Archive for category Uncategorized
Developing a Dangerous Guard
Posted by Joe in Uncategorized on January 27th, 2009
Kosta Megas asked:
Have you ever noticed that there are two common approaches beginners take when getting their opponent in their Guard?
Either they go completely on the defensive and try to defend the position against their opponents offense or, they try to directly go to a submission like an armbar from there and most likely fail at both attempts.
If you compare this to a more experienced grappler you’ll see they take a considerably different approach and experience a better result.
So let’s take a closer look at what makes a difference here.
Why is it that although apparently both fighters are going to the same position, the intent and following outcome is different?
Most importantly how can you use and implement this in your training to be successful in making your Guard game more dangerous. If you look at the possibilities that can come from the Guard position you’ll quickly realize that although it is considered a defensive position, very little about it is actually defensive. Your main options and set-ups from the Guard are; Armlock, Triangle Choke, Kimura as well as an array of sweeps and reversals.
Now, it helps to think of the Guard as a transitioning position. Basically a position that enables you to transition to a better position or from which you can more easily set something up.
You might think this is obvious to most, and yet if you watch most beginning grapplers and white belts in Brazilian Jiujitsu, you’ll see that often they go to the Guard and immediately go into defensive mode trying to avoid their opponents offense. This is even more dangerous in Mixed Martial Arts, where the opponent will simply start distracting with one attack and keep combining with others which, in a matter of time, will lead to you getting overwhelmed with strikes.
Ultimately the Guard is a position that’s ideal for unbalancing and setting your opponent up and that’s the fundamental approach more effective practitioners take when training it. This approach is critical to developing a dangerous Guard game and not falling victim to using it strictly to defend against your opponents offense.
Instead, your ideal strategy of breaking your opponents posture, preventing him from maintaining his balance and setting him up through combinations will enable you to launch further offensive possibilities.
Have you ever noticed that there are two common approaches beginners take when getting their opponent in their Guard?
Either they go completely on the defensive and try to defend the position against their opponents offense or, they try to directly go to a submission like an armbar from there and most likely fail at both attempts.
If you compare this to a more experienced grappler you’ll see they take a considerably different approach and experience a better result.
So let’s take a closer look at what makes a difference here.
Why is it that although apparently both fighters are going to the same position, the intent and following outcome is different?
Most importantly how can you use and implement this in your training to be successful in making your Guard game more dangerous. If you look at the possibilities that can come from the Guard position you’ll quickly realize that although it is considered a defensive position, very little about it is actually defensive. Your main options and set-ups from the Guard are; Armlock, Triangle Choke, Kimura as well as an array of sweeps and reversals.
Now, it helps to think of the Guard as a transitioning position. Basically a position that enables you to transition to a better position or from which you can more easily set something up.
You might think this is obvious to most, and yet if you watch most beginning grapplers and white belts in Brazilian Jiujitsu, you’ll see that often they go to the Guard and immediately go into defensive mode trying to avoid their opponents offense. This is even more dangerous in Mixed Martial Arts, where the opponent will simply start distracting with one attack and keep combining with others which, in a matter of time, will lead to you getting overwhelmed with strikes.
Ultimately the Guard is a position that’s ideal for unbalancing and setting your opponent up and that’s the fundamental approach more effective practitioners take when training it. This approach is critical to developing a dangerous Guard game and not falling victim to using it strictly to defend against your opponents offense.
Instead, your ideal strategy of breaking your opponents posture, preventing him from maintaining his balance and setting him up through combinations will enable you to launch further offensive possibilities.
Judo Vs. Bjj - a New Perspective
Posted by Joe in Uncategorized on December 13th, 2008
Glyn Powditch asked:
Whether viewing websites or MMA, Judo, and BJJ forums, the subject of Judo vs. BJJ has become yet another classic debate, akin to that of the old "Gi vs. No Gi" debate. However, the question of Judo vs. BJJ is much simpler to answer because it is simply the wrong question in almost every applicable context. In short, an Olympic level Judoka would benefit from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as much as a world-class BJJ player would benefit from Judo.
