Jiu jitsu is many things to many people. Considering the exploding popularity of competition BJJ, the strategy and techniques of jiu jitsu for self defence are becoming more elusive and almost forgotten. But not here at Higher! The fact that our lineage includes the likes of Master Pedro Sauer, GM Rickson Gracie, and GM Helio […]
Brad came to Sydney from Perth in 2018 looking for a place to learn jiu jitsu, and a community to grow with. He intended to look around and try a few different gyms across the Sydney CBD. He did one class with Higher Jiu Jitsu at the legendary PCYC City of Sydney, and immediately signed […]
Jiu jitsu is self defence, even when it isn’t. In a standard jiu jitsu class room you see people of all shapes and sizes learning the art of jiu jitsu. Lots of the time this means learning moves to grapple against another practitioner who also knows how to grapple. When the art is practiced like […]
Here is a drill we do at Higher Jiu Jitsu during guard and armbar practice. It involves a partner acting like a table top. It is best to have your wrists a little further apart than shoulder width, and ideally your fingers are inward facing so that your elbows are outward facing. From the bottom […]
So there’s a nasty virus lingering around the world having come from bats or from labs and it’s yuck and the government gets worried and now we’re in a lock down and it’s all weird and we can’t train jiu jitsu. Covid or not, life is full of curve balls and this is another one […]
We did a survey asking our students what they wish they knew before starting jiu jitsu. Matty and I come together to record a discussion based around these responses. Novan Pradhika “As a beginner I wish I knew that not all schools approach jiu jitsu the same way. And that not all schools teach […]
They say pressure makes diamonds. So are the joys of jiu jitsu locked in competition, now and forever? Or can we enjoy jiu jitsu and learn and flourish on the mats and off, without the rigours of competition? This article discusses the pros and cons of competition and how you can think about it to do it better.
Not everything will go your way. Sometimes there’s nothing to do but accept this, move on, and try again, no matter what. So never mind getting choked. Enjoy jiu jitsu, stay on the mats, and learn for life.
The Upa, or Bridge & Roll The Upa is an incredibly powerful and useful technique. Sometimes it feels like we need all our strength to escape a mounted opponent. If we break down the mechanics, we will see that one little movement will make a big difference. The major movement of the Upa is the […]
~Discomfort is not caused by weight, it is caused by Pressure.~ If I want my opponent to be so focused on the discomfort I’m causing that they forget they own a neck and arms, I need pressure. Pressure (P) is defined as Force (F) divided by Area (A). A bed of nails doesn’t kill people due to […]
Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a Martial Science Jiu- Jitsu a bit of both art (mistranslated from technique) and science. Gracie jiu jitsu applies one thing that separates it from most martial arts: The Scientific Method. Source Wikipedia Via: Thebiologyprimer.com The scientific method is the single most important methodology for improving, well just about anything. Start with a […]
The Spark Program is Higher Jiu Jitsu’s way of providing the life skills of jiu jitsu to the underprivileged kids of our community.
With a few pointers your visit to another school doesn’t need to ruffle any feathers. Here is how you can travel to different schools and have fun, and learn and be nice to everyone around you.
Counting how many submissions happen per class is one way to measure progress. But it’s definitely not the only way, or the best way. Here are some other more relevant ways to measure your progress on the mats.
Im amongst all the resources to learn jiu jitsu, there is one elusive trait that’s needed throughout the journey to getting better at jiu jitsu. Practice this, and you’re on course to being at your best.
If the end crowns the work, then the beginning sets the tone for the work. Think carefully where you start your jiu jitsu journey as this will have big ramifications on your path!
Why do we regularly discuss jiu jitsu from a standpoint of violence? It’s known as the gentle art for a reason, and you like it because you don’t need to get hurt while doing it.
Jiu Jitsu mats are a big world of beautiful mechanics, and technique, and fun. Beyond these moves is the strategy that is required to make it all work. Are you the hunter or the hunted?
We know you’re a good guy. But there’s some things some people do on the mats, and it’s very annoying. Make sure you’re not a culprit of one of these!
I was a few classes into my jiu jitsu journey. I was fit, and strong, and gladly accepted an invite into a jiu jitsu tournament. Before I knew what an armbar was I was being armbarred, and I only knew one way out of it. I’d like to think my knowledge and skills have improved […]
You never wanted people to choke you, and you never thought it’d be so fun to practice self defence. And here you are.
There’s been many ups and downs on the path to the present. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is Higher Jiu Jitsu and this is for life.
When you learn jiu jitsu you lose weight, feel good, and have fun all at the same time. Whatever you want to do, with jiu jitsu you can do it better.
Join Coach John and Matty as we discuss the perils of injury, and what to do in order to minimise the risks of them, on the mats and off.
