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The Legion Blog

Letters From the Mats

Beginner guides, kids program advice, academy news and jiu-jitsu culture, written by the people who teach it every day.

Letters to the Legion XXIII.
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Letters to the Legion XXIII.

Legion Newsletter, May 2026 May 2026 Letters to the Legion XXIII Training Partner Selection • Referral Program • Match of the Month • ADCC Results   Dear...

May 8, 2026
Paige Clymer wins ADCC Trials, Breylor Grout gets bronze
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Paige Clymer wins ADCC Trials, Breylor Grout gets bronze

COMPETITION | ADCC WEST COAST TRIALS: Two Legion San Diego athletes stepped onto the mat at the ADCC West Coast Trials and left with hardware proving that

Apr 21, 2026
Legion gets a visit from UK Royal Navy’s BJJ Team
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion gets a visit from UK Royal Navy’s BJJ Team

The Royal Navy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team stopped by Legion AJJ in San Diego this week while touring California to train with some of the region’s many...

Oct 14, 2025
Must-Watch No-Gi Grappling Matches: 5 Epic Battles That Will Inspire Your Training
Beginner Guides

Must-Watch No-Gi Grappling Matches: 5 Epic Battles That Will Inspire Your Training

5 no-gi matches that guarantee excitement, especially if you haven’t seen them before!

Apr 18, 2025
Breaking Through Your Jiu-Jitsu Plateaus: 4 Proven Strategies for Continuous Growth
Beginner Guides

Breaking Through Your Jiu-Jitsu Plateaus: 4 Proven Strategies for Continuous Growth

Today, I’m sharing these game-changing strategies that I wish I’d known as a beginner when facing Jiu-Jitsu Plateaus.

Nov 13, 2024
Black Belt Tips for Smaller Grapplers: How Being the Smallest on the Mat Became My Secret Strength
Beginner Guides

Black Belt Tips for Smaller Grapplers: How Being the Smallest on the Mat Became My Secret Strength

Smaller Grappler’s Guide: Why Being the Lightweight on the Mats Is Your Secret Advantage

Nov 13, 2024
Remember Your Jiu-Jitsu Moves: 5 Proven Tips to Lock In What You Learn
Beginner Guides

Remember Your Jiu-Jitsu Moves: 5 Proven Tips to Lock In What You Learn

Remember your Jiu-Jitsu moves with these 5 proven tips. Lock in techniques, improve your skills, and make your training more effective.

Oct 22, 2024
The Legion Team Going to AIGA Champions League Qualifiers ($1mil prize pool)
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

The Legion Team Going to AIGA Champions League Qualifiers ($1mil prize pool)

Team Legion is taking seven top competitors to the AIGA Champions League qualifiers in a quest for the $1mil prize pool.

Oct 19, 2024
What are belt stripes and how to get them?
Beginner Guides

What are belt stripes and how to get them?

Let’s talk about one of the most common questions I get from new students: “What’s the deal with belt stripes, and how do I earn them?”

Oct 16, 2024
Jiu-Jitsu Training Frequency - How Often Should You Train?!
Beginner Guides

Jiu-Jitsu Training Frequency - How Often Should You Train?!

Wondering how often to train jiu-jitsu? The right frequency depends on your level and goals, but consistency is key to making steady progress and reaching...

Oct 8, 2024
Jiu-jitsu Sparring Etiquette - Letters to the Legion V.
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu Sparring Etiquette - Letters to the Legion V.

Find out more about the #1 Legion sparring rule, Masters Worlds conquests, Ultimate recovery “trick”, Navy SEAL black belt promotion and MORE.

Oct 5, 2024
Two Legion Instructors Judge Craig Jones Invitational #1
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Two Legion Instructors Judge Craig Jones Invitational #1

Not one, but two Legion instructors were selected for the prestigious and unenviable role of Craig Jones Invitational judges.

Aug 20, 2024
Listen to coach Miha on the Jocko Podcast
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Listen to coach Miha on the Jocko Podcast

Miha Perhavec, our co-founder and coach appeared as a guest on episode #451 of the Jocko Podcast, hosted by a friend of Legion - Jocko Willink.

Aug 14, 2024
This is one Fundamentals class you will not want to miss…
Legion Members

This is one Fundamentals class you will not want to miss…

We are unveiling a path that will take your Fundamentals journey to a whole new level

May 10, 2024
Video: Rare Justin Flores sparring footage versus 250lbs wrestler from Poway
Legion Videos

Video: Rare Justin Flores sparring footage versus 250lbs wrestler from Poway

Justin Flores is one of the most sought-after and respected coaches in the world of submission grappling. He excels at not one, but three disciplines. Judo,...

