Thrive Jiu Jitsu and Fitness

A key to success as the bottom player is slowing your opponent’s forward progression. We often use our outstretched limbs to create barriers, but it’s crucial to follow the law of extension and contraction. Extended limbs are more vulnerable to submissions, while retracted limbs can allow your opponent to create angles and connections that lead to control. Finding the balance between these two states is key to defending and maintaining a strong guard.”
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In any grappling exchange, one of the key elements to always be mindful of is the inherent danger of submissions. Respecting a credible threat is crucial, especially when it comes to leg locks and entanglements. Often, even as the offensive player, you’ll find your feet exposed and vulnerable. Therefore, it’s essential to develop entries and positions where your feet remain protected as much as possible.

However, no entanglement is completely impervious to attack. This makes it vital to stay constantly aware of the potential dangers to your own feet, even while executing your offense. Awareness and positioning go hand in hand in minimizing the risks while maximizing your own opportunities.
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It is common to encounter opponents who put up strong defenses, both against positional advancements and submission threats. Their vigilance is well-founded, but your success hinges on your ability to create a dilemma between these two. Skilled opponents will often anticipate your intentions, knowing precisely what you’re aiming to achieve. In such scenarios, patience is key. As the offensive player, focus on occupying your opponent with one task—perhaps denying your hooks. This concentrated effort can open up opportunities to exploit their defenses, allowing you to transition into a submission, such as attacking their neck. The art lies in making your opponent’s defense work against them, creating openings where none seemed to exist.
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Labor Day training. Thanks to our friends over at for visiting us. It’s always a pleasure sharing the mats with good people. If you are ever in the Waycross, GA be sure to drop in and roll.
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It’s often said in grappling arts: “Where the head goes, the body follows.” This simple yet powerful concept underscores the importance of head control in Jiu Jitsu. Conversely, where the head cannot go, the body cannot follow. For your opponent to escape effectively, they must free their head.

Your goal should be to limit this escape by controlling the head at all costs. By creating blocks and wedges that restrict head movement, you diminish your opponent’s ability to create meaningful escape opportunities. Mastering this principle not only improves your control but also sets the stage for your offensive game.

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While the mats are often seen as a proving ground, they’re even more so a place where strong, tight-knit relationships are built. Some of my closest friends are people I’ve shared the mat with, and that bond only grows through every roll and drill. Cultivating this camaraderie in your Jiu Jitsu academy is essential—after all, we all need good training partners both on and off the mat.





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In Jiu Jitsu, some of the most effective pins involve using your legs to secure control, freeing your hands to work toward a submission. One such pin, heavily utilized in the sport, is the Juji Gatame. This control position allows you to use your legs to pin your opponent’s torso to the mat, giving you the leverage to isolate and attack their limb. Mastering pins like these not only enhances your control but also opens up numerous avenues for a finish.

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❤️ ERJ

While poker emphasizes masking emotions—hiding your intentions behind a poker face—Jiu Jitsu requires a different kind of awareness. In intense moments on the mat, reading your opponent’s expressions can give you valuable insights. But instead of relying solely on this, a better strategy is to stack the odds in your favor. By constantly working to improve your position, refining your techniques, and anticipating your opponent’s moves, you create an environment where your chances of success are significantly higher. This proactive approach in practice and competition can make all the difference, both in poker and in Jiu Jitsu.

In Jiu Jitsu, just like in chess, controlling the center is crucial. The space between your opponent’s legs, known as the guard, is where the real battle happens. The top player aims to pass through this space, gaining a strategic edge, while the bottom player uses it to launch attacks and dictate the pace. Control this area, and you control the match—much like seizing the center of the chessboard sets the tone for the game.

In Jiu Jitsu, every movement counts. These young athletes are learning not just the techniques, but the discipline and precision that come with consistent practice. As a coach, my role is to oversee, correct, and guide them through every step—ensuring they build strong foundations and avoid bad habits.

A coach isn’t just there to teach; they’re there to see what you might miss, to push you beyond your limits, and to help you realize your full potential. Whether you’re new to the mat or a seasoned practitioner, the right guidance can make all the difference in your journey.

In Jiu Jitsu, managing distance is crucial—it’s the fine line between control and vulnerability. What’s unique about our art is that both players are constantly working to control this space. Sometimes, we need to close the distance, closing in to secure a dominant position or execute a submission. Other times, creating space is key to defending, escaping, or setting up an attack.

Whether you’re looking to close the gap or create it, understanding how to manage distance is essential to success on the mat. Without this skill, you’re likely to find yourself at a disadvantage. Remember, distance management is not just a skill—it’s a mindset that can be the difference between victory and defeat.

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Connections are the cornerstone of Jiu Jitsu. The most desired connections—chest to chest or chest to back—are heavily defended, making them hard to secure. Typically, our first connections come at the hands, head, or arms. But the journey doesn’t stop there. We work to upgrade these connections, step by step, until we reach the most desired of the connections we seek. The art lies in this strategic progression.

