As martial artists we like to think of our training as multi-faceted. We train to refine our technique, we train to develop sequences and “games,” we train for strength, for endurance, for speed, etc... But we might be overlooking one of the most important tools we have available, strategy. Rarely do amateur combat athletes seriously consider tactics and strategy in their routine of overall training.

We live in an information age where everything is accessible to us at the click of a mouse. For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners there are many ways to supplement your education outside of the academy. Sometimes picking through youtube can be tedious, and expensive dvd sets can really make a serious dent in your wallet. Furthermore, to digest either these content heavy mediums it can take over a year or two.

Marcio Stambowsky shows us his famous Macarrao Sweep, a sweep he likes to use when his opponent stands up his in guard. If you're practicing this move and you're the guy on top make sure to tuck your chin and roll through or you'll be enjoying a few extra ibuprofen with your post workout protien drink.

As much as I love the idea of a nice slow breakfast enjoyed while reading the morning paper, I don't actually know anyone who lives like that. We all dash out the door late for something and barely have time to eat, let alone cook up a nice healthy meal first thing.

This week Master Stambowsky shows us his favorite standing guard pass. One of the reasons he likes to use this pass is because it is so efficient. While the pass looks very simple, there are a lot of details that make it work. Make sure to watch how he grips the lapel, and his foot position. He also keeps his elbow inside the knee to avoid a possible triangle and uses the pants to roll his opponent up and keep his hips out of the game. Like all simple things, the details make it work so practice a lot of reps!

Hey, you had to work really hard to pass the guard and make it all the way up to mount so don't give it up so easy! Ryron Gracie shows us a drill you can use to improve your transitions from mount to knee on belly and back. If you rep this drill you'll be able to quickly and smoothly move from one dominant position to another.

Every week it seems like a new soap for fighters is popping up on the landscape. We recently got a package of several bars of manly bath soap from a company called Manumission, and I've been using it for a couple weeks now.

Earlier this month I spoke with Jon Thomas (no relation) about the organization he's started called Tap Out Cancer. It sounds like he's doing some great work, and he's going to be donating all the money they raise to organizations dedicated to fighting cancer. Read on for more details...

This week Tanquinho shares one way to pass the X-Guard. When stuck in someone's X-Guard it's easy to be swept because your weight is spread along a very long and narrow base, with a high center of gravity. Any movement towards your front or back can be enough to unbalance you.

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