BJJ Athletes β Top Grapplers & Their Techniques | BJJ App Wiki
β°Contents
Profiles of elite BJJ athletes: Gordon Ryan, Mikey Musumeci, Craig Jones, Bernardo Faria, and more. Learn their signature techniques.
Garry Tonon
Danaher Death Squad
π± Track every roll like the pros
Free forever β heatmap, technique progress, streaks.
Heel Hook Master, ADCC Medalist, ONE Championship MMA
Mackenzie Dern
Gracie Barra
3Γ BJJ World Champion, UFC Strawweight Fighter
Ffion Davies
Checkmat BJJ
ADCC World Champion 2022, Leg Drag Specialist
Rafael Lovato Jr.
Lovato BJJ
BJJ World Champion, First American Bellator Middleweight Champion
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Athletes?
Most practitioners develop functional competency with Athletes within 3β6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery β the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents β typically takes 1β2 years.
Is Athletes effective for beginners?
Yes. Athletes is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.
How often should I drill Athletes?
3β5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time β consistency matters more than volume.
What positions connect to Athletes?
BJJ is a linked system. Athletes flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.
Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Neck pain often occurs when you're trying to bridge or shrimp by hyperextending your neck backward to create space. Instead, focus on tucking your chin to your chest and using your shoulders and hips to generate the movement, keeping your neck in a neutral, protected position.
To π BJJ Athletes your guard against a larger opponent, focus on using your legs to create frames by extending them against their hips and shoulders, preventing them from driving their weight through you. Utilize your hips to shrimp and create angles, allowing you to reguard or transition, rather than trying to hold them in place with brute strength.
When defending a submission from mount, actively pull your elbow in close to your body, creating a tight frame with your forearm perpendicular to your torso. This prevents your arm from being isolated and extended, making it much harder for your opponent to secure a strong grip and finish the submission.
More Questions
How do I transition from the 'BJJ Athletes' position to a submission when my opponent defends?
When your opponent defends, look for opportunities to adjust your grip or body positioning. Often, a slight shift in weight or a change in the angle of attack can open up a new submission threat, such as a kimura or an armbar.
What are the common mistakes beginners make when trying the 'BJJ Athletes' technique?
Beginners often struggle with maintaining proper hip pressure and head control, leading to their opponent escaping. They may also rush the transitions, neglecting to secure dominant grips before attempting to advance or submit.
How can I use the 'BJJ Athletes' technique to set up sweeps or positional advancements?
The 'BJJ Athletes' position can be a powerful platform for sweeps by using your leg structure to off-balance your opponent and create an angle for you to come on top. You can also use it to secure a dominant side control or mount by maintaining control and driving forward.