For the past decade, EDJ Academy has been a foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu excellence, cultivating champions on and off the mats. Founded on the principles of discipline, perseverance and community, the academy has grown into a hub for individuals of all backgrounds to learn, grow, and connect through the art of Jiu-Jitsu, fostering a strong sense of community and personal development.

EDJ Academy was born from a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a vision to create a training environment that balanced high-level instruction with a welcoming community. Its founder, Juan Pablo Garcia, a seasoned competitor and instructor with nearly 30 years of experience in the sport, took on the mission of not only producing athletes but also building a culture that nurtures personal growth and development.

“Feeling beyond blessed and grateful as we celebrate 10 incredible years of our academy”, says JP Garcia. “What started as a dream has grown into a strong community, a family, and a place where we lift each other up, push past our limits, and grow together on and off the mats. This journey wouldn’t be possible without our students, instructors, families, and supporters— each of you plays a huge role in making this academy what it is today. THANK YOU for trusting in our vision, showing up, and making this place feel like home”.

From its humble beginnings, the academy quickly became recognized as a trusted center for learning and development. With an emphasis on fundamentals, structured curriculums, and mentorship, students of all levels found a home at EDJ Academy, whether their goal was to compete at the highest level or to build strength, improve fitness, and self-confidence through Jiu-Jitsu.

Building champions, on and off the mats

One of EDJ Academy’s proudest achievements has been its impact on the competition scene. Over the years, the academy has produced IBJJF World Champions, Pan American Champions, and European Champions, proving that its methodology and training structure are among the best. However, beyond the accolades, the academy takes the most pride in the character development of its students.

With a focus on discipline, teamwork, and leadership, the academy has helped shape individuals into successful athletes, instructors, and even school owners. The journey of many students who began as white belts and evolved into black belts and mentors within the academy is something we take great pride in, built on a strong foundation.

Beyond competition, EDJ Academy has cultivated a strong affiliation network, spreading its philosophy and teaching methods to multiple locations. The academy now has affiliates and has grown significantly in Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Chile, Germany, Turkey and USA, expanding its reach and impact across the globe. With more than 30 black belts developed under its banner, EDJ Academy continues to build upon its lasting impact in the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Additionally, the academy has remained committed to innovation, incorporating online learning resources for affiliates, instructor development programs, and specialized curriculums for kids and adults. EDJ Academy continues to evolve while preserving the essence of the sport, with strong support for the IBJJF and its mission to uphold the highest standards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and education.

The academy also hosts annual training camps, bringing together students and affiliates from around the world to train, learn, and grow together. Professor JP maintains a close relationship with school owners and all students, providing guidance in various areas, including competition, coaching, and business development. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping not only high-level competitors but also successful instructors and academy owners.

“We also celebrate some incredible promotions, such as our new two black belts Wilbert Vasquez and Evelyn Song. Huge congrats to years of dedication, hard work, and passion. To everyone who has been part of this journey — past and present — THANK YOU. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. Here’s to another decade of growth, success and unforgettable moments on the mats!”

The next 10 years

As EDJ Academy celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the journey is far from over. With new generations of students and instructors rising through the ranks, the academy is set for even greater achievements. Plans for future expansion, enhanced training programs, and continued community outreach signal that the next decade will be just as impactful as the last.

As the team reflects on its first decade, one thing is certain—this is just the beginning.

If you would like to get in touch or learn more about Professor Juan Pablo and the team, visit www.edjassociation.com.

Show Up Consistently

One of the most critical aspects of beginning BJJ is simply showing up. Consistency is key. No matter how motivated you feel at the start, there will be days when you might feel tired or unmotivated. On these days, remind yourself that the simple act of showing up is a victory in itself. Aim to train at least twice a week. This regularity will help you build a solid foundation and keep you moving forward.

Control What You Can

In BJJ, as in life, there are things you can control and things you cannot. As a beginner, focus on what you can control:Attendance: Commit to your training schedule. Make it a non-negotiable part of your week.Effort: Put in your best effort every time you step on the mat. It’s not about being the best; it’s about doing your best.Attitude: Maintain a positive and open-minded attitude. Every class is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Start Slow and Build Up

It’s tempting to dive in headfirst and try to train as much as possible. However, starting slow and gradually building up your training frequency and intensity is crucial. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injuries. Instead, focus on:

* Pacing Yourself: Begin with a manageable training schedule and increase it gradually as your body adapts.

* Recovery: Allow your body to rest and recover. This includes getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and listening to your body’s signals

Professor Juan Pablo Garcia is on a mission to bring the positive impact of Jiu-Jitsu to as many people as possible. Photo: Reproduction

Embrace the Learning Process

Progress in BJJ is not always linear. Some days, you will feel like you’ve made significant strides, while other days might be more challenging. Embrace this learning process. Understand that every class, whether good or bad, contributes to your overall growth. Celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks.

