Dear Legion,
We are emerging from a sweaty August with another packed newsletter. We'll be looking at concepts that will help you with your guard. I will walk you through how I'm managing a fresh injury. We'll investigate why Legion instructors can't seem to stay out of Asia. I wrote a long ADCC World Championship primer. Plus the attendance leaderboard, the Labor Day schedule, upcoming events and more.
Let's dive right in.
Main Column
Guard Concepts
Last month was guard passing. This month we flip it around and look at three concepts for the person on the bottom.
Concept I
Attack Targets from Guard
Going on the offensive from the guard should start with attacking the balance. This is a safe bet against any kind of passing approach you face. Using off-balances to knock your opponent down to his hands, knees, or hips will make your life a lot easier. An opponent that is constantly getting off-balanced cannot establish solid guard passes and falls into a reactive cycle.
You can aim the off-balances backward, forward, or side to side. The most important thing is that you aim it somewhere. The guard passer has gravity on his side. Pair that with some knowledge and a good base and you're starting off at a deficit.
There are many ways to off-balance from guard. To name a few:
Amplifying reactions. You pull on the opponent's wrist and use his pull back to move him further in that direction and off balance.
Tripping. Using the kouchi gari from a seated position.
Elevating. Using butterfly guard to bring the opponent's hands to the mat above your shoulder, lifting his hips up.
Threatening an advance. Threatening to build up to the knees from half guard, which forces a dilemma.
Concept II
With Your Knee Shield or On It
Your knee shield should see your enemy's sword shatter upon it. Each slash of the metaphorical blade should be glancing off, without doing damage or even inflicting danger.
Playing half guard without a knee shield is not common at a high level. The risk of getting pinned flat on the back and smashed is just too great. So why is the knee shield important?
It provides an additional frame, another important layer that the guard passer has to go through (or around) to succeed in passing the guard. With the knee shield there are four layers of guard to fight with: both arms and both legs.
The shield can be low or high (knee to far hip or knee to chest), which facilitates a couple of different attacking opportunities. It also doesn't need to be there just for defense. It can be used to off-balance or be utilized for an attack.
You should use the knee shield when playing half guard, and it should be where the opponent's guard passing dreams go to die.
Concept III
Just Stand Up
Are you tired of getting pinned on your back and struggling to regain guard? Even if you regain your guard, do you still feel uncomfortable on your back? You are not alone!
At Jiu-Jitsu Doesn't Work Inc. we have come up with an ingenious solution.
JUSTSTANDUP™
With only a small dose of JUSTSTANDUP™ you too can negate the existence of jiu-jitsu by taking the fight back to the feet. Playing seated guard and the opponent is just a bit too far away? Just stand up.
Stuck in bottom side control? Put your hands in their armpit, bench press them off you and just stand up.
Do you have your back taken? Turn belly down, build up to all fours, and shake them off as you… just stand up!
Results may vary. JUSTSTANDUP™ should not be taken in combination with FIGHTINGBETTERWRESTLERS™. Side effects may include: getting submitted, not getting up, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
From the Author
The Injury
I've written about injury prevention in past editions of the newsletter, but I have not mentioned injury management as much. Thankfully, I was blessed with the opportunity to give you a first-person account of how I approach injury management, by describing what I'm doing currently.
My knees have a quarter of a century of grappling on them already and I've had some meniscus issues before. I had repair surgery on my left knee ten years ago, which has held up. Two weeks ago, during the last round of no-gi class, I went for a butterfly sweep and my right knee popped. It does that sometimes, but this time it didn't just sound like a suppressed gunshot, it also hurt. The first thought that went through my mind was that I likely tore the meniscus on the medial side of my knee.
I finished the round, which might not have been the smartest thing to do, and then, before my knee started to cool down, I did a quick assessment just to see what the range of motion was like and whether the knee was locking or not. I knew that the next 2 to 3 days were going to suck regardless. For those days I just rested, made sure not to put the joint through anything unnecessary, and kept tabs on what was going on. At this stage some ice is not the worst idea, although personally I'm not a huge fan.
In the meantime I got in touch with a surgeon friend of mine and got an MRI scheduled for the knee, which I did a couple of days later. It confirmed that I tore my medial meniscus. During this first week I also started doing some red light therapy (recommended by T.C. Chesser a few months ago). I started doing some peptides (BPC-157 and TB-500), which I got with a prescription from a compounding pharmacy. I do not recommend injecting research compounds from dodgy websites. I changed up my diet to be even cleaner than usual, because I'm burning fewer calories and the body needs the best ingredients to repair itself. I started doing some bodywork, gentle stretching and gentle exercises to keep moving in the ranges of motion that aren't extreme. That was the first week.
Most importantly, I started doing physiotherapy. I'm actually seeing one of our members at a clinic in La Jolla and doing exercises every day, not just for the leg, but for the hips and core as well. This next part doesn't have to do with rehab, but it's an essential part of being injured: I'm lifting weights like crazy for the upper body, because if my legs are going to get a little skinnier I want the upper body of a pterodactyl. I'm also glad we got the Ski Erg for the gym area, because having an upper body cardio machine is very useful. There's not just no excuse for getting out of shape when injured (except maybe a spine injury), it actively hinders recovery.
