Leglocks have been around for a long time, but modern grapplers use them in slightly different contexts than classical grapplers. Here's how a submission grappler might link a takedown and a match-ending ankle-lock... (This technique is from the Submission Grappling vs. Classical Ju-Jutsu article on Grapplearts.com) Stephan squares off against his opponent. He shoots in with … [Read more...]
History
Classical Ju-jutsu Choke
Most of the techniques used in modern grappling were used in some other form in some other grappling art first. Here's how the Rear Naked Choke might have looked back in the day... (This technique is from the Submission Grappling vs. Classical Ju-Jutsu article on Grapplearts.com) … [Read more...]
Classical Ju-jutsu Armlock
Here's one classical approach to applying the armlock that has morphed into the 'Americana' or Figure 4 Armlock in modern submission grappling). As you can see, it's similar but different... (This technique is part of the Submission Grappling vs. Classical Ju-Jutsu article on Grapplearts.com) … [Read more...]
Old Time Grapplin’
I'm a big fan of old Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and Catch Wrestling books. I have lots and lots of martial arts books, but some of the real jewels of my library are the Judo and wrestling books published in the 1920's to the 1960's. Not all are original - some are reprinted editions - but all offer very interesting historical perspectives on modern grappling. There is just something special about seeing … [Read more...]
Incorporating Other Martial Arts into BJJ
One of the tenets of JKD is that one should keep an open mind with regard to other styles. After all, "absorb what is useful, reject what is useless" is a classic Bruce Lee quote. In general, I find that most BJJ practitioners are relatively open minded when it comes to learning from other styles. … [Read more...]
Condolences
On January 29th, 2009, Helio Gracie passed away at the age of 95. Without him and his sons this sport would not be where it is today. … [Read more...]
Mixed Martial Arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal? Part 3
By: Donald F. Walter, Jr. 12/8/03 Part 3: A Defense of Mixed Martial Arts … [Read more...]
Mixed Martial Arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal? Part 2
By: Donald F. Walter, Jr. 12/8/03 Part 2: An Overview of the Conflict between the States’ Police Power and Personal Liberties … [Read more...]
Mixed Martial Arts: Ultimate Sport, or Ultimately Illegal? Part 1 of 3.
By guest author Donald F. Walter, Jr. Published 12/8/03 Part 1: A Brief History of MMA … [Read more...]
From Silat to Submission Grappling
Last week I discussed some of the connections between traditional Japanese Ju-jutsu and modern submission grappling. These connections shouldn’t be too surprising, given the direct lineage from one to the other. … [Read more...]
From Traditional Ju-jutsu to Modern Grappling
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission grappling and mixed martial arts are relatively new phenomena, but they are rooted in martial traditions hundreds, and even thousands of years old. Although I choose to train and compete in a modern setting I still believe that there is value in examining the origins of one’s art. … [Read more...]