Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Years!!!!
I like to stay in for New Years. My Girls are too small to take out into the cold weather to watch fireworks so I made some poached salmon, scalloped potatoes, steam Normandy mix veges, a gourmet salad, and a pot of cabbage soup. I am going to drink a nice bottle of white dry wine and then around midnight I will put on my heavy tweed jacket and enjoy a nice glass of bourbon and a great cigar.
HAPPY NEW YEARS AND BE BLESSED!!!!!
2011 Strength and Conditioning Program
sOne thing I am always on the look out for is what specific strength and conditioning programs elite level BJJ and Judo fighters use. It is nearly impossible to find information. I have no doubt that it is kept under wraps as their training programs are akin to a trade secret.
I have been designing a nutrition and strength and conditioning program for 2011. I will periodically post my progress and try to find out what works and what does not.
I do believe in the periodization training principle popularized by Tutor M. Bompa in his book Periodization for Sports. In a nut shell periodization is that in order to receive maxium gains a workout regimen must be have a specific goal in mind: Hypertrophy (increase in lean muscle mass) Strength, Power, Speed, Fat Loss.
I believe that power, Strength and hypertrophy can be attained in the same program.
For the next twelve weeks I will embark on a program that will increase my endurance capacity and increase muscle mass and power and strength. I only recommend gaining muscle mass for the heavier weight divisions, since I have a very large and heavy build I compete in Ultra heavy weight and have the potential to fight any size of monster out their so to gain 10 to 15 pounds of muscle would not hurt ( I have the luxury of not having to worry about making weight). On the same token, I want to get what speed and agility I have, I am faster and more explosive then all of the other guys I have fought so far, I want to keep it that way.
I will update my progress and put up some before pics, midway and after. I plan in hypertrophy all the way to the Pan-Ams, this will give me a good 3 months of weight training.
If anyone needs advice please let me know, I have access to vast amount of books and articles as well as ten years of weight training experience, I have also taken courses in nutrition in college.
Be Blessed!!!
I have been designing a nutrition and strength and conditioning program for 2011. I will periodically post my progress and try to find out what works and what does not.
I do believe in the periodization training principle popularized by Tutor M. Bompa in his book Periodization for Sports. In a nut shell periodization is that in order to receive maxium gains a workout regimen must be have a specific goal in mind: Hypertrophy (increase in lean muscle mass) Strength, Power, Speed, Fat Loss.
I believe that power, Strength and hypertrophy can be attained in the same program.
For the next twelve weeks I will embark on a program that will increase my endurance capacity and increase muscle mass and power and strength. I only recommend gaining muscle mass for the heavier weight divisions, since I have a very large and heavy build I compete in Ultra heavy weight and have the potential to fight any size of monster out their so to gain 10 to 15 pounds of muscle would not hurt ( I have the luxury of not having to worry about making weight). On the same token, I want to get what speed and agility I have, I am faster and more explosive then all of the other guys I have fought so far, I want to keep it that way.
I will update my progress and put up some before pics, midway and after. I plan in hypertrophy all the way to the Pan-Ams, this will give me a good 3 months of weight training.
(Top Photo) Demente success is attributed to a good combination of mat time, gym time and good nutrition. ADCC Champion Jeff "The Snow Man" Monson (Bottom Photo) owes alot of his success to time in the weight room |
If anyone needs advice please let me know, I have access to vast amount of books and articles as well as ten years of weight training experience, I have also taken courses in nutrition in college.
Be Blessed!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2011 Sugestions
Thank you to Mike, Kobi, and Stuart for being my official followers, and everyone else who has taken a peek at what I got going on here.. This Blog is new so I hope it grows over the next year.
Next year I will be able to chronicle my trials and tribulations as a newly minted Blue Belt on the competitive circuit as well as my journey to move up the ranks in Judo.
Besides my dissertations and essays, what else would all you people like to have on here? I was also thinking of logging my strength and conditioning workouts, nutrition and weight loss progress. Is that something that people are interested in?
Please advise as I am always open to suggests to improve on the mats and this blog.
Be Blessed!!!
Next year I will be able to chronicle my trials and tribulations as a newly minted Blue Belt on the competitive circuit as well as my journey to move up the ranks in Judo.
Besides my dissertations and essays, what else would all you people like to have on here? I was also thinking of logging my strength and conditioning workouts, nutrition and weight loss progress. Is that something that people are interested in?
