SQUEEZE!
Tap Tap Tap.
I must admit it felt really good. My first rolling triangle.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Making the rolling triangle work
So I have had this move in my head for about 2 weeks now, and I have been dying to try it, but for some reason I keep getting paired up with guys who just want to lay and pray so it ends up being me using guard attacks, and side control escapes. What I needed to get to was the mount. Last night I finally got there. When my partner attempted a textbook hip-out escape I was set to work the move. I switched positions bringing my left knee to his back, and my right foot to his chest. I then took advantage of his confusion to pass my right foot under his head. I then grabbed my right foot behind his head with my left hand and then rolled forward over my right shoulder ending up flat on my shoulders with my partner in a perfect triangle. I then finished by hooking my right foot under my left knee, I let go with my left hand, then used it to grab the right elbow of his Gi and bring his arm across my chest and...
Tap Tap Tap.
I must admit it felt really good. My first rolling triangle.
Tap Tap Tap.
I must admit it felt really good. My first rolling triangle.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Equipment
Essentials for the Study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
1. Gi. Most schools will sell you an entry level Gi, and some (like the school I go to) will give you a basic Gi when you sign on with the school. A Gi can range in price and quality like any other article of clothing. Materials and finishes vary, and sometimes limited availability can lead to exclusivity. Most of the professors roll in the school Gi, and I can tell you that as a new student most of the benefits of an expensive Gi will be lost on you. I am a firm believer that each student should have at least 2 Gi to alternate between. A GI MUST BE CLEANED after each session. Hygiene is a huge focus in schools, so there are no exceptions- WASH YOUR FUCKING GI. After washing, it is proper to hang-dry your Gi as you will not want to have it shrink too much and get young. As hang drying takes time, you will want to have that second Gi as the alternate while the other is drying. Again- WASH YOUR FUCKING GI- I cannot stress this enough. I purchased an Atama Gold Weave Gi as my alternate. It is a very nice Gi, but it has yet to turn me into a Jiu Jitsu super hero, so you should realize- the clothes don't make the man. Unless you have dirty clothes, in which case you are a pig, and you apparently can't read all caps- WASH YOUR FUCKING GI.
A gear bag: I use a duffle that has a top load, and also features a nice side load into an attached laundry bag. This means I can put my dirty gi into the side port and it won't touch my clean gear. This is key, because if you don't want ring-worm you will want to keep that dirty Gi separate until such time as you can WASH YOUR FUCKING GI
Mouthguard: as you get into rolling you will notice that you get kicked in the face sometimes. Its a good idea to have a mouthguard. I am using a shock doctor that i bought at Dicks Sporting goods for $9.95- it is a boil and bite fit, and it seems to work well.
A cup: I have 2, a hard cup, and a "spider" flex cup. The spider cup has more give. It protects less, but then no one should be trying to punch you in the jimmy anyway. The spider offers plenty of protection against incidental contact.
base layer: I am using Nike Dri Fit shirts as a base layer under the Gi- Some guys go bare chested, but I have found that the Gi jacket is rough, and tends to tear up my skin so the Dri Fit provides protection. You should also wash your base layer when you WASH YOUR FUCKING GI.
Why am I so militant about Hygiene? Because Ring-Worm is fucking gross that's why...
1. Gi. Most schools will sell you an entry level Gi, and some (like the school I go to) will give you a basic Gi when you sign on with the school. A Gi can range in price and quality like any other article of clothing. Materials and finishes vary, and sometimes limited availability can lead to exclusivity. Most of the professors roll in the school Gi, and I can tell you that as a new student most of the benefits of an expensive Gi will be lost on you. I am a firm believer that each student should have at least 2 Gi to alternate between. A GI MUST BE CLEANED after each session. Hygiene is a huge focus in schools, so there are no exceptions- WASH YOUR FUCKING GI. After washing, it is proper to hang-dry your Gi as you will not want to have it shrink too much and get young. As hang drying takes time, you will want to have that second Gi as the alternate while the other is drying. Again- WASH YOUR FUCKING GI- I cannot stress this enough. I purchased an Atama Gold Weave Gi as my alternate. It is a very nice Gi, but it has yet to turn me into a Jiu Jitsu super hero, so you should realize- the clothes don't make the man. Unless you have dirty clothes, in which case you are a pig, and you apparently can't read all caps- WASH YOUR FUCKING GI.
