Today during team training we continued working from the half guard, discussing how to get the undertook and then understanding the technical options it provides. Today we worked on moving from our back to a seated position which works very well when our training partner is keeping very good posture, or you can create a […]
Today during our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class we covered what to do when somebody grabs you from behind. This can be one of the most starling attacks because you can not see it. We discussed making sure you don’t et knocked over. In brazilian jiu-jitsu we refer to this as dropping in base and is the […]
Tonight during team training we had an open training session where student were able to work and refine the techniques of their choice. Continuous refinement of the techniques that work for you is essential to progressing in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Refinement allows you to discover new details about the techniques you already know, perfect your timing […]
Today we in our No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class we began studying leg locks. Starting simply with the four most common ways to attack the ankles and knees. Since your legs are almost half of your body not knowing leg locks buts you at a serious disadvantage, and even if you yourself don’t want to be […]
Congratulations to Jim and Joe on earning their blue belts tonight. Both of these men have put in the mat time and it shows!
Untimed Rolls in our Team Training Class today! Great training with a lot of rolls and Q&A sessions on the Tossi Pass and how to feel heavier on Top of Side Control! Great work by everybody in Class. Dustin Rhodes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Head Instructor at Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 316 Boston Post Road Waterford, […]
Today in team training we continued focusing on how to control somebody who is actively trying to escape from side control, specifically trying to get to the turtle, by applying pressure in the right spots of our training partners body we can force them to use additional strength to get to the position and create […]
This Saturday was a Promotion day! This meant hard work and high level of training! Circuit training followed by sparring made sure that everybody in the room could use their jiu-jitsu in any situation! Congratulations to Shaun and WuTang for passing their Blue Belt Tests! Earning any Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu requires a great deal […]
Today during our Team Training Brazilian BJJ Class we worked on Pressure from Side Control and how to shut down the most common escapes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by using pressure to neutralize an explosive elbow escape. As we progress in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tapping untrained opponent because extremely easy and we begin to focus our training […]
Tonight during BJJ Team Training we continued working from the top of side control. We went over over how to catch your training partner in a loop and then use pressure to force them into making a technical mistake. By allowing our training partner to start an escape and then trapping them in a bad […]
Today during our Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Class at Crossroads BJJ we reviewed the bridge or ump escape from the bottom of the mount position. The mount position is one of the worst position you can be in so understand how to get out when somebody is trying to punch you is essential to having a solid […]
Today two of our most senior students purple belts Denis and James taught the team training class working how to control from the turtle position and also how to escape to reclaim the top position. Great Class with a lot of great knowledge passed down to the newer students. One of the best things about […]
Tonight during the Crossroads BJJ Team Training class we continued to work on shutting down the elbow escape from side control and how to deconstruct the position so everybody understood exactly where to put pressure and where to position there body to ensure they maintain position. One of the most popular sayings in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu […]
Tonight during team training we went right into rolling! Today we left the timer on and had untimed rolling forcing everybody to go for the submission! Great Class and everybody definitely got a workout! Dustin Rhodes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Head Instructor at Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 316 Boston Post Road Waterford, CT Dust[email protected] www.CrossroadsBJJ.com Kano […]
With another New England snow storm making the roads nice and slippery tonights BJJ Class turned into a semi private lesson for those brave(crazy) enough to get on the roads and make it to class! Coach Mike held a Q&A session on the half guard, going over what to do when you are stuck flat […]
Today during our Team Training class we started a new chapter, moving from the butterfly guard position to the top of Side Control. Today we worked advanced Brazilian Jiu-jitsu technique where we provide our training parter with enough space to move into a position that is not ideal for them, using pressure in specific areas […]
Today during BJJ Team Training we worked take downs. Every self defense situation and every competition starts standing up. At Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu we work our Judo and Wrestling style takedowns several times a week to ensure our stand up skills are always improving. When the match or fight goes to the ground the person […]
Today during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team Training we worked some very high level back back takes from the De La Riva Guard. The De La Riva guard is one of the most popular guards today in sport BJJ and can be seen in every International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation tournament you attend. So even if you don’t […]
