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The breadth and speed at which jiu-jitsu had spread across the globe is absolutely mind-boggling. Several decades ago, you'd be hard pressed to run into someone who knew what it was. Anytime you mentioned your favorite hobby, you'd have to spend a few minutes explaining just what it was about... and good luck trying to convince anyone to try it with you.
Now, thanks to black belts (and even colored belts) opening academies in nearly every major city in the world, as well as the growing popularity of the UFC, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't at least know a little bit about it, if they don't themselves train.
But what seems to have stagnated is knowledge of the history of jiu-jitsu. Yeah, we all know that the Gracies were somehow involved and there was some Japanese bloke, but for many, that's the extent. So we decided we should arm you with just a tiny bit more...
It's about that time again... promotion season. In jiu-jitsu, promotions aren't tethered to any kind of rigid timetable. Yes, there are guidelines for when someone might be expected to advance to the next belt level, but in reality, everything happens a lot more organically, reflecting individual progress and dedication, as well as individual academy tendencies or policies.
Really, promotions can occur at any time, but these days, many academies have opted for semi-annual ceremonies, typically held in summer and winter, allowing for more organized celebrations (and easier to remember promotion dates).
As we approach the summer promotion season, you might be wondering to yourself: what should I be focusing on to advance my own jiu-jitsu journey? We've got you. Here are some tips on how to rank up in BJJ...
If you weren't watching the IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships last weekend, you better have had a good excuse... because it was packed to the gills with incredible jiu-jitsu.
Some of sport's top talent showed up, a few looking to add more Pan titles to their resumes, others looking for their first gold medal wins, all seeking that coveted spot at the top of the podium. For many, it was a practice-run for the upcoming World Championships.
And they did not disappoint. While we are always excited to see any of our Kingz athletes out on the mat, we are especially thrilled to see many of them standing proudly at the top of the podium! Here's who battled their way to the gold...
Feeling a bit of dread about going to jiu-jitsu class? Are you more worried about getting submitted by the lower belt than in mastering your triangle? Is it becoming too easy to convince yourself that it'd be better to binge that new Netflix season than hit open mat? You might have jiu-jitsu burnout.
Don't worry. It happens to us all. More than once, even. Burnout is just a natural part of the jiu-jitsu journey. The important part is that you recognize the signs, catch it early, and know how to manage it. Those who don't manage it well, usually end up quitting jiu-jitsu (ahem, blue belts).
Here are a few considerations for catching it early and managing it effectively, so you can have a long and healthy jiu-jitsu journey, well past your black belt...
If you haven't yet... what are you waiting for?! It's already February. Just kidding. You're among good company. Few people have foresight - or even the time - to plan their year before the year has even begun. I certainly haven't.
There does come a time when it IS too late (... November, probably). So, while I can't say that it's "never too late", now is as good a time as any to start planning out your 2024 jiu-jitsu competition season.
But where to begin? If you've been competing for a while, you might have some idea, but if you're a brand new white belt - or even a colored belt who hasn't gotten around to competing just yet - you might find your self at a loss.
