Technique by: Marcio Feitosa    Photos by: Dave Contreras

The single leg takedown is a common way to get taken down, particularly when training without the gi. While there are numerous ways to escape when your opponent has one of your legs in the air, this particular counter becomes even more effective the tighter your opponent holds on. This sacrifice throw relies on you being able to keep your opponent’s grip locked on tight to your leg. His committed attack is what ends up sending him flat on his back on the mat enabling you to get on top and apply a submission of your own - in this case an armbar or an americana.

Interview by: Dave Contreras    Photos by: Mike Poeschl

Gracie Barra is one of the top schools in all of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and their alumni includes a list of who’s who in the world of BJJ and MMA including Renato “Babalu” Sobral, Ricardo Almeida, and of course the Gracies themselves. Bringing their legendary techniques to Southern CA in 2004, Gracie Barra set up shop in Irvine (located 40miles south east of Los Angeles) with the help of Marcio Feitosa, Marco Joca, and Flavio Almeida (Ricardo’s brother) and quickly established that school as the premiere location for all Gracie Barra academies within the US.  In the following interview head instructor, and multiple time world BJJ champion Marcio Feitosa gives us a rare glimpse into what sets the Gracie schools apart from the rest.