And at the top level, there are multiple examples of this beginning to happen. GB’s Winston Gordon trains with Gracie Barra and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ray Stevens, former Olympic silver medallist, has been known to train with Roger Gracie. Dave Camarillo, Rhadi Ferguson, and Lloyd Irvin have become vocal advocates of cross-training these arts and have all enjoyed considerable success in both sports. Therefore the answer is Judo AND BJJ. Most top level players are starting to know this fact and rarely ever involve themselves in the nonsense of the forums.
However, trawl the forums and you will frequently see this very discussion taking place. Comments range from the petty such as a "judoka" commenting about BJJ players wearing too many patches on their Gi’s to the erroneous "BJJ player" commenting that "judoka’s are easy to double leg". I also recently read from one judoka that "either never seen anyone in BJJ show me a move that didn’t exist in Judo".
Such comments are harmful because they slow our progression to be the best that we can be. It is a fact that within the "Gi sports" that the average Judo club will have a far higher degree of stand-up skill per person, and the average BJJ club (who out there thinks they are in an average club - Ha, that’s another story and I’ll be shot if I go there!!) will have a far higher degree of skill on the ground. Assuming that the respective coaching levels are held constant then anyone wishing to balance their skills would surely want to practise stand-up at the Judo club and BJJ at the BJJ club. And this is why comments such as "I’ve never seen anyone in BJJ show me a move that didn’t exist in Judo" are so unhelpful and completely miss the point. Neither art is really about knowing the greatest number of "moves" and anyone who has trained in the competitive environment knows this is the case. However, such comments promote ignorance and division rather than learning and integration.
There are a multitude of benefits to training both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, from greater all-round skills, to the cross-over benefits of learning different approaches to training (e.g. speed and power to slow and technical). There are simply too many to list here. However, anyone in doubt or uncertain should consider this: the learning curve in both arts is greatest at the beginning and therefore you stand the most to gain from the early days. When I first began Judo, I found that it was much easier to throw non-Judo players at BJJ. However, some months after, my BJJ friends began training Judo and learned to stiff-arm. All of sudden, I couldn’t throw them as often (until I overcame the stiff-arm).
Therefore, forget the ancient texts, the "who tapped who" in the 1920s, the lineage charts, and the other nonsense. To compete optimally in either sport, you need BOTH Judo and BJJ and some wrestling as well won’t harm. My website http://www.JudoBJJ.com is seeking to promote the integration of these sports for the benefit of Judo AND BJJ alike.
Copyright 2007 Glyn Powditch
Whether viewing websites or MMA, Judo, and BJJ forums, the subject of Judo vs. BJJ has become yet another classic debate, akin to that of the old "Gi vs. No Gi" debate. However, the question of Judo vs. BJJ is much simpler to answer because it is simply the wrong question in almost every applicable context. In short, an Olympic level Judoka would benefit from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as much as a world-class BJJ player would benefit from Judo.
And at the top level, there are multiple examples of this beginning to happen. GB’s Winston Gordon trains with Gracie Barra and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ray Stevens, former Olympic silver medallist, has been known to train with Roger Gracie. Dave Camarillo, Rhadi Ferguson, and Lloyd Irvin have become vocal advocates of cross-training these arts and have all enjoyed considerable success in both sports. Therefore the answer is Judo AND BJJ. Most top level players are starting to know this fact and rarely ever involve themselves in the nonsense of the forums.
However, trawl the forums and you will frequently see this very discussion taking place. Comments range from the petty such as a "judoka" commenting about BJJ players wearing too many patches on their Gi’s to the erroneous "BJJ player" commenting that "judoka’s are easy to double leg". I also recently read from one judoka that "either never seen anyone in BJJ show me a move that didn’t exist in Judo".