Apr 24, 2024
New Class Alert: Nogi Fundamentals added to evenings.
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

New Class Alert: Nogi Fundamentals added to evenings.

find out everything about our newest class - nogi fundamentals.

Mar 21, 2024
Legion Eaglets

Lil’ Warriors FREE Open Mat for Kids

Bring your kids by for some sparring at Legion’s FREE open mat.

Nov 23, 2023
Women’s Self Defense Course Material
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Women’s Self Defense Course Material

Women’s Self Defense Course Material. From the Legion American Jiu-Jitsu blog in San Diego.

Oct 4, 2023
Beginner Guides

The (Almost) Complete Jiu-Jitsu Dictionary

Created by: Cristiano Del Giacco This is your ever-growing jiu-jitsu Dictionary: no more nodding your head pretending you know what the higher belts are...

Apr 21, 2023
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Two permanent and two temporary schedule changes at Legion AJJ

Permanent Changes Dear member, we have a couple of schedule changes that you should know about. Wednesday Switch This first schedule change takes effect...

Feb 21, 2023
Top San Diego MMA gyms, which one is the best?
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Top San Diego MMA gyms, which one is the best?

San Diego is a jiu-jitsu hotspot and it has had a reputation of a serious fighting town for decades. Which San Diego MMA gym is the best?

Jan 28, 2023
Jiu-Jitsu Near Me - How to Find The Best? - A Guide
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu Near Me - How to Find The Best? - A Guide

The definitive guide for anyone looking for ‘jiu-jitsu near me’. Learn what you should be looking for to find the best combo of quality and distance.

Dec 31, 2022
4 Ways Jiu-Jitsu Can Help Relieve Stress
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

4 Ways Jiu-Jitsu Can Help Relieve Stress

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, you’re not alone. Stress is a common experience for many people, and it can have negative impacts on...

Dec 29, 2022
The 3 Best Jiu-Jitsu Submissions For Beginners
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

The 3 Best Jiu-Jitsu Submissions For Beginners

In this article we have a look at the 3 best submissions for beginners and we include some video tutorials as well.

Dec 10, 2022
Craig Jones’ set of seminars draws 275 participants in one weekend
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Craig Jones’ set of seminars draws 275 participants in one weekend

The B-Team captain Craig Jones held 2 gargantuan seminars here at Legion HQ this weekend. The attendance was gold medal worthy, which seemed to puzzle...

Dec 7, 2022
Craig Jones is coming to San Diego for a Super Seminar at Legion
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Craig Jones is coming to San Diego for a Super Seminar at Legion

Craig Jones is coming down(under) to San Diego for a seminar at Legion AJJ on December 4th.

Oct 10, 2022
Team Legion AJJ Wins 7 of 8 Matches at Fight2Win 209
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Team Legion AJJ Wins 7 of 8 Matches at Fight2Win 209

Team Legion AJJ competed at Fight2Win 209. Find how they won 7 out of 8 matches and who competed.

Aug 30, 2022
5 BJJ Hygiene Red Flags To Look Out For
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

5 BJJ Hygiene Red Flags To Look Out For

This article explains the gnarliest BJJ hygiene red flags to look out for, when you’re joining your jiu-jitsu academy. Hopefully this is the first time you...

Jun 22, 2022
5 Anti-Bullying Lessons We Teach Our Jiu-Jitsu Kids
Legion Eaglets

5 Anti-Bullying Lessons We Teach Our Jiu-Jitsu Kids

This article breaks down the Top 5 Anti-bullying lessons that we teach to kids enrolled in our jiu-jitsu program. Learn how they quickly become bully-proof…

Jun 21, 2022
Should You Wear a Mouthguard for Jiu-Jitsu? Here are 4 Reasons to Consider…
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Should You Wear a Mouthguard for Jiu-Jitsu? Here are 4 Reasons to Consider…

Should you wear a mouthguard for jiu-jitsu? Why? What kind? This article puts all of these questions to rest.

Jun 13, 2022
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion Partners With We Defy Foundation

Legion is proud to announce a partnership with the amazing folks at WeDefy foundation. We hope to help connect veterans with disabilities to the power of...