Carlos Machado never fails to disappoint. This past Saturday Carlos taught at Crossroads BJJ for the 4th year in a row. Carlos made the trip from Dallas, Texas all the way to Waterford, Connecticut to share some extremely high level Jiu-jitsu concepts and strategy. For over 3 hours Carlos taught how to do deal with […]
Constantine stopped by Crossroads BJJ for one of our Sunday open Mats while in town away from his gym. Here is what he had to say about Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and our Coaches! “I just came back from Crossroads BJJ while vacationing in Mystic (they’re in Waterford). Dennis, the two Mikes, and John treated me […]
Our BJJ or GJJ(Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) Team Training Class we continue to work the butterfly guard using an overlook to control our training partners posture. Today we added the detail of hooking our opponents arm when they are sitting square in front of us and have neutralized our favorable angle. By hooking the arm we can […]
Today in our Team Training class we continued working working Butterfly Guard, today working an overhook variation similar to what we covered in our No-Gi BJJ class on Tuesday night. Our main focus was moving our hips so that we can keep constant pressure on our training partner in order to break their poster and […]
Today we in No-Gi BJJ we continued to work the Butterfly guard position, modifying the the grips to make the techniques work for No-Gi and MMA. Once we understood the basic control positions we covered several options for when our training partner keeps the far hand out of reach in-order to prevent the sweep. This […]
Today during Team Training We continued working the butterfly guard sweep! This time using an undertook to control our opponents basing hand,and adding a grip readjustment to deal with the situation where our opponent is still able to get a hand on the mat in an attempt to base. Paying special attention to which way […]
Unfortunetly because of the forcasted blizzard all classes will be canceled today. Be safe if you have to drive. See you all in class on Monday.
Today during Team Training we continued our study of the Butterfly guard Hook Sweep introducing the pant grip to slow down your opponents ability to circle pass to your weak side. We then strengthened that concept by adding a push pull to increase the amount of total force. At this point in the class once […]
Today during Team Training we continued working Butterfly Guard sweeps, starting with a review of the butterfly Guard Sweep we have been working on for the last week. This gave everybody and opportunity to increase their understanding of the mechanics of the sweep and sharpening up some the skills we already knew from previous classes. […]
Is there a better endorsement as a teacher of the martial arts, than to have Chuck Norris as a student? If there is, I can’t think of one. Now imagine the very same teacher wants to teach you (yes, I’m talking to you reader) the same things he’s taught Mr. Spinning Roundhouse! Not possible you […]
Today during team training we went right into 5 minute sparring rounds! With a black belt, a purple belt and several purple belts on the mat everybody had to be on point with both offense and defense. Hard work is the key to success in BJJ and everybody tonight was working hard and having a […]
Today during Team Training we continued working the butterfly guard, working into a counter to our training partners using their leg to replace the arm when we have successfully controlled it from the bottom position. One of the most common counters to the butterfly guard in BJJ is to use your leg as a kickstand […]
Sunday Morning Jiu-Jitsu started by going over the Gift-wrap position. Coach Denis started by going over how to get into the Gift-Wrap Position and then went into a number of BJJ submissions you can achieve from there. The two submissions taught this past Sunday were the Arm bar and the Reverse Triangle, two of the […]
Today during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team Training we continued working from the butterfly guard adding a fourth way to control the arm in order to prevent our training partners from basing out and blocking our sweep attempt. After everybody understood how to control the arm, we continued by adding specific resistance. The people on top were […]
Friday Night Open Mat is taught run by Coach Denis and is always a great time. Friday night is always filled with the students who love jiu-jitsu and want to get better! This Friday we had 3 purple belts on the Mat as well as several blue belts and a few white belts all helping […]
More Butterfly Guard Sweeps! Today in our BJJ Team Training Program we covered more sweeps from the Butterfly Guard and went into detail on how to create momentum from the position as well as how to adjust your angle in order to switch between sweeps. We also covered a sweep directly into a submission. Working […]
Today during our No-Gi Team Training class we held a marathon rolling session, completing 60 minutes of 5 minute rounds! With a mix of Black, Purple, Blue and White belts on the mat everybody put in great work and continued to sharpen up their techniques. Marathon rolling sessions are a great way to develop mental […]
Everybody has been training hard and it shows. In the past two weeks we’ve had 3 students earn well-deserved promotions. Denis made it through a super-tough, top-secret (Shhhhhhh ;-)) test to receive the second Purple Belt ever awarded at Crossroads BJJ! Denis has been training with Dustin for almost 4 years and has been an […]
Congratulations to all the members of the Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition Team who traveled from Waterford CT up to Manchester, Ct to compete at the New England Submission only Challenge. The team was able to bring home several medals and we are very proud of everybody who stepped on the mat and took the opportunity […]
Congratulations to Bryan for his Double Gold Performance at NAGA last month! Bryan has been working hard on his Jiu Jitsu at Crossroads In New London County and on his Wrestling in Groton for Fitch High School! Hard work pays off! Congratulations Bryan!
