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Welcome back to the third edition in our series of "Jiu-Jitsu Basics," where we cover the most important information about key positions and techniques in BJJ. Next up: closed guard.

In BJJ, closed guard is the most fundamental position in jiu-jitsu. From white belt to black belt, being able to master this position is indispensable. Especially for those of you who are brand new to the gentle art, understanding and utilizing closed guard will be your saving grace. It's the safest place to be - because anyone in your closed guard has to get out of it in order to launch their own attacks (with minor exceptions). Not only that, but you will also find yourself in a position to launch your own attacks. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the essentials of mastering the closed guard in BJJ, including a basic overview of the position, key principles for maintaining control and a few tips for how to employ it to maximum effectiveness, and some common submissions that you’ll want to add to your toolkit.

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There's no replacement for on-the-mat training for developing the necessary hands-on skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There is, however, a way to supplement your training and accelerate your BJJ knowledge: studying. 

While it may have a serious physical component, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is just like any other intellectual endeavor in that there's a mass of knowledge out there that cannot possibly be transmitted in short 1 to 2-hour sessions at the academy. In fact, even if it was possible to learn all there is about jiu-jitsu just being on the mat, the amount of time and energy it requires would take a tremendous toll on the body. Nobody has the time - or stamina - for that. 

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What does every BJJ fan look forward to each spring? There's only one right answer: the IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship. And this year's Pans did not disappoint!

The Pans can be thought of as the opening credits to one of the most prestigious jiu-jitsu events of the year, the IBJJF Worlds. At the Pans, you get to see the best of the best, showcasing what they've been working on and giving you a sneak peek into the battles that will define who will have the honor of calling themselves world champions. And for some, it's the second box to check on their way to an even more prestigious title: the Grand Slam. 

This year, Kingz celebrates an incredible 14 of our athletes becoming Pan Champions! From absolute technical clinics and jaw-dropping submissions, to on-the-edge-of-your seat finals matches, our athletes showed fans exactly why they deserved to be on top. 

Exactly who brought home the gold medal? Here are all the Kingz athletes who hit the top of the podium at Pans this year... 

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When you have dreams of standing at the top of the podium of BJJ's greatest events, it's hard to imagine doing it without attending one of the big name competitive teams. To be sure, it does help to be surrounded by many other competitive-minded training partners, all training hard to be the best among the best. However, it's not the only way. 

Whether your goals are as lofty as the Brasileiros and Worlds, or simply to win your local tournaments, you can't just rely on going to your regularly scheduled classes. You have to train differently. The good news is, you can reproduce the same kind of high-level, competitive training that you see at the top academies around the world. 

Here are four considerations that will help you train in a way to find yourself at the top of the podium more and more often... 

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You know that "love at first sight" feeling?

There's definitely a "love at first roll" in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You have friends and training partners who talk about it. Maybe they speak of the first time they stepped on the mat, thinking they were going to "hold their own" but get absolutely demolished by the resident purple belt woman or by the 16-year old phenom... and they found themselves hooked.

But maybe you don't believe in either love at first sight - you Scrooge - or love at first roll. Maybe you're still salty over your past romance with your primary school or collegiate sport; the one you put so much work and effort into, but it just never gave you any love back. No trophies, no awards, not even an honorable mention. Or maybe you just don't know what love is... 

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