A gear bag: I use a duffle that has a top load, and also features a nice side load into an attached laundry bag. This means I can put my dirty gi into the side port and it won't touch my clean gear. This is key, because if you don't want ring-worm you will want to keep that dirty Gi separate until such time as you can WASH YOUR FUCKING GI
Mouthguard: as you get into rolling you will notice that you get kicked in the face sometimes. Its a good idea to have a mouthguard. I am using a shock doctor that i bought at Dicks Sporting goods for $9.95- it is a boil and bite fit, and it seems to work well.
A cup: I have 2, a hard cup, and a "spider" flex cup. The spider cup has more give. It protects less, but then no one should be trying to punch you in the jimmy anyway. The spider offers plenty of protection against incidental contact.
base layer: I am using Nike Dri Fit shirts as a base layer under the Gi- Some guys go bare chested, but I have found that the Gi jacket is rough, and tends to tear up my skin so the Dri Fit provides protection. You should also wash your base layer when you WASH YOUR FUCKING GI.
Why am I so militant about Hygiene? Because Ring-Worm is fucking gross that's why...
Terms and Descriptions
1. Sweep: A sweep is the name used for two categories of martial arts techniques. From standing, sweeps are throws or take downs that primarily use the legs to attack an opponent's legs. On the ground, sweeps are techniques for reversing grappling position.
2. Grapple: Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving their relative position or to escaping, submitting or injuring them, through the application of various Grappling techniques, and the counters to these. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial arts that are practised both as combat sports and for self defence. Grappling does not include striking
3. Roll: Rolling is slang for Sparing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4. Gi: This is your Jiu Jitsu Uniform- the jacket portion of the Gi is also referred to as a "Kimono". A Jiu Jitsu Gi is recognizable by its extremely durable construction. The exterior of the Kimono is rough to the touch, and the lapels are thick, and durable.
5. Belts: As in the majority of martial arts education all students start as white belts. Depending on the system you are studying under there may be varying levels or degrees. Progression goes as follows- White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black. From my observation the time table for progression is not really defined. Some people earn a Blue Belt within a year, others take longer. This can be frustrating for people who need advancement for gratification in the study of the art form.
6. No Gi: this is Jiu jitsu without the traditional Gi or Kimono. Some consider this to be a more pure form of grappling as it does not allow for using your opponents uniform against them.
2. Grapple: Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving their relative position or to escaping, submitting or injuring them, through the application of various Grappling techniques, and the counters to these. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial arts that are practised both as combat sports and for self defence. Grappling does not include striking
3. Roll: Rolling is slang for Sparing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4. Gi: This is your Jiu Jitsu Uniform- the jacket portion of the Gi is also referred to as a "Kimono". A Jiu Jitsu Gi is recognizable by its extremely durable construction. The exterior of the Kimono is rough to the touch, and the lapels are thick, and durable.
5. Belts: As in the majority of martial arts education all students start as white belts. Depending on the system you are studying under there may be varying levels or degrees. Progression goes as follows- White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black. From my observation the time table for progression is not really defined. Some people earn a Blue Belt within a year, others take longer. This can be frustrating for people who need advancement for gratification in the study of the art form.
6. No Gi: this is Jiu jitsu without the traditional Gi or Kimono. Some consider this to be a more pure form of grappling as it does not allow for using your opponents uniform against them.
Private Session- Armbar/Triangle/Armbar, and Omoplata
Today was a private session with my friend, and an instructor we will refer to as the Jiu Jitsu Chef. I have had a private with the Chef before and his expansive knowledge of methodologies and moves is best described as encyclopedic. Today we covered several attacks from Guard. There was a triple threat- Armbar/Triangle/Armbar. The keys to these moves appear to be
1. Keep shoulders flat to the mat
2. Bridge, but keep pressure on your opponents back with your legs keeping him close, and preventing him from creating space
3. Keep it tight- thye less space, the better the lock
We also covered Omoplata- this move is a shoulder lock and the key for me to remember is to tuck the opponents arm under my own, and to pull on his belt while pushing on his leg during the hip-out to get him on his side before pulling myself up over his back and securing the lock. Also- be careful when disengaging this move.