Please advise as I am always open to suggests to improve on the mats and this blog.
Be Blessed!!!
The Last Roll of the Year!
Yesterday was my the last time I will step on the mats for 2010. Our class was taught by our very knowledgeable and experienced Purple Belt Mike Uhlinger, who now has been getting the best of me lately. (See Mike I mentioned you.)
Mike went over a very complex sweep and it's variations. The sweep was an off shoot of the spider guard, I felt sorry for our brand new White Belts as they were completly lost on this technique. We did static drills with the sweeps than we did live drills with the sweep. (The importance of live drills I will write about at another time)
Of course after all that we rolled. I spent most of the time trying to survive Mike's onslaught as he took my back, and trying to pass Hera's guard. Rolling turned out to be a rather frustrating endeavor, as I at one time used to pass Hera's guard pretty easily and also used to passed Mike's guard and submit them both. Now either everybody has gotten better or I have relied too much on doing the same thing over and over again and my game as gone stagnant.
Either way I am sure that by this time next year I will have further evolved my game and be a better fighter for it.
Be Blessed!
Mike went over a very complex sweep and it's variations. The sweep was an off shoot of the spider guard, I felt sorry for our brand new White Belts as they were completly lost on this technique. We did static drills with the sweeps than we did live drills with the sweep. (The importance of live drills I will write about at another time)
Of course after all that we rolled. I spent most of the time trying to survive Mike's onslaught as he took my back, and trying to pass Hera's guard. Rolling turned out to be a rather frustrating endeavor, as I at one time used to pass Hera's guard pretty easily and also used to passed Mike's guard and submit them both. Now either everybody has gotten better or I have relied too much on doing the same thing over and over again and my game as gone stagnant.
Either way I am sure that by this time next year I will have further evolved my game and be a better fighter for it.
Be Blessed!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Four Pillars of Judo
This excellent article was written by my Sensei Victor Anderson from Sacramento Judo Club. Anderson Sensei has help my tremendously in the "non-convential warfare" of Judo, Grip Fighting no handed Judo etc.
All credit to Anderson Sensei, I do not own the rights to this excellent intellectual property, I just thought I share it with you.
The Four Pillars Of Judo
By Victor Anderson
Sandan, Sacramento Judo Club
Several years ago when I was in Korea, my sensei had a simple question on one of his promotion examinations. That question was, "What do you think about judo?" I dashed off some platitudes about maximum efficiency, improving the character and so forth. Good enough to pass. Lately, that question has come to haunt me more and more. There are some who say Judo is a way of life, others talk about sport, and still others argue about martial arts.
To begin with, we should look to what Dr. Kano, the founder of judo said. Kudo sensei in his book, Dynamic Judo, quotes Dr. Kano as saying:
"Judo is the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and your soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is final goal of judo discipline."
No words about sport here. In the second edition of the Kodokan Judo, Dr. Kano devotes a brief chapter to the philosophy of Judo. Here, Dr. Kano does talk about sport and its role in character development. He also talks about the use of physical education in training the body and the mind. Dr. Kano speaks of the use of kata as a training tool.
The two great ideas of Kodokan Judo are maximum efficiency and mutual welfare and respect. If one studies the main source book of Judo, Kodokan Judo, one comes to realize that this is an art that involves physical education, sport, and unarmed combat (self defense). I believe that the Judo fields of study are best shown by the following diagram.
All of the areas of study overlap. Physical education, that is the training of the mind and body, will have a bearing on both sport and combative studies. The human body moves because of muscular action which is the result of mental effort. You think about walking across the room and then walk across the room. The mind leads, the body follows, and all of the wonderful mechanics of walking occur. Without training in the skills needed, the body and mind cannot perform the necessary tactical and strategic movements needed for both sport and unarmed combat.
The relationship between sport and unarmed combat is not easily seen at first. Combat sports evolved out of the need for warriors to train in a competitive manner. One could simply engage in full fledged fights. The problem of course is the attendant injury rate and loss of life. So, drills and games were invented to provide a way for warriors to practice needed skills with reasonable safety. What defines reasonable safety varies with cultures and historical periods. A good example of a combat sport is the joust. The joust was invented by European knights as a game to train in the use of lance. The game evolved to the point to where special armor, saddles, lances, and of course complex rules came into existence. However, many of the core values of using a lance on horseback in combat are trained by the joust. Combat sports all train certain core values that are important to the type of combat from which the sport evolved. Target shooting with a pistol from a fixed stance is often seen as very distant from the use of a pistol in combat. However, the ability to hit the target is an important core value for combat shooting.
