5 BJJ Techniques for Self-Defense

Guillotine Choke

It’s no secret that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense that you will find. While other martial arts may offer plenty of value, we believe that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives you the best opportunity to learn how to protect yourself from attackers. Here is a list of 5… Read more »

The Jab: Multi-Purpose

Boxing Portland

The jab is a light striking technique, and is often used in conjunction with a follow up strong strike. Many light jabs can be used to probe an opponent’s defense, or to cause them to lower their guard in another area, making an opening for your next strike. Since it is a staple technique, let… Read more »

BJJ for Self-Defense

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Portland

4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Self Defense Over the past 10 to 15 years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become one of the most popular martial arts in the United States and this is in no small part due to its use in popular mixed martial arts competitions. However, Brazilian Jiu… Read more »

Putting the “Boxing” in Kickboxing

muay thai kickboxing portland

Hand strikes can take on many forms, including both open and closed hand techniques. The best strike is the one that works, and nothing works better for most fights than a classic punch. Kickboxing techniques derive many of their hand strikes from, you guessed it, boxing. It’s a great sport to be sure, but boxing… Read more »

Kickboxing Basics

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Don’t Skip the Basics! They’re Fundamental to Kickboxing All schools of kickboxing have certain things in common. As with most martial arts, there is a necessity to learn the basics before we can expand further upon the techniques. For kick boxing, and many other arts, the very first thing you learn is something you may… Read more »

What is Kickboxing?

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As with all of our subjects here, a disclaimer is warranted. Anytime you, your friends, or your family choose to practice these techniques without trained professional supervision, you are risking serious injury and bodily harm. This is because you may injure yourself while practicing incorrect form, either by pulling a tendon or muscle, or through… Read more »

Two Jiu Jitsu Techniques: Neck Cranks and Spine Cranks

BJJ Self Defense Portland

Spine cranks are highly illegal in many competition matches, and should NEVER be attempted unless the goal is to severely injure, paralyze, or kill an enemy. Even under trained supervision, these locks are incredibly dangerous. Once again, DO NOT ATTEMPT AT HOME! That being said, let us start to break down the two basic types… Read more »

Basic & Advanced BJJ Air Choke (Gogoplata)

BJJ classes in Portland

Now that we have covered a majority of basic locking techniques, it’s time to cover submission or choke holds. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are many varied techniques to this, but there are two main categories of holds to be explored. They are each named for the type of essential choking they do, which are… Read more »