We are upgrading our facilities!
We are pleased to announce that we will be completing some much needed renovations to improve our training space for members this month! On Thursday the 19th of March we will be closing for 4 days (over the weekend) to complete our mat extension. We are planning to re-open on Monday the 23rd of March. Classes will not run whilst renovations take place. We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. Members will be returning to a larger training space, an improved sprung floor and new Zebra mats. We will also be adding additional classes as part of our upgrades to Academy 411. Stay tuned on email and social media for updates. Follow us on instagram as we will be posting there regularly in regards to our facility renovations’.
How to Prevent Common BJJ Injuries: A Guide for Smart Training
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (whether BJJ Gi or no-Gi) can ask a lot of your body: twisting scrambles, joint locks, and steady pressure over time. If you love training, you also want to keep training, which is why staying healthy matters just as much as learning technique. In this guide, we’ll unpack BJJ common injuries, touch on why they happen, and discuss practical BJJ injury prevention habits you can start using in your very next class. So, how can you prevent BJJ injuries? Keep reading as we touch on strategies like warming up dynamically, tapping early, maintaining good hygiene and mat awareness, and cooling down with light stretching so your body can recover between sessions. Top 4 Takeaways Why Do BJJ Injuries Happen? When it comes to injuries caused by BJJ, most of them can be traced back to a few predictable sources: The good news is that most BJJ injuries are preventable with awareness, solid habits, and steady progression. Proactive BJJ Injury Prevention Strategies Think of the following as your checklist of everyday habits; BJJ injury prevention is less about luck and more about smart preparation. The Essential Warm-up and Cool-down A great warm-up prepares your joints, muscles, and nervous system for grappling. Start with some light cardio, then practice BJJ-specific movements, including some shrimping, bridges, technical stand-ups, hip escapes, and light positional drilling. After a class, cool down using some easy breathing techniques and static stretches specifically for your hips, hamstrings, thoracic spine, and shoulders. The goal, of course, is to help you restore your range of motion and initiate the recovery process, not to see who can stretch themselves the farthest. Focus on Technique, Not Strength Strength is a tool, not a strategy. Relying on it, especially as a beginner, often leads to poor positions and stressed joints. Prioritise frames, angles, grips, and weight distribution, and let leverage do the heavy lifting. Training with control is also part of good mat conduct; if you’re unsure what’s expected at Academy 411, review our adult class rules and keep partners safe. Know Your Limits: Tap Out Tapping is a safety valve. Late taps on armbars and kimuras create unnecessary torque on elbows and shoulders. When pressure feels ‘wrong’ or you’ve lost the escape, tap decisively and reset. Treat every tap as a note for your training journal and proof you’ve found a gap in your defence to close next time. Listen to Your Body & Manage Your Training Load It’s important to understand the difference between standard muscle soreness and sharp, localised pain. Schedule rest days and alternate between hard and light training days. Be mindful of ‘doubling up’ on difficult training sessions, especially after a period of poor sleep or illness. Ignoring small tweaks can lead to bigger problems; taking a day off now may save a month down the track. Understanding the Most Common BJJ Injuries Awareness is half the battle. Here are high-risk areas, how issues typically occur, and one quick prevention tip for each. This is not an exhaustive list of BJJ common injuries, but it covers where many beginners run into trouble. Knee Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Meniscus Tears) How it happens: Awkward pivots whilst in takedowns, perhaps twisting out of leg entanglements, or getting the inside of your knee collapsed inward in passing exchanges. Prevention tip: Try to keep your knees tracking over your toes during your entries, avoid any illegal or unsafe reaping angles in the Gi when applicable, and use controlled, deliberate foot placement when pummelling for hooks. Shoulder & Elbow Injuries (e.g., Armbars, Kimuras) How it happens: Joint locks are applied quickly or escaped by yanking free rather than using proper defence. Prevention tip: Tap early. There is no prize for ‘toughing it out.’ Your partners should apply controlled pressure over time, and for defenders, it’s preferable to frame, turn, and create space rather than muscling out of a fully locked submission. Neck and Back Strains How it happens: Being stacked while defending closed-guard attacks, resisting chokes with pure neck tension, or bridging with a rounded spine. Prevention tip: Maintain a long spine and good posture where possible, strengthen your posterior chain, and study posture-centric grappling. For extra resilience, our wrestling classes emphasise stance, head position, and neck strength that carry over to BJJ. Fingers, Toes, and Ribs How it happens: Prevention tip: Use smarter grips (don’t death-clamp), consider finger tape during heavy Gi sessions, keep toenails short, be aware of where your toes are when shrimping near mat edges, and breathe to manage pressure instead of tensing against it. Ready to Train Smart and Stay Safe? Staying healthy on the mats isn’t mysterious. Prepare your body with dynamic warm-ups, choose technique over force, tap early, and manage your weekly load. When in doubt, listen to your body and to your coaches. Smart training builds longevity, which means more learning, more progress, and more fun. If you’re keen to put these habits into practice with coaches who value safety and skill, book a free Jiu-Jitsu trial week and start your journey the smart way. We’ll help you develop the awareness and mechanics that make BJJ injury prevention second nature, and keep BJJ injuries from derailing your momentum.
The Kimura: How This One Submission Works From Everywhere
If you’ve spent any time on the mats, you’ve probably heard the word “Kimura” before. The Kimura in BJJ is one of the most powerful and flexible submissions. Whether you’re in a top position, a bottom position, or even transitioning between the two, it can be used to control, reverse, or submit your opponent. But how does it work exactly? The Kimura is a shoulder lock submission that targets your opponent’s arm by isolating it and applying rotational pressure. Beyond just a finish, it’s a grip you can use to control movement, set up sweeps, or transition into dominant positions. What many students miss is that the Kimura isn’t just a single move; it’s a whole system of control that works from just about everywhere. Key takeaways: What is the Kimura Lock in BJJ? A Quick History The Kimura lock — also known as a double wristlock — is a shoulder lock submission that uses a figure-four grip to isolate and crank your opponent’s arm behind their back. It’s brutal, effective, and surprisingly versatile. The move gets its name from Masahiko Kimura, a legendary judoka who popularised the move when he used it to defeat Hélio Gracie in a historic match back in 1951. The story goes that Kimura broke Hélio’s arm with the lock, forcing his corner to throw in the towel. Since then, the technique’s been a staple in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a symbol of respect for its devastating effectiveness. Today, the Kimura isn’t just a powerful submission. It’s a gateway to positional control, transitions, and sweeps. At Academy 411, it’s one of the first systems we teach because it fits so naturally with our vision and approach to BJJ. The Fundamental Mechanics of the Kimura BJJ Move The Kimura BJJ move is a blend of timing, control, and leverage. Here’s how it works, step-by-step: You’ll see this Kimura lock setup in all positions, and we drill it often in our adult classes. How to Set Up the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kimura from Common Positions Setting up the Kimura from Closed Guard From closed guard, your first goal is to break their posture. Once their hands are on the mat or close to your body, isolate one arm by grabbing the wrist with your same-side hand. Sit up and reach over their shoulder to lock in the Kimura grip. Angle your hips out, clamp their arm to your chest, and fall back slightly to tighten everything. Keep your knees high and active to control posture. From there, finish the Kimura lock by bringing their wrist behind their back with slow, steady pressure. Keep it tight and controlled. Don’t rely on brute force. Securing the Kimura from Side Control When you’re in side control and your opponent hugs you tight, pin their upper arm to the mat with your near-side arm first. Then switch your far arm from the underhook to grab their wrist and pin it to the mat, and loop your near arm over the top to secure the figure-four grip. Step over their head with your far leg to block movement and shut down any bridging. Pull their elbow towards their hip to kill their shoulder mobility, then lift the wrist slowly to apply pressure. This setup works in both Gi and No-Gi, especially when they’re tired and defending late. Stay patient and control the position before chasing the finish. Attacking with the Kimura from Half Guard Half guard is a goldmine for Kimuras. From