11/05/2025
Congratulations to Milo, Sydney, and Scarlett on earning their first stripes π
Milo was very courageous to be the first in his family to give BJJ a try. He shows up ready to learn and brings a positive energy to each class π
Sydney is a hardworking student. She stays focused during class, gives her best effort, and is a conscientious training partner who works well with others π
Scarlett also works hard on the mats and listens well to instruction. As one of our older students, Scarlett does a great job of setting a positive example for the younger kids π
Awesome work everyone π₯³
11/05/2025
Congratulations to Huxley on earning his first stripe π₯
Huxley told us that he loves Jiu Jitsu so much that he decided to be a ninja for Halloween π₯· Heβs an enthusiastic student who gives it his all when heβs here on the mats. Great work Huxley π
11/05/2025
Congratulations to Nicholas on earning his first stripe βοΈ
Since joining us, Nicholas has been a very consistent student. He comes to class twice a week every week, and gives his best effort with each game. Keep it up Nicholas π₯³
11/03/2025
TECHNIQUES OF THE WEEK π₯
Gi Fundamentals β Foot Sweeps & Trips
No-gi Fundamentals β Butterfly Guard Submissions continued
MMA β Ground & Pound Offense and Defense continued
Want to learn all these skills and more? Come try a free class with us!
www.commongroundbjj.com
464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91101
626-491-5850
11/03/2025
When was the last time you put yourself to the test?
What a privilege it is to do challenging things, have the opportunity to overcome our fears, and discover more about what we are made of.
We are proud of everyone who competed this past weekend, win or lose, for stepping up to the challenge and following through on your goals. .is.king
Thank you to all the students who came out in-person to cheer them on π And also to everyone who helped them prepare, shared words on encouragement, and supported them along the way.
Be sure to commend each of them for their efforts when you see them in class π
10/27/2025
TECHNIQUES OF THE WEEK π₯
Gi Fundamentals β Kuzushi (Off-balancing) from Standing
No-gi Fundamentals β Butterfly Guard Submissions continued
MMA β Ground & Pound Offense and Defense continued
Want to learn all these skills and more? Come try a free class with us!
www.commongroundbjj.com
464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91101
626-491-5850
10/26/2025
D won first place at the IBJJF Orange County Fall Open yesterday π₯π
We are very proud of him, not just for getting the win but because we know how much effort and preparation D has put into this accomplishment.
D is an exceptionally consistent and dedicated student. He is here for noon class every day like clockwork, and we all can clearly see the hard work he puts into his training.
He takes responsibility for his own development both on and off the mats β taking notes, reflecting on his experiences, studying at home, and being willing to work on his weaknesses as well as his strengths.
On the day of the competition, D was able to stay composed under pressure and perform to his abilities, displaying the skills and mental fortitude that he has worked so hard to achieve.
Be sure to congratulate him on a job well done π
10/24/2025
Everyone please give a warm welcome to Astrid π Astrid is an undergraduate student at CalTech studying Biochemistry π©βπ¬π They were born and raised in NYC before moving to Pasadena for school π‘ When theyβre not here on the mats, you might find Astrid writing βοΈ listening to all kinds of music πΆπ§ or thinking about proteins β especially transthyretin, their favorite protein βΊοΈ Astrid first got into martial arts through karate π₯ After earning their black belt in karate, they started doing BJJ at the same dojo. Astrid was seeking a new place in Pasadena to call their Jiu Jitsu home when they found us π Weβre happy to have them here as part of our Common Ground community! If you see them around, please introduce yourself and say hello π Welcome to Common Ground, Astrid π!
10/22/2025
Congratulations to Josh on earning his stripes ππ When Josh joined us, he had four stripes and two years of experience already under his belt. Despite this, he chose to begin anew and let us know that he would like to earn his stripes back again under Alexβs guidance. Over these past few months, Josh has been training diligently and taken to our approach with humility and an open mind. We have seen his skills as well as his willingness to learn, and were pleased to award him his stripes π₯³ Keep it up Josh!
10/20/2025
We all know Zang for his stoic demeanor (and his killer Dβarce). Though he is a man of few words, his actions speak loud and clear. Over the years we have gotten to know Zang for his patience, persistence, and dedication β both to his own self-development, and in his steadfast support of those around him.
This past weekend, we were happy to be present in support and celebration of Zang and his wife Katie at their wedding. We saw a glimpse of the sillier side of Zang, and heard him speak more words during his vows than in the past 5 years combined π The ceremony was sweet and heartfelt, and we were grateful to be a part of their special day.
Congratulations Zang and Katie! Cheers to the adventures ahead ππ₯π₯°
10/20/2025
TECHNIQUES OF THE WEEK π₯
Gi Fundamentals β Passing & Pinning: Cross Kneecut Pass vs. Knee Shield
No-gi Fundamentals β Butterfly Guard Offense continued
MMA β Ground & Pound Offense and Defense continued
Want to learn all these skills and more? Come try a free class with us!
www.commongroundbjj.com
464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91101
626-491-5850
10/13/2025
TECHNIQUES OF THE WEEK π₯
Gi Fundamentals β Takedowns: Turning & Lifting Throws and Transitions to the Ground
No-gi Fundamentals β Butterfly Guard Offense continued
MMA β Ground & Pound Offense and Defense
Want to learn all these skills and more? Come try a free class with us!
www.commongroundbjj.com
464 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91101
626-491-5850