As you learn, you improve. At some point, it goes full circle, and you see the common trends inherent in our martial art. These are the basics of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and they’re not just for beginners.
John and Brad discuss how they got involved in jiu jitsu and what they wanted to get out of it. Fast forward numerous years for both of them, they’re obsessed, they’ve got the bug, and they’re now hooked. Highlights, Takeaways, Key Points: How jiu jitsu can change how you spend your time, and choose your […]
What’s the difference between Gracie Jiu Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Aren’t they the different names for the same thing? That’s what I thought too. Then I met some problems, and great teachers, and now there’s no going back.
We all love jiu jitsu. For some people the short game of jiu jitsu is where it’s at. Others prefer to play the long game. Here’s how to do it for the long term.
If you’re playing the long game, burnout is not an option, and rest is a necessity. From this year onwards, we introduce the Sabbatical.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu means self defence via leverage where smaller, weaker people can defend themselves against bigger, and stronger aggressors. So then why are the everyday people doing jiu jitsu predominantly men?
The students of Higher Jiu Jitsu have banded together to create a scholarship for women who want to learn but may lack the finances. Supported solely by the community of students, the scholarship includes 3 months of their Women’s Only program and a uniform.
Your instructor calls you out and you’re the dummy of the class. It’s your turn to shine as uke. Here’s how to do it well.
Just because you’ve never been in a fight, doesn’t mean you don’t need self defence. The skills we learn in jiu jitsu are there to help you if ever the situation came about. It’s not paranoia, it’s preparation. And so much fun along the way!
How do you prepare? Have a shower, and clip your nails. Pack some water, flip flops, and a change of clothes for after class. Men- Wear a comfortable, fitted, older t-shirt, and shorts without pockets. Women – Wear a fitted t shirt and tights. Show up 15 minutes before your first class. Remove all piercings, […]
So you want to train jiu jitsu… Find Your Third Place. Your academy is like your second home. Here’s an article about the third place. The people that make up that community become like family to you, and it’s important you find the right one to kickstart your journey. Which one is right […]
It’s been an amazing year. We’ve worked hard, and we’ve achieved lots. Before we embark on a new one, it’s time to reflect and be grateful for the good times that have happened in 2018.
Rolling with a monster like Burak Sarman has it’s perks. And so does being under the tutelage of Master Pedro Sauer. In Melbourne I had the opportunity to do just that. I survived. This is my story.
On the mats, curiosity won’t kill you. It’ll help you survive. And it’s how you can do jiu jitsu without fighting, and for a lifetime.
Brad sits down with Danny to discuss a recent event that occurred on the streets of Sydney and how his Gracie Jiu Jitsu self defence training kept him and his loved ones safe.
On this episode the JitsBros Brad and Leon discuss all matters of the mats and how to get the biggest benefit from your training in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
In this episode Brad discusses how this podcast comes about, how it started with the JitsBros, and how it continues as the HJJStories.
We’re bringing Gracie Jiu Jitsu to the kids, and we’re excited! Maybe it’s because we’ve dealt with bullies too. Then came jiu jitsu. And now things have changed. So we’re compelled to share the benefits of the martial arts with the kids, and serve the Sydney community, both of today and of tomorrow.
Do you find it difficult to sleep post jiu jitsu? Is it hard for you to switch from choke time to sleep time? If you’re like us and want to build quality of life with your training, you need to sort out your sleep.
If you want to keep improving in jiu jitsu, look at your strengths but look more at your shortfalls. This is the path to getting better on the mats, and off.
We’re told to train the mind and make savage the body. But to separate these parts only leads to your downfall. Here’s how to integrate the two, and never look back.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu was created for smaller, weaker people to defend themselves against bigger, stronger opposition. So why are classes around the world predominantly male? Ladies, it’s time to step up and learn self defence, and we’re here to help you along the way.
Milan is busy learning on the mats. Milan also realises that he could do with similar guidance off them too. Higher ProCoach is a collaboration with Precision Nutrition that equips you with the skills to live safe, healthy, and happy, this time off the mats.
The shoulds are a nasty affliction. They’ll run through your innards faster, and more painfully than a heavyweight’s kneeride. It’ll choke your lungs with shame and fear, like a Kron Gracie cross collar choke. Eventually, the Shoulds will make you tap from the pain of disappointment and despair. But there is a different way …
When you become curious about how jiu jitsu works, you allow yourself the space to feel differences, and come up with better solutions to problems. That’s why you ought to study the science of jiu jitsu.
You’re busy, and time is precious. Nevertheless, jiu jitsu time makes it all worthwhile. Here’s how to plan for your time on the mats, and commit for the long haul.