In sport judo the techniques are confined to throwing (nage waza), locking the elbow joint (kansetsu waza), chokes (shime waza), and hold downs (osaekomi waza). Contest techniques are further restricted to those that will not result in severe injury, provided the competitor is trained in falling techniques (ukemi). What then is the relationship of sport judo to judo as unarmed combat? In my opinion, the most important relationship is that judo matches are conflicts between two human beings. You must attempt to use your techniques against an adversary. In judo tournament, techniques are judged on effectiveness. To win by throwing, you must actually throw. It is extremely easy to throw a willing subject. It is an entirely different thing when the opponent is fighting back. Another issue is the simple fact that judo as a sport is rough. It is a full contact sport. You will be bruised, have your joints twisted, endure minor sprains, heat, exhaustion, and just general discomfort. In the small, tight world of the judo competitor your opponent is very close, at arms length or less. In this tiny universe you must learn to deal with fear, failure, pain, hardship and the joy of success. This type of training prepares you for what the U.S. military calls the "shock of combat." In other words what happens when someone hits you on your nose and the pain and bleeding start. Next, the ability to fall well is extremely valuable. In any fight one is subject to falls due to any number circumstances. For example, your opponent may throw or knock you down, or you may slip and fall due to conditions such as mud or ice. Being able to maintain your mental equilibrium even while falling and after is important. So sport judo provides some very core values in addition to building skill in grappling techniques.
Unarmed combat (what many label as self defense) is different from sport. In a sense this is the actual battlefield application of techniques. It is important to remember that unarmed combat has a wide range of applications. The goals and needs of the civilian are different from the policeman which are in turn different from the soldier. Unarmed combat techniques within Kodokan Judo are found in the various kata. The kime no kata and Goshin jitsu kata are the two main examples. Training for self defense, police work, or any other application of unarmed combat is generally done in the form of katas. Katas are of two types. Generally when kata is spoken about, the reference is to formal exercises that are prescribed by those in authority. In the case of Judo, this is generally considered to be the Kodokan. One may also have informal drills which are used to train specific skills. Because the techniques used in unarmed combat may result in serve injury, kata is used as the training vehicle.
What is interesting about judo kata, is that they are intended to teach principles as opposed to just technique. These principles are often applicable to sport as well as unarmed combat. The student of judo who desires to know more about unarmed combat needs to study the kata. The student also needs to realize that ideas and techniques are useful in both areas.
An important difference is to recognize that sport judo rules have a rationale. First, the rules exist to provide a relatively safe means of competition. Second, the rules provide a means of defining the winner of the contest. Finally, the rules describe boundary conditions such as the contest area, and actions that are or are not allowed. The customs surrounding judo contests are designed to make it clear that it is sporting event and not a common street fight. For self defense, the judoka (judo student) should train to use all of the techniques available which includes atemi waza (striking the weak points of body).
If all judo did was to train in the three areas above, it would not be much different from many other schools of martial art. What defines judo and makes it different is its philosophical base. First and foremost judo is an educational system. It is my opinion that Dr. Kano invented the belt ranking system ( kyu - dan ranks) as a means of grading judoka in terms of judo education. Like grade levels in college or other schools, this gave students a set of goals to strive for. It also provided a means of gauging progress. Judo is about the perfection of character. This is a process.
The two great ideas of judo are maximum efficiency, and mutual welfare and respect. The first speaks to the concept of utilizing the body and mind in the most efficient manner. Within judo culture, the idea of ju is assumed to be the underpinning of maximum efficiency. But what is "ju?" It is a hard word to pin down. It has been interpreted as meaning gentleness and also flexible or pliable. I believe the idea is much more than a single word. The concept has to do with being able to blend with your opponent's force, take control of it, and then use that force to achieve your goal. The classic example is using the opponent's push and turning into a throw in the direction of the push. The other part of maximum efficiency is the idea of the correct use of strength. I like to tell beginning students that judo is not about strength, it is about the correct use of strength. Inherent in this is the concept of concentration of force against a weak point. Tilt someone's head back until he is off balance to the rear. Now push sharply down and slightly behind the person's feet. If done correctly, he will fall to the ground.
