Struggling to get your opponent down to the mat from the standing rear body lock position? The knee pinch (or knee staple) is a powerful and low risk way to break your opponent's standing base and land in an efficient position to secure back control and finish the fight. This technique can also be used as a mat return if your opponent tries to escape your back control by standing up.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

The whizzer & shin whizzer are one of the strongest defenses to a single leg takedown. Advancing through a whizzer could often feel impossible due to the pressure and off-balancing it creates. Michael breaks down the single leg shelf finish which crosses over into Jiu Jitsu very well. The shelf finish weakens your opponent's whizzer and helps restore dominant scoring position.

0:42 - Getting the angle to shelf
1:02 - Beating the whizzer via shelf finish
1:36 - Two different finish options
2:22 - Beating the shin whizzer via shelf finish
3:43 - Realtime demonstration of single leg to shelf finish

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

0:00 - Intro
1:02 - Knee Slide Breakdown
2:19 - Double Leg Finish Details
2:55 - Knee Slide Drills to Practice
3:16 - Live Example of Double Leg Knee Slide to Finish

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

The peek out is a technique that can be used when you are stuck underneath your opponent and both of their arms are past your elbows. Due to the positioning of their arms, your body has the angle and opportunity to advance your position through a small opening between their arms and their legs. Michael breaks down the peek out that Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu used in his match at Fight 2 Win 139. He also answers a common question asked by students who fear getting guillotined while performing the peek out.

• 0:25 Peek Out Breakdown
• 1:55 Common Mistake with the Peek Out
• 2:41 Dealing with the Guillotine Choke when Peeking Out

Our goal is never to be the biggest. It was to be the cool dojo that you want to go, hang out, have a barbecue.

The Throw By is an excellent technique used to take your opponent's back and/or take them down. Michael breaks down how he hits the Throw By, compares the Throw By to the Slide By, highlights the pros and cons of both, and recommends the best opportunity to execute either one.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Let's rewind back to the 2020 Third Coast Grappling Kumite 5 tournament. Tye Ruotolo and Renato Canuto had a twelve minute battle in their semi-finals match. Tye and Renato are in an "over under" tie when Renato clasps his hands behind Tye's back to secure the body lock. Tye immediately takes action by weaving his lead leg through the middle and executing an inside trip takedown. Michael demonstrates what an inside trip is, how Tye executed it, the mechanics behind the takedown, and alternate inside trip options.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

FUJI's constantly pushing the boundries of design and technology in grappling gi and gear. We are very excited to share the HERTIGAE Line with you as a sneak peek as to what is to come in 2021 for FUJI Sports Gi & Gear. 

The Heritage Jiu-Jitsu Rashguard will feature a multi-color look along with a unique design on the chest, sleeve and back. All colors and designs are fully sublimated which means they will never crack, peel or fade over time despite the rigors of Jiu-Jitsu practice or Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. 

Heritage can be defined as "a special or individual possession" - your skills as a grappler is something that lives in your heritage as a person. Jiu-Jitsu is a culture and something that can be found nearly any country around the world. Despite where you are from all jiu-jitsu players share the same heritage! 

Take a look at the new rashguard below and let us know what you think:

Michael shows two examples of re-shots hit in competition, demonstrates what a re-shot is, and explains why it is so effective. The first clip is multiple time Jiu Jitsu World Champion, Leandro Lo executing a re-shot against Erberth Santos in the 2017 IBJJF Brazilian National Finals. The second re-shot example is Michael himself in a college wrestling dual meet RIC vs Springfield (2010).

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

For us, it has been dynamite.

Let’s just focus on the hips in this episode! Michael demonstrates a powerful way to defend your opponents tight double leg takedown just by changing the angle of your hips. Initially favoring one side of your hip as you sprawl will downgrade your opponents double leg and force them to wrestle from an unexpected single leg or front headlock position.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

What is Chain Wrestling? Chain Wrestling is a methodology of linking a combination of offensive and/or defensive moves together that lead to points. The Chain Wrestling concept will get wrestlers (and Jiu Jitsu students) thinking a few steps ahead of their opponent and will become more instinctive through time.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Rewind back to 2009! One of the biggest upsets in NCAA wrestling finals history - Darrion Caldwell vs #1 seed and returning national champion, Brent Metcalf. Early in the first period Darrion scores two quick takedowns, one being this stunning sag headlock. Michael walks through the setup that Caldwell used and discusses proper positioning when performing the sag headlock.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Michael breaks down James Green's navy finish from the 2020 RTC Cup when he faced Anthony Echemendia. Michael also shows how this technique can be used in Jiu Jitsu to finish a single leg takedown and transition right to a dominant position or knee bar submission.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

To split, or not to split, that is the question. Michael walks us through one of the biggest reasons single leg takedown attempts fail in No Gi Jiu Jitsu due to unnecessary splitting of the hands (inefficient hand positioning). He shows us when it's beneficial to split your hands and when it's not a good idea to split your hands. Following this system and idea will make a significant difference retaining control of your opponents leg, securing the finish, and scoring two points!

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Yianni Diakomihalis is one of the most dangerous, exciting, unpredictable wrestlers in todays sport. Michael breaks down a highlight when Yianni went toe to toe with Zain Retherford in the 2019 Final X at Rutgers. Michael covers Yianni’s setup, execution, and discusses alternative options for Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu depending on how your opponent reacts.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Michael rewinds back to the 2019 99KG ADCC semi-finals when Gordon Ryan applied an elbow pass setup on Lucas Barbosa. Michael explains what an elbow pass is, when to use it, how to effectively execute it, and provides a few drills to practice.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Nate Jackson uses a standing switch to defend a single leg, sit his opponent to their hip, and score a takedown in wrestling. Michael breaks down how you can utilize this single leg defense in Jiu Jitsu and turn it into a back take or calf slicer submission.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Michael shows a variation to the standard run the pipe finish. This trip variation can be used to finish the takedown or as a setup to run the pipe. Check out Ep. 10 on the key elements needed to run the pipe efficiently!

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Michael breaks down one of his advanced butterfly hook sweep defenses. This technique is often used as a last resort if your opponent is able to solidify a strong hook sweep position, trap your arm post, and all of your first lines of defense have failed.

EDITORS NOTE: This is an advanced technique Michael has drilled and executed for many years. If this is not done properly this can possibly lead to a neck injury. Please watch the video carefully to hear the steps Michael takes to protect his neck while performing this technique and what drills you can begin with before trying this in real time.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

Michael breaks down the 360 double leg takedown that Cyborg executed on James Puopolo in the 2019 IBJJF No Gi World Championship 97 KG Finals. He also points out a crucial positional adjustment Cyborg makes while finishing the takedown.

To learn more about The Merge, click here. 

About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.