Let's F**k Someone's Jiu-Jitsu Up"
How We Study and Adapt
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Let's F**k Someone's Jiu-Jitsu Up"
I was recently struggling with what to teach. I kept flip flopping between a few topics but nothing quite hit me.
Tue morning was approaching and I decided to say fuck it and try something that I hadn’t done before but I had toyed with for a bit.
Morning of I explained the concept and called it something to the effect of, “Let’s fuck someone’s Jiu-Jitsu” and looked around the room. The name caused a bit of a laugh. I settled on one of our newest Blue Belts.
I picked him for a few reasons. Knowing how he is, I knew he would be a good sport about it and he genuinely is giving people a problem. Myself included.
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The Benefits
Targeted Training - Often times we train in hypotheticals, a faceless opponent trying to get the better of us. This approach gave the opponent a very specific came and face. Everyone has experienced that person’s pressure, base, or submission attacks. It hones the student in, forcing them to pay attention more because there is no doubt that you WILL have to deal with the subject matter.
Learning To Be Hunted - Students can sometimes hide behind their A-Game. What I mean by that is that when things get tough, they’ll revert to what works best, even when they know it may not help with growth. We naturally don’t want to lose. This approach forces their training partners to learn what’s going on, adapt, which then forces the original student to further sharpen their tools.
Reverse Engineering - Being reversed engineered is a compliment and a badge of honor. You’re creating issues for people that require them to work backwards to figure you out. The added plus is that when you sit in on a class where I’m pulling your game apart, you can grow to understand what you’re doing as well as what they will begin to do.
Bonding and Comradery
The Laughs - The title alone got people to laugh which I loved. But the act of picking someone’s game apart in front of them was hilarious. There was even a moment when a student asked, “what if he does..” I looked over at the student who’s game we are picking apart and he sheepishly says.. “Well.. I would..”
I knew he didn’t want to give away any more information but that’s how we grow as a group.Comradery - If we can build a community where people care less about their individual short term success and more about making sure everyone is getting better, it’ll drive comradery. No one will feel like they need to hoard information for the short term. They’ll understand that, the team gets better, and because the team is going to get better, so will they.
I do not hoard anything from any students I have, regardless of where I’m teaching.
Thank you,
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!
Progress Over Pride Premium Audio Series
🔊 EPISODE 1: “Why Tapping is a Skill, Not a Shame”
Rewiring how you view loss, pain, and quitting
• Reframe tapping as a decision, not a defeat
• Learn why pain is feedback—not failure
• Discover how the tap protects your longevity and growth
🔊 EPISODE 2: “From Proving to Improving”
Outgrowing gym performance anxiety
• Stop rolling to impress and start rolling with intent
• Let go of fear-driven intensity and chase progress
• Build quiet confidence rooted in awareness, not approval
🔊 EPISODE 3: “Respect Doesn’t Mean Submission”
How to train assertively and kindly
• Stand your ground while being a safe partner
• Hold standards when no one’s watching
• Build a balanced training style—push hard, protect spirits