The concept of mutual welfare and respect turns judo from a mere sport or even combat school into something quite different. It begins with the concept of reigi or courtesy and bowing. The bow (rei) in judo has many functions. First and foremost is the idea of mutual respect. By bowing the student says to the teacher, "I respect you and will follow your instructions to the best of my ability." The teacher's bow means that the teacher respects the student and will teach to the best of teacher's ability. Between students, the bow signifies mutual respect and a desire to train each other. In judo tournaments today one still sees and hears judoka giving each other help. Many times I have seen the winner of a contest go to his opponent after the match and congratulate him or her on a well fought contest, and then offer some advice on how to improve. Within the school students strive and work together to improve. This idea of progressing as a group is important in judo. Judoka are taught that if one student improves, then all improve.
So just what is judo? Judo can be practiced with an emphasis on any one of the three physical areas: sport, physical education, and unarmed combat. While the judoka may choose one area in preference to the others, he or she should learn about all three. The philosophy of judo and in particular the goal of self perfection makes judo the unique art that it is. Without these ideals, judo is at best an interesting sport and possibly a means of unarmed combat. I think of judo as a martial art. Because of the philosophical ideals judo is something more.
Viewing judo as an educational system founded on the ideas of self perfection, maximum efficiency, mutual welfare and benefit changes it. What we have is a martial philosophy or way of life (do). It is marital because the base techniques have to do with fighting. The major training method ("the giving and receiving of attacks") is martial in nature. It is on the anvil of rondori (free exercise), shiai (contests), kata (forms), and the general training that the judoka forges his or her character. These are martial exercises and result in a "warrior" point of view. The philosophy (do) takes the martial values and focuses them so that as Dr. Kano said, "In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is final goal of judo discipline."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Author:
Victor Anderson is a martial arts researcher who has praticed judo since 1960. He has studied in California, Korea, Texas, Panama, Virginia and is currently a third degree black belt and member of the Sacramento Judo Club. He is a nationally rated judo referee and coach and as competitor has placed 2nd and 3rd in USJI Masters National Tournaments. His study of judo is to approach it as a martial art, that can be practiced as a sport. He also studies striking of vital areas (atemi waza) as part of judo self-defense. Other arts he has studied include Hopkido (shodan), aikido, shudokan karate, boxing, wrestling, tai chi chaun and pa kua chaun.
All credit to Anderson Sensei, I do not own the rights to this excellent intellectual property, I just thought I share it with you.
The Four Pillars Of Judo
By Victor Anderson
Sandan, Sacramento Judo Club
Several years ago when I was in Korea, my sensei had a simple question on one of his promotion examinations. That question was, "What do you think about judo?" I dashed off some platitudes about maximum efficiency, improving the character and so forth. Good enough to pass. Lately, that question has come to haunt me more and more. There are some who say Judo is a way of life, others talk about sport, and still others argue about martial arts.
To begin with, we should look to what Dr. Kano, the founder of judo said. Kudo sensei in his book, Dynamic Judo, quotes Dr. Kano as saying:
"Judo is the way to the most effective use of both physical and spiritual strength. By training you in attacks and defenses it refines your body and your soul and helps you make the spiritual essence of judo a part of your very being. In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is final goal of judo discipline."
No words about sport here. In the second edition of the Kodokan Judo, Dr. Kano devotes a brief chapter to the philosophy of Judo. Here, Dr. Kano does talk about sport and its role in character development. He also talks about the use of physical education in training the body and the mind. Dr. Kano speaks of the use of kata as a training tool.
The two great ideas of Kodokan Judo are maximum efficiency and mutual welfare and respect. If one studies the main source book of Judo, Kodokan Judo, one comes to realize that this is an art that involves physical education, sport, and unarmed combat (self defense). I believe that the Judo fields of study are best shown by the following diagram.
All of the areas of study overlap. Physical education, that is the training of the mind and body, will have a bearing on both sport and combative studies. The human body moves because of muscular action which is the result of mental effort. You think about walking across the room and then walk across the room. The mind leads, the body follows, and all of the wonderful mechanics of walking occur. Without training in the skills needed, the body and mind cannot perform the necessary tactical and strategic movements needed for both sport and unarmed combat.
