in the final of the 2015
European championships to Michelle Nicolini, and almost taking Gabi Garcias
back in the openweight final, it was clear that Dern had hit top gear for the
competition season. Just three months after competing in Lisbon, Mackenzie
found herself at the World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championships (WPJJC) in
Abu Dhabi. It was in Abu Dhabi that she would rise to stardom.

The semi-final of the openweight division saw 55kg Mackenzie face Gabi
Garcia, the unrivalled champion of womens jiu jitsu, who at over 6ft tall
and weighing 90kg towered over everyone she fought. Against all odds,
Mackenzie brought the crowd to their feet and eked out a narrow victory,
dealing Garcia her first defeat in years. With this notable victory under her
belt, she went on to claim gold in both her weight and openweight class.

June brought about further success and Derns first IBJJF black belt world
title. If victory in itself wasnt enough, her dominant performance and
submission victory over the legendary Michelle Nicolini in the final was a real
statement of intent from the youngster.

Mackenzie showed no signs of slowing down in the latter stages of the year.
August saw FIVE Grappling hold their first ever Super League event, hosted
at Studio 540 and inviting the best jiu jitsu athletes on the planet. Mackenzie
blew away the opposition, securing submission victories in every match and
going home $10,000 richer.

Come November, Mackenzie racked up yet another black belt title, this time
at the IBJJF Nogi World Championships. Despite losing in her weight class
to Tammi Musumeci, she rallied in the openweight and ended up being
crowned the champion, capping off an extraordinary season of competition
that will be tough to beat in 2016.

The Musumecis: Tammy and Mikey claiming scalps

The sibling duo, Tammy and Mikey Musumeci, are two of the brightest young
stars to enter the elite jiu jitsu circuit over the last couple of years.

Tammy first gained attention in 2014 after winning the IBJJF Pan Ams
during her first year as a black belt. And who can forget her gutsy
performance at the 2014 Worlds, where she refused to tap and tried to
continue fighting in her final match against Michelle Nicolini, despite
suffering from a dislocated shoulder.

It was at the 2015 IBJJF Nogi World Championships that Tammy claimed
the biggest title of her career, and a sizeable scalp in the process. She At the 2015 IBJJF American Nationals, Mikey faced Joao Miyao, setting
defeated none other than Mackenzie Dern in the final of the featherweight up a showdown between two connoisseurs of the modern game. After
division, solidifying her status amongst the elite and turning plenty of ten minutes of berimbolos, leg drags and footlocks, it was Musumeci who
heads in the process. came away with the victory, leading to headlines such as The Man Who
Miyaod Miyao.
If truth be told, Mikey Musumeci has been on the radar for quite some time.
The 20 year-old won sequential world titles all the way from juvenile up to The cumulative efforts of the Musumecis and their successes against the
brown belt quite an impressive feat. However, just like his sister, it was victory best in the sport represented great entertainment for the fans during the
over a high profile black belt that raised his stock within the jiu jitsu community. past 12 months, earning their place amongst our highlights.

33
 Rafa On Top: Rafa Mendes claims
record fifth featherweight world title

What more can be said about this man? Though not the busiest season of
competition from the Art of Jiu Jitsu co-founder, Rafa Mendes decimation of
the featherweight division at the IBJJF World Championships was enough to
emphasise that hes truly reached a class of his own.

With the announcement that brother, Gui Mendes, would be retiring from
competition in 2015, there was perhaps a hint of extra pressure being added
to Rafas shoulders. Holding four black belt world titles going into June, he
was tied with the great Royler Gracie as the most decorated featherweight in
IBJJF history, and there was an air of expectation surrounding Mendes as the
World Championships began. As expected, he didnt disappoint.

In honesty, Mendes run to gold barely saw him break a sweat. He racked
up four submissions from four matches en route to the final, including a
fantastically executed wristlock from the crucifix over Alliances Mario Reis. As
predicted, it would be his old adversary, Rubens Charles Cobrinha looking
to stop Rafa in his tracks during the final.

Mendes and Cobrinha share perhaps one of the most heated rivalries in jiu
jitsu, with emotions clear to see when they take to the mat. Though history
suggested the 2015 final would be yet another close encounter, it was
really nothing more than total dominance from the Atos man. Rafa ran away
with the match 6-0, having never looked in danger and without conceding
a single point in the entire competition. He now stands alone as the best
featherweight in IBJJF history and, arguably, jiu jitsus crowning jewel.

Claudio Calasans: Finally has his year

After literally years of trying, Claudio Calasans finally had the season hed
no doubt been dreaming of ever since he started to compete. Though hed
reached the pinnacle of success at the Abu Dhabi WPJJC, it was an IBJJF
world title that he really craved. After finishing runner-up on numerous
occasions, 2015 was finally his time.

Having disposed of Bruno Togni via submission, followed by Vinicius Marinho

6-4 in the quarter final, Calasans moved on to face Victor Estima once again.
Coming off the back of a defeat to Estima at the WPJJC earlier in the year,
and with momentum from their recent encounters clearly against him, Claudio
did exceptionally well to pick up a 4-2 victory and make it to the last two.
After one final battle, he walked away with an 8-4 victory over Vitor Oliveira
and the gold medal hed been waiting for.
The Birth of Polaris Pro:
The final kicker for Calasans competition season came in Sao Paulo, Brazil,
at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC). Knocked out in his weight class by Pro jiu jitsu at its most exciting
Keenan Cornelius, it was in the openweight that Claudio would triumph and
produce arguably the surprise result of the tournament.
With Metamoris seeming hell bent on imploding, there was a clear void to be
Having defeated Gabriel Lucas, Vinny Magalhaes, Yuri Simoes and Joao filled within the professional jiu jitsu circuit, so we were super excited to hear
Rocha on his route to openweight gold, theres no argument that Claudio about the launch of Polaris Pro.
deserves his plaudits as the ADCC Champion. That said, plenty were left
disappointed by his path to gold, with the Atos fighter not scoring a single A joint venture between the prominent jiu jitsu brands, Tatami Fightwear and
point or submission during his matches, instead relying on penalties and Scramble, Polaris Pro promised not only to offer amazing match ups between
referee decisions. However you look at it, 2015 will still show Claudio legendary athletes, but it would also take place in the UK a testament to the
Calasans as IBJJF World Champion and ADCC Openweight Champion. growth of BJJ in Europe.

Polaris Pro 1 included some amazing matches, with a perfect mix of fresh
young talent and iconic figures from the past on the card. We were just as
excited to see Mike Fowler vs. Eduardo Telles as we were Keenan Cornelius
vs. Dean Lister. And then you throw in the likes of Garry Tonon vs. Marcin
Held and Michelle Nicolini vs. Angelica Galvao it was sure to be a success.

The best part of it all was that, come show time, the athletes didnt disappoint,
and there was a healthy 50% submission rate across all matches. The bar had
been set high, but Polaris Pro 2 was set to take things to the next level.

Its no overstatement to say that Polaris Pros second event was probably the
best night of submission grappling weve ever seen. Six of the eight matches
ended via submission, but it was arguably the two that didnt culminate in a
finish that were the most entertaining!

Robson Moura and Baret Yoshidas back and forth battle saw both fighters
escaping tight submissions and continuously pushing a frantic pace.
The other draw saw AJ Agazarm and Daniel Strauss put on the most
entertaining fight of the night. The grappling was intense and dynamic,
while emotions and gamesmanship between the two athletes had the
crowd going wild you could have easily mistaken this for a pro wrestling
match. With two epic shows under their belt, we are foaming at the mouth
with anticipation for Polaris Pro 3.

34
The Rise of Garry Tonon: the absolute elite (or bendy) among his competitors even stand a chance.
Tonon is both the reigning Eddie Bravo Invitational Welterweight and
The sub only fighter making waves Lightweight Champion, with the latter title claimed in phenomenal fashion:
four fights, four submissions. The last year also saw Tonon venture to Europe
and compete on the Polaris Pro roster twice, coming home with heel hook
Having made a name for himself via his exploits on Lloyd Irvins BJJ Kumite finishes on both occasions. These victories were made even sweeter when
a number of years ago, Garry Tonon has since emerged as the most prolific you look at his opponents; Bellators Marcin Held and the iconic Japanese
submission only athlete in the nogi jiu jitsu world. leglock expert, Masakazu Imanari.

As a submission specialist known for his devastating leglocks, its easy to With such impressive displays of dominance in the nogi submission realm so
overlook Garrys 2015 success as an IBJJF Nogi Pan Am champion. Ok, we far, wed love to see some of the middleweight big hitters challenge Garry for
know what youre thinking; lets get to the good stuff supremacy. Tonon himself has talked about his desire to have a rematch with
Kron Gracie following on from his defeat to Ricksons son at the 2013 ADCC.
Much has been made of both Garry and his training partner Eddie Though whispers of a move to MMA for both athletes could sadly throw a
Cummings leglock system, and for VERY good reason. Tonon has spanner in the works for this dream rematch, Tonon has kept us well and truly
developed such a high level of competence as a leglocker that it seems only entertained over the past twelve months as a standout submission fighter.

The Underdog Story: Orlando Sanchez likes of Dean Lister, Vinny Magalhaes and Joao Rocha in his division.

After picking up a submission in his first match, Orlando used his wrestling
From a drug addict to Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt in four years, to ADCC skills and solid base to bully his opponents and grind out victories thanks to
Champion now thats quite a story. For Orlando Sanchez, jiu jitsu literally his dominant positional work. The judges favoured Sanchez, whose game
saved his life. seems ideal for the ADCC rules, all the way through to the final. It may not
have been pretty and it may not have been hugely entertaining, but the
Ok, so lets face facts, the 2015 ADCC wasnt the spectacle jiu jitsu fans story that goes behind Orlandos journey, paired with the pure elation he
would have hoped for, but as the saying goes, dont hate the player, hate showed when he realised hed been crowned champion, was one of the
the game. Sanchez entered the tournament as a huge underdog with the magic moments of 2015.

Bernardo Faria:
Dominates at the Worlds

We like to see good people achieve

success, so it was an absolute delight
to see Bernardo Faria go home with his
share of prestigious titles this past 12
months.

The last five years have been dominated

by Rodolfo Vieira and Marcus Almeida,
with Bernardo often having to settle for
second place. Despite the trend, 2015
was Farias time to make the headlines.
Double gold at the IBJJF Pan Ams was a
sure sign of the Alliance fighters intent,
as he smashed through the opposition
on his way to victory. He even picked up
a submission finish over Leandro Lo, a
man who is truly at the top of his game.

With Rodolfo Vieira missing out on the

Worlds due to injury and Marcus Almeida
also suffering knee damage during the
event, the stage was set for Faria to
shine. Even with the omission of Vieira
and Almeida, there was plenty of talent
looking to challenge Faria for the biggest
title in jiu jitsu, but he came through in
fine fashion and picked up double gold.

35
 Ryan Halls Run: Dominyka Obelenyte:
50/50 head honcho brightens up the UFC A golden start to her black belt career

Seriously, is there anyone in jiu jitsu that DOESNT love this dude? For most first year black belts, theyre just looking to compete amongst the
Season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter was made vastly more interesting best, gain some experience and maybe, just maybe, pick up a win. Dominyka
thanks to Mr. Halls inclusion, and you can only sit back and admire how Obelenyte obviously hadnt read the script.
well he did using pretty much only his jiu jitsu.
Kick starting her year at the European championships in Lisbon, the
It goes without saying that Ryan had his fair share of luck in being Lithuanian-born Marcelo Garcia student looked sharp in defeating Europes
crowned the winner of the show (namely being invited back to fight world champion, Janni Larsson, as well as pushing Mackenzie Dern to the
in the final) but his transitions from standing into slick leglock set ups limits in a gruelling match. There were signs of a bright future.
showcased in all matches were a thing of beauty. His willingness to work
from guard must also be mentioned, as there are not too many people Fast forward to the IBJJF Pan Ams and Dominyka claimed her first major title.
out there pulling guard in MMA these days. Whenever Ryan pulled Sadly, the bracket was pretty empty, but a victory over Gracie Barras Tammy
guard he not only looked comfortable and safe from strikes, but he Griego was a huge boost heading into the Worlds.
looked dangerous on the attack.
When June came around, many were aware of Dominykas abilities, but few
Now hes signed a contract with the UFC, Ryan is set to face talent of could have predicted she would claim top spot in both the heavyweight and
a whole new level, but its a challenge were sure hell relish facing. openweight divisions during her first year as a black belt. Though there was
Whatever happens, its been great to cheer another pure jiu jitsu athlete one notable omission from the Worlds (namely Gabi Garcia) Dominyka took
through to success on the global stage in MMA. on the best in the sport and came out victorious. This unexpected success
was one of the highlights of the 2015 World Championships and a sign of
things to come for a young athlete who is probably yet to hit her prime.

Submission of the Year, MMA:

Fabricio Werdum vs Cain Velasquez

Its fair to say that Fabricio Werdum is now a legend of both jiu jitsu and
MMA, having fought for so many years, in so many promotions, and currently
holding the UFC heavyweight belt. Going into his fight with Cain Velasquez,
a seasoned wrestler and grappler in his own right, we really wouldnt have
predicted a submission finish.

Its easy to forget that Werdum cut his teeth at the famous Chute Boxe
academy, and he showed a willingness to throw down with Cain from
the word go. After a while, it was clear to see that Werdum was winning
the exchanges on the feet, and his opponent was clearly struggling. In a
desperate attempt to change the way the fight was going, Cain shot in for a
takedown, but he was entering the challengers world. Werdum secured the
guillotine grips, locked up his guard and picked up yet another high profile
scalp via submission.

It wasnt the craziest submission youd have seen last year, but the way
Werdum set it up and executed it to perfection in the most important fight of
his career makes it our favourite from 2015 in MMA.

36
Submission of the Year, BJJ:
Davi Ramos vs Lucas Lepri (ADCC)

Blink, and youd have missed it, but Davi Ramos submission victory
over Lucas Lepri at the ADCC was simply breathtaking. Not only was it
in the final, against a three time Nogi World Champion, but it was also
one of the flashiest finishes weve seen in years.

With Lepri sat in front of Ramos, shuffling forwards towards him on

the mat, it looked like both fighters were just feeling each other out
before properly engaging. After attempting to grab Lepris ankles
twice, Ramos jumped through the seated guard and expertly into a
tight armlock finish. If you havent seen it yet, youd better head over
to YouTube right now. Were sure youll agree that this was the sub of
2015 in sport jiu jitsu.

Magic Malfacine:
The most decorated rooster weight in history

Bruno Malfacine hit a huge personal landmark over the past twelve months, as he
picked up his seventh IBJJF black belt world title, confirming his status as one of the
greats.

Its easy to overlook such a notable achievement, as the rooster weight division is not
always the deepest and, sadly, often neglected by the fans. In reality, Malfacine has
put on some epic performances over the years, including many confrontations with
his nemesis, Caio Terra, and more recently the Miyao Bros.

What makes Brunos run of seven IBJJF world titles even more amazing is his
consistency of performance. In fact, over the last nine years, he only missed out on
first place in 2008 and 2013!

The 2015 Pan Ams also deserve a special mention, as Malfacine picked up what
must have been one of his most satisfying finishes to date. With just a minute on the
clock in his final match against Caio Terra, Bruno gained a leg drag, transitioned to
the back and sunk in a bow-and-arrow choke. This was one of the best finishes of the
year and a fantastic highlight for Malfacine to reflect on in years to come.
WORDS & PICTURES: CALLUM MEDCRAFT

GILBERT BURNS, BETTER KNOWN AS DURINHO (WHICH

TRANSLATES AS LITTLE TOUGH GUY), IS ONE OF THE MOST

AGGRESSIVE AND DYNAMIC JIU JITSU ATHLETES TO COMPETE

IN THE LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION. IF YOU WANT TO SHOW

YOUNGSTERS THE PERFECT TEMPLATE FOR A GRAPPLING

MATCH, JUST GOOGLE ONE OF HIS FIGHTS: TAKEDOWN, PASS

GUARD, GET THE BACK AND FINISH - BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY.

