What should be your first class at Stout PGH?
You want to get into some jiu jitsu or striking training. However your interest piqued… Read More
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
What to Expect and What’s expected of You when you are NEW to jiu jitsu.
It’s often said that what we put out we get reflected back to us. It’s natural to have a certain Amount of fear… Read More
What is the New Competition BJJ Practice at Stout PGH?
We recently added a Competition Practice to the Strip District schedule. It is held every Tuesday at 4pm, and is open to all… Read More
You earn your training partners
Renzo Gracie Black Belt & FloGrappling commentator, Shawn Williams, commonly referred to as “the teacher’s teacher” has a… Read More
Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the car– skill visualization.
One amazing thing I have found about teaching children is that moment when a child is learning a new skill and applying it for the… Read More
Leg Locks
The training of leg lock submissions has always been a controversial issue in the grappling arts. Sambo and catch wrestling practitioners swear by them while… Read More
2012 Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh Jiu Jitsu Recap
This one was harder for me to write than the recaps for our first two years. This is not because 2012 was a bad year. … Read More
My First MMA Fight
After Dino's win at Yankee Lake Brawlroom On June 16, 2012 I made my amateur mixed martial arts debut at Yankee Lake Brawlroom; a small promotion in Ohio. Originally, I was supposed to fight at WCC IV on June 8 in Greensburg, PA but my opponent backed out for unknown reasons. I was disappointed because three of my teammates were already lined up to fight on the same card and I didn't want to be left out of the action. Read More
Why Train Jiu Jitsu?
Why Train Jiu Jitsu? It is a fair question to ask whether you are thinking about starting or have been involved in BJJ for years. It is hard; it takes physical and mental energy. It costs money, and, time. It can be rough on your ego since there is probably no one practicing who hasn't been beaten. When you do experience defeat in Brazilian jiu jitsu it happens in a more immediate, intimate, and personal dimension than most other experiences. With this in mind what brings people who have families, successful careers, and limited time onto the mats on a regular basis? What makes the young guy who isn't going to make his rent payment at the end of the month give up all the cash in in wallet for a new gi? Why does such a tough sport attract enough new competitor each year to make it one of the fastest growing sports worldwide? Read More
A Brief History of the Belt Ranking System
The modern martial arts belt ranking system first started emerging in 1907 when the creator of Judo, Jigoro Kano, introduced the iconic Judo uniform and belt. Before that, his students practiced in traditional Japanese kimonos. However, back then there existed only two belt colors: white and black. White belts were those in the process of learning the fundamentals while black belts were students who mastered the basics, knew how to use them functionally and were ready to pursue Judo on a more serious and advanced level. The white coloring represented purity, avoidance of ego, and simplicity while the black symbolized a fuller repertoire of knowledge. Read More