Warm-Up

When it comes to strength and conditioning in Jiu-jitsu, many people limit this to every other part of the body except the neck. The neck is overlooked because for one, a lack of insight into its importance or utility, or two, because there isn’t much equipment to train the...

The best way to practice Jiu-Jitsu is with a training partner.  However, during the COVID-19 quarantine, with all gyms closed to contain the sprayed of the virus, many people are just training from home to stay in shape.  In “The Gentle Art”, however, a good way to keep the Jiu-Jitsu sharp...

Anyone who’s seen clips of the movie Choke will remember that famous scene at the beach in Santa Monica with Rickson Gracie performing yoga-like poses and intense breathing. There’s been a natural bond between Jiu-Jitsu and Yoga that’s been recognized for years. Jason Rebel began practicing Yoga in New...

There are many names for soft tissue work. SMR or Self-Myofascial Release was the term I was taught when I obtained my first personal training certification. It mainly encompassed using a foam roller or lacrosse ball on a specific muscle group. Foam rolling can be used to obtain new...

If you’re the type who loves to constantly train and compete, then taking a break from rolling or working out may not be your thing; however, you can reap several benefits by taking time to stretch.  Stretching decreases muscle stiffness and the risk of low back pain.  It improves...

Stretching seems like a pretty simple topic, however, there is a little more to it than most think. When most people think of stretching, they are usually thinking of static stretching, or holding a “stretch” for 20-30 seconds then moving on to another. This has been the traditional warm-up...

You may have heard the phrase, “Where the head leads, the body follows” at some time or another and this rings very true in jiu-jitsu, whether you’re on the offensive or defensive side of things during sparring or competition. In terms of offense, with a strong neck you are...

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all” – Vince Lombardi Why do so many people get tired when they compete? Preparing for competition requires a good game plan, discipline and consistent execution. A good game plan prepares an athlete for the demands of his sport, so technically, physically and mentally...

Way back in Issue 3 we touched on how having tight hamstrings can affect your flexibility, mobility and cause back pain. Typically, the natural response by most athletes is to stretch the hamstrings on a consistent basis to become more limber. While this is obviously beneficial, all too often...