38
 Having twice been crowned
a black belt Nogi World
Champion, as well as defeating
Kron Gracie in the final of the
2011 Gi World Championships,
Durinho has spent the last
four years representing BJJ
on the MMA scene. Under the
guidance of the Blackzilians
Team and Vitor Belfort, the
UFC fighter has racked up an Hi Durinho, can you tell our readers a little bit month we did a tournament and we all did really
impressive 10-1 record, with six about your introduction to jiu jitsu? well. So from 12 years old as a white belt I started
victories coming via submission. I started training karate when I was about four to compete and Ive never stopped.
or five. My dad had a big patio that he used to
In this detailed conversation, rent to a karate instructor, so I did that for about Thats awesome! And of course both of your
Durinho covers his rise to three years, and Id compete a lot as well. Finally brothers are still active, with your younger
success in sport jiu jitsu via Team that professor moved to another state. brother also involved in MMA?
Atos, working with Vitor Belfort, Yeah, so my older brother is actually in like the
his experiences in the UFC and Me and both of my brothers actually had Brazilian Navy Seals. Hes a black belt, but he
2015 ADCC, and setting his bronchitis, so the doctor said that having a sport travels a lot all the time. My younger brother is a
sights on MMA stardom. to do would be good for us. We had some black belt as well and he fights for ONE FC. He
financial trouble back then, and my dad would fix used to live in Singapore but has just moved to
cars at home and me and my brothers would help Miami with me.
when we werent at school. One day we found
a gi inside one of the cars, so we started to play So how did you get your nickname Durinho?
around with the gi and we found out that the guy It was actually because of my older brother.
who owned the car was a BJJ professor. My dad Durinho actually means little tough - little tough
asked the guy if he didnt want to pay for fixing guy, and my brothers nickname is Todo-Duro,
the car, but instead giving me and my brothers which is like hard man. My brother was very
a sort of scholarship. So they made a deal, but technical, but also really tough (laughs).
it was only for three months, because he had to
give us the gis and stuff like that as well.

So I still remember coming back from my first jiu

jitsu class and my dad saying, did you guys like
it? He had done a sort of investment in sending I dont want to lose my focus
us to train, because finances were tight and my of being a strong jiu jitsu fighter
mum got crazy that dad had sent us to jiu jitsu because I now compete in
instead of taking the money. We enjoyed the jiu MMA. Of course I have to train
jitsu a lot and realised that we really needed to be wrestling and striking, which I
the best at the gym if we wanted to keep training, enjoy, but I want to maintain my
because after the three months we wouldnt have base of having an advantage
money to keep paying. We hoped that if we did over other UFC guys once we
good the professor would extend our scholarship. get to the mat.
Anyway, we trained really hard and after one

39
Y
ouve gone on People dont realise that when it came to that top-level champions winning matches in
to achieve great final in 2011, there was the pressure of the whole organisations such as the UFC. Is that
success within crowd singing for Kron, with Rickson Gracie sat something you feel proud of yourself?
sport jiu jitsu, right there as well. It made things very special for Representing the jiu jitsu community?
so what are me. I also beat Lucas Lepri that day too. I love to represent. Not just my city, not just my
your personal country, but also the whole jiu jitsu community.
highlights so far? So quite quickly after your success in 2011 you This year I had an injury with my rib, so I went to
You know, my moved into MMA was that always the plan? the Worlds just to watch and I had a lot of guys
city was not very I always had a dream of being a world champion, coming up and saying I love watching you fight,
big, but guys like but once I conquered that dream I started to think so thats an honour for me.
Ricardo Arona and of other things. Im from a Nova Uniao affiliation
Paulo Filho are also originally, so I had trained a little bit of MMA So how did your relationship with Vitor
from there. My city before and had that exposure. I actually moved Belfort start, as hes always in your corner
is Niteroi. Theres a to Sao Paulo because I had a dream to be a world and you train with him regularly now?
lot of jiu jitsu there champion, but Nova Uniao mentality is more It started right after I beat Kron in 2011. We had
man, especially MMA. My goal is now MMA, so I changed my the same sponsor at the time and I went to the
for kids. In 2007 I got my black belt and moved environment again to help with that.
to Sao Paulo to train with Ramon Lemos. It was
Even though you now fight for the UFC,
"I BEAT KRON
Brasa at first, but then we started Atos.
you still seem to enjoy competing in jiu jitsu
In 2010 I won the Abu Dhabi World Pro, when you can?

GRACIE ON SUNDAY,
the Nogi Worlds and the Brazilian National Im a jiu jitsu fighter, and I believe that even
Championships. Then in 2011 I won the big though my goal is now MMA, I need to compete
one, the gi World Championships, so those are in jiu jitsu when I can to help keep me sharp and

MET VITOR BELFORT

probably my highlights so far. at a high level. Of course, when I enter a jiu jitsu
tournament I want to win, but my goal is not to
And of course you beat Kron Gracie in the be winning jiu jitsu tournaments, its to keep my
2011 final, so that must have felt very special? grappling sharp for MMA.
Three weeks before the Worlds in 2011, I went
to Switzerland to teach a seminar at one of I dont want to lose my focus of being a strong ON WEDNESDAY
my friends academies. But the main reason I jiu jitsu fighter because I now compete in MMA.
went to Europe was to fight at a tournament
in Italy where the winner took like 4,000.
Of course I have to train wrestling and striking,
which I enjoy, but I want to maintain my base of AND NEXT MONDAY
When I got to the tournament, Kron was there, having an advantage over other UFC guys once
and I fought him in the final. I took him down,
almost passed his guard a couple of times and
we get to the mat.
I HAD MOVED
got advantages. I think I then underestimated It is a very hard balance to maintain man, let
him a little bit and felt like it was going to be
easy. As soon as I felt like that, he tapped me
me tell you. I want to improve my stand up and
MMA skills, but maintain my high level jiu jitsu, TO VEGAS FOR
out. I went back to Brazil with no money and so whenever I am not fighting MMA I try to do
I heard he was going to be competing as a
lightweight at the Worlds, so I thought I could
some grappling tournaments if I can.
TRAINING
have my chance for a rematch. The jiu jitsu community love to see their

40
store at the Worlds and Vitor was there. I was too friendly, then in my last MMA fight I came

"I WANT TO WIN,

looking to transition into MMA, and Vitor asked in too aggressive. I am still in the process of
if I wanted to roll jiu jitsu a little bit. So we ended learning how to best manage my emotions.
up training. He is very smart and was asking me Sometimes I think you need to be a little cold

BUT MY GOAL
questions about my game as we were rolling. and dont show how youre feeling I want to
It felt like it had been 10 minutes but wed be work on that. Even after fights, I want to manage
training for almost two hours. my emotions better.

Vitor then asked me if I wanted to fight MMA

and that he was also looking for a guy to help
Do you think managing emotions is something
that fighters overlook?
IS NOT TO BE
WINNING JIU JITSU
him with his jiu jitsu. The deal was good for Well, I think for the show and for the fans,
me to learn MMA from his team, and the deal people want to see emotion, you know?
was good for him too, so we closed the deal. But maybe to hit the next level and to be a

TOURNAMENTS,
Actually, I moved straight to Vegas after the champion its something that you have to really
Worlds. I beat Kron on Sunday, met Vitor on have under control.
Wednesday and next Monday I had moved to
Vegas for training. That said, I dont want to change my actual style.

We have a very close relationship; he just texted

I still want to be aggressive and push the pace
in fights. If we are striking, I want to knock you
ITS TO KEEP MY
me asking if my London trip is good, actually out; if we are grappling, I want the submission or
(laughs). He has a lot of experience and I have
learned so much from him. I also think Ive
ground and pound. I dont think theres a correct
answer and I guess everyone is different, but for GRAPPLING SHARP
learned so much from being in his corner too. me I want to manage emotion better without
Being able to take in the atmosphere of a big
fight, to look at how he handles the adrenalin,
taking away from my mentality as a fighter.
FOR MMA
how to cut weight everything. Once I came to Well said! Thanks for your time Durinho, is
the UFC, I felt like I already had experience of there anything else you wanted to say to the
competing there. Jiu Jitsu Style readers?
Id just like to thank everyone for their support.
What do you enjoy to compete in more, jiu Through all my wins or losses, I am proud to
jitsu or MMA? represent the jiu jitsu community and I carry that
I like them both, but I prefer MMA. Im the kind family with me whenever I fight.
of guy that doesnt like to be too friendly with
my opponents. I saw Buchecha and Rodolfo
(Vieira) kind of friendly before their matches, but
that doesnt work for me. Im probably more like
Rafa Mendes and Cobrinha. We show respect,
but not friendly. I feel more the MMA approach,
the face off at the weigh-in, thats more me.

I think now the thing with MMA is that I am

really enjoying the training, because Im always
learning so much. I enjoy learning the striking
and wrestling and theres so much more for me
to do, so that also adds to why I like to fight
MMA so much right now.

Lets talk a little bit about your experiences

at the 2015 ADCC, as you came third and also
claimed a big scalp in beating Otavio Sousa.
I wasnt too happy with the result in the end
when I look at my fight with Davi Ramos. We
were very friendly before, very close, and like I
said before, that doesnt suit me. I brought Davi
to train with Atos, actually. We always trained
hard together, really tough. I dont think its right
to comment too much on training, but I always
felt I trained good with Davi. When it came
to the fight with Davi at the ADCC I was very
confident, and then I lost, so Im still annoyed
because I know I could have won. I know I made
a few technical mistakes, but I also had that
feeling of fighting a friend, so I went in to the
match too relaxed compared to how I normally
approach things. It was a good lesson.

I trained one month with Calasans for the ADCC,

he stayed with me in America and so it was really
nice to get back to pure jiu jitsu for a while. It
was my first ADCC, and the atmosphere in the
stadium was great. The organisers have already
told me they like the way I fight and have invited
me to the next event. I know I beat some good
guys, like Otavio Sousa, but I still feel a little
upset I couldnt win. Its fine though - I accept
this, as my main goal is to be the UFC champion.

Youve just experienced your first loss in MMA,

so how do you feel now reflecting on that?
I knew it would be a very tough fight when I
signed the contract and I sacrificed so much
for this. I am annoyed because I trained right,
worked hard on my diet and I just couldnt
perform to my best. I had lots of confidence
going into the fight, and I was very upset when
I lost, but I learned so much as well. I know I
got too emotional.

Against Davi at the ADCC I came into the fight

41
 JIU JITSU SAVED MY LIFE
ORLANDO SANCHEZ

WORDS: FELIX RODRIGUEZ

PICTURES: STEFAN KOCEV

42
 up, all these types of things, it was a perfect storm went to the gym and started working out again.
for when that time came where I had no more The morning after hitting bottom he went back
responsibilities, I was completely on my own, to the gym, and while lifting weights he had a
thats when all hell broke loose, man. I stayed high chance encounter that was the catalyst to change
for like five or six years every single day. his life around.

It was all a haze, from 21 to 26 years old I dont I started talking to this guy called Ricky Delgado
remember anything, and now that my brain is that I knew did Muay Thai and kickboxing and
getting more adjusted and more sober Ill have I spoke to him. I told him man I need help, I
days that Ill have flashbacks from those times and need to start working out again, and I need to do
its really bizarre. Im lucky to be here. Nobody has something. Ive been an athlete my whole life.
ever been able to abuse their bodies like I did. I He told me to come with him to his kickboxing
was 26 years-old, I was 365 lb., I was doing almost gym Sityodtong in Pasadena, California. He took
an ounce of cocaine a day, I was drinking heavily me over there, I was 26 years old and I started
every night to try to fall asleep. I was basically a doing striking. I was so big that they didnt have
dead man walking. clothes for me to wear, I had to cut up sweat
pants to train. I started Muay Thai with Walter at
I remember lying in bed one night, I was looking Sityodtong, Im still friends with him to this day. I
at this mirror in my room and I was smoking started doing it and I really liked it, it was fun.
a cigarette on my bed. I dont even smoke
cigarettes, I was staring at myself, and I had I started working out again, I tried to cut back
this pain in my chest, it felt like just a thousand on my drugs and then this one guy comes in one
pounds just laying on my chest. I couldnt day who was a jiu jitsu guy. He was a little guy,
breathe, I couldnt move and I literally just kind of he was like, oh yeah lets grapple and I was like,
gave up. I pretty much accepted that I was going what the f*** does that mean, what is jiu jitsu? I
to die; I thought I was dying, and I told myself, if dont know what that s*** is. So we started rolling
Orlando Sanchez is a man of many hats. He is a I f***ing make it to tomorrow Im going to try to and he kicked my ass, man. He wasnt even half
family man, an athlete, a Brazilian jiu jitsu black change my life. my size and he just destroyed me, he f***** me
belt, a business owner, an instructor, an ADCC up, choked me out, popped my elbows, and right
champion, but most important of all, he is an From Football to Jiu Jitsu then and there I decided, man I need to learn this
addict. The man known as The Cuban Tree Orlando has an addictive personality; he cannot s***, what is this?! That was it, I started training
Stump lives and breathes because of jiu jitsu; do anything at half speed. When he finds that day in jiu jitsu, obsessing about jiu jitsu and
it literally saved his life, and gave him an outlet something he loves he pours his heart and soul after that it became jiu jitsu 24 hours a day, every
in which to pour his obsessive and addictive into it, giving every ounce of his being to that single day, said Sanchez.
personality. Jiu Jitsu Style met with Orlando to endeavour. This was the case with football first
discuss his rise to black belt in an astonishing and later Brazilian jiu jitsu. Although he never Faixa Preta in Four Years
four years, and how he rose from being a reached the heights he sought when pursuing his The chemical imbalances that make Orlando an
cocaine addict on the brink of death to ADCC first love, his obsessive nature and long years of addict are both a blessing and curse for him. They
champion. This is his story. playing football helped lay the foundation for his are a curse because he is his own worst enemy
future success in martial arts. and he cannot control himself when partaking
Life Before Jiu Jitsu in alcohol or drugs. They are also a blessing,
Orlando has been a competitive athlete his entire He told us: I think playing American football is because when he turned his obsessive nature
life. Prior to being a martial artist his focus was one of the hardest sports in the world, not just towards a positive outlet, he was able to hyper
American football. He played this sport from physically for what it does to your body, but the focus and turn all of his energy into becoming
childhood all the way to early adulthood with the mental aspect of how long the season is, what the best jiu jitsu practitioner he could be in an
hopes of becoming a professional player in the the season asks of you. Anyone who has played astonishingly short period of time. Orlando began
National Football League. As a football player his American football at the college level understands training with Romulo Barral at an Alberto Crane
life was extremely regimented and planned to the it. I mean you go months and months at a time, academy and received his black belt in four years
point where he barely had to think for himself. your whole entire day is consumed by football. from Ze Radiola and Barral.
He just followed schedules, went to practices and It basically tells you when to wake up, when to
showed up on game day. sleep, what to eat, what not to eat, it dictates It usually takes a person 10 years to earn the
your entire life. Football dictated my life for so rank of black belt. To put Orlandos achievement
While he was good enough to earn an athletic many years and it just into perspective,
scholarship for college he never made it into gave me that kind of that is 60% quicker