Such comments are harmful because they slow our progression to be the best that we can be. It is a fact that within the "Gi sports" that the average Judo club will have a far higher degree of stand-up skill per person, and the average BJJ club (who out there thinks they are in an average club - Ha, that’s another story and I’ll be shot if I go there!!) will have a far higher degree of skill on the ground. Assuming that the respective coaching levels are held constant then anyone wishing to balance their skills would surely want to practise stand-up at the Judo club and BJJ at the BJJ club. And this is why comments such as "I’ve never seen anyone in BJJ show me a move that didn’t exist in Judo" are so unhelpful and completely miss the point. Neither art is really about knowing the greatest number of "moves" and anyone who has trained in the competitive environment knows this is the case. However, such comments promote ignorance and division rather than learning and integration.
There are a multitude of benefits to training both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, from greater all-round skills, to the cross-over benefits of learning different approaches to training (e.g. speed and power to slow and technical). There are simply too many to list here. However, anyone in doubt or uncertain should consider this: the learning curve in both arts is greatest at the beginning and therefore you stand the most to gain from the early days. When I first began Judo, I found that it was much easier to throw non-Judo players at BJJ. However, some months after, my BJJ friends began training Judo and learned to stiff-arm. All of sudden, I couldn’t throw them as often (until I overcame the stiff-arm).
Therefore, forget the ancient texts, the "who tapped who" in the 1920s, the lineage charts, and the other nonsense. To compete optimally in either sport, you need BOTH Judo and BJJ and some wrestling as well won’t harm. My website http://www.JudoBJJ.com is seeking to promote the integration of these sports for the benefit of Judo AND BJJ alike.
Copyright 2007 Glyn Powditch
Open House Reveals “what is an Ultimate Fighter?”…
Posted by Joe in Uncategorized on October 6th, 2008
Steve Dubin asked:
It is the fastest growing sport since NASCAR and giving professional boxing a run for its money, but what exactly is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)? Some say that it is the sheer violence and ferocity that surrounds the sport of MMA that has spurred controversy as well as impressive TV ratings.
USMMA, located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, is hosting an open house and workshop, “What is an Ultimate Fighter?”, to introduce and demonstrate the sport of Mixed Martial Arts on Saturday, September 20, from 10AM – 1PM, at its Bellingham training and yoga center. As the fastest growing sport, especially among young people, there is much to be learned about MMA such as the athleticism involved and the real fighters and their stories.
Critics, including prominent politicians and concerned parents, have called for a ban on the sport. Presidential hopeful John McCain refers to it as “Human Cockfighting”. As many as 35 states have hosted sanctioned MMA events proving that there is no questioning the sports popularity.
SpikeTV was the first cable television network to showcase the sport with “The Ultimate Fighter,” reality series. Fans of the sport can easily tune in at almost any time and view a fight and it is taking off like wildfire outselling pay-per-view sales of boxing matches 10 to 1.
“It’s not just one of those cult sports anymore. It’s really become mainstream,” said Tom Hafers, CEO of the United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) program, in Bellingham, MA. “We are passionate about Mixed Martial Arts and are excited to share it with everyone interested in its explosive growth,” he said.
USMMA is home to International Ultimate Fighting Champions including co-owner Jorge Rivera, also known as “El Conquistador”, and several other emerging MMA stars like Mike Campbell. Campbell was recently chosen for the reality show “TapouT” on SpikeTV.
Just what is this sport all about? The goal of the workshop hosted by Hafers and Rivera, is to introduce Mixed Martial Arts with a brief presentation and hands-on demonstration. In addition to demonstrations, attendees will have the honor of meeting Ultimate Fighting Champions. They will answer questions for anyone wanting to learn about MMA or their fighting experiences. Light refreshments will also be provided.
The event, located at the state-of-the-art padded training center, will focus on the various mixed martial arts programs including:
§ Mixed Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts is a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai Boxing, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Judo and Boxing, in what is quickly evolving into one of the most popular sports in the world.
§ Thai Boxing: Thai Boxing, the national sport of Thailand, is a martial art that involves striking with the hands, feet, elbows and knees. Known as the “Art of the Eight Limbs,” Thai Boxing equips practitioners with the ability to execute strikes from eight different points, giving them a greater arsenal of defense techniques in contrast to boxing and kickboxing. The sport is widely practiced throughout Southeast Asia and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.
§ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known as BJJ, is a martial art rooted in ground fighting and submission wrestling. First developed in Brazil by the world-renown Gracie family, BJJ promotes the belief that a weaker individual using proper leverage and technique can successfully defend his or herself from a larger, stronger opponent.
§ Boxing: Boxing is often called the Western martial art, but it is more accurately identified as a martial sport. It probably originated in ancient Greece or Rome, as there is evidence that the Greek pankratium (also spelled pankration) competitions included a boxinglike event. The pugilistic sport then spread to most every Western country, and in the early 20th century it became a popular spectator sport. Boxing techniques have played an important role in the development of modern kickboxing, since they are often judged as being more effective than the hand techniques of the Asian martial arts. The techniques are now being added to the curriculum at many schools that teach eclectic martial arts.
§ Judo: Judo was intended to be a martial sport derived from jujutsu. Created by Jigoro Kano in the 1880s, it enjoyed much popularity as its practitioners routinely defeated students of other martial arts. Kano created the Kodokan Judo Institute in 1882 as the governing body for the sport. Later, it was adopted into the curriculum of Japanese public schools. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, when the Games were held in Tokyo. Judo training emphasizes throwing an opponent to the ground by grasping his body or uniform. Once down, a variety of chokes and joint locks may be used to effect a submission. Two important parts of judo training- character development and morality-make judo a preferred martial art for children to practice.
§ Wrestling: Wrestling is a combative sport that probably originated in ancient Greece and Rome. It is practiced in various forms in most cultures of the world (sumo in Japan, ssirum in Korea, khok in Armenia, Sambo in Russia, etc.). It formed the basis for the Japanese martial sport of shoot fighting, and many of its techniques are similar to those of judo.
The United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center, located on Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. This is accomplished through a four-pronged approach to reality self-defense training centered in total body wellness.
The state of the art, 4 thousand-square foot training facility is complete with a 2 thousand-square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 15 hundred-square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. To contact USMMA, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
It is the fastest growing sport since NASCAR and giving professional boxing a run for its money, but what exactly is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)? Some say that it is the sheer violence and ferocity that surrounds the sport of MMA that has spurred controversy as well as impressive TV ratings.
USMMA, located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, is hosting an open house and workshop, “What is an Ultimate Fighter?”, to introduce and demonstrate the sport of Mixed Martial Arts on Saturday, September 20, from 10AM – 1PM, at its Bellingham training and yoga center. As the fastest growing sport, especially among young people, there is much to be learned about MMA such as the athleticism involved and the real fighters and their stories.
Critics, including prominent politicians and concerned parents, have called for a ban on the sport. Presidential hopeful John McCain refers to it as “Human Cockfighting”. As many as 35 states have hosted sanctioned MMA events proving that there is no questioning the sports popularity.
SpikeTV was the first cable television network to showcase the sport with “The Ultimate Fighter,” reality series. Fans of the sport can easily tune in at almost any time and view a fight and it is taking off like wildfire outselling pay-per-view sales of boxing matches 10 to 1.
“It’s not just one of those cult sports anymore. It’s really become mainstream,” said Tom Hafers, CEO of the United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) program, in Bellingham, MA. “We are passionate about Mixed Martial Arts and are excited to share it with everyone interested in its explosive growth,” he said.
USMMA is home to International Ultimate Fighting Champions including co-owner Jorge Rivera, also known as “El Conquistador”, and several other emerging MMA stars like Mike Campbell. Campbell was recently chosen for the reality show “TapouT” on SpikeTV.
Just what is this sport all about? The goal of the workshop hosted by Hafers and Rivera, is to introduce Mixed Martial Arts with a brief presentation and hands-on demonstration. In addition to demonstrations, attendees will have the honor of meeting Ultimate Fighting Champions. They will answer questions for anyone wanting to learn about MMA or their fighting experiences. Light refreshments will also be provided.