Develop a Routine

Creating a routine can help you build discipline and make training a habit. Here are some tips:

* Set Specific Goals: Having clear, achievable goals can keep you motivated. Whether it’s mastering a particular technique or improving your fitness, set targets to work towards.

* Prepare Your Gear: Keep your training gear ready to go. This reduces the chances of skipping a class because you’re unprepared.

* Track Your Progress: Maintain a training journal to document what you’ve learned, your strengths, and areas for improvement. This can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth.

Find a Support System

Having a support system can make a significant difference in your BJJ journey. This can be:

* Training Partners: Build connections with your training partners. They can offer encouragement, share tips, and make training more enjoyable.

* Instructors: Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for advice and feedback. They can provide valuable insights and help you improve faster.

Building discipline and making progress in BJJ takes time. Stay patient and persistent. Remember that every black belt was once a white belt who never gave up. Trust the process, keep showing up, and you will see improvements over time.

Starting BJJ is an exciting adventure that requires dedication and discipline. By focusing on showing up consistently, controlling what you can, starting slow, embracing the learning process, developing a routine, finding a support system, and staying patient, you can build a strong foundation for success in BJJ. Keep at it, and you’ll find that not only will your skills improve, but you’ll also develop a resilient mindset that will benefit you both on and off the mat.

Looking forward to sharing the mats with you sometime!

* Juan Pablo Garcia is head instructor at EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu. Learn more about him at WWW.EDJASSOCIATION.com.

Juan Pablo Garcia lista os três principais objetivos da guarda. Foto: Reprodução

Texto: Juan Pablo Garcia*

Antes de você aprender qualquer tipo de guarda esportiva no Jiu-Jitsu, é preciso entender o objetivo principal da posição.

O principal é a autodefesa. É fundamental ser capaz de controlar e neutralizar o ataque do oponente enquanto prepara finalizações, raspagens e reversões. A guarda é uma posição que usamos as nossas pernas e o quadril para controlar a distância entre nós e o adversário.

Existem diversas variações da guarda no Jiu-Jitsu, como a guarda fechada, aberta e a meia-guarda. Cada uma destas guardas tem o seu próprio conjunto de técnicas e estratégias, mas todas partilham os mesmos objetivos de controlar os movimentos do oponente e preparar botes.

Estes são os 3 principais objetivos de qualquer guarda:

1. Pegar as costas

A guarda é uma excelente posição para tramar ataques para as costas. É possível utilizar a guarda para controlar a postura e o próprio adversário. Em seguida, ela é utilizada para fazer a transição para a posição de controle das costas e para conseguir um estrangulamento ou outra finalização.

2. Raspar e inverter

A raspagem é essencial a partir da guarda. Esta manobra envolve desequilibrar o adversário para deixá-lo por baixo. A partir de uma situação de inferioridade, é possível usar a guarda para controlar a postura do oponente e preparar uma raspagem, o que te permite tomar a posição superior e ganhar uma posição dominante. O objetivo é estar por cima num combate.

3. Finalizar

A guarda é também uma posição eficaz para finalizar o adversário. Pode-se usar as pernas para preparar uma série de ataques, como estrangulamentos e bloqueios de braços. A posição de guarda permite que uma pessoa menor e mais leve se defenda de um adversário maior e dá acesso a uma gama de finalizações, raspagens e ataques pelas costas. É importante compreender que o propósito da guarda é repor e a controlar a distância para evitar que o oponente chegue no cem-quilos.

* O professor Juan Pablo Garcia é o nosso GMI à frente da escola EDJ Riverside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, na Califórnia. 

Juan Pablo Garcia lists the main goals of the guard. Photo: Reproduction

Author: Professor Juan Pablo Garcia

Before learning any type of sports guard in Jiu-Jitsu, you have to understand the main goal of the position.

Number one is self-defense, being able to control and neutralize an opponent’s attack while setting up submissions, sweeps, and reversals. The guard is a position where we use our legs and hips to control the distance between ourselves and our opponent.

There are several variations of the guard in BJJ, including the closed guard, open guard, and half guard. Each of these guards has its own set of techniques and strategies, but they all share the same goals of controlling an opponent’s movements and setting up attacks.

These are the 3 main objectives of any guard:

1. Taking the back

The guard is an excellent position to set up back attacks. You can use the guard to control the opponent’s posture and position, then transition to the back control position and work on securing a choke or other submission.

2. Sweeping & reversing

Sweeping is essential from the guard, and it involves off-balancing an opponent to take them to the ground. From the bottom position, you can use the guard to control an opponent’s posture and set up a sweep, which allows you to take the top position and gain a dominant position. You want to be on the top in a fight!

3. Submitting

The guard is also an effective position for submitting an opponent. You can use your legs to set up a variety of submissions, like chokes, and armlocks. The guard position allows a smaller and lighter person to defend themselves against a larger opponent and provides access to a variety of submissions, sweeps, and back attacks. It is important to understand the purpose of the guard and to practice guard retention and distance management to prevent an opponent from passing.

* Professor Juan Pablo Garcia is our GMI in charge of the EDJ Riverside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in California.