1. Keep shoulders flat to the mat
2. Bridge, but keep pressure on your opponents back with your legs keeping him close, and preventing him from creating space
3. Keep it tight- thye less space, the better the lock
We also covered Omoplata- this move is a shoulder lock and the key for me to remember is to tuck the opponents arm under my own, and to pull on his belt while pushing on his leg during the hip-out to get him on his side before pulling myself up over his back and securing the lock. Also- be careful when disengaging this move.
That's a lot of money...
As I mentioned in the introduction, money is a concern for me and my family. Training isn't cheap either. I currently pay $179.00 per month to train at my school. That is $2148.00 per year, and that is a lot of money for a hobby. How do I justify it?
Well, I don't really go out drinking anymore. I used to spend about $100 on a typical night out and I went out at least twice a month so there you have it. $200 saved - $179 spent,and I am actually up by $21.00.
I know that some people think that there is still a "more responsible" vehicle for that money to be directed to. Perhaps a retirement account? Well lets see, I have a family history of heart disease, I drank pretty heavily for 15 years, smoked about a pack a day for 10 of those years, and was only marginally motivated to fitness throughout that time. How long do you suppose I would live if I didn't actively try to condition my body? Capricious youth being what it is, I must admit I seem to have spent my entire 20's creating a time bomb in my chest cavity. So does it make sense to put away a ton of cash for a retirement I might not get to enjoy? Not in my view. I'd rather live longer and figure out a way to retire with what I have when the time comes. Also- this is stress relief for me, which is also better for my heart.
$179 a month for the foreseeable future... What does it buy me?
I go at least 3 times a week. There are several weeks where I attend more, but for the odd week that I attend less it balances out. That breaks down to approx $14.92 per 1 hr session. I am granted access to any and all classes within my skill level. At this time that includes Fundamentals, and Intermediate classes, and I can come in for Randori (open mat) at any time. I am also granted access to the Muay Thai classes as part of my fee and I am getting closer and closer to to taking that on as well.
I should mention the quality of the workout. This is a total fitness endeavor. I use muscles I had never exercised in a gym, I get my heart rate going unlike any cardio I have ever tried, and the proof is in the sweat- I generally leave an Intermediate level course drenched. I have never broken a sweat like this when working out. The proof is also in my condition. No lie it has been eight months and in those months I feel like I am in better shape than any time prior. I am more flexible, I am getting trimmer, and I feel better. I haven't weighed myself in about 4 months, but I was weighing in at 208 or so, and now I could reasonably estimate that I am down to 192 without making major changes to diet.
So I am spending $2200.00 per year, but I feel better and I bet I'll live longer. There is also something else... I have discovered that I really love to help others work through the moves. If I can gain the skill set and then start teaching I will be able to offset the out of pocket costs. Something like that is likely years off in the future, but still it is a possibility that presents itself.
Well, I don't really go out drinking anymore. I used to spend about $100 on a typical night out and I went out at least twice a month so there you have it. $200 saved - $179 spent,and I am actually up by $21.00.
I know that some people think that there is still a "more responsible" vehicle for that money to be directed to. Perhaps a retirement account? Well lets see, I have a family history of heart disease, I drank pretty heavily for 15 years, smoked about a pack a day for 10 of those years, and was only marginally motivated to fitness throughout that time. How long do you suppose I would live if I didn't actively try to condition my body? Capricious youth being what it is, I must admit I seem to have spent my entire 20's creating a time bomb in my chest cavity. So does it make sense to put away a ton of cash for a retirement I might not get to enjoy? Not in my view. I'd rather live longer and figure out a way to retire with what I have when the time comes. Also- this is stress relief for me, which is also better for my heart.
$179 a month for the foreseeable future... What does it buy me?
I go at least 3 times a week. There are several weeks where I attend more, but for the odd week that I attend less it balances out. That breaks down to approx $14.92 per 1 hr session. I am granted access to any and all classes within my skill level. At this time that includes Fundamentals, and Intermediate classes, and I can come in for Randori (open mat) at any time. I am also granted access to the Muay Thai classes as part of my fee and I am getting closer and closer to to taking that on as well.
