Technique Lab Jiu Jitsu Academy

08/30/2026

AGF is coming back to Tri Cities this November! We love supporting our local tournaments! Such a good opportunity for kids to compete and for parents to save some money!

08/28/2026

Gi today!

Adults 12-1

Teens 4-5

Kids 5-6

Adults 6-8

See you on the mats!

08/27/2026

Nogi today!

Adults 12-1

Teens 4-5

Kids 5-6

Adults 6-8

See you on the mats!

08/26/2026

Adult only open mat this Saturday from 10-noon!

Come get some great training in and start your day off right!

All affiliations welcome! No drop in fee!

08/26/2026

Striking today!

Teens 4-5

Kids 5-6

Adults 6-8

See you on the mats!

08/25/2026

The drinking fountain is temporarily out of order. Please remember to bring a water bottle if you are thirsty.

08/24/2026

John Danaher recently described himself as a “dictator” when it comes to teaching fundamentals, but said that changes completely once his students become advanced.

I couldn’t agree more.

Fundamentals first. Individuality later.

One mistake I see beginners make is wanting to develop their own game before they actually understand the game.

They see something cool in competition or online and immediately want to make it part of their jiu jitsu. Then it doesn’t work, frustration starts building, and sometimes they don’t understand why.

The problem isn’t necessarily the technique.

The foundation isn’t there yet.

How are you going to worry about an inverted triangle if you can’t properly escape side control?

It’s no different from boxing. Before you start breaking the rules with feints, unusual angles, and creative combinations, you need to understand your jab, cross, defense, and basic movement.

Jiu jitsu is the same.

You will shrimp, bridge, frame, escape, control positions, and use those fundamental movements for the rest of your jiu jitsu life.

That’s why being strict with beginners doesn’t mean an instructor wants to control their jiu jitsu forever.

Actually, my goal is the opposite.

Once students develop a strong foundation, I want them to start developing what I call their jiu jitsu personality.

At that point, my job as a coach changes.

I’m no longer trying to make them do everything exactly like me. I’m helping them discover the game that works for their body, mentality, and abilities.

Think about a tree.

You don’t know exactly how high it will grow or where every branch will go.

But without strong roots, none of that matters.

That’s how I see jiu jitsu.

Build the roots first.

Then let the student grow.

08/24/2026

We got 2nd place! 🥈

Best Martial Arts Studio in Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities Best!

Thanks for all your support! Coming for gold next year!

Martial Arts Studio