Photo by Ed Spider

[First published in 2013.]

One of the winners of the Natal trials for the 2013 Abu Dhabis, black-belt Bruno Ramos wants to keep up the pace. To do so, he signed up for a local Fortaleza, Ceará event: Copa Meiaguarda.

The curious part about him is that Bruno studies animal movements in defining his jiu-jitsu. “You can foresee your foe’s move, like we see happen on Animal Planet and other shows,” he says, half serious, half joking.

To prove he means what he says, Bruno broke down the cat movement he used in one of his recent matches. Take note: with the opponent in side control, Ramos creeps out his hip and gets his legs on his opponent’s torso. The climb and feline attack happen in a matter of seconds, as you can see below.

Back in 2013, Rodolfo Vieira, the 2011 absolute BJJ world champion, made a video teaching Graciemag readers a no-gi technique. Enjoy it with the translated transcript below.

“Hi, guys; here’s a technique I’ve been doing since I first started training for the 2013 ADCC. It’s a triangle choke from side control. From side control with both knees on the side of his body and the hand to hand grip. First I put his arm on the ground and come with my knee over it. Then I switch the hook on his arm from one leg to the other. After that, I hug his head from behind, lifting it from the ground. As he turns towards me, I jump and pass my leg over his back and lock the triangle with the other leg. Then I adjust the triangle or also I can attack the arm.”

Black belt and GMA member Samir Chantre has a great way to pass the guard when the opponent has a DLR hook and the other foot on your hip.

Watch the video closely and add this nice technique to your top game.

Know more about Samir at samirchantre.com

In a exclusive GRACIEMAG video, Braulio has the help of his brother Victor to teach a surprising armbar from side control.

Pay close attention and add this world champion technique to your game.

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The 2010 European open class champion and 2014 Pan medium-heavy champion (among many other titles), Guto Campos shares some of his knowledge in the fourth video of the How-To series.

Feeling stuck in the opponent’s 50/50 guard?

Here’s a way to break the lock and get to side control.

Watch, practice and add it to your top game.

Saulo and Xande Ribeiro

After 14 years, two-time black belt open class champion Xande Ribeiro was awarded the 4th degree to his black belt.

The ceremony took place last night at University of Jiu-Jitsu, in San Diego.

Saulo Ribeiro was responsible for awarding Xande with the 4th degree.

Xande wrote about it on his Facebook page: “That time has came, 14 years of black belt, exactly March of 2001 my journey has started, and how amazing this trip has been. Thank you everybody that have been part of this, my family, students and opponents and every single one of you that has shared the mats with me.”

GRACIEMAG celebrates the achievement and takes the opportunity to highlight some of Xande’s technique.

First, let’s learn his take on the choke from the back.

Now, watch as Xande gives a thorough explanation on the key points for side control.

He just hates it.

In a famous quote, MG once said: “If you want to be good at Jiu-Jitsu, just train Jiu-Jitsu as much as you can.”

Do you agree with Marcelinho?

Khera, Danis, Diniz

Marcelo Garcia added three new black belts to his team.

After great showing at the New York Spring Open last weekend, Matheus Diniz, Mansher Khera and Dillon Danis were surprised with the new belt this Monday.

“I still do not believe. Very happy, for sure one of the happiest days of my life. Black belt,” wrote Diniz on his Facebook page.

With the promotion, the trio have a little over one month to score 50pts on the IBJJF ranking to be able to compete in the 2015 Worlds as black belts.

As they changed belts, all their points from the brown belt are wasted and as they didn’t win their divisions at the 2014 Worlds as brown belts they do not have secured spots in the 2015 Worlds black belt division.

Click here for the IBJJF ranking.

Check out the move below:

Learn more techniques at www.rcjiujitsu.com

Once your guard is passed and your opponent has full control, trap their arm like an armbar and roll. Sit through, and even have the chance to submit from this position.

Piet explains in this video below:

Check out Triton Fight Center at www.tritonfightcenter.com

Here are two techniques he uses to escape side control before the opponent can score.

To learn mroe about Joe and his Gracie Barra Long Island Academy, visit www.gblongisland.com