As for next steps: the plan is to review the MRI with a couple of surgeons while doing physio and seeing where that gets me recovery-wise. Since most of the meniscus doesn't have blood supply, there's a chance that the only way to fix it is surgery, so I'll make a decision on that sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I'll be teaching classes as normal. I'm picking up a few extra over the next couple of weeks.
Injury Management, Summarized
- Don't do anything to make it worse.
- Give your body everything it needs to recover. It's really good at that.
- Diagnose the issue.
- Start working with a PT.
- Involve the doctors if necessary.
- Make a decision on how to get back into training.
- Get jacked in the body parts with no boo-boo.
Team Legion Abroad
Legion Instructors Can't Stay Out of Asia
In 116 AD the Roman legions under Emperor Trajan reached their furthest point into Asia in their campaign against the Parthian Empire. A little ironically, they made it to modern day Iran.
In 2026 AD, Legion's instructors cannot seem to keep themselves out of Asia. In the past month four of them have gone on a romp through various parts of it.
Sloan and Paige just returned from Thailand, where they started off in Bangkok for Paige's match against Helena and then ended up in Phuket, where they spent more than a month. Sloan returned just a couple of days ago after winning another short-notice muay thai fight.
Coach Sunshine flew to Korea to get some food that is more authentic than what Convoy Street has to offer. He also did some sightseeing and some training, and has come back refreshed with new Asian countries in his sights for next year.
Coach Mike is currently in Bali. He flew to Japan first for a few days around Tokyo and is now at Indonesia's most popular destination before he returns to teaching the kids' classes and some of our beginner courses.
Sloan & Paige · Thailand
Coach Sunshine · Korea
Coach Mike · Japan
Watch & Learn
ADCC World Championship Primer
September 12th & 13th · Krakow, Poland
I want to take the opportunity to give you a little primer about the ADCC World Championship that is coming up in two weeks. It's being held on September 12th and 13th in Krakow, Poland.
This breakdown is mostly for the people who have started jiu-jitsu in the last couple of years and are not familiar with this tournament. For everyone else, it's likely you've already watched an edition or two. The last one was held in 2024 in Las Vegas, but it was hijacked by the Craig Jones Invitational, which he organized on the same weekend out of spite. That took away some of the luster of the event that is typically considered the Olympics of grappling.
History
Abu Dhabi, 1998
ADCC stands for the Abu Dhabi Combat Club. The first tournament was held in 1998 in, you guessed it, Abu Dhabi. It is organized under the patronage of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It has always attracted the best grapplers because the prize money was much higher than for other tournaments, especially in the early days.
Interestingly, the prize for winning a male division has only this year increased from $10,000 to $20,000. The prize money is now overshadowed by many other competitions and professional events, but the prestige remains.
Format
16 Men, 8 Women, Half Invited
The ADCC men's divisions have 16 participants. The women's have 8. The weight classes are:
Men: -66 kg, -77 kg, -88 kg, -99 kg, +99 kg
Women: -55 kg, -65 kg, +65 kg
In these divisions half of the people are invited. This typically includes former champions, former medalists, and some of the biggest stars in the sport. The remaining half have to win the trials tournament for their continent.
The ADCC is a no-gi tournament and most submissions are allowed. The rule set is interesting because the first half of the match has no points. The points come into play in the middle of the match, and you can frequently see overtimes as well when there are no points on the board.
My favorite aspect of the ADCC is the absolute division. It always features matches that you would only ever see at ADCC. Typically they wouldn't happen due to the weight classes, but here you will see some really interesting scraps go down, because the absolute division prize is $50,000 plus a spot in the next edition's super fight.
Legion at ADCC
Paige Goes to Poland
Keenan has 3 medals from the ADCC in his collection: two silvers and a bronze from the absolute division. He won those in 2015 in Beijing and 2017 in Helsinki.
This year Paige punched her ticket by winning the second edition of the North American Trials. She and Sloan will be traveling to Poland next week and she will compete in the +65 kg division. Make sure to tune in to her matches as she competes in the biggest tournament of her life.
Coach Rafaela won this division in 2024, but she is unfortunately not able to go and defend it in Poland due to injury.
Coach Nisar is heading to Poland as well, but he will be coaching his training partner Kaynan Duarte as he competes in the super fight as the absolute division winner from the previous tournament.
Where to watch: The ADCC will be streamed on FloGrappling. You will need a subscription to watch, but there is a monthly option now, which I think is well worth it, especially if you will replay some of the matches.
Watch on FloGrappling →Watch & Learn
Matches of the Month: ADCC Edition
Two of my favorites from past ADCCs, plus a highlight reel to get you warmed up for Krakow.
Past ADCC | No-Gi
Keenan Cornelius vs. Craig Jones
Our own head coach against one of the most entertaining grapplers of the last decade. Watch how both of them attack the legs and the balance from the very first exchange.
