The Grapplers Guide http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums The Grapplers Guide Forum en Wed, 22 May 2013 21:55:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/images/cyclic/misc/rss.jpg The Grapplers Guide http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums <![CDATA[Website Reviews - BJJ Library & MGinAction]]> http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f17/website-reviews-bjj-library-mginaction-6111/ Mon, 20 May 2013 13:37:46 GMT I'm not quite sure where this thread should go, but video reviews seems to be the closest fit. Anyway, I reviewed MGinAction and BJJ Library over the last fortnight, so here are the short versions:

MGinAction: By far the largest database of any online BJJ instructional site currently available, MGinAction gives you full access to the jiu jitsu of an elite competitor. The comprehensive labelling system is impressive, with a range of learning options, such as 'drilling', 'discussion' and 'in action. There are numerous playback options, including 'mirror image', several speeds and full-screen. However, Garcia will not always be the one teaching, though his assistants are undoubtedly capable. This is also just footage from class, so there are rarely multiple angles and sometimes both demonstrators wear the same colour gi.

I also disliked the way that videos were almost always techniques in long combinations rather than individual moves. While that makes sense in terms of how the technique would be applied in practice, I found it distracting when I was looking for specific details on a specific technique. Still, there is the option of a free week-long trial (which is easy to cancel before you get charged), so it is worth taking a look.

Full review here

BJJ Library: Both Xande and Saulo Ribeiro have respected DVD sets on the market, as well as arguably the best instructional book to date, Jiu Jitsu University. BJJ Library follows on directly from that work: video versions of the techniques taught in Jiu Jitsu University currently account for the majority of BJJ Library's content. Due to the youth of BJJ Library the archive is not yet extensive, though new videos are being added every day.

This site is ideal for people who are not looking for the latest flashy acrobatics, but instead want to develop a steady pressure game. Having said that, there are regular guest seminars from current luminaries like Leandro Lo, meaning more ostentatious BJJ will presumably be covered when somebody with that style is brought in to teach. Of the two sites, this is my preference, but then I'm a big fan of the Ribeiro brothers' instructional style and output.

Full review here ]]> Video Reviews slideyfoot http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f17/website-reviews-bjj-library-mginaction-6111/ Gi Review: Ground Game Titan (A2) http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/gi-review-ground-game-titan-a2-6103/ Tue, 14 May 2013 01:35:27 GMT Founded in summer 2010, Poland-based Ground Game Fightwear makes a line of Brazilian jiu-jitsu/grappling/MMA martial arts gear and apparel including gis, shorts, rashguards, belts, and gloves. In their own words:

"Our products are extensively tested to the highest standard with the help from our sponsored fighters. Designs are made by people who, like us, are passionate about martial arts.
We train, compete and are a part of the martial arts community and that is the reason why we value the relationship with our customers so much. We deliver products that we ourselves wear with pride everyday."

The Titan Energy gi is one of Ground Game's newest offerings and they were kind enough to send one to BJJ Legends for our perusal. The short-term diagnosis? Sturdy construction, nice embroidery, understated colours, and a comfortable fit.


Design/Features/Construction:
The Titan Energy gi came in a drawstring carrying bag containing a 550g pearl weave jacket and two pairs of pants (one cotton and one ripstop). It has a bombproof feel that reminds me of my Atama Mundial (still going strong after 5+ years of abuse). The jacket is reinforced in all the regular spots (armpits and skirt slits) and has what feels like a foam collar that my instructor gave the thumbs up to after nearly splitting my jaw with a cross choke. The pants also appear tough, with oversize belt loops, and reinforcement patches up the butt seam and running from knee to shin.


Jacket:
I'm a fan of this gi's look - it's hard to argue with black accented by white and blue. My parents were visiting while it was hang drying and my mom described it as "pretty." Add a purple belt and it's a perfect match for the bruises that adorn my body at most times. As has become standard with jiu-jitsu gis, the jacket has logos aplenty: patches on the shoulders, logo tape around the seams, a silkscreened interior, and embroidered logos on the front lapel, between the shoulder blades, and on the lower shin.


Pants:
The gi comes with two pairs of pants - one cotton and one ripstop - and both are made with fabric that is heavier than the average. Add reinforcement panels from shin to above the knee and a reinforcement patch up the butt seam and these should stand up to some serious abuse. The drawstring is more of a rope (0.75"/1cm in diameter) and I was skeptical of its smooth texture, but I haven't had any problems with it coming loose. Both pairs of pants have an embroidered Ground Game logo on the lower shin.