Superior Attacking Angle: Success in Jiu Jitsu often hinges on creating angular advantages. In this scenario, the key is pivoting around your opponent’s shoulder to secure a superior attacking position. But what’s less visible is the incremental work it takes to reach these moments. Achieving a dominant angle is often the result of small, calculated adjustments—each one setting the stage for the next. Mastering these nuances can turn a good position into a game-changing opportunity.

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In many neutral positions the key to success lies in gaining and denying advantages. While neither grappler holds a clear upper hand, the ability to create and exploit openings often determines the outcome. Mastery in Jiu Jitsu involves recognizing these moments and making the most of them. Remember, it’s not just about the big moves, but the subtle shifts that lead to success. One advantage, however, is rarely enough. The goal is to gain a series of advantages to further increase your chances of success.

Be sure to checkout our takedowns class with

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grappling

📣 NEW SCHEDULE ALERT! 📣

Hey Jiu Jitsu family! 🥋✨ We’re excited to roll out our updated class times to better fit your busy lives. Check out the new schedule and find the perfect slot to elevate your game! 🔥

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a class for everyone! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to train, grow, and be part of our incredible community. 💪🌟

Tag a friend who needs to see this and let’s get rolling! 🤼‍♂️🤼‍♀️

Just moments before his first match, we were discussing the strategy we’d been working on for the past four weeks. The real work was already done, but those last-minute reminders are crucial. Competition can bring a lot of anxiety, and it’s important to have a coach who can recognize and address those feelings. Remember, you’ve prepared well for this moment. 💪

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Using your head effectively in Jiu Jitsu is a crucial aspect that distinguishes higher-level practitioners from the rest. When your hands are occupied, your head can serve as an additional point of control. For instance, in side mount, you can use your head to pin the far arm, preventing your opponent from regaining guard or initiating escapes. Similarly, employing your head as a cross face can create significant pressure and control over your opponent, disrupting their posture and making it difficult for them to move freely.

Incorporating your head into your technique not only improves your ability to maintain control but also opens up new avenues for applying submissions and transitions. It’s a subtle yet powerful tool that, when used correctly, can greatly enhance your overall game.

One of the most crucial aspects of your daily training is the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with your training partners about the concepts and principles your instructor is trying to convey. In many Jiu Jitsu schools, students are often taught to mimic specific moves, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Engaging in discussions about the application of techniques can significantly enhance your learning experience. Never hesitate to seek help from others—whether it’s fellow students, upper belts, or your coach. These discussions and interactions are key to truly understanding and mastering the art of Jiu Jitsu.

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Passing guard is all about strategy and precision. When aiming to bypass your opponent’s legs, you have two primary options: pass on the outside laterally or pass between them medially. The key is to work incrementally. Focus first on neutralizing your opponent’s feet, then address the knees, and so on. Master the art of gradual progression, and you’ll enhance your guard passing game significantly.

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Mounted submissions can be difficult. However, if you want to make the job easier, try creating ‘action hands.’ This is when you’ve pinned your opponent in place with your legs so your hands can create base and work toward submission simultaneously. 🥋 Here’s a bit of advice: when aiming for mounted submissions, a crucial element is lifting the head to create as much neck exposure as you need. By creating ‘Action Hands’ you can negate their kuzushi attempts and solidify your position and of course work towards submission easier.

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Stepping onto the mat for the first time is more than just the start of a competition; it’s a culmination of dedication, hard work, and overcoming fears. It’s about pushing boundaries, embracing the challenge, and giving it your all. This moment represents countless hours of practice and the courage to face the unknown. Here’s to every student who steps up and gives their best.

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came down and taught some Front Head Lock fundamental principles and concepts. Thank you Chase for coming down and sharing. 🙏🙏🙏

Super excited to have our friend come back to . Chase brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help your Jiu Jitsu immensely.

https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=qFMaZI/6775/588692//1718109288

Kicking off 2024 with a bang at Thrive Jiu Jitsu and Fitness! 🥋 Our first team training was an absolute blast, with an incredible turnout from the affiliates. The energy on the mats was electric ⚡, and we can’t wait to do it all over again. Here’s to more growth, camaraderie, and success on our journey together!

Big shoutout to for fueling our team training session with their amazing catering! 🌮🙌 Your delicious food kept us fueled and ready to roll on the mats. Here’s to good eats and good vibes bringing our Jiu Jitsu family even closer together!

Remembering and Honoring our Hero’s today! Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Open mat 6-8pm May 28th. All other classes have been canceled.

We’re so happy to be be able to host this years first Team Training on June 1st. Technique and More. Super excited to see you all here. We will be celebrating our 3rd year anniversary along side 4th year. Super cool to be able to host this event.

Another solid group tonight. Thanks for coming out tonight guys.

Monday night fundamentals. Great crew on the mats.

See you on the mats.

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Congrats Dalton and Jacob on earning our blue belts.

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