Why You Can’t Move High-Level Black Belts (The Science)

In this video, Henry Akins reveals the "Dead Weight" concept—a hidden Jiu-Jitsu secret that instantly makes you heavier, faster, and nearly impossible to sweep. If you are a BJJ hobbyist over 30 who struggles with stiffness, getting smashed by younger partners, or constant injuries, this lesson on how to relax in Jiu-Jitsu is the cure you’ve been looking for. Bernardo Faria joins Henry Akins (Rickson Gracie Black Belt) to discuss why tension is the number one enemy of your progress. Most people think relaxing is just about saving energy, but Henry explains the physics behind it: when you are tense, you are like a statue—easy to tip over and easy to break. When you are relaxed, you become like a heavy chain or a water bag—fluid, heavy, and unbreakable. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro with Bernardo Faria & Henry Akins 00:30 - Why "Learning to Relax" is the most misunderstood concept in BJJ 01:18 - Benefit #1: Increasing Movement Speed & Reaction Time 01:58 - Benefit #2: Developing Sensitivity & "Invisible" Timing 02:30 - The #1 Cause of Injury in BJJ (The "Statue" Analogy) 04:22 - Benefit #4: How Relaxation Makes You Feel 50lbs Heavier 05:15 - The "Dead Weight" Demonstration: Why Tension Makes You Light 06:05 - The "Push Test": Bernardo Faria vs. Henry's Dead Weight 06:45 - The Mechanics: Why you become a "Single Solid Piece" when tense 07:57 - Practical Application: Stopping the Flower/Pendulum Sweep by Relaxing 09:20 - Analyzing High-Level Athletes: The "Flow State" 10:40 - How to Train Relaxation: Specific Drills for the Hobbyist 11:38 - The "Water Bag" Concept: Smothering Mount Pressure 12:20 - Why Relaxed Pressure feels "Heavy" yet "Empty" to the opponent 14:00 - The "Water Bed" Effect: Soaking up space automatically 16:54 - Conclusion: Why this style works best for BJJ Longevity For all your BJJ Gear and Apparel Needs Visit - https://store.bjjfanatics.com/ Are you a BJJ Fanatics Insider? If not, you are missing out! Join now at: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/insi... Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com   / bernardofariabjj     / bernardofariabjj     / bernardofariajj