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

Growing Gorillas Leadership Team
The Growing Gorillas Leadership Team at SBG Bend is our next-level kids program for youth and teens who are ready for more than just learning moves. Through coaching, teaching, healthy lifestyle habits, and real community service, kids go from students to role models—building confidence, communication skills, and resilience that carry far beyond the mats, into school, home, and life.

Bend BJJ for Beginners: Your First 90 Days at SBG Bend
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a new gym can feel intimidating. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through your first 90 days of Bend BJJ at SBG Bend—from your very first shrimp to building a real “A-game,” understanding our Foundations program, and settling into the community of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Bend, Oregon.

BJJ Near Me in Bend, Oregon: How to Choose the Right Gym (And Actually Stick With It)
Choosing a BJJ gym in Bend isn’t hard because there aren’t enough options—it’s hard because there are so many. From MMA gyms to family academies, the real difference isn’t the logo, it’s the culture, curriculum, and fit with your life. This guide breaks down how to choose the right Bend BJJ gym for the long haul—and why so many people end up calling SBG Bend home.

Little BJJ, Big BJJ: How the Mat Teaches Us to Live Better
On the mats, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches us techniques, discipline, and perseverance — but the lessons don’t stop there. At SBG Bend, we’ve seen how the “little” habits and challenges in training translate into “big” wins off the mat: patience at work, humility in relationships, resilience under pressure, and community that lasts a lifetime. This post explores how BJJ becomes more than a martial art — it becomes a framework for living better.

Standing Strong: A Women Only Self Defense Workshop
Standing Strong is a women-only, fundamentals-first path to practical self-defense. You’ll train with proven

Fueling the Future: Why Kids’ Nutrition Matters for Martial Arts Training
At SBG Bend, we know kids thrive on the mats when they’re fueled the right way. Nutrition is the quiet superpower behind their energy, focus, and confidence — helping them train harder, recover faster, and enjoy the journey more. This post breaks down why hydration and balanced meals matter for young martial artists, what happens when they train under-fueled, and simple snack strategies parents can use every day.

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.
