A year ago, the awesome guys at Artechoke Media started helping us run social media for Inverted Gear. One of the first things they did when I told them I wanted us to put out more content was tell me “well you should write a weekly blog.”

A year later with a few missed weeks due to crazy schedules and the one week I was inspired and wrote two posts, we sit at 50 posts. I want to thank Matt and Marshal for encouraging me to do this, helping me brainstorm, and editing my articles.

I am very self-conscious about my writing. English is my second language, but like many things in my life, BJJ has helped me overcome this fear.

I just wanted to take a moment to also thank everyone that has taken the time to read my posts and even share them on social media. It really means a great deal to me. It stills freaks me out when we travel somewhere and I meet someone, and they tell me they love my blog. I really appreciate all the support.

For the new readers here are my five most popular blog posts from the last year, hopefully you enjoy them:

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goals that do not involve becoming a world champion
There is more to jiu-jitsu than becoming a world champion, and it’s okay if you pursue those goals instead of focusing purely on competition.

2. Ten Years Without Reaping: Time to Reevaluate
Is reaping more dangerous than takedowns or some of the submissions that are currently legal? We might need to rethink this part of the BJJ ruleset.

3. Things they don’t tell you when you start BJJ
Jiu-jitsu has a way of bleeding into all areas of life, changing how you behave, think, and see the world beyond the mat.

4. From Humble Beginnings
What’s it like starting and growing a gi company? This article looks back on how Inverted Gear got its start and discusses some of the lessons we learned along the way.

5. The Best Black Belts Have White Belt Mindsets
As much as we might rag on white belts, the curiosity and humbleness of a totally new student are valuable assets to carry with you throughout your training.

Bonus: Smoked Fish and Single Legs in Reykjavik
Hillary and I stopped off in Iceland on our way to Greenland, and we got to train with some great people. This is still one of my favorite training memories.

I’m looking forward to continuing the blog for the foreseeable future and continuing to put out content not just from yours truly but some my favorite BJJ writers like Hillary Witt, Marshal D. Carper, Matt Kirtley, Valerie Worthington, Jason C Brown, TP Grant, and Daniel Bertina. I hope you are enjoying these posts as much as I am.