I had the opportunity to meet Collin Grayson shortly after I started training Jiu-Jitsu in early 2008. He was hosting Marcelo Garcia for a seminar and I was lucky enough to attend...even if I could barely tie my own belt. Fast forward to 2014 and Collin is still teaching Jiu-Jitsu in both Rockwall and Irving under the Caio Terra Association.
When
did you start training?
-January 28, 2002
When did you receive your Black Belt and from whom?
-I received my Black Belt on December 28, 2011 from Jose Reyes
What should a new student focus on?
-Having fun first and foremost. Experiencing the
culture of jiu-jitsu, seeing how it changes people, meeting new friends,
setting new goals, acquiring a mentor, etc. That is what creates a
lifelong BJJ’er – not the techniques. The techniques are simply a means
to an end.
What would you change about how you approached training
Jiu-Jitsu if you had to go back and start all over again?
-Drill more. Recognize that rolling/training is merely
the output of the input.
How important is
competition for development?
-I think it develops character and is good for
self-evaluation. Not necessary for developing good technique
though. Hard work and honest partners can create that.
Collin Grayson (CTA) vs Kelly Rundle (Alliance)
How do you feel about students cross-training at other gyms?
-Learn whatever you can! Just be sure to share it!
How do you feel about supplementing training with other
forms of physical activity such as lifting weights, crossfit, running,
swimming, etc?
-If
you want to be good at Jiu-Jitsu, train Jiu-Jitsu.
Do
you feel like the BJJ is becoming watered down due to the ease of people
uploading instructional videos on sites like YouTube?
-Not watered down, but the evolution of BJJ has changed
dramatically. Advanced techniques are being hit at a much lower belt
level
What
are your thoughts on rolling versus drilling?
-Rolling should be secondary, drilling helps to develop the
tools you use when rolling.
Do
you use supplements? How do you stay healthy?
-Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Glucosamine & Chondroitin
What
do you recommend for training preparation?
-Stretching, eating a light meal 90 mins prior, and having a
teaspoon of honey 10 minutes prior
Do
you think training wrestling and judo is important?
-At
least enough to defend against it
As an instructor, what does your training consist of trying
to balance teaching vs training? Give an example of a typical
week of training for you.
-Teach 7 classes per week – try to drill and roll as much as
possible without taking away from the students instruction. Also
cross-train at other gyms when possible.
Do you continue to study new (modern) Jiu-Jitsu and how do
you go about that? Do you train with other black belts in other gyms,
affiliations, etc?
-Yes – via www.caioterra.com. Study new techniques and drill
them with BB Mark Stites on the weekends.
What
is the worst injury you have experienced while training?
-Torn MCL
Is there anything interesting you would like to say about
yourself or any opinions you have on the current state of BJJ?
-I
think it’s awesome…there will never be a set of rules that please
everyone. As BJJ evolves, the rules will as well. The constant
evolution is what keeps it fresh, interesting, and fun!
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| Collin Grayson recently promoted his first Black Belt and longtime friend Mark Stites who also teaches at the Rockwall location. |
Not only is Collin an excellent instructor but he's also well known for bringing in some of the best talent for seminars throughout the year. If you have a chance to drop in and train with his group I highly recommend it. As mentioned earlier, Collin operates out of both Rockwall and Irving, TX. His locations can be found at:
811 E. Yellow Jacket Ln
Rockwall, TX 75087
(Located inside of Ridge Pointe Athletic Club)
612 South Valley Ranch Parkway
Irving, TX 75063
(George Prevalsky's Boxing & Muay Thai Boxing Club)
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