I am often asked why we commit so much time to Jiu Jitsu training and when you think about it there is a sensible answer - There are just so many different elements to Jiu Jitsu Training that need to be worked on.

I’m not referring to the Instructors commitment to students - both adults and children but all the different areas of Jiu Jitsu Training.

• Technical Skills (Throws, Striking, Blocking, Ground Defense, Hold-Downs, Escapes etc)
• Conditioning (Many separate areas here too - Speed, Strength, Power, Stamina etc)
• Breakfalls
• Sparring
• Grappling
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Mindset

The techniques are usually simple to learn but takes time and focus to understand them more thoroughly, to understand the body, the way it moves, the way it reacts, how to gain advantage from leverage, momentum and the anatomy.

Continued practice certainly helps you to become more effective, helping you realise the many options available for you at a given time. You also find it more comfortable to flow from one technique to anothe, whether you are flowing from distracting strikes, to take-downs and hold-downs or moving from one technique to another because the opposition countered the first.

As you can see there are many different areas of Jiu Jitsu Training mentioned above and these are just the main categories. People come to us for a multitude of reasons and each one’s level of seriousness and commitment is totally unique and that is totally fine. Whatever an individuals purpose of Jiu Jitsu is totally relative to them and we encourage them in that direction.

This wide scope is what keeps Jiu Jitsu Training really interesting!

We are just a couple of weeks away from the new season starting again at Jiu Jitsu Calgary.

Classes are run a couple of times per week and then an additional class is organised for the more senior ranks.

At Jiu Jitsu Calgary we have a good number of students attending classes regularly. With  just a couple of weeks to go, I would like to think that these students will start preparing themselves physically, just so the initial sessions are not too much of a shock on the system. A bit of pre-season training would be very beneficial for you.

A few multi body part and functional type exercises would be ideal. Nothing too strenuous at the moment but exercises like Burpees, Body Squats, Push Ups, Lunges and some good stretching exercises would be ideal just now.

With all of the stresses on the body from throwing, being thrown, lifting, slamming, extending joints, grappling, punching, kicking and so on, that are received when training at Jiu Jitsu Calgary, it really makes sense to prepare yourself beforehand . We do our own preparatory classes during the initial weeks but the transition is far smoother if you are prepared.

Beginners at Jiu Jitsu Calgary are given a more gentle introduction, however, if you can start to get yourself in some kind of shape before commencing classes, the beginners would also find it far easier to cope with the classes.

Anyone interested in starting our system of Martial arts, simply contact us through the site at Jiu Jitsu Calgary

Yet another element you should add to your conditioning program that will give your body something to think about for a couple of days is the Squat Jump Exercise.

A plyometric drill that is just like to sounds - Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart, crouch down whilst keeping your back as straight as possible and then leap into the air as high as possible.

The squat Jump Exercise will really work your legs and help introduce that explosive power that is essential to your kicking techniques. The legs need to be strong in both defense and attack.

The Squat Jump Exercise can be executed as standalone or incorporated into an existing conditioning program that you may have. In higher numbers this drill will give your lungs a heavy workout too.
The Squat Jump exercise is a functional movement, using bodyweight and can be done virtually anywhere. It will work your thighs, hamstrings, glutes, calves and lower back. This is certainly another must-do exercise to anyone involved in Jiu Jitsu or other Combat Sports.

Train Hard - Train Smart - Fightwize

Hindu Squats are simply a fantastic Exercise!

The Calves, Hips, Thighs and lower back, all get a great workout and not to mention when Hindu Squats are done in high numbers, they are a great cardio exercise too.

Try doing Hindu Squats in different numbers in different sessions. Sometimes do them in sets of about 25 with a few seconds rest in between sets. On other days do them in sets of 100 or more. If you have never done Hindu Squats before you will be so impressed by the great workout that such a simple exercise can give you.

When you start getting good at Hindi Squats, try doing as many as you can - That’s a tester!

You will feel it through your calves, thighs, hamstrings, glutes and back for a few days following. It’s that great feeling you get when you know you’ve had a workout.

Hindu Squats are done the following way - Stand tall with your feet about 12 inches apart, Bend your knees whilst pushing your straightened arms back behind you and rising onto your toes. As you stand, swing your arms up to shoulder height in front of you. Repeat these movements in a continuous motion.

If you are involved in Jiu Jitsu or any other Combat Sport, where this type of lower body strength is important, then exercise with Hindu Squats is an absolute must to add to your workouts.

Train Hard - Train Smart - Fightwize  

I like to concentrate more so on the physical aspects of training but many students ask how to tie a Martial Arts Belt properly.

There are many slight variations on how to tie a Martial arts Belt but the method I prefer came from a Judo Instructor who had a method of locking the belt in a way that makes it much less likely to come undone whilst training.

Once you have practiced this method a couple of times, you will be and expert in how to tie a Martial arts Belt.

Many parents of our young students like to know how to tie a Martial Arts Belt properly so this is also a good guide for you. With a little practice you will ba able to show your own children how to tie a Martial Arts Belt. The Video above is about a minute long and gives you all the Instruction you need.