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19 Sep 2018
What is the Belt Path of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Artist?

We use belts as milestones of learning and these belts are earned through hard work. The BJJ belt is one the hardest journeys in martial arts respected and revered in the combat sport world. Many compare the purple belt of Brazilian jiu jitsu at the same level as a black belt from other martial arts.
How long does it take to get a BJJ black belt?
It can take anywhere from eight to twelve years to earn your black belt, given that you spend consistent time on the mat, limit any injuries, and closely follow the goals for your development. We will break down some of the key details of belt progression in Brazilian jiu jitsu through this article. If you view Brazilian jiu ....
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Positions

As a new student to Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) you will find a new vocabulary of terms and concepts that may be unfamiliar to you. Here is quick list of some of these words.Becoming familiar with these will give you a head start for classes.
What are the positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
There is a loosely hierarchical system of positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the fundamental positions are listed here: Mount Back Control Side Control Knee on Belly Closed Guard Half Guard Open Guard
Mount
At the top of the positional hierarchy, and the most dominant position in BJJ. In a self defense situation, this position allows you to rain down fists or ....
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What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a striking based martial art focusing on strikes using the hands, elbows, knees, shins and feet. Muay Thai’s uniqueness comes from 100’s of years of developing the use of the hardest parts on the human body as a weapon: elbows and knees with fists and feet. The idea behind Muay Thai is to use the body as a weapon. The Thai wanted to emulate the melee weapons of war like the mace, hammer, axe and staff. What is now Muay Thai was originally referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because of the use of elbows and knees (Two hands, two feet, two elbows, two knees). Use of the elbows and knees allows Muay Thai to be used ....
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8 Things You Should Know For Your First Month of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

You have decided to pursue martial arts in Longmont, and are headed into your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. WOW! Can you feel that? The adrenalin? The excitement? The nervousness? Yes, you may experience one or more of these, regardless, Congratulations! What can you expect when you step on the mats for the first month of your Brazilian jiu jitsu journey (BJJ)? That first time on the mats can bring up any multitude of physical and emotional responses. I will try to take some of the anxiety away and share what the first month will be like, based on my experience.
What should you expect from your first month of BJJ?
The first month of BJJ is filled with learning a ton of new ....
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2 Aug 2018
Which Martial Art is Best for Me?

To determine the best martial art for you, you must consider whether you enjoy or want to learn grappling (wrestling), striking (stand up) or a combination. The great news is Dark Horse offers both through our Brazilian jiu jitsu and Muay Thai classes. On top of that, many of our membership programs give you access to both. So, you have decided martial arts is your choice to improve your health through a good fitness program. If you have not trained a martial art before, or even if you have trained, you may have some questions. What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? What is Muay Thai? Are either or both of them the correct choice for me? The simple answer is ‘yes’. One of, if ....
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BJJ Lingo

Like anything in life, Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) uses a range of unique terms in daily conversation. Here is a compilation of regularly used terms. Becoming familiar with these will aid to your understanding of training techniques and will improve your knowledge allowing you to focus your time on training.
Base
In jiu jitsu, base is defined by your points of contact with the ground in such way as to allow mobility yet to apply the most leverage. The simple adjustment of being on the balls of your feet vs standing flat footed affords you a better base. You have maneuverability and focused leverage. “A platform from which to apply and absorb force.” ( Stephan ....
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2 Aug 2018
Stop Bullies With Martial Arts

Bullies at school are a concern for parents and children alike. Unchecked bullying can lead to deeper problems for children, and affect them long into adulthood. At Dark Horse, we take bullying very seriously. Our goal is to end bullying involving our students.
What is bullying?
Bullying is the repeated physical, verbal, emotional or mental harassment of an individual perceived as weaker. Bullying is the use of superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what the bully wants. It is repeated social behavior where one person or a group: makes threats, spreads rumours, uses exclusion, or verbally or physically ....
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2 Aug 2018
The Blue Belt Blues

In Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) moving forward beyond your blue belt can be a crux. You find yourself at a plateau where it seems as though you are learning nothing new. Even worse, nothing you try seems to be working anymore. Many people drop out at this pivotal juncture in their journey. Don’t give up! Surviving your blue belt will test your resolve. This belt is a true test of your grit. It marks your ability to persevere through the most difficult challenges, and will decide your commitment to the journey. The blue belt often has a large plateau, where it may feel as though you are learning nothing new. Lower belts may seem to be passing you by left and right. It is in these ....
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Why You Should Compete

For some people competing comes naturally. For them, it is the obvious action to take with any hobby. These people choose sports that have a competitive side, they search for activities that allow them to be competitive. For other people, competing seems abnormal. For these individuals, competing might be the last activity they want to partake in. For natural competitors, there isn’t a choice. They must compete. They are constantly driven to compete. But competing is just as important for people who don’t feel the drive to do so, if not more. Why should you compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? It improves your game, it helps you learn to control your body, it increases your ....
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When you train martial arts you build dedication, discipline, and determination

It takes dedication to the training if you want to improve in martial arts. If you aren’t disciplined than you won’t show up to train, and if you aren’t determined than you won’t train hard. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu doesn’t necessarily attract people who already have those qualities though. Dedication, discipline, and determination are taught through the process of training. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s ability to instill those traits is one of the most impressive aspects of the sport. It took me at 18-years-old; a lazy, uninspired kid, and brought me to who I am now; A dedicated, disciplined, and determined individual, who consistently sets and achieves his ....
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