So Is It Concepts or Technique?
Lots of debate abounds about the most effective way to learn – is it concepts or techniques? Our priority is learning, and we say it’s both!
Author Archive for: john@higherhealth.net.au
Entries by John Smallios
A No Brainer. Welcome to the Inner West!
I was born in Earlwood, Sydney. I went to Earlwood Public for my primary school years. Then after a couple years at a high school in unlucky St George Dragons territory :) I relocated and spent my best schooling years at Casimir Catholic College Marrickville. The first time I moved out of my parents’ house, […]
Higher Jiu Jitsu Sydenham – Coming Soon!!
There is something serious brewing on the Higher front, and I can’t help but get it out to you, so please read on! How it all Started It was February of 2014 when I walked into PCYC City of Sydney for the first time ever. A catch up was in order with my new mate […]
Why Aren’t Australia’s Police Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
This week, HBO aired a story on the Gracie Academy’s GST program for law enforcement in the US. The 17 minute video highlights one main problem of policing- not enough training to do their job effectively. Officers with limited training and resources are more likely to feel threatened or angry and use excessive force. Brazilian […]
Jiu Jitsu is Self Defence
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 […]
HJJ Stories – Brad Hampson
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 […]
Self Defence Basics for Women
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 […]
Armbar Drill to Tight Armbars from Guard
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 […]
#039 To the Telos – When There’s No Jiu Jitsu
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 […]
#037 What We Wish We Knew Before Starting Jiu Jitsu
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 […]
#029 To Compete or Not to Compete?
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.
Help Me I Got Choked Out.
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.
Trim The Branches off your Upa, with Science – By Nick Avery
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 […]
How Knee on Belly Control Works – Nick Avery
~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 Science – By Nick Avery
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 […]
Get Young People Active – On the Spark Program
The Spark Program is Higher Jiu Jitsu’s way of providing the life skills of jiu jitsu to the underprivileged kids of our community.
How to Visit Another School and Feel Good About It
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.
You Can’t Manage What You Can’t Measure. So How Do you Measure Jiu Jitsu?
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.
The Good Life of Jiu Jitsu? Here’s the Secret.
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.
The First Months of Jiu Jitsu: Choose Where Wisely To Benefit Greatly
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!
Where Did All the Love Go? A Reflection on Self Defence
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.
Predater vs Prey: The Strategy of Gracie Jiu Jitsu
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?
10 Ways to Annoy Your Jiu Jitsu Buddies
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!
From Start to Struggle: The Process of Beginning Jiu Jitsu
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 […]
Infidels of Jiu Jitsu: Please Read.
You never wanted people to choke you, and you never thought it’d be so fun to practice self defence. And here you are.
So You Want to Start a Jiu Jitsu Academy
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.
Jiu Jitsu Does It Better: Get Started Today.
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.
HJJ Podcast #004 Injuries Suck. Prehab Says No.
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.
On Repetition and Re-Learning of Basics
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.
HJJ Podcast #003 Jiu Jitsu Saves the Day
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 […]
When There’s No Choice But to Change
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.
The Jiu Jitsu Long Game: Here’s How to Play
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.
The Sabbatical – Begins 2019.
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.
HJJ Podcast #002 – Ladies, It’s Time.
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?
Women’s Only Scholarship
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.
Be A Good Uke. Here’s How.
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.
Self Defence: Preparation or Paranoia?
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!
What To Expect in Your Free Trial Class
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, […]
Finding The Academy For You
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 […]
I Appreciate Amigo – 2018 – The Year That Was
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.
The Brilliance of Burak & The Strategy of Survival
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.
Curiosity On the Mat Doesn’t Kill the Cat
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.
HJJStories #003 Superpowers of Self Defence w/ Danny Willmott
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.
HJJStories #002 The Biggest Benefits of Learning Jiu Jitsu
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.
HJJStories #001 Introduction
In this episode Brad discusses how this podcast comes about, how it started with the JitsBros, and how it continues as the HJJStories.
Hey Parents – Jits4Kids Has Arrived!
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.
Help! I Can’t Sleep Post Jiu Jitsu
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.
You Don’t Know What you Don’t Know.
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.
Mind Body BS – Here’s How to do it Better
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.
Ladies, It’s Time.
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.