I should mention the quality of the workout. This is a total fitness endeavor. I use muscles I had never exercised in a gym, I get my heart rate going unlike any cardio I have ever tried, and the proof is in the sweat- I generally leave an Intermediate level course drenched. I have never broken a sweat like this when working out. The proof is also in my condition. No lie it has been eight months and in those months I feel like I am in better shape than any time prior. I am more flexible, I am getting trimmer, and I feel better. I haven't weighed myself in about 4 months, but I was weighing in at 208 or so, and now I could reasonably estimate that I am down to 192 without making major changes to diet.
So I am spending $2200.00 per year, but I feel better and I bet I'll live longer. There is also something else... I have discovered that I really love to help others work through the moves. If I can gain the skill set and then start teaching I will be able to offset the out of pocket costs. Something like that is likely years off in the future, but still it is a possibility that presents itself.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Why? Part 1 of Many
I have been thinking about this lately. Why do I like Jiu Jitsu so much? I have thought about it, and I have come to this conclusion: I like what training brings out of me.
I have this belief that every action in your life causes a reaction that cascades across all facets of your being. Try as you might to resist, you will be changed by each encounter. I believe that each time I face my fight or flight response, and choose fight that it sets off a chain reaction within my personality. The more times I opt for fight, the more I feel confident in that option. Training isn't meant to be dangerous, in fact we go to great pains to make it safe but that doesn't mean engaging another person as a combatant doesn't exercise that part of your brain that yearns for the kill. Somewhere in those dark recesses and folds of gray matter a dormant instinct is awakening, and as awareness sharpens those instincts they become a more active part of day to day life.
I find I am more prone to say "no" when I mean no, and I don't get intimidated like I had occasionally been before training. There may even be a small voice in my psyche that is begging to use new skills in anger. Sort of an open invitation to test myself. Don't get me wrong I'm not looking for fights or anything, but I'm not avoiding them like I used to. For a guy who used to apologize to people that ran into him, this is a nice step forward. Meekness gives way to self assurance and that breeds confidence.
I have this belief that every action in your life causes a reaction that cascades across all facets of your being. Try as you might to resist, you will be changed by each encounter. I believe that each time I face my fight or flight response, and choose fight that it sets off a chain reaction within my personality. The more times I opt for fight, the more I feel confident in that option. Training isn't meant to be dangerous, in fact we go to great pains to make it safe but that doesn't mean engaging another person as a combatant doesn't exercise that part of your brain that yearns for the kill. Somewhere in those dark recesses and folds of gray matter a dormant instinct is awakening, and as awareness sharpens those instincts they become a more active part of day to day life.
I find I am more prone to say "no" when I mean no, and I don't get intimidated like I had occasionally been before training. There may even be a small voice in my psyche that is begging to use new skills in anger. Sort of an open invitation to test myself. Don't get me wrong I'm not looking for fights or anything, but I'm not avoiding them like I used to. For a guy who used to apologize to people that ran into him, this is a nice step forward. Meekness gives way to self assurance and that breeds confidence.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Introduction
It started innocently enough, a free introductory course at a local school. My best friend had started studying BJJ about 5 months before. He kept telling me how different it was as a workout, and as an extracurricular activity. I resisted, citing finances, family obligations and an asortment of other excuses. He finally just signed me up for the freebie class, and told me when and where to show up. Here I am 8 months later a regular student attending classes three times per week, well on my way to earning my Blue Belt.
I doubt anyone would have picked me out of a crowd as a person who would become enamored with grappling. I don't have a wrestling background, nor have I ever been the aggressive sort. I don't have a lot of fighting in my background, and I am not very quick to temper, nor am I the sort that looks for a fight rather than a good time. Still, I find myself training in BJJ, and seriously considering expanding into Muay Thai. After trying many many sports I have found something I really love, and I can't imagine what life would be like without it.
Some basics about me: I am a 35yr old white collar worker. I toil for 8 hrs a day in a fabric box managing accounts for small business. Account manager= Sales guy. I have to work over the phone, and I have a boss who can listen to my calls, and tap into my computer screen so she can see what I see and micro manage my activities all day long. Work is not fun, it is a chore. It also appears that I am pretty good at my chore as I meet performance metrics month after month. I make a reasonable living that allows me to provide for my family. We have an average home in the suburbs of Denver CO.
I have a wife, and a 2yr old daughter. My family is very supportive of my career, and my martial arts aspirations. I come from a suburban upbringing and like many of my peers I am a product of divorce. I am very close with all of my parents, including my step parents on both sides. It hasn't always been easy, but it is the life I have, and I like it.
