Building Better - E17 BJJ Weekly Newsletter 20/07/2026
- e17bjj
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Hi everyone,
We hope you've all had a great week of training!
It's been fantastic welcoming our first group into the new Intro to BJJ classes. One of the things that makes E17 special is the people on the mats, and we'd love to keep growing that community with more great training partners. If you know someone who's talked about trying Jiu Jitsu but keeps putting it off, this is the perfect opportunity. The classes are built specifically for beginners, with no experience needed, so help us spread the word and bring them along for a free trial!
As the academy continues to grow, we're also making a few improvements behind the scenes to make your training experience even better.
E17 BJJ App Coming Soon
Over the next few weeks we'll be moving all class bookings and check-ins over to the E17 BJJ app.
The app will become the central hub for your training, whether you're attending BJJ, Muay Thai or Wrestling.
Here's what you'll be able to do:
View one clear, up-to-date timetable
Book classes in seconds
Receive notifications about important timetable changes
Track your attendance and training consistency
Access private training notes after every class
Receive personalised insights and suggestions based on your training
Stay up to date with academy announcements
Enjoy a quicker, smoother check-in process
Access new training features as we continue developing the platform
One feature we're particularly excited about is your personal training journal.
After each session you'll be able to record what you've learned, techniques you want to remember, questions you have and areas you'd like to improve. Over time, the app will help identify patterns in your training and suggest topics that may benefit from a little more attention.
The app will also allow our coaching team to see attendance ahead of classes, helping us plan sessions more effectively and continue improving the experience for everyone.
There's nothing you need to do just yet. We'll send out full instructions before the switch and will be around to help everyone through the transition.
It's another exciting step forward as E17 BJJ continues to grow.
Christopher Macken Outside Ashi Seminar
Saturday 1st August
Think Outside Ashi is just about leg locks?
Think again.
Outside Ashi is one of the most versatile positions in modern grappling. It can be used to off-balance opponents, create sweeps, come up on top, slow scrambles and control distance, all while keeping you safe during leg entanglements.
Even if you never intend to heel hook anyone, understanding this position will make you far more comfortable when your opponent attacks your legs and will improve your awareness of one of the fastest-growing areas of modern Jiu Jitsu.
Of course, if leg locks are something you'd like to develop, this seminar is also the perfect place to start.
If you've trained with Chris before, you'll know how good he is at breaking down complicated positions into something everyone can understand.
Tickets are available now.
£30 for one seminar.
£50 for both sessions.
Please note there will be no Wrestling for BJJ class next Saturday (1st August), as the seminar will be taking place during the usual wrestling slot.
This Week's Focus
Gi Fundamentals with Ryan (Monday & Wednesday)
This week you'll be working on connecting your stand-up game to your passing. You'll begin with the collar drag takedown, looking at how to use it to off-balance your partner before transitioning straight into your guard passing. From there you'll start exploring how to deal with specific guards, beginning with one of the most common open guards in Jiu Jitsu, De La Riva.
No Gi Fundamentals with Hugo & Ryan (Tuesday & Thursday)
Tuesday will be used to recap Single Leg X and X Guard, reinforcing the key sweeps and entries you've been working on over the last few weeks.
From Thursday onwards you'll begin introducing more standing work, focusing on hand fighting games and developing good offensive entries. The aim is to build confidence attacking from standing while reducing the number of guillotines everyone keeps getting caught in when shooting!
Gi / No Gi with Christopher Macken (Friday)
As always, Friday's class is open to both Gi and No Gi students.
Chris will continue his series on half guard passing, building on the work you've been doing over the last few weeks and exploring more ways to shut down one of the most common guards you'll encounter.
Wrestling for BJJ with Mehmet
Mehmet will continue looking at single leg takedowns, spending more time on finishes before moving into situational sparring so you can begin applying the techniques against a resisting partner.
Teens with Ryan & Hugo
The teens will be getting back into wrestling this week, learning how to use arm drags to create angles before finishing with single leg takedowns.
Hero HQ & Combat HQ
Our younger students will continue building their confidence with single leg takedowns, exploring different finishes and how to land their training partners safely and under control.
They'll also begin looking at back mount escapes, learning how to stay calm, protect themselves and work back towards a stronger position instead of feeling stuck underneath.
Tip of the Week
Train With Intent
It's easy to walk into class with one goal: "get through the session."
Instead, try arriving with something specific you want to improve.
It could be as simple as:
I'll fight harder for my grips.
I'll stay calmer when someone passes my guard.
I'll commit to every takedown entry.
I'll focus on good posture all session.
Having one clear intention doesn't stop you enjoying the class. It simply gives your training direction.
Small improvements, repeated every session, are what lead to big progress over time.
See you on the mats!
-Mouncif
E17 BJJ
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