The event, located at the state-of-the-art padded training center, will focus on the various mixed martial arts programs including:
§ Mixed Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts is a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai Boxing, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Judo and Boxing, in what is quickly evolving into one of the most popular sports in the world.
§ Thai Boxing: Thai Boxing, the national sport of Thailand, is a martial art that involves striking with the hands, feet, elbows and knees. Known as the “Art of the Eight Limbs,” Thai Boxing equips practitioners with the ability to execute strikes from eight different points, giving them a greater arsenal of defense techniques in contrast to boxing and kickboxing. The sport is widely practiced throughout Southeast Asia and is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.
§ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known as BJJ, is a martial art rooted in ground fighting and submission wrestling. First developed in Brazil by the world-renown Gracie family, BJJ promotes the belief that a weaker individual using proper leverage and technique can successfully defend his or herself from a larger, stronger opponent.
§ Boxing: Boxing is often called the Western martial art, but it is more accurately identified as a martial sport. It probably originated in ancient Greece or Rome, as there is evidence that the Greek pankratium (also spelled pankration) competitions included a boxinglike event. The pugilistic sport then spread to most every Western country, and in the early 20th century it became a popular spectator sport. Boxing techniques have played an important role in the development of modern kickboxing, since they are often judged as being more effective than the hand techniques of the Asian martial arts. The techniques are now being added to the curriculum at many schools that teach eclectic martial arts.
§ Judo: Judo was intended to be a martial sport derived from jujutsu. Created by Jigoro Kano in the 1880s, it enjoyed much popularity as its practitioners routinely defeated students of other martial arts. Kano created the Kodokan Judo Institute in 1882 as the governing body for the sport. Later, it was adopted into the curriculum of Japanese public schools. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964, when the Games were held in Tokyo. Judo training emphasizes throwing an opponent to the ground by grasping his body or uniform. Once down, a variety of chokes and joint locks may be used to effect a submission. Two important parts of judo training- character development and morality-make judo a preferred martial art for children to practice.
§ Wrestling: Wrestling is a combative sport that probably originated in ancient Greece and Rome. It is practiced in various forms in most cultures of the world (sumo in Japan, ssirum in Korea, khok in Armenia, Sambo in Russia, etc.). It formed the basis for the Japanese martial sport of shoot fighting, and many of its techniques are similar to those of judo.
The United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center, located on Hartford Avenue in Bellingham, focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. This is accomplished through a four-pronged approach to reality self-defense training centered in total body wellness.
The state of the art, 4 thousand-square foot training facility is complete with a 2 thousand-square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 15 hundred-square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. To contact USMMA, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.
Why I Started Boxing
Posted by Joe in Uncategorized on September 8th, 2008
Chris Head asked:
I imagine my story is very similar to many other people who have found themselves involved in the world of boxing and martial arts. I started as a lot of young men do, doing a normal 9-5 office job, eating rubbish and drinking far too much lager! This of course did very little for my body or my anything else for that matter so decided it was time to join a gym.
A couple of friends of mine were really into bodybuilding, so much so that one had what could only be described as a shrine to Arnie in his bedroom. I was quite impressed by the progress they had made so thought I’d join them a couple of times a week. Under their supervision I started to reverse the effects of my unbelievable unhealthy lifestyle. Ten years later I was still doing the same training, maintaining a decent physique, spending a small fortune on supplements but found myself increasingly disillusioned at why exactly I was still putting so much time and effort into weight lifting. I had no interest in steroids and as such was never likely to compete.
By chance and at about the same time I started working for a new company. There were a couple of guys working for this company; one was a traditional power lifter. Nice guy, very strong and nicknamed Mr Incredible. The other a smaller guy, lawyer of all things was really into “BJJ” and “MMA”. Two phrases that meant very little to me at the time. We trained a few times and eventually he talked me into doing a bit of sparring with him one lunchtime. Sure I’d messed about on the punch bag in the gym and even used some focus pads a couple of times with a friend but to actually try and hit another human being was a completely new concept to me.
