Dojo Discernments
Hi all!
Welcome to this weeks installment of Dojo Discernment where I share nuggets of thought gleaned from the mats.
A little on the technical side this week, but I hope you enjoy.
Jiu-Jitsu Lineage: How We Got Here
If you train with me, here’s the path of knowledge that connects us to the origins of Jiu-Jitsu:
Jigorō Kanō – Founded Judo, the blueprint for JJ
Mitsuyo Maeda – Brought Judo to Brazil, teaching the Gracies
Carlos Gracie Sr. – Developed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Hélio Gracie – Refined BJJ for leverage and efficiency.
Carlos Gracie Jr. – Expanded BJJ, founded Gracie Barra & IBJJF.
Jean Jacques Machado – A no-gi innovator under Carlos Jr.
Eddie Bravo – Created 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.
Casey Halstead – Black belt under Bravo, 10P leader.
Andy Balmore – Black belt under Casey
Jiu-Jitsu is a living system—built, refined, and passed down. Now it’s our turn to push it forward.
Quote I'm Pondering
"Jiu-Jitsu is easy"- Jean Jeaque Machado
When this quote doesn't make sense, it's the most frustrating thing in the world. When it does, you can see the fundamental truths and intracacies of the game unfold, and you are helpless but to abide.
What I'm Studying
Grappling Syntax
Syntax refers to the rules and structure that govern how elements are arranged within a system: whether it's language, mathematics, programming, or grappling. In English, word order determines meaning: "The dog chased the cat" makes sense, while "Chased the dog cat the" does not. In math, syntax ensures accuracy and function: without proper order, an equation like (3 Ă— 4) + 2 could be misinterpreted as 3 Ă— (4 + 2), leading to two different results. Without structure, communication and logic break down.
Grappling follows the same principle. A well-structured guard play sequence—stance → forward progress → guard frame → connections → off-balance → attack—ensures accuracy, order, and function. Just like a misplaced word can ruin a sentence, or a miscalculated step can break an equation, skipping key positional steps disrupts integrity, technique, and control. Fundamental understanding of grappling syntax allows for clean execution and smooth transitions.
I'm working to clean up my syntax and that of my students, to increase our fluencny and make jiu-jitsu easy for us all.
Guard is Easy: The 6-Step Code
Guard play is easy, when you know the sequence. Jiu-jitsu complexity fades, and peace settles in.
Stance – Maintain base, protect your inside space, and guard your head
Forward Progress – Dictate the pace, force reactions, stay on offense
Guard Frame – Defend before attacking; push before pulling
Connections – Build 4-6 points of control after your initial frame
Off-Balance – Forward, back, left, or right
Attack – Sweep, take the back, or submit
Every guard exchange is an expression of this model. Master it, and the game slows down. Guard isn’t chaos—it’s code. It's simple.
Why Push Forward in Guard?
Why not sit back and let them come to you? Because leaders win, followers get passed.
- Leading the sequence keeps you positionally sound, and in charge of tempo and rythm.
- A proactive guard forces predictable reactions.
- Stalling is a choice; disciplined aggression is a skill.
Being offensive doesn’t mean being reckless—it means staying ahead. Push the pace with purpose.
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As always, may this newsletter spark learning and conversation in this upcoming week. Praise the Lord Almighty.
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