On the Mat:
I'm 5'9" and about 175 and the gi I tried was an A2. Straight out of the bag, this gi was pretty big - I could have worn it overtop of another gi - so I ran the whole kit through the washer and dryer before first use and it shrank into a good fit. It's since gone through the dryer three times. See the chart below for pre- and post-drying measurements.
On the mats it feels great... no annoying tugs when I squat, no pulling across the shoulders, the collar doesn't dig into my neck when I look a certain way... put it on, forget about it, and get rolling. And as we move into summer, it's nice to have the option of the lighter ripstop pants.




Conclusion:
Ground Game's Titan Energy gi gets the thumbs up. I'm not a gearhead. I'll buy something, run it into the ground, and then buy a replacement. If this gi turns out to be as durable as it looks I'll be using it well into my 40s. Coming from the other side, because of its sturdy construction, this gi might not be the best choice for competitors who are trying to squeak into a lower weight category. A nice option to consider when ordering is that you have the option to save some money and only purchase one pair of pants. Prices range from €89.00 for the white gi with one pair of pants to €119.00 for the black gi with two pairs of pants. The black gi with 2 pairs of pants is also available from MAS for $149.99. Don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for updates. ]]> StLRPh http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/gi-review-ground-game-titan-a2-6103/ <![CDATA[Gi Review: Grab & Pull Premium v2 (A2)]]> http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/gi-review-grab-pull-premium-v2-a2-6082/ Sat, 11 May 2013 20:24:33 GMT Original Review is HERE (more pictures)



Grab & Pull, out of Brighton UK, is the child of Gus Oliviera and has become one of the most recognizable BJJ Apparel Company in the UK. Grab & Pull is also very active in the European BJJ community. Recently, they’ve helped to big Grappler’s Quest to Europe and will also be streaming the upcoming Copa Podio tournament. G&P is crossing the big pond soon and were kind enough to send their Premium Version 2 gi for a review. If the gi that I was sent is any indication of their products they will be just as big in the US in no time. Their current line of products include: tees, gis, belts, rashguards, and fight shorts. Now, let’s jump into the review for the Grab & Pull Premium Version 2 in White (A2)!


Design/Features/Construction:
The Premium Version 2 Gi consists of a 550gsm pre-washed pre-shrunk pearl weave and ripstop pants. The jacket and pants are white with neon-green contrast stitching. The blue version of this Gi sports white contrast stitching. High quality stitching is used throughout the entire Gi with extra reinforcements in all of the stress points with another layer of high contrast stitching along all seams gives the Gi sturdy feel and great visual appeal. This Gi has a rubberized collar. Some embroidery and a few patches keep a clean look without overdoing it. The patching coupled with the contrast stitching gives the Gi a great classic look with just a little pop. I noticed right away how light the Gi was and the great fit as I put it on the first time. Having a gi that fit great right out the bag is wonderful. I usually buy A3s and then shrink them to fit. This Gi is IBJJF legal.


Jacket:
The jacket sports an interior tag with basic care information, website, size, and G&P lettering. White patches on both shoulders (8.5” x 2.25”) show off the G&P Logo of two hands gripping and “Grab & Pull” in lettering. A smaller G&P Patch at the bottom of one Lapel and an embroidered “Premium 2 Version” lettering round out the front of the Gi. A small embroidered “Premium 2 Version” pops up on the back below the collar. The sections of embroidery are well done and have no signs of distress; the patch stitching also shows no fraying. The rubber collar is covered in ripstop. The bottom exterior of the skirt and the inside of the cuffs are lined with tape that says “Grab&Pull” spaced by the two hands gripping logo. This Gi is visually appealing, the clean look of the white Gi with minimal patching/embroidery done up with the neon-green contrast stitching make this Gi a head turner. I had many teammates tell me how great the Gi looked. This is easily my best looking Gi, combined with a great fit it definitely is one of my favorite Gi’s and in heavy rotation.


Pants:
The 100% cotton ripstop pants keep the classic look with just a little pop. They’re also light and durable. 4 drawstring loops (in neon green) and a rope style drawstring create a great fit around the waist. The waist is off-set with the back half being slightly higher. The loops, string and off-set waist all work together to keep the pants in place once they’re tied. The pants have reinforced stitching at all stress points and the neon green contrast stitching at all seams, it’s the same as the jacket. The tape used in the jacket runs down the outside of each leg and the inside of each cuff similar to the sleeve openings. There is additional reinforcement at the knees starting at the thigh and is 14.5” length and runs from vertical seam to seam across the front of the leg. The same tag patch as the interior of the jacket is located 3.5” below the waistline on the front of the right hip. The same “Premium 2 Version” embroidery can be found on the front of the left shin.


Test Run:
Right out of the bag I was skeptical that the A2 would fit me, like I mentioned earlier I usually have to buy an A3 and slowly shrink it to fit right. I was happily surprised on how great it fit the first time, with the length on the sleeves and pants just a little longer than I like. After 10+ washes/training sessions I have not noticed any noticeable wear and tear. All of the stitching still looks great. The feel of the Gi overall was great, very comfortable while rolling and drilling. I also noticed, and was told by rolling partners, that the Gi was not abrasive like some are and did not stick when I started sweating. As I hinted before this Gi easily outdistances my other Gi’s I have thus far, both in aesthetics and fit/comfortablity.




I washed this Gi on cold and hung dry every time I washed it. The only negative that I have for this Gi is that it did shrink, which I didn’t mind due to it being just a little long on me. The overall length of the Gi wingspan and Pant length both shrank close to 2 inches. I don’t believe I have ever owned any Gi that hasn’t shrunk even when I didn’t purposefully do it. I’d recommend to anyone purchasing a G&P gi for the first time to carefully review the sizing chart and email them if there are questions.





Wrap Up:
This wrap up is too easy. Buy this Gi! It looks great and fits great. It has held up to the rigors of class with some very strong grapplers yanking me around. Also, did I mention it looks great? I guarantee that if you show up to class wearing this you will get quite a few compliments. The white Gi that I reviewed is listed at £99 (~$150) and the blue Gi is £109 (~$166) plus shipping which puts this Gi right in line with other Premium Gi’s. Make sure to check out their website and Facebook page for any upcoming deals and announcements.
Editor's Note: This gi will soon be available at MAS and be on the look out for a 1 day deal at BJJHQ. ]]> StLRPh http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/gi-review-grab-pull-premium-v2-a2-6082/ Gi Review: Inverted Gear (A3L) http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/gi-review-inverted-gear-a3l-6046/ Mon, 06 May 2013 17:13:45 GMT "Inverted Gear was founded in February of 2012. We had grown tired of the current trend of high price pre-order limited edition gis, which meant months of waiting and small window of purchase. We strive to bring a high quality product at an affordable price…
We are not for the tough guys, our logo is a clear indication of what we are about. We are for the guys and girls that want to be on the mat…
Be part of the Panda Nation”

I was introduced to Inverted Gear about a year ago. I was competing in my first IBJJF tournament and kept seeing these gis with upside down pandas on them. They were everywhere, seemed to fit well and the panda logo is pretty cool. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I was able to finally get my hands on one of these gis and see what all the fuss was about. BTW, Inverted Gear has the nicest gi bag that I’ve ever seen. My oldest daughter fell in love with it instantly and has claimed it as her own.


Design/Features/Construction:
The kimono consists of a 550g pearl weave jacket with 12 ounce ripstop pants. The pants have a pearl weave gusset. Elastic rope and 6 belt loops are used to keep your drawers up. There is a mouth piece pocket in the pants (which I’ve never used). A 550g weave jacket is substantial and should hold up well to rigorous use for a long time. The stitching is reinforced throughout the jacket. The rubberized collar is covered with ripstop and thicker than average. There is ripstop tape at the interior seams as well as a special panda satin tape at the cuffs and the bottom of the skirt. The pants have reinforced stitching at stress points as well as extra reinforcement in the center of the rear. The pants also have an offset rear waist line to stay in place better. The knees have additional reinforcement that starts at the upper thigh and extends down to 7.75” from the cuffs which are lined with the same panda tape as the jacket cuffs.


Jacket:
The good folks at Inverted Gear have stated that they’re more interested in spending time on the mat than blinging out the latest limited edition gi. Their jacket is consistent with that statement. Are there some cool details? Definitely. But they’re typically subtle and in some cases only noticed by the user. Each shoulder has the ubiquitous upside-down panda logo. The logo is fully embroidered, roughly 3” in diameter and well sewn. The only patch on the gi is the ever-present manufacturer’s identification logo patch at the bottom of the left side lapel. A few details that aren’t immediately apparent are: custom satin tape at the cuffs and skirt, ripstop tape covering over the interior seams and extra reinforcements at the skirt slits and armpits. Something else that I noted is that for a pearl weave gi this one feels very sturdy, almost like a gold weave.


Pants:
Inverted Gear’s pant, like the jacket, is more about function than anything else. The only embellishment on the pants is a single patch on the upper right thigh (1.75” x 4”) with the company name and logo. The stitching is even and no loose threads were noted. The reinforcements in the butt and knees are solid and the overall weight is on the heavier side for ripstop (which makes it the same as most cotton pants). In a nutshell you’re getting heavy ripstop pants that have been designed and constructed to hold up to a lot of training.


Test Run:
I’ve had two different people testing out the A3L, myself (6’4”/195lb) and Kevin (6’1”/190lb.) The gi fits both of use very well. The pants are little short on me but pants almost always are. They fit Kevin much better. The gi performed well and has shown no signs of wear and tear in the few months that I’ve been using. It’s a little on the heavy side which makes it ideal for cooler weather. Kevin has said it’s his favorite gi now and is looking get another one. Editor’s Note: I intentionally shrank the gi down for this review. I dried it completely twice. Before drying the wingspan was ~69”.