the bottom half, you can use the Kimura to force sweeps or create space. Start by controlling the wrist on the far arm, then thread your arm over and lock in your figure-four grip. Keep their elbow bent around 90° and away from their ribs. Angle your hips out so you aren’t flat. If the finish isn’t there, use the Kimura trap to sweep, come on top, or take the back. From the top half guard, the setup is similar to side control when they cling around your torso with their near arm. Pin their upper arm, switch your far arm to grab the wrist, and lock the figure-four. Once secured, clear your trapped leg or step over their head for control before finishing. The Kimura BJJ move works here as both a submission and a pathway to more dominant control. Beyond the Submission: Understanding the Kimura Trap System Once you’ve got the Kimura grip, you’re not just hunting for a finish — you’re setting a trap. The Kimura trap is a control system built around that same grip, giving you the ability to dictate where the roll goes next. You can use it to stop their movement, flatten them out, or off-balance them for a sweep. If they defend the submission, no problem. You can flow straight into an armbar, triangle, or even take the back. That’s the real beauty of the Kimura: it’s not just a move. It’s a doorway to endless options. Whether you’re training Gi or No-Gi, mastering the Kimura trap helps you turn defence into offence and missed submissions into dominant positions. Want to see it in action? Check out how we train it at our No-Gi BJJ classes. Start Your BJJ Journey and Master the Kimura in Sydney When you have a strong Kimura, you can build your game around a whole system that helps you stay in control, create opportunities, and finish fights, no matter where you are on the mat. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or already rolling a few times a week, learning how to use the Kimura in BJJ can improve your skills in both Gi and No-Gi. Ready to go beyond the theory and start training in person? Book a free Jiu-Jitsu class today and learn the Kimura firsthand with experienced coaches. Or check our timetable and find a class that suits your schedule.
The Ultimate Guide to BJJ Etiquette and Gym Rules
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can feel intimidating. There are lots of new people, unfamiliar movements, and everyone in the gym seems to know what’s going on except you. But here’s the good news: every black belt started exactly where you are now. And when it comes to BJJ etiquette, things aren’t as confusing as you might think. BJJ etiquette is the set of unwritten rules that help to keep training safe and enjoyable for everyone. It covers everything from good hygiene and paying attention to knowing when to tap and how to treat your training partners. Most of it comes back to respect — for your coaches, your training partners, and the mats.Once you’ve got a feel for the basics, the rest tends to fall into place. If you’re thinking of giving it a go, you can book a free trial class. Key takeaways: Why BJJ Gym Etiquette Matters If you’ve never trained before, BJJ gym rules might feel a bit over the top. But these rules aren’t there to make things harder. They’re designed to keep people safe, make training more enjoyable, and create a welcoming environment in line with our academy’s vision. BJJ gym etiquette has three key pillars: Before You Step on the Mat: Essential Preparation Personal Hygiene: The Non-Negotiables This isn’t a handshake sport. You’ll be up close and personal with your training partners every class. Always trim your fingernails and toenails before class, shower if you can, and wear deodorant. Don’t train if you’re feeling sick, and definitely don’t show up with a skin infection because it puts everyone at risk. If you’ve just come from work or a workout, freshen up first. You can use our gym’s facilities to get ready. It’s all about showing respect for the people you train with. Your Gi and Training Gear Turn up in a clean BJJ Gi, not the one you wore to your last three classes. It should be washed after every session, no exceptions. If you’ve ever smelled a sweaty Gi, you’ll know exactly why this matters. If you’re new, we usually have spares available, but owning your own is a better long-term move. Rashguards under the Gi are recommended to help keep things hygienic and prevent skin irritation. For No-Gi classes, wear a rashguard and grappling shorts with no zips or pockets, as these can cause injuries during rolls. No board shorts or footy shorts please! On The Mat: Core BJJ Gym Rules Showing Respect There’s no need to be overly formal in BJJ etiquette, but a few simple habits go a long way. They show you’re switched on, part of the team, and serious about learning. These little things might not seem like much, but they