When it comes to self-defense, not all martial arts are created equal. At BETA Academy in Washington, DC, our top recommendations for practical, real-world self-defense are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai. These two disciplines complement each other to provide a complete system of protection—whether you’re standing on your feet or taken to the ground....
Decades in the Making: Nakapan Wins Gold at the 2025 IBJJF Pan American Championship At BETA Academy, we believe in the lifelong pursuit of excellence. That spirit was on full display when our founder and head instructor, Nakapan Phungephorn, achieved a major milestone—winning Gold at the 2025 IBJJF Pan American Championship. 🥇 “[It] took decades,...
In a world where kids are increasingly drawn to screens and sedentary activities, martial arts offer a much-needed counterbalance. But beyond physical fitness, disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai offer children life-changing benefits—mentally, emotionally, and socially. Building Confidence from the Ground Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches kids how to handle themselves with control and...
In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition is the ultimate test — a place where skills are sharpened, mindsets are toughened, and athletes forge their legacy. Recently, a new arena has captured the attention of the BJJ community: The Pit. Known for its intense energy and raw atmosphere, competition in The Pit is quickly becoming...
The mats are your battlefield, the gi your armor. You push your limits, hone your skills, and build camaraderie with your training partners. But lurking beneath the surface, unseen and potentially harmful, is a common foe in close-contact sports: Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. While martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu offer incredible physical and mental...
When it comes to martial arts, the question of effectiveness is always paramount. You want to know if the time and effort you invest will translate into real-world skills. And when it comes to striking arts, Muay Thai, the “Art of Eight Limbs,” consistently earns a place in the conversation. So, is Muay Thai an...
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has exploded in popularity, becoming a global phenomenon. But where did this grappling art come from? It’s a fascinating journey that spans continents and generations, transforming a traditional martial art into the dynamic sport we know today. The Roots: Kodokan Judo in Japan The story begins in Japan with Jigoro Kano, the...
Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a combat sport and martial art originating from Thailand. Known for its brutal efficiency and elegant simplicity, Muay Thai has evolved over centuries from ancient military training to become one of the most respected and popular martial arts globally. Let’s take a quick...
Gordon Ryan is, without a doubt, the most dominant no-gi grappler of his era. His systematic approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, suffocating top control, and relentless pressure have made him nearly unbeatable in competition. But no athlete is invincible. If someone were to dethrone the king, how could they do it? This post explores a theoretical...
The question of whether Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the “best” martial art has sparked countless debates in the martial arts community. With its rising popularity and dominance in mixed martial arts (MMA) and self-defense, BJJ often stands out as one of the most effective and adaptable systems. However, defining the “best” martial art depends on...
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