First BJJ Class
First BJJ Class? No problem. Congratulations, you’ve signed up for your first BJJ class, but what happens next? When you arrive at Gracie Barra West, our dedicated Program Director will be waiting to welcome you at the front desk. After signing the waiver, they will give you a brief tour of the school and explain …
Old School vs. New School
Old School vs New School. Is there a difference? Jiu-Jitsu has grown and become one of the most popular martial arts today. New tricks and moves such as inversions, berimbolos, rubber and worm guards have become more popular. Old school BJJ is more applicable to beginners for it is more pressure based compared to new …
Competition Prep
BJJ Competition Competition season is here! From Veterans to first timers, everyone has a specific way they prepare themselves for a tournament. We asked our Coaches how they help prepare students for a Competition. The average amount of time a student has to prepare is anywhere from 1-2 months. The first thing we will look …
Week 14 Self Defense
Self Defense Self Defense for Week 14, Coach Todd and Coach Val demonstrate a defense from a driving front choke. This is a common attack one might experience, especially in a bar or club setting. The attacker, Coach Todd, drives Coach Val backward while holding both hand against her throat. The first thing Coach …
Week 14 Koshi Guruma
Koshi Guruma This week in the Gracie Barra curriculum is Hip or Hand Throws and Side Mount. Coach Todd and Coach Val demonstrate Koshi Guruma into an arm in triangle. This takedown is a fundamental hip throw that originates from Kodenkan Judo. Coach Todd gets standard judo grips and starts moving Coach Val, also known …
United with We Defy Foundation
We Defy Foundation Gracie Barra West Colorado Springs is Proud to announce our Partnership with The We Defy Foundation. A Nonprofit Organization for combat veterans coping with military connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a veteran owned and operated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, we are thrilled to …
Week 13 Kata Guruma
Week 13 Kata Guruma Kata Guruma otherwise known as a Fireman’s carry is a sacrifice throw as part of the Gracie Barra week 13 curriculum. It begins with Coach Val getting standard Judo grips on Coach Todd. Once she has his collar and sleeve gripped, she takes a step forward with her right foot. At …
Week 13 Lasso Sweep
Lasso Sweep Lasso Sweep in Week 13 Curriculum Lasso Sweep -Week 13 as part of the Gracie Barra Curriculum is Guard/ Transition to the Guard and Sacrifice Throws. Today we’re going to be looking at a Lasso Sweep. This is a great technique when you have your opponent in closed guard and are looking to …
Week 12 Soto Kama
Week 12 Soto Kama, Foot Throw Continuing with Week 12 in the Gracie Barra West Curriculum is also Foot Throws. This week Coach Todd demonstrates Soto Kama, an outside foot throw. Beginning with standard Judo grips, one hand gripping the lapel and the other griping right below the elbow. This throw works best when the …
Week 12 Ezekiel
Week 12- Ezekiel from Back This week in the Gracie Barra curriculum is attacks from back and turtle. One of Coach Todd’s favorite attacks from back in an Ezekiel. An Ezekiel is a choke from behind that uses a scissor motion to apply pressure to the trachea cutting off air supply. Once Coach Todd has …