Author name: Mike Sweeney

Every coach has a moment they see over and over. A kid has a tough class. They feel frustrated. They feel tired. Maybe they got stuck. Maybe they were embarrassed. Maybe their friend quit. Maybe something else sounds more fun. And then they say the sentence: “I think I want to quit.” I’ve had this […]

If you’re thinking about trying Brazilian jiu-jitsu, this is probably the question in the back of your mind: “Am I going to get hurt?” It’s a fair concern. Jiu-jitsu is a contact sport. People are grabbing, pushing, and trying to control each other. So yes, injuries can happen. But here’s the part most people don’t

If you are an adult, you are busy. Work. Family. Commute. Stress. Errands. Something always pops up. Here’s the trap. People tell themselves: “I’ll start when life calms down.” Life does not calm down. So the real question is not “How do I find time?” The real question is “How do I build a plan

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be dinner and a movie. If you train Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Calgary, one of the best “date ideas” is simple: invite your partner to try a class with you. Not because you want them to become a killer grappler overnight. But because training together builds confidence, shared routines, and a

Parents rate everything. Restaurants. Contractors. Schools. Even jiu-jitsu gyms. So let’s flip the system around. A “5-star jiu-jitsu parent” is not a perfect parent. It is a parent who consistently does a few simple things that make their child more likely to succeed. And yes, coaches notice patterns. Kids who thrive usually have similar support

Quick answer: Wash your gi the same day you train, use enough detergent, skip fabric softener, and dry it completely. If the smell is already stuck, soak it in diluted white vinegar or oxygen bleach, then rewash. In Calgary winter, slow indoor drying is the biggest cause of musty gis. How to wash a BJJ

A lot of people start jiu jitsu because they want to get in shape, learn self-defence, or try something new. Then they notice something else. They feel calmer after class. Their stress is lower. They sleep better. They’re more confident at work and at home. They’re not as reactive. So the question comes up: Can

If you’re a parent in Calgary and you’re looking for a structured sport that can help your child practise focus, self-control, and confidence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is worth a serious look. Some research suggests BJJ and other martial arts can improve areas like hyperactivity/inattention and parts of executive function, though results vary by child and program

When families think about martial arts, they often picture kids classes or adult training, not both. Yet one of the most powerful and overlooked benefits is what happens when families train together. At our martial arts school in Calgary, we’ve seen how shared training experiences strengthen family dynamics, improve communication, and help parents and kids

What Calgary Adults 30–50 Actually Need to Know Quick answer: Adults aged 30–50 can safely start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at any fitness level, with beginner programs designed to build confidence, self-defence skills, and long-term consistency. January is when a lot of adults finally decide to act on something they have been thinking about for years.