TFS#100: It's finally here!

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill

Author

Wayne Terran
April 07, 2024

Welcome to the 100th issue of The Fourth Stripe!

Whether you’ve been reading this newsletter since the very beginning or just joined this week, thank you for being part of the community.

Now on to today’s topics…

We finally have something worth using!

Whenever something innovative comes out, those who know how to use it will leverage it to get ahead.

Currently, the new hot item is AI. Whether or not you decide to use it is up to you.

But you can use it to make learning Jiu-Jitsu a lot faster.

I just started using Digitsu extensively and it’s the best Jiu-Jitsu platform.

It provides all the three essential tools for

1 - The AI saves you time

Digitsu’s AI search, BJJ Chatbot, will save you a ton of time from having to scroll and filter through endless videos.

Instead of having to watch an entire video to decide whether it contains the answer you’re looking for, it’ll connect you directly to the videos you need.

(Also, all that video scrolling will get you distracted.)

2 - In-depth instructionals

There’s nearly an endless catalog of knowledge on this platform.

There’s no way I’m going to watch everything.

…But at least I know I’ll have exactly what I need when I need it.

3 - The community

Community is what keeps people coming for more.

The community board is led by black belt Jon Calestine who will answer any BJJ related question you have.

He’ll also provide your answers with the appropriate video for reference.

I plan on using it regularly and will keep you updated on how I like it.

Maybe next time I’ll chat with you the community board…

If you’d like more information, just reply to this email with the word “advance.”

TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK

Back attack from Leg Drag

To attack the back from the leg drag position, you can utilize two simple methods:

1) Stacking

🔑 Key Detail: Once established in the Leg Drag position, use your hand to lift their hips off the ground. This will prevent them from turning back into you.

It’s with this same grip you use to lift your opponent’s hips up and force them into a stack position.

Also remember, you can establish the Leg Drag position from the stack as well.

2) Climbing

Using your free hand, keep their hips turned away, and maintaining chest pressure on your opponent, you’ll tripod and walk towards their back.

Adjust your chest to to get behind their shoulder.

This allows you to drive them forward while preventing them to turn into you. Now you can set up your seated position.

In both cases, controlling the hips is critical.

JIU-JITSU LONGEVITY

Knee recovery

You’ll need your knees for the rest of your life.

Think carefully how you treat them whether or not they’re injured now.

But if you happen to have a painful knee or just coming off an injury, you might want to read this quick article to take the proper steps to get back on the mat.

The stretches in this article included are:

  • Leg stretch

  • Heel chord stretch

  • Quad stretch

You’ll also find necessary drills and positional sparring you can use to work your way back.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Resources you’ll love

🥋 If you refer subscribers, I’ll feature you in this section! (link)

👉 Use your water bottle to improve your Jiu-Jitsu. (link)

🥋 Here’s a follow-along mobility exercise that will take you less than 15 minutes. (link)

🥋 When they’re pushing away from your Leg Drag position. (link)

🥋 If you’re struggling with finger injuries, you want to read these 6 tips. (link)

Links with an 👉 emoji is an ad or affiliate link.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Training out of your fears

You should never feel bad about getting tapped by a lower belt.

It’s going to happen and you shouldn’t feel bad.

You should also intentionally put yourself in bad positions every so often so you have the opportunity to work on escapes.

And this gives your partner the chance to work on their finishes.

But also give respect where respect is due.

Don’t make excuses, it’s not pretty for anybody.

But do train specific sparring where you start in a horrible position.

Give your partner your back, start in an armbar, triangle or any “submission position.”

It’s low stakes, you’re not really expected to escape.

If anything, your opponent is expected to finish, so pressure is on them.

Additionally, you want to train yourself to maintain composure when in a bad situation.

Train your fears.

See you on the mats,

Wayne

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