Thursday, July 27, 2006

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Sparring

I rolled a little last night after technique class with one of the guys I work with regularly in class. He has been in class for a couple months longer than I have so he is definitely better than I am. Generally when we spar he pretty much controls the pace of the match. But, last night I was controlling the pace, I just kept seeing so many ways to attack him. The problem was I couldn't finish any of the moves due to my poor technique. So I still lost every match but I did much better than my usual performance. I think if I can start sparring twice a week (instead of once every two weeks) in addition to going to technique class twice a week I will start improving more dramatically. Which would be good since as of late I have felt like I haven't been making much forward progress.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

My South Park Character

My South Park Character

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Technique Class

Well the slow progression continues slowly but surely. I still feel like I have been making little to no progress over the past few weeks but when comparing myself to newbies I am obviously improving. The techniques I know keep taking on new levels of depth as I continue to learn new little details for facing different types of opponents. For example, the triangle choke is almost impossible for me to execute against very broad shouldered opponents. I can't lock it up properly if I don't raise my hips up high enough initially. It needs to be much tighter and deeper before attempting to close it up. These subtle differences are helping me to see where I was being lazy before and not using proper technique. All of these subtle differences continue to mount and I find myself thinking about 95 different things when trying to execute techniques which causes me to always be one step or two steps behind my opponents. I know it will all come together with time but I feel like I am bogged down with all the details and not really going anywhere.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Q&A

1.Q: What does "Jiu-Jitsu" mean?
A: Jiu-Jitsu translates to "the gentle art", it is referred to as such because the art utilizes balance and leverage instead of force and strength. Also the finishing submissions are viewed as a more humane alternative to striking.

2.Q: What is the difference between Classical or Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
A: There are numerous differences the main one being BJJ focuses more on ground grappling while Classical Jiu-Jitsu places a greater emphasis on standing grappling and striking.

3.Q: Why do Jiu-Jitsu practitioners where the gi?
A: The gi serves as a teaching tool for developing a strong grip, balance, and control. Fighting with the gi requires a high level of precision and attention to detail; two tools essential for good Jiu-Jitsu.

4.Q: What is the belt system in Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Belts in BJJ include white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each successive belt represents an increased mastery of the art.

5.Q: How long does it take to obtain a black belt?
A: This varies for each individual however it is usually between 8 and 15 years.

6.Q: Why does Jiu-Jitsu focus on ground fighting?
A: First of all, it is a fact that nearly all real fights will go to the ground. Also, BJJ always prepares its fighters for a physically superior opponent, someone much bigger and stronger. Striking with a larger opponent is very dangerous, when on the feet the utilize leverage to his advantage and instead must try to match strength. On the ground leverage can be used to control and submit even the largest of foes. It has been proven time and again that if you can't fight on the ground then you can't fight.

7.Q: Is Jiu-Jitsu effective against other styles of martial arts?
A: In MMA (mixed martial arts) matches and no-rules challenge matches Jiu-Jitsu has consistently proved its supremacy. Evidence of this can be found in the videos Gracies in Action I & II, a documentary in which the finest Jiu-Jitsu fighters took on and defeated all comers.

8.Q: What are some of the physical benefits of training Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Jiu-Jitsu if the best workout I've ever experienced. In addition it improves balance, coordination, cardio vascular capacity, and muscular endurance.

9.Q: How much does training Jiu-Jitsu cost?
A: The price varies depending on location. A school in Manhattan will be more expensive than one in Ohio. However, an average price is approximately $100-150 a month for unlimited classes.

10.Q: Is Jiu-Jitsu beneficial for women?
A: Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for rape prevention and other forms of self-defense necessary for women. Also, since Jiu-Jitsu was designed for smaller people women will not find their lack of size a hindrance.

11.Q: How are classes structured?
A: Most schools begin with a warm up of stretching and calisthenics, then a series of grappling related drills, followed by technique instruction, and finally a long period of sparing (also known as rolling).

12.Q: Is it possible to learn Jiu-Jitsu simply by reading instructional books and watching videos?
A: No, those mentioned above should serve simply as supplements to a Jiu-Jitsu program. In order to learn and progress in the art one must have a qualified instructor and numerous training partners.

13.Q: What are the different forms of Jiu-Jitsu?
A: There is sport, self defense, and vale tudo.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Rickson Gracie Budo Challenge Trailer



This is a pretty cool trailer for the Rickson Gracie Budo Challenge.

Finally back to civilized life

Well I hate to report on my life outside of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but I felt like ranting a little.

I am finally back to the 21st century now that I have electricity at my house. We have been without power for 5 very long boring days. I couldn't even escape to work as we didn't have power there either. So for the past 5 days I drove around trying to come up with things I needed to do that were in air conditioned buildings that still had power because it was over 95 degrees for 3 of the days.

All in all when I think about it, its not that bad. It could have been much worse. A tree could have fallen on my house like our neighbor not a pretty site.

Well I will stop with the complaining now and be back with a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Report Monday. CYA