A listener question starts a long discussion on Omoplatas. 

A listener question starts a long discussion on Omoplatas.

Omoplata

We’ve mentioned this legend before and this week we finally devote an episode to Fernando Augusto, aka Terere!

We’ve mentioned this legend before and this week we finally devote an episode to Fernando Augusto, aka Terere!

BJJ Giants: Terere

Time to open up the listener mail bag once more!

Time to open up the listener mail bag once more!

Listener Questions

This week Kroyler is forced to talk about himself.  Consider this a forced unofficial autobiography.

This week Kroyler is forced to talk about himself. Consider this a forced unofficial autobiography.

Profile of a Disturbed Individual

In this episode we discuss:How realistic are gi techniques on street clothing?What ratio should a beginner have for time spent on basic techniques vs advanced techniques?We discuss who would win a hypothetical grappling match between Khabib and Nate DiazWhat is Sambo?Have you seen Vladimir Putin shirtless on a horse? 

In this episode we discuss:How realistic are gi techniques on street clothing?What ratio should a beginner have for time spent on basic techniques vs advanced techniques?We discuss who would win a hypothetical grappling match between Khabib and Nate DiazWhat is Sambo?Have you seen Vladimir Putin shirtless on a horse?

Gi Techniques on the Street

Thanks to listener Alexy for asking questions that consume all of the conversation in this episode.  We cover:Why do you see more kimuras than americanas in jiu jitsu and MMA?How do you attack a large joint like a hip?Is the Suloev stretch damaging the hamstring or knee?What is Kroyler’s opinion of Nick Diaz’s ground game?

Thanks to listener Alexy for asking questions that consume all of the conversation in this episode. We cover:Why do you see more kimuras than americanas in jiu jitsu and MMA?How do you attack a large joint like a hip?Is the Suloev stretch damaging the hamstring or knee?What is Kroyler’s opinion of Nick Diaz’s ground game?

The Alexy Episode

We cover a little bit of everything in this episode:Listener correctionJohn Danaher moves to Puerto RicoHow is COVID affecting the current state of jiu jitsuHas Kroyler ever felt like hanging up his beltWhat muscle groups are most important for bjj

We cover a little bit of everything in this episode:<ul><li>Listener correction</li><li>John Danaher moves to Puerto Rico</li><li>How is COVID affecting the current state of jiu jitsu</li><li>Has Kroyler ever felt like hanging up his belt</li><li>What muscle groups are most important for bjj</li></ul>

Grab Bag

To wrap up our Anatomy of the Attack series, the last episode covers the spine, hips, knees and ankles.  

To wrap up our Anatomy of the Attack series, the last episode covers the spine, hips, knees and ankles.

Anatomy of the Attack: Part 3

It’s part two of our attack series and this week we’re focusing on elbows and wrists!

It’s part two of our attack series and this week we’re focusing on elbows and wrists!

Anatomy of the Attack: Part 2

All of the submissions in jiu jitsu target areas of the body that have their own physical traits and mechanics.  In this episode we discuss the importance of understanding the neck and shoulders.  

All of the submissions in jiu jitsu target areas of the body that have their own physical traits and mechanics. In this episode we discuss the importance of understanding the neck and shoulders.

Anatomy of the Attack: Part 1

Each week Kroyler Gracie discusses Brazilian Jiu Jitsu concepts, techniques, history and culture with co-host Andrew Desimone. This podcast aims to explore all aspects of Jiu Jitsu while increasing practitioners’ appreciation and application of the art on and off the mat.

Thanks for keeping the podcast going during the lockdowns! Much appreciated

Dark times

Very educational

Just Jiu Jitsu

Carlos Gracie

In episode three we start off with important issues like how to maintain the image of professionalism in podcasting and then quickly fail in our endeavor.  We’re then saved by our main topic of discussion: Carlos Gracie.  Talking about this legend brings some class back to the show and makes it worth your time….maybe.

In episode three we start off with important issues like how to maintain the image of professionalism in podcasting and then quickly fail in our endeavor. We’re then saved by our main topic of discussion: Carlos Gracie. Talking about this legend brings some class back to the show and makes it worth your time….maybe.

#3 - BJJ Giants: Carlos Gracie

In jiu jitsu it’s easy to be comfortable on the ground, but what about on your feet?  A lot of the jiu jitsu community today isn’t confident in their ability to fight on their feet.  Why is this? What caused this and how can we learn to embrace engaging while standing up? 

