Dear Legion,
This month we are doing something new in this newsletter. We are going over a technique for the very first time. Most newsletters so far have featured (surely invaluable) tips and concepts, but not actual jiu-jitsu moves. This one is also mildly Halloween-themed.
We also have a unique design challenge, matches of the month, a recap of some tournaments, including a glorious victory and more!
Once you have the grip, it is time to strike. You lift some weight off the chest to make the space for the coup de grâce, the most important part of this move. With unparalleled elegance, we’ll slide the lapel between his helpless chicken wing hand and his neck.
Now is the time to be sneaky. We lean over the opponent’s upper torso, to obstruct his vision. We make sure our lapel is out from the belt and we grab it at the tip, like you would grab a dagger. This is not the time to fumble and touch the opponent or make it obvious what you’re doing. If he knows this move, becoming alert to it will make it very difficult to finish.
Once you have the grip it is time to strike, you lift some weight off the chest to make the space for the coup de grâce, the most important part of this move. With unparalleled elegance, we’ll slide the lapel between his helpless chicken wing hand and his neck.
We let go of the grip on the chicken wing lapel and grab our own lapel that was just passed over. Just like the Chilean sea bass I mentioned earlier for some reason, the opponent is now pretty cooked.
However, there are a few important details left. We need to get the knuckles of the hand that’s grabbing the lapel on the mat and drag them so that the wrist is touching the neck. This strangle will work by having the wrist/forearm do the work on one side of the neck and the lapel on the other. To make the lapel more effective, we are going to lean into it to make it taut.
To get the best angle and squeeze on the neck, we move the free hand to the other hip and rotate on our knees to face that hip with our head. If all the previous steps were achieved correctly, getting the face to that hip will not be necessary as your opponent will already have tapped or mingle with the spirits in the shadow realm.
That is how you do the ninja choke.
P.S. Ninja Mihaisreal, and hecanhurt you.
Matches of the month
Keenan Cornelius v Rodrigo Martins
With Keenan teaching more classes at Legion, here’s a great reminder of time as a competitor. In this match against Rodrigo, Keenan showcases the effectiveness of the worm guard — using the lapel to control and off-balance his opponent while maintaining complete control of the distance.
You can see how the position opens up endless sweep options and transitions directly into multiple submission opportunities. Once Keenan had the lapel, it was just a matter of time until the sub was completed.
Mica Galvao vs Roberto Jimenez
Another great example here of control. Mica defeated Roberto in their no-gi match by armbar. He stayed composed throughout the exchange, patiently setting up the submission and showing crazy pressure once he had control of the arm. Showcasing how quick tides can turn with proper mechanics and control.
Design Legion’s First-Ever Blue Gi
We’re opening up a special design challenge to our Legion members! This is your chance to help create Legion’s first-ever blue gi.
You can use the official template we’ll provide—or go rogue with your own. Just send your masterpiece to info@legionajj.com with the subject line “Legion Blue Gi.”
The winning design will have the gi named after you, model the product when dropped - and become forever etched into Legion lore. Obviously, you’ll also get 2 of the gis for your collection.
Grab your markers, tablets, crayons, or whatever you’ve got—and show what your version of a Legion blue Gi looks like.
Detailed instructions:
- Design must be in digital form, preferably a vector file
- Placements must be clearly designated
- No rashguard liner designs
- These are the Legion logo vector files
- Contest closes 11/14
Belt Promotions
Congratulations to everyone who got promoted in October!
Purple Belt
- Brady Fukimoto
- Julian Lelalnd
- James Deirmendjian
Blue Belt
- Matthew Brennan
- Harrison Pond
September Top Attendees
🥇Jason Bunch - 27 classes
🥈Edward Strzelec - 26 classes
🥉Parker Lynch - 25 classes
Events
JJWL San Diego Recap!
Our team showed up strong at JJWL Del Mar — taking 1st place overall in the Gi and 4th in No-Gi!
In Gi, 19 competitors brought home an incredible 25 victories, earning 6 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze.
In No-Gi, 13 competitors took the mats and brought back a total of 2 golds, 5 silvers, and 1 bronze.
Huge congratulations to everyone who stepped on the mats and represented Legion. The results speak for themselves — the hard work is paying off!
JJWL is coming back December 6th - let’s run it back and sign up below.
No-Gi Europeans Squad
The IBJJF No-Gi European Open is happening in Rome right this very moment.
Coach Jake just qualified for Day 2 (Sunday) and will have his next match in the quarterfinals. Coach Paige is directly into the finals tomorrow. Rana Willink is chasing another gold tomorrow as well, after winning No-Gi Pans.
One medal that's already secured belongs to Zach Etterman, who won 4 matches to take home the Masters 1, Blue Belt, Featherweight European Title!
Competitions
- Grappling Industries - San Diego, Nov 29th -REGISTER
- JJWL The Finals SOCAL - San Diego, Dec 6th-REGISTER
- IBJJF World No Gi Championships - Las Vegas, Dec 11th -REGISTER
Outro
That does it for another edition of the newsletter, the first one with a dedicated technique column. We have some more events getting announced before the end of the month, so keep your eyes out. Speaking of keeping your eyes out, we have some new merch coming in. The R(ed)W(hite)B(lue) rashguard is on sale for the first time, Legion water bottles are back after a 3 year hiatus and we have grey t-shirts coming this week, with some hoodies joining them at the end of the month as well.