We arrived at the gym with a huge bag of boxing equipment, out of which he pulled two pairs of 12oz gloves and 2 headgears. At this point I was really questioning what I’d gotten myself into but pride being what it is I wasn’t about to back out. I asked for the thickest most protective headgear he had and we got on with it! My first reaction was of course to swing like a madman, it was a combination of every brawl I’d had since my teens rolled into one. Out of what seemed like a thousand punches I caught him with one (but it was a good one!).
He then spent the next hour dancing around me, jabbing and throwing combos at me whilst I tried to figure out which punch was coming next. I learnt more in that hour than I had in ten years lifting weights. I had no goals lifting weights, I was just plodding along unable to improve myself but fighting was a different ball game completely. Bizarrely I enjoyed the experience, I’d been hit a lot and my jaw ached for days but I couldn’t wait to go again. Fighters understand this; too many people look at fighters with no real understanding of the skill and commitment it takes to actually be good at any combat sport.
I was hooked.
I imagine my story is very similar to many other people who have found themselves involved in the world of boxing and martial arts. I started as a lot of young men do, doing a normal 9-5 office job, eating rubbish and drinking far too much lager! This of course did very little for my body or my anything else for that matter so decided it was time to join a gym.
A couple of friends of mine were really into bodybuilding, so much so that one had what could only be described as a shrine to Arnie in his bedroom. I was quite impressed by the progress they had made so thought I’d join them a couple of times a week. Under their supervision I started to reverse the effects of my unbelievable unhealthy lifestyle. Ten years later I was still doing the same training, maintaining a decent physique, spending a small fortune on supplements but found myself increasingly disillusioned at why exactly I was still putting so much time and effort into weight lifting. I had no interest in steroids and as such was never likely to compete.
By chance and at about the same time I started working for a new company. There were a couple of guys working for this company; one was a traditional power lifter. Nice guy, very strong and nicknamed Mr Incredible. The other a smaller guy, lawyer of all things was really into “BJJ” and “MMA”. Two phrases that meant very little to me at the time. We trained a few times and eventually he talked me into doing a bit of sparring with him one lunchtime. Sure I’d messed about on the punch bag in the gym and even used some focus pads a couple of times with a friend but to actually try and hit another human being was a completely new concept to me.
We arrived at the gym with a huge bag of boxing equipment, out of which he pulled two pairs of 12oz gloves and 2 headgears. At this point I was really questioning what I’d gotten myself into but pride being what it is I wasn’t about to back out. I asked for the thickest most protective headgear he had and we got on with it! My first reaction was of course to swing like a madman, it was a combination of every brawl I’d had since my teens rolled into one. Out of what seemed like a thousand punches I caught him with one (but it was a good one!).
He then spent the next hour dancing around me, jabbing and throwing combos at me whilst I tried to figure out which punch was coming next. I learnt more in that hour than I had in ten years lifting weights. I had no goals lifting weights, I was just plodding along unable to improve myself but fighting was a different ball game completely. Bizarrely I enjoyed the experience, I’d been hit a lot and my jaw ached for days but I couldn’t wait to go again. Fighters understand this; too many people look at fighters with no real understanding of the skill and commitment it takes to actually be good at any combat sport.
I was hooked.
A War Between My Kickboxing Conditioning And His Jujitsu
Posted by Joe in Uncategorized on August 1st, 2008
Yoshi Kundagawa asked:
I got my first lesson in jujitsu a couple of months ago. I had been taking kickboxing for about a month and had lost over 5 pounds and my cardio had improved immensely. A buddy of mine invited a few guys from the gym over to his place to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championships.
If you’ve ever watched a UFC pay-per-view you remember how many commercials and long lags there are between matches. The conversation turned towards Brazillian Jujitsu.
For those unfamiliar with Brazilian Jujitsu, its a fighting style from Brazil that took the original Japanese jujitsu and morphed it into one of the most unique and functional fighting styles in the world. The name “Gracie” is uttered in almost revered, hushed tones by practitioners of the sport.
