Notes from the Mat
Technique breakdowns, training notes, and videos. Plain talk for people who actually want to get better at jiu jitsu, not just collect stripes.
Nervous About Your First Jiu Jitsu Session? Here's What Happens
No sharks, no lineup. Exactly what a first private session looks like, start to finish.
Start here
For your first month on the mat
Getting started Nervous About Starting Jiu-Jitsu? Read This First.
The fear is universal and mostly not real. What actually happens on day one.
Getting started What to Wear to Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class
You don't need to buy anything. The simple checklist for first-timers.
Getting started How Often Should a Beginner Train Jiu-Jitsu?
Two to three times a week, and why more isn't better when you're new.
Getting started Gi vs No-Gi: Which Should a Beginner Start With?
The real differences, and why you'll end up doing both anyway.
Technique & training
Get better on purpose
Technique The First Thing I Fix With Every New White Belt
Before any fancy sweep, there's one habit that decides how your first six months feel.
Technique How to Stop Gassing Out in Your First Few Rounds
It's usually not your cardio. Four things that fix it faster than running ever will.
Self-defense Is Jiu-Jitsu Actually Good for Self-Defense?
The honest version: what it's great at, where it falls short, and how to train it for real.
Coaching, cost & kids
Deciding how to train
Coaching Private Lessons or Group Class: Which Actually Makes You Better?
The honest version, even though I'm the guy selling privates. Use both, on purpose.
Pricing How Much Do Private Jiu-Jitsu Lessons Cost?
Straight numbers, what you're actually paying for, and how to tell if a private is worth it.
Kids What Age Should Kids Start Jiu-Jitsu?
What to expect at each stage, and why one-on-one can beat a big kids' class.