Oct 21, 2021
Team Legion AJJ at Subversiv 6
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Team Legion AJJ at Subversiv 6

Three of Legion AJJ’s top competitors compete at Subversiv 6 Team Event. Competing against some of the top teams. Find out how they did.

Oct 19, 2021
Legion AJJ at Nogi Worlds
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion AJJ at Nogi Worlds

Legion AJJ competitors went to NoGi Worlds, the toughest IBJJF NoGi competition in the world. Find out their results.

Oct 14, 2021
Keenan Does A Seminar And Trains With The Entire Gym For 50 Minutes
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Keenan Does A Seminar And Trains With The Entire Gym For 50 Minutes

In one of his most recent seminars, Keenan decided to partake in some friendly jiu-jitsu sparring rounds. Watch him get shark tanked by 50 people here.

Jun 11, 2021
Legion Judo Instructor Miha Perhavec Shows A Classic Throw, Adjusted For Jiu-Jitsu
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion Judo Instructor Miha Perhavec Shows A Classic Throw, Adjusted For Jiu-Jitsu

Judo for jiu-jitsu is a lot different to straight up judo, which is why Miha Perhavec here, shows you a classic judo throw, modified for jiu-jitsu.

Jun 8, 2021
Beginner Guides

The Best Online Jiu-Jitsu Courses For Beginners

Here are the best jiu-jitsu courses for beginners at Jiu-Jitsu X that’ll help you catch up to speed, reduce the risk of creating bad habits on the mats and...

May 28, 2021
Legion’s 3 Phase Rule Of BJJ Competition Preparedness
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion’s 3 Phase Rule Of BJJ Competition Preparedness

Find out how to feel 100% ready to step on the tournament mats with Legion’s 3 phase rule for BJJ competition preparedness.

May 28, 2021
15 Unwritten Rules Every Jiu-Jitsu Beginner Needs To Know
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

15 Unwritten Rules Every Jiu-Jitsu Beginner Needs To Know

Keenan Cornelius & Andris Brunovskis have released what is basically a short instructional on what to do (and what not to do) as a beginner in jiu-jitsu....

May 26, 2021
How We Use Deliberate Practice At Legion To Improve Our Jiu-Jitsu
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

How We Use Deliberate Practice At Legion To Improve Our Jiu-Jitsu

Find out the strategy that resulted in the multiple wins and podium pics for Keenan Cornelius. PLUS how to implement it into your own jiu-jitsu routine for...

May 25, 2021
No-Gi Instructor Sloan Clymer Gets His Black Belt From Keenan
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

No-Gi Instructor Sloan Clymer Gets His Black Belt From Keenan

Congratulations to Legion HQ’s Head No-Gi Instructor Sloan Clymer who has gotten promoted to BLACK BELT by Keenan Cornelius. Witness the joyous occasion here.

May 24, 2021
Humor

10 Red Flags Your Jiu-Jitsu Gym May Be A Cult

Here are the top 10 signs your jiu-jitsu gym may be a cult. Think cults are only for dumb people? Believe people in cults are nut jobs with supernatural...

Apr 12, 2021
Nutrition & Supplement's

What Is Rhodiola Rosea? And Is It Good For Jiu-Jitsu?

What is rhodiola rosea and why are supplement companies now adding it to their pre-workout formulas? Everything you need to know is in this article....

Apr 12, 2021
Concepts

Get Better At Jiu-Jitsu Faster By Doing Less. Here’s How…

Learn how to get better at jiu-jitsu so you can stop running your head into that brick wall. “Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day;...

Apr 9, 2021
The longest Yelp review in Legion history
Legion Members

The longest Yelp review in Legion history

Here at Legion we really appreciate reviews. They give us an idea of what we’re doing right and what we can improve. However, some tower above the rest.

Apr 1, 2021
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Keenan awards his first Legion AJJ black belt to Miha Perhavec

Emotions run high as Legion HQ as Keenan promotes Legion co-founder Miha Perhavec to black belt after 10+ years of training jiu-jitsu.

Mar 9, 2021
The Before And After Of A Kids Jiu-Jitsu Class: How To Properly Support Your Child’s Progress
Legion Eaglets

The Before And After Of A Kids Jiu-Jitsu Class: How To Properly Support Your Child’s Progress

Check out this article to find out the best possible ways you can support your child’s progress before and after jiu-jitsu class.

