Big Panda Swinging
I started my BJJ career at 190 pounds, and I put weight on over the years, moving from middle heavy, to heavy, to super heavy, and now back down to middle heavy. I have always been on the big side of the room when it ...
Challenging the Traditional Logic on Teaching
When I was first learning how to teach, certain “best practices” were common knowledge. These were the “right” ways to be a good teacher, run a good class, and design a good curriculum. You see these in the teaching g...
Evicting Ring Girls (and Other Cage-Side Thoughts)
Sometimes you have to kick a ring girl out of her seat, and other insights from working the corner in MMA fights.
The Four BJJ Archetypes - Which Are You?
Over my years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve come up with a theory of four archetypes for like-minded jiu-jiteiros that I call The Competitor, The Scholar, The Hobbyist, and The Traditionalist. Let me describe these arc...
Meet the Pandas – Magic On The Mat – Raphaël Levy
Meet the Pandas sheds light on the faces of Panda Nation. Last episode we introduced brown belt medal chaser Pat Hemenway of Pellegrino MMA. Now, we focus on Raphaël Levy of association Aranha: A professional Magic: T...
Why Lower Belts Make Great Instructors
Did you just show up to class to discover a blue or purple belt covering? Never fear. Here’s why taking classes with blues and purples is good for you and for the team.
How to Return to BJJ After a Long Break
Sometimes life gets in the way of BJJ. Accidents and injuries will knock you out of training. When you are sidelined with an injury, illness, or even a blessing like a new baby or a job promotion, it’s easy to go stir...
Me vs. White Belt Me
In his latest article, Marshal reflects on how his perspective on jiu-jitsu has changed in the 10+ years since he first stepped on to the mat.
A Jiu-Jiteiro’s Guide to Surviving the Workday
Most of us spend our days sitting in front of screens, whether that’s at work desks or our couches, and this takes a toll on our bodies we often fail to take seriously. Sitting all day may seem “low stress” since it i...
Meet the Pandas – Beyond the Wrestling Ego – Pat Hemenway
Pat Hemenway has a heck of a jiu-jitsu story, part of which involves his journey with dyslexia. Daniel Bertina has the story.
What to Do with “I will never use this” Techniques
Ever learn a move in class and think to yourself, “I will never use this”? In Marshal’s new blog, he talks about why these techniques are important and what surprising results often come from them.