BJJ history -

The Calm Killer: Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec’s Quiet Impact on Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s place in Western culture has grown exponentially over the last 25 years. What began as a self-defense art for surviving the tough streets of Rio has exploded into an international phenomenon, with major competitions now held around the world almost weekly. This growth has given rise to standout practitioners who—whether through competition glory,

The Calm Killer: Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec’s Quiet Impact on Jiu-Jitsu Read More »

Profiles & Interviews

The Real Story of Heel Hooks and the IBJJF The Real Story of Heel Hooks and the IBJJF

Jiu-Jitsu Life

By Coach Kevin Written in 2020 The IBJJF has a long history shaping the sport of Jiu-Jitsu, taking over in 1994 from the Guanabara Federation, founded in 1967. The often-criticized organization has acted as both a venue for competition and a governing body for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which was chaotic in its early stages. But bias

The Real Story of Heel Hooks and the IBJJF The Real Story of Heel Hooks and the IBJJF Read More »

Jiu-Jitsu Life

Opening Closed Guard: The True Origin Story of BJJ

Profiles & Interviews

Opening Closed Guard: The True Origin Story of BJJ Winston Churchill famously said, “History is written by the victors.” The story of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different. Without the tireless self-promotion of a few charismatic founding members—rebelling against dogma and resisting pressure to conform—BJJ might not exist in the form we know today. But a

Opening Closed Guard: The True Origin Story of BJJ Read More »

Profiles & Interviews