BJJ 101

Beginner’s BJJ Curriculum Sample: Over/Under Butterfly Sweep

This is a sample technique taken from Beginner’s BJJ Curriculum covering a simple butterfly guard sweep.

Deciding to put butterfly guard into the curriculum at all was the subject of some discussion between us (AKA argument), but ultimately, we decided that learning to use butterfly hooks was a really important skill for our students, even if butterfly guard itself isn’t commonly used in gi BJJ.

In the video below, we also discuss the common mistakes we see people making when we’re teaching this particular technique. Beginners are always coming up with new and creative ways to perform techniques, so don’t be surprised if you see some of these mistakes and some completely new ones as well.

One trap that instructors often fall into is trying to teach too many techniques in too short a time— it might take us all class just to teach this technique! You can break down the technique into different drills and introduce variations (like we do around 3:45 in the video) to really make sure that the mechanics of the technique are solid.

The Beginner’s BJJ Curriculum is available now.For more information visit:

https://escapologybjj.com/online/get-the-beginners-bjj-curriculum/

Beginner’s BJJ Curriculum Sample Concept: Passing Posture

Explaining the underlying concepts behind a technique or position can be incredibly beneficial in helping people understand what they’re trying to achieve and how the same idea can be applied in different situations.

To help instructors and students learn faster, we added a section at the start of each week of the Beginner’s BJJ Curriculum explaining the main concepts we’re trying to develop. The video below is a sample of one of the positional concept sections in the BJJ Beginner’s Curriculum.

You can get The Beginner’s BJJ Curriculum now at:

https://escapologybjj.com/online/get-the-beginners-bjj-curriculum/

How To Tie Your Belt

Unfortunately, there is no magical way to keep your belt tied during a Jiu Jitsu class. (Believe me, I’ve tried a bunch of different ways.)

However, it’s important you start and end your class with a neatly tied belt. The video below outlines a great way to tie you that’s both comfy and looks good.

Here’s a narrated version of the same belt tie.

Don’t Rush The Sweep

One of the biggest mistakes we see from our students (even advanced students) is “riding” the momentum of a sweep to come on top. This is something that seems minor, but can really change the outcome of your matches, and can do far more harm than good.

In a best-case scenario, if you ride the momentum of a sweep and your opponent counters, you’ll only get reversed. Worst-case scenarios you’ll end up in a submission or stuck in a bad position.

Luckily, this is an easy fix. Can you do a technical stand-up? Yes? Excellent! Then you can fix this problem and stand up out of a sweep properly. In this video, Tom talks about the importance of moving away from your opponent when sweeping, and how to keep your opponent from standing back up.

Being mindful of your top position — and coming up in a position that is primed for passing — will really help your game evolve in the long run.

Do you want to learn more essential Jiu Jitsu concepts like this? Escapology Online has a dedicated “concepts” section. Each of these concepts, while simple, can have a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of your Jiu Jitsu.

You can learn more about Escapology Online and get your £1 trial by visiting https://escapologybjj.com/online/

6 Common Leg Drag Mistakes & How To Fix Them

Once you learn how to control the leg drag, it is a very powerful passing position that you can use against almost any guard.

However, you have to get your body in the right place for the leg drag to be effective. If you get the positioning wrong, your opponent will easily be able to knock you off balance and defend the leg drag.

But don’t get down on the leg drag (because it rocks!), anyone can get the leg drag position right. To help you get started, Tom and Chelsea have put together a video covering 6 common leg drag mistakes and how to fix them.

The six mistakes that we’ve identified over the years are:

Not smashing the hips enough (0:23)
Knees in the wrong position (1:41)
Not using the grip on the hips correctly (3:24)
Losing control of the trapped leg (4:34)
Putting the head in the wrong position (5:46)
Gripping the collar on the wrong side (7:11)

Want to master the Leg Drag?

On Sunday 29th July 2018, Tom and Chelsea will be teaching a Leg Drag seminar at their academy in Cambridge. They will be covering everything you need to know to add the leg drag to your game including the controls, entries, and finishes.

On top of the 3-hour seminar, you will also get a recording of the session so you can review the material whenever you like. To secure your space at Leg Drag Seminar click the link below: