Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Self-Development and Leadership, Training Tips

Guest Writer: 5 Things Jiu Jitsu Has Taught Me About Learning

Guest writer Ashely Mann and her husband Josiah demonstrate a Jiu Jitsu technique.

I have been in the business of adult learning for nearly 15 years. I’m always interested to see how our experiences, whether they are related to martial arts, our professional life, or our relationships, help us learn. In this guest post Ashley Mann shares five things practicing Jiu Jitsu has taught her about the nature of learning. My personal favorite from her list: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

If you would like to contribute a post to Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines here.

Continue reading “Guest Writer: 5 Things Jiu Jitsu Has Taught Me About Learning” →

Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers

Guest Writer: The Power of BJJ Training for Kids; a Journey with Griphouse Academy, Glasgow

My amazing guest writers have shared the importance of martial arts training for kids and the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in general. This article, courtesy of Griphouse Academy Glasgow head coach Nathaniel, brings together the best of both worlds. Learn more about the great things Coach Nathaniel and team are doing for young students at www.griphouseacademy.co.uk

If you would like to submit a martial arts-related article to this blog, please review the guidelines here.

Continue reading “Guest Writer: The Power of BJJ Training for Kids; a Journey with Griphouse Academy, Glasgow” →

Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers

Guest Writer: Why BJJ Is Great for Self-Defense

Looking for self-defense training? Check out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this guest post, Johann Jansen van Vuuren describes how anyone can benefit from this sport. If you would like to be a guest writer, please review the guest writer guidelines here.


When it comes to keeping yourself safe, you need something that would work in the real world. What would that be? The answer is control. That’s the main reason Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is so good for self-defense. BJJ is practical, effective, and you don’t need to be a pro. We’ll keep it short and sweet–in this post we’ll go over some of the many reasons BJJ is great for self-defense.

Continue reading “Guest Writer: Why BJJ Is Great for Self-Defense” →

Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers

Guest Post: The Transformative Power of Jiu Jitsu

Black Diamond BJJ Reno: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Classes
Image from blackdiamondbjj.com

Looking for something new? Check out Jiu Jitsu! The team at Ground Standard shares the many benefits of training in this martial art. For more information about Ground Standard, see the end of this post. If you would like to be a guest writer for Little Black Belt, check out the guidelines here.

Martial arts have long been heralded as realms of discipline and introspection, and within this vast arena, Jiu Jitsu gleams as a beacon of self-betterment and holistic growth. Beyond the superficial perception of combat techniques and physical prowess, Jiu Jitsu unfurls a tapestry of life lessons, mental fortitude, and deep-seated community values. For those standing at the precipice, contemplating whether to delve into this world, let’s uncover the multifaceted treasures that the journey of Jiu Jitsu has to offer.

Continue reading “Guest Post: The Transformative Power of Jiu Jitsu” →

Melanie Gibson Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: The Role of Martial Arts in Modern Day Fitness

Article by Darie Raclau | karatemartialart.net Founder

Martial arts have been around for centuries, and while they were originally developed as a way to defend oneself or engage in combat, they have evolved over time to become a popular form of exercise and a means of improving physical fitness. In modern day society, martial arts can play a significant role in maintaining and improving physical health and overall well-being.
Continue reading “Guest Writer: The Role of Martial Arts in Modern Day Fitness” →

Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers

Guest Writer: Diary of a White Belt

Hello, Little Black Belt readers! Some people start martial arts training as children, and others begin their journey as adults. As someone who started martial arts training, stopped, and re-started in my thirties, I’m always interested to hear from people who come to martial arts a little later in life. This story is from Jen Struzziero. Jen shares how she began training in martial arts and how amazing it has been in her life. Jen’s experience beautifully demonstrates the life-changing power of martial arts.

If you would like to submit a martial arts-related article for Little Black Belt, please review the guest writer guidelines and send me an email.

Enjoy Jen’s story!

Continue reading “Guest Writer: Diary of a White Belt” →

Melanie Gibson General Martial Arts, Guest Writers, Training Tips

Guest Writer: Should Adults Begin Martial Arts? (I bet you can guess the answer)

BJJ white belts

Hello Little Black Belt readers! Have you always wanted to try martial arts but feel like life keeps getting in the way? Do you feel like you’re too old or out of shape or just plain busy? Or are you like me, who did a martial art as a kid and never though you’d return to it?  

Now is the time to start, and I have a treat for you! I’d like to welcome my second guest writer Richard to the blog. Richard runs the fantastic BJJ and MMA blog Attack the Back and shares his thoughts on what it’s like to start a martial art as an adult and the benefits he has experienced. Enjoy!

Continue reading “Guest Writer: Should Adults Begin Martial Arts? (I bet you can guess the answer)” →