Gracie Barra black belt Juan Pablo Garcia divides his time between Santa Barbara and Santiago, in Chile.

In this video, we catch him teaching a seven-point guard pass that will take you straight to mount.

Take a close look and add the technique to your game.

Know more at graciebarrachile.com and gbsantabarbara.com

Juan Pablo Garcia and Carlos Gracie Jr

GMA member Juan Pablo Garcia, of GB Chile and GB Santa Barbara, experienced a very special moment lasT Thursday, May 22.

He received the first degree to his black belt from the hands of GB founder, Carlos Gracie Jr.

JP talked about the achievement.

“This was a great honor and motivation to keep working to spread Jiu-Jitsu in South America and California where I have most of my students.”

For more info, go to graciebarrachile.com, gbsantabarbara.com.

Mauricio Grudsky is the first Chilean black belt under Gracie Barra. Photo: Personal Archive

At GMA Gracie Barra Santa Barbara, there is word of a new black belt in town.

Professors Rodrigo Clark and Juan Pablo Garcia granted a black belt to student Mauricio Grudsky. He is the first Chilean to earn a black belt under the Gracie Barra banner.

Congratulations to Gracie Barra Santa Barbara and Mauricio Grudsky on the prestigious promotion.

Learn more at www.gbsantabarbara.com

The group at the fundraiser on Dec. 21. Photo: Juan Pablo Garcia

On Dec. 21 many gathered at GMA Gracie Barra Corona to raise money for typhoon Haiyan relief. The event collected donations in the form of cash, canned food and clothing to send to the Philippines in the wake of the natural disaster that hit the island last month.

In attendance were black belts who helped teach: Gustavo Pires, Kayron Gracie, Juan Pablo Garcia, Budo Jake and more. A raffle took place with gear from sponsors as well.

GB Corona says: “The event was a huge success, a whole lot of fun and a great reminder of the momentum being developed for social potential that our art has and will continue to develop in our communities and the world!”

Check out a video of the event by Juan Pablo Garcia:

GMA Juan Pablo Garcia from Gracie Barra Encino recently took some time out of his schedule to teach a seven-point move exclusively for GRACIEMAG.com. Watch this video as he instructs how to pass and move to mount, and see if you can practice the maneuver and use it in your next tournament!

Professors:

Jaime Carvajal Ferrer, Juan Pablo García and Fernando Yzzat Quijada

Address: Santa Rosa 17, Office 702, 
Santiago, Chile, 8330067

Phone: 569 79 665 057

Website: www.graciebarrachile.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/graciebarra.chile?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

About:

Los beneficios de la Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Brasileño son de largo alcance y su intención es impactar todos los aspectos de su vida. En Gracie Barra, nuestros estudiantes se conviertan en líderes. Gracie Barra nutre su pensamiento independiente, respalda su espíritu de lucha, y le ayuda a alcanzar sus metas personales BJJ.

A través GB BJJ, usted comenzará a entenderse a si mismo, dentro y fuera de las alfombras, en formas que nunca imaginó. Pondrá a prueba sus límites y llegar a ser lo mejor que puede ser. GB respeta que cada estudiante tiene sus propios objetivos y los apoyamos para llegar a ellos. Cuanto más entrene, mejor será, y conforme vaya completando nuestro programa llegará a su verdadero potencial en la vida.

GB BJJ es para cualquier persona que quiera aprender cómo defenderse en  combate. Lo que mucha gente no sabe, es que GB BJJ también le permitirá aplicar esos mismos principios para la lucha contra las batallas diarias de la vida, como la pérdida de peso, estrés, problemas de relaciones y confianza en sí mismo. Usted aprenderá cómo pensar en los problemas de manera más constructiva que antes, dentro y fuera del entrenamiento.

En GB, usted formará parte de una familia extensa. Se unirá  a un equipo que le apoyará en su búsqueda de la auto-mejora. El entrenamiento de las técnicas y participar en las sesiones de formación en directo, con sus socios y entrenadores, le dará un arsenal de armas que estarán siempre a su disposición. Cuanto más entrene, más se va a armarse con los conocimientos y habilidades para luchar contra todas las batallas en la vida como un cinturón negro.

En GB nosotros creemos que si todos entrenáramos GB BJJ, el mundo sería un lugar mejor…

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpuOugMnUqg#t=16

Juan Pablo teaches at GB JWoodland Hills. Photo: personal archive.

It doesn’t matter what belt a practitioner has reached, the basic moves accompany Jiu-Jitsu stylists throughout their entire evolution. Tight moves and freely moving hips, for example, are of the essence both for the basics and for the more intricate techniques. Holds taught ever since white belt, like the armbar, get honed over the years and become deadly.

In the video below, Professor Juan Pablo Garcia of Gracie Barra Woodland Hills demonstrates a good way to perfect hip motion for attacking an opponent’s arm. However, the “clinic” also helps make a fighter’s movement effective in a variety of different training situations.

Practice!