четверг, 1 мая 2025 г.

Building a BJJ Directory – One State at a Time

I’ve started working on a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu directory to help people find gyms, academies, and competitors more easily. Right now, I’m focusing on organizing everything by U.S. states. It’s still early, but it’s coming together nicely. The plan is to combine google business data with data such as instagram handles and instructor names. A mammoth task for sure. Here is what I have so far: https://www.bjjmetrics.com/gyms A key frustrating issue is that many gyms choose not to share who the instructors actually are! Not to mention their competition accolades, they dont even say anything about instructors. Personally I would be very wary of such gyms. Maybe visit for a trial if there is nothing else in the area but otherwise a big no-no. So far, I’ve added a few states and I’m working through the rest. The goal is to make it super easy to search by location, whether you’re traveling, moving, or just looking to see who’s training nearby. More updates soon — if you have suggestions or want your academy listed, feel free to reach out!

пятница, 4 апреля 2025 г.

The Submission Game: What UFC Data Reveals About Tapping Out

Top UFC Submissions: A Deep Dive

At bjjmetrics.com, we scraped extensive fight data from UFC statistics and combined it with ELO ratings—our way of estimating fighter skill based on outcomes. Then we looked at all submissions across the UFC database to identify trends. From the most effective submission methods to who’s doing the tapping—and how—it’s all here.

Most Common Submission Methods

Here are the top submission techniques used in UFC finishes, ranked by how often they appear:

Submission Method Submission Count
Rear Naked Choke605
Guillotine Choke276
Armbar189
Arm Triangle122
Triangle Choke95

Top Fighters by Submission Wins

These ten fighters lead the UFC in submission victories. Submission counts reflect fights where they finished their opponent by submission:

Fighter Submission Wins
Charles Oliveira16
Jim Miller13
Gerald Meerschaert11
Demian Maia11
Nate Diaz10
Michael Chiesa8
Frank Mir8
Islam Makhachev8
Gunnar Nelson8
Glover Teixeira7

Top 3 Submissions by Division

We also broke down submissions by weight class. Below are the top 3 most frequent submissions per division:

Weight Class Submission #1 Submission #2 Submission #3
Lightweight Rear Naked Choke (136) Guillotine Choke (53) Armbar (28)
Welterweight Rear Naked Choke (94) Guillotine Choke (45) Armbar (27)
Middleweight Rear Naked Choke (81) Guillotine Choke (50) Arm Triangle (27)
Featherweight Rear Naked Choke (51) Guillotine Choke (32) Arm Triangle (12)
Bantamweight Rear Naked Choke (56) Guillotine Choke (29) Armbar (13)
Flyweight Rear Naked Choke (39) Guillotine Choke (14) Armbar (7)
Heavyweight Rear Naked Choke (25) Armbar (19) Guillotine Choke (12)
Light Heavyweight Rear Naked Choke (43) Guillotine Choke (23) Arm Triangle (12)

Interestingly, when we cross-referenced submission methods with the average ELO rating of the winners, techniques like the Schultz Front Headlock, Ezekiel Choke, and D’Arce Choke scored very high—often used by more elite grapplers. While Rear Naked Choke remains the dominant finisher in raw numbers, these niche submissions are strong signals of technical sophistication.

Stay tuned as we continue to dive into fighter data and reveal trends you won’t find anywhere else. Got questions or want to explore a specific angle? Drop us a message at bjjmetrics.com.

🌱 What Is Ecological BJJ? A Look Into the Mindful Movement Revolution in Jiu-Jitsu

If you've been around the mats long enough, you've probably heard murmurs of something called "ecological BJJ."Maybe someone mentioned it in passing during open mat, or you caught a clip of a slow, almost dance-like roll on Instagram, tagged #ecologicalapproach. So what exactly is ecological BJJ, who’s doing it, and why is it gaining traction in a sport so often associated with grit, grind, and repetition?

Let’s break it down.


🤔 What Is Ecological BJJ?

