What is the Hip Wheel (Koshi Guruma)?
If you’re looking for a throw that’s equal parts simple, powerful, and straight-up fun to hit, the Hip Wheel (Koshi Guruma) is it. This move is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classic that shows off just how versatile hip throws can be. With the right timing, you can take your opponent for a ride and slam […]
Toe Hold: BJJ’s Powerful Submission Technique
If you’ve been rolling long enough, you know the toe hold has that “don’t mess with me” energy. It’s one of those leg locks that looks simple, feels sneaky, and can turn into a match-ender faster than you can say oss. The grip is straightforward, the mechanics are nasty, and when it’s on tight, your […]
What is the Omoplata in BJJ?
The omoplata stands among the most versatile – and underrated – tools in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu arsenal. To execute this shoulder lock, you use your legs and hips to isolate and rotate your opponent’s arm and hyperextend the shoulder joint to force a tap. But calling the omoplata just a submission doesn’t quite do it […]
What is the X Guard?
The X Guard, characterized by the unique “X” shape your legs form beneath your opponent, is one of the most dynamic and powerful open guard positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This position puts you directly under their center of gravity, where you can control their base, disrupt their balance, and set up a wide variety of […]
What is the Buggy Choke?
If you’ve ever found yourself in bottom side control and thought, “Well, this round’s over,” there is a move here that might just change your mind. The buggy choke can seem counterintuitive at first. Instead of fighting to recover guard or scramble out, you stay right where you are: flat on your back, opponent in […]
What is a Foot Lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Foot locks have exploded in popularity in modern BJJ. Once brushed off as low-percentage or “cheap,” these leg-based submissions are now part of the elite toolkit—effective, technical, and often match-ending. Whether you’re in a gi or no-gi scenario, foot locks offer strategic value for athletes of all sizes. They let you neutralize larger opponents, create […]
Aikido vs. BJJ: What’s the Difference?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Aikido both share a reputation as practical martial arts that emphasize technique and control over brute strength. While they come from different cultural roots and philosophies, they both embody the idea of using an opponent’s energy against them, a concept often described as “gentleness” in combat. BJJ is a modern martial […]
How to Execute the Straight Ankle Lock in BJJ
When you think about submissions in BJJ, your mind probably goes straight to classics like the rear naked choke, armbar, or maybe even a triangle. But let’s not sleep on the straight ankle lock. World-class grapplers like Rodrigo Cavaca, Dean Lister, and Craig Jones have all put opponents away with nast versions of this move, […]
The Mount in BJJ: Mechanics, Importance, and Usage
Few positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offer as much dominance as the mount. From here, you control your opponent’s movement, apply relentless pressure, and launch high-percentage submissions. It’s a position so powerful that Roger Gracie called it the ultimate position in BJJ. The bottom fighters are stuck carrying your weight and have limited escape options while […]
Worm Guard in BJJ: Understanding Its Mechanics, Importance, and Usage
At first glance, the worm guard looks complicated, but once you get the grips and positioning down, it opens up a ridiculous amount of offensive opportunities. And the best part? Most opponents still don’t know how to shut it down properly. Whether you’re looking to frustrate passers, add more layers to your open guard, or […]