The relationship between sport and unarmed combat is not easily seen at first. Combat sports evolved out of the need for warriors to train in a competitive manner. One could simply engage in full fledged fights. The problem of course is the attendant injury rate and loss of life. So, drills and games were invented to provide a way for warriors to practice needed skills with reasonable safety. What defines reasonable safety varies with cultures and historical periods. A good example of a combat sport is the joust. The joust was invented by European knights as a game to train in the use of lance. The game evolved to the point to where special armor, saddles, lances, and of course complex rules came into existence. However, many of the core values of using a lance on horseback in combat are trained by the joust. Combat sports all train certain core values that are important to the type of combat from which the sport evolved. Target shooting with a pistol from a fixed stance is often seen as very distant from the use of a pistol in combat. However, the ability to hit the target is an important core value for combat shooting.
In sport judo the techniques are confined to throwing (nage waza), locking the elbow joint (kansetsu waza), chokes (shime waza), and hold downs (osaekomi waza). Contest techniques are further restricted to those that will not result in severe injury, provided the competitor is trained in falling techniques (ukemi). What then is the relationship of sport judo to judo as unarmed combat? In my opinion, the most important relationship is that judo matches are conflicts between two human beings. You must attempt to use your techniques against an adversary. In judo tournament, techniques are judged on effectiveness. To win by throwing, you must actually throw. It is extremely easy to throw a willing subject. It is an entirely different thing when the opponent is fighting back. Another issue is the simple fact that judo as a sport is rough. It is a full contact sport. You will be bruised, have your joints twisted, endure minor sprains, heat, exhaustion, and just general discomfort. In the small, tight world of the judo competitor your opponent is very close, at arms length or less. In this tiny universe you must learn to deal with fear, failure, pain, hardship and the joy of success. This type of training prepares you for what the U.S. military calls the "shock of combat." In other words what happens when someone hits you on your nose and the pain and bleeding start. Next, the ability to fall well is extremely valuable. In any fight one is subject to falls due to any number circumstances. For example, your opponent may throw or knock you down, or you may slip and fall due to conditions such as mud or ice. Being able to maintain your mental equilibrium even while falling and after is important. So sport judo provides some very core values in addition to building skill in grappling techniques.
Unarmed combat (what many label as self defense) is different from sport. In a sense this is the actual battlefield application of techniques. It is important to remember that unarmed combat has a wide range of applications. The goals and needs of the civilian are different from the policeman which are in turn different from the soldier. Unarmed combat techniques within Kodokan Judo are found in the various kata. The kime no kata and Goshin jitsu kata are the two main examples. Training for self defense, police work, or any other application of unarmed combat is generally done in the form of katas. Katas are of two types. Generally when kata is spoken about, the reference is to formal exercises that are prescribed by those in authority. In the case of Judo, this is generally considered to be the Kodokan. One may also have informal drills which are used to train specific skills. Because the techniques used in unarmed combat may result in serve injury, kata is used as the training vehicle.
What is interesting about judo kata, is that they are intended to teach principles as opposed to just technique. These principles are often applicable to sport as well as unarmed combat. The student of judo who desires to know more about unarmed combat needs to study the kata. The student also needs to realize that ideas and techniques are useful in both areas.
An important difference is to recognize that sport judo rules have a rationale. First, the rules exist to provide a relatively safe means of competition. Second, the rules provide a means of defining the winner of the contest. Finally, the rules describe boundary conditions such as the contest area, and actions that are or are not allowed. The customs surrounding judo contests are designed to make it clear that it is sporting event and not a common street fight. For self defense, the judoka (judo student) should train to use all of the techniques available which includes atemi waza (striking the weak points of body).
If all judo did was to train in the three areas above, it would not be much different from many other schools of martial art. What defines judo and makes it different is its philosophical base. First and foremost judo is an educational system. It is my opinion that Dr. Kano invented the belt ranking system ( kyu - dan ranks) as a means of grading judoka in terms of judo education. Like grade levels in college or other schools, this gave students a set of goals to strive for. It also provided a means of gauging progress. Judo is about the perfection of character. This is a process.