Ecological BJJ (or the ecological approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) is a training philosophy rooted in the ecological dynamics theory of learning. This theory comes from sports science and motor learning research, and it's been adopted by coaches across various disciplines — from football to martial arts.

Instead of drilling techniques in a rigid, repetitive way (think: "Do this move 10 times on a compliant partner"), ecological BJJ is about exploring movement, decision-making, and adaptation through live, problem-solving scenarios.

Imagine trying to pass someone’s guard — but instead of being told how to do it with preset grips and steps, you're given a constraint ("Only use your left hand" or "You can’t touch their legs") and asked to figure it out. That’s the core of the ecological method: constraints-based learning. You're not memorizing. You’re discovering.


🧠 Where Did It Come From?

The ecological approach has been around in academic sports theory for decades, but its integration into BJJ is more recent — and growing fast.

A major catalyst was the work of Greg Souders, a black belt and head coach at Standard Jiu-Jitsu in Maryland, USA. Souders began applying ecological principles to his BJJ curriculum and quickly built a reputation for creating incredibly creative, adaptive grapplers — without relying on traditional drilling. His gym doesn’t do warm-ups or technique demos. Instead, it’s all task-based games and live movement problems.

From there, the ripple effect began. Coaches, athletes, and even hobbyists curious about deeper learning and long-term performance began experimenting with these methods.


🧍‍♂️ Who’s Doing It?

  • Greg Souders is the most prominent name in the space, often referred to as the pioneer of ecological BJJ.

  • Rob Gray, a motor learning researcher, has also influenced the BJJ world through his podcast The Perception & Action Podcast, which explores how athletes learn and perform.

  • Several European gyms and coaches — especially in the UK and Scandinavia — have started adopting ecological ideas.

  • Many innovative hobbyists and independent learners are gravitating toward this method as it aligns with how adults often prefer to learn: through exploration and understanding, not rote memorization.

And it’s not just “nerds.” Plenty of high-level athletes are incorporating ecological drills into their training for better adaptability and creativity during live rolls and competition.


💡 Why Are People Turning to It?

There are a few reasons why ecological BJJ is catching on:

1. It’s More Engaging

You’re not just copying someone else’s technique; you’re actively solving problems. That keeps training interesting and mentally stimulating.

2. It Reflects Real Rolling

You rarely hit a move exactly the way it’s taught in a demo. Ecological BJJ embraces the chaos and variability of real grappling.

3. It Develops Adaptability

Rather than relying on “Plan A, Plan B” logic trees, ecological training helps you feel what works and adjust in real-time.

4. It Reduces Injury and Burnout

With less repetitive drilling and more intelligent movement, ecological training can be easier on the body and more sustainable over the long term.

5. It’s Beginner-Friendly

Because you don’t need to memorize long sequences, newcomers can start solving problems from Day 1.


🎯 Is It Right for Everyone?

That depends. Some people thrive on structure and repetition. Others want a more playful, exploratory approach. Ecological BJJ isn't anti-technique — it’s just a different lens for learning and internalizing movement. If you’re curious, try sprinkling in some constraints-based sparring or removing the demo from one class. You might be surprised at how quickly people start figuring things out for themselves.


Final Thoughts

Ecological BJJ isn’t a fad — it’s a shift in how we think about learning. Instead of memorizing a hundred techniques, we’re asking: Can you solve the problem in front of you, under pressure, in your own way?

That’s powerful.

And if you're someone who wants to explore BJJ in a deeper, more organic way — ecological training might just be the path you've been looking for.

суббота, 29 марта 2025 г.

🗞️ Check out 247brief.com

 🗞️ Check out 247brief.com – a clean, fast, and distraction-free news site I built to help you stay informed without the noise. Whether you want a quick update or a deep dive, 247brief brings you curated headlines and updates from around the world. No fluff, just the news that matters.