Last week Carlos Machado taught an amazing BJJ seminar that lasted almost 4 hours at Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in Waterford CT! BJJ Students from as far as Pennsylvania traveled to New London, Connecticut for the opportunity to train with Carlos Machado and experience RCJMachachado Jiu-Jitsu first hand. Carlos taught a range of techniques, covering guard […]
Crossroads BJJ is now running Competition and Fitness classes 3 Days a week to help students get in the best shape of their lives. With Several Crossroads BJJ students looking to Compete in Tournaments in CT and in New England being in great shape is a one of the best ways to be prepared for […]
We are excited to announce that Crossroads BJJ will be hosting our 3rd Annual Carlos Machado Seminar in less than 3 weeks. On January 24th 8th Degree Coral Belt Carlos Machado will be showing us his latest techniques, concepts and details to help you take your Jiu-Jitsu to a higher level and give you a […]
Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is proud to announce our 3rd Annual Carlos Machado Seminar! Carlos puts on an amazing seminar, teaching great techniques and concepts that are easily added into your game. A Carlos Machado Seminar will increase your understanding of Jiu-Jitsu and allow you to apply the concepts he shows to all areas of your Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos […]
Last week Future UFC standout and current Undefeated Mixed Martial artist Eric Spicely Traveled from Rhode Island to New London County Connecticut to teach an amazing seminar on the 50-50 guard, one of the newest innovations in Modern BJJ. Eric was able to effectively able to teach several entries into the position allowing you to score […]
The first Local tournament of 2015 is coming up fast! The North American Grappling Association will be hosting the New England Championship January 31st, 2015 in Milford Connecticut. This is a great chance for you to get in some competition experience and start the year off with a gold medal around your neck! To help […]
This past weekend several Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students traveled to Manchester, Connecticut to compete at the New England Submission Only Challenge. With a Total of 3 competitors Crossroads was able to bring 3 Medals home to Waterford, two Golds and one Bronze. Long Time student Tyrae was able to take home gold medals in both […]
Eric “The Dream Catcher” Spicely will be teaching a 3 hour BJJ seminar in New London County at Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on December 13, 2014. This will be our last BJJ seminar of the year, and all of the proceeds are going to help support Eric during his upcoming MMA fight camp! Eric is doing […]
Happy Thanksgiving from Everybody at Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In Waterford CT! We will be canceling class on Thursday for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope everybody enjoys the time with their families and eats an excessive amount of food. We will be back to our normal schedule Friday November 28th with our our Open Mat Class […]
The Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class at Crossroads BJJ in CT has begun studying a new position. While our last segment was devoted to passing the open guard, the next segment will be spent practicing details on how to control and attack from the Side Control Position. One of the most popular saying in CT Jiu-jitsu […]
Mark your Calendars! The last seminar of the year at Crossroads will be none other than Tim Burrill Brown Belt and Undefeated Pro MMA Fighter Eric Spicely! Saturday December 13th, 2014 from 4pm to 7pm. The seminar will be $40 and all proceeds will go to support Eric’s upcoming fight camp and to help Eric reach his goal […]
There are lots of Tournaments coming up in the Near Future! If your thinking about competing here is a list of events you may be interested in. Massachusetts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation(MASSBJJF) Saturday November 9th, 2014 Click here for Details North American Grappling Association (NAGA) New York – Saturday November 15th, 2014 Click here for Details International […]
Crossroads is proud to announce that we now offer Brazilian / Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes 7 Days a week! With full schedule of classes for Beginners, Advanced Students as well as those interested in No-Gi Grappling for MMA. We will now offer an Open Mat on Friday evenings starting at 6:00pm and an “All Levels” class […]
This Past June Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu had the pleasure of hosting Braulio Estima for a two day seminar. Braulio not only brings 17 years of BJJ experience but also the techniques and mindset of a 5-time World Champion, Multiple time ADCC champion, and 5-Time European Champion. Beyond titles, Braulio was able to demonstrate the mentality […]
Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is proud to announce we will be hosting 5 time World Champion and Multiple Time ADCC Champion Braulio Estima for a two day Seminar June 25th and 26th. If you are in the Groton, New London Connecticut area and want to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, come train with us! This seminar is open […]
