Why to go to a BJJ seminar (or not)

May 28, 2019

Let’s say you’re a basketball fan. Let’s say Steph Curry, Damian Lillard, or LeBron James decides to come to your town. For a certain amount of money, between $40 and $100, Steph, or Dame (or whoever your favorite player is) say they’ll spend hours showing you and a group of your friends their best moves. They might even play a game of one-on-one with you at the end. Sound insane? For most sports, it is. In jiu-jitsu, this actually happens. It’s called a seminar. Over the years, I’ve learned some incredible things at seminars. That’s why we continually try to Read more »

How Do You Train Jiu-Jitsu For Life?

April 7, 2019

jeff.shaw Goals No comments

You’re never too old to start jiu-jitsu. People think that’s a slogan, but it’s the truth. Every week I have a conversation with someone who tells me they’d start training, but they’re too old. As someone who started in the latter half of my 30s, I usually feel qualified to dispel the myth that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is only for young people. Even more qualified that me to speak on this, though, is my dear friend Betty Broadhurst. Betty started even later in life than I did, and is still an avid competitor. Betty is in the Master 7 division, and Read more »

Why Everyone Should Train in the Gi

June 18, 2018

jeff.shaw Intro to BJJ No comments

Before I get started, let me explain the headline: by saying “everyone should train in the gi,” I’m not saying anything negative about no-gi jiu-jitsu. I think everyone should train without the gi too! You rarely hear anti-no-gi arguments, though. Since I’m a huge believer in the practicality of the gi and its use as a training tool, though, I wanted to write this post. Read more about Why Everyone Should Train in the Gi …

How Do I Get The Most Out Of Drilling For BJJ?

June 9, 2018

jeff.shaw The White Belt Starter Kit No comments

Drilling — practicing moves and sequences of moves — is one of the most important ways to improve your jiu-jitsu. You really can’t do enough of it, especially if you’re drilling fundamental moves correctly.

In fact, especially early in your tenure, drilling is the single most critical part of a BJJ class. Most of the movements you’ll do are counter-intuitive, and teaching your body to do them takes time and effort. Besides, when you need to use these movements in a practical situation, they have to be second nature. Intellectually understanding how to do a basic shrimping motion, for example, is great — but if you have to stop and think about how to do it, the moment where it would have been most effective has probably passed.

As long as you do jiu-jitsu, you should be drilling. Drilling BJJ moves you know well is different than drilling ones you’re just getting to know, (For a more detailed breakdown of drilling for more experienced students, check that link). But there are principles that will help you maximize the benefits.

Treasure your drilling time, both during class and when you make time on your own — which you should. Here are some tips for how to get the most out of drilling: