Priit Mihkelson is a highly respected and innovative figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly known for his contributions to defensive techniques.

Priit Mihkelson is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Tallinn, Estonia. Born in 1978, he began his martial arts journey with other disciplines before discovering BJJ at the age of 24. Despite this relatively late start, Mihkelson has become one of Europe's most influential BJJ practitioners and instructors.

Mihkelson received his black belt in 2012 under Matt Thornton, the founder of Straight Blast Gym (SBG). He is the owner of 3D Treening in Estonia and the founder of Defensive BJJ, an online coaching platform focused on BJJ defense techniques.

Key aspects of Mihkelson's career and contributions include:

1. Innovative Approach: Mihkelson is renowned for his unique perspective on BJJ, particularly in defensive techniques. He has developed and refined several defensive positions and concepts, including the "Grilled Chicken Guard" and the "Panda Position."
2. Teaching Style: Mihkelson describes his teaching approach as "Functionalistic Minimalism." He focuses on fundamental positions and postures, often reworking traditional BJJ concepts to enhance their effectiveness.
3. Online Presence: Through his Defensive BJJ platform, Mihkelson offers extensive online coaching, providing students worldwide access to his unique defensive system.
4. Seminar Instructor: Mihkelson is a popular seminar instructor, particularly with the BJJ Globetrotters organization. He has conducted numerous seminars across Europe and beyond, sharing his innovative techniques and concepts.
5. Instructional Content: He has produced several instructional videos, available on platforms like BJJ Fanatics, covering topics such as the Turtle Position, Panda Position, and his guard retention system.
6. Competition: While not primarily known for his competition record, Mihkelson has achieved success in tournaments, including a gold medal at the 2008 Scandinavian Open in the -88.3kg purple belt division.
7. Philosophy: Mihkelson advocates for teaching BJJ as a sport rather than an art, emphasizing the importance of pressure testing techniques and ideas. He believes in the value of defensive skills, especially for beginners, to help them survive and stay engaged in training.
8. Continuous Learning: Despite his status as a black belt and respected instructor, Mihkelson maintains a student's mindset, constantly researching and experimenting with new approaches to BJJ.

Priit Mihkelson's contributions to BJJ, particularly in the realm of defensive techniques, have earned him recognition as one of the most innovative practitioners in Europe. His unique approach to teaching and his focus on fundamental positions have influenced many practitioners and reshaped thinking about BJJ defense strategies. Through his academy, online platform, and seminars, Mihkelson continues to share his knowledge and push the boundaries of BJJ technique and pedagogy.