Category: general
Most people don’t start Jiu-Jitsu because they want to get better at dealing with stress. They start because they want to learn how to defend themselves, get in shape, try something new, or maybe because a friend finally convinced them to come to a class. But after you’ve trained for a while, you start to...
Read more →Jiu-jitsu is one of the only sports where you spend most of your training time holding another person’s joints at or near their limit. That’s not a side effect of the art; it’s the art. Which means every round on the mats carries a quiet, constant negotiation: how much force, how much speed, how much...
Read more →Walk into any academy and you’ll find two kinds of white belts: the ones chasing the flashy stuff they saw on Instagram (inverted heel hooks, berimbolos, worm guard) and the ones drilling hip escapes and framing until it’s boring. Years later, it’s almost always the second group still on the mats, and it’s usually their...
Read more →There is a particular kind of person who will board a plane alone, travel across the country, and step onto a mat in front of a crowd that mostly doesn’t know their name. No fanfare. No guarantee of a win. No certainty of anything except that the moment they’ve been training for is finally here....
Read more →A Guide to BJJ Recovery, Longevity, Sleep, Sauna, Cold Plunges, and Staying Healthy on the Mats at Every Age In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, most athletes spend countless hours thinking about technique, conditioning, and improving performance on the mats. But one of the biggest factors in long-term success is often ignored: recovery. Recovery in Jiu-Jitsu is more...
Read more →The Reality of Jiu-Jitsu Progress Progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term journey filled with ups, downs, plateaus, and breakthroughs. At Ares East Mesa BJJ, we emphasize one key principle: trust the process. Why Progress Feels Slow Jiu-Jitsu is complex. It involves technique, timing, strategy, and physical conditioning. Learning how to apply...
Read more →Why Losing in Jiu-Jitsu Matters Losing in a Jiu-Jitsu competition can be tough. The adrenaline, preparation, and expectations all build up to a moment that doesn’t go your way. But in reality, losses are some of the most valuable experiences in your journey. At Ares East Mesa BJJ, we believe that every competition—win or lose—is...
Read more →Starting Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can feel both exciting and intimidating. Walking into your first class at a new gym, seeing experienced practitioners rolling, and hearing unfamiliar terminology—it’s a lot to take in. But here’s the truth: every black belt you see on the mat was once a beginner just like you....
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