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  • White Belt – The Most exciting Time In Your Jiu-jitsu

    White Belt – The Most exciting Time In Your Jiu-jitsu

    I was speaking with a senior GB Black-Belt from Brazil about what it was like to teach a class of black and brown belts. I expected the senior black belt to say that he was much more interested in teaching experienced belts because he could show some really cool and advanced positions.

    But he said that for him teaching beginners was just as satisfying as teaching black belts!

    He explained that sure, when he was teaching black belts they could really explore some of the advanced positions and techniques. But he added, the improvement of white belts was so rapid that it was very rewarding to him.

    Any students who have been training a while will recall the early frustrations of being a beginner and feeling overwhelmed at times. However, it is also the period that we fell in love with jiu-jitsu and became addicted!

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    • Every class brings a new discovery, a new position, a new sweep, each new technique more interesting than the previous!
    • Every class shows a solution to a problem that we have been experiencing on the mats and we can’t wait to try it in rolling.
    • Every class we see an amazing submission or escape that blows our minds and expands our wonder about the art.
    • Every class the movements become a little more smooth and take less effort.

    We start to see how the individual pieces fit together to make our jiu-jitsu game.

    A story from the mats: This week in class, one of the beginner students was sitting at the edge of the mat observing two more experienced belts roll. That very class we had worked on taking the mount, maintaining the position and then attacking and finishing with a straight armlock. During the roll, one of the students succeeding in mounting and tapping the other with that same straight arm bar from mount.

    The beginner was astonished! You could figuratively see the “light bulb” turn on over his head and his eyes beamed with excitement. He turned to me and said “Hey, that is what we just did in class! It really works!”

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    I could see that something had clicked in his mind and sure enough, he was early to the next class full of enthusiasm to train! Yes, white belt is a period where there are some early challenges – but it is also the most exciting time in your jiu-jitsu journey.

    on Gracie Barra : 5 Important Questions to Ask When Learning a New Move In Class

    Credits: Mark Mullen
    Gracie Barra Black belt based in Saigon, Vietnam
    Twitter: @MarkMullenBJJ

  • “Am I too old to start BJJ?”

    “Am I too old to start BJJ?”

    As Jiu-Jitsu continues to grow all over the world, more people (outside of the 20 something male demographic) are becoming interested in starting to train Jiu-Jitsu. Many questions about training come from men over the age of 35 who ask “I am 40-something, am I too old to start training bjj?”

    The short answer is NO!

    A quick look at a BJJ class photo will see a number of BJJ students who are over 40 years of age.
    Master Carlos Gracie maintains a high level of fitness through Jiu-Jitsu after the age of 60. TV show host and author Anthony Bourdain started training at 58 years of age and recently was awarded his blue belt.

     

    Gracie Barra recognizes that different students have different goals and needs. The philosophy of “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” at Gracie Barra includes programs for all levels and types of students. “As a Gracie Barra instructor, you are promising everyone in your community that if they come to your school, they will be welcomed. Regardless of their size, gender, cultural background, experience level, or age, you will
    exert your best efforts to teach that person the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

    Many of the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies were strongly oriented to competition and simply not accessible for the average person who wanted to learn some jiu-jitsu. While we all respect and are inspired by the high level competitors, competition training is very demanding and may not be compatible with everyone’s goals and capabilities.

    The Gracie Barra ICP Course describes this exclusively competition oriented environment as “Jiu-jitsu for a few”.

    The “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” philosophy structures the programs and curriculum to:

    • Focus beyond competition vs focus on competition
    • Classes / Students are grouped according to age and level

    Ex. Athletes train at special hours /competitors mixed in with beginners.

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    Now the over 40 beginner should start bjj with a few important things in mind:

    1) Proceed at your own pace. Don’t measure yourself against the 22 year olds who eat, sleep and breath jiu-jitsu. A more balanced, patient approach is required. Especially if you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, you must allow time for your body to adapt to the physical demands of jiu-jitsu.

    2) The emphasis in rolling is more on defenSe first. Protect yourself at all times and that might mean giving up positions (such as being stacked) to protect your spine and neck. As Master Carlos Gracie Jr. advises “The lumbar region, for example, as strong as it may be, will never be armored against the passage of time.”

    3) Recovery time is the single factor that is most affected by age.  Adequate sleep, rest in between training sessions and a healthy nutrition are all more important for the over 40 student of bjj. Most over 40 black belts recommend an increased commitment to eating a healthy diet as key to their longevity in the art.

