So there is this idea that adding a sports competition element to the martial arts can actually hurt or undermine the efficacy of the self-defense aspect. I’ve heard variations of this argument from multiple sources. You hear this argument mostly from Krav Maga people and old-school Karate guys, so most people who compete in MMA,Continue reading “Combat Sports vs Self-Defense”
Category Archives: Advice / How To
How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School
So you are thinking about getting involved in martial arts. Great! But where do you start? By what method do you judge a potential martial arts academy, aside from its reviews on Google or Yelp? Well, lucky for you I am a big ol’ fight nerd with years of experience. In my life I haveContinue reading “How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School”
Remember to Breathe
You may notice that I generally conclude my articles with something along the lines of “happy training, and don’t forget to breathe,” or a variation thereof. The Implied message is both as simple as, yet deeper than, it sounds. Taken at its most basic meaning, it is a simple reminder to breathe. It is throughContinue reading “Remember to Breathe”
Gear Maintenance Guide
Over the years I’ve used and abused all sorts of martial arts training gear. I’ve wondered why the velcro on my hand wraps or fight shorts won’t stick anymore. Or how my rash guard started unravelling. I’ve also accidentally dyed a gi pink before. I’ve done a lot of dumb things when it comes toContinue reading “Gear Maintenance Guide”
Should You Compete in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament?
Short answer, probably yes. But obviously it behooves you to understand the level of hard work and sacrifice involved: preparing through rigorous training, conditioning and diet. Or the financial investment as well, since tournaments aren’t free, and you may need to travel and/or take time off of work. And of course, the fact that youContinue reading “Should You Compete in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament?”
How Boxing Benefits Martial Arts Training
Hello everyone. So for those of you who know me or have read some of my previous posts, you may know that I am a big advocate of cross training. The concept of stylistic purity is outdated and serves no useful purpose. For example, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is my primary art. But I make roomContinue reading “How Boxing Benefits Martial Arts Training”
Starting Your Jiu Jitsu Journey
So as some of you may know, I love cross training but Jiu Jitsu is the art I spend the most time with. In this article, my intent is to help people new to it get started in their journey, but with the benefit of my experiences. I think that many of these principles probablyContinue reading “Starting Your Jiu Jitsu Journey”
Strangle Buddies 