Watch the Match →
ADCC 2019 | Absolute
The Entire 2019 Absolute Division
Worth watching start to finish. Pay attention to Lachlan Giles.
Watch the Division →
ADCC 2024 | Highlights
Top 10 Submissions from 2024
If you only have ten minutes, start here.
Watch the Highlights →Schedule
Labor Day Schedule
Monday, September 7th
Holiday schedule on Monday, September 7th. Three sessions only, all other classes are cancelled for the day. Back to the normal schedule on Tuesday.
11 AM
No-Gi All Levels
6 PM
Gi All Levels
Intermediate-Advanced and Fundamentals combined
6 PM
5-Week Beginner Course Starts
Starts Monday, September 14th · Mon & Wed, 5 to 6 PM
Parents Beginner Program
On September 14th we're launching a beginner program for parents on the two days that currently don't have a parents class: Monday and Wednesday at 5 PM. The first class was going to be September 7th, but that's Labor Day, so we pushed it a week.
The program starts with 5 weeks of our Beginner Course curriculum, built for people starting from zero. No experience needed, and everyone in the cohort starts on day one together, so nobody is behind. After the 5 weeks, the classes continue with the Fundamentals curriculum, which is open to all parents in the program and appropriate for all levels.
For parents already training with us, this is two more days a week to get on the mats, since we know kids' schedules can fluctuate through the year. For parents who have never trained, this is the easiest on-ramp we've ever offered: get a workout in instead of doom scrolling in the lobby or running the A/C in the car, understand what your kid is learning, and lead from the front.
Talk to Will or Laura at the front desk, or call or text (858) 888-1815.
Save My Spot for September 14th →Compete · Saturday, October 10th · Del Mar Fairgrounds
JJWL San Diego XIX
Gi and No-Gi · Adults, Masters and Youth
The next Jiu-Jitsu World League stop is Saturday, October 10th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar). Gi and no-gi divisions for adults, masters and youth, so this is a good one for the whole family.
Registration is open until October 7th. Sign up by September 12th and JJWL throws in a free rashguard. Register for gi and you get 10% off the no-gi division.
This is the local tournament we take the most people to. If you have never competed, this is the one to start with. Talk to your coach about which division to enter.
Register for JJWL San Diego →Super Fights · Saturday, November 14th · Battleship Iowa, San Pedro
Jiu-Jitsu on a Battleship
As you know from previous editions of this newsletter, I am a big fan of military history and, obviously, jiu-jitsu. That's why I was blown away when a friend of mine contacted me and told me that he's organizing a super fight event in November on a battleship in the LA harbor. Of course I asked him which battleship, and it became clear that it is the USS Iowa, which is now a museum in San Pedro.
The crazy thing about the USS Iowa is that it actually served in World War II and sank an enemy ship. That you can grapple on an actual battleship is crazy. The event is put on by the We Defy Foundation, which helps combat veterans with service-connected disabilities through jiu-jitsu, so the proceeds go to a good cause too.
The fight card is Saturday, November 14th, doors at 11 AM, first match at noon. Spectator tickets go on sale in October and there will be a free livestream. He's looking for participants in submission-only super fights. Let's go do it!
Update: I just learned that I'll be teaching a seminar on the ship as well. More details as soon as I have them.
Apply for a Super Fight →On the Mats
Attendance Leaders, August 2026
The attendance GOAT is back to remind everyone to put some respect on his name. Jason Bunch has trained more times than this month had days. Let that sink in.
Coming in second is Jimmy Wang, who has been nipping at Jason's heels on these lists for years now. Lat-dropping himself onto the podium is Gage Patry, who has been putting in work in the no-gi classes.
Congratulations to everyone (except for Adam Johnson, whom I included just to remind him that he did not make it into the top three).
🥇 1st Place · 35 Classes
Jason Bunch
🥈 2nd Place · 28 Classes
Jimmy Wang
🥉 3rd Place · 23 Classes
Gage Patry
Not Top Three · 21 Classes
Adam Johnson
Just a Reminder
Referral Reward
Quick reminder on how referrals get credited. When you bring a friend in, ask them to select you under “How did you find out about Legion” when they fill out the waiver. That's the only way the referral lands on your name.
The rewards stack by tier: from the latest Legion rashguard, to a gi or no-gi set, a private lesson with the instructor of your choice, a free month of training, and at the top a massage gun plus a Jocko Fuel supplement stack ($400 value).
Pro Shop
New Merch
This month we got some t-shirts with what we're calling the Electric Eagle design. It was hand-drawn by Heitor Senra, a black belt we met at the Origin Camp in Maine last year. We printed it on grey t-shirts that match the color of our mats.
The other new item is the first ever Legion hat, or cap to be precise. We got just 20 as a limited trial run, so make sure to pick one up if that's your style. I can't personally recommend it because my head is too big for hats, literally, but I think it looks cool if that's worth anything.
If you have any rashguard design ideas and a little bit of a design background, do let me know. I'm looking for ideas for the next run.
That does it for another edition. I hope you enjoyed it. As always, feel free to hit reply and let me know what you'd like me to write about in the next one.