Small Habits, Big Progress - E17 BJJ Weekly Newsletter 27/07/2026
- e17bjj
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
Hi everyone,
Another great week at E17 BJJ and things are continuing to move forwards behind the scenes.
This week we'll be kicking off the beta testing for the new E17 BJJ app, with 10 members helping us put everything through its paces before the full launch. Our testers will be booking themselves into classes, checking in using the new QR code system and helping us iron out any final tweaks before everyone gets access.
We're really excited about what this app is going to bring to the academy. Beyond simply booking classes, you'll be able to see exactly what every class is covering each week, keep track of your attendance, record private training notes and monitor your progress over time. Our hope is that it encourages a more mindful approach to training, helping you reflect on each session instead of simply turning up, training and forgetting what you learned a few days later.
We'll keep everyone updated over the coming weeks as testing progresses.
Make More of Open Mat
One thing we'd love to see more of is people making use of our Open Mat sessions.
It's easy to think open mats are only for experienced students who want to have hard rounds, but that's really not what they're about.
They're your chance to slow things down and work on whatever you need.
Want to drill something from class because it didn't quite click? Perfect.
Want to ask a higher belt to help you with a position? Great.
Want to get some extra rounds in without the pressure of a structured class? Even better.
Open mats are where techniques become habits. You have the freedom to experiment, ask questions, troubleshoot problems and spend extra time with your teammates. They're also one of the best ways to get to know people in the academy outside of your normal training partners.
If you've never been to one before, come along this weekend and give it a go. We think you'll quickly realise why they're some of the most valuable sessions on the timetable.
Last Chance - Christopher Macken Outside Ashi Seminar
This Saturday is your last chance to join Christopher Macken's Outside Ashi seminar.
You might think it's just another leg lock position...
It isn't.
Outside Ashi will improve your understanding of balance, control, sweeping, transitions and one of the fastest-growing areas of modern No Gi. Even if leg locks aren't your thing, understanding this position will make you much harder to attack and give you another powerful way of controlling exchanges.
And if it does help you get one over on your favourite gym rival... that's just an added bonus. 😎
Tickets are still available on our website.
Reminder: There will be no Wrestling for BJJ class this Saturday, as the seminar will be taking place during the usual class time.
This Week's Focus
Gi Fundamentals with Ryan (Monday & Wednesday
You'll continue building your takedown and guard passing game this week.
Starting from the same grips you used for the collar drag last week, you'll learn Tai Otoshi, exploring how similar grips can create completely different takedown opportunities.
On the ground you'll continue your guard passing series by looking at how to pass both Reverse De La Riva and Spider Guard, two guards that can become incredibly frustrating if your opponent knows how to use them well.
No Gi Fundamentals with Hugo & Ryan (Tuesday & Thursday)
Tuesday will focus entirely on the single leg takedown, covering a variety of entries along with multiple ways to finish once you've secured the leg.
On Thursday you'll begin working from the underhook in standing, learning different methods of establishing the position before chaining together a variety of takedowns from there.
Gi Fundamentals with Hugo & Ryan (Tuesday & Thursday)
You'll continue your collar sleeve guard series by introducing the omoplata.
Rather than viewing it purely as a submission, you'll also learn how it creates excellent sweeping opportunities and opens up a range of follow-up attacks depending on how your partner reacts.
Gi / No Gi with Christopher Macken (Friday)
This week Chris will be introducing body lock passing, one of the highest percentage passing systems in modern No Gi.
Whether you primarily train Gi or No Gi, the concepts transfer brilliantly and will give you another effective way of breaking down difficult guards.
Intro to BJJ
This week's focus is escapes.
You'll learn how to use frames to create space, reduce the effectiveness of your partner's pins and begin escaping from underneath bad positions so you can get back on the offensive.
Learning to stay calm underneath someone is one of the most valuable skills you'll develop early in your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Teens with Ryan & Hugo
The teens will continue working on their wrestling, covering single legs, double legs and transitions into body locks, helping them connect different takedown systems together.
Hero HQ & Combat HQ
This week is all about bringing everything together.
Our younger students will spend the week recapping the escape techniques they've learned over the last few weeks, reinforcing good habits and making sure everyone feels confident escaping bad positions before moving on to the next block.
Tip of the Week
Lose More Often
Nobody likes getting tapped.
But if you're always winning in training, you're probably avoiding the situations you need to improve.
Put yourself in bad positions.
Roll with people who challenge you.
Try the technique you've just learned, even if it doesn't work the first few times.
The goal isn't to win every round. It's to become the person who wins more rounds six months from now.
The mats are where you can afford to fail. Take advantage of it.
See you on the mats!
-Mouncif
E17 BJJ
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