I wouldn't say I have a lot of experience fighting outside of training, but I have had my share of scuffles which I will likely cover in more detail as time moves on. I can recall seven bouts off the top of my head. Each fight was unique to that time in my life, and outcomes varied but they each shaped my personality in some way. You have to expect that fighting will do that. It alters your perception of yourself, and it also shapes the way you are viewed by others. I hope to get into that a bit as the blog moves forward.
In your reading you will likely note that I am a bit of a gear head. I like equipment, and will do some testing and reviewing as part of my writing. I will also be doing some book reporting, as well as observation of amateur and professional competition. I will do my level best to remain fair in my reviews, but I'm not a journalist and make no oaths to impartiality, nor do I claim any specific expertise. Please trust that I will be honest in my opinions, but that my opinions are just that: mine.
I will discuss training. There will be observations, and opinion. I may mention individuals whom I will not name specifically. I will likely designate these individuals through elements of their nature, and I will do this to avoid bumming anyone out. If I want to make a joke, or a critical observation I don't want these folks finding themselves in a Google search. For the same reason I will likely never specifically name the school I am attending. Most of the men and women I train with are awesome, but it is still a mixed bag and that assortment may lead to some interesting posts down the line.
So there you have it: A basic intro to Sweep Grapple and Roll. I hope to get better at blogging as I go forward. Please bear with me as I learn the intricacies of the available formatting, and technology. I look forward to sharing this experience with a few readers, and I look forward to hearing the comments that may come as the blog develops.
Enjoy!
P
I doubt anyone would have picked me out of a crowd as a person who would become enamored with grappling. I don't have a wrestling background, nor have I ever been the aggressive sort. I don't have a lot of fighting in my background, and I am not very quick to temper, nor am I the sort that looks for a fight rather than a good time. Still, I find myself training in BJJ, and seriously considering expanding into Muay Thai. After trying many many sports I have found something I really love, and I can't imagine what life would be like without it.
Some basics about me: I am a 35yr old white collar worker. I toil for 8 hrs a day in a fabric box managing accounts for small business. Account manager= Sales guy. I have to work over the phone, and I have a boss who can listen to my calls, and tap into my computer screen so she can see what I see and micro manage my activities all day long. Work is not fun, it is a chore. It also appears that I am pretty good at my chore as I meet performance metrics month after month. I make a reasonable living that allows me to provide for my family. We have an average home in the suburbs of Denver CO.
I have a wife, and a 2yr old daughter. My family is very supportive of my career, and my martial arts aspirations. I come from a suburban upbringing and like many of my peers I am a product of divorce. I am very close with all of my parents, including my step parents on both sides. It hasn't always been easy, but it is the life I have, and I like it.
I wouldn't say I have a lot of experience fighting outside of training, but I have had my share of scuffles which I will likely cover in more detail as time moves on. I can recall seven bouts off the top of my head. Each fight was unique to that time in my life, and outcomes varied but they each shaped my personality in some way. You have to expect that fighting will do that. It alters your perception of yourself, and it also shapes the way you are viewed by others. I hope to get into that a bit as the blog moves forward.
In your reading you will likely note that I am a bit of a gear head. I like equipment, and will do some testing and reviewing as part of my writing. I will also be doing some book reporting, as well as observation of amateur and professional competition. I will do my level best to remain fair in my reviews, but I'm not a journalist and make no oaths to impartiality, nor do I claim any specific expertise. Please trust that I will be honest in my opinions, but that my opinions are just that: mine.
I will discuss training. There will be observations, and opinion. I may mention individuals whom I will not name specifically. I will likely designate these individuals through elements of their nature, and I will do this to avoid bumming anyone out. If I want to make a joke, or a critical observation I don't want these folks finding themselves in a Google search. For the same reason I will likely never specifically name the school I am attending. Most of the men and women I train with are awesome, but it is still a mixed bag and that assortment may lead to some interesting posts down the line.
So there you have it: A basic intro to Sweep Grapple and Roll. I hope to get better at blogging as I go forward. Please bear with me as I learn the intricacies of the available formatting, and technology. I look forward to sharing this experience with a few readers, and I look forward to hearing the comments that may come as the blog develops.
Enjoy!
P
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