The two great ideas of judo are maximum efficiency, and mutual welfare and respect. The first speaks to the concept of utilizing the body and mind in the most efficient manner. Within judo culture, the idea of ju is assumed to be the underpinning of maximum efficiency. But what is "ju?" It is a hard word to pin down. It has been interpreted as meaning gentleness and also flexible or pliable. I believe the idea is much more than a single word. The concept has to do with being able to blend with your opponent's force, take control of it, and then use that force to achieve your goal. The classic example is using the opponent's push and turning into a throw in the direction of the push. The other part of maximum efficiency is the idea of the correct use of strength. I like to tell beginning students that judo is not about strength, it is about the correct use of strength. Inherent in this is the concept of concentration of force against a weak point. Tilt someone's head back until he is off balance to the rear. Now push sharply down and slightly behind the person's feet. If done correctly, he will fall to the ground.
The concept of mutual welfare and respect turns judo from a mere sport or even combat school into something quite different. It begins with the concept of reigi or courtesy and bowing. The bow (rei) in judo has many functions. First and foremost is the idea of mutual respect. By bowing the student says to the teacher, "I respect you and will follow your instructions to the best of my ability." The teacher's bow means that the teacher respects the student and will teach to the best of teacher's ability. Between students, the bow signifies mutual respect and a desire to train each other. In judo tournaments today one still sees and hears judoka giving each other help. Many times I have seen the winner of a contest go to his opponent after the match and congratulate him or her on a well fought contest, and then offer some advice on how to improve. Within the school students strive and work together to improve. This idea of progressing as a group is important in judo. Judoka are taught that if one student improves, then all improve.
So just what is judo? Judo can be practiced with an emphasis on any one of the three physical areas: sport, physical education, and unarmed combat. While the judoka may choose one area in preference to the others, he or she should learn about all three. The philosophy of judo and in particular the goal of self perfection makes judo the unique art that it is. Without these ideals, judo is at best an interesting sport and possibly a means of unarmed combat. I think of judo as a martial art. Because of the philosophical ideals judo is something more.
Viewing judo as an educational system founded on the ideas of self perfection, maximum efficiency, mutual welfare and benefit changes it. What we have is a martial philosophy or way of life (do). It is marital because the base techniques have to do with fighting. The major training method ("the giving and receiving of attacks") is martial in nature. It is on the anvil of rondori (free exercise), shiai (contests), kata (forms), and the general training that the judoka forges his or her character. These are martial exercises and result in a "warrior" point of view. The philosophy (do) takes the martial values and focuses them so that as Dr. Kano said, "In this way you are able to perfect yourself and contribute something of value to the world. This is final goal of judo discipline."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Author:
Victor Anderson is a martial arts researcher who has praticed judo since 1960. He has studied in California, Korea, Texas, Panama, Virginia and is currently a third degree black belt and member of the Sacramento Judo Club. He is a nationally rated judo referee and coach and as competitor has placed 2nd and 3rd in USJI Masters National Tournaments. His study of judo is to approach it as a martial art, that can be practiced as a sport. He also studies striking of vital areas (atemi waza) as part of judo self-defense. Other arts he has studied include Hopkido (shodan), aikido, shudokan karate, boxing, wrestling, tai chi chaun and pa kua chaun.
Drilling the basics is the road to Victory!
I at first had the idea to write this post on the theory that sequencing is the key to learning, but after talking to my friend Kobi via Facebook; I decided that for White Belts and Blue Belts (and everyone for that matter) drilling is what is important.
For the White Belt, drilling the most basic moves is going to lay the foundation for your Jiu-Jitsu and foster growth for years. Drilling moves such as armbars and kimuras form the guard, basket weave pass, knee on belly, and all the forms of choking form the back and sweeps and reversals, throws, break falls and rolls, must be mastered before any sort of game plan can be created.
Doing 50 armbars from the guard may seem boring and it is defiantly exhausting, but think what you have done within those 50 repetitions. You have conditioned your core and legs for the explosive movements needed to perform the armbar, and most importantly you have built muscle memory for the armbar.
Muscle memory is a physiological term that refers to the synaptic response that occurs with repetitive movements. The body is highly adaptive, when a movement is performed enough the body adapts to it and builds a specific neuropath way; when this occurs the movement can be performed quickly, efficiently and with minimal effort and thought.
Strategically speaking, as you drill your basic moves you are also improving your ability to recognize the opportunity to apply the drilled technique. As an added bonus not only will you be able to recognize and apply the technique from where you drill it, you will start to see the opportunity for the technique from various other angles.
