TFS#98: Head Positioning, Developing Mental Grit, & Using Your Mat Time

In partnership with

It’s easy to give into an idea when we’re feeling lost.

But to get the best answers, you have to find your own.

Which requires work.

Going out and keeping an open mind to different answers will get you closer to what you’re looking for.

And don’t accept them so easily.

Now on to today’s topics…

TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK

Head positioning for passing

This isn’t so much a technique, but more of a general concept for understanding passing.

Your head positioning does multiple things:

• It acts as a 5th limb, used to pin another part of your opponent’s body.

• It keeps your head low, making it hard for your opponent to pummel their feet to re-guard.

• It keeps your chest low, closing the space between your chest and your opponent’s chest.

Remember to keep your eyes up, don’t just duck your head down hoping something good happens.

Get the tips here.

With good head positioning, there are options to enter into back attacks from here.

JIU-JITSU LONGEVITY

Your mental grit

Jiu-Jitsu isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

But for those of us who decide to train and aim to achieve a black belt one day…we all know we’re in for a ride.

Injuries will occur and hopefully nothing major.

But the real challenge is having the mental fortitude to continuously press forward through various obstacles.

Becoming mentally stronger requires multiple avenues of practices.

Check out these 10 tips for your mental toughness.

As always, be patient with your process.

Building strength and confidence takes time.

Tired of Your Weight Holding You Back?

Our board-certified doctors provide a customized program with medication, nutrition plans, and lifestyle coaching to help you finally achieve your weight loss goals. Convenient online visits and medication delivery to your home. Ongoing support every step of the way. 

Don't struggle with weight loss anymore. Get medical help from WeightCare.

Join thousands who have lost weight with Weight Care. Start your transformation today!

Learn more today

MORE TO EXPLORE

Resources you’ll love

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

🥋 Fix your RNC. (link)

👉 Record your rolls and get input from your instructor. You’ll see how much you grow in a week. (link)

👉 Avoid injuries and build practical Jiu-Jitsu strength with just one exercise. Use any equipment you have at home. (link)

🥋 Don’t get Buggy-Choked…but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the choke on your training partners. (link)

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

The latest on BJJ fights with a splash of humor

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Use it wisely

This past week I shared my thoughts on varies ways to make more out of your sparring time.

Depending on what you’re working on, changing up the way you use your sparring rounds will help you more than normal sparring.

Your favorite training partners shouldn’t just be the ones that you feel safest with.

But in fact the ones that push your limits. (In a safe manner, of course.)

There is never just one way to train and you should constantly be evaluating what you need in the moment.

This is part of building “self-awareness.”

LAST WORDS

How am I doing?

I always appreciate hearing from readers, and I’m constantly looking for feedback.

How am I doing with The Fourth Stripe? Is there anything you’d like to see more of? Less of?

Which subjects of the newsletter do you enjoy the most?

You can reply even if it’s just to say hello—I’m always happy to chat.

Talk soon,

Wayne

P.S. Commit to yourself.