Special Considerations:
Inverted Gear is further proof that a small, new gi manufacturer can make a high-quality gi and keep the price reasonable. The inclusion of a really nice gi bag and the cool embroidery are just a bonus. How can you not like that logo? It’s friggin’ awesome! Last and definitely not least, Inverted Gear is a major supporter and sponsor of Tap Cancer Out. Once again a small company is front and center in giving back to the community. Did I mention that they have the coolest gi bag I've seen so far?


Wrap Up:
If you looking for a durable pearl weave gi that’s well-priced and has subtly pleasing aesthetics then Inverted Gear is the place for you. The distinctive inverted panda logo really sets the gi apart from the crowd but does in an understated way. At $125 (white) and $140 (blue) they also fit into almost everyone’s budget. I’ve even seen it at BJJHQ a few times for ~$100, which is an incredible deal. Do yourself a favor and check Nelson and crew at their website, Facebook and Twitter. ]]> StLRPh http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/gi-review-inverted-gear-a3l-6046/ Breakpoint FC Ranked Rashguard Review http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/breakpoint-fc-ranked-rashguard-review-6022/ Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:17:14 GMT Original here: Gear Review: Breakpoint FC Ranked Rashguard (L)

“BreakpointFC was founded out of our love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We understand the difficulty of finding quality Gis with good fit. Our brand values quality and customer service. We constantly try to refine our products to respond to the demands of the Jiu Jitsu community. Where other premium Gi companies products skyrocket in price while declining in quality, Break Point offers premium Gis at competitive prices with excellent design, fit and quality. One roll and you will know the difference.” Breakpoint FC


Break Point’s new series of ranked rashguards are available in short sleeves. The rashguards are IBJJF legal, available in traditional ranks, kid’s ranks, pink and red. The rashguards feature fully sublimated graphics and are available for $49.95 from Breakpoint.


The Blue Ranked Rashguard that I reviewed has black sleeves and sides with a very appealing pattern on the front & back. The rashie sports a medium blue in color with some diagonal coloring of darker blue to create contrast. White piping separates the ranked colors and black sleeves. I liked the overall look of the rashguard and it looks great with the sublimated Break Point graphics on the chest, each sleeve, and right below the neck on the back. As you’d expect the sublimated graphics have held up very well and I have not noticed any peeling or fading in the colors or graphics.





The rashguard is constructed of polyester with 4 way stretch throughout the design. The neck cut is a little tight on me but that may just be due to my thicker neck, the tightness is not constricting. The arms fit well but the chest seems a little tight. Overall it fit very well and I like the cut. The flat stitching has held up great with only very slight fraying at the areas where two lines of stitching meet up and overlap. The tight fit helped with the rash guard riding up during class and I only seemed to notice a few times when it did ride up.





The rashguard that I reviewed was a large, and fit me well thought on the tighter side. The website notes all sizes by body weight and if you are on the border of sizes you may want to go up a size if you prefer/need a looser fit (I’m ~185). This may be why I found the neck and chest a little tight. All of these rash guards are NABJJF and IBJJF approved and are also made in the USA.



Wrap Up:



At $49.95 these moderately priced Rashguards are worth the money. With a cool design and good fit you will be able to add this to your arsenal of jiu-jitsu gear. Something that I’d like to see in the future is a rubberized hem at the bottom to keep the rashguard in place. That being said this rashguard will have a place in my current rotation of NoGi gear. The fact that it’s IBJJF/NABJJF approved and made in the USA are also big pluses to me. For more information on Breakpoint FC check them out at their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. ]]> StLRPh http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f19/breakpoint-fc-ranked-rashguard-review-6022/ Which DVD set would you choice? http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f87/dvd-set-would-you-choice-5986/ Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:41:59 GMT We are looking for a dvd set that has a complete system/game plan. Examples : How to Defeat the Bigger, Stronger Opponent, Series 2 with Brandon Mullins, Caio Terra Modern BJJ, or Rafael Lovato Jr Ultimate Pressure System Gi. Any other suggestions would be great but please keep in mind we are not looking for a lot of random moves we are looking for system/game plan. Thanks for your time We are looking for a dvd set that has a complete system/game plan.

Examples : How to Defeat the Bigger, Stronger Opponent, Series 2 with Brandon Mullins, Caio Terra Modern BJJ, or Rafael Lovato Jr Ultimate Pressure System Gi. Any other suggestions would be great but please keep in mind we are not looking for a lot of random moves we are looking for system/game plan.




Thanks for your time ]]> Video Review Requests and Questions Jarodjude http://www.grapplersguide.com/forums/f87/dvd-set-would-you-choice-5986/