tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55111308876076959742024-02-19T01:19:04.942-06:00I Fight in PajamasThis blog is dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and sharing my experiences in the sport. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-86503700274169370282016-06-11T17:11:00.000-05:002016-06-11T19:17:42.838-05:00One Door Closes and Another Opens...New Academy to Call Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>"Amor Fati - "Love your Fate", which is in fact your life."</i><br /><i>-Friedrich Nietzsche </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where it Began</span><br />
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My beginnings in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu started in February 2008 with North Dallas BJJ (NDBJJ). I remember the day I committed to this sport and fell in love with it very early on. Within a couple months of training I remember standing in the gym making small talk with my Professor, Joseph D. Shelley and thinking...one day I want to be a part of this gym. I want to be an upper belt, someone who has an impact here in some way. I kept these kinds of thoughts to myself for the most part outside of my girlfriend at the time (now wife).<br />
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About the time I received my blue belt in the summer of 2009 I had the opportunity to begin teaching as an assistant in the kids classes. As time progressed I was helping assist in adult beginners classes and eventually advanced classes around purple belt. I just kept grinding away as a student and instructor, constantly trying to learn and evolve. I found a lot of value in teaching because it kept me honest. You can't teach with any reasonable level of confidence if you don't have a good grasp of what you are doing. I was by no means a world champion competitor (although fairly active) but I dedicated myself to growing both as a student and instructor. I feel now that my commitment to be the best instructor I could be aided in my growth as a student of Jiu-Jitsu in all areas. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Progression</span><br />
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As time passed I became more involved with the gym. I was teaching private lessons on a consistent basis and becoming more involved with the operation of the gym. It was important to me to be an asset to our academy and aid in the growth of it. I enjoyed feeling appreciated and someone that could be depended on. There were times where I sacrificed my own training for that level of commitment but I felt it was worth it in the long run. I eventually took over the kids program at brown belt and began developing the curriculum and running the gi program. This is about the time I could finally look around and say..."Well, I finally got here. Where are all those upper belts and students when I started? I outlasted the majority of them. Not because I was better but because I wanted it more and was fortunate enough to stick with my coach from the beginning." Loyalty and commitment have always been important to me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tq4T8K7snJYmWwj5kYECfuIjZeK2m9NnxrTtRa4yJ-2YjEmNrs7ME_S5FnuKF3EGajnXqaCmpVKx_7ysJ7F7P1eVWTFK3ChIi3Yel9B96zbCEpWuIAoI0zR1TrsdfrYeklQMszAeoWVr/s1600/jd+coaching+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tq4T8K7snJYmWwj5kYECfuIjZeK2m9NnxrTtRa4yJ-2YjEmNrs7ME_S5FnuKF3EGajnXqaCmpVKx_7ysJ7F7P1eVWTFK3ChIi3Yel9B96zbCEpWuIAoI0zR1TrsdfrYeklQMszAeoWVr/s320/jd+coaching+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My coach, JD Shelley coaching me at purple belt (AGF 2012)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That "Last" Promotion</span><br />
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Fast forward to June 2015 and I received my Black Belt under my first coach (NDBJJ) JD Shelley. That was obviously the highlight of my pursuit in Jiu-Jitsu thus far. I wrote a blog entry dedicated to this moment almost a year to the day describing how it felt to reach Black Belt. <b>(Link below to this article)</b><br />
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We continued on the same path at our gym for a while despite times getting tough. I worked hard to try and do my part to grow the academy but unfortunately that all came to an end when we had to close our doors in April 2016. It was definitely a tough time and hard to let go of some of the relationships that were built. In hindsight that "last" promotion was pretty cool. Myself along with three other teammates were promoted to black belt that day. There was a core group of us "old guys/girls" that stuck it out to the very end.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">New Chapter</span><br />
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Despite all the bad things that happened, losing my original home academy, along with the ability to train with my old coaches, teammates, and students a silver lining was found. I was able to find a new gym, very close to my own home in Tier 1 Training Facility in McKinney, TX. Professor Alan Shebaro was incredibly welcoming to me and nothing short of a great guy. He has given me the opportunity to come on board and assist with his kids Jiu-Jitsu program; a place for me to train; a new place to call home. The gym is filled with some great students of various levels not to mention a lot of familiar faces. Some of them are friends I've made along the way and even some old teammates that changed gyms over the years. Everyone has made me feel like I've been there forever and in light of the sadness of one door closing a new door has opened. <br />
