There are a lot of reasons why martial artists should do Yoga. And that goes DOUBLE for the grappling kind of martial artists, including BJJ'ers, submission grapplers, Judoka, Sambo practioners, and people training in MMA. Yoga brings a lot to the table. … [Read more...]
How to Improve Your Hip and Leg Flexibility
Hip and leg flexibility is a huge asset in grappling, especially when it comes to not letting your opponent pass your guard, for launching sneaky sweeps and submissions from the guard position, and for weaseling your way out of tight pins. Plus if you're training in MMA, Muay Thai, Karate, Kickboxing, or any other martial art that involves kicking then flexibility will obviously help you out … [Read more...]
Takedown and Neck Crank vs. Thai Kick
Photos and explanation that show the transition from Blocked Thai Kick to a takedown and neck crank. … [Read more...]
Clinch to Inside Trip to Heel Hook vs. Punching
Closing the gap in MMA can be the most dangerous part of the fight. Sometimes throwing fake strikes allows you to get in close enough to take your opponent down... White and Black are in punching range. White throws and overhand right - Black blocks at the bicep and rushes in... ...achieving the 'over and under' clinch position, a very common clinch in NHB and MMA … [Read more...]
Sprawl Counter vs. Double Leg Tackle
If you try a sloppy takedown in MMA you could end up paying a hefty price. Here's how your takedown gone wrong might go down... … [Read more...]
Double Leg Shoot vs. Right Cross
A lot of MMA fights have been won by someone shooting a double leg takedown just as their opponent throws a big right cross... … [Read more...]
The MMA Formula: Striking + Takedowns + Groundwork
Mixed martial art (MMA) competition has come a long way from the early UFCs, where Karateka faced off against streetfighters, and Jiujitsu practitioners battled Kung Fu stylists. … [Read more...]
Podcast EP3: Erik Paulson; an MMA Master Coach Shares His Secrets
Erik Paulson is an MMA Master Coach. He's trained tons of fighters competing at the highest levels of Mixed Martial Arts. And he held the Shooto light-heavyweight title in Japan for 5 years. He's also my friend and a mentor. Recently I asked my newsletter readers if there was something in particular you wanted to ask Erik. (Hey, if you were signed up for the FREE Grappling Tips newsletter … [Read more...]
Training MMA Skills Under Pressure
It's easy to train an activity when you're calm, relaxed and not tired. But being able to execute those same movements correctly when you're fatigued and gasping for breath is something entirely different. … [Read more...]
MMA Ground and Pound
Here's a short MMA video I recently shot with my friend Denis Kang. He's a very knowledgeable fighter, and I wanted him to share some insights on the ground and pound aspect of MMA. … [Read more...]
Classical Ju-jutsu Leglock
Classical Japanese Ju-Jutsu included leglocks as well as armlocks and chokes. The details of how the technique were applied were a little different however... (This technique is from the Submission Grappling vs. Classical Ju-Jutsu article on Grapplearts.com) Alex ties up with his opponent, gripping pressure points at the elbow and in the neck. Alex throws his opponent to the … [Read more...]
Do I Really Think Boxing Sucks?
Boy, did my post a few days ago (with the tongue in cheek title: "Another Reason Why BJJ is Better Than Boxing") set off a firestorm I admit it: I'm biased! I run a site called "grapplearts,", not "boxingarts." … [Read more...]
Combining Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Wrestling and Striking in MMA Training
A few days ago I foolishly did a strength and conditioning workout late at night. I ALWAYS find it impossible to get to sleep right after strenuous training, so to relax I sat down on a treadmill and talked to a video camera. … [Read more...]