    There is an old saying in jiu-jitsu: “The best time to have started training jiu-jitsu was 20 years ago.
    The 2nd best time is NOW!”

    Credits: Mark Mullen 
    Gracie Barra Black belt based in Saigon, Vietnam
    Twitter: @MarkMullenBJJ

  • Gracie Barra 30th Anniversary Promotion!

    30th_Anniversary_Feb2016

    If you ever needed a reason to begin your Jiu-Jitsu journey…
    your search ends today.

    For the past 30 years Gracie Barra has been delivering Jiu-Jitsu excellence to local communities all around the world. This month Gracie Barra is celebrating 30 years of Jiu Jitsu and GB is giving you not one but THIRTY reasons to start training today.

    Want to try out a class for free? Fill out the form below or call (817) 453-5858.

    [contact-form-7 id=”2360″ title=”30th Anniversary Promotion”]

    30 Reasons To Start Training Jiu-Jitsu

    1 – Get in the best shape of your life!
    2 – Surround yourself with great people who will help you accomplish your goals!
    3 – Have a mentor that will walk you through your success as a martial artist!
    4 – Get inspired to achieve more!
    5 – 30% OFF – After all we are celebrating 30 years!!!!
    6 – Free Intro Class – Get started the right way.
    7 – Jiu-Jitsu is a journey for a lifetime.
    8 – Gracie Barra is a family that we choose, and a place where we respect and help each other.
    9 – You will always find a good friends on the mats.
    10 – Focus – The first skill you will improve in your Jiu-Jitsu life.

    [expand title=”Click here to learn more about the other 20 reasons why JJ will change your life for better!!”]
    11 – Everyone should learn Self-Defense.
    12 – Confidence – Day-by-day you will learn to trust your body and see yourself becoming more confident.
    13 – Mindset- Jiu-Jitsu will also help you improve your mind.
    14 – Gracie Barra is a place for a everyone, including you.
    15 – Philosophy – Find a new way to live your life. The Jiu-Jitsu philosophy is contagious.
    16 – Tradition – Be part of something bigger than you and make history with us.
    17 – Gentle Art – Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling and controlling your opponent rather than striking. It is substantially less violent and injurious than other forms of combat or martial arts.
    18 – Self Esteem – Training Jiu-Jitsu will help you accept yourself and love yourself just the way you are.
    19 – Greatness – Find your greatness thought jiu-jitsu is something possible and mensurable.
    20 – It’s Challenging – You will learn something new every day and the learning never stops.
    21 – GB Environment – You will never know if you never try. Gracie Barra is the right place for you and your family!
    22 – It’s Fun – We promise that you will never get bored doing jiu-jitsu.
    23 – GB Method – Gracie Barra developed an amazing curriculum that will help you learn Jiu-Jitsu in the right way.
    24 – Discipline – To make it happen.
    25 – White Belt – Jiu-Jitsu is a journey and being a white belt is the first step.
    26 – Blue Belt – Being a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu is an awesome feeling and means that you have the power of perseverance and you didn’t give up.
    27 – GB1 – Fundamental Class. Gracie Barra has created a structure that condenses an immense diversity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into core fundamental moves combined intelligently and safely to optimize your learning.
    28 – Purple Belt – Hard Work is how we describe a purple belt and in this phase Jiu-Jitsu has already became a part of you.
    29 – Brown Belt – Patience and dedication. The word that we use to describe the brown belt is patience as we are dreaming a lot about becoming a black belt.
    30 – Black Belt – The journey doesn’t end for those who have reached this level. If you want to be a black belt, be ready to serve. We believe that the knowledge should not die with you. It should be passed on as a legacy.[/expand]

    Gracie Barra Mansfield
    Gracie Barra Mansfield
    (817) 453-5858

  • Valentine’s Day!

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    That time of the year is upon us and we at GB Mansfield invite you to bring your Valentine to train with us on Feb. 14th!

    Many of us are constantly having to maintain a healthy balance between spending time at Jiu Jitsu and spending time with our significant other. Gracie Barra believes in JIU-JITSU FOR EVERYONE and we would like to give you and your S.O. the opportunity to train together!

    For ONE DAY ONLY we will be offering both you and your Valentine a gift for training with Gracie Barra Mansfield:

    • Free Class for your Valentine.
    • Free Gi for the Valentine when they sign up for Jiu-Jitsu.
    • Free Month for you when your Valentine signs up for Jiu-Jitsu.

