Marcelinho Garcia in action at 2011 Worlds / Photo by John Lamonica

Every now and then, do you catch yourself thinking about that one technique you seem unable to get right, or that part of your game that looks like a dead end? Relax. Our team put together five submissions beyond all reproach, taught by champions of the highest caliber. Let us know which works best for your game, and enjoy your training!

1. Alexandre Ribeiro teaches a choke

2. Marcelo Garcia teaches to warm up and finish in laid-back spar

(Special attention to the armbar at minute 5)

3. Roger Gracie teaches a sweep from closed guard

4. Rubens Cobrinha teaches how to finish at 2008 Pan

5. Vitor Shaolin teaches a sweep from half-guard and pressure on neck to help

Learn from Roger Gracie the tricks to avoid losing the armbar

Roger Gracie was in Rio de Janeiro recently to wow the crowd at Gracie Pro and teach the world the value of the basics.

The ten-time world champion also paid a visit to his friend Kléber “Buiú” Paulino’s gym, in a much-sought-after seminar among Gracie Barra students.

As he taught his favorite armbar from the guard, Roger said he learned from a student how to make the position more uncomfortable by swapping the hand that goes on the collar, and showed the way in which he likes controlling an opponent’s posture.

Roger also showed how he uses his legs to prevent his opponent from freeing their arm, as well as other details that can probably add something to your jiu-jitsu. You can catch the lesson in this video.

One of the most charismatic persons in Jiu-Jitsu, Kurt Osiander is restless in his mission to spread the knowledge.

On the latest video of his “Move of the Week” series, he teaches a sweep from the closed guard.

Click play and add it to your game.

Learn from black belt Tim Spriggs a crafty overhook punch from the closed guard.

It’s a great way to catch the opponent by surprise with little effort.

Click and play to add it to your game.

Lucio Lagarto is our Professor for the day.

From Dubai, UAE, he teaches a leg lock and a sweep that start at the closed guard with the help of Igor Silva.

Take a good look and choose the best for your game.

Here, Sophia offers a way to secure a triangle submission from the closed guard by breaking an opponent’s grip on your lapel in the process. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Learn more about Sophia and Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu at www.drysdalejiujitsu.com

A slam witnessed at the 2013 World Championship. Photo: Erin Herle

In most Jiu-Jitsu tournaments the list of illegal techniques contains the obvious eye-gouging and punching. The more subtle include knee-reaping and the use of slamming from guard.

Many MMA fights continue after a submission from guard is locked in because the opponent stands, picks up the person and slams them to the ground. In severe cases this can result in loss of consciousness or even paralysis as in the case of fifteen-year-old Gabriel Diniz who lost the use of his arms and legs after being dropped on his neck. Fortunately, he has regained some movement in his shoulders and feeling in his legs. Discharged from the hospital and now working towards recovery in a physical therapy rehabilitation center, he has hope to one day get back on the mats.

The dangers of slamming extend from back pain, to loss of breath due to sudden pressure on the solar plexus, to muscle spasms, to seizures, to loss of consciousness and paralysis. It’s important to know the consequences and how to prevent them.

Check out this video below that shows some examples of slams. Whether from guard or even when taking someone’s back, the presence of this harmful counter is prevalent. Even Marcelo Garcia and Ryron Gracie have experienced it.

In order to prevent a slam from the guard, make sure you hook the inside of your opponent’s leg to avoid letting them stand with you. In a triangle and an armbar this also facilitates the intensity of the submission as the angle produces a tight hold. See James Puopolo use this technique:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02LBJ16dccg

Joao Assis at ADCC 2011. Photo: Daren Bartlett

Today is CheckMat super heavyweight black belt Joao Assis’ birthday. The big 30, celebrate by watching a video of Joao teaching three ways to open the guard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqE6lFElHSE

Braulio Estima and Victor Estima on live webinar for Graciemag at Google+

After a thrilling World Championship last weekend, GRACIEMAG comes back with an amazing live webinar.

Braulio Estima and Victor Estima will be at our studios live next Friday, June 7, at 11:00AM (PST) for an exclusive live webinar.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from two of the best Jiu-Jitsu competitors out there.

To confirm your presence, go to our Google+ Event Page.

Watch the Live Webinar here.