I WAS DOING ALMOST AN

the NFL. In a sense this led Orlando to lose his discipline, that sense than it takes the
identity, and himself to an extent. Football not of camaraderie to average person to
only provided him with a structure and tangible be part of a team; earn one. When
goals to work towards, but also gave him a it just did so much asked how he did it,
steady supply of adrenaline that was fed through
daily competition. When his football career was
for me mentally to
endure long training
OUNCE OF COCAINE A DAY, he points towards
his brain chemistry.
over his life was devoid of purpose, and without sessions, to endure It happened so fast,
having a source to constantly feed his need for
adrenaline, depression and substance abuse were
months of training
camps, to endure all
I WAS DRINKING HEAVILY I didnt even know
what happened
a natural progression. these things. really. I was always

Hitting Bottom People dont

EVERY NIGHT TO TRY TO FALL competitive in
nature, for me
Addiction is a disease and here is no magical realise that in once I started, my
remedy to cure a human being from addiction.
Addicts can stop using, but they will remain
football you do
practices of three
ASLEEP. I WAS BASICALLY A whole brain was
about winning
addicts even if they are living a clean and drug- to five hours tournaments. I didnt
free lifestyle. For this to happen they must rely
on a strong support group, have the necessary
every day where
youre constantly
DEAD MAN WALKING give a f*** about

willpower to stop using and experience what is hitting each other,

known as a bottom. When an addict hits their smashing each other
bottom, or lowest point, it usually serves as a with helmets. Its a
wake-up call for them to either change their ways brutal sport, so all these things helped me in anything else except winning tournaments. That
or face death. Orlando had to hit his bottom to preparation to excel in combat sports. Once I was all I wanted to do. So all I started to do was
figure out that if he didnt stop using soon he was started training in jiu jitsu it was easy - I wasnt sign up for any tournament available.
about to meet his maker. getting hit all the time, I didnt get helmets
in my chest, I didnt get smashed in the face, I was super broke, I had just met my now wife
In his own words: I graduated college in my concussions on a daily basis, so football really who at the time was my girlfriend. She was in
early twenties. I finished playing football and I prepared me physically and mentally to love graduate school finishing her degree in forensic
didnt make it to the NFL, so now here I am in combat sports, especially jiu jitsu. anthropology and she had student loan money.
my early twenties, Im done and I had nothing to I would take some of that money and I would
do. I played football for more than half of my life After Orlando hit his bottom as an addict he sign up for tournaments so I could compete and
and now it was all gone taken away from me. decided to try and get better. He was morbidly travel for the first couple of years that I did jiu
I wasnt ready to be a normal person in society. obese, grossly out of shape and severely addicted jitsu, just trying to rack up as many gold medals
It goes further back, from getting deep into my to cocaine. His first effort towards recovery was as I could. I was obsessed. The guy who I was
childhood, there was dysfunction for me growing going back to what hed known his entire life; he with during this time was Romulo Barral; by the

43
luck of the draw he had just moved here from
Brazil and was coming back from an injury. I had
just met him and I didnt even know who he was,
but we became super close and I got to train
with him every single day, twice sometimes three
times a day. Thats how I got so good so fast.
Romulo was basically my private training partner
for two and a half years, it was just me and him
kicking each others ass.

Sanchez and Barral became like brothers and

eventually stopped seeing eye-to-eye with Crane.
After cutting ties with Crane they eventually
linked up with Ze Radiola when Orlando was a
purple belt. When describing meeting his future
master Orlando noted, I met Ze Radiola at
the end of my purple belt campaign when he
came down here for a Pan Ams training camp.
Me and Romulo were training with him and we
instantly clicked. He was like that old man Grand
Master; I just had so much respect for him, so
much admiration, we just connected and I started
training with him regularly.

He would come down here for about a month

at a time and then I would go down to Brazil to
train with him, and Id stay at his house. That
relationship evolved and became almost like a
father-son relationship, hes just been such an
amazing human being to me. I have such an
enormous amount of respect for him. Once he
put me under his wing I won everything. I went
down to Brazil and became the only American to
ever win the Brazilian Nationals double gold as a back home and trained specifically for ADCC. amounts of film on opponents gave him an
brown belt; I won Pans as a brown belt. Meeting I trained my cardio in a certain way, I tailored extra edge during the tournament.
Ze Radiola was really a turning point in my life. my game plan and executed it to a T, so I knew
exactly what to do with each opponent. At ADCC People dont realise when theyre watching
From Addict to ADCC Champion 2015 they gave me the hardest bracket, but I football that its all about game planning. Game
Orlando has been on a competition rampage came prepared, I capitalised and still was able to planning is huge, you have no idea how much
since he began training in jiu jitsu. His sole focus win it all. There were some pretty big names in my time I spent watching film during college football.
has been to seek and destroy, win at all costs and bracket, but I thought Jared Dopp would be the When people go and claim that they go to
win everything. His list of accomplishments would biggest challenge. win and go for the finish, to that I say bull****.
be impressive even if hed been training for 20 Everyone wants to win, and if you dont want
years, but when we consider the fact that hes Two weeks before the ADCC I was sitting with to win youre doing this for the wrong reasons.
been training for only eight years and hes already Romulo Barral, we were training and I told him Youre an idiot. Youre stupid if youre telling me
achieved what he has, everything is that much and everyone there that Dopp would be the you dont want to win. For me, Im going to find
more mind boggling. After having a bad showing hardest guy. They all disagreed, but I knew this out what is the best way to win and Im going to
at ADCC 2013 he figured out a blueprint for because I already knew how the other guys beat you every time. Its like Fabricio Werdum
success and put aside his MMA career to solely played. Im very cerebral when it comes to always tells me. Nobody remembers how you win,
focus on preparing to win ADCC 2015. jiu jitsu. Im very mental; to me its not about they just remember who won.
aggression, its not about size, its about brains.
As an addict, he lives I knew that Jared For ADCC, I knew if I fought Dean Lister all I had
one day at a time, and Dopp had the best to do was put my pressure and score points on
is still vulnerable and game plan to win him and not let him get underneath me. He was
prone to relapsing,
which was part of I GET MESSAGES EVERY under these sets of
rules. I knew hed
scared, he didnt know what to do. I was much
bigger than him, much faster, and as soon as
the reason why he be the biggest he felt my weight he just crumbled because he
did not meet his
own expectations at DAY FROM MARTIAL ARTISTS challenge to win it
all and sure enough
didnt know what to do. Everybody is afraid of his
leglocks, but I was like, dude, there is no way Im
ADCC 2013. I was he made it to the going to let him get to my feet. I played on my
not mentally there for
the 2013 ADCC. I was THAT ARE STRUGGLING WITH finals. knees, I put my pressure on and I smashed him.
Vinny Magalhaes, he does his very flexible game
super out of shape; We fought, and so all I had to do was play safe and smart on my
I was dealing with
some relapse issues in ADDICTION. ALL THE TIME, it was perfect, I
played my strategy
knees and every time he went for a submission,
tuck myself in. Then he went to turtle position
my own sobriety. I was perfectly and and stayed there for 80% of the fight, and then
having some issues
with my mental game, FROM BLACK BELTS TO WHITE cruised to the
victory. I knew
he cried like a little b****after I won, but its not
my fault if he stays in turtle for 18 minutes of the
had a lot of personal that Dopp would fight, said Sanchez. This is what Orlando had
issues in my life and
was just not in a good
place. Even though I
BELTS AND EVERYTHING IN be the hardest
and it was true; it
wasnt my most
prepared for. He comes into each tournament
with a general game plan that gets tweaked for
each style he faces.
was going through all
BETWEEN, IM HERE TO HELP difficult match,
it just took the
longest because I
Sanchez explained: My game plan is to shut
you down and impose my will. So if you come
didnt want to give to my gym and we train jiu jitsu its going to be a
any advantages completely different experience than it is to fight
that I still went out there and quickly figured out or points. I took him down twice, passed his me in competition because in competitions Im
how to win; I understood the scoring, the points guard, suplexed him three times in the first 10 fighting you to win. Thats it. The only thing I care
and all that. I fought Cyborg Abreu for 20 minutes minutes, but didnt score any points because of about in a tournament is to win, and anyone else
and it was 0-0 and they gave him the advantage the rule set. After I did all of that stuff I knew in who tells you differently is just lying to themselves
for the win. I took the loss and right after I went my mind the refs would give me the advantage, and trying to be cool. If youre competing you
on record saying watch in 2015, Im coming back so I had to be smart and play my game to a T in want to win. If were in the gym Im going to
and Im going to beat everybody, said Sanchez. order to win. play, Im going to do berimbolos, all kinds of fun
s***, but in a tournament Im going to win doing
Orlando got his act together once again, and Sanchez believes his preparation for each whatever it takes.
focused on the task-in hand. He prepared specific scenario was instrumental in his taking
meticulously for the 2015 tournament; mentally, home the title, and also believes his old football The Next Big Name in MMA
physically, and strategically. He noted, I came habit of game planning by watching copious Orlandos jiu jitsu career has been meteoric to

44
 Strikeforce and worked his way to UFC champion. me. It causes so much frustration that they have
to go and talk s*** about me after I beat them.
The partnership with Werdum has been extremely
beneficial to Orlando as a blossoming mixed At 59 Sanchez is almost guaranteed to give
martial artist. They have a fraternal relationship up height advantage when competing, but he
based on mutual admiration, insane competitive does not see this as a problem. He believes his
drive and a twist of sadism. When describing competitiveness, athletic ability and penchant for
how Werdum has helped Sanchez develop his solid strategy are enough to help him overcome
MMA skillset he explained: Werdum has helped any adversary. The beauty is Im short, but I have
more than anything in my mental aspect of the a pretty long reach at 73 inches, which people
game. Hes given me a confidence that no one dont realise; thats pretty long for somebody of my
else in the world can give me. When youre height. Its actually longer than Mike Tyson.
constantly, day-in and day-out competing against When being short, you have to remember that
someone who does not want to lose as much as when fighting in a cage there is nowhere to run. If I
you dont want to lose it becomes like a world back someone against the cage all that length and
championship fight every single day. Thats why all that reach goes out the window. If you watch
Ive been able to go and fight guys like Leandro heavyweights fighting in the UFC, 99% of the time
Lo, Andre Galvao and Gregor Gracie and all theyre going to end up in a clinch up against the
these other big names that Ive beat; its because cage. Once that happens, the advantage is 95%
I dont look to them as big names. To me the of the time in my favour. Another thing is that I
biggest name in the world is Fabricio Werdum. fight on a daily basis with the best guy in the UFC,
Undeniably, the best BJJ, MMA guy so to me obviously, in Fabricio Werdum, who is 66 and has
going up against anyone else is no big deal. an extraordinary reach. Believe me, I know what to
do, said Sanchez.
Thats what hes helped me on. Hes helped me
with my confidence, on my mindset, and also on Enjoying Recovery
my striking. My ability to fight, to be knocked out Orlando has beat the odds by staying alive and
on my feet and keep going. Every day that we turning his life around. He believes he owes
fight, its a war. We keep tallies to see who beats everything to the Gentle Art and is not shy about
each other on the ground, who taps the other admitting it. He noted: Theres nothing in my life
more Im winning by the way (laughs). We love outside of BJJ, man. My whole life has become
each other, he is absolutely like my own brother, intertwined with jiu jitsu. Every single thing I
he is like my own blood. do every day has some kind of reflection back
say the least. Even more impressive is that hes to Brazilian jiu jitsu. The food I eat, the water I
been training in MMA for six of the eight years I have so much love and admiration for Fabricio drink, the clothes I put on my back, everything is
hes been involved in combat sports. On the Werdum, and Rafael Cordeiro who is like a father because of jiu jitsu so all I try to do in my day-to-
mats he represents Gracie Barras Red Shield to me. I cannot speak highly enough about my day life is give back to jiu jitsu as much as I can.
with immense pride, and when he steps into the relationship with Werdum and Rafael. Im so My day-to-day life, I mean obviously, Im fighting
cage he represents Kings MMA. He is currently excited to give back and make it into the UFC in MMA, Im trying to make it to the UFC, and I will
undefeated in mixed martial arts competition with 2016 and represent them as well as myself and be in the UFC in 2016, but even then, when Im
a record of 5-0 with one no-contest, and in pure my team. Fighting in January in Costa Rica, gonna training MMA everything comes back to Brazilian
Orlando fashion, he is going all-in with his sights be the main event in CRF in Costa Rica; Ill be 6-0, jiu jitsu. To me, jiu jitsu is my entire life. Im
set on joining Fabricio Werdum his main training undefeated, ADCC champion, Werdums main married, been married to my wife for eight years,
partner in the UFC by 2016. training partner. If you dont put me in the UFC I have two beautiful children, and life is beautiful. I
then I dont know what else I need to do. owe everything I have to jiu jitsu.
He noted: I was always interested in doing MMA.
A couple of years into training jiu jitsu, as a purple When Sanchez finally makes it to the UFC he will As an addict, Orlando knows all too well the lows
belt, I went down to Kings MMA one day. There undoubtedly face some large competition, both a person can suffer, and he wants people going
was a sparring session, this was before Kings literally and figuratively. Although he competes through the same struggles he did to know that
MMA was even open. It was just Werdum and in the heaviest divisions for both BJJ and MMA he is here to help them. He had the following
Rafael Cordeiro and them training there. Cordeiro he is somewhere between 59 and 510, roughly message for anyone reading this article who
came over to me and said Oh Orlando, youre the same height as Daniel Cormier. According to feels hopeless, and is thinking about quitting
a big guy, why dont you spar with Werdum, and Sanchez his relatively small stature poses a huge substance abuse:
Werdum kicked me in the face so hard, dude, I advantage in fighting.
went down on one knee; I was like knocked out First of all, you cant make anyone do anything
on my feet. I came back up and just attacked him Its a total advantage because Im so short, and they dont want to do. Thats what I first realised
like I wanted to kill him. my little limbs are so short and so strong that when going through recovery, but to me the
guys cannot understand how to play against biggest thing is to tell people that youre not
Ever since that day weve just become best me in MMA or BJJ; Im just really hard to deal alone. If more men, and women of course, but I
of friends. Kings MMA, Rafael Cordeiro and with. My jiu jitsu now is at a very high level, I speak to a lot of men because they arent allowed
Fabricio Werdum are my family, man. Theyre understand berimbolos, I understand leg drags to be emotional or vulnerable in todays society
a huge part of my life, Ive been with them for and all the high level stuff and I can play like because the first time you express emotions
six years. So six out of the eight years Ive been a little guy, but Im 59 , 279 lb, and Im super youre called a p***** or a b*** or youre labelled
into combat sports Ive been training with them, quick, strong and explosive. This combination weak. I think this is a huge problem for men.
training alongside Werdum step-by-step as he left causes a lot of frustration when guys go against
A lot of guys I see struggling with addiction, my
first thing is to tell them, man, youre not alone.
You need to get yourself involved with people
that are going through the same s*** that youre
going through, people who understand on a
day-to-day basis what its like to be an addict,
what its like to tell yourself not to do it, but you
still go ahead and do it. Unless youre around a
group of people who understand this youll never
understand it. Its important to talk about it, to
find some kind of group with similar individuals
and talk through it and help you in that way.

Be open and talk about stuff, dont be alone.

The more you stay alone the worse it will become
and manifest into further substance abuse. Never
keep it in, always find someone to talk to, were
out there. And if anyone reads this and does jiu
jitsu and knows who I am, they can find me on
social media, they can write to me and talk to
me. I get messages every day from martial artists
that are struggling with addiction. All the time,
from black belts to white belts and everything in
between, Im here to help.

