With more and more people taking to the mats, Brazilian jiu jitsu was a popular topic in 2013. We featured a range of excellent articles covering all aspects of the sport, including strength and conditioning for BJJ, training advice, and equipment reviews.
So here they are, counting down from number ten to the most popular one of the year. Which one will it be? And have you read them all?
Top 10 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Articles of 2013
10. The Life Changing Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Sally Arsenault)
I started BJJ to learn self defense. Everyone comes to it for different reasons. But what we all get out of it is similar and hugely beneficial to our entire lives.
9. Sally’s 8 Week BJJ Tournament Training Program: Strength & Conditioning (Sally Arsenault)
After my first tournament experience I devised a plan to create the best strength and conditioning program for BJJ ever. Luckily I’ve also had the help of Joel Jamieson and BioForce HRV.
8. Bodyweight Strength and Conditioning Circuit for BJJ (Sally Arsenault)
I have developed the following bodyweight circuit for use in class during a warm-up or for students to do at home. It is made up of seven exercises with repetitions done for one minute each.
7. The Hidden Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Samuel Spiegelman)
BJJ is more than just a sport or martial art. It’s a way to change your life. It’s benefits go beyond anything you can see – and it’s these hidden benefits that can actually have the biggest impact.
6. 5 Things I Wish I Had Known When I First Started Training BJJ (Valerie Worthington)
I’ve been thinking about how little I knew when I first began training BJJ. In the spirit of helping newcomers to the sport, here’s a list of 5 things I wish I had known when I first started.
5. The 4 Biggest Mistakes Competitors Make at a BJJ Tournament (Samuel Spiegelman)
While some jiu jitsu tournaments are more organized than others, for every competitor it is important to enter a tournament fully prepared both mentally and physically. Here are the biggest mistakes.
4. From the Experts: How to Attract and Retain Women in BJJ (Valerie Worthington)
I recently discovered that not much has been written on how to get women into BJJ, so I did some research and talked to women I know who practice the art. Here’s what they had to share on the topic.
3. The Best BJJ Gear for Women: No Gi, Gi, and Random Girl Necessities (Sally Arsenault)
Here is a list of basic gear for women that I’ve tried and loved. I’ve included the best gear for no gi, my favorite gis, and also some hairstyle tips.
2. The Truth About Conditioning for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Samuel Spiegelman)
To answer the question of how to get in shape for BJJ, we must first look at the requirements of the sport. What does a BJJ athlete need to perform in competition and how is it best developed?
1. Surviving (Socially) the Beginner Phase of BJJ (Valerie Worthington)
Getting started in BJJ is hard enough, but chances are you’re also a bit of a social pariah around your academy. There’s a reason for this, and there are also better and worse ways to get through it.
Photos provided by David Brown Photography.