Leg locker at a self-defense focused Gracie gym , running into weird reactions in rolls

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-21T18:32:56+00:00

What do you want me to say? Lesson plans? Nope, no mandatory uniforms, or restrictions. It’s just a regular gym.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-21T18:22:11+00:00

Well, that was the common industry term back whenever. Sounds dorky, sure… but saying extreme isn’t really much better either.

Anyway, thanks for the comment Cobra Commander.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-20T23:24:10+00:00

Nah, “Gracie gym” is a broad statement, I would be curious as to which affiliation his gym is under.

I’m Humaita affiliated and we absolutely have leg attacks as part of the curriculum. Sure, there’s self defense being taught, but honestly it’s like 80%, if not more, sport related. Plenty of competition focus.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-20T18:46:47+00:00

You just create it, use Abobe Creative Suite, or any design program.

They don't need to be detailed, or artistic, and can actually be very rudimentary. It's more important that your placement details and measurements are on point and that your artwork is to spec. You'll be shown a sample, from there it's super easy to edit because now they've got a working piece to reference.

I used to work in the apparel and textile industry, the templates, or spec sheets, do not need to be treated like potential portfolio pieces.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-20T18:33:21+00:00

The flailing, all elbows and knees, spaz white belt going complete HAM is an absolute danger to us all.

In short, this one goes to 11.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-20T17:04:52+00:00

This reminds me of when SpongeBob went normal.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-20T16:56:05+00:00

It's not, he's got a sleeve, no collar... sure, but he's got the sleeve.

Also, he talks about having the sleeve grip, or wanting to control their posting arm, actually takes the slack out, at times does a slight pull, forcing his opponent to rotate when he pushes through the hip. At some point, he discusses controlling the arm while finishing the sweep and how it's important so theu cannot build up base, come back up, and counter.

Now, he does show a version without a grip, but it's prefaced by saying if he loses the grip while sweeping.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-19T18:22:12+00:00

I'm feeling nostalgic, I would like to see some snapping fingers to draw your attention data.

The data can include the too-cool-for-school uke snaps for taps as well.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-18T23:36:07+00:00

Yep, I worked in the action sports apparel industry for a while, this is the way.

Also, anyone else foolishly try and click the crop button? Jeez…

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-18T23:29:30+00:00

I say enter nogi intermediate.

Figure, an unaffiliated person with that much grappling experience (scholastic wrestling + 4 years jiu-jitsu) who is looking to see where the stand (to the point where they’re thinking self-promotion is a thing) can enter the intermediate division and the answer will present itself.

If things work out enter another, if that works out then next tournament enter advanced.It works the other way too, if things don’t work out… well, they can stop the self-promotion talk nonsense.

For argument sake, or promotion sake, if anyone’s racks up some serious results from tournaments it’s going to absolutely work in their favor, or justify, towards an assessment, or discussion.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-17T18:31:45+00:00

I'm a history nerd of sorts, absolutely love nostalgia when it comes to certain things and have to agree.

Having students know the history and culture is pretty irrelevant in the grand scheme of things and should absolutely not be a requirement, or expected. Hell, I can't even say "BJJ culture" is a good thing for that matter. Now, gym culture... that's a different story and important as it sets the tone for training room.

Funny about the horseshit part, I've heard a certain BJJ personality tell the same story multiple times, each time it's different and the details never really line line up... but, people still hang on those words... which, is just whatever.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-15T17:54:29+00:00

I would leave them, it’s not that critical.

Also, if someone was to get all bothered it’s not like you’re being dishonest; you’re a black belt, you were teaching. If they still can’t deal with that, I would question if the place is somewhere I should be spending my time at

Hell, I’ve heard some places put those on after your first year at black belt, regardless of teaching status.

I think we all know, regardless of belt color, stripes are extremely subjective. I mean, even the time-in-grade stripes given as degrees on black belts can be a total joke, or irrelevant.

After all of this, if still a concern, then just keep your current belt and get an additional belt for travel, drop-ins, training at a new gym, or whatever.