One of the guys at the UFC pay per view was a purple belt in BJJ, and had been studying it about 3 years. I got to talking to him about my kickboxing and how deadly some of the guys were in my class. The purple belt was surprising respectful, but cautioned me that any decent jujitsu player could devestate a kickboxer.
Of course a verbal battle ensued, not between me and the purple belt but all the others in the TV room. I asked him to show me some jujitsu after things calmed down.
The premise of BJJ is that 90% of fights eventually end up going to the ground. Even a proficient striker is somewhat vulnerable to a takedown or a messy clinch. We did a mock battle similar to sparring the gym, and I took him down.
He laid on his back, wrapped his legs around my torso, locked up one of my arms with his own, and gently began to tap me in the side of my head, demonstrating his ability to freely strike. Every time I tried to throw a left, he easily blocked it with his elbow. Within a few seconds I knew I was wasting energy. So I tried to break free of his guard. I saw one of his legs come off my torso, over my head, and I felt a tightness and then pain in my left elbow…he had me in an arm bar. I was defenseless and tapped out immediately.
He showed me a variety of arm bars, chokes and locks from the bottom guard position. Its easy to understand how a legend like Royce Gracie at 180 pounds destroyed huge men like Kimo who weighed 240. My kickboxing conditioning was no match for even a little jujitsu that day. I began taking a class every week on Brazilian jujitsu to add it to my workouts and martial arts education.
I got my first lesson in jujitsu a couple of months ago. I had been taking kickboxing for about a month and had lost over 5 pounds and my cardio had improved immensely. A buddy of mine invited a few guys from the gym over to his place to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championships.
If you’ve ever watched a UFC pay-per-view you remember how many commercials and long lags there are between matches. The conversation turned towards Brazillian Jujitsu.
For those unfamiliar with Brazilian Jujitsu, its a fighting style from Brazil that took the original Japanese jujitsu and morphed it into one of the most unique and functional fighting styles in the world. The name “Gracie” is uttered in almost revered, hushed tones by practitioners of the sport.
One of the guys at the UFC pay per view was a purple belt in BJJ, and had been studying it about 3 years. I got to talking to him about my kickboxing and how deadly some of the guys were in my class. The purple belt was surprising respectful, but cautioned me that any decent jujitsu player could devestate a kickboxer.
Of course a verbal battle ensued, not between me and the purple belt but all the others in the TV room. I asked him to show me some jujitsu after things calmed down.
The premise of BJJ is that 90% of fights eventually end up going to the ground. Even a proficient striker is somewhat vulnerable to a takedown or a messy clinch. We did a mock battle similar to sparring the gym, and I took him down.
He laid on his back, wrapped his legs around my torso, locked up one of my arms with his own, and gently began to tap me in the side of my head, demonstrating his ability to freely strike. Every time I tried to throw a left, he easily blocked it with his elbow. Within a few seconds I knew I was wasting energy. So I tried to break free of his guard. I saw one of his legs come off my torso, over my head, and I felt a tightness and then pain in my left elbow…he had me in an arm bar. I was defenseless and tapped out immediately.
He showed me a variety of arm bars, chokes and locks from the bottom guard position. Its easy to understand how a legend like Royce Gracie at 180 pounds destroyed huge men like Kimo who weighed 240. My kickboxing conditioning was no match for even a little jujitsu that day. I began taking a class every week on Brazilian jujitsu to add it to my workouts and martial arts education.
Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Posted by Joe in Uncategorized on May 24th, 2008
GuBu asked:
Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is quite popular in the US. Adapted from Japanese Jujitsu, various competitions are held across the country every year. To give you an example, fighters can join the Hoosier Open, Michigan Open or South Bay.
In each of these matches, fighters are classified depending on their age group, weight and skill. Various techniques have corresponding points while victory can be achieved through certain means.