    This is a great opportunity for you to show your loved one why Jiu Jitsu is so important to you.

    Offer valid only for current GB Mansfield students.

  • Do You Want To Start Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? How To Get Started!

    Do You Want To Start Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? How To Get Started!

    When January 1st rolls around many potential students think about getting started training BJJ.

    Here are 5 Tips for Getting Started in BJJ:

    1. You don’t need to “get in shape before I start”.

    This is a common statement by people who are apprehensive about getting started in bjj. Part of it likely originates in the (understandable) wish to avoid “paying your dues” and getting tapped a lot at first.
    Truth is the Gracie Barra warm up and drills will build the type of fitness that bjj requires without being overly exhausting. When you focus on the techniques you are being taught and attend class 2-4 times per week your body will adapt to the new demands.

    The famous GB warm up

    GB warm up

    2. Expect to be the “nail” early on.

    Jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie famously said “Sometimes you are the hammer and sometimes you are the nail!” When you start any new skill, there is that initial step learning curve.

    You are not alone in feeling like the proverbial “nail”. I have witnessed well conditioned competitive fighters from other martial arts flounder when they first started. It isn’t only you!

    3. You don’t need to buy every piece of training gear in the pro shop to start

    Some students of bjj are “gear heads” and have every piece of training aid and fashionable rash guard and spats, limited edition kimono…  the truth is you need to spend hundreds of dollars to get going. read also: 7 Things To Keep In Your BJJ Gear Bag

    A kimono and rash guard are really all you need to get started. Usually your gb school has kimonos in stock in the pro shop and can fit you properly.

    4. Being fit to start helps, but your body will have to adjust to the sports specific requirements of ground grappling.

    This is related to #1
    You might have a six-pack and have great “guns” from all of those concentration curls at the gym, but you will find out quickly that the conditioning required for grappling is different! Forget the beach muscles and think more about core strength, abdominal’s and muscular endurance.

    There is a principle of sports science known as “specificity of training” which means the closer the exercise is to the specific demands of the sport, the greater the carry over benefit.

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    5. Go watch a class before signing up

    Gracie Barra recommends that you seek a legitimate gb school with classes run by a black belt instructor. It isn’t always possible to find a black belt where you live but it should be your first choice. Remember, any martial arts school can put “brazilian jiu-jitsu” on their sign, but it is no guarantee that the instructor is qualified to teach beginners!

    If there are numerous bjj schools in your area drop by and ask to observe a class. You will get a feeling as to the culture and vibe of the school.

    The Gracie Barra mission is striving to put a qualified instructor and school in your city. Look for a Gracie Barra bjj school near you here!

    Credits: Mark Mullen

  • Set a Goal – Get a Deal. 2016

    gracie barra mansfield, mansfield bjj, mansfield jiu jitsu, arlington bjj, arlington jiu jitsu, gb mansfield, gracie barra, gracie jiu jitsu, gracie bjj, jiu jitsu, bjj, brazilian jiu jitsu

    Looking for an exciting new goal for the New Year?

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the fastest growing Martial Art around the world. Everyday tens of thousands of practitioners come together to get fit, release stress, and gain confidence by learning this amazing art.

    Testimonial 1: “Gracie Barra has changed my life! Training here is so encouraging and humbling! The challenges we all overcome on the mats together have empowered me to better deal with my daily challenges off the mats”

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will change your life forever! If you are looking to get started on a new activity that will help you achieve your fitness goals while keeping you motivated and enjoying a more balanced routine, look no further!

    Gracie Barra is your place! The Blue Belt is Your Goal!

    Testimonial 2: “I have tried every gym and fitness program in town. Nothing seemed to get me off my couch when I came back from work. All that is part of the past now! I lost 10 pounds since I joined GB last then 3 months ago!”

    Gracie Barra believes in Jiu-Jitsu and what it can do for you! Let’s work together to bring out the best version of yourself in 2016.

    The first month is on us 🙂

    Contact us now!

  • 2015 Texas Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Schedule (Updated 9/17/15)

    Tournament Schedule 2015 for BJJ Tournaments primarily in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas.
    Please Note: This tournament schedule has not yet been finalized and may be subject to change.

