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Independent Brazilian jiu-jitsu field guide

Learn the art behind the movement.

A practical, plain-language guide to Brazilian jiu-jitsu for curious beginners and thoughtful practitioners.

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About this site

Built for informed questions.

Open Mat Field Notes is an independent educational guide for people who want a clearer starting point for understanding Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Published at zebmckinnonbjj.com, it is not an academy, booking service or instructor directory. Its content contains no biography of, claims from, or endorsement statements by an athlete, coach, academy or governing body.

BJJ basics

A practice of problem-solving.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art centered on positional control and submission techniques. Training formats vary by school and instructor.

01

Position before pressure

BJJ uses leverage, balance and positional awareness to create controlled technical options.

02

Technique through practice

Instruction, focused repetition and partner drills are common ways practitioners develop movement skills.

03

Respect in every round

Clear rules, communication and care for training partners support responsible practice.

Before training

Confirm the details that matter.

Before joining any program, ask for current information and make sure the environment suits your experience, goals and needs.

  1. 01

    Who will teach and what qualifications or affiliation they hold

  2. 02

    Whether the class level and participation requirements fit your needs

  3. 03

    The current schedule, location, fees and cancellation conditions

  4. 04

    The safety, hygiene, supervision and injury-response practices

Content enquiries

Help keep the guide clear.

Editorial questions, correction requests and privacy enquiries can be sent to the contact below.

Content enquiriesHeather Clark
Website
zebmckinnonbjj.com

This contact is for the website only. No training, booking, membership, payment or in-person service is offered here.

Useful answers

Know what this site is.

Is this website a BJJ academy or training provider?

No. It is an independent educational resource and does not advertise or provide instruction, memberships or events.

Is this a coach or athlete profile?

No. The publication contains general BJJ education rather than a biography, profile or statements made on behalf of an athlete or coach.

Can I book or pay through this website?

No. The site has no booking, enrollment, membership or payment functionality.