The MMA Guru

Best Online BJJ Training Sites

Can you really learn Jiu Jitsu online? It’s a controversial topic. In my opinion: no, not exclusively. That said, watching videos online is an excellent supplement to your training at an academy. These days, most elite BJJ athletes like Gordon Ryan and Keenan Cornelius have made at least some sort of instructional content. As fans …

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John Danaher: The Legendary BJJ Coach

There are many reasons why I look up to John Danaher, one of the most influential jiu-jitsu instructors I have studied. Although he did not compete professionally because of injuries, his innovative teaching style, and passion for continuous improvement set him apart. His journey is also inspiring for both competitors and teachers in the space. …

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The Omoplata Submission

The Omoplata is a highly effective submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that targets your opponent’s shoulder. It’s been proven to be a powerful finishing move in both Gi and No-Gi competition. How does the Omoplata Work? The Omoplata is a shoulder lock submission. It relies on: There are a ton of ways to set up …

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Hayabusa Goorudo V3 Gi Review

As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner with many years of experience, I greatly emphasize picking the right gi for my daily training and competitions. I’ve worn countless gis over the years, with some being better than others. From the vintage old-school Atama gi to the legendary Tatami Estilo 5.0 up to Kingz Balistico, I have had …

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Origin “The Path” Gi Review

Origin’s high-end, American-made kimonos have me seriously wondering if I’ve stumbled upon the elusive holy grail of gis that I’ve been seeking for so long. Boasting cutting-edge materials and exceptional craftsmanship, it’s no wonder that this gi has rapidly gained popularity among top-level competitors, making it a must-have for those who are serious about their …

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Gold BJJ Foundation Gi Review

Picture this: you’re on the mats, giving it your all in a heated grappling session, when suddenly, an irritating itch on your neck interrupts your flow, courtesy of your subpar BJJ Gi. Frustrating, right? Worry not, my fellow jiu-jitsu aficionados… The Guru is here with the ultimate solution to your BJJ wardrobe woes: Gold BJJ’s …

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Who Is Echo Charles?

Echo Charles is a media personality who has risen to fame thanks to his work as a podcaster, director, and producer. He co-hosts the Jocko podcast with friend Jocko Willink and enjoys a healthy social media following. Echo Charles is also a reference in the health and fitness spaces.  Echo Charles Early Life Echo Charles …

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Jocko Willink: BJJ and MMA Highlights

John ‘Jocko’ Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, author, entrepreneur, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt.  Early Career and Military Service Willink became a student of BJJ under Fabio Santos during his military service in Iraq. Fabio Santos trained under Rolls and Rickson Gracie, two of the most revered disciples in the sport. …

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The Best Kids BJJ Gis in 2022

Is your kid starting to get into Jiu Jitsu? Then it’s super important to pick up a BJJ gi that they will actually enjoy wearing in class! Martial arts are an amazing way for kids to learn discipline, humility, and self defense. But if your kiddo doesn’t like the look and fit of their gi, …

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What Is The Gracie Diet?

Carlos Gracie is a prominent figure and trailblazer within the MMA community. After mastering Jiu-Jitsu from Count Coma, another notable material arts figure. His real name is Misuyio Esai Maeda. He was a Judo representative from Japan who migrated to Brazil to spread the Jiu-Jitsu fighting style.  Gracie trained for three years with Maeda until …

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The Best Finger Tapes for BJJ

In Jiu Jitsu, the minute you put on the gi, anything can happen. All it takes is one fast unexpected move from your opponent, and your fingers or toes can get snagged and easily injured. That’s why you see most big name BJJ athletes training with finger tape. Finger tape for BJJ helps provide support …

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Does Muay Thai Have a Belt System?

Most martial arts use belt ranking systems. Take Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo, and other Japanese and Korean martial arts for example. But, there is one martial art that is slightly different… Muay Thai is a traditional martial art practiced in Thailand, and it does not subscribe to the belt ranking system.  How Are …

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The Best Women’s BJJ Gis

Women shopping for BJJ gear face somewhat of an uphill battle, as most of it is designed for men’s bodies. Some brands though, have introduced women’s cuts for their Jiu Jitsu gis, and these are the uniforms I always recommend for women who want to train BJJ. While men are typically longer in general (in …

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Fighter Spotlight: Valentina Shevchenko

Valentina Shevchenko currently holds the title of the current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. The Peruvian-Kyrgistani athlete, born on March 7th, 1988, is a former Muay Thai fighter who made her MMA debut in 2015.  Lightning-fast Shevchenko earned the nickname “Bullet” from her kickboxing trainer after knocking out a 22-year-old opponent at the tender age of …

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The Best Jump Ropes for Boxers

When it comes to boxing training, you want equipment that is going to help you reach the next level. You also want equipment that you can count on to last.  Jump ropes are one of the best tools to incorporate into a workout routine. They help you build strength, speed, and stamina for boxing. There …

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The Best BJJ Books

To learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you need to get yourself to the mat and practice. There’s no getting around that. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t get great information from some of the best BJJ books. There’s a lot of Jiu Jitsu masters who imparted their knowledge and experience in writing. Reading their tips in …

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The History Of Muay Thai

Out of all of the martial arts, Muay Thai has a special place in my heart. When it comes to striking, you just can’t beat the effectiveness and enjoyment of a good Muay Thai session. The Fascinating Origins of Muay Thai Muay Thai is a unique martial arts tradition that originated in Thailand during the …

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Do UFC Fighters Wear Cups?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do fighters wear cups?” here’s your answer: MMA fighters are required to wear cups as part of their standard uniform when fighting in UFC fights. Being required to wear a cup may feel awkward for some fighters, but UFC officials anticipate groin strikes as a possibility during any match have recently …

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What Does Creonte Mean In BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art rooted in honor and legacy. In the earlier days of BJJ, this meant that a student’s loyalty to his or her instructor was a crucial aspect of the sport. That’s why, if you are a BJJ practitioner, you have probably heard the term “creonte” before. What Does it Mean? …

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The Best Spats for BJJ and MMA

Whether you’re just rolling on the mats or getting ready for a competition, owning a pair of spats is essential for anyone training BJJ or MMA. Spats are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that any practitioner can own, they’re great for both grappling and striking martial arts. “Spats” is a pretty specific …

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What does “Oss” Mean?

Used all around the world in martial arts schools, the phrase “Oss!” is a signature greeting of combat sports. It’s particularly common to hear at Jiu Jitsu academies. Athletes use it to greet their seniors, while listening to their coach, or just to say hi and make their presence known on the mats. From the …

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Is Wing Chun Effective in MMA?

Is Wing Chun a waste of time for MMA? Or could it be an underrated component of a well-rounded mixed martial arts game… While some athletes have a deep love for the craft, others feel it’s almost entirely useless for true combat.  So what’s the deal? Here’s the complete low-down on Wing Chun and its history …

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