    Organization Tournament City / State Event Date
    North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Dallas Championship Denton, TX May 30, 2015
    Newbreed Ultimate Challenge Newbreed Ultimate Challenge Dallas, TX June 13, 2015
    International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Austin International Open Round Rock, TX July 26, 2015
    Grappling Games Grappling Games 8 San Antonio, TX August 1, 2015
    Submission Challenge Submission Challenge Plano, TX August 8, 2015
    North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Texas Grappling Championship Austin, TX August 15, 2015
    Grappling Games Grappling Games 10 Houston, TX August 22, 2015
    International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Dallas International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Dallas, TX September 18-19, 2015
    International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship Las Vegas, NV September 25-26, 2015
    International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Pan No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship New York, NY October 3, 2015
    Grappling Games Grappling Games Dallas, TX October 10, 2015
    American Grappling Federation (AGF) Dallas BJJ Championships Duncanville, TX October 31, 2015
    NewBreed NewBreed Ultimate Challenge Dallas, TX November 7, 2015
    North American Grappling Association (NAGA) NAGA World Jiu-Jitsu Dallas, TX December 12-13, 2015
  • The 6 worst white belt rolling mistakes

    The 6 worst white belt rolling mistakes

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    Renzo Gracie, one of the most successful and respected black belts famously said “Sometimes you are the hammer, and sometimes you are the nail!”

    No where is that more true than when you are first starting out in bjj. Everyone has more experience than you and when you begin live rolling, the match is happening so fast and usually with the new person on the bottom.

    read also: 3 Pieces of Advice for White Belts

    This is where the new student is feeling like the proverbial nail. Without the technical experience and more accurately – the correct understanding of strategy, the new whitebelt is prone to making some tactical errors in trying to “survive” the roll and avoid being submitted.

    Here are the 6 worst white belt errors:

    1) Mistake: Give the back to escape mount / bottom

    The rear mount is the most dominant position in bjj and the rear naked choke is the most successful submission in the UFC. Giving your back is a HUGE No No!
    All of your weapons are turned away from your opponent and all of his weapons are turned towards you! It can be very difficult to escape once your opponent has secured rear mount with hooks. Correct: Bridge escape or elbow to knee escape.

    2) Mistake: Trying to submit within the opponents closed guard

    When any attempts to pass your opponent guard are stopped, it becomes tempting to try to cross choke or otherwise choke the opponent from inside their closed guard. This gives your straight arms to the guard player and more often than not results in tapping to straight arm lock from the bottom.
    If you are the guard player, this is exactly what you want your opponent to do!
    Correct: Instead of trying to submit, look to pass your opponent before any submission attempts

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    3) Mistake: Straight arming / pushing to escape mount

    When mounted by your opponent it is instinctive to push them off (bench press!) to get the weight off of you. However, you are literally giving them the straight arm bar by extending your arms. Merry Xmas, here is your present!
    Secondly, it requires a lot of muscle power to push someone’s bodyweight off of you and you quickly get fatigued.
    Correct: Correct defensive posture and framing with arms; bridge escape or elbow to knee escape

    4) Mistake: Trying to collar choke from the bottom of mount

    This happens typically after the beginning student has seen a “Helio Gracie” cross collar choke from the guard. Not correctly understanding the position difference between mount and guard, they try to cross choke and mounted opponent. Ironically, this attack results in them getting arm locked!
    Correct: Understand that you attack from guard or mount: NOT inside the guard or from bottom of mount

    5) Mistake: Grabbing fingers to avoid choke
    It might be understandable that when you feel your opponent snaking his arm around your neck for a choke, to grab whatever you can to prevent being choked. But grabbing the fingers and twisting is against bjj rules (small joint manipulation) and is very likely to cause a sprained or even broken finger.
    A painfully broken digit could cause you to miss work and not able to make your living. To someone like a dentist, this injury would be disastrous!
    Correct: The correct defence is to grab the hand or control the sleeve of the attacker

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    6) Mistake: Not tapping when caught in submission

    Part of this is that the beginner student doesn’t understand the limitations of their own body. How far can a shoulder be twisted in kimura before something has to give?
    Secondly, many students measure their progress by whether they tap or not in a 5 minute roll. They will resist too long after being caught in a submission. The unfortunate result is usually a sprained / twisted shoulder or popped elbow and a painful lesson.
    Correct: Tap early and often. It is better to tap and then live to roll another day! 

    Credits: Mark Mullen 
    Gracie Barra Black belt based in Taipei, Taiwan
    Twitter: @MarkMullenBJJ