45
WORDS: OLIVER GEDDES

STRUCTURING A CLASS
- THE HOWS AND WHYS
Every instructor has their own individual way of running classes at their academy.

S ome prefer drilling, some prefer as much hard

sparring as possible. What I aim to do in this
article is outline a little of how I like to run a typical
into side control. If you want to, you can increase the
difficulty by adding a back take or Ezekiel choke on at
the end for the more advanced students.
class, and why I choose to run it in the way that I do.
This is usually drilled for a minute and a half per
TIMELINE FOR A 90 MINUTE CLASS person. The reason I like this movement in particular
Warm-up and mobilisation - 15 minutes is because its one of the movements in jiu jitsu that
First rolling period - 10 minutes you just have to have on tap - you cant really set it
Technique - 25 minutes up, and if you have to think about it, the moment is
Technique sparring - 10 minutes gone. As its all movement based with no real partner
Sparring - 30 minutes resistance, theres a much lower risk of anyone who
might have arrived late hurting themselves. Other
WARM-UP AND MOBILISATION good alternatives are open guard passing movements
No one likes lining up and doing jumping jacks and and chains or guard retention drills.
squats. No one. Although having a familiar and
non-taxing warm-up every session does have its THE FIRST ROLLING PERIOD
advantages (and in warmer climates, may be more A lot of people come into class looking to spar, and
than sufficient to get somebody prepared for a class), the longer you make them wait the more antsy they
in general I prefer a very mobile warm up. I line get, so their attention can end up wandering. By
everyone up on the wall, and then send them off to introducing sparring early you can burn off some of
run around the edges of the mats, clapping hands their excess energy and get them calmed down and
with every member of the class individually as they ready to listen when the technique begins afterwards.
pass, to welcome them to the class. The movements It gives people who are less fit two sparring sections
here are fairly typical - shoulder rotations, high knees in the class with more recovery time in between, so
and heels, sideways skipping, sprints, forward rolls, newer students dont have to sit out as much.
backward rolls and shrimping. These allows students
to warm up their joints whilst raising their core body The basic structure is King of the Hill guard passing,
temperature and getting their heart rate up. with preferably just under half the class on their backs
and the other half waiting on the wall. If its possible
Finally, mobilisation concludes with some movement to do it so theres just one person spare, so much the
drilling. My favourite sequence for this is passing the better. This sets a very fast pace; it stops people from
open guard (usually with a bullfight variation, but any getting cold in between rolls and it makes students
open guard pass is fine) to knee on belly. Your partner less likely to be stubborn about losing. When theres
turns in and you step over the head and switch to the a 20-person line along the wall, people fight much
other side, blocking their hips with your elbow to turn harder to avoid having to go back to the line and this
can slightly increase the likelihood of injury.

Finally, it is incredibly frustrating to watch people

spar for five minutes, go in, get swept in ten seconds
and then head back to the wall to watch again. I also
introduce a few other elements to keep everyone
tested and working throughout to the best of their
ability: the person who is playing guard can only close
their guard for three seconds at a time - this prevents
things from getting too bogged down with someone
just staying stuck in closed guard for five minutes at a
time. It makes things happen, and ultimately the more
you get done in a roll the more you learn, whether
it succeeds or not. Related to the above point, I ban
the lockdown from half guard. Great technique, but
it makes it too easy to slow the action down. No
leglocks of any kind - this is primarily because most
peoples feet and knees may not be entirely warmed
up yet, but it also encourages people to make clean
sweeps and passes without having to second guess
the threat of leglocks.

Its a little unfair not to allow people to close their

guards whilst exposing them to footlocks. If you win,
you stay in - this means that the more experienced
students will train for longer rounds, dealing with

47
 Oli Geddes
is a seasoned
competitor,
referee,
globetrotter,
half guard
connoisseur and
black belt under
Roger Gracie

fresh opponents and testing and improving their with many different body types and many different
stamina and fitness that way. Newer students will reactions. One person is generally going to react one
get the chance to work with a lot of different people way so just drilling with one partner can be limiting.
and experience a lot of different rolling styles over This method allows you to work the technique on
the same time period. The person who comes off someone of different levels, so you can try it on
the wall gets to choose top or bottom - by allowing people you are better than as well as those who are
the person coming in to choose to be positioned better than you.

The two primary rules this time: everyone should

A LOT OF PEOPLE COME INTO hit the position of the day once - if this means you
stack the deck in their favour or that you have to give
them the final power grips out of the gate, thats

CLASS LOOKING TO SPAR, AND what you have to do. The important thing here is that
for someone to retain a technique and work it into
their game they need to both have it cemented into

THE LONGER YOU MAKE THEM

their memory and to have confidence in it. Using it
in sparring achieves both aims. If the technique has
multiple stages or the class is longer in duration,

WAIT THE MORE ANTSY THEY

it is possible to devote time to several different
sparring setups with the attacker getting less and less
controlling grips each time.

GET, SO THEIR ATTENTION CAN If you win three times, you are out - this stops
students who are either overall more experienced
or who are particularly skilled with the technique of
END UP WANDERING the day from just camping out and taking up all the
relevant mat time. By cycling through these people
who keep winning, you give the newer or less familiar
wherever their game is stronger, it makes it harder students more time and opportunity to successfully hit
for the person in the middle to stay in the middle. the move of the day.
Additionally, it prevents guard players from staying in
forever whilst only utilising the more developed part SPARRING
of their game. To finish the class, we move on to regular sparring. I
usually favour six minute rounds but if time is limited
TECHNIQUE I will decrease the length of the rounds rather than
This is simple and traditional. I show two or three the number of them. I believe that in general there
related movements from a position, trying to cover is more to be learned from diversity of training
the most common possible reactions to the situation. partners than extra time with one individual. I will
Obviously it is important to choose the correct often begin the sparring from the position of the
techniques in building a structured syllabus for your day to give further opportunity to hit some of the
students, but thats beyond the scope of this article. techniques live. Pairs start in that position and then
spar normally, changing positions as appropriate.
TECHNIQUE SPARRING Should someone be submitted, they will switch
Once again, this is a 10-minute round of King of top and bottom and start again. If I feel that there
the Hill, this time from the position of the day. I hasnt been appropriate specific training this is an
prefer King of the Hill for this because it gives you opportunity to get a little more in whilst not stifling
the opportunity to try the technique when faced the students games too much.

Overall, this structure means that students will get

45 to 50 minutes of live training in a 90 minute class,
which is a lot, whilst steering them down a path that
allows them to expand and utilise the techniques of
the day. Theres nothing worse than being taught a
new technique and then spending all the sparring
rounds of the day in a completely different position
with no possibility of employing the technique youve
just learned. I hope you can work some of these
concepts into how you run your classes and that it
brings the benefits I have seen when using it with my
own students.
 WORDS: BUDO JAKE
PICTURES: BUDO DAVE

13 TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN

VISITING ANOTHER GYM
In my ten plus years of training BJJ, Ive travelled to probably over 100
different gyms both in the US and internationally.

I f you watched my show Rolled Up on YouTube,

then you too have seen some of these gyms.
theres still a lot of ego in many grappling gyms. If
you show up unannounced, youre likely to be viewed
as a challenger and will be soundly paired up with
Some of them are very familiar to me. Braulio Estimas the toughest guys in class. Not always, but it does
gym in England for example, felt much like my home happen. A simple phone call or email telling them
gym (Gracie Barra HQ in Irvine). Other schools have who you are and why you want to visit will make you
a totally different vibe such as Kurt Osianders, Erik much more welcome. Tell them a bit about who you
Paulsons, or Gokors gym. train with and your rank as well.

What I have found is that all gyms have their own 2) ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR IF THERE ARE
unique atmosphere. If you only visit gyms similar ANY ISSUES.
to your own you might not have much of a culture Some old-school instructors do not like their students
shock but you will also be missing out on some great visiting other gyms. Personally, I will not tolerate this
learning opportunities! attitude, but you still might want to run it by your
teacher to avoid an unpleasant situation.
They say learning takes place outside of your comfort
zone and I for sure picked up many valuable lessons 3) ASK ABOUT THEIR GI POLICY.
when I trained at places very different than what I am For some academies, anything goes. Blue jacket,
used to. Im talking about going beyond even BJJ; to white pants? No problem. For other schools, its white
judo gyms, catch wrestling gyms, and MMA schools. gis only. I remember walking into Saulo Ribeiros
Theres so much to learn out there! academy with a grey gi, to hear him say, thats the
ugliest gi Ive ever seen! When in doubt, a white gi is
That being said, I want to help you with your always safe. Above: Jake
journey. No one likes making faux pas, or to put it training with
more plainly, no one wants to make an ass out of 4) IF ITS A NOGI CLASS, WEAR SPATS. Royler Gracie at
themselves. I dont know what other gyms cleaning habits are. Spats Gracie Humaita
prevent infections by covering up your bare skin. Seems San Diego,
So here, in no particular order, is my list of top things like a good idea to me. California.
Below: Jake you should or shouldnt do when visiting a new gym:
training with 5) DONT WEAR YOUR OWN PATCH.
Andre Galvao 1) CONTACT THE GYM AHEAD OF TIME. This is not an issue if you are visiting a school under
at Atos HQ Lets face it, no matter how often people throw the same umbrella as your home gym. But for
California. around the phrase leave your ego at the door, example, if you train at Gracie Humaita and you are
visiting an Alliance school,
dont wear your Gracie
patch. Some academies go
so far as to make visitors
wear their schools gi. When
visiting a new school, the
plainer the gi the better.

6) GO TO LEARN, NOT TO
CHALLENGE.
If you go in and rough the
students up, you may not
be welcomed back. On the
first visit, keep things light
and friendly. As you get
to know the guys you can
train harder and be more
competitive.

7) DONT COACH THE

STUDENTS.
It can be tempting to coach
the students, particularly if
they are lower belts and are
making mistakes. I would
recommend resisting this
urge for your first visit at a
new school. Remember, you

50
 Budo Jake is a
black belt under
Carlos Gracie
Junior, CEO of
Budo Videos and
Above Jake host of Rolled Up
training with Tim and This Week
Cartmell, Cleber In BJJ.
Lucianos first
black belt. 13) ASK TO TAKE A GROUP PHOTO.
These make nice memories of your experience and
Right: Jake it also conveys a message of appreciation to the
training with instructor and his gym. Then post it on social media
Terere at his and tag me to let me know where you visited!
academy in
Rio de Janeiro, I hope these tips help you out. I have thoroughly
Brazil. enjoyed training in other gyms around the world. Its a
great way to make friends in a different place, even if
you dont speak their language!

are a guest. Unless you are invited to teach or you

have a good relationship with the teacher, I would
hold off on coaching. Just train and enjoy.

8) ASK ABOUT SPARRING RULES.

This is probably one of the touchier subjects. Break
their rules and you might find yourself making an
enemy real quick! Some schools allow heel hooks
from day one. Others never do! Some allow kneebars
and toeholds after brown belt. Some students stop
if they get close to a wall. Others, particularly MMA
gyms, keep going, using the wall to simulate a cage
wall. By simply asking the instructor are there any
sparring rules I should know? you will be on track to
a good rolling session.

9) ALWAYS WEAR SANDALS OR SHOES WHEN

WALKING AROUND THE GYM.
Of course we never wear shoes (unless wrestling
shoes) on the mat, but resist the urge to walk barefoot
to the locker room or bathroom. This is how germs
are spread. Dont be that guy.

10) RESPECT THE INSTRUCTORS TEACHING.

You might have been taught a different way of
doing a move than the instructor shows. Thats fine,
but keep it to yourself. There are many different
ways of doing things. Take the opportunity to learn
and be humble.

11) OFFER TO PAY A MAT FEE.

Many gyms have a fee for drop-in guests. This is
called a mat fee. Other gyms may have a policy of
one free class, or a free week. If the gym is under the
same umbrella as your home gym, there may be no
fee at all, but in my opinion you should always offer. I
also recommend giving the cash in an envelope; thats
how its done in traditional martial arts dojos.

12) LEAVE A REVIEW ON YELP OR OTHER

SUCH SITE.
The instructor will definitely appreciate this and it will
go a long way towards you being welcomed back.

51
 WORDS: SAM JOSEPH
PICTURES: ALBERTO MARCHETTI

QUESTIONS THAT
CAN HELP OUR BJJ
Over the years I have heard instructors say, There are no bad questions

T he thought behind this is that asking questions

leads us to greater knowledge of BJJ - whether
they help to illuminate what does or does not work,
goals within my first three years of training. When
challenges arose, my goals were often the things that
kept me on track and on the mat. An added benefit
the positive or the negative or what is or is not was how these successes motivated and propelled me
appropriate. While I agree that almost any question to bigger and better things in my BJJ journey.
can be interpreted or answered in a way that can
benefit us, there are some that are more conducive to My goals had to do with competition, but the beauty
supporting BJJ growth than others. Here are some of BJJ goals is that they are totally customisable.
questions that when asked on a regular basis can help They can be made around general fitness, gaining
us make headway on the mat! proficiency in certain techniques or positions
and even BJJ-centric trips if those are more to
QUESTION 1: WHAT ARE OUR GOALS? an individuals liking. The common ground is that
Goals provide us with purpose and direction while defining our BJJ goals is a great first step to success
promoting commitment. This is especially important on the mat.
in BJJ, as gaining real proficiency is more a marathon
than a sprint. It takes time to progress on the mat QUESTION 2: WHAT DO WE ENJOY MOST
and having goals makes it easier to stay the course ABOUT BJJ?
when the going gets tough and we are tempted to In an era of serious BJJ athletes, sponsorships,
quit. When we define our goals, both short and long tournament circuits and athlete branding on social
term, we are proactively setting ourselves up for media, this is an under-utilised question in BJJ. The
future success by committing to actions that will lead fact is that when something is fun we often make
to specific outcomes. time for it, and any instructor worth his/her salt will
agree that mat time is the one thing we cannot do
In my early training life, I established two goals: I without as we seek improvement in BJJ. In light of
wanted to fight and win in MMA and also medal this, clarifying what we find fun about BJJ so that we
at the BJJ Pan American tournament - the largest can focus on it during tough times is obviously a wise
BJJ competition in the United States at that time. thing to do if we desire longevity in the BJJ lifestyle.
Specifying these as targets empowered me as they I am reminded of something David Jacobs (owner/
informed my daily choices. I simply had to ask myself head instructor of the David Jacobs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
if what I was doing and how I was doing it would Academy) said to me as blue belts on a tournament
help me reach those goals. In effect, by simply asking trip. David and I came up together at the Yamasaki
myself what I wanted to accomplish, I set in motion Academy in Washington DC and often discussed
the events that led to my achieving both of those competing, the competition mindset and BJJ in

52
 Sam Joseph is a
2nd degree Black
Belt in BJJ under
the Yamasaki
Academy. He
was awarded
his black belt in
2007 and has
vast experience
as a teacher, BJJ
competitor and
MMA fighter.

general. David found BJJ after his Division 1 wrestling with teaching, advisory work, community projects,
career had ended, so his perspective was built from volunteering, competing, etc. The common thread
a life-time of competitive grappling. We had a nice of these organisations is that they allow and
core group of people who competed regularly at our encourage growth by providing opportunities for
individuals to get involved.

When we take those opportunities, we help unlock

THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO ARE our own potential on and off the mat. That kind of
positive dynamic makes BJJ more than just exercise
or a sport. BJJ becomes a force for good in our lives

HAPPIEST IN BJJ ARE PLUGGED IN and when that happens, getting better on the mat is
just an added benefit.

