1-800-BJJ-HELP #165 Kristian Castaneda: Exploring of Many Forms of Grappling, Wrestling, Judo, Sambo, Sumo...etc
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Dec 8, 2025 Kristian Castaneda, a multi-discipline grappler and coach with expertise in judo, jiu-jitsu, and sambo, shares his journey through various grappling arts. He discusses key differences in techniques and rules between freestyle and folk-style wrestling, emphasizing the tactical shifts they create. Kristian also highlights the evolution of throws, effective turtle defenses, and the importance of open guard dynamics. His insights into cross-pollination of techniques into submission grappling provide valuable lessons for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
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Cross-Discipline Grappling Origin Story
- Kristian Casaneda traced his journey from karate in San Diego to judo, sambo, freestyle wrestling and catch wrestling across San Diego and Vancouver.
- He credits university jujitsu, judo training since 2014, and cross-training exposure for his wide grappling experience.
Rules Drive Technique Selection
- Rule sets shape the techniques athletes prioritize and the resulting tactics in competition.
- Freestyle rewards big throws and push-out points while folkstyle emphasizes returns to feet and different groundwork incentives.
Sambo's Groundwork Distinctives
- Sports Sambo differs from judo mainly by allowing ankle locks and knee bars and banning chokes.
- Those differences significantly change groundwork strategy and risk calculus.