Here we go!

1. To bring at least one family member or friend to Jiu-Jitsu

The Ruotolo Brothers

Everybody knows that all you need to get hooked for life with the gentle art is to go to your first training session (ok, not really. It can take a while). Anyway, sooner or later, you gonna want to bring someone else in to enjoy the life-changing experience that is BJJ. Let’s ask Santa that in 2016 you succeed in making that great friend, or your significant other, or even your mom stick to the gi.

2. A great training environment

Like any other social environment, a Jiu-Jitsu academy needs to be a positive place for all people that go there to enjoy the experience. Let’s ask Santa that your training place is jerk-free and that your training partners are all nice and welcoming people that help you get better at the art while having an amazing time.

3. A healthy and injury-free 2016

Let’s not even think about the big injuries. Let’s all ask Santa that we can cruise through the next 12 months without that sprained ankle, or the dislocated toe or shoulder, or even that back of the neck pain. Let’s all ask Santa to be lucky enough and safe enough to be able to train all year round without having to go to the doctor.

4. Attend a really awesome seminar

You see them competing and you learn from them on the pages of GRACIEMAG or on our Youtube channel, but to attend a seminar with one of the big stars of the art is a whole different ball game. Let’s ask Santa that you’d be able to attend at least one awesome seminar with Marcus Buchecha, Rubens Cobrinha, the Mendes Bros, Keenan Cornelius, Rodolfo Vieira, Leandro Lo, Bia Mesquita or countless other amazing guys and girls that have a lot to teach you.

5. No close-outs at the finals of the Worlds

Leandro Lo

It’s the pinnacle of the competition circuit, so we could only hope that all black belt finals of the 2016 Worlds are for real. No close-outs at all. Let’s all ask Santa that no teammates reach the finals and we could have an epic day on June 5.

6. A nice submission on a higher-ranked opponent

Ok, let’s ask this one in a lower voice. Who can say it wouldn’t feel good to get that tap from a guy with a higher rank? Let’s ask Santa to give us at least one of those moments when technique and opportunity meet to make you a very happy guy or girl.

7. That awesome combo from GRACIEMAGSHOP.com

Time to go shopping! A new year is coming so why not start the new cycle with a brand new outfit? The gi is probably the piece of clothing you wear the most in your daily life (or at least it’s in the top 3), so it is fair to invest in the nicest gi you can find. As a matter of fact, GRACIEMAG has some sick offers for you. Just go to GRACIEMAGSHOP.com and find out what we have prepared for you!

8. That next belt or degree

Galvão wraps the black belt around Keenan’s waist

We say we are in it for the fun and it’s true, but a new color or at least a new degree to the good old belt makes everyone happy. Let’s work hard, let’s not miss class and let’s all ask Santa that our Professors see how amazing our progress has been and call on us at the end of the class.

9. A gold medal (or any medal) 

There’s a saying you hear all the time which states that in Jiu-Jitsu you either win or learn. Learning with a defeat is important, but we all want to win! Let’s ask Santa to have at least one of those moments when we are the best of them all. A gold medal is a great thing to win and to cherish. Of course, working hard is essential, so let’s hit the mats.

10. To be featured on GRACIEMAG

It’s a strange but very fulfilling feeling to see your picture or your name published. It’s a great recognition of all the hard work and dedication. GRACIEMAG works hard everyday to showcase the best of the gentle art. Do great things and you should be there anytime soon. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter and to like our page on Facebook.

Merry Christimas and a happy new year!

As the year of 2015 comes to an end, we look back to the thrills we lived in the past 12 months. So, what about trying to point out what was the best Gi match of 2015. We pre-selected five instant classics and we will let you chose your favorite. Just vote away on the comments. Even if you have a different match to suggest, please do. Here we go!

Gabrielle Garcia vs. Mackenzie Dern (2015 European – Black belt open class final)

The first great moment of 2015. Brave Mackenzie and mighty Gabi battled for the ultimate glory in Lisbon. Seven minutes of hair-raising action. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5vyu1z-5GE

Bernardo Faria vs. Alex Trans ( 2015 Pan – Black belt open class semifinal)

A battle of giants for the chance to be on the open class final. Faria and Trans had the crowd on their feet the whole time.

 Leandro Lo vs. Keenan Cornelius (2015 Worlds – black belt open class quarterfinals)

This is Jiu-Jitsu at its best. Just watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvSgiMuK_3Q

Rafael Mendes vs. Rubens Cobrinha (2015 Worlds black belt featherweight final)

It’s all there. Strategy, drive, effort, respect. A classic.