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Just a little bit of about Alan Shebaro, he is retired special forces (Army) and had deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received his Black Belt from Carlos Machado in 2004 (before Jiu-Jitsu was cool). His Jiu-Jitsu is very technical; a great instructor and still a student of the game pursuing new knowledge. He is a Shoyoroll sponsored athlete and competes regularly in IBJJF events as well as Pro Jiu-Jitsu events (Respect & FTW Pro). Last but not least he is very active giving back to the community and helping veterans. He's probably the busiest guy I know while maintaining a ferocious commitment on the mat as an instructor and mentor. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new coach, Professor Alan Shebaro</td></tr>
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Many of my teammates also came over to Tier 1 to train which has been really nice while making this transition. It's very weird to train in one place for nearly eight years and suddenly begin training in a foreign place. Especially when you've only been at one gym your entire time. Fortunately for me it hasn't had that feel and more like a home I didn't realize I had waiting all this time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad group for my first class at Tier 1</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Please Visit:</u></span><br />
<b><a href="http://www.tier1tf.com/" target="_blank">http://www.tier1tf.com/</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.wedefyfoundation.org/" target="_blank">http://www.wedefyfoundation.org/</a></b><br />
<a href="http://www.mission22.com/" target="_blank"><b>http://www.mission22.com/</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2015/06/soi-got-promoted-to-black-belt.html" target="_blank">http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2015/06/soi-got-promoted-to-black-belt.html</a></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-58419403587614982632016-06-01T08:45:00.001-05:002016-06-01T08:45:53.901-05:00Mission22 Super Seminar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had the pleasure of attending my first Mission22 seminar. This was a massive effort that was hosted by new home, Tier 1 Training Facility under Professor Alan Shebaro. The guest instructors were as follows: Octavio Couto, Chris Haueter, Sina Hadad, Melissa Bentley, Guy Mezger, Gina Franssen, Kurt Osiander, & Renato Tavares. All of these instructors didn't come to this event for a paycheck. It was clear after each had their moment to present content they were 100% in support of the cause. There were so many well known and respected black belts in attendance I can't even begin to name all of them. <br />
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So what's the point of Mission22 and this seminar exactly? Yes, Jiu-Jitsu but more importantly bringing awareness about the struggles our active and discharged veterans encounter. PTSD is something everyone by now is aware of but few have experienced personally...be it yourself, a husband, wife, child, friend, etc. As much as I felt I was aware and understood this issue I developed a much more meaningful perspective over the weekend. There was a very large number of attendees (over 200) and a large percentage have served our country. One of the most amazing things about the seminar was seeing so many practitioners traveling from all of our country to attend despite affiliation. Maybe you're asking why Jiu-Jitsu for our veterans? The camaraderie veterans develop in the field is very difficult to replace/replicate once they integrate back into civilian life. Anyone that has trained Jiu-Jitsu for a while is aware of the camaraderie that is developed among teammates on the mats. It works well for many veterans and I know because I've seen it myself. </div>
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Each instructor spent some time talking about why they were there; why they support this cause and share their perspectives on why they feel it is important to be a part of this mission. Both days ran about eight hours in length. The atmosphere was nothing short of amazing. I had my reservations about holding up over two straight days for eight hours but was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was there to learn but there was a very relaxed feel to the event, the instruction, and the time provided to train. I felt like everyone there was interested in the cause first, then the training, and time to interact with instructors were additional benefits. </div>
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I'm not here to write a dissertation about PTSD. I am however dedicating this non-Jiu Jitsu entry to the importance of being a good human being. The reality is PTSD can be caused by many things. It affects people in so many different ways it's more than I can imagine trying to understand. We need to realize that the problems our veterans go through after coming back from their time serving our country and the problems they experience trying to re-assume civilian life. It's important to consider the far reaching effects that one person has on all of the people they touch. Think about how easily an entire family can be destroyed by the loss of a father, mother, or child. How are their lives changed by the loss of a loved one? </div>
