March 27, 2020
By: Greg Lapin If you’re a fan of the 1990s action film “Ski Patrol,” you’ll remember one of my favorite sayings from the beloved, two faced villain in the movie: “Taste death, live life.” As cliché as this sounds, there is some truth to it. We run around our daily lives in extreme comfort and without a care in the world or any fear of repercussion. Our groceries get delivered, our food gets brought to us, our tailgates close on their own and the entire “real” world is available in the palm of our hand (sarcasm intended). Where is this all going? Well. . . I have a solution to bullying. I have a solution to road rage. I have a solution to people being overtly selfish and massively inconsiderate. It’s called Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hear me out. I have firemen, Police Officers, Navy SEALs on my mat and they all say the same thing: “This is the realest place I’ve ever been.” The world is supposed to have repercussions. That is what makes us smart, helps us learn, and makes us treat others like civil human beings. Unfortunately, in our P.C., litigation happy world, that’s all gone out the window. […]
March 26, 2020
By: Greg Lapin Let me preface this ramble with: I am not a black belt. I am a 41-year-old, past his prime purple belt. With that being said, most would agree that I am not your average, washed up, 41-year-old purple belt. I’ve lived a life in Law Enforcement and Government Special Operations, I am extremely fit for my age and I train under some of the most monstrous Professors and teammates around. The mat is an interesting petri dish of personalities, intensities, respect, honor and humility. What are the rules of the mat? Sometimes they’re clear and others not so clear. This is my take—maybe not the correct one—but what I feel is the ultimate blend of hard rolling, respect and willingness to eat some humble pie. First date: you go visit another gym. All standard formalities are important, i.e. call the Professor ahead of time, show up early, ask about gi/gym policies, bring a white gi, be ultimately humble and respectful. Remember, you are a guest dining around a table of sharks. However, I want to focus more on the rolling/sparring aspect of things. If you’re slapping and bumping into every roll with the ultimate goal of tapping […]
April 25, 2020
By: Greg Lapin Not long ago I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When I began my BJJ journey, I was already very active, physically fit and strong. I came from a Law Enforcement and government contracting background and, like most men, thought I could fight. Well, I learned pretty quickly that I was incorrect, horribly and woefully incorrect. As I’ve progressed, I feel like I’m starting to get it. I’m grasping some of the concepts and fundamentals of grappling, I’m able to control a dominant position against some of my training partners and even able to submit some of them. Just as I start to feel like I’m getting pretty good at this BJJ thing, I “roll” (BJJ’s term for sparring) with someone who is actually good and realize that, just like John Snow, I know nothing. I am a complete and utter infant in this martial art/sport and with every day that I train passes, I learn more and more how much further I have to go. And…oh yea, two days ago I was hugely honored to be promoted to Brown belt by my Professor. Now let me back up. Some of you are saying right now, “If this guy […]
September 19, 2025
Essential Hygiene Tips for Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most rewarding martial arts, offering both physical and mental benefits. But let’s be honest: training means sweat, close contact, and a lot of time on the mats. Good hygiene isn’t just about respect for your teammates—it’s also critical for staying healthy and preventing skin infections. Here are some key hygiene tips every BJJ practitioner should follow: 1. Wash Your Gi and Gear Every Session Your gi, belt, rash guard, and shorts absorb sweat and bacteria every time you train. Never wear them two days in a row without washing. Showing up in a dirty uniform isn’t just unpleasant for your partners—it can spread harmful bacteria. And, yes, that includes your belt. Don’t buy into the myth that washing your belt is bad luck. Wash your dang belt. Don’t be gross. Bonus tip: If you train often, invest in multiple gis and rash guards so you always have a clean one ready. 2. Shower Immediately After Training A quick rinse isn’t enough—use soap designed to fight bacteria and fungus. Pay extra attention to areas prone to infections: feet, armpits, groin, and hairline. The sooner you shower after class, the […]