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Simple 4 Exercise Routine Using Isometrics To Improve Your BJJ Specific Strength and Cardio

This week I wanted to share a simple 4 exercise Isometric Training routine using just your bodyweight that will really make a difference on the mats. This routine focuses on the 4 main areas we use on the mats – Legs, Hips, Upper Body and Neck. 

You will only do each exercise once so it will take less than 10 minutes to complete but it will quickly have you feeling the results that only isometrics can deliver.

#1 Legs: Squat or Lunge Hold

#2 Upper Body: Push Up Hold 

#3 Hips: Glute Bridge of Single Leg Glute Bridge Hold

#4 Neck: Crow Headstand or Regular Headstand

Hold each exercise for up to 90 seconds. Check out the video to see how to do them.



Isometrics are the fastest and safest way to get stronger for the specific demands of grappling and this workout is an easy way for you to experience them for yourself. Do this workout 2-3 times a week and let me know how it’s working for you.

Until next time…

Train Strong,

James Wilson

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Breathwork for BJJ – Podcast Episode #7

In this episode of the podcast, I try to cover a huge subject – breathing and breathwork for BJJ. There is a lot of info in this episode and I know that I could have gone into more detail on a number of things I talked about. However, it will give you some things to think about when it comes to training your own breathing and using breathwork to improve how you feel and perform both on and off the mats.

You can stream or download it from the link below or you can find it on Itunes, Podbean, Google Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcasting platforms.

Click Here to Download the MP3 File

Breathing is something that we take for granted but it can make or break our health and performance. Over the last year, I’ve taken a deep dive into different breathing and breathwork methods – including The Wim Hof Method and The Oxygen Advantage – and I’ve learned a lot about how to leverage this easily accessible tool.

This podcast is a condensed version of a 3-week program I take people through to help them improve their health, performance and mindset through better breathing. In it I’ll share the daily practices and workout strategies that have helped me and my clients and I know will help you too.

Until next time…

Train Strong,

James Wilson
BJJ Strength Training Systems

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Joel Jamieson on Training and Recovery for BJJ – BJJ Strength Training Podcast #6

On this week’s podcast I interviewed Joel Jamieson, who is one of the most respected and sought out Strength & Conditioning coaches in the world. I ask him about training for the unique demands of BJJ, the best way to use HRV to guide your training and the one conditioning method he thinks a lot of grapplers are missing out on.

You can stream or download it from the link below or you can find it on Itunes, Podbean, Google Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcasting platforms.

Click Here to Download the MP3 File

If you haven’t heard of him yet, Joel has worked with a lot of professional fighters as the main strength and conditioning coach for Matt Hume’s MMA team. His book Ultimate MMA Conditioning is considered one of the best books on cardio and conditioning training ever written and has influenced programs in countless other sports.

He is also an expert on HRV training and how to use it with athletes. He has been working with HRV since the early 2000’s and he has done more to help bring practical solutions and advice to the everyday athlete than anyone else, including his current HRV monitoring system Morpheus.

Because of this he is one of the most sought after coaches in the world, working with top performers in the sports, business and military worlds. But as busy as he is, he was nice enough to take the time to come on the podcast and share his insights into training and recovery. 

You can learn more about Joel and the different solutions he offers to help your training and recovery at www.8weeksout.com

I’ve learned a lot from Joel over the years and it was great to get his thoughts on training for the unique demands of BJJ, especially as you get older. I hope you get something that you can apply to your own program to help you perform and feel better both on and off the mats.

Until next time…

Train Strong,

James Wilson

BJJ Strength Training Systems

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