Learn
Understand the art before you step on the mat.
Short, accurate guides written for the man who has never tied a belt — and useful to the grappler who has tied one for years.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu explained for beginners: clinching, takedowns, positional control, escapes, and submissions — plus how sport BJJ differs from self-defense.
ReadA brief history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
From Japanese jujutsu and Kodokan judo to Brazil and the first UFC — an accurate short history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for new students.
ReadThe BJJ belt system
How the adult BJJ belt system works — white through black, youth ranks, coral degrees, and how promotion standards actually vary by academy.
ReadThe position map
A plain-language map of core Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu positions: guard, half guard, side control, mount, back control, and turtle.
ReadIBJJF-style scoring reference
A quick reference to IBJJF-style competition scoring — takedowns, sweeps, passes, mount and back control — clearly labeled as one ruleset, not universal.
ReadJiu-Jitsu and self-defense
An honest look at Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense: awareness, de-escalation, disengagement, and escape come before technique.
Read
Instructional videos are educational and are not a substitute for supervised training. Do not practice submissions or takedowns without qualified coaching and a consenting partner.
Take it to the mat
- First Class GuideWhat to wear, what to bring, and exactly how the 90 minutes run.
- 2027 ScheduleEvery session date, Central Time, hosted at 3 Embers Grappling Academy.
- Our CodeThe mat code, consent rules, and techniques we do not train here.
- Reserve My Mat — FreeMen and sons 13+. A parent or guardian registers a minor and stays on site.