White Lotus Jiu Jitsu

Yesterday we hit the reset button on the curriculum and went all the way back to a fundamental position: closed guard.

From a self-defense perspective, the goal is to break down your partner’s posture. If someone is in your guard and able to sit up tall, they’re in a much better position to generate force. Controlling posture helps keep you safe and gives you opportunities to attack or escape.

The same position takes on a slightly different purpose in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Closed guard is one of the strongest attachments in the game. It slows things down, limits movement, and creates opportunities to work.

We spent time exploring the constant battle that exists in closed guard: the person on top is trying to open and pass, while the person on bottom is trying to keep the guard closed and maintain control.

We also played a game where the bottom person’s objective was to get to the back. One option was using a two-on-one grip to pull and angle out to the side. Another was forcing the top player to post and using that moment to secure an underhook. Sometimes you may need to open your guard briefly to make it happen, but the goal is to stay connected and re-close whenever possible.

On Sunday, Business Grapplers hosted their open mat at White Lotus, and it was such a great mix of rolls, conversations, and community.

There was a lot of talent on the mats, a lot of business experience in the room, and a whole lot of sweat left behind.

And because no good open mat is complete without food, there was also pizza and subs waiting after the rounds.

Business Grapplers is a great group for people who love jiu jitsu, business, networking, and learning from others who are building cool things on and off the mats.

They host monthly meetings at White Lotus, meet biweekly on Wednesdays, and always have an option to join virtually.

Reach out to James Nicholson if you are interested in joining.

We’re excited to share that White Lotus Jiu Jitsu will be at the Block Party in just a few days!

The event is only a few blocks from the gym, and there’s always been a natural connection between climbing and jiu jitsu. Both challenge you to solve problems under pressure, build confidence through practice, and learn what you’re capable of one small step at a time. It’s no surprise that so many of our students spend time on both the mats and the climbing wall.

If you’re already part of the Adventure Rock community, stop by and say hello. If you’ve ever been curious about training jiu jitsu, we’d love to chat and answer any questions.

We’re looking forward to spending an evening with an amazing community of climbers, artists, makers, local businesses, and friends. See you at the Block Party!

Last week, Matteo brought his camera to class and captured some incredible black-and-white shots from the mats.

Thanks for bringing your camera and sharing these with us, 📷

Yesterday in advanced class, we started with a traditional gi baseball choke and then explored several variations and setups from different positions. It’s always fascinating to see how one technique can branch into so many different possibilities.

One of the best parts of training is the knowledge shared on the mats. Every person in the room brings a different perspective, detail, or experience that helps everyone grow. Grateful for a room full of people who are always willing to learn, share, and make each other better.

Last night we worked rear naked chokes, or as Josh likes to call them to be more accurate, rear naked strangles.

The focus wasn’t on squeezing harder. It was on getting clean mechanics and making the position do the work for you. One of the biggest details was pinning your partner’s body to yours by bringing your choking elbow straight back.

After that, Josh showed a couple slick variations… but my phone died before I could capture them 🤷🏻‍♀️

Last night we worked on posture during our earthbending class. We drilled keeping our shoulders and hips parallel to the floor while our partner tried to sweep us. Then we worked the frog position (name pending) and the importance of being dynamic. Earthbenders don’t stay fixed in one place. They adjust, shift, and move with intention and patience.

After class we headed out for some post training ice cream because it’s feels like summer is finally here.

Comp class today was led by June, and she did a great job leading a gi master class and playing some fun games.

The focus was grips, how to deal with grips, and then some safe, simple, effective takedowns that she’s used a lot in pajamas wrestling over the years.

We’re lucky to have some incredibly experienced students at our gym to share things like this.

BJJ