Big updates coming soon! But first, a new video. You get 14 minutes of technical stand ups from guard!

As you’ll see explained at the start of the video, I moved up to Allentown, PA, and I’m now training at Zombie BJJ PA. That’s why updates have dropped off, but I have good news! During my radio silence, I have been working on a lot of big BJJ projects. Think of my disappearance as me having gone into stealth sub mode. Soon I will be resurfacing to launch thermonuclear jiu-jitsu missiles at your face. Here is what’s loaded into the launch bays:

  • the long-rumored crucifix instructional,
  • a relaunch of my “Ask a black belt” Q&A’s as a podcast,
  • many new long BJJ videos (10-20 min),
  • and an entire new website that answers all your stupid white belt questions!

You’ll hear more about those in the weeks and months to come. For now, let’s get to the video!

The Forgotten Fundamental: Standing Up From Guard

Here’s what I wrote up about this video for good ol’ Sherdog F12:

So lately (and for the past 10 years) I’ve been hearing how BJJ is on the verge of dying. I’m told we’re getting away from our no-holds-barred vale tudo roots. I fear it’s true. Look at the signs:

No one is training to smother boxers wearing a single glove.

BJJ schools aren’t preparing their students to get rabbit punched from guard by Ken Shamrock until PPV turns off the broadcast.

When is the last time you saw a new VHS featuring challenge matches between a fearsome green sash in kung fu and R______ Gracie?

Did you know the average jiu-jiteiro is unaware that punches even exist, and that 70% don’t even know you can close your hand into a fist?

I’m probably partial to blame. I’m a BJJ black belt who doesn’t fight in MMA or train for self defense or beat up hobos on the street. Do I really deserve this black belt if I’ve never slapped a man in the face on the beach to defend my pride? I’ve never even practiced disarming someone holding a gun 2 feet away from me because they don’t seem to understand how bullets work just as well from across the room.

Helio Gracie must be spinning in his grave. If only I had studied the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Master Text more closely! Maybe I still have time to sign up for Gracie Combatives Online.

To make amends, I’m offering up this 15 min video about how to stand up from guard. This may come as a shock to you, since I’m sure all of you have trained nothing but double guard pulls and berimbolos, but you can in fact stand back up from guard. I’ll give that a minute to sink in.

Once you’ve composed yourself, please watch this video.