Abstract: All matches observed of Keenan Cornelius, used in this small sample, occurred at IBJJF events, inside his weight division, and in the years 2013-2014. Only techniques, occurrences, and outcomes that were recorded are displayed in the data below (i.e. if no butterfly sweeps occurred, there will not be a representation of that in the sample data charts). Matches were selected at random based on freely available matches. This is a limited sample – but given the estimated amount of matches in this time period – it is well above the percentage necessary to create a scientifically validated trend sampling.
The Breakdown:
There may not be a more powerful figure that has entered the BJJ competition scene in the last 10 years than Keenan Cornelius. Cornelius gained significant attention several years ago when he achieved the self-titled – now famed – accomplishment of weight class and absolute “grand slam”; a series of tournament wins in the largest events of the year. Since this accomplishment, Keenan’s stock has been on the rise.
With that in mind, Keenan’s time at black belt has been both short and dense. Cornelius has missed very few major IBJJF events; giving us a phenomenal sample to study. Contrary to just about every one of our previous study subjects, Cornelius has a very diverse portfolio of techniques that he utilizes in competition. We generally see the winningest competitors use a very short list of techniques in competition; however, Cornelius has been able to muster a winning percentage of 73% using a much more complex strategy.
In addition to a strong winning percentage, we see a positive submission percentage in our data of Cornelius as well. Keenan finished his opponents in approximately 55% of his matches, and his average match length was 7 minutes and 48 seconds – both statistics that match-up almost identically with the data we have on Rodolfo Vieira and Guilherme Mendes. What’s most interesting about all this is the difference in which Cornelius achieves these results.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please check out the November issue of Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine
Tag: guard passing

4-28-2014
Check out the latest edition of out podcast featuring the inside story on Abu Dhabi World Pro, and much much more!
Podcast #13: Jimmy Pedro

Check out the latest edition of our podcast featuring special guest Jimmy Pedro. We also discuss the 2014 IBJJF European Championship, the forthcoming Pan Ams, steroids in jiu jitsu, read some fan mail, and more…

Check out the latest edition of the BishopBjj.com podcast!
LISTEN NOW!!!!!!
The BJJ Shop: referenced on show – https://www.facebook.com/Thebjjshop.us?ref=ts&fref=ts

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8RJJ9MU9ng?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Check out this great new video on Tanquinho’s knee forward style of passing. Maybe you will learn even more by watching!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoYn6L3fEKQ?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Every now and then a particular movement or technique really catches your eye. In this case it was a recent omoplata armbar applied by 2013 breakout star Magid Hage. Checkout this submission he applied against accomplished black belt Samir Chantre. We put some of our new software to work in this latest breakdown. Let us know what you think.


[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHJs1h6xrDo?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Check out the video above and learn triangles from side control, lapel sweeps from de la riva, 50/50 armlocks, and back takes from reverse de la riva.
Recently, two of our guests on the BishopBjj.com podcast, Rafael Lovato Jr. and David Adiv, both mentioned how important ownership of a persons personal jiu jitsu can be. David describes how important you treat something that is yours. By developing a style of jiu jitsu that works, you can create a very close connection between you and the technique. Lovato Jr. describes the love that he actually has for his game, in part due to the amount of time and energy he has invested in it. How are you taking ownership of your jiu jitsu?
How do you invest in your techniques? Are you researching others performing these techniques, what alterations have you tried making to the technique, have you discussed this technique with your instructor? All of these questions should spark a drive that compels you to develop your jiu jitsu in a personal way. Lovato Jr. recently mentioned the benefit of coming up as a black belt in middle America was that he had to take a close personal ownership of his style, because there was very others around him that could do so. This kind of focus is what we should all attempt to employ in our training. What techniques are you developing this week? Use the video above to gain some new perspectives.
Note: Make sure to utilize the powerful tools around you such as: black belt instructors, and healthy relationships with your training partners.


[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZtTRrBPDOA?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Welcome to another episode of “It’s Science”. We continue our 2013 season with a quick look at Guilherme Mendes (2011-2013). Now on to the fun stuff…
Abstract: All matches observed of Guilherme Mendes used in this small sample occurred at IBJJF events, inside his weight division, and between 2011-2013. Only techniques, occurrences, and outcomes that were recorded are displayed in the data below (i.e. if no butterfly sweeps occurred, there will not be a representation of that in the sample data). Matches were selected at random based on available matches – selected using a random generator from 18 total available IBJJF matches matches between 2011-2013. This is a limited sample – but given the estimated amount of matches in this time period – it is well above the percentage necessary to create a scientifically validated trend sampling.
So what did we learn?: Guilherme Mendes is an impressive competitor. Much like his brother, he is quite good at avoiding defeat. Inside this study – which took place between 2011 and 2013 – there was only one loss on his record. The best way to describe his style is, “insistent”. He insisted upon a handful of techniques, and was able to put himself in the exact position to execute these moves with absolute precision. Approximately 81% of his passes were executed in a very similar fashion – Half-Guard, knee slide, and nearly 88% of his sweep came from a De La Riva to berimbolo-style of attack. His game was very effective. It saw him finish almost 60% of his matches by submission, and it him in position to be the first to score in 100% of the matches in that he was the victor. In observing his style and performance, I believe this is a very important metric for Guilherme. By being the first to score in his matches, he immediately put his opponent on defense, and was able to stay ahead and inside his own comfort zone. In his sole loss he did not score first, and was unable to build his normal momentum through out the match.
There is a lot that the average competitor can learn from Guilherme Mendes style and approach. While the techniques are far from “simple”, his approach and execution is very basic. He kept his attacks to a handful of techniques, and insisted upon them from the beginning. One thing to learn from his competitive approach, is that by building a match around your strengths from the start, you can put yourself in a consistently offensive game. This can help reduce hesitation and can ensure that techniques are executed properly under pressure.
Notable Stats:
- 7:15 was his average match length
- Won 58% of his matches by submission
- Scored first in 100% of his wins (91% total)
- Passed from the half-guard 81.5% of the time
- 88% of sweeps occured from the De La Riva guard
- He preferred knee-cut passes to leg drag passes 13/2
- Approximately 77% of his submissions were from the side control position
- When on the feet he preferred pulling guard – as he did so 85% of the time
Top Competitor | Guilherme Mendes |
Successes | Side Control Submissions |
Avoided… | Mount |
Top Technique 1 | Knee Through Pass From Half-Guard |
Top Technique 2 | Berimbolo |
Number of Matches Observed | 12 |
Submits Opponent | 7 |
Wins by Points | 4 |
Minutes of footage watched | 87 |
Scores First | 11 |
Total Wins | 11 |
Total Loses | 1 |
Sweeps (Position) | |
De la Riva Sweeps | 7 |
50/50 | 1 |
Sweeps (Type) | |
Ankle Pick sweep | 1 |
Berimbolo-style (kiss of the dragon, etc.) | 7 |
Total Sweeps | 8 |
Passes (Position) | |
On Knees | 1 |
Half-Guard | 13 |
Standing | 2 |
Passes (Type) | |
leg drag | 2 |
knee through | 13 |
x-pass | 1 |
Total Passes | 16 |
Taking the Back | |
side control | 4 |
Total Back-Takes | 4 |
Submissions (Position) | |
Back | 2 |
Side Control | 5 |
Submissions (Type) | |
choke from back | 2 |
gi choke (Guilitine, Brabo, Basball Bat) | 5 |
Total Subs: | 7 |
Takedown/ Ground Establishment | |
Double-Guard Pull | 3 |
Guard Pull | 9 |
ankle pick | 2 |