In jiu jitsu it’s easy to be comfortable on the ground, but what about on your feet? A lot of the jiu jitsu community today isn’t confident in their ability to fight on their feet. Why is this? What caused this and how can we learn to embrace engaging while standing up?

Stand-up: Part 1

While leg locks have been accepted in mainstream jiu jitsu, wrislocks are still frowned upon in many circles.  If leg locks are the wild and dangerous brother, then wristlocks are their creepy little cousin.  Where does this negative connotation come from?  Should people be afraid to learn wristlocks or are they a valuable weapon for a person’s arsenal?   In this episode Kroyler explains why he loves wristlocks and has incorporated them into his playbook.  Is it any surprise that a monster like Kroyler would keep wristlocks near and dear to his heart?

While leg locks have been accepted in mainstream jiu jitsu, wrislocks are still frowned upon in many circles. If leg locks are the wild and dangerous brother, then wristlocks are their creepy little cousin. Where does this negative connotation come from? Should people be afraid to learn wristlocks or are they a valuable weapon for a person’s arsenal? In this episode Kroyler explains why he loves wristlocks and has incorporated them into his playbook. Is it any surprise that a monster like Kroyler would keep wristlocks near and dear to his heart?

Wristlocks

Renzo Gracie

Intelligent, passionate, technical, wild, tough, hilarious, all of these traits are contained in Renzo Gracie.  It is unusual to have these characteristics in a single person because they seem to be conflicting with one another.  That’s what makes Renzo so fascinating.  One moment he can be in a fight where he shows grit and brutality, twenty minutes later he is in the locker room smiling and laughing with his opponent.  On top of his complex personality, he has also produced some of the best jiu jitsu and MMA fighters of all time.  This week we talk about a master of martial arts and one of jiu jitsu’s most entertaining characters.  

Intelligent, passionate, technical, wild, tough, hilarious, all of these traits are contained in Renzo Gracie. It is unusual to have these characteristics in a single person because they seem to be conflicting with one another. That’s what makes Renzo so fascinating. One moment he can be in a fight where he shows grit and brutality, twenty minutes later he is in the locker room smiling and laughing with his opponent. On top of his complex personality, he has also produced some of the best jiu jitsu and MMA fighters of all time. This week we talk about a master of martial arts and one of jiu jitsu’s most entertaining characters.

BJJ Giants: Renzo Gracie: Part 1

We’re starting an ongoing series on guard passing.  It will cover specific types of passes , mechanics, concepts, and strategies.  This first episode will go over the big picture of guard passing.  It will also touch on ideas that we will expound upon in episodes down the road.  

We’re starting an ongoing series on guard passing. It will cover specific types of passes , mechanics, concepts, and strategies. This first episode will go over the big picture of guard passing. It will also touch on ideas that we will expound upon in episodes down the road.

  Guard Passing: Introduction

Rickson Gracie

Rickson Gracie stands head and shoulders above 99.9% of people who have ever trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  From a young age he showed unrivaled talent and unlimited potential.  As he grew up he did not disappoint.  With an undefeated record in jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts, Rickson has received universal acclaim from fighters and fans.  In this episode we discuss the early years of his life.  

Rickson Gracie stands head and shoulders above 99.9% of people who have ever trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. From a young age he showed unrivaled talent and unlimited potential. As he grew up he did not disappoint. With an undefeated record in jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts, Rickson has received universal acclaim from fighters and fans. In this episode we discuss the early years of his life.

BJJ Giants: Rickson Gracie- Part 1

In the second episode of our guard passing series we talk about breaking closed guard.  Before you can work on passing your opponent’s guard, you have to do two things: nullify and open.  First you must control your opponent and nullify their ability to sweep and attack.  Secondly you’ll need to open their guard to set yourself up for a pass.  We spend this episode focusing on these first two stages of passing.  

In the second episode of our guard passing series we talk about breaking closed guard. Before you can work on passing your opponent’s guard, you have to do two things: nullify and open. First you must control your opponent and nullify their ability to sweep and attack. Secondly you’ll need to open their guard to set yourself up for a pass. We spend this episode focusing on these first two stages of passing.

Guard Passing: Breaking Closed Guard

Kroyler shoots down Andrew’s new promotional idea.  Different types of chokes are discussed.  We learn about the evolution of chokes through history.  Lastly, Krolyer walks us through the rear naked choke and guillotine. 