Nov 7, 2020
These Jiu-Jitsu Principles Will Do Magic For Your Child
Legion Eaglets

These Jiu-Jitsu Principles Will Do Magic For Your Child

When you make the decision to look into a jiu-jitsu program for your child, the first thing that probably comes to mind is…What is it that my child will get...

Jul 13, 2020
Full 35 minutes of Freedom Rolls with Keenan and 5 Legion AJJ athletes
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Full 35 minutes of Freedom Rolls with Keenan and 5 Legion AJJ athletes

In celebration of Independence Day we bring you full 35 minutes of Keenan training with some of America’s finest brown and black belts. Check out the video...

Jul 4, 2020
Why Every Child Should Train Jiu-Jitsu
Legion Eaglets

Why Every Child Should Train Jiu-Jitsu

Through a proper martial arts program, children learn important skills like discipline, resilience, respect for themselves and others. But what makes...

Jun 28, 2020
Technique Vs. Strength: How To Use Your Body Type To Maximize Your Jiu-Jitsu Potential
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Technique Vs. Strength: How To Use Your Body Type To Maximize Your Jiu-Jitsu Potential

As jiu-jitsu practitioners, we are in constant pursuit of ways to maximize our jiu-jitsu potential. While technique and leverage serve as the building...

Jun 17, 2020
Results From Our First 8-Week Beginner Course
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Results From Our First 8-Week Beginner Course

Always wanted to learn Jiu-Jitsu but don’t know the first thing about tying your belt? Let’s be honest, starting jiu-jitsu can be pretty daunting. That’s...

Jun 7, 2020
How to Fold Your Jiu-Jitsu Gi
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

How to Fold Your Jiu-Jitsu Gi

Keenan is very well known for folding jiu-jitsu kimonos with their owners still in them. However, in this beginner educational video Keenan will teach you...

Jan 29, 2020
7 Benefits of Training Jiu-Jitsu
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

7 Benefits of Training Jiu-Jitsu

Knowing the benefits of training jiu-jitsu might make your new journey even more exciting. Let’s take a closer look at what you can look forward to as a new...

Jan 14, 2020
How to Tie Your Gi Pants and Belt
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

How to Tie Your Gi Pants and Belt

How do you tie these weird pants, which side is forward? How do you tie the belt around your waist? Get ready for Keenan to answer both of those questions.

Jan 14, 2020
How To Wash My Gi Properly? Brand New Gi Care Guide
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

How To Wash My Gi Properly? Brand New Gi Care Guide

As the gi is probably very different from what your usual wardrobe consists of, we wanted to give you a few tips on washing this special new uniform of yours.

Jan 7, 2020
Legion American Jiu-Jitsu Offer for Marines
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion American Jiu-Jitsu Offer for Marines

Are you a Marine who lives in San Diego? How would you like to train Jiu-Jitsu under some of the best American black belts in the game and save 20% on your...

Jan 6, 2020
Tour Legion jiu-jitsu HQ in San Diego with Keenan Cornelius in 4K
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Tour Legion jiu-jitsu HQ in San Diego with Keenan Cornelius in 4K

Follow the owner and founder of this fine establishment as he gives you a glimpse behind the scenes. At 10.000 sqf it can hold quite a few jiu-jitsu...

Dec 31, 2019
Legion American Jiu-Jitsu HQ - Hygiene Commandments
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion American Jiu-Jitsu HQ - Hygiene Commandments

In this article, you’ll discover the hygiene commandments of Legion HQ. Follow them religiously.

Dec 28, 2019
I’m doing my first jiu-jitsu class at Legion, what do I need to bring?
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

I’m doing my first jiu-jitsu class at Legion, what do I need to bring?

A guide to help you become familiar with what’ll happen when you enter Legion HQ for your first class and how you should prepare befroehand.

Dec 28, 2019
Legion American Jiu-Jitsu HQ - Academy Location - How to find us on Miramar Road?
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

Legion American Jiu-Jitsu HQ - Academy Location - How to find us on Miramar Road?

Legion American jiu-jitsu HQ is the new academy on the block in San Diego. This super-academy has one purpose - to teach the finest modern jiu-jitsu to...

Dec 24, 2019
5 Things Legion American Jiu-Jitsu Does Better Than Other Academies
Legion Jiu-Jitsu

5 Things Legion American Jiu-Jitsu Does Better Than Other Academies

Read this article to find out how exactly Legion HQ differentiates from other Jiu-Jitsu academies.

Dec 19, 2019
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