Alright, everyone, I'm excited to announce a couple additions to our schedule.  The following classes are in effect as of now! New kickboxing class:  Sundays at 5 pm.  Description:  This class will be taught by Aaron's son, Aaron.  It will focus on fundamentals, with an emphasis on kicks.  For more info, talk to either Aaron! New Jiu Jitsu open mat: Sundays at 6 pm.  Description:  An open mat for higher belts who want a roll on the day of rest.  An opportunity for our new belts to drill and ask questions about the previous week's lessons from Joe Castillo and yours truly (Q&A w/Greg and Joe).  For more info, show up man!   Read the rest of the entry...

Once again, ask, children, and you shall receive.  Paragon yoga classes are starting Saturday, March 6th at 11 am!  This isn't going to be soft-serve yoga, guys.  Jen Green, an Ashtanga and power yoga instructor, visited the academy to watch us roll, and she created a lesson plan tailored to jiu jitsu!  I tried out her class and it's awesome.  Make it on opening day to check out our yoga program and welcome our new instructor!   Read the rest of the entry...

Hey Guys, I hope that everyone is doing well and training hard.  I started a website that provides some ideas for home workout routines.  Please give it a look, when you have a moment, and let me know what you think: myhomeworkouts.com I miss Paragon and look forward to seeing everyone real soon.   Best, Adam Benshea   Read the rest of the entry...

Hey guys, We are starting to get more guys interested in live sparring in the Ring. If you want to start training and your a member of either the Kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu program let me know. As of right now the sparring days are set according to the Boxing Schedule in Santa Barbara. Boxing is great exercise and also helpful in preparing your endurance for upcoming Jiu Jitsu tournaments as well. Franjinha told me a couple days ago he felt in excellent shape in the past from Boxing training, and it greatly helped his wrestling stand up endurance. Also, we are planning a smoker coming up in the next 6 months with another local schoool and we have to smash them as usual.   Read the rest of the entry...

The BJJ Diet First and foremost, don’t eat greasy foods with high fat content several hours before coming to jiu jitsu class unless you want the embarrassment of throwing up on the mat! Also, it’s not helpful to cut carbohydrates out of your diet as a quick way to lose weight. When learning the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the amount of calories you will burn every class will be extreme. Carbohydrates are vital to recovery and energy stores in your body. The best system is to cut calories while maintaining a good balance of carbs, fat, and protein. The 60/20/20 breakdown seems to work the best; meaning 60% of your daily caloric intake should come from carbs, 20% from fat, and the remaining 20% protein. The average person training BJJ takes in 2500-3500 calories per day. If your goal is to lose weight try cutting 600 to 700 calories out daily while maintaining good workouts. The remaining calories should be healthy energy rich foods so you don’t feel depleted from cutting calories. Remember, in Jiu Jitsu competition, you want to be as light as possible and strong as possible. Another ...  Read the rest of the entry...