World-Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The Limits in Learning an Infinite Art The other day, I was teaching a kids’ class covering headlock escapes at Ralph Gracie San Jose, Ca. I had Josh, my uke (the person you do the move on), place me in a headlock, and I demonstrated one of the escapes I knew. The kids loved it. Later in the class, a young 9-year-old boy, particularly fond of the technique, asked me, “How much jiu-jitsu do you NOT know?” I found this to be profoundly thought-provoking. Two students sparing at

A Shared Journey Between Parents and Instructors The growing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) among children has brought countless benefits to young practitioners, from improved physical fitness to enhanced self-confidence. However, as more families join the BJJ community, it’s crucial to understand that developing a disciplined martial artist requires a partnership between instructors, parents, and students. Purple belt competitor Josh Tuman shares techniques from the

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions can trigger intense anxiety — not just about losing, but about the fear of disappointing you, their coach, and their teammates. When your child steps onto those mats, they’re carrying more than just their own expectations; they’re carrying the weight of everyone watching, the hours their professor invested in training them, and the silent question: “What will my parents think if I lose?” This is where your mental and emotional preparation beco