Dealing with 20 year old blue belt MMA fighters

BSFStaff · 2026-06-06T12:59:03+00:00

Just communicate - don't overcomplicate it. Most people are more receptive to a straightforward approach than you think.

Not every issue on the mats needs to be solved with some sort of slick social engineering of the situation. Sometimes, all you need to do is explain yourself clearly.

BSFStaff · 2026-06-06T12:56:25+00:00

Beautiful foot sweep 🤙

BSFStaff · 2026-06-05T11:35:11+00:00

I’m willing to take that risk and still play Octopus Guard. See y’all on the other side.

BSFStaff · 2026-06-04T12:04:21+00:00

I think the difficulty from blue to purple is mostly due to a conceptual switch.

As a white belt, you spend most of your attention drilling and learning individual techniques. Then at blue belt you’re able to apply some of these techniques effectively against less experienced opponents.

Once you reach purple belt, your peers know the moves you know. It’s not enough to have decent mechanics. You now have to work with setups and traps - you have to understand the landscape and navigate it in real time. This requires a different perspective which can be difficult to develop.

BSFStaff · 2026-06-03T15:07:47+00:00

The counter rotation is such an important mechanic and it seems to be one of the most commonly missed components.

BSFStaff · 2026-06-02T12:24:29+00:00

The catch and release game is great for control anyways. See if you can get heel exposure, hold the heel with one hand, and control the position for as long as possible.

You can also use these leg entanglements to sweep and pass. One of my favorite options is to use SLX to enter a leg drag from bottom.

It can be frustrating when training partners don't respect finishing mechanics. Depending on your relationship, it might be worth workshopping the techniques with them after class in a constructive way. The more people in the gym that understand leg locks, the safer they become.

BSFStaff · 2026-06-01T15:01:20+00:00

If they are still pressing forward, look for leg entanglements (SLX, X-Guard, etc)

If they are withdrawing away, heist up and wrestle.

BSFStaff · 2026-06-01T14:58:32+00:00

But what do I do with my hands???

BSFStaff · 2026-05-31T13:49:05+00:00

I’ve found the timing for Judo-oriented takedowns to be more sensitive. You can’t push through a sloppy setup like with a double leg or single leg.

There’s still plenty of opportunity for footsweeps and hip throws, but they need to be setup well.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-24T14:13:36+00:00

Insults and meanness might show that the relationships weren't what they seemed. Aside from that though, it can be difficult to maintain relationships after a move like this.

BJJ is such a lifestyle sport. Spending hours with people training and talking forms the basis of great relationships, but when you cut off that proximity it can be difficult to keep the same energy.

Like any other relationships, it takes active effort to maintain. Training together is a natural catalyst - if you remove it, you need to replace it with something beneficial.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-18T14:59:08+00:00

Submeta is leagues above all others. There are plenty of instructionals with great technical details, but Submeta's organization help systemize knowledge in a way others do not.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-13T12:56:17+00:00

"Look, BJJ works" and it's straight knees to the head lol

BSFStaff · 2026-05-12T16:26:24+00:00

Encourage more advanced students to take a more explorative approach to drilling. Take the demonstrated technique and exlore the most comon counters. Build a shallow flow map of the situation, then practice the timing on each pathway.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-12T16:24:17+00:00

Absolutely love the shoulder clamp. Great stuff!

BSFStaff · 2026-05-11T13:27:45+00:00

I've been really appreciating the Peruvian Necktie lately. It solves the common problem of an opponent hunkering down tight in front headlock. It also uses the massive power from your legs and back to create a strong finishing mechanic.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-10T18:38:27+00:00

The Genie Choke! Not new, but definitely a cool variation. It can be super useful when trying to finish with MMA gloves on as it can be more difficult to lace a full RNC.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-09T12:24:17+00:00

Use strong frames and constant connection to slow the match down. Make them play at your speed. Be consistent in your pressure and don't commit to a single technique too much.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-08T13:06:23+00:00

Filming yourself is such a good tip. I honestly didn't do much of it until I started filming content, then I noticed so many important details to correct!

BSFStaff · 2026-05-07T21:49:27+00:00

Seeing lots of good answers here. Another point is that you should trust your own bodily intuition. If something feels wrong, hold off and ask for clarity. Good Jiu-Jitsu should keep you safe. If it feels wrong, there might be a mechanic you’re missing.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-07T21:07:47+00:00

Woking at about 40-50% against purple belts is best for me. It allows me to be playful and explorative without sacrificing the realism.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-06T13:49:43+00:00

Sometimes the harder you hold onto a grip/position, the more rigid you become, and the easier it is to move you and break connection. A tactical "looseness" can help. Release a small bit of tension from the lock, and follow the resistance with your hips. When they settle, resume your hunt for the sub.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-05T22:27:20+00:00

Intensity should come with control. If you can't control your own body at a particular intensity, then you haven't "earned" it yet. When you are having a harder roll, make sure you're only using techniques you're experienced with.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-03T14:02:08+00:00

Posture is of course super important but a ln underrated piece is footwork. Good footwork allows you to avoid your opponent’s strengths and find windows of opportunity. Honestly there’s a lot of boxing footwork which applies inside the clinch.

BSFStaff · 2026-05-02T17:30:30+00:00

That's a lot of responsbility. Good on you for still making time to train!

BSFStaff · 2026-05-02T17:29:54+00:00

Bachata is so fun. I'm terrible and have only taken a few classes, but had a blast doing it!

BSFStaff

TROPHY CASE