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...
Matt Kirtley
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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...
Matt Kirtley
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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...
Matt Kirtley
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Stop Falling for “One Weird Trick” - 7 Good Habits to Build Instead

We all want to discover the “secret” to quick gains. That’s why we buy DVDs, go to seminars, and get private lessons. That’s how fitness companies sell us workout gizmos and dietary supplements. And if we’re being hon...
Matt Kirtley
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Plant-Based Diet Basics for Vegan Grapplers

Plant-Based Diet Basics for Vegan Grapplers
Several years ago, I became interested in a vegan diet for ethical and environmental reasons, but at the time, I did not know anyone else in BJJ who was vegan or eating a plant-based diet, so I was not sure it was pos...
Matt Kirtley
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The Right Approach to Earning Your Blue Belt

For many white belts, earning a blue belt can seem like the ultimate prize, but it can also be the source of so much anxiety. This guide will show you the right way to approach setting goals around belt ranks.
Matt Kirtley
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Concept-Based Learning in BJJ

Learning to see the concepts behind techniques accelerates your learning by leaps and bounds. In his latest blog post, Matt talks about how to shift into this concept-based mindset.
Matt Kirtley
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The White Belt Struggle: How to Push Through It

Are you struggling as a white belt? The good news is you’re not alone and you’re not unique in your challenges. In this article, I’m going to lay out many of the struggles white belts experience, including ones that g...
Matt Kirtley
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Breaking Down Techniques: Reverse Engineering in BJJ

Being able to reverse engineer a technique gives you deeper understanding of it and helps you develop counters. Matt explains how to adopt this critical mindset in his latest blog post.
Matt Kirtley
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Fight the Funk: Health and Hygiene for BJJ

Staying clean and healthy is fundamental to a good training experience. This guide will make sure you don't miss mat time due to stinky gear or itchy rashes.
Matt Kirtley
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The Fundamental Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Matt goes back to basic basics in this week's blog post about the bedrock concepts of BJJ. This is a must-read for new white belts.
Matt Kirtley
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6 Years at Black Belt

Matt hit the six year milestone as a black belt this year. What has changed over that time?
Matt Kirtley
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