AND PARTICIPATING IN ACADEMIES QUESTION 4: WHERE CAN MY BJJ IMPROVE?

Many of us have a natural tendency to focus on our
strengths. We like to do the things we are good at
and often minimize the importance of gaps in our BJJ
academy but David was clearly the most enthusiastic games. This plays itself out on mats all over the world
about it. His energy not only carried over to his day- during sparring at the end of classes as we try to win
to-day training in preparation for tournaments but by taking our training partners to our A games.
it also positively impacted many of his teammates - While improving and adding layers to what we do
including me. best is a good thing, what often prompts massive
growth in BJJ is our focus on and development of our
When I asked him about it, he simply told me that he weak areas.
had never had more fun in sports than competing in
BJJ. That was his big secrethe was having fun! I As a white belt, I felt much more comfortable on top
laughed at the time, but as I put more thought into during training. As I got closer to blue belt, I had to
what was fun for me about BJJ and focused on that, face the fact that I had a real gap in my game in terms
I found the challenges a little less daunting. I have of a lack of attacks from the guard. I chose to use this
continued to actively ask myself this question over the as an opportunity and began doing guard retention
years and it has made the mat a much happier place drills and working on sweeps before and after every
for me. That has helped me to put in more mat time class. I also started sparring from the bottom, which,
and that has fueled improvement in my BJJ. Fun while frustrating at first as people passed easily, slowly
can be a real tool for us as we seek growth as BJJ started bearing fruit. My bottom game got steadily
practitioners. better and developed into a real strength over time.

QUESTION 3: HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE? By identifying and focusing on a weakness in the right
John F Kennedy said, Ask not what your country can way, I prompted significant advancement in my BJJ.
do for you but what you can do for your country, and As my BJJ game matured, I continued to see the
inspired a nation. The key here being that by actively value of this type of self-evaluation and awareness
contributing to a group or organisation we see value under the tutelage of Fernando and Mario Yamasaki
in, we make the group better AND we improve and Francisco Neto. They constantly pushed me
ourselves. That same concept is applicable when we to look beyond my strengths, both in preparation
look at BJJ. for tournaments and to round out my jiu jitsu. This
helped me internalise the truth that growth can
The people I know who are happiest in BJJ are be stimulated whenever we are willing to face and
plugged in and participating in academies and/ address our weaknesses.
or teams. The demographics of the groups are all
across the board but there are similarities in that CONCLUSION:
they are healthy organisations that encourage the The questions covered have in common an
growth and participation of their members. That inherent quest for self-knowledge and how it can
participation also varies: training, helping out support progress in the BJJ journey. From novice
to experienced black belt, they can be used as
tools to stimulate growth and enrich the overall BJJ
experience. While they are not the only helpful
questions, they are certainly a great starting point as
they have the potential to help any BJJ practitioner
who is genuinely willing to ask and answer them on a
regular basis.

See you on the mat!

53
 WORDS: EMIL FISCHER

JIU JITSU IN POPULAR CULTURE

How awesome is it to find out that your favourite celebrity (musician,
actor, mainstream professional athlete, etc.,) does jiu jitsu?

H ow about when youre watching TV or a movie

and one of the characters does what appears
to be a jiu jitsu move? Brazilian jiu jitsu has had the
5. Clark Gregg: Agent Coulson from The Avengers
and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. just recently earned his
black belt.
attention of the international community for less than
25 years, but in that time has garnered a lot of respect. 6. Guy Ritchie: The famous director is a long time
practitioner and recently received his black belt. The
Popular culture has a way of bastardising things we action sequences in his movies are very often crisp
love, but it also has the tendency to evoke a very and well crafted.
proud reaction when we see things we love featured
on a grander scale. Jiu jitsu has grown drastically in 7. Ed ONeill: Any list of celebrities who practise
popularity since that first UFC, and as a result we jiu jitsu needs to include Al Bundy. The long time
have seen it begin to show up in pop culture in some practitioner is a black belt under Rorion Gracie. He
really cool ways. picked up jiu jitsu in the 90s, and has been an avid
practitioner ever since.
THE CELEBRITY CONTINGENT
The success of any given lifestyle, sport or other 8. Rikki Rockett: The drummer of the classic glam
new phenomenon can often be measured by which metal band, Poison, Rikki Rockett is one of the
celebrities, and how many of them, get into it. few black belt celebrity jiujiteiros who has actually
Over the past decade weve seen an emergence of competed.
celebrity practitioners who are proud of their jiu jitsu Above: Dave
involvement. 9. Dave Bautista: WWE superstar turned actor Bautista, WWE
(perhaps best known for his roles in Guardians of the superstar and BJJ
In no particular order, heres a short list of some Galaxy and the recent James Bond release, Spectre) purple belt.
celebrities who practice the Gentle Art: is also a BJJ purple belt. Chances are he has pretty
decent pressure.
1. Sean Patrick Flanery: Best known for his work
on The Boondock Saints and Dexter, the renowned 10. Michael Clarke Duncan: The sonorous voiced
actor is also a black belt and instructor at Hollywood actor who passed away in 2012 achieved the rank of
Below, left Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. blue belt in BJJ.
centre: Michael
Clarke Duncan, 2. Ashton Kutcher: Any list of current celebrity Of course the list can go on from here; there are
the sonorous jiujiteiros would be incomplete without Kelso from dozens of celebrities both major and minor who train,
voiced actor who That 70s Show. Ashton Kutcher is a purple belt under and some of them quite seriously. Chances are that
passed away in Rigan Machado. if you do BJJ and you find out that a celebrity also
2012 achieved does, your opinion of that person instantly improves.
the rank of blue 3. Paul Walker (RIP): Best known for his role in The
belt in BJJ. Fast and the Furious films, the late actor was a brown SUBMISSIONS ON SCREEN
belt before his untimely and tragic death and was There are examples of submissions in mainstream
Below, right posthumously promoted to black belt by world class productions as early as the 1940s, but the most
centre: Ed coach, Ricardo Franjinha Miller. famous actor to use a submission hold on screen was
ONeill, actor and Bruce Lee. Bruce dispatched several of his opponents
black belt under 4. Maynard James Keenan: Lead singer of Grammy over the course of his fictitious career with a variety
Rorion Gracie. award winning hard rock/heavy metal band Tool, of chokes, and even executed an armbar on Sammo
Maynard James Keenan is also a long time jiu jitsu Hung in one of the opening scenes of Enter the
practitioner and was recently promoted to purple belt. Dragon. Seeing submissions on screen is always neat.

1. The Rear Naked Choke/Mata Leao

The RNC has been a move seen in movies and on TV
shows for a very long time. This specific choke is very
often used as a means for a character to quickly and
quietly put away an individual who could otherwise
be an obstacle. There are far too many examples to
list, but the chances are that if youve seen an action
flick youve seen an RNC at least a few times in
popular culture.

2. The Triangle Choke

There is no move that better represents Brazilian
jiu jitsu is in the eyes of popular culture than the
triangle. The triangle choke is to BJJ what the hook
is to boxing or what the clinch is to Muay Thai: it is a
sort of a signature move which, while it also exists

54
 Far left: Maynard
James Keenan,
Lead singer of
Grammy award
winning hard
rock/heavy metal
band Tool and BJJ
purple belt.

Left: Ashton
Kutcher, movie
star purple belt
under Rigan
Machado.

in some other arts, is considered a staple of BJJ. the choreography of Lethal Weapon. If our art is to
Some examples of the triangle choke in movies are: be represented in popular culture, it is great if it is
represented accurately.
1. Clark Gregg hitting a triangle choke when playing
Agent Coulson in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. NOT IN THE FACE!
It is well known that many celebrities who train do
2. Mel Gibsons character used the triangle in Lethal not do so with the general population of jiujiteiros.
Weapon to deal with Gary Busey. Theres a simple reason for this: most celebrities rely
on their looks. If they get injured when rolling against
3. Tom Cruise used a triangle to choke his own clone a clumsy white belt or if someone doesnt like their
into unconsciousness in Oblivion. acting style and goes extra hard, that could mean
setbacks on set.
4. In the first season of Jessica Jones, Rachael
Taylors character, Patricia Walker, tried to use This is problematic for several reasons. For starters,
a triangle choke to deal with an intruder, but he anyone who gets promoted past blue belt without
managed to escape it by slamming her. He would actively rolling is suspect. I say blue belt because
have been DQd in a BJJ tournament. there are organisations that do not allow white belts
to roll at all due to issues with attrition, but in most
3. Miscellaneous Submissions cases I would be very suspicious of a blue belt who
Its cool to see techniques which are considered had only taken private lessons. It is very difficult to
staples of jiu jitsu in popular culture, but it is even develop if you dont have people actively trying to
cooler to see unusual moves performed: submit you.
Clark Gregg,
1. In an episode of hit TV series Gotham, an assassin On the other side of this issue, there are some Agent Coulson
chokes the character James Gordon unconscious with celebrities who legitimately dive into that shark tank from The
a bow and arrow choke, using his tie. and swim around. For example, Anthony Bourdain Avengers and
actually rolls wherever he goes. The issue here is that Agents of
2. The film John Wick is full of fantastically unless you have (or someone you know has) rolled S.H.I.E.L.D just
choreographed martial arts action, including a gi with a given celebrity, you will inherently doubt them recently earned
choke used by a hit-woman trying to kill the titular because youll think that they, like many others, do his black belt.
character. She uses the lapel of her own leather not embrace the full BJJ experience, which includes
jacket to do a rather advanced choke which Keanu the brutality of rolling. Its cool to hear that someone
Reeves character is able to escape. famous does Brazilian jiu jitsu, but knowing that
theres a good chance that they only take private
3. In the popular TV series, Person of Interest, there lessons does put a bit of a dampner on it.
is plenty of awesome hand to hand combat, but one
episode in particular features a female MMA fighter, At the end of the day, it doesnt really matter who
and in the viewers first exposure to this character, trains how; the fact is that every celebrity who trains
we get to feast our eyes on a very nicely executed helps attract more people to the art, and every
omoplata during one of her fights. movie or TV show that shows jiu jitsu will make
people wonder exactly what it is they saw, and could
There are some inherent problems with some of the potentially help popularise jiu jitsu even more.
submissions shown in TV shows and movies. Very
often, the technique is done sloppily, indicating As jiu jitsu becomes ever more popular, we will see
that they didnt bring in legitimate practitioners to more celebrities who train. Mixed Martial Arts has
help with the choreography. In other instances, it been a major factor in this proliferation with crossover
is clear that someone who knew what they were stars like Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Georges
doing was involved. Recently, the Machado brothers St-Pierre and Randy Couture all being featured in
have made many posts on social media about their movies, and that trend is bound to continue. People
involvement with the second John Wick movie. It like seeing actual martial artists perform the moves in
is also well known that Rorion Gracie helped with movies that they trained to do in real life; it adds to
the excitement.

Guy Ritchie, film With social media becoming a great tool to spread
director and BJJ videos of jiu jitsu, we can see new clips and mentions
black belt under of scenes coming up every day to let us know about
Renzo Gracie. the latest televised triangle choke. Hopefully, the
choker has taken a few classes and spent some time
in the gi.

55
 WORDS: MATT JARDINE
PICTURES: CALLUM MEDCRAFT

BJJ - THE NEW RELIGION?

This year the Worlds Masters was held in Las Vegas, the city that
seemingly never sleeps, in a show of hedonistic debauchery.
It is a fun place if nothing else.

F our and half hours drive away, in the neighbouring

state of Arizona, lies the town of Sedona; the
antithesis of Vegas. Arguably the spiritual capital of the
is more suited to aiding white belts than the blue.

We have evolved emotionally, technically, tactically and

US, it sits amidst red rock peaks as a beacon of the very physically beyond the primary motivations of personal
best that religion and spirituality strive to offer. survival and we start to appreciate that life, our jiu
jitsu, involves others. We need them, as they need us,
For generations religion has provided its devotees with and the truth dawns that the co-operation necessary
systems and structures that offer social connection, to improve on the mat is the same that helps us lead
community and unity, moral guidance, lifestyle happier and more fulfilling lives off it.
compassing and outlets to repent: faith, hope
and charity; pathways toward happy, fulfilling and, Loving our neighbour has been a staple of religions
ultimately, meaningful lives. worldwide for generations but we have seen this ideal
erode in recent times. Thankfully it is still a primary
But now, in the 21st Century, religion is failing us. Ideals ethic in our jiu jitsu training; possibly our continued
have given way to power struggles, war, hypocrisy commitment to it, day after day, class after class, will
and atrocities so heinous that Gods and deities would shine a light that those who have lost their way may
quiver at the interpretations we have layered over their follow back toward its benefits.
well-intentioned teachings.
3. LISTEN TO THE VOICE ON HIGH
Still though, we covet all that religion originally To listen to the Voice on High you wont need
promised us; we must, were only human after all. Our an intermediary in robes to translate. It will be
desire for community, kindness, solace and meaning unnecessary to be in a meditative state, sacred lands
have not changed. Our DNA still reaches for higher will not have to be traversed to find it. Simply look to
states of being beyond the basics of our Neolithic the front of your next class and there he or she is: your
forefathers. So where will we find it? Where can we teacher, your Voice on High.
look? Who or what will be the Avatar that brings it?
Could the answer lie on the mats of Brazilian jiu jitsu? With their belt comes a guarantee of knowledge,
Could BJJ offer the best that religion has to offer experience and troubles endured that make BJJ so
without the worst that has drastically brought it to its wonderfully authentic and pressure tested. Now just
knees? I think, possibly, it could. listen to them. Pay attention to what they are sharing
with you. Suspend all other thoughts, judgments or
It is an ambitious assertion I know, but, regardless, I ego statements that may stand in the way. More than
present to you a code that may be an alternative to likely they will have forgotten more than you have yet
other, failing religions and a compliment to the more learned. Humbling isnt it?
successful ones.
Humility is the gift of this commandment.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF BJJ
4. LOOK AFTER THE MEEK
1. LOVE THYSELF As we continue on this journey, our personal
Like all great commandments, they are applicable power combines with humility and we begin to feel
on several levels depending upon the needs of the responsibility for others. An emerging voice starts to
devotee. Our first commandment is no exception. speak out against tyranny, or at least the little things in
life that we used to ignore but now meet head on.
By loving ourselves, taking care of us first, we are
helping both ourselves and others simultaneously. We look after newcomers to the academy; guide them,
Other religions have called this selfish selflessness. encourage them, stay on after class to show them parts
Just as the evacuation instructions preceding an of a technique that they didnt absorb first time around.
aeroplanes take off tell us, in case of loss of cabin Our burgeoning strength helps us take others under
pressure, to attach our own oxygen mask before our wing. We tell heavy handed students, yet to learn
helping others with theirs. As we develop our skills and humility, to ease off and settle down. By now, we begin
attributes we honour the gift of life that has been given to comprehend that, actually, our jiu jitsu could be a
to us. We pay tribute to it by living to our full potential. possible method of self-defence. These are skills we
can take back to our worlds outside of the academy.
On a purely practical level, loving thyself could simply Our skills on the mat are growing and our personal
represent enough self-respect to wash your gi regularly! communities are better for it.
Selfish persistence with personal hygiene will be more
than beneficial to fellow sharers of the mats. The world 5. DO NOT COVET YOUR
will be a better place with just this single choice. NEIGHBOURS POSSESSIONS
So much more than not stealing is covered by this
2. LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR fifth commandment. In fact, this is a pivotal time in our
Once we have learnt to love ourselves our self- personal growth and an opportunity, if we continue to
confidence and esteem grow to the point where we commit, to reap the highest levels of attainment that
are now better suited to helping others: the black belt our religion, our BJJ, has to offer.

