Jiu-Jitsu Academy
 T-shirt/$22
First Impressions: When Rorion pulled one of these shirts off the rack and showed it to us, we had to shake our head in admiration.
Why It's Cool: Not only is the concept of presenting different techniques creative, but the design is also innovative. Notice how the technique is slightly off-center. • This is part of their submission series. • In easy-to-read lettering, each shirt features the name of the technique and the details of the technique. For example, on the front you'll get the name of the technique. On the back, you get Technique, Translation, Fact, Note, Application, Diagnosis, Recovery Time, Preventative Measures and Submission Series. For example, Note states, "Even a poorly applied choke is dangerous." • The sketch features Ryron Gracie performing the technique. • Their shirts are 100 percent cotton. • Front and back silk-screened logo. • Gray and available in a variety of sizes.
Final Thoughts: Way creative. Forget about it.
Contact Info: www.gracieacademy.com
GrappleArts.com
 Dynamic Kneebars DVD/$44.95
First Impressions: First-class, all the way.
Why It's Cool: For a nice touch, Stephan Kesting throws some humor into this. First, he displays the disclaimer about consulting your doctor before engaging in an exercise program. Then, he advises viewers, "Consult your attorney, if you duplicate this DVD." • Features full menu for easy navigation. • 89 minutes long. • Showcases kneebar strategies, principles and variations. • 20 counters. • Drills. • Strength exercises for kneebars. • And the production quality? Awesome, dudes. The lighting is good, the contrast between Stephan and his partner is good and the audio is good. You can see and hear everything. • He's also very comprehensive in his explanations. For example, he shows you the maximum effectiveness in attaining the hold. • He also shows common mistakes.
Final Thoughts: Stephan Kesting is an instructor for Erik Paulson, so this Canadian cat knows his stuff.
Contact Info: www.grapplearts.com
Grappler's Tool Box
 Grappler's Grip/$14.99
First Impressions: This stuff really works!
Why It's Cool: This is a performance-enhancing solution that alleviates grip problems caused by perspiration. • It actually repels water. • All you do is apply a dime-size amount to your hands, rub them together and wait 15 seconds. Simple and easy. • It also provides traction for your feet, so you can apply it there, as well. • It's not sticky or greasy. • Scent? If that matters to you, it smells good. It reminded us of that bottled hand sanitizer you can find in drug stores. • All it takes is one application for a complete day of training or competition. • The contents are SD alcohol 40 and a few other things that we can barely spell and no one can pronounce!
Final Thoughts: The same as our First Impressions!
Contact Info: www.grapplersgrip.com
Warrior Wear
 Jersey/$39.99
First Impressions: It's time to rock and roll.
Why They Are Cool: Durable. It's 100 percent polyester, which means you can wear this when you train. • Sleeveless, so you've got the maneuverability to roll or even lift, if you want. • In terms of looks, you can't beat it. Nice blend of black, white and red. • You've got the Warrior Wear logo across the chest. • The Web site runs across the upper back. • They threw in some creativity by placing the Warrior Wear logo along the back at the bottom. Plus, they placed it on an angle and cut off a portion of it.
Final Thoughts: These get the job done ... training, lifting or simply hanging out.
Contact Info: www.warriorwear.tv
TapouT
 Camo Long Shorts/$44
First Impressions: Keep an eye on these. You'll lose them if you are not careful. As soon as she saw these, the girlfriend lost her shorts and had these on.
Why They Are Cool: The camo. • Because it's TapouT. • The hem on one leg is solid, and the hem on the other is camo. Nice touch. • Fully embroidered TapouT logo on each leg. • Velcro fly. • Heavy-duty drawstring. • Sizes 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 44. • Totally comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Put these on, walk down the street and people will move outta your way.
Contact Info: www.inyaface.com
Hitman Fight Gear
 Short-Sleeved Rash Guard/$21
First Impressions: 10 on a scale of 10, and we'll tell you why. Keep reading.
Why They Are Cool: They did a nice job of designing these. The traps, shoulders and biceps are camo. The rest is black. • The white logo is most conspicuous across the chest. • 80 percent nylon and 20 percent Lycra. • Comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Worth taking a look at, especially because of the price.
Contact Info: www.hitmanfightgear.com
TapouT
 Hat/$18
First Impressions: It just takes one word, and that is stylish.
Why They Are Cool: The logo is slanted, and it’s off-center (not shown). • The hat is black, and the white logo is embroidered. You don’t have to strain your eyes to read the logo. • Totally comfortable. • Adjustable to fit every size noggin. • The mesh in the back will keep you a bit cooler during those hot L.A. summers … or humid East Coast summers. • 97 percent cotton and 3 percent Spandex.
Final Thoughts: Wear it frontward, backward or to the side. Doesn’t matter. It fits, and it looks good.
Contact Info: www.inyaface.com Show comments (0) - Add comments to this article: |
