SBG Articles And News
The latest news and articles to keep your mind fit

No Quit: Why Commitment is the Ultimate Martial Arts Skill (On and Off the Mat)
Commitment is the real secret sauce behind every success story at SBG Bend. Show up when it’s hard and you’ll forge the habits that unlock everything else—effective self-defense, lasting weight-loss, unshakeable confidence, bully-proof kids, real leadership. Quit early and you train the opposite. This article breaks down why consistency outranks talent, how sticking with the grind builds grit and delayed gratification, and why the mat is the perfect laboratory for life-long resilience.

Fundamentals in BJJ: What They Really Mean (and Why They Matter at Every Level)
At SBG Bend, “fundamentals” aren’t beginner tricks—they’re the timeless pillars of balance, posture, frames, pressure, and connection that power every sweep, choke, and escape from white-belt day one to black-belt decade two. Master the essentials, and the fancy stuff takes care of itself—at every age, size, or rule-set.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Beginners at SBG Bend
Thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but not sure where to begin? At SBG Bend, our Foundations Program uses Matt Thornton’s Aliveness-driven “I-Method” to guide absolute beginners—no matter their age or fitness level—from their very first grip to confident sparring. Discover a welcoming tribe, expert coaching, and a proven path to real-world self-defense, fitness, and fun.

From Hobby to Lifestyle: The Health Benefits of BJJ for Bend’s 30+ Crowd
Think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is just for college kids and cage fighters? Think again.
At SBG Bend, adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are thriving on the mats—getting fitter, sharper, and building a lifestyle that strengthens body, mind, and spirit. Discover why BJJ is quickly becoming the go-to hobby (and health hack) for Bend’s 30+ crowd. It’s never too late to roll — it’s the smartest investment in yourself you’ll ever make.

No Ego, No Problem: How a “Zero Ego” Gym Culture Benefits Your BJJ Journey
“Leave your ego at the door” isn’t just a cliché—it’s a practical mindset that makes training safer, more productive, and a hell of a lot more enjoyable. At SBG Bend, we foster an ego-free environment where students of all levels can learn, experiment, and improve without judgment.

Is there a 10th Planet in Bend Oregon?
Bend still has no official 10th Planet, but your no-gi fix is covered—SBG Bend runs multiple submission-wrestling classes each week, delivering Eddie-Bravo-style creativity in a safe, One Tribe One Vibe setting until (or if) that “coming-soon” franchise ever opens its doors.

Is there a Gracie Barra in Bend, Oregon?
Searching for a “Gracie Barra Bend Oregon” location? Bend doesn’t have an official GB academy, but SBG Bend opens its doors to Gracie Barra travelers—bring your red-shield gi, enjoy structured rolls, and keep your Jiu-Jitsu momentum while exploring Central Oregon.

2025 AGF Bend Championships – Everything SBG Bend Competitors (and Supporters) Need to Know
Everything you need for the AGF Bend Championships on April 26: registration deadlines, weigh‑in times, SBG‑led prep sessions—and a reminder that while competing is optional, tribe support is mandatory (cheers welcome, sideline coaching left to our certified staff).

From Micro Monkey to Teen Titan – A Journey Through SBG Bend’s Growing Gorillas
Follow Mia, Leo, Ava, Dylan, and Jake as they climb SBG Bend’s “Growing Gorillas” ladder—from giggly shrimp races at age 3 to teen leadership on the mats—and see how our age‑smart Jiu‑Jitsu program pairs child‑development science with Matt Thornton’s Truth‑Aliveness‑Adaptability ethos to build confident, resilient kids at every stage.

Outlaws Martial Arts Closure – Support & Mat Space for the Sisters Jiu‑Jitsu Community
Outlaws Martial Arts may have closed its doors in Sisters, but your Jiu‑Jitsu journey doesn’t have to pause—SBG Bend welcomes former Outlaws students to keep training, progress safely, and join an ego‑free tribe built on the Truth‑Aliveness‑Adaptability philosophy.

Kids Karate vs. Jiu-Jitsu in Bend – How SBG Builds Confident Kids
Looking for a kids’ martial‑arts class that actually prepares your child for real‑life situations? SBG Bend’s Growing Gorillas Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu program teaches bully‑proof grappling, confidence, and monthly life‑skills — all in a fun, age‑appropriate setting. Our staggered schedule lets parents train in their own class right before or after the kids, so the whole family can fit training into a busy week. Give your child—and yourself—the gift of practical self‑defense and community.

From Beginner to Champion – What SBG’s Success Stories Mean for You
From Forrest Griffin’s rise from novice to UFC champion to Conor McGregor’s title runs under John Kavanagh, SBG’s track record proves that fundamentals + community turn beginners into stand‑outs—so when you drill hip escapes at SBG Bend, you’re following the same playbook that shaped MMA legends and everyday blue‑belt success stories alike.

Jiu‑Jitsu Scientists – The Intellectual Side of SBG Bend’s Training
Unlock the “lab‑coat” side of BJJ: at SBG Bend we turn rolls into experiments, fusing Matt Thornton’s Truth‑Aliveness‑Adaptability ethos with Chris Haueter’s combat‑base science to build thinkers who can fight—and fighters who can think.

Practical vs. Fantasy – Keeping Martial Arts Real at SBG Bend
Cut through the flash and train for reality: SBG Bend’s “Aliveness” method swaps kata and choreographed moves for pressure‑tested drills against resisting partners—merging BJJ, Muay Thai, and wrestling into functional skills you can trust inside the cage or on the street.

The SBG Difference in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
Feel the “One Tribe, One Vibe” pulse the moment you step on SBG Bend’s mats. Backed by Matt Thornton’s “university of fighting” ethos and a worldwide roster of UFC‑tested coaches, we blend Ivy‑League‑level instruction with an ego‑free community—delivering proven BJJ & MMA skills for hobbyists, kids, and future champions alike.