Let’s talk about scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
A fighter is awarded 2 points if he or she successfully sweeps the opponent, put their knee on their opponent’s stomach or performs a technical side mount reversal. Three points are given if the fighter performs passing the full guard. You get four points if you execute a mount or back mount with hooks.
You will only be credited a point if you are able to hold this for at least 3 seconds. Additional credit is given when you are able to hold this position much longer.
Getting the most points is just one way to achieve victory but making your opponent surrender is much better. This is done by executing a hold or choke until your opponent taps on the mat. You could also be declared the victor if your opponent is disqualified but this rarely happens so you have to do your best to defeat them.
Your points can also be deducted if you are caught doing something that is not allowed during the match. For instance, you cannot bite, hair pull, punch or kick your opponent. You can’t stall a fight, swear or do obscene gestures. There are corresponding penalties for each of these infractions. The worse is being disqualified.
Matches for the BJJ depend on the age group and belt. White belt fights for the kids last 4 minutes while for grownups this is 5 minutes. One minute is added to each of the other belts except for those competing in the senior division which is between 5 to 6 minutes.
Aside from individual awards to be given out to the top three fighters per age group and weight class, there is also an award for the team. So if many in your team topped their events, you will most likely win the overall event.
The rules and the points for scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are quite different than other martial arts events. Everyone has to understand that beforehand so there will not be any problems during the match.
So you can get the most points during your event, you have to practice regularly by sparring often with your team mates and studying how your opponent moves. You can also learn some new moves given that they are many ways to execute sweeps, mounts, throws and takedowns as this will make you more confident in dealing with your opponent.
Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the same even if the players are required to wear Gi or any other outfit. If you have to wear the official uniform, don’t forget to put on your belt so people will know your rank. In competitions that do not require this, make sure you are wearing clean board shorts and a rash guard or shirt. The use of athletics supports like the cup or mouth guards are optional.
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Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is quite popular in the US. Adapted from Japanese Jujitsu, various competitions are held across the country every year. To give you an example, fighters can join the Hoosier Open, Michigan Open or South Bay.
In each of these matches, fighters are classified depending on their age group, weight and skill. Various techniques have corresponding points while victory can be achieved through certain means.
Let’s talk about scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
A fighter is awarded 2 points if he or she successfully sweeps the opponent, put their knee on their opponent’s stomach or performs a technical side mount reversal. Three points are given if the fighter performs passing the full guard. You get four points if you execute a mount or back mount with hooks.
You will only be credited a point if you are able to hold this for at least 3 seconds. Additional credit is given when you are able to hold this position much longer.
Getting the most points is just one way to achieve victory but making your opponent surrender is much better. This is done by executing a hold or choke until your opponent taps on the mat. You could also be declared the victor if your opponent is disqualified but this rarely happens so you have to do your best to defeat them.
Your points can also be deducted if you are caught doing something that is not allowed during the match. For instance, you cannot bite, hair pull, punch or kick your opponent. You can’t stall a fight, swear or do obscene gestures. There are corresponding penalties for each of these infractions. The worse is being disqualified.
Matches for the BJJ depend on the age group and belt. White belt fights for the kids last 4 minutes while for grownups this is 5 minutes. One minute is added to each of the other belts except for those competing in the senior division which is between 5 to 6 minutes.
Aside from individual awards to be given out to the top three fighters per age group and weight class, there is also an award for the team. So if many in your team topped their events, you will most likely win the overall event.
The rules and the points for scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are quite different than other martial arts events. Everyone has to understand that beforehand so there will not be any problems during the match.
So you can get the most points during your event, you have to practice regularly by sparring often with your team mates and studying how your opponent moves. You can also learn some new moves given that they are many ways to execute sweeps, mounts, throws and takedowns as this will make you more confident in dealing with your opponent.
Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the same even if the players are required to wear Gi or any other outfit. If you have to wear the official uniform, don’t forget to put on your belt so people will know your rank. In competitions that do not require this, make sure you are wearing clean board shorts and a rash guard or shirt. The use of athletics supports like the cup or mouth guards are optional.
www.swordsmartialarts.com