help keep the vibe respectful and focused. You can read more in our official academy rules. Safe Training (‘Rolling’) Practices Rolling is where everything starts to come together. But it’s also where things can go wrong. Safety always comes first and is a crucial part of BJJ gym rules. Remember, rolling works best when both people feel safe and respected. That’s the type of environment that gets the best results for everyone. General Gym Conduct Being part of a BJJ gym comes with respecting the space as well as the people in it. That means keeping your shoes off the mats at all times. It also means doing your best to show up on time so you’re not interrupting class during the warm-up. If you are running late, give your coach a heads-up. In the changeroom, keep your things in a bag and make sure the space is tidy before you head out. It might sound simple, but this builds the kind of environment people actually want to train in. Not sure which class to join? You can check our class timetable. Ready to Train? BJJ gym etiquette isn’t about being strict for the sake of it. It’s about showing respect, keeping each other safe, and making sure everyone has a good time on the mats. If you’re new, don’t stress about getting everything perfect on day one. Just come in with a good attitude and be open to learning. The rest will come. Ready to give BJJ a go? Book your free trial class today. Want to ask something beforehand? Contact us with any questions.
Deconstructing the Guard: The 4 Most Important Guard Types in BJJ
Ask any seasoned grappler and they’ll tell you: the BJJ guard is the beating heart of Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu. Whether you roll in a Gi or prefer No‑Gi’s slick pace, your guard acts as both a defensive shield and an offensive launchpad, letting you dictate the fight from seemingly disadvantageous positions. But what is the guard in BJJ? Well, it’s any scenario where you use your legs, hips, and grips to control an opponent while you’re beneath or beside them, denying passes and attacking submissions. In this guide, we’ll break down four cornerstone guards—Closed, Open, Half, and Spider—so you can start building a game that works for you. Top 4 Takeaways: The Foundation: What is the Guard in BJJ? At its core, the guard embodies three principles: That ‘fight‑off‑your‑back’ strategy was revolutionary in martial arts: suddenly, a smaller athlete could neutralise a stronger attacker simply through leverage and angle. It’s also a humbling reminder to manage the ego, which is something we unpack in depth in our blog on ego and training mindset. 1. The Closed Guard: Your Fortress Picture your legs wrapped around your opponent’s torso, ankles crossed behind their back. That’s Closed Guard—simple in appearance, maddening in practice. You’re welded to your partner’s hips, making posture‑breaking and angle creation straightforward. Advantages: Disadvantages: Key Techniques from Closed Guard 2. The Open Guard: The Dynamic Game ‘Open Guard’ is a blanket term for any BJJ guard where your legs aren’t locked. Think butterfly hooks, De La Riva, or lasso grips, which are all siblings of the same open family. Advantages: Challenges: Key Techniques from Open Guard 3. The Half Guard: The Halfway Battle Half Guard looks like a failed pass at first glance—you control one of your opponent’s legs between your own as they hover on top. Modern grapplers have weaponised this BJJ guard into a sweep machine (deep half, knee shield, Z‑guard) and a conduit to wrestling‑style scrambles. If you’re curious how wrestling concepts blend here, check out our wrestling classes. Roles: Key Techniques from Half Guard 4. The Spider Guard: The Master of Levers (Gi) Spider Guard leverages sleeve grips and feet on the biceps to turn opponents into marionettes. Because your legs act like mechanical levers, posture breaks and angle changes happen with minimal exertion. Why It Shines: Remember: this guard thrives in the Gi; No‑Gi variants swap sleeve grips for wrists or collars, reducing control but retaining concepts. Choosing Your Guard and Next Steps We’ve covered four essential BJJ guard types—Closed, Open, Half, and Spider. You don’t have to master them all tomorrow. Start by tightening your Closed Guard fundamentals, then experiment: maybe the mobility of Open Guard suits your build, or Half Guard’s scrappy underhook game resonates with your wrestling background. Whichever way you mix and match these types of BJJ guards, a solid guard remains the backbone of Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu. So, why wait? Check out our 7-Day BJJ Trial Week offer of unlimited classes for a week at 85 % off regular pricing, and feel how each guard clicks in real time. Book your spot, lock up that first Closed Guard, and begin forging your own path in the art of leverage.