Bruno Malfacine vs. João Miyao (2015 Worlds roosterweight final)

The drama at the end alone is enough for this match deserving a spot among the best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyYrfJa6gzw

So, what’s your favorite?

Rolls Gracie. Photo by Ricardo Azoury

All those who roll know how tough it can be when we get that feeling that we are just not evolving in our performance on the mats.

Maybe the problem is that we are not paying attention to key points that can really hurt our ability to improve our game.

We listed 10 of the most important things you cannot not do if you want to thrive in your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

We selected then from 21 years of learning from the best in the business.

Take a good read and put that to work for you.

1. Vary the duration of your rolls

It’s important not to be a prisoner of the same duration on your rolls. You need to be able to deal with the necessity of managing your gas tank on long rolls of 10 and even 20 minutes, but also have the quick thinking to solve problems on short rolls of 3 minutes or even 1 minute starting from specific positions like the back or the mount.

2. Don’t train like a staller 

Don’t let vanity get the best of you. When training, take your mind out of the outcome of the roll and focus on what you are doing and how that moment will help you improve your game. Go with the flow, allow yourself to be in uncomfortable positions, tap as much as you need and go home knowing you learned a lot.

3. Know your basics

As exciting as it is to be doing the latest trend in terms of techniques, don’t ever forget to have your basics in order. Take your time to practice those simple techniques you learned as a white belt so you can get a better understanding of how the whole thing works.

Roger Gracie. Photo by Gustavo Aragão

4. Know your body and look for the best fuel

Maintaining is always better than fixing. Pay attention to your body and go see a professional whenever you feel that something is not right. Also, you can’t expect to be a champion if you run on bad fuel. Study the principles of a healthy diet and look for the best nutritional plan for you. Again, ask a specialist.

5. Repeat!

If you don’t practice, you’ll never get it right. The secret for having a flowing game is to make every movement a reflex. The only way to do that is to practice as much as you can and understand why you are doing each movement and how it connects to the next one as well as the one that came before.

6. Always warm up (no, really — always!)

If there’s no excuse for not training, there’s also no excuse for not warming up before training. Modern science shows that dynamic stretching is vital for safer rolling. Work your joints and muscles and get your body ready for the demands of a training session.

7. Sleep well 

This is so basic we feel we should not even mention it, but we will. If you don’t get that nice 8 hours of sleep every night, you are not allowing your body recover properly. Make it a habit as much as going to the academy and washing your gi after each session.

Royce Gracie. Photo by Luca Atalla

8. Train even when tired

It doesn’t need to be an everyday thing, but now and then try going for a second roll without resting after a specially tough session. It’s going to be good for your body and for your mind. It will help you find that extra fuel and also train your mind to solve problems even under a lot of stress.

9. Strengthen your grips

Strong grips are one of those things that go unnoticed despite its incredible importance. Include in your routine exercises to strengthen your hands and fingers and also learn how to break grips. The one who is able to have a strong hold of the opponent is closer to victory.

10. Always come back the next day 

Don’t quit! Just don’t! Even after a really bad session (or competition). That’s when it’s specially important to be at the gym the next day to work on the mistakes made. Also, don’t focus your Jiu-Jitsu journey on results. Enjoy the ride!

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. Photo by Esther Lin.

The UFC’s roster is growing in 2013 with the addition of several Strikeforce fighters coming from the defunct organization to the octagon, according to a report on UFC Tonight on Tuesday.

The list of Strikeforce transfers includes notables like Gegard Mousasi, Luke Rockhold and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. Also, as reported by GRACIEMAG.com on Tuesday and Monday, Strikeforce standouts Daniel Cormier and Gilbert Melendez will make their UFC debuts in April at the UFC on FOX event in San Jose, Calif.

The list of fighters announced on the Fuel TV program is as follows:

• Daniel Cormier
• Gilbert Melendez
• Gegard Mousai
• Gian Villante
• Luke Rockhold
• Jacare Souza
• Tim Kennedy
• Roger Gracie
• Lorenz Larkin
• Nate Marquardt
• Tarec Saffiedine
• Roger Bowling
• Jason High
• Bobby Voelker
• Josh Thomson
• K.J. Noons
• Pat Healy
• Adriano Martins
• Kurt Holobaugh

UFC Tonight added that there should be more fighters making the move to the UFC, but this list represents all they were able to confirm to date.

GRACIEMAG.com will update with news of additional fighters as more information become available.

For more UFC and MMA coverage,
visit GRACIEMAG.com’s Choke MMA section