I began to drill the kimura lock form the guard like everyone else. At first I had to think about the steps and my body positioning. Needless to say my movement was slow and inefficient, but as time went on my technique increased in speed and efficiency. My mental awareness no longer had to focus on the movement so when rolling all I had to think about was finding the opportunity to perform the kimura. As more time passed I did not even have to look for the kimura I just seemed to see it from all angles and I simply reacted and went for it. It took several months to reach this level but, it is well worth it as I have found success with it at tournaments.
Ever watch the higher belts roll and everything they do seems to be immediate and just seems to flow? The same can be said of when Eric Clapton rips on the guitar, or a gymnast does their floor routine or as we type on our keyboards without looking at the keys. It takes practice, sometimes years of practice, but that is what is needed to become the best, practice.
I know, I know, drilling is boring, we all want to roll so when we get to the tournament we can win. Well if you do not drill the basic moves you will find your progress lacking, and then you will be tapped in sparing and tournaments. Do not discredit the importance of drilling the basic movements in Jiu-Jitsu. At our school we dedicate an entire practice to drilling one move for the entire class. When we roll after our drilling practice, we are all amazed by how much our technique and game plan has improved by simply drilling the same movement over and over again.
It seems that a premium has been placed on rolling and it is fun, it is my favorite part of class, but if you do not drill your movements then your game will become stagnant and you will become discouraged because nothing you do will seem to work. Drilling the basics is the key to growth. Pro Baseball players still go to batting practice, Golfers still go to the driving range, and even Pro Boxers still hit the heavy bag and practice mitts. Why as Jiu-Jitsu players should we be any different?
Get on the matt and drill the basics and experience how much your game will improve!
Be blessed!!!
For the White Belt, drilling the most basic moves is going to lay the foundation for your Jiu-Jitsu and foster growth for years. Drilling moves such as armbars and kimuras form the guard, basket weave pass, knee on belly, and all the forms of choking form the back and sweeps and reversals, throws, break falls and rolls, must be mastered before any sort of game plan can be created.
Doing 50 armbars from the guard may seem boring and it is defiantly exhausting, but think what you have done within those 50 repetitions. You have conditioned your core and legs for the explosive movements needed to perform the armbar, and most importantly you have built muscle memory for the armbar.
Muscle memory is a physiological term that refers to the synaptic response that occurs with repetitive movements. The body is highly adaptive, when a movement is performed enough the body adapts to it and builds a specific neuropath way; when this occurs the movement can be performed quickly, efficiently and with minimal effort and thought.
Strategically speaking, as you drill your basic moves you are also improving your ability to recognize the opportunity to apply the drilled technique. As an added bonus not only will you be able to recognize and apply the technique from where you drill it, you will start to see the opportunity for the technique from various other angles.
I began to drill the kimura lock form the guard like everyone else. At first I had to think about the steps and my body positioning. Needless to say my movement was slow and inefficient, but as time went on my technique increased in speed and efficiency. My mental awareness no longer had to focus on the movement so when rolling all I had to think about was finding the opportunity to perform the kimura. As more time passed I did not even have to look for the kimura I just seemed to see it from all angles and I simply reacted and went for it. It took several months to reach this level but, it is well worth it as I have found success with it at tournaments.
Ever watch the higher belts roll and everything they do seems to be immediate and just seems to flow? The same can be said of when Eric Clapton rips on the guitar, or a gymnast does their floor routine or as we type on our keyboards without looking at the keys. It takes practice, sometimes years of practice, but that is what is needed to become the best, practice.
I know, I know, drilling is boring, we all want to roll so when we get to the tournament we can win. Well if you do not drill the basic moves you will find your progress lacking, and then you will be tapped in sparing and tournaments. Do not discredit the importance of drilling the basic movements in Jiu-Jitsu. At our school we dedicate an entire practice to drilling one move for the entire class. When we roll after our drilling practice, we are all amazed by how much our technique and game plan has improved by simply drilling the same movement over and over again.
It seems that a premium has been placed on rolling and it is fun, it is my favorite part of class, but if you do not drill your movements then your game will become stagnant and you will become discouraged because nothing you do will seem to work. Drilling the basics is the key to growth. Pro Baseball players still go to batting practice, Golfers still go to the driving range, and even Pro Boxers still hit the heavy bag and practice mitts. Why as Jiu-Jitsu players should we be any different?
