BJJ Training Blog – The MATS Academy

Gi vs No-Gi: Which Should You Start With? If you’ve started looking into jiu-jitsu, you’ve likely already run into this question. Should you start in the gi or no-gi? For beginners, it can feel like a big decision. You…

Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class: What Actually Happens If you’ve been curious about jiu-jitsu but keep putting off that first class, you’re not alone. Almost everyone who eventually trains has a period, sometimes weeks or months, when they circle the…

Escaping Side Control Without Using Strength Side control is where many beginners quietly decide they’re bad at jiu-jitsu. You’re pinned. Someone’s weight feels heavy. Your movement feels limited. You try to push, bridge, or explode, but nothing works. Within…

Guard Passing for Beginners: Three Things That Actually Work Guard Passing for Beginners: Three Things That Actually Work Guard passing is one of the first places beginners start to feel frustrated. You’re told it’s important. You’re shown multiple passes.…

Closed Guard Basics: Staying Safe Before You Attack Closed guard is often one of the first positions beginners encounter and one of the first places they feel pressure to “do something.” You’re on your back. Your legs are wrapped…