CATEGORY
For Beginners
If you are new to the BJJ Lab or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Grappling in general, check out this category to learn everything you need to know to get started!
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Lunch Class at BJJ Lab Zürich: Gi Chokes from Turtle
In this gi advanced lunch class we worked on attacking the turtle. When an opponent turtles to block a guard pass, don’t let them rest and recover. Instead create a dilemma: defend the choke or give up the guard pass. We drilled the clock choke, helicopter choke, rolling bow and arrow, and the ezekiel from […]
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Stay Fresh on the Mats: Summer Hygiene Tips for BJJ
Summer training is sweaty. That’s part of the fun. But it also means we need to take extra care with hygiene. Being clean isn’t just about comfort — it’s about respect. Respect for your training partners, your gym, and yourself. Here’s how to stay fresh, healthy, and welcome on the mats all summer long. Shower […]
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10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, and you often find yourself in unfamiliar positions. That’s normal. Every black belt started as a white belt and made the same beginner mistakes. Here are 10 common errors we see at our gym, and how you can avoid them. Using too much […]
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How to Survive BJJ Training in the Summer Heat
Training BJJ in the summer can be tough. The room is hot, your gi feels heavy, and you start sweating before warm-ups even begin. Follow the advice in this post to make training in the summer heat much more enjoyable. Drink More Water (and Start Early) If you only start drinking water right before training, […]
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These Lasso Sweeps Work Every Time vs Kneeling Passers
When a passer plants both knees on the mat, many guards stall. The lasso guard does the opposite—it gives you easy sweeps and fast arm-bars. Below are four high-percentage attacks we teach in the Advanced Gi Curriculum at BJJ Lab Zürich. Tilt Sweep + Easy Arm-Bar Scissor Sweep vs Posted Knee Knee-Lever Sweep When Your […]
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How Long Does It Take to Get Good at BJJ?
One of the most common questions people ask when starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is: how long does it take to get good? The answer depends on how you define “good.” For some, it means being able to defend themselves in a real-life situation. For others, it means earning a belt or winning a competition. The truth […]
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How To Tie Your BJJ Belt
If you are new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or if you usually train nogi and forgot how to tie your belt, this is for you. Tying your belt can feel confusing at first, but it gets easy with a little practice. There are two common ways to tie your belt: the standard knot and the diamond […]
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The Best Way to Train BJJ: How We Do It at BJJ Lab
There’s a lot of debate in the BJJ community about the best way to train. Some say traditional drilling is outdated, while others claim the ecological approach is the future. The reality? No single method is perfect on its own. The best way to develop strong technique and apply it in live sparring is to […]
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How to Stay Motivated and Get Better at Jiu-Jitsu
Getting good in Jiu-Jitsu can feel like an impossible task. Many people start with excitement but lose motivation and quit after some time. Discipline and hard work are important, but they aren’t enough on their own. What really helps is building a positive feedback loop. When training feels like fun, not work, you can stay […]
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What should I expect from my first BJJ class?
Your first basics class at BJJ Lab Zürich will be a welcoming introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), tailored for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: Once you complete the five-week basics course, you’ll be familiar with the major positions and ready to try free sparring in our fundamentals program. This structured start […]