The result of constant drilling of a basic movement! |
Get on the matt and drill the basics and experience how much your game will improve!
Be blessed!!!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The reality of the Blue Belt.
Now begins my training for the 2011 competition year, so yesterday I go to practice with the intent of destroying everybody. Life as a BJJ fighter tends to have a sense of humor, and with that I get taped by every one I roll with, and all my core bread and butter tactics are nullified.
I came to realize after this the reality of the Blue Belt. All the Blue Belt means is that you have shown your dedication to the art, have mastered some of the basics and may have medaled at a tournament or two as a white belt. By now means I'm I any where close to being where I want to be at. As time goes on I keep seeing how little I know and how much farther I have to go in BJJ. It is a journey of a life time that has no destination, as there is always more to learn, and as of right now I feel a little stagnant in my game.
I am some what dejected by this, but I know this will aide me in my evolution. Royler Gracie said in his book, Submission Grappling: Theory and Technique, that at the times when you feel your game is the most stagnant are the times that you are about to make a huge push to the next level.
Let's work on all of us getting to the next level! Be Blessed!
I came to realize after this the reality of the Blue Belt. All the Blue Belt means is that you have shown your dedication to the art, have mastered some of the basics and may have medaled at a tournament or two as a white belt. By now means I'm I any where close to being where I want to be at. As time goes on I keep seeing how little I know and how much farther I have to go in BJJ. It is a journey of a life time that has no destination, as there is always more to learn, and as of right now I feel a little stagnant in my game.
I am some what dejected by this, but I know this will aide me in my evolution. Royler Gracie said in his book, Submission Grappling: Theory and Technique, that at the times when you feel your game is the most stagnant are the times that you are about to make a huge push to the next level.
Let's work on all of us getting to the next level! Be Blessed!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sacrament Kimonos, Susan G Komen rashguard!
In addition to the pink "Sobrevivente" (Survivor in Portuguese) gi. Sacrament Kimonos is also going to release a pink rashguard.
Once again part of the proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research.
I plan on rocking one throughout the year. As it is said REAL MEN WEAR PINK!!!
Please check out Sacrament's website for more details at http://www.wix.com/sacramentkimonos/sacramentkimonos
Be Blessed!!!
Once again part of the proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research.
I plan on rocking one throughout the year. As it is said REAL MEN WEAR PINK!!!
Please check out Sacrament's website for more details at http://www.wix.com/sacramentkimonos/sacramentkimonos
Be Blessed!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sacrament Kimonos and Susan G Komen!
There is a new gi manufacturer, their name is Sacrament Kimonos. They are based out of Sacramento CA, and will have their initial release in January 2011.
I have had some contact via Facebook with the company and have suggested a breast cancer inspired gi. Sacrament Kimonos loved the idea and are in the works to release a Susan G. Komen Foundation breast cancer gi.
I will be purchasing one as soon as possible. I plan on wearing to practice and tournaments to represent all the women in my life that I love.
Please support Breast Cancer research and Sacrament Kimonos, their website is http://www.wix.com/sacramentkimonos/sacramentkimonos
I have had some contact via Facebook with the company and have suggested a breast cancer inspired gi. Sacrament Kimonos loved the idea and are in the works to release a Susan G. Komen Foundation breast cancer gi.
I will be purchasing one as soon as possible. I plan on wearing to practice and tournaments to represent all the women in my life that I love.
Please support Breast Cancer research and Sacrament Kimonos, their website is http://www.wix.com/sacramentkimonos/sacramentkimonos
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!!!
2010 is coming to a close. It has been a great year. It has had it's ups and downs, but such is life. I have lost my Grandfather, but I gained my daughter! I have had victory and loss. But like I said it still has been a great year and I am looking forward to 2011 as a great opportunity to travel further in the Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and apply the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu to life.
BE BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Promotions!
Yesterday was a great day in my life. I was honored by Professor Marcos Torregrosa and promoted to the rank of Blue Belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The first step towards becoming a Black Belt.
What a great way to end a great year of Jiu-Jitsu.
TEAM YEMASO
The first step towards becoming a Black Belt.
What a great way to end a great year of Jiu-Jitsu.
TEAM YEMASO
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