Submissions in the UFC This Year: A 2025 Recap (So Far)

 As we approach the end of March 2025, the UFC has already delivered a thrilling start to the year, with submission victories stealing the spotlight in several high-profile matchups. From championship defenses to jaw-dropping upsets, the grappling game has been on full display. Let’s dive into the biggest submissions of 2025 up to March 29, highlighting the moments that have fans buzzing and fighters etching their names into the history books.

The Standout Submission Kings (and Queens)
Two submissions rise above the rest this year, each for its own unique reasons—technical brilliance and sheer shock value.
Islam Makhachev’s D’arce Choke Masterclass
On January 18 at UFC 311, lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev reminded the world why he’s considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters alive. Facing short-notice replacement Renato Moicano, Makhachev wasted no time, locking in a D’arce choke at 4:05 of Round 1 to defend his title for the fourth time. The fight, held at the Intuit Dome in California, showcased Makhachev’s relentless grappling, as he transitioned from a takedown to the finish with surgical precision. For fans of technical mastery, this was a submission to marvel at—a testament to Makhachev’s dominance in the lightweight division.
Sean Brady’s Upset Guillotine
Fast forward to March 22 at UFC Fight Night in London, and we witnessed a moment that shook the welterweight division. Sean Brady faced off against former champion Leon Edwards in front of a roaring hometown crowd at The O2 Arena. What unfolded was an upset for the ages—Brady weathered Edwards’ striking, took him down, and in Round 4, at 1:39, cinched a guillotine choke from mount to force the tap. This victory didn’t just silence the London faithful; it catapulted Brady into title contention and proved that Edwards’ reign as a top dog might be facing new challenges. The drama of this finish makes it one of the year’s defining moments.
Other Notable Tap-Outs
While Makhachev and Brady headline the submission highlights, 2025 has seen other fighters shine with slick finishes that deserve a shoutout.
  • Reinier de Ridder vs. Kevin Holland (UFC 311): On the same card as Makhachev’s win, middleweight Reinier de Ridder took out fan-favorite Kevin Holland with a rear-naked choke in just 3:31 of Round 1. Holland’s charisma couldn’t save him from de Ridder’s grappling prowess, marking a strong UFC sophomore outing for the newcomer.
  • Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Jalin Turner (UFC 313): March 8 brought us a lightweight surprise at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. Ignacio Bahamondes caught Jalin Turner in a triangle choke at 2:29 of Round 1, upsetting the odds and keeping his finishing streak alive. This win on a stacked pay-per-view card signals Bahamondes as a name to watch.
  • Alexia Thainara vs. Molly McCann (UFC Fight Night): Also on March 22, women’s flyweight newcomer Alexia Thainara made waves by submitting popular UK fighter Molly McCann with an armbar in Round 2. The emotional twist? McCann announced her retirement post-fight, making Thainara’s victory bittersweet and unforgettable.
  • Chris Duncan vs. Jordan Vucenic (UFC Fight Night): Rounding out the list, lightweight Chris Duncan scored a quick armbar win over Jordan Vucenic in just 2:29 of Round 1 on the same London card. It was a crisp finish that showcased Duncan’s potential as a rising star.
Why These Moments Matter
So far, 2025 has logged six submission wins across its early events, but it’s the stories behind them that elevate their impact. Makhachev’s win reinforces his reign, while Brady’s upset shakes up a division ripe for change. Thainara’s victory, meanwhile, carries an emotional weight that transcends the scorecards. These finishes—spanning title fights, main events, and emerging talents—showcase the diversity and excitement of submission artistry in the UFC.
Looking Ahead
With the year only a quarter done, there’s plenty more action to come. Tonight’s UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Erceg (March 29) could add to the tally, and the rest of 2025 promises bigger cards and bolder finishes. Will Makhachev defend again? Can Brady climb to a title shot? Who else will tap their way into the spotlight? One thing’s for sure—the submission game is alive and well in the UFC this year.
What’s your favorite submission of 2025 so far? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going as the year unfolds!
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