Where Inverted Gear Got Its Name | Nelson Puentes BJJ Breakdown
In this episode, we catch up with Nelson Puentes—founder of Inverted Gear, accomplished black belt, and coach at Inverted Gear Academy in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Nelson walks us through a practical inverted guard technique and shares the quirky, completely true story behind how the brand got its name and mascot.
Watch the full video here ↓
A Sweep That Works for Heavyweights
Nelson starts the session with a sweep from a seated, double guard pull position—a rare but efficient option for bigger grapplers who may not consider themselves “inverters.” The key setup involves controlling the outside leg and hip while staying seated.
“Anytime I knock someone over and control that outside hook, I’ll roll through and wedge myself into position. From there, I elevate the hips and follow through to the back,” Nelson explains.
Even for super heavyweights, the transition is smooth. Nelson emphasizes the importance of getting that outside hook and creating elevation before moving to take the back or attack.
The Real Story Behind Inverted Gear
So why “Inverted Gear”? And what’s up with the panda?
“When we started the company in 2012, the berimbolo game was really starting to take off,” Nelson says. “Any time someone saw an inverted position, they thought: jiu-jitsu.”
The original inspiration came from a picture of a panda doing what looked like an inversion. His students immediately recognized the image and dubbed it the “jiu-jitsu panda.” That photo became the face of the brand—and an inside joke turned international business.
“Some guy on the internet once argued pandas don’t do that. So I sent him the original photo,” Nelson laughs. “It was real.”
Final Thoughts
This episode blends technique and storytelling, showing how creativity on and off the mats can lead to something meaningful. Nelson’s sweep shows how even heavyweights can use inversion efficiently, and the story behind the panda reminds us how powerful a simple idea can be.
Catch the full video on YouTube for step-by-step breakdowns, more laughs, and a close look at one of the most iconic logos in jiu-jitsu.
Want more high-level grappling insight?
Subscribe on YouTube, and don’t forget to check out our other breakdowns with Nelson Puentes.
Want More?
You can find Nelson Puentes at Inverted Gear Academy in the Lehigh Valley area. They ship globally and run one of the most concept-driven academies around.
Big thanks to Nelson for sharing these details with all of us!
You can follow Nelson on Instagram invertedgearnelson and check out his products at invertedgear.com.
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