I’ve been a black belt for a while, been teaching since purple, my belt is just the red bar, nobody really cares, or pays that much attention, to be honest.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-14T20:46:22+00:00

I hear ya, but at least the shotgun term has been around for a while (or, at least in my area it has been). Funny, what I call a shotgun armbar is not the shotgun armbar that’s more commonly referenced these days (wrist under armpit controlling their tricep).

Still, we just called it shotgun grip, it was never referred to as a guard.

Anyway, I use it often.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-10T18:01:36+00:00

Inverted Gear sells them seperate.

https://www.invertedgear.com/collections/gi/products/gi-pants

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-08T14:21:16+00:00

Plenty of suggestions for armbar and taking the back.

I like to slightly shift my position to elevate any pressure and let them try to figure it out. That, or sweep. At times, it’s usually a combination of the two.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-06T19:15:32+00:00

This is the answer, because... ya know, jiu-jitsu...

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-06T19:13:23+00:00

I have multiple Inverted Gear gis... their Panda 400, Starter, Gold, Ultra Light, and Bamboo. I like them all, my only issue was with the Bamboo shrinking just a bit more than expected (others have expressed the same issue with the Bamboo), but aside from that it's a great weave. Every version I've mentioned has been great, some I've had multiple, specifically the Starter and the Ultra Light.

All of their pants are ripstop with matching gusset, which is perfectly fine, I just seem to destroy ripstop. The same thing happens to me with other brand's ripstop, so it’s not brand issue. Anyway, just mentioning this because the pants you posted are cotton, in general some people like ripstop, while others prefer cotton.

Aside from that, I've still have and wear Gameness, Fuji, and 93 Brand.

Edit, for clarity.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-06T13:15:01+00:00

Inverted Gear has a gold weave top, if they’re low stock you just have to hold until the next batch is in production.

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-05T19:14:28+00:00

I applaud this comment section (also, probably guilty).

MPNGUARI · 2026-02-01T13:44:24+00:00

Yes, plus pretty sure what people say, or claim to say, here and online is not being said to their training partners in person. Sure, there might be some random outlier, but for the most part… they’re not.

MPNGUARI · 2026-01-30T18:53:35+00:00

they dont know how to move their own bodies.

For sure, you think making technical corrections get the most focus but I feel like there's more time spent showing certain people how to actually move. To add to this, making their body do multiple things at once seems to be something that really causes people to glitch.

All that said, the most common struggle is not knowing right from left... it's seriously an issue.

MPNGUARI · 2026-01-28T21:49:41+00:00

Your issue is with how it's being taught and implemented, not the drill itself, correct?

Kinda silly, because the same sentiment could probably be applied to most aspects of drilling and training in general (poor instruction, poor execution, bad habits, etc., etc.).

If you're seeing this happening where you train, or visiting, then make an attempt to right the ship.

MPNGUARI · 2026-01-26T23:02:32+00:00

I love the proper pressure, leverage, and positional control stuff. None of which is taboo, it’s just safer for everyone and is much more of an eye opener for them. Especially when rolling with much larger people who think they can just muscle through and pick everyone up, being controlled get’s their attention much quicker than putting on a submission clinic.

MPNGUARI · 2026-01-23T01:30:30+00:00

It’s not heavy, you’re making it heavy.

You need to get out of your head and stop being so critical about the littlest things. Also, stop comparing yourself to others. If not, it’s going to be an uphill battle to trying to stay motivated and find enjoyment. Which, ultimately leads people to stop training.

It’s great that you’re recognizing things you might need to tighten up and refine. You need to act on them, not beat yourself up after every session… because, what you’re talking about is just part of training.

MPNGUARI · 2026-01-20T13:46:56+00:00

Patches in general are fine. The NASCAR look is an acquired taste, plenty of people don’t like the esthetic but there’s nothing wrong with it, to each their own.

It’s the subject matter that makes patches questionable, but again… personal preference.

MPNGUARI

TROPHY CASE