Portfolio Project: Amechi Akpom

BJJ Training Journal:

Product Overview

Many years ago, I designed, launched, and supported a SaaS product called the BJJ Training Journal. Below is a general overview of the project.

At the time of this project's development, my primary focus was on product functionality, user experience, and broad security parameters. I have since evolved and taken a keen interest in cybersecurity, leading me to pursue a dedicated career in the domain. This project is a testament to my foundational tech experience.

This project was developed between September 2013 and March 2017 using the technology standards of the time. It showcases my experience in conceptualizing and executing tech projects and does not reflect the current state of technology. I have had no connection with the brand or assets since March 2017.

Technique Log

There is so much to learn in Jiu-Jitsu!  The Technique Log helps with that.  Basically, this is a personal database for each user where they can save all of the techniques that they learn in class by taking notes and tagging them by position.

There is so much to learn in Jiu-Jitsu!  The Technique Log helps with that.  Basically, this is a personal database for each user where they can save all of the techniques that they learn in class by taking notes and tagging them by position.

This allows them to remember their techniques forever. 10 minutes from now, or 10 years from now, they have every detail saved for their to review.  Users can also add YouTube videos to the technique entries to see the moves in action.

“The App You Can Take On The Mat” lets users record a video on their iPhone and upload it directly into their account.

All data from the BJJ Training Journal is saved “in the cloud” so everything users save in the web version is automatically synched with the app version.

Mat Time

In order to improve, you have to put in the work. The Mat Time feature keeps track of how often users train so they can make sure they are putting in the time they need to improve.  Click/Tap on the calendar and the software records the user’s weekly training average and even gives a recommendation so they can monitor their training consistency.

The Pro Version of Mat Time lets users do a bunch of extra things.

  • Users can track multiple training sessions in a day

  • See how many hours and minutes they trained

  • Track Gi Training vs No-Gi Training

  • Log what positions they trained

  • Add notes on their training session

  • Add a video of their training session

  • Modifiable data display chart

  • and more…

For a more complete breakdown of requirements for this feature (ex. user stories, acceptance criteria, wireframes, video prototypes, etc.), you can check out the Mat Time Requirements page. 

Tap Tracker

Grappling is a Win-Lose activity.  The Tap Tracker feature lets users see how they are performing in the academy and in competition by tracking their win percentage.  The stats are sorted by opponent and date.  See how often you “tap out” your opponent, and how often they “tap you out.”

The Pro Version of  Tap Tracker gives users advanced control of tracking their competition and rolling statistics.

  • Track their win percentage both at the academy, and now also in competition

  • Keep track of the most common ways they submit and get submitted

  • Log detailed competition statistics

  • Automatically generated individual profiles for each of their opponents

  • Add a video of their match/roll

  • Take notes of the match and record the score, event, weight class, division, video, etc.

  • and more…

System Builder

The System Builder is probably my favorite feature of the BJJ Training Journal. The software helps users link their techniques together.  

It’s like this, you learn a move.  Great.  But what are the most common Reactions that your opponent will do?  And what are your Next Actions? The System Builder software lets users link their techniques together so they can figure out the holes in their game and how everything fits together.

By building their system with moves that they learn from class, they are FORCED to build their game and improve in the process.

The “BJJ System Builder”

  • Guides users through creating their own personalized grappling system with techniques and positions that users enter into the “BJJ Brain”

  • Automatically builds the user’s grappling strategy for accelerated learning

  • Helps users to clearly identify their options from each position and situation

  • Helps users identify specific holes in their game so they can work to fill them

  • Displays an additional Flow Chart View that allows users to see how their game fits together