Does Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Need a Curriculum?
Does Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy Need a Curriculum?
In the world of BJJ, academies find themselves debating a question that reaches far beyond techniques and belt levels: Does your academy actually need a formal curriculum?
The answer matters—not just for your students' development, but for your academy's sustainability, reputation, and most importantly, for injury prevention. Recent research published in The Sport Journal reveals that structured curricula significantly reduce injury rates while improving skill acquisition and retention.
We sat down with Scott Sievwright of Primal MKE in Milwaukee—an ecological coaching pioneer who designs training programs that adapt to individual student needs—to explore why a structured curriculum isn't optional. It's essential. Learn what leading coaches know, what the research proves, and why academies without formal curricula face hidden risks that could cost you everything.
Read the full article to discover the real difference between academies with and without structured programs—and what protection looks like.
Chris Wojcik Seminar – Athlete Q&A & Training Insights
Recently, Misfits Gym hosted a seminar with world-class grappler Chris Wojcik, giving students a chance to learn directly from one of the sharpest minds in the sport today.
During the visit, Chris shared some of his favorite techniques, training insights, and competition mindset with the room. We also had the opportunity to film a Pro Tips Q&A session, where he broke down concepts that have helped him succeed at the highest levels of grappling.
If you're a fan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or looking to sharpen your game, it’s worth taking a few minutes to listen in. There’s always something to learn when a high-level competitor shares how they think about training, strategy, and improvement.
🎧 Take a listen to the Q&A session — you might just pick up a few valuable insights from a great grappling mind.
Reilly Bodycomb on Principles, Mindset, and Safety in Training
Leg lock specialist and combat sports coach Reilly Bodycomb doesn't just teach techniques — he redefines how grapplers think about learning and staying safe on the mats. At his recent seminar at 3D MMA in Hanover Park, IL, Bodycomb shared the principles and mindset that keep athletes improving without breaking themselves or their partners. Because in jiu-jitsu, the best training culture isn't the most competitive one — it's the one where everyone gets to keep showing up.
Is Situational Sparring the Smarter, & Safer Way to Train Jiu Jitsu?
This article explores the benefits of situational sparring in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, especially for beginners. Unlike traditional training that relies on full live rolling, situational sparring allows students to focus on specific positions, improve faster, reduce injuries, and stay more engaged. It also gives instructors better control over class structure and safety.
From Mat to Courtroom: A Wake-Up Call for BJJ Coaches.
This article explores the importance of coach supervision and risk management in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, using a real-world lawsuits—Ray Perada Vs Atos—as cautionary examples. It emphasizes that waivers don’t protect against negligence and highlights best practices for injury prevention, student safety, and legal protection. A must-read for BJJ coaches, gym owners, and instructors looking to create a safer, more sustainable training environment.
BJJ Lawsuits in California: Lessons for Coaches
This article outlines the essential steps every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) coach should take to build a strong risk management plan and reduce the risk of lawsuits—especially in light of recent legal cases like Pereda v. Atos and Del Mar Jiu Jitsu. It covers five critical areas: onboarding new students, supervising every round, coach-led partner pairing protocols, understanding the limits of liability waivers, and establishing a safety-first gym culture. Readers will learn how mismatched partners, lack of supervision, and poor judgment have led to serious legal exposure in real cases, and how to implement practical policies to prevent similar outcomes. Perfect for BJJ instructors, coaches, and academy owners looking to protect themselves, their students, and their gym.
5 Risk Management Lessons from A Misfit.
During our visit with Coach Brad at Misfits Jiu Jitsu in St. Charles, IL, we explored five key risk management strategies every BJJ gym owner should consider. From building a safety-first culture to having the right insurance in place, these tips can help protect your gym, your students, and your peace of mind.