Your First BJJ Class: 10 Things to Know Before You Walk Through the Door
Stepping onto the mats for the first time can be equal parts exhilaration and “what have I signed up for?” Nerves are normal, but a little prep can help set you up to walk in with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk through what to expect at your first Jiu‑Jitsu class, tackling everything from clothing and hygiene to etiquette and what to do after you bow off the mats. At Academy 411, our vision is that people of all skill levels can thrive with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), so if you’ve done your homework, you’re already on the journey. Key Takeaways 1. What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) If you’re getting dressed for a BJJ trial class, we recommend reaching for minimalist athletic gear. Think a close‑fitting rashguard or t‑shirt and shorts or leggings without zips, buttons, or bulky pockets that can scratch partners or catch fingers. Down the track, you’ll choose between BJJ Gi (the traditional kimono with belt) and No‑Gi (rashguard and grappling shorts). If you’re unsure, let reception know when you book, and the team will steer you toward the right option. 2. Hygiene is Non-Negotiable BJJ is a full‑contact art, so clean bodies keep everyone safe. We encourage you to arrive in freshly washed gear each session, trim your nails short, tie back long hair securely, and cover any cuts with tape. A quick pre‑class shower or freshening wipe is never overkill. For more specifics, skim through our adult class rules to see how every student helps protect the mats from skin infections and bad vibes alike. 3. Fitness is a Result, Not a Requirement You don’t need six‑pack abs or marathon lungs to begin. BJJ is the vehicle that will build those qualities over time. The first few classes teach your body new movement patterns; strength and cardio follow naturally. Better yet, the art offers mental problem‑solving and social camaraderie that turbo‑charge motivation (the science backs it up! Research suggests starting Jiu‑Jitsu can make you healthier and happier). Show up as you are; the mats will do the rest. 4. Understanding Basic Gym Etiquette Etiquette keeps training efficient and respectful: These habits echo martial‑arts tradition and ensure everyone, from day‑one white belts to seasoned competitors, learns in harmony. 5. What to Expect from the Class Structure A typical beginner class flows like this: Live sparring, or ‘rolling,’ is often optional or reserved for later classes to minimise injuries and reinforce concepts. So if you’ve wondered what to expect your first time at jiu jitsu, rest easy. Day one is about learning, not proving. 6. It’s Okay to Tap – Leave Your Ego at the Door ‘Tapping’ is how you say, “Nice move, you got me.” A quick tap on your partner or the mat (or a verbal “tap!”) ends the exchange before pain or injury. Embrace it; every black belt has tapped thousands of times. The sooner you see tapping as feedback rather than failure, and leave ego at the door, the faster you’ll progress. 7. Be Prepared to Be a White Belt When attending your first BJJ class, you can expect to feel clumsy, overwhelmed, maybe even lost… and that’s okay! Day one success isn’t about submissions; it’s about exposure: learning mat etiquette, absorbing a few concepts, and meeting your new crew. Check our Membership FAQ if you’re curious how ranks and stripes work, but for now, curiosity beats mastery. 8. Pacing and Breathing are Your Best Friends We find that new students often ‘muscle’ every move and exhaust themselves in minutes. Instead, consciously slow down, inhale through the nose, exhale steadily, and focus on smooth weight shifts. Power comes later; efficient mechanics start now. Your future self (and your gas tank) will thank you. 9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions Coaches and senior belts love clarifying details; it shows you’re engaged. If you forget step two of a sweep or can’t feel the leverage point, ask. Better questions now prevent bad habits later. And if you’ve got questions about things like how often classes run and whether you need to book each time, you can check out our FAQs page. 10. What to Do After Your First Class Here’s our post‑training checklist: Ready to Experience Your First Class? You now know what to expect when starting jiu jitsu, from attire and etiquette to tapping and pacing. The only thing missing is you on the mat. Take advantage of our 7-Day BJJ Trial Week offer: unlimited classes for a week at 85 % off regular pricing. Claim your pass, meet the team, and let your BJJ story begin at Academy 411 today.
