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Have you ever watched a mixed martial arts (MMA) fight and wondered why so many athletes end up grappling on the ground? That’s because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, better known as BJJ, has become one of the most influential martial arts in...

Weight classes are what keep Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe and fair. They split competitors into weight divisions so athletes of similar size can compete against each other. That way, you can decide a match by skill instead of just pure strength....

Let’s talk omoplata. If you have watched a BJJ match and seen a shoulder lock that shifts the balance of the fight, it’s probably the omoplata. Omoplata isn’t just a submission move. It offers you a full system, including a...

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is more than just a martial art or even a sport... it's a culture, and it wouldn't be a culture if it didn't have it's own language. 

If you have ever had to learn a second language, you already know that if you spend enough time immersed in it, you'll be speaking in no time. So, there's no doubt that the more you hit the jiu-jitsu mats and advance through the ranks, you'll become fluent eventually. 

However, just as with learning a second language, you're going to stumble on our words and make mistakes - sometimes to your embarrassment and everybody else's amusement. We've all been there. If anything, the friendly jibing is just another way to build camaraderie and add color to your own jiu-jitsu story. But we also understand the all too human need to avoid such embarrassing moments. So we're taking pity on you. 

Here's a summary of important BJJ words - and related words - that you should know...