56
With each day of BJJ servitude, with each humbling
submission reigned upon us, with each frustrating bind
to a position we cannot escape, the grandiosity of our
ego is tamed.

At a certain point, by the time of commandment five, we

no longer envy and covet the possessions of our peers.
We no longer feel anger at their competition victories,
jealous of their promotions or secret joy at injuries that
interrupt their relentless progress ahead of us.

Instead, as our ego shrinks we feel happiness for all

that they are enjoying and use it as inspiration rather
than threat. We are honoured to share the mat with 9. HAVE FAITH
them, no longer threatened by comparison. The fruits Standing central to all religion is the issue of faith;
of our labours are paying off and we are becoming our BJJ version is no exception. Faith is arguably the
better persons all round. most contentious part of religion; it can be used either
positively or negatively but it is unmistakably powerful.
6. TEACH FISHING We would hope that the self-attainment procured so
Life and religion are filled with stories of tough love: far, via the previous commandments and our hours on
the seeming retraction of compassion in favour of the mat, will help us use our faith constructively.
harder lessons that strike to the core of the recipient.
In the religion of BJJ, our faith is to the art itself. Our
Rather than providing direct answers, it is often a better solidarity is to the ideas of leverage, technique and
tactic for long term growth to empower those in need efficient use of our bodies to overcome power, brawn
to think, learn and discover solutions for themselves: and aggression. Many have come before us to show the
to teach them to fish (rather than feed them fish), to way of BJJ and we stand in their wake, trusting the paths
use old religious parlance. There is much evidence they have walked and the seas they have crossed.
to suggest that retention of information is more
comprehensive using this method. Concepts based Faith contains hope and trust and although it certainly
teaching and specific sparring in BJJ is commandment can be abused, it can also be used as fuel for building
six in action. healthy and happy communities both on and off of the
mat. Have faith in faith.
Outside of the academy, it is possible to use the same
idea to raise independent, confident and self-directed 10. ENTER THE DIVINE
children; a goal every parent aspires to. The ultimate aim of any and all religions is to connect Matt Jardine is a
its followers with its highest levels and ideals; to enter full time teacher
7. PRAY REGULARLY the Divine, whatever definition that may entail. of the Martial
You may or may not realise it, but prayer is happening Arts, writer
all the time during our training, or certainly should It encapsulates the belief that there is always a higher and author. He
be. To identify it, lets first change our possible level to attain than the crude and troublesome one we wishes you all a
understanding of prayer. may find ourselves struggling with currently. Surfers happy, healthy
transcend themselves via the search for the ultimate and successful
Each of us is familiar with traditional religions use of wave, athletes plunge unknown depths by trying to remainder of
prayer: a direct and deliberate act of communication get, and stay, in the Zone, and meditators strive for 2016.
with their chosen god or deity in order to ask for help, expanded consciousness through meditation and ritual.
comfort or other requests and desires.
For us, followers of BJJ, we honour the Holy Grail that
But the psychology of prayer is happening with or is flow rolling: that moment when we become one
without a belief in a god or deity, and it is called goal with the energy of our partner. All that we attempt
setting. In goal setting we replace the deliberate falls into place without struggle or strain; time slows as
communication with a formal god to one with our own we see all that is necessary to defend many moments
selves. We actively ask our deepest levels, whatever ahead of time; previously disjointed ideas line up in
we believe them to be, to help us improve our guard new found comprehension. In this state we experience,
game this week, work towards purple belt next maybe for the first time, true peace and effortless ease,
month, dont tap to this white belt this roll. Had you and it is joyful.
ever considered to whom you were internally talking?
The journey from unknown to known is the longest
Prayer-goal setting, is helping us all the time both on one, and although we may not be able to replicate this
and off of the mat regardless of our race, colour, creed state with consistency or by choice, we know now that
or religious persuasion. it exists. It is a reality in our consciousness; this state of
effortless ease, this state of grace, and we hold dear
8. HONOUR THE SABBATH the peace and joy that comes with it.
Religions share some advice that is merely practical,
down-to earth, healthy advice. Commandment eight The many hours on the mat, pressure testing our art,
falls into this category. have led to glimpses of commandment tens super
state as many classes have eroded our ego and anger.
Sabbath is religious terminology for a day of rest. It Aggression and fighting for our cause seem medieval
doesnt matter which day; Christians honour Sunday as now; the way of the thrashing white belt gives way to
the Sabbath day, Jews honour Saturday and Muslims the ever finer realms of blue, purple, black and beyond.
honour Friday. Those of the BJJ religion can choose
any day, but do choose one. It is easy to get swept As the commandments suggest, there is great and
away by our passion for our art and ignore the burnout good to be gained from our BJJ religion, as there is
that can creep up on us unannounced. For athletes, from more traditional religions across the world. But
rest is essential for both mind and body. Use this maybe our unique experiences learnt on the mat in
commandment also to rest from the busyness of the academies globally have taught us that it is no longer
world. Switch off your phone for a day, shut down your necessary to struggle and strain to defend ourselves:
computer and spend the time instead with those you our bodies, our minds or our values. Why bother?
love. They will thank you for it. Weve all had many fights; lost and been beaten,
tapped many times and its not so bad after all.

Once we let go of the violence of defending that

in which we believe, once we ease into the ideas of
leverage, flow and cooperation, we get to keep our
ideals, our friends and, wonderfully, we live to roll
another day.

Now they are ideals Im prepared to worship. How

about you?

57
 In this rendition of
Masterclass, Ze shows
some of his favourite
techniques, including
some dynamic
sweeps, submissions
and guard passing.

MASTERCLASS

ZE RADIOLA
Ze Radiola is a former professional
surfer, a black belt under Carlos Gracie
Junior and head instructor at Gracie
Barra Pernambuco. Zes academy has
spawned numerous high profile jiu jitsu
athletes, including Otavio Sousa, Lucas
Rocha, Braulio and Victor Estima.
Pictures: Callum Medcraft

58
 1 2

1: Starting from the spider guard with a lasso grip on your opponents 2/3: Move your right foot to your opponents left thigh, then pin their
right arm. left sleeve to the mat.

3 4

OMOPLATA FROM SPIDER GUARD

4: Release your right grip and gain control of the back of your
opponents right elbow.

5 6

5/6: Using your hands, pull your opponents arm forwards and at the
same time kick your leg through to secure the omoplata.

7 8

7/8: Sit up and escape your hips away from your opponent to secure
the submission.

59
 1 2

1: Starting from the spider guard with a lasso grip on your opponents 2: Switch your left leg from inside your opponents right bicep to
right arm. underneath their left armpit.

3 4
SPIDER GUARD SWEEP TO ARMLOCK

3: Next, place your right foot on the floor. 4/5/6: Extend your left leg towards your left hand side to knock your
opponent off base.

5 6

60
 7 8

7: As your opponents shoulders hit the mat, maintain your grips to 8: Start to angle off, with your left leg coming across your opponents
set up a submission. chest to start the armlock.

9 10

SPIDER GUARD SWEEP TO ARMLOCK

9/10: Maintain control of your opponents sleeves as you secure the
armlock position.

11 12

11/12: Sit back and finish the submission.

61
 1 2

1: Starting in the closed guard. 2: Break your opponents posture with your legs and slip your left
thumb in the back of their collar.

3 4
WILLIAMS GUARD TO OMOPLATA

3/4/5: Bring your right hand under your own right leg and pass your
opponents collar lapel from your left to right hand, securing Williams
guard.

5 6

6: Next, control your opponents right hand with your left hand.

62
 7 8

7: Drive your left knee into your opponents bicep and extend your 8/9: Bring your right foot over to secure an omoplata.
hips to expose their shoulder.

9 10

WILLIAMS GUARD TO OMOPLATA

10/11/12: Release your left hand grip, sit up and finish the omoplata.

11 12

63
 1 2

1: Starting from the spider guard with a lasso grip on your opponents 2: Switch your left leg from inside your opponents right bicep to
right arm. underneath their left armpit.

3 4
SPIDER GUARD SWEEP COUNTER TO ARMLOCK

3: Your opponent anticipates you are going to try and sweep them to 4: Instantly switch your hips so that your head is leaning off to your
their right, so steps up on their right foot to defend. left, ready to attack with an armlock.

5 6

5: Drag your opponents left arm across your body. 6/7: Push their head away with your right arm, at the same time
maintain control of your opponents left arm with your left hand.

7 8

8: Bring your right leg over to secure the armbar. This is a very tight
position, as your opponent cannot escape either of their arms to
attempt to defend.

64
 Hi Braulio,
Send your questions I was just wondering if youve ever kept a jiu
for Braulio to jitsu journal or logged your training in any way
u2us@bjjstyle.com over the years? Im not the most organised
and we will publish person, and also very forgetful, so I thought the
as many as possible idea of creating a journal to record targets and
in the next issue of notes from sessions could be cool. Be interested
Jiu Jitsu Style. to see if you think this is beneficial.

Cheers - Harry

Hi Harry,
Personally Ive never really kept a training log or
anything physically written down for my jiu jitsu,
no. When it comes to gym and strength work, Ive
never been very good at doing that on my own
either, so I have always had to have someone there
to train me. I have a personal trainer help to keep
my strength training process on track, but I dont
have this mentality with my jiu jitsu.

For me, I dont think there are things that you

can really measure in BJJ like you can in strength
training. One thing I have done previously with
my jiu jitsu is actually having a written game plan.
Ive documented where I will allocate my time and
what specific techniques I will look to work on in
the build up to big competitions and stuff like that.
I would give myself a couple of weeks to explore a
new position and then move on to something else,
but always referring to my written game plan. For
example, I remember working really hard on my
deep half guard, as I was c**p at it! I set aside a
couple of months in my game plan to work on this,
then back to general training. I think working to
a general game plan is the only way I would work
with documenting jiu jitsu training.

BRAULIO ESTIMA

ASK THE DOCTOR

Braulio Estima is Jiu Jitsu Styles
resident BJJ Doctor, helping
prescribe our readers just the
right tonic of tips to improve their
grappling game.

Hi Braulio, They played different rules, with the I guess if you wanted to be critical, a
I saw you were at the Berkut event in 15 minutes sub only, then five minutes few of the fights were a little bit boring,
early November. What did you think points, and I enjoyed this. Theres but overall it was a great show. When
of the show? I cant help but feel the always going to be different rules, you get to competitions like this, the
final was a big let-down and I am slowly and theres no correct answer as to fighters play the rules as best they can,
losing confidence in BJJ as a spectacle. what are the best rules. Personally, especially when there are substantial
I really like the idea of a 20 minute amounts of money available.
Thanks - Paul fight, but with points right from the
beginning. Why? Because if you make
Hi Paul, a commanding lead on points within
I was actually there and commentating the first ten minutes, then you may
at the tournament. I was really, really as well go for submissions, while the
excited by the fight card and to be fighter with no points has to go for
honest, the show felt like it went by so submissions. I guess with this system
quickly! For me, it was very enjoyable you would have to have penalties to
and there were lots of surprises in stop people from being inactive when
there, like Dean Lister and Jackson they have lots of points, but Im just
Sousa both getting tapped, then Caio thinking out loud now!
Terras sub was great.

67
 Dear Braulio, most important things to consider are creativity, dealing with
I wanted to ask you about your approach to cross training. the unknown and reaction time. Its very hard to predict how
Ive recently started doing judo once a week, as I do feel a fight is going to go is essentially what I am saying. So, the
its important to have some stand up in my arsenal for more you know, the more you understand how to deal with
competitions. I know youve done a fair bit of wrestling, any situation.
so what I wanted to ask was whether or not you fully
immerse yourself in the wrestling when training it, or do When I train wrestling, I train wrestling to learn wrestling in
you still think about how techniques would transcend into its entirety. This is the same with judo. If I am being shown a
your BJJ? For example, in judo, Ive been shown a fair few judo throw that means I have to expose my back, I still learn
techniques that I feel would be bad for BJJ (expose my it. By drilling every aspect of a martial art, even if you dont
back etc.) and then cant get myself excited about learning use all of the techniques in your BJJ, you still gain a better
them. Is this bad? Should I just go with it and spend time understanding of the mechanics and develop sport specific
on these techniques, even if I think they wont benefit my strength. Its similar to training in the gi even if you dont fight
BJJ? Im worried that by ignoring them, I could be missing a in the gi.
trick in developing my takedown game.
What you need to take out of cross training is the framework
What do you think? - Jack and specific strengths associated with the chosen martial
art. By excluding the things that you THINK wont work for
Hi Jack your jiu jitsu, you lose out on lots of potential development
This is a very interesting question. I have actually tried this and exploration as a fighter. Knowledge is one of the most
from both perspectives: cross training and cherry picking important things we can gain as martial artists, as gaining
stuff for my BJJ, and also cross training another martial art in knowledge is gaining tools and learning how to play the chess
its entirety. I believe, when it comes to a fight, some of the game of fighting.

Collar Choke 1 2
From Half Guard
Hi Braulio,
I saw Caio Terras awesome
finish at the competition in
Russia when caught in worm
guard, so I wondered if there
are any specific techniques you
like to work on when the guy
gets you in worm guard?

Best wishes - Claire

Hi Claire,
3 4
Caio Terras finish was really
awesome. Heres a little
rundown of what he did.

1: Your opponent has your

lapel wrapped around your
right leg. 2/3/4: Stand up tall
and essentially step out of
the lapel control, freeing up
your right foot. 5: From here,
re-engage with your opponent
and look to work from half
guard, at the same time slip
5 6
your right thumb inside your
opponents collar ready for the
choke. 6/7/8: Step over your
opponents head with your right
leg. Kick your leg backwards
and maintain your collar grip to
secure the choke.

7 8

68
1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

Estima Lock Or Guard

Pass From Half Guard
Hey Braulio,
What do you do to pass half guard when the guy is really 1: Your opponent is in half guard and using the
active with their knee shield? I find it very hard to smash past knee shield to keep you at bay. 2: Start to wrap
someones guard when they are active with their knee across my your opponents left foot with your right hand,
chest. moving your body backwards to create space. 3:
Next, bring your chest forwards so that you have a
Many thanks - Aaron grip on your opponents left foot and it is pushing
against your sternum. 4/5/6: Lock up a rear naked
Hi Aaron, choke grip and twist to your right to finish the
Yeah, that can be a pain in the ass. I would recommend looking submission. 7/8/9: If your opponent is able to kick
at the Estima lock, as it will either lead to a submission or a through and escape the footlock, you can simply
guard pass.Practise with caution when training! continue forward with a leg drag pass.

69
 Matheus is a black
belt under Marcelo
Garcia and shot to
fame off the back of
his grueling 20 minute
submission match
with Vinny Magalhaes
at Metamoris 5, which
ended in a draw.

SHEDDING THE GI

Matheus Diniz
Sharing some of his nogi secrets in this
instalment of Shedding the Gi is multiple
World and Pan Am Nogi champion,
Matheus Diniz! Here, Diniz showcases
some of his favourite back takes and
sweeps from half guard and X guard.
Pictures: Ric Ricard

70
 1 2

1: You are on the bottom in a deep half guard position with 2: Bring your legs towards your chest and your left knee to the inside
underhook control on your opponents left leg. of your opponents right thigh.

3 4

HALF GUARD / X GUARD BACK TAKE

3: Push your opponents body away with your left hand and extend 4/5: Bring your left arm and your head underneath your opponents
your legs to establish X guard. left leg to start the transition to the back.

