Headlock Escape 1 - Side Mount
Besides punches, headlocks are the single most common form of aggression used by untrained individuals on the streets. Although they aren’t as effective as a true submission hold, getting caught in a headlock by a stronger opponent can be a very painful and demoralizing experience. The Frame Escape is the first of two headlock escape strategies that we recommend you perfect for use against larger adversaries in a ground fight. In this lesson, you will start by learning the Standard Frame Escape, and then you will see what to do if it doesn’t work.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Standing Armbar
Although we normally recommend you take the fight to the ground, sometimes your opponent will give you an opportunity to end the fight while standing. Many confrontations begin with an opponent pushing your chest with one or both hands unknowingly creating the perfect opportunity for you to apply the Standing Armlock. First, you will learn the Basic Application, then you will see how to use it in a more dynamic situation.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
In this chapter top priority is given to teaching the children the various positions of control in jiu-jitsu and putting those controls to the test with some fun and positionally-specific resistance games. Ample time is spent teaching them the names for each position as well as the core principles of effectiveness.
The Little Champs program is for kids 5-7 years old. Using our time-tested “Gracie Games,” we teach the Little Champs basic self-defense techniques while instilling the foundational principles of leverage and control. The secret to the success of this program is that we make the lessons so fun that the kids beg for more! Once a child masters the ten core Gracie Games, they advance to the Jr. Grapplers program.
Shrimp Escape - Side Mount
Against a much larger opponent, there is a good chance that you will find yourself on the bottom of the fight. If this happens, the safest thing to do is to get your opponent in your guard, because from there, you can neutralize punches and win the fight. If your opponent is able to get past your guard, you will need to use the Shrimp Escape to put them back where they belong. In this lesson you will learn three variations of the Shrimp Escape, starting with the Block and Shoot Variation.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Body Fold Takedown
Instead of exchanging punches with a larger opponent, we recommend that you establish the clinch and take them to the ground where you can exhaust and submit them. Once you establish the clinch, there is a good chance that they will get desperate and try to hit you in the face. In doing so, they will lean back and unknowingly create the perfect opportunity for the Body Fold Takedown.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
In this chapter top priority is given to teaching the children the various positions of control in jiu-jitsu and putting those controls to the test with some fun and positionally-specific resistance games. Ample time is spent teaching them the names for each position as well as the core principles of effectiveness.
In the Jr. Grapplers program, we focus on 33 non-violent self-defense techniques that teach children to “neutralize and negotiate” with the bullies. Verbal assertiveness strategies are a major portion of this curriculum. A child needs absolutely no experience to start, and we guarantee a noticeable increase in your child’s confidence within a few weeks!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
We invite children who excel in the Jr. Grapplers program to join the Black Belt Club. This is our most advanced youth jiu-jitsu program and joining the Black Belt Club is the highest honor for any youth Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Kids in this program possess all the traits necessary for success on the path to black belt: discipline, respect, courage, leadership, loyalty, and compassion.
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
Kimura Armlock - Guard
The Kimura shoulder lock was named after the Japanese Jiu-Jitsu champion, Masahiko Kimura, after he used the technique against Helio Gracie in 1951. Although this technique can be applied from several different positions, we have chosen to teach it to you from the bottom of the guard, since that is where you are most likely to end up against a larger opponent. In the first slice you will learn the Basic Application, then we’ll discuss two reliable variations that can be applied from the guard.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Leg Hook Takedown
Your goal in any one-on-one physical altercation should be avoid dangerous punches while standing, and then get the fight to the ground where you can more effectively control and defeat your opponent. The safest place to be in a fight, while standing, is in a clinch. From the clinch, your opponent’s striking power is almost entirely eliminated. You will learn how to close the distance and establish the clinch in a future lesson. In this lesson, we will teach you how to take the opponent down once you get there.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
Armbar - Guard
The most common type of attack you will encounter from an opponent who is trapped inside your guard is a punch to the face. Once they realize that they can’t effectively punch you they will try to get access to your neck or face by any means necessary. Whenever someone attacks your neck or face from within your guard, they are giving you the opportunity to catch them in a Straight Armlock. In this lesson you will learn two variations of the Straight Armlock as well as what to do if the opponent escapes by pulling their arm out.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Clinch (Aggressive Opponent)
Most martial arts rely heavily on the use of strikes to defeat the opponent. This strategy may work against a smaller opponent, but is very risky against a larger, more athletic opponent who could potentially knock you out each time you put yourself in range to strike them. The best strategy is to establish a clinch and take the fight to the ground where you can conserve energy, neutralize strikes, and win the fight with ease. The key to establishing a clinch on an aggressive opponent is to understand that there are two safe distances in a fight: all the way out, or all the way in.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
In this chapter top priority is given to teaching the children the various positions of control in jiu-jitsu and putting those controls to the test with some fun and positionally-specific resistance games. Ample time is spent teaching them the names for each position as well as the core principles of effectiveness.
The Little Champs program is for kids 5-7 years old. Using our time-tested “Gracie Games,” we teach the Little Champs basic self-defense techniques while instilling the foundational principles of leverage and control. The secret to the success of this program is that we make the lessons so fun that the kids beg for more! Once a child masters the ten core Gracie Games, they advance to the Jr. Grapplers program.
A surprise attack from behind is one of the most challenging attacks to overcome. In this lesson, we teach you how to defend when someone attempts to choke you or bear hug you from behind. If an assailant is able to knock you to the ground and is trying to move you, it can be difficult to get back to your feet and break away. In this lesson, we will explore three reliable techniques you can use to avoid being dragged, starting with the Wrist Drag defense.