Kroyler shoots down Andrew’s new promotional idea. Different types of chokes are discussed. We learn about the evolution of chokes through history. Lastly, Krolyer walks us through the rear naked choke and guillotine.

#4 - Chokes

Kroyler and Andrew talk about the history of closed guard.  They experience some technical difficulties and do their best to smoothly transition to closed guard technique.  They finish up the episode on the topic of iconic guard practitioners. 

Kroyler and Andrew talk about the history of closed guard. They experience some technical difficulties and do their best to smoothly transition to closed guard technique. They finish up the episode on the topic of iconic guard practitioners.

#5 - Closed Guard

- why is jiu jitsu the best martial art for self defense- don’t let your ego drag you into a fight. Most altercations can be avoided. -know your surroundings- managing distance

- why is jiu jitsu the best martial art for self defense- don’t let your ego drag you into a fight. Most altercations can be avoided. -know your surroundings- managing distance

Self Defense

Andrew starts the episode off explaining his multifaceted approach to control.  Kroyler brings the show back on the rails and talks about tempo and pacing in a roll.  Key elements of control are then discussed and Kroyler recalls a time when he felt controlled by a training parter.  Also, a new segment debuts, “Dating Tips with Kroyler Gracie.”

Andrew starts the episode off explaining his multifaceted approach to control. Kroyler brings the show back on the rails and talks about tempo and pacing in a roll. Key elements of control are then discussed and Kroyler recalls a time when he felt controlled by a training parter. Also, a new segment debuts, “Dating Tips with Kroyler Gracie.”

#6 - Control

Marcelo Garcia

Behind a warm smile and welcoming demeanor resides a skill set that few in the jiu jitsu community could handle.  At the black belt level, Marcelo Garcia won five IBJFF World Championships, four ADCCs, one Pan-Am, and three Brazilian Nationals. An insatiable dedication for perfection led Marcelo to sharpen his game and revitalize techniques like the guillotine and X-Guard. In today’s episode we talk about the man who is respected off the mats as much as he is on them.

Behind a warm smile and welcoming demeanor resides a skill set that few in the jiu jitsu community could handle. At the black belt level, Marcelo Garcia won five IBJFF World Championships, four ADCCs, one Pan-Am, and three Brazilian Nationals. An insatiable dedication for perfection led Marcelo to sharpen his game and revitalize techniques like the guillotine and X-Guard. In today’s episode we talk about the man who is respected off the mats as much as he is on them.

BJJ Giants: Marcelo Garcia

When you’re faced with the magnitude of information in jiu jitsu it can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in an ocean of techniques and concepts. How do you keep your head above water?  In this episode we discuss how to learn efficiently. We look at learning strategies that make it easier to absorb and retain information. Whether it’s taking notes, visualization, or analyzing rolls, we evaluate different means of processing the information you’ll come across while training. 

When you’re faced with the magnitude of information in jiu jitsu it can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in an ocean of techniques and concepts. How do you keep your head above water? In this episode we discuss how to learn efficiently. We look at learning strategies that make it easier to absorb and retain information. Whether it’s taking notes, visualization, or analyzing rolls, we evaluate different means of processing the information you’ll come across while training.

A Student of the Game

A listener says she is small and can’t do much on top, which makes her avoid top mount and spend all of her time on bottom.  She asks if she should focus more on her top game.  How can she feel heavy and control larger opponents?  After discussing some ways to improve top positions, Kroyler uses this topic to talk about going out of your comfort zone in order to work on your weaknesses.  A new segment debuts in the last half of the show: Kroyler’s Competition Corner!  A listener sent a video of one of his competitions and Kryoler analyzes it.  To follow along with Kroyler’s analysis go to the Just Jiu Jitsu Podcast facebook page for a link to the video.   

A listener says she is small and can’t do much on top, which makes her avoid top mount and spend all of her time on bottom. She asks if she should focus more on her top game. How can she feel heavy and control larger opponents? After discussing some ways to improve top positions, Kroyler uses this topic to talk about going out of your comfort zone in order to work on your weaknesses. A new segment debuts in the last half of the show: Kroyler’s Competition Corner! A listener sent a video of one of his competitions and Kryoler analyzes it. To follow along with Kroyler’s analysis go to the Just Jiu Jitsu Podcast facebook page for a link to the video.