5 6

6: Continue to rotate until both your knees are on the back of your
opponents thighs and grip their hips with your hands.

7 8

7/8: Extend your legs and sit forwards to secure back control.

71
 1 2

1: Starting from a conventional X guard position. 2: Extend your legs to move your opponent forwards, forcing them to
post on the mat with their hands. Maintain control of your opponents
left leg.

3 4
X GUARD BACK TAKE

3: Post your left hand on the mat and start to sit up. 4: Maintain control of your opponents left leg as you come up onto
your knees.

5 6

5: Quickly drag your opponent towards you and transition to a bear 6/7: Dive forwards and secure a seat belt grip, slipping in your hooks
hug around their waist. as you go.

7 8

8: Secure a short choke finish.

72
 1 2

1: You have secured an underhook and are in a solid half guard 2: Your opponent attempts to switch their base and bring their left leg
position. to the other side of your body, but this sets up a back take.

3 4

HALF GUARD BACK TAKE

3: As your opponent switches their base, bring your left shin behind 4: Escape your head backwards by posting on your opponents lat.
their right knee.

5 6

5: As your head arrives behind your opponent, you can now post on 6: As your opponent arrives on their knees, secure a bear hug around
the mat with your right hand. their waist.

7 8

7/8: Secure a seat belt grip and start to insert your hooks for the
back take and finish.

73
 1 2

1: Starting from half guard with underhook control. 2: Sit up into a single leg position.

3 4
SWEEP OFF WHIZZER DEFENCE

3: As you attempt to move towards your opponents back, they insert 4: Continue to your knees, then bring your left arm from around your
a whizzer with their right arm. opponents waist to up and over their right shoulder.

5 6

5: Secure a gable grip around your opponents right shoulder to 6/7/8: Step out with your right foot and drive forwards with your
counter the whizzer. whole body to smash your opponent down and secure a sweep.

7 8

74
 1 2

1: Starting from half guard with underhook control. 2/3: Use a pendulum motion with your right leg to help transition
towards your opponents back. As they insert the whizzer, drive your
left arm up and across their right shoulder to weaken their defence.

3 4 5

WHIZZER DEFENCE TO GUILLOTINE

4/5: Next bring your right foot over your opponents right calf to help
release the half guard as you now transition to the choke.

6 7

6/7: In a quick motion rotate 45 degrees towards your opponents

head, locking up their chin for the guillotine.

8 9

8/9: Maintain your grips and sit back for the high elbow guillotine.

75
 Nick Brooks is Jiu 1
Jitsu Styles resident
technique guru and
a second degree
black belt under
Roger Gracie.

1: Starting in closed guard, break your opponents

grip on your lapel.

ATTACKS FROM SLEEVE AND TROUSER GRIPS

NICK BROOKS
SWEEP TO SIDE CONTROL 1

2: Maintain a cross grip on your opponents right

sleeve with your right hand and their trouser with
your left hand.

3
It can be very tough to deal with an
opponent who uses the sit up guard
effectively especially if they are
also a good wrestler. Here are a few
passes and submissions that I find to
work very well.
3: Open the guard and put your foot on your
opponents hip.

4 5 6

4: Push into your opponents hip and pull on 5: Push on their right bicep to unbalance your 6: As your opponent falls, take your foot off the
their sleeve to break their posture. opponent. bicep and pull their right sleeve towards you.

7 8 9

7: Sit through, keeping control of the sleeve and 8: Once you are seated, let go of the sleeve 9: Turn towards your opponents head to
the trousers. and trousers. control the sweep.

76
 1 2

1: Starting in closed guard, break your opponents grip on your lapel. 2: Maintain a cross grip on your opponents right sleeve with your
right hand and their trouser with your left hand.

3 4

SWEEP TO OMOPLATA
3: Open the guard and put your foot on your opponents hip. 4: Push into your opponents hip and pull on their sleeve to break
their posture.

5 6

5: Slide your foot over your opponents right bicep and lift your hip by 6: Drive your right leg into the back of your opponents head and your
pushing onto their hip. other leg into their armpit, to push them forwards and off balance.

7 8

7: Fold your opponents right arm back and punch their right leg away 8: Sit up and control your opponents left armpit to complete the
to flatten them out. omoplata.

77
 1 2

1: Starting in closed guard with control of your opponents right 2: Break your opponents grip on your lapel.
sleeve with both your hands.

3 4
SWEEP TO SIDE CONTROL 2

3: Maintain a cross grip on your opponents right sleeve with your 4: Open the guard and put your foot on your opponents hip.
right hand and their trouser with your left hand.

5 6

5: Bring your right foot onto your opponents right bicep and pull on 6: Slide your foot over your opponents right bicep and lift your hip by
their sleeve to break their posture. pushing onto their hip.

78
MEERKATSU ARTWORKS
PRESENTS
ORCHID DRAGON
BJJ KIMONO

AVAILABLE NOW AT
WWW.MEERKATSU.COM
 7 8

7/8: Keep on rotating your body over your opponents right arm.

9 10

SWEEP TO SIDE CONTROL 2

9/10: Sit through to your knees and pull on your opponents right
sleeve to unbalance them.

11 12

11/12: Control your opponents knee and belt with your elbow tight
to their neck in order to stabilise the sweep.

81
 JJS X TATAMI FIGHTWEAR
EAT FILMS GALACTIC RASHGUARD
JIU JITSU VS AVAILABLE WITH SUBSCRIPTIONS
www.bjjstyle.com
THE WORLD
T-SHIRT
15
www.eat-films.com

NEWAZA
JIU JITSU
SAVED MY LIFE
RASHGUARD
37.99
www.newazaapparel.eu

82
 TATAMI FIGHTWEAR
MEERKATSU
DRAGON FLY GI
110
www.tatamifightwear.com

GAMBARU X GARTISTA
BUSHIDO WARRIOR
RASHGUARD
32.99
www.gambarufightwear.co.uk

83
 MIKE LENG

EATING ON A BUDGET, ESSENTIAL

FOODS AND IS SUGAR EVER GOOD?
Cutting for a competition, bulking, dieting, getting shredded, moving up or
down a weight class; its all about nutrition planning.

E veryone uses nutrition planning, its just that

some use it more successfully than others. From
the bodybuilder who just wants to be as big and
Recently we posted on the BJJ Style Facebook page
and other social media asking for your questions,
and how I can help. A lot of people responded and
strong as possible, to the athlete who wants to while I am sorry that I cant all your questions, heres
dominate their sport, whatever you put into your a selection of my top tips.
body is your own nutrition plan.
FIVE FOODS ESSENTIAL FOR PERFORMANCE
When it comes to combat athletes, the main reason It is impossible for me to list five foods that are
that they diet is for competition; either they want to absolutely the best for you out of all the available
make weight after having too many treats, or they foods. The most important thing when choosing
want to fit into a weight class below so that they can food for yourself is to make sure that everything you
be the biggest and strongest in that class. choose is nutritionally dense and fits with your goals.
Starting with whole, natural foods that grow is always
Having a solid, intelligent nutrition plan is always a your best bet.
The most good idea. In my opinion, excess body fat serves
important thing no purpose in combat sport and athletes would It is also important to be mindful of the effect certain
when choosing always perform better with a little less fat and a foods have on your body. Do they bloat you? Do
food for yourself bit more muscle. Yes, some make the argument they make you feel gassy? Do you feel full of energy
is to make sure that more body fat can equate to more leverage in after eating? Do you feel sleepy? These are the
that everything certain moves or feeling stronger. However, in my things that you should pay close attention to when
you choose is experience its generally the overweight athletes who selecting foods.
nutritionally are making this argument. I have never spoken to a
dense and fits single person, athlete or otherwise, that didnt feel a With that being said, here are five foods that you will
with your goals hell of a lot better by getting in great shape. always find in my house. Remember that these are
foods that work for me, but feel free to try them.
The problem comes with knowing how to do it right!
1. Grass fed butter (great fat source)
As always, if you are looking to get a better 2. Whole eggs (as above but also a great source
understanding of nutrition, then I highly recommend of protein and vitamin A)
speaking to your coach or a professional about 3. Lean steak or fatty fish of some description
having a plan set up for your individual needs. I 4. Broccoli
would also advise you to consult your doctor before 5. Tomatoes
undertaking any kind of new nutrition plan.
ARE SUGARY SNACKS BEFORE TRAINING GOOD
OR BAD? CAN SUGAR EVER BE GOOD?
This is a great question! The first thing you need to

A FACTOR THAT MOST PEOPLE ask is what are your goals? If you are looking to lose
some fat I would stay away from sugar altogether.
However, if you are looking to add muscle or move

OVERLOOK, BUT MAKES A MASSIVE up a weight class then sugars can indeed be added
to your diet.

IMPACT ON NUTRITION PLANS IN

GENERAL, IS PREPARATION
Many people have terrible experiences when it
comes to dieting as they simply dont know what
they are doing. Its hardly surprising as there are so
many schools of thought on the subject and they
often contradict each other, so who isnt going to
get confused! Where do you start? Do you fast?
Do you carb cycle? Do you have cheats? The list of
confusing topics is endless.

The topic of setting up a diet for combat sports is

a meaty one and I could easily fill a few books with
ideas and strategies (I should probably get on that).
But I have decided to find out what questions you
have, what has been holding you back and try to
give you some answers.

84
 Unorthodox Nutrition work with athletes
worldwide, from local stars right the way
through to UFC fighters, Premiership Footballers
and World Champions. They specialise in helping
combat athletes lose fat and gain muscle so
that they can operate to the maximum of their
potential during training and competition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.UNORTHODOX-NUTRITION.COM

If I am going to add in some extra fast acting carbs MANAGING MEAL TIMES WHEN YOU WORK
in the form of sugar I will put them in the post SHIFTS (DAYS TO NIGHTS ETC) - ANY ADVICE?
workout meal for clients. My favourite method This is tough, as shifts mess everyone up. The trick
(stolen from Coach John Meadows) is to have some is to try to establish a routine as quickly as possible.
kids cereal, with chocolate whey mixed with water This means going to bed at the same time and
as a milk. This will help with recovery by restoring getting up at the same time when you can. Meal
glycogen to muscle and helping to funnel nutrients timing can be important but it isnt the be all and
to muscle by using the sudden jump up in insulin end all. The most important thing is to get your total
(this is a whole article on its own). calories in and hit your macro guidelines. For quite
a lot of people on shifts it is a lot easier for them to
I would start small and keep an eye on body fat eat three big meals rather than a lot of smaller ones.
levels if you are going to try this approach. It can
be great if you tolerate carbs well or it can really Another factor that most people overlook, but
backfire! Make sure you track everything. makes a massive impact on nutrition plans in
general, is preparation. If you have all your meals
TRYING TO EAT WELL ON A TIGHT BUDGET prepared and ready to go it is a lot easier to just
I get this one all the time. The secret is to buy smart. pop something in a microwave rather than starting
Try these tips. something from scratch.

1. Always visit the reduced section in the The swap from days to nights is always tough as it
supermarket, especially late at night. wreaks havoc on your body. I would make sure that
2. Buy in bulk and freeze things in weekly portions. you have your main meals prepped and make sure
3. Buy frozen veggies and lean meat (fatty things that you are drinking a bit more water than usual.
like steak doesnt taste right after being frozen).
4. Buy supermarket own brand produce.

These are all great questions that highlight the vast

differences in peoples lives that can affect their
nutritional approach. Remember that there is no
perfect diet. The best plan is the one that fits your
lifestyle that you can do consistently and that gives
you the best results.

This is going to be a regular column so I am really

looking forward to helping a bunch of you! If you
have any questions then please send them to
u2us@bjjstyle.com.

Stay healthy,

Mike

85
 WORDS: REBECCA HILL
PICTURES: ALBERTO MARCHETTI

WHY WE LIMIT OUR BJJ POTENTIAL

- AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Sometimes the only thing holding you back is yourself
Sometimes we want to perform well but bizarrely being judged negatively by our instructor, teammates,
end up doing and saying things which undermine friends or spectators. Creating or claiming a hindrance
our own development and performance. This kind allows us to attribute a poor performance to external
of counter-productive behaviour is a pretty common or uncontrollable circumstances rather than a lack
human phenomenon which psychologists call self- of ability. It allows us to believe its not our fault
handicapping. when we dont do as well as we hope. When we lack
confidence in our jiu jitsu, this helps to preserve self-
WHAT IS IT SELF-HANDICAPPING? esteem. In this situation, self-handicapping serves a
Researchers have identified two ways that people self-preservation function.
self-handicap, generally in life, and specifically in the
sporting arena. With behavioural self-handicapping, But people high in confidence who anticipate success
the athlete actually creates an obstacle to performing are not immune from self-handicapping either. It
as well as possible. With claimed self-handicapping, can also be a way to boost self-esteem and create
the athlete gives excuses for a less-than-optimal a positive impression in social situations. If you
performance before the event. perform well despite facing challenges, then you and
other people can conclude that you must be highly
After doing jiu jitsu for a while, everyone gets to know competent. Here, self-handicapping serves a self-
the classic self-handicapper at their gym. Theyre enhancing function.
the person who misses training in the run up to a
grading or seminar, parties hard the evening before WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
a competition, reduces effort in sparring or pursues It seems that self-handicapping helps us maintain a
unrealistically difficult goals. positive sense of self, feel confident about our BJJ
skills, and manage other peoples impressions of us
Theyre also the person who regularly reminds you in jiu jitsu. However, there are downsides to self-
of their injury or illness, tells you at every session you handicapping. Creating obstacles may help us to
how tiring their day at work has been and how hard manage our self-concept in the short term but there
it is to train alongside the stresses of their home life. are more long-term drawbacks.
And if were honest, we can also probably recognise
some of these strategies in ourselves too. The most obvious cost of self-handicapping is the
direct negative impact on learning and performance.
WHY DO WE SELF-HANDICAP? Its difficult to get better at jiu jitsu when youre not
We are most often at risk of self-handicapping when practising regularly, not giving 100% in training or
we anticipate failure and we are concerned about doing other things which have a detrimental physical

86
 Dr Rebecca Hill
is a Psychologist
chartered by
the British
Psychological
Society with a
PhD in Sport
and Exercise
Psychology.
She is also a
BJJ black belt
competitor under
Professor Victor
Estima and a
current European
Champion. She
blogs about
sport psychology
and BJJ at
rebeccalhill.com.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Even if self-handicapping strategies help an athlete to
maintain their sense of self-worth, we know that they
are not healthy in the long run. Thankfully, there are
a number of things we can do to tackle the problem.
Directly targeting the self-handicapping itself might
not work so well, especially if a person doesnt realise
their actions are sabotaging their own performance.
Here are some practical suggestions for approaching
the issue:

1. Awareness. On a personal level, try to be honest

with yourself and recognise when youre using self-
handicapping strategies. Make an effort to distinguish
between genuine reasons for under-performing and
when youre making excuses. As an instructor, if you
think your student is open to your support then gently
highlight when they are starting to show self-limiting
behaviour.

2. Motives. Addressing the behaviour without

considering the underlying causes wont lead to
and mental effect on you and your BJJ. In short, long-term behaviour change. If we figure out why
self-handicapping is self-sabotaging behaviour and someone self-handicaps, we can help to deal with
prevents you from achieving your full potential. the reasons behind their actions and words. Often
self-handicapping goes hand-in-hand with increased
Beyond that, there are also social costs to self- levels of anxiety, concern about performance being
handicapping. Whether coaches and team mates judged publicly, and a desire to manage other
accept a jiu jitsu practitioners self-handicapping peoples impressions of them.
depends on the believability of the excuses. The
perceived trustworthiness of the self-handicapper is 3. Social environment. Instructors have a key role
also influenced by the amount of control that friends to play in influencing the jiu jitsu environment and
believe he or she has over the situation. If someone the aspects which are emphasised within it. A coach
chooses to go out and party the night before a is more likely to have students who self-handicap
competition, team mates might be less forgiving than when he or she publicly compares students to one
if someone misses training due to a big project at another, stresses winning and values the outcome
work. Beyond the sporting environment, research also of performance. A coach can encourage a more
suggests that people perceive those who use self- constructive approach by focusing on athletes as
handicapping strategies to be less confident and less individuals, minimising inter-personal comparisons
motivated than those who dont self-handicap. and recognising when students find situations
threatening to their self-esteem. Of course,
sometimes we have to give negative feedback to
students but we can carefully consider how we give it.

4. Process versus performance. A consistent theme

in sport psychology is the benefit of focusing on
personal progress versus out-performing others, and
this is again true in the case of self-handicapping.
When we concentrate on mastering jiu jitsu, it
creates a more positive emphasis on learning and
development.

It can take courage to change a long-standing habit

of self-limiting thoughts and actions. Even when we
put in our best effort, things dont always go to plan.
But when we manage to put our egos to one side,
along with the possibility of failure, we open ourselves
up to the possibility of achieving our full potential. So
which option do you choose?

87
 DO YOU WANT YOUR PRODUCTS REVIEWED?
To have your jiu jitsu gear featured in JJS,
send us an email at info@bjjstyle.com

REVIEW CORNER

NEWAZA APPAREL SEEKER

RASHGUARD & SHORTS
NEWAZAAPPAREL.EU SHORTS: 44.99 RASHGUARD: 37.99

Drum roll please Newaza Apparel has finally arrived in Europe! After what
felt like years of watching from afar (or paying huge import charges) as our
American compadres enjoyed the release of awesome rashguards, spats and
accessories, EU residents can now pick up Newaza gear at a great price.

Newaza Apparel was formed by Travis Warner, Casey Halstead and Pete
Bradford, who all train and love jiu jitsu. As you can tell from the brands
products so far, theyve really made a name for themselves with their crazy
designs, colours and generally different approach to creating BJJ gear.

You probably remember Eddie Cummings recent wins at the Eddie Bravo
Invitational and Polaris Pro 2, and we bet you remember the epic gear he
was wearing? We couldnt wait to get our hands on our first Newaza Apparel
products, their seeker rashguard and shorts, which are a co-branded release
alongside another of our favourite brands, Scramble.

Straight off the bat we can reassure newbies to the brand that these products
are top quality when it comes to construction and durability. The rashguard
was one of the most comfy weve ever worn, fitting perfectly in all the right
areas and not tightening under the armpits like some other products. All
design elements are sublimated, so theres no risk of peeling or flaking.
Talking of design, we are sure youll agree, its simply breathtaking!

The shorts equal the rashguard in terms of both design and construction
quality. The waistband consists of an elastic drawstring housed by a Velcro
front fastening, which is both comfy and easy to fasten. Even though theyre
very durable, theyre also very light and great to train in, giving you the
perfect mix of both worlds.

The seeker rashguard and shorts are just one of Newaza Apparels range of
products now available in the EU, and you can expect plenty more whacky
and - lets face it epic gear to come during 2016.

89
 THE COMBAT CODES some technical tips. Darwin even
manages to discuss some hot topics
JOINT GUARDIAN PERICLES ONE AMAZON.CO.UK - PAPERBACK
AND KINDLE
in BJJ today within the context of his
book, particularly the prevalence of

GRAPPLING SPATS
performance enhancing drugs in our
sport. Generally The Combat Codes
Remember box office hits like wears its cyberpunk aspects lightly, but
JOINT-GUARDIAN.COM FOR 64.90 The Hunger Games or Arnold theres enough gadgetry and the like in
Schwarzeneggers classic The Running there to keep us sci-fi fans happy.
If youre on the mat regularly, without doubt you will have Man? Ok, so imagine these sci-fi
suffered from sore knees its something that just cant be inspired worlds, and then add a Finding a novel that is both well written
avoided. Be it from continuous wrestling and judo takedowns substantial dose of mixed martial arts and based around BJJ is extremely
or just moving around from sparring on the knees, we are all into the equation - now youll start to unique, so on that basis alone we
susceptible to this type of wear and tear. Emerging Austrian gain a picture of The Combat Codes. cannot recommend this book enough.
brand, Joint Guardian, have come up with an ingenious way of If youre also a fan of sci-fi, then The
adding knee support to a pair of traditional grappling spats. Brazilian jiu jitsu brown belt and author, Combat Codes should be promoted to
Alex Darwin, has created a world that the top of your essential reading list.
Weve never been a fan of wearing conventional kneepads, sees diplomacy revolve around MMA,
so as soon as we saw Joint Guardians innovative offering we with fights taking place within the
were dying to test them out, and we werent left disappointed. legendary circles. The plot revolves
The spats have specially constructed pockets on the inside of around a former fighting champion
the garment so you can easily slip in the custom made knee turned talent scout, who stumbles across
padding. The padding was not only fantastic in that it offered a young fighter embarking on a mission
a great level of support during training, but also very easy to to reach The Surface and gain answers
take out for washing. Joint Guardian also makes sure to send to his own mysterious past. The settings
you two pairs of kneepads should your first set wear out. and story lines are gripping, serving up a
fantastically unique mix of sci-fi textures
The spats themselves are extremely comfortable and and BJJ references to keep you grinning
constructed to a high standard. Its obvious that a great deal while reading.
of love and attention has been paid to making sure the fit,
stitching and general material used are top notch, and they The regular fight scenes within the
are as good a pair of grappling tights as weve ever worn. For novel are detailed and well thought
us, the biggest benefit with this product is that they eradicate out, clearly aimed at jiu jitsu and
the need for conventional kneepads, which often slip off MMA practitioners. Reading Darwins
during training. As the Pericles One spats have the kneepads descriptions of grappling transitions
built in, they stay firmly in place for the whole session and and submissions within a sci-fi context
were fantastic for wearing underneath a gi. is refreshingly unique.

Coming in at 64.90 (roughly 47) these spats are slightly Fellow BJJ and MMA fans will notice
more expensive than competitor brands, but dont forget you there are plenty of in-jokes to be found
are also getting a pair of kneepads thrown into the mix, which in The Combat Codes too. A certain
instantly makes this a very well-priced product. If that wasnt Jos Danahar crops up as having a
enough, Joint Guardian are a member of the 1% for the master grasp of strategy, theres
Planet campaign, which means they donate 1% of their profits tough striker Mack Hunt, or you could
to environmental projects. head to Saulos Circle. Theres a line
that could have come right off Ryan
Halls DVD on the triangle, giving

ONNIT LABS ALPHA BRAIN

ONNIT.COM FROM 34.95

Its been a long time coming, but weve finally got our hands on Onnit Labs
flagship product, Alpha Brain. Fans of Joe Rogans popular podcast will no doubt
be aware of Onnit Labs and their ethos as a total human optimisation website,
so we were keen to see the benefits of their products.

Alpha Brain is a nootropic product, which means it is designed to improve

memory, processing speed and focus. When taken before sleeping, nootropics
are also advertised as being able to aid an enhanced dream state.

As a company, Onnit Labs pride themselves on creating all of their products from
natural ingredients. Alpha Brain is advertised as being made with earth grown
nutrients and is a non GMO (genetically modified organisms) product.

Though many still believe nootropic products to act

more as placebos than anything else, Onnit Labs have
gone the extra mile to reassure customers that theres
genuine substance behind Alpha Brain. Two clinical trials
on healthy people conducted by the Boston Centre for
Memory showed significant improvements in memory,
processing speed and focus.

We stuck to the guideline dosage of two capsules at

varying times during the day across a test period of one
month. Though there were few signs of help with focus
during the mornings initially, we found that once we
stopped all caffeine intake before 11am, focus levels
still seemed heightened thanks to Alpha Brain.

However, it was afternoon usage that was by far the

most beneficial. Two capsules around 3pm definitely
helped with focus and processing speed when carrying
our tasks (namely writing) that were usually harder
to complete as the day went on. Though we didnt
experience much in the way of a heightened dream
state, the afternoon benefits of Alpha Brain were
enough to keep us using the product past this review
in working life.

90
WE DESIGN IT, WE PRINT IT, YOU WEAR IT. www.ocindust.com
Olympic Judo Silver Medalist Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

www.raystevensacademy.co.uk

enquiries@raystevensacademy.co.uk

07753606172 / 07956676452

classes - monday/wednesday/Friday/saturday
GI SPOTLIGHT MANTO VICTORY KIMONO
OVERVIEW
Clean, fresh and stylish as soon as we saw the
Victory kimono, we new we had to have it. This is
the highest quality gi that Manto have ever made,
and offers a modern cut and subtle design elements
alongside eye catching black and gold colouring.

JACKET
The jacket cut and fit was extremely good straight
out of the bag, and you can tell that real attention has
been paid to the smaller details when building this
gi. The lapels line up and fold over perfectly when
fastening your belt, and the skirt sits nicely around
the top of your thigh instead of half way to your knees
like some more old school products. The main design
features include prominent Manto logos on the right
shoulder and upper left arm, as well as on the lower
back. There is also a cool little silhouette of a fighter
raising their arm in victory on the lower left section of
the jacket a nice touch.

TROUSERS
The trousers are constructed from
ripstop cotton and feel as tough
as nails. Unlike some ripstop
trousers, they still maintain
a high level of comfort
when youre three rounds
into sparring and drenched
in sweat. As is becoming
standard, the knee areas are
reinforced to increase durability
and the drawstring rope is
fastened with four belt loops.
Again, theres nothing too flashy
on the trousers in terms of design,
just subtle use of Manto branding
on the right hip and lower leg. Just like
the jacket, the gold detailing really offsets
against the black kimono.

DETAILS
Manto have long been connoisseurs of subtle yet extremely
stylish branding, and the Victory kimono is no different. We are
particularly fond of the Manto logo positioning on the bottom
right side of the back of the jacket, as well as the small fighter
silhouette on the lower left section on the front of the jacket.

SUMMARY
Ok, so we probably have an unhealthy obsession with black kimonos
(something to do with our childhood desire to become ninjas) but
Manto really have excelled themselves with this offering. The
jacket is cut like a suit, the 450gsm pearl weave is very soft
and its an all around fun product to train in. At 124 (roughly
92) the kimono also offers good value for money.

AVAILABLE VIA MANTOSHOP.EU

FOR 124 & MANTOUSA.COM

FOR $139.95

93
 TOURNAMENT REVIEW
PICTURES: BLANCA MARISA GARCIA

EDDIE BRAVO INVITATIONAL V

The fifth instalment of the Eddie Bravo Invitational saw some of the
best lightweights on the planet face-off at the Orpheum Theatre in Los
Angles, California.

T he athlete roster included a mixture of high profile

names, such as ADCC veteran Rani Yahya and
Eddie Bravos first black belt Denny Prokopos, as well
Cummings dropping out of the competition late
due to injury, Tonon once again stole the plaudits,
finishing all four of his fights via submission and
as relative unknowns such as Australias Lachlan Giles. cementing his status as an EBI legend. Tonons latest
In fact, it was Giles that pulled off the shocks of the lightweight crown is added to his previous two
tournament by beating 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu stalwart welterweight titles from 2013 and 2014.
Nathan Orchard in the first round, before claiming the
scalp of Rani Yahya via submission in the quarter finals. There were also three super fights on the EBI 5
card, which saw two sets of youngsters gain their 10
As predicted, it was Tom DeBlass black belt Garry minutes of fame, as well as Lila Smadja edging out
Tonon who rose to the top. With his teammate Eddie Talita Alencar in a hard fought contest.

1ST ROUND RESULTS Left: Lachlan Giles

vs Nathan Orchard.
Garry Tonon vs Stephen Martinez Below Left:
Garry Tonon wins via bulldog choke Ruben Alvarez vs
Jon Ortega.
Javi Vasquez vs Lucas Brown Below: Javi Vasquez
Javi Vasquez wins via armbar vs Lucas Brown.

Lachlan Giles vs Nathan Orchard

Giles wins by escaping nine seconds faster
during overtime

Rani Yahya vs Jason Buzzard

Rani Yahya wins via mounted guillotine

Denny Prokopos vs Christian Carillo

Denny Prokopos wins via triangle

Rafael Domingos vs Geoff Real

Domingos wins via head and arm choke

Kim Terra vs Juan Bernardo

Below: Garry Tonon Kim Terra wins via rear naked choke during
vs Stephen Martinez. overtime
Below Right:
Denny Prokopos vs Ruben Alvarez vs Jon Ortega
Christian Carillo. Ruben Alvarez wins via heelhook

94
 QUARTER FINAL RESULTS
Garry Tonon vs Javi Vasquez
Garry Tonon wins via heelhook

Lachlan Giles vs Rani Yahya

Lachlan Giles wins via armbar

Rafael Domingos vs Denny Prokopos

Rafael Domingos wins via armbar
during overtime

Kim Terra vs Ruben Alvarez

Kim Terra wins via rear naked choke
during overtime

Above: Rani Yahya vs

EBI OVERTIME RULES Jason Buzzard.
Top Left:
A unique feature of the EBI tournament is the Garry Tonon vs
inclusion of a specifically formatted overtime Javi Vasquez.
period should there not be a submission within Left Middle:
each 10 minute match. Kim Terra vs
Juan Bernardo.
After the 10 minute buzzer sounds, the match Left Middle Bottom:
enters overtime, which consists of at least one Lachlan Giles vs
(maximum three) overtime periods with two Rani Yahya
phases in each period. For the first phase of Left Bottom:
the first period the referee selects one athlete Kim Terra vs
at random to start from either their opponents Ruben Alvarez
back with seat belt control, or from spider web
(armlock position from mount with the athlete on
the bottom choosing their defensive grips).

The attacker must look to submit, while the

defender looks to escape to any other position.
Once there is either a submission or an escape,
phase one is complete. In phase two the
grapplers roles are reversed. If a competitor
scores a submission from the attacking
position and also escapes from the defensive
position, they are declared the winner. If both
competitors escape, or submit, they proceed
to a second period (again, with two phases)
exactly like the first.

It there is no winner after the second period then

there is a final third period.

If there is still no winner at the end of three

periods, the total of times taken for submissions
and escapes is added together and the grappler
with the fastest overall time wins.

95
SEMI FINAL RESULTS
Garry Tonon vs Lachlan Giles
Garry Tonon wins via armbar

Rafael Domingos vs Kim Terra

Rafael Domingos wins during
overtime with Terra injured

FINAL RESULT
Garry Tonon vs Rafael Domingos
Garry Tonon wins via heelhook

Above Left:
Lila Smadja vs
Talita Alencar.
Above Right:
Rafael Domingos vs
Denny Prokopos.
Left Middle:
Riley Breedlove.
Right Middle:
Garry Tonon vs
Lachlan Giles.

Above Left:
Rafael Domingos
vs Kim Terra.
Above Right:
Garry Tonon vs
Rafael Domingos.
Right: Garry Tonon
the Lightweight SUPER FIGHT RESULTS
Champion.
Riley Breedlove vs Sophie Lee
Riley Breedlove wins via heelhook

Derek Rayfield vs Aaron Curtin

Derek Rayfield wins via triangle

Lila Smadja vs Talita Alencar

Lila Smadja wins by two seconds faster
during overtime

96
Response

29.99 57.99
from all sizes
74.99 79.99
all sizes all sizes

All available from

www.cimac.net