Start Jiu Jitsu for a Healthier, Happier Life | Academy 411
Sam Williams, PhD candidate, BJJ hopeful. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) isn’t just another martial art; it’s a powerful tool for personal development and wellness. Picture this: you’re on the mats at a Jiu Jitsu academy, grappling with a training partner, sweat dripping, muscles burning. At times, it’s intense and exhausting; other times, it’s awkward and unexpectedly hilarious. Regardless of the experience, it’s always profoundly transformative. While individual sports and gym workouts can improve fitness, they lack the camaraderie and social benefits found in BJJ. Team sports foster camaraderie, but they don’t always push individuals to rely on themselves and handle internal pressure. BJJ manages to intertwine personal challenges and growth with that team camaraderie, nurturing both a tight-knit community and genuine personal development. This combination not only enhances physical fitness but also boosts mental resilience and creates social bonds. Remember the bio-psycho-social model of health we all got sick of hearing about in high school? Well, BJJ might just have all the bases covered. Let’s dive into the research behind why you should start Jiu Jitsu today. The Hidden Life Skills When I first stepped onto the mats, I thought I was signing up for a physical challenge. Well, I was right. But little did I know, it would begin to shape my mind in ways I never imagined and teach me life skills that I never knew I needed. Research shows how Jiu Jitsu subtly teaches life skills. A study exploring the implicit transfer of life skills through participation in BJJ found that practitioners develop crucial skills such as discipline, perseverance, and problem-solving. Participants of the study reported that the mental challenges on the mats helped them face real-life obstacles with a clearer mind, greater confidence and sharper focus. “The single most important value to get good at BJJ is to not give up. It’s to walk through the door every day, no matter how bad you’ll do. To persevere under pressure … When your opponent’s crushing you down, you don’t give up just because it’s uncomfortable. You persevere … These are values that also translate to the workplace and take place [in] your social interactions. The idea that you don’t give up when you do badly at something, you do it more until you stop doing it badly.” “I’ve gained confidence, but I think I’m more approachable now at the same time. So now with doing jiu-jitsu, I’m literally back to where I can walk into the room full of people and actually, I can stand tall if you like” Therapy on the Mats We all have our battles, and for many, BJJ becomes a sanctuary. A systematic review found that practicing BJJ has significant psychological and social benefits. The review highlights how the structured environment of BJJ classes fosters social connections and psychological well-being. Imagine this: after a tough day, you step onto the mats, and for that hour, nothing else matters. The endorphins kick in, lifting your mood. The camaraderie among practitioners creates a support system like no other, helping manage anxiety, stress and depression. You meet people you would have otherwise never interacted with, let alone wrestled, and you learn to trust them and to rely on them. “Oh, (I had) a very short fuse. I could just snap at anyone, [but] now I’m very calm. I’ve just become very happy … It’s like being on happy pills, seriously. “The environment has to be, you know, relaxed. We have to trust each other very much as we go through armlocks, like techniques that are very dangerous, and you could harm somebody. So, if there’s no trust between us, we can’t train BJJ. And that creates an environment where everybody wants to progress.” Breaking Down Barriers for Men and Women Research indicates that BJJ positively impacts men’s mental health by creating a non-hierarchical, respectful environment where they can express vulnerability and build emotional resilience. Men can rebuild or test their mental strength, and break down the walls of toxic masculinity; big egos and bullying don’t fly on the mats, BJJ is also an excellent martial art for women, relying on leverage, angles, and “grappling IQ”. While size and strength can be advantageous, a skilled female practitioner can outmaneuver most untrained men. Women in Jiu Jitsu find empowerment, confidence, and a strong sense of community, making the sport inclusive and supportive for everyone. “Confidence, a hundred percent, I would say for everybody, but especially for any girls who get involved. It teaches you how to even just walk on the streets so that you don’t look like a victim.” Physical Perks and Self Defense Regular training in BJJ offers significant physical benefits, serving as a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength. Whether