Staying on Top

When Hélio Gracie's arm was broken by Masahiko Kimura in 1951, it was with a submission he had never seen.  Hélio's reaction epitomized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; he began studying the armlock used to defeat him and soon it was added to his toolkit.  From that day forward the Kimura submission has been a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Nowadays the Kimura is used from many different positions to submit and control opponents.  A testament to the technique, after all these years the basic mechanics remain the same.

When Hélio Gracie's arm was broken by Masahiko Kimura in 1951, it was with a submission he had never seen. Hélio's reaction epitomized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; he began studying the armlock used to defeat him and soon it was added to his toolkit. From that day forward the Kimura submission has been a part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Nowadays the Kimura is used from many different positions to submit and control opponents. A testament to the technique, after all these years the basic mechanics remain the same.

Kimura

As you stare at your dusty gi hanging in the corner, you can feel jiu jitsu fading ever so slowly away in your mind.  Fearing regression, you put it on and tie your belt.  However, it has been so long that your fingers fumble and your belt knot is a mangled mess.  This isn’t good.  By the time you can start training again, you might forget how to roll and that annoying new white belt may kick your ass the next time you train together.  Fear not, friends!  Just Jiu Jitsu is here to keep jiu jitsu fresh in your minds by providing technical knowledge in a mildly entertaining manner.  In this episode we take questions from listeners and Kroyler answers them with as little disdain as possible.  Thanks for listening and stay safe!

As you stare at your dusty gi hanging in the corner, you can feel jiu jitsu fading ever so slowly away in your mind. Fearing regression, you put it on and tie your belt. However, it has been so long that your fingers fumble and your belt knot is a mangled mess. This isn’t good. By the time you can start training again, you might forget how to roll and that annoying new white belt may kick your ass the next time you train together. Fear not, friends! Just Jiu Jitsu is here to keep jiu jitsu fresh in your minds by providing technical knowledge in a mildly entertaining manner. In this episode we take questions from listeners and Kroyler answers them with as little disdain as possible. Thanks for listening and stay safe!

Jiu Jistu: A Distant Memory

Our first episode on Renzo Gracie was centered around his contributions to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  In part two we focus on the legendary stories surrounding him.  Whether it’s live tweeting a street fight or walking into the favelas of Rio to find his stolen black belt, we savor the adventures of Renzo.  Grab a hot cup of cocoa, dim the lights, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and enjoy some Renzo bedtime stories.  

Our first episode on Renzo Gracie was centered around his contributions to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In part two we focus on the legendary stories surrounding him. Whether it’s live tweeting a street fight or walking into the favelas of Rio to find his stolen black belt, we savor the adventures of Renzo. Grab a hot cup of cocoa, dim the lights, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and enjoy some Renzo bedtime stories.

BJJ Giants: Renzo Gracie: Part 2

If last week’s episode was a super hero, it would be Spiderman.  That means this week’s episode is Captain America: strong, composed, understated, and great for passing guard.  Wait, has Marvel ever confirmed that Captain America is good at passing guard?  Moving on, this week we talk about the less flashy, but equally effective Pressure Pass.  This style emphasizes control and strategizing.  If movement passing isn’t your style, then pressure passing may be your jam.  

If last week’s episode was a super hero, it would be Spiderman. That means this week’s episode is Captain America: strong, composed, understated, and great for passing guard. Wait, has Marvel ever confirmed that Captain America is good at passing guard? Moving on, this week we talk about the less flashy, but equally effective Pressure Pass. This style emphasizes control and strategizing. If movement passing isn’t your style, then pressure passing may be your jam.

Guard Passing: Pressure Passing

In the hierarchy of positions, back control is close to the top.  When an opponent gives up their back, a world of options opens up.  In this episode we discuss how to best take advantage of this position by focusing on key concepts.

In the hierarchy of positions, back control is close to the top. When an opponent gives up their back, a world of options opens up. In this episode we discuss how to best take advantage of this position by focusing on key concepts.

Back Control

If you're new to jiu jitsu, half guard can be a little confusing.    How are you supposed to use it?  Is it a transitional position, or just a way to prevent someone from passing to side control?  The way people view half guard has changed over the years and in this episode we discuss its status in modern-day jiu jitsu.

If you're new to jiu jitsu, half guard can be a little confusing. How are you supposed to use it? Is it a transitional position, or just a way to prevent someone from passing to side control? The way people view half guard has changed over the years and in this episode we discuss its status in modern-day jiu jitsu.

Classic Half Guard

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