Unfortunately due to poor driving conditions, tonight’s(1/02) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class will be canceled. If you have to drive please be safe! -Dustin
Unfortunately due to the weather and poor driving conditions tonight’s children’s self-defense and Adult No-Gi classes are canceled. If you have to go out please drive safely. Our normal class schedule will resume tomorrow. Thank you Dustin
Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is proud to have had its 3 year anniversary this past September. Over the last year we have grown significantly. In the past year Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu has moved into its own dedicated training facility with roughly 700 square feet of mats, a sitting area for parents and guests and a separate […]
Fall CTBJJF Open This October the CTIBJJF will host the Fall 2013 CTIBJJF Open. The tournament will host BJJ athletes from across Connecticut with the effort of strengthening our Community and helping our students/Athletes improve their skills and help prepare them for upcoming international tournaments. Date: October 26th 2013 Time: 9:00am Location: New Milford, CT […]
Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is now officially registered with the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Being registered with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu federation (IBJJF) gives our athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level. IBJJF events such as the Boston International Open and the New York International open attract the best grapplers on the East […]
Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is proud to announce we have moved, and we are now in our own dedicated facility. We are still Located at 316 Boston Post Rd, Waterford CT, however we will now be conducting classes in Suite 1. Our gym now offers almost 700sqft of mat space, and a new larger changing area. […]
DVD Review: Carlos Machado Unstoppable Hook Flip For those of you familiar with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, you have probably heard of the butterfly guard. Carlos Machado’s Unstoppable hook flip DVD teaches you how to use the butterfly guard position to sweep and get on top of your opponent. The DVD starts off with Carlos Machado giving […]
Dustin Rhodes BJJ Seminar at Gracie Farmington Valley Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Head instructor Dustin Rhodes will be teaching a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu seminar at Gracie Farmington Valley (www.graciefv.com) March 31, 2013. The seminar will be from 11am to 1pm. Gracie Farmington Valley is located in Simsbury Connecticut approximately 30 minutes Northwest of Hartford. This seminar will […]
Carlos Machado Seminar Pictures Earlier this year Crossroads BJJ had the privilege of hosting Carlos Machado for the first of many Seminars to come. Carlos taught an array of techniques and strategies covering Mount Escapes, Spider Guard Passes, and both closed and open Guard sweeps. Carlos has an amazing teaching style, and is phenomenal at […]
Unfortunately Due to the Weather and because the Governor has closed all of the Roads in Connecticut, today’s class(2/9/13) is cancelled. Feel free to armbar as many snow men as you want until we resume classes on Monday.
Unfortunetly due to poor driving conditions tonights class will be canceled. Everybody please stay safe and we will resume our normal class schedule on Wednesday. Dustin
Open Source Jiu-JItsu How do humans get things done? How do we work to achieve and exceed our goals? Most people that begin to practice Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) are competitive people; both with themselves and with others. As a beginner in the gym, your first several months are spent being tapped by those who know […]
Carlos Machado Seminar Please join us on January 19, 2013 from 4 to 7pm for this 3 hour seminar with 8th Degree Black Belt Carlos Machado. Carlos has been practicing BJJ for over 45 years and is one of the first people to bring Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to the United States. This seminar is open to […]
2 Years of High Quality BJJ in CT Crossroads Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is proud to have brought high level Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instruction to Waterford,CT during 2012. This marks the second full calender year we have served New London County Connecticut and our gym is very excited to continue helping BJJ grow during 2013. 2012 […]
How to Get Good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu After Training martial arts for over 13 years and over 10 years in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, I have realized that there are several factors involved in getting good at Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling including who you train with, and how long you have been training. The first part of this […]
Unfortunately due to the Snow storm and poor driving conditions we have to cancel tonights(11/7) Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class. Please everybody stay safe and warm and we will resume classes as normally scheduled tomorrow. -Dustin