Blog
Jiu Jitsu Journal
Is BJJ Dangerous? What the Injury Data Actually Says
Is BJJ dangerous? A black belt walks through the published injury studies, where the risk actually sits, and the parts of it you and your gym control.
August 4, 2026
BJJ vs Muay Thai: Which One Should You Train First?
BJJ vs Muay Thai from a black belt who corners pro MMA: what each art is built to do, where each one wins, and which to start with if you pick one.
August 1, 2026
BJJ vs Judo: Which Should You Train? A Black Belt's Take
BJJ vs judo from a jiu jitsu black belt: where judo throws win, where jiu jitsu takes over on the ground, and which one a beginner should start with.
July 30, 2026
BJJ Belt Ranks in Order: White to Black Belt Explained
The BJJ belt ranks in order, white to black: what each belt means, how long each one takes, and what a black belt looks for before promoting you.
July 28, 2026
Is BJJ a Good Workout? How Often and What It Costs
Is BJJ a good workout, how often should you train, and what does it cost? An honest rundown from a black belt who runs a gym in Springfield, VA.
July 14, 2026
How to Choose a BJJ Gym: A Black Belt's Checklist
How to pick a BJJ gym, from a black belt who runs one: what to watch on a trial class, the green and red flags, and the questions to ask before you sign.
July 14, 2026
Women's BJJ: Starting Jiu Jitsu as a Woman
Starting BJJ as a woman, from a black belt: the dedicated women's class, whether jiu jitsu actually works for self-defense, and what your first class is like.
July 11, 2026
BJJ for Kids: What Age to Start and What It Builds
Is jiu jitsu good for kids? A black belt on what age children can start, what a class looks like, and the confidence, focus, and discipline it builds.
July 11, 2026
BJJ for Beginners: What Your First Month Looks Like
What to wear, what a beginner jiu jitsu class actually looks like, and why you will not get thrown to the wolves. A black belt walks you through your first month.
July 9, 2026
Gi vs No-Gi BJJ: Which Should a Beginner Start With?
Gi vs no-gi jiu jitsu explained by a black belt who teaches both: how they actually differ, which to start with, and why you do not have to choose at Black Cat.
July 9, 2026
BJJ vs Wrestling: A Black Belt's Honest Comparison
BJJ vs wrestling from a black belt who coaches both: where each art wins, why serious grapplers cross-train, and which one a beginner should start with.
July 9, 2026
Is BJJ Good for Self-Defense? An Honest Black Belt's Take
A second-degree black belt on what Brazilian jiu jitsu actually does in a real altercation, what it does not, and why control beats striking for most people.
July 5, 2026