you’re actively sparring or refining techniques, the constant movement improves agility and endurance. Beyond physical fitness, BJJ doubles as practical self-defense training, empowering practitioners to defend themselves through technique rather than sheer force. The evidence is undeniable: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers a multitude of benefits. More than just a sport or martial art, it’s a path to enhancing your mental, physical, and social well-being. Sounds grandiose right? Take the plunge, stay consistent for 3 months, and then come back here and tell me how right I was. Whether you’re seeking mental clarity, improved fitness, or a supportive community, BJJ provides it all. Whether you prefer Gi or no-Gi Jiu Jitsu, search for “Jiu Jitsu classes near me” and start a journey that promises growth, strength, and resilience. Resources: Aleksandar E. Chinkov & Nicholas L. Holt (2015): Implicit Transfer of Life Skills Through Participation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2015.1086447 Blomqvist Mickelsson, T. (2021): Brazilian jiu-jitsu as social and psychological therapy: a systematic review. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 21(3): 1544-1552. Available from: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2021.03196 Ben Morris, Andrew Bone (2024). Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wellbeing: an inductive thematic analysis exploring how BJJ can increase subjective well being. Mental Health and Social Inclusion. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2023-0116 Meta-Data suggestion: Discover the transformative power of Brazilian
Important Changes – Booking Policy
The beginning of the year is always a busy period for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies; before things start to quieten down for winter. Here’s some important things you need to know regarding our booking system… 👵🏽 Adults: 🅱️ Book in for classes. Especially the busy ones. 🅱️ 👇🏽 “My app isn’t working! I can’t book in! What do I do?” 👇🏽 Please contact us via the contact page, we will book you into the class manually so that you don’t miss out. Classes do not usually reach capacity, we normally have enough room in the majority of our classes for everybody to have enough space to train in. However some of our classes have started becoming too busy. We have duty of care towards all of our clients. We would like to avoid a breach of duty of care which results in damage / injury to a student. 👨👩👧 KIDS: It is rare that kids classes reach capacity. However, the classes are getting busier each month. Please book your child into classes. If you have not yet setup a family account with our app, please see Raph at the front desk. The penguins class will see a ratio of 15 kids for every 1 instructor. In the event that more than 15 kids are booked in for class; the class will be split into 2 groups, with each instructor managing their respective group of kids. The kids & Teens class will see a ratio of 18 kids for every 1 instructor. In the event that more than 18 kids are booked in for class; the class will be split into 2 groups. One instructor managing the younger/smaller kids and one instructor managing the older teens. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us via the contact section of our website. See you on the mats! 💪🏽
Ego in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
👇🏽 Ego in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – A short overview by Nick Bilton: 👇🏽 It is commonplace in the BJJ community to hear the phrase “leave your ego at the door”. Many gyms and coaches preach the idea that training is most effective when it is done without an ego; one should disconnect from their desire to win or be the best in the training room if they seek to make real progress. Almost every gym has some form of this philosophy in their gym and, while this idea is one that carries a lot of truth, there are many contradictions and confusions that comewith it. This article will seek to clarify what this notion might mean, and explain what value we can take from it. So what is the ego? Put simply, the ego generally refers to a persons self-esteem or confidence, however in the context of BJJ, it is often synonymous with the part of a person self-esteem that desires success in the training room (sometimes above all else). The first major contradiction with the rejection of the ego, is that training BJJ is often ego-boosting.The increased fitness and ability to defend oneself that come with training will often empower students. Furthermore, the social connections and learning of new skills that are intertwined with the BJJ journey further the benefits of the sport for any individual and the self-esteem. BJJ and MMA legend Renzo Gracie famously said, “I’m not in the business of selling martial arts, but of selling