Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 8 - Interview Part 2 - The Importance of Confidence and Mindset for Competition

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In part 2 of Rafael's interview, he focuses on the importance of confidence and mindset as the main ingredient for his success in competition. Rafael stresses that even more so than technique, skill or physical conditioning, a strong mental attitude and belief in oneself is what it takes to be a champion.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 7 - Interview Part 1 - An Academic Approach to Learning Jiu-Jitsu

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In this interview, Rafael begins by giving a background on himself and his experience in Jiu-Jitsu, and discusses what it was like growing up in an era where Jiu-Jitsu was not nearly as common as it is today. He talks a lot about how he was able to improve while never having an instructor to train with everyday, and really emphasizes the importance of keeping a journal to track your progress and help you reach your goals.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 6 - Kimura from the Back

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Rafael concludes his seminar with his favorite submission, the Kimura. He starts on the back with his hooks in, but his opponent starts escape so instead of losing the back entirely, Rafael immediately makes his Kimura grip and begins to attack. He also offers some key details on how to finish the submission.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 5 - Omoplata and X-Guard Setups from the Roleta Spider Guard Sweep

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Rafael continues with the Roleta spider guard sweep, and discusses some different ways your opponent may try to defend the sweep. He also shows some different options you can go to, depending on how your opponent reacts, including a couple omoplatas and an X-guard setup.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 4 - Roleta Spider Guard Sweep

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Rafael shows a spider guard sweep he learned from BJJ World Champion, Roleta, in which he lassos his opponent's arm and hooks the far leg. From here, he scoots underneath his opponent and kicks backwards to sweep him. Once his opponent is on his back, Rafael shows a few options to come to the top or lock a submission.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 3 - Drilling Back Takes from Open Guard Passes

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Rafael continues to discuss his principles on drilling, but now he focuses on taking the back from passing the guard. He encourages students to drill whatever pass they like, but their partner will either turn into them or turn away from them and you take the back accordingly. Rafael also emphasizes that you should always finish the drill by setting up a choke or other submission after getting the back.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 2 - Setting Up an Open Guard from a Seated Position when Your Opponent Is Standing

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Rafael continues to discuss his ideas on drilling, and shows how he likes to setup an open guard while seated and facing a standing opponent. Again, he emphasizes that everyone should setup the guard that works for their game. He also believes that after you drill a sweep, you should also drill a pass right away.

Rafael Lovato Jr. Series 1 - Concepts on Drilling and Setting Up an Open Guard from the Closed Guard

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In this series, Rafael Lovato Jr. gives a seminar at the University of Jiu-Jitsu, and discusses his views on drilling and shows some of his favorite positions he's been using lately. He begins the seminar by showing how he likes to drill, focusing on setups rather than techniques. Here he talks about starting from the closed guard, getting his preferred grips and then setting up his preferred open guard. He leaves it up to each student to fit this drilling to his own individual game.