Rear Attack Defense (2 variations):
View on GracieUniversity.com
Drag Defenses (Wrist Drag/Ankle Drag):
View on GracieUniversity.com
Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents. Once you complete the Women Empowered program, you may test for promotion to pink belt! Please note you will need to pay the full evaluation fee each time you take a test, and when you pass the test, you will receive your official Women Empowered Pink Belt and promotion certificate at no additional cost.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!
Punch Block Series (Stage 5) - Guard
From Stage 4 it is important that you drop your opponent back to Stage 1 as quickly as possible so that you are safest from punches and have the best control over their body. If, while in Stage 4, your opponent is not leaning forward heavily enough to be dropped to Stage 1, it is best to kick them away to Stage 5. In this lesson you will learn how to defend from Stage 5 as well as what to do if the opponent tries to throw your legs aside in their quest for a knockout punch.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Haymaker Punch Defense
In many cases, the precise movement and aim of your opponent’s strikes are hard to predict. Sometimes, however, your opponent is so eager to attack you that their punch is totally predictable. The Haymaker Punch Defense is used when a determined attacker comes at you from a distance with the objective of putting all of their bodyweight behind one fight-ending punch. Because of this punch’s power and predictability, the best option is to slip underneath it and get behind your opponent.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
In this chapter top priority is given to teaching the children the various positions of control in jiu-jitsu and putting those controls to the test with some fun and positionally-specific resistance games. Ample time is spent teaching them the names for each position as well as the core principles of effectiveness.
In the Jr. Grapplers program, we focus on 33 non-violent self-defense techniques that teach children to “neutralize and negotiate” with the bullies. Verbal assertiveness strategies are a major portion of this curriculum. A child needs absolutely no experience to start, and we guarantee a noticeable increase in your child’s confidence within a few weeks!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
In this chapter top priority is given to teaching the children the various positions of control in jiu-jitsu and putting those controls to the test with some fun and positionally-specific resistance games. Ample time is spent teaching them the names for each position as well as the core principles of effectiveness.
We invite children who excel in the Jr. Grapplers program to join the Black Belt Club. This is our most advanced youth jiu-jitsu program and joining the Black Belt Club is the highest honor for any youth Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Kids in this program possess all the traits necessary for success on the path to black belt: discipline, respect, courage, leadership, loyalty, and compassion.
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
Hook Sweep - Guard
If your opponent leans all their weight forward from Stage 4, drop them into Stage 1. If they stand in Stage 4 without leaning any weight, kick them back to Stage 5. If they are leaning forward from Stage 4 but have one leg forward for base, you may have difficulty dropping them back into Stage 1, and this is precisely when you would use the Hook Sweep to reverse the position.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Guillotine Defense
When you establish the clinch, and your opponent no longer has the space or distance to strike you effectively, they will often wrap your neck in an attempt to submit you. For this reason, the Guillotine Choke is one of the most common techniques used by unskilled individuals because it’s simple and it gives them a feeling of control during the chaos. Although the proper clinch position should prevent the Guillotine Choke, your opponent may surprise you if your head is too low, and in this lesson, you will learn the most important Guillotine Defense principles.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
Reflex Development - Freestyle Focus Class Preview
In this class we'll bring together control, escape, and submission details from various positions you are familiar with and add some extra details, bonus slices, and scripted fight simulation drills that will help prepare you for your transition into Master Cycle!
Gracie Combatives Test - Drill 5: Freestyle Fight Simulation
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Once you complete each of the 23 Gracie Combatives lessons twice, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) Classes where you will learn how to combine the 36 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real fight. These classes are required for both Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle students in order to advance in rank.
Once you complete each of the 23 Gracie Combatives lessons twice, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) Classes where you will learn how to combine the 36 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real fight. These classes are required for both Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle students in order to advance in rank.
A surprise attack from behind is one of the most challenging attacks to overcome. In this lesson, we teach you how to defend when someone attempts to choke you or bear hug you from behind. If we can wrap our sneaky arms around his neck, we have several reliable chokes that can help us end the fight. In this lesson, we will learn the Guillotine Choke for when the attacker lowers his head to tackle you.
Rear Bear Hug Defenses (2 variations):
View on GracieUniversity.com
Guillotine Choke (Standing/Guard Pull):
View on GracieUniversity.com
Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents. Once you complete the Women Empowered program, you may test for promotion to pink belt! Please note you will need to pay the full evaluation fee each time you take a test, and when you pass the test, you will receive your official Women Empowered Pink Belt and promotion certificate at no additional cost.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!
Take the Back - Guard
Against a trained opponent, you can expect them sit back and establish posture from within your guard; but against an untrained opponent, you can expect the exact opposite. When a person drives all their weight forward from within your guard, they unknowingly create a perfect opportunity for you to take their back, especially when they are attacking your neck or face with one of their hands. In this lesson, you will learn how to Take the Back from the guard, but in order to simplify the process of learning all the steps, we’re going to break everything down into three slices.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Standing Headlock Defense
Once you establish the clinch on your opponent, there is a good chance that they will get desperate and try to catch you in a headlock. Without the proper escape strategy, the Standing Headlock can be a very painful and demoralizing experience, but with the proper technique you can turn the tables and use their hold to your advantage.
Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
If you’re new to the Master Cycle or you simply want to sharpen your fundamentals, these Master Cycle classes are for you! Each week we focus on the core offensive and defensive objectives from a different position to help you with the transition from Gracie Combatives into the Master Cycle. During the sparring portion, we teach training etiquette and clarify the goals from each position to help build your comfort and confidence with free rolling.
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