confidence”, and it is this increase in confidence that will naturally increase a persons ego.Of course, this is not a bad thing. In fact, this type of personal growth is one of the best things about the Jiu-Jitsu journey. Another contradiction with “leaving your ego at the door” is that often the desire to be great at something — to win and gain success — drives students into consistent training and striving for their goals. Without an ego to produce this drive, what will keep you training? Of course the easy answer to the motivation problem is discipline. But why be disciplined if improvement, mastery andsuccess is not the goal? And is the root of discipline not a healthy self-esteem and desire to improve? Why invest effort into something for which you are impartial to? Is it wrong and egotistical to desire greatness in a martial discipline, and to want to see the fruits of your labour in this process? Yet, there seem to be some very good reasons for wanting to reduce ego in a gym. If winning rounds, getting submissions and being the best in the room were the primary goals of every student, it might be fair to say that training might not be the nicest place. Injuries would skyrocket, gym friendships would be harder to form and the longevity of the gym and its students would be reduced. All of these contradictions and questions seem to confuse the usefulness behind simply “leaving your ego at the door”. So then, what place does the ego have in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training? Well, the answer to these queries is obviously not to attempt and remove ego from gyms entirely, nor is it to let the ego loose. Instead, this essential energy must be reframed and repurposed.Rather than rejecting people bringing their egos into training, we should embrace the very thing that seeks to improve and reach for greatness. These energies should be trained like any other aspect of the body and mind. A healthy ego should focus solely on what really matters in training — the mastery of grappling in a safe environment. Realising that the true success lies away from what the untrained ego seeks for is the paradigm shift that must occur in students; prioritising thecorrect application of a technique rather than just dominating a round, or valuing the ability to safely and beneficially train with anyone, rather than just people who fit ones style and intensity. So next time you see or hear someone disparaging the ego, or allowing it to run wild and untamed, remember that neither provide adequate respect for it. Instead we must incorporate the mastery of our egos into our training as an essential element for longevity, mastery and overall success.
No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Academy 411 | Academy 411
🤼 No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Academy 411 🤼 A Short study 😊 🧩 Overview: Academy 411 delivers multiple Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Rosebery and Alexandria. However, one type is more popular than the others – No-Gi. Why? Although Academy 411 teaches Gi, wrestling and kids classes, a large portion of classes on the timetable are No-Gi Classes. Why are so many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes No-Gi at Academy 411? 💁🏽♀️ Academy 411 loves all forms of grappling. During its opening stages, the class types were split 50/50. An equal amount of Gi classes and an equal amount of No Gi classes. However, when observing the capacity data on the mats. It was evident that No-Gi was the most popular class, and that some of the evening classes (6pm) were operating at capacity. We then introduced more No-Gi classes to meet this demand. A quick look at the data: 🤓 Almost twice the attendance was recorded for No-Gi classes compared to Gi classes (adults) in 2023. With 60% of the overall attendance coming from adults. It was inevitable that the majority of classes needed to be shifted towards No-Gi as this was the most popular class. The evening 6pm class on Monday was the most popular time slot. However kids opted to train in the Gi more than No-Gi in 2023. The data could be slightly bias in the fact that our youngest age group: “Penguins” (3-6 Years) only have the option of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Gi. This is because these classes are more focused around discipline/learning new skills and games due to the age of the participants. We treat the Gi as training wheels on a new bike with this class, as it gives kids something to hold on to and helps enhance fine motor skills. Data was privately collected from our gym software (Mindbody) during the 2023 calendar year. Conclusion: 👇🏽 As a result, we allocate more No-Gi classes with our adults; and more Gi Classes with our kids & teens! Class types are all allocated based on popularity, classes may change in the future if other modalities become more popular.