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Just imagine this scenario. A father comes back from active combat and is struggling from the guilt, loss of friends, and stressful events they have endured. How does that effect his family? He may struggle for a period of time and the family suffers with him. One day he takes his own life. How does that affect his wife, children, parents, and friends? Suicide has such far reaching tentacles that we really don't consider. Losing one person damages so many people that are connected to them. </div>
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How can we help support our veterans? Of course we can donate money, purchase and attend events that benefit veterans. We can donate our time in many ways to participate in causes to support our veterans. The list is really long on what we can do to help. However, I feel like one of the easiest ways to help is the most often ignored method. Simply taking a moment to be selfless. I feel very strongly we are at a time in society where most people are so self-absorbed in their own lives through social media, personal goals...just fill in the blank. I don't need to convince anyone that this is where we are at right now. I'm a father and have that perspective seeing my own kids who are by nature selfish at their age but also filled with a million distractions. I am guilty of this more times than I'm proud to admit.</div>
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How many times in the last year alone have we watched the news to hear about someone that killed others only to take their own life? I ask myself "didn't anyone notice something was wrong with this person?" I have to believe that anytime someone does something like that or simply takes their own life SOMEBODY had to be aware there was a problem before such an incident transpires. There are usually clues by simply observing someones behavior. The problem is all too often people just choose to ignore it for various reasons. Maybe because they don't want to be involved? Maybe they are afraid of the stigma they might endure for "interfering" with someone's life? Who knows what the motivation or lack thereof to say something or talk to someone about it when there is clearly something wrong. </div>
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So back to my suggestion of "what's the easiest and most often overlooked way to help our veterans?" Try to take a moment here and there and observe your friends, family, teammates, co-workers, classmates, etc. and ask them "Hey are you okay? You look like you're having a tough day. Do you want or need someone to talk to?" It's really that easy to be a friend and aware that they have may be struggling with something. That could make a huge difference in someone's day or more importantly their life if they are in a dark place. It doesn't cost money or much time at all to just take a break and notice these things. I've felt this way for quite some time about the horrible events we hear about on the news and it definitely applies here to our veterans, friends, and family. <br />
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In closing, I feel mental illness is still a taboo topic in our society. I feel like we have moved past the "dark ages" of mental health...identifying it, treating it, etc. However, I feel we have a long way to go to develop compassion and basic understanding for those that suffer from mental illness. If you haven't experienced it yourself or maybe someone close to you that has experienced these kinds of struggles I'm not convinced most people have the ability to be compassionate and care as much as they should.</div>
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22 veterans dying everyday is just a number. Whether that number is higher or lower is irrelevant. Think about the exponential number of lives that are impacted by the loss of whatever number you feel comfortable with. Think about how you are going to make your mark. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Please visit the following pages:</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mission22<br /><a href="http://www.mission22.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mission22.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We Defy Foundation<br /><a href="http://www.wedefyfoundation.org/" target="_blank">http://www.wedefyfoundation.org/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tier 1 Facebook page (TONS of pics from the Mission22 seminar)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShebaroJiuJitsu/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ShebaroJiuJitsu/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tier 1 Training Facility (Where I train & teach)<br /><a href="http://www.tier1tf.com/" target="_blank">http://www.tier1tf.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pitbulls for 22<br /><a href="http://pitbullsfor22.com/" target="_blank">http://pitbullsfor22.com/</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-60314368946382222292016-04-13T06:47:00.001-05:002016-04-13T06:47:43.329-05:00Dokebi Combat Outfitters Jungle Rash Guard Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv5YGQLAGJFIvrRwMfvMbS44r8nzqFHClqDRVRm5p3MGccH9F1oMoktsZTbAMDo86X9M8_O-1jwOP3L5u-Om_LZ8_y43-vD3iFJoBLCIs8fJ7OT_MazMKJoMyjDgWsZ4_Cq3Qk_Y0WioW/s1600/dokebi+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv5YGQLAGJFIvrRwMfvMbS44r8nzqFHClqDRVRm5p3MGccH9F1oMoktsZTbAMDo86X9M8_O-1jwOP3L5u-Om_LZ8_y43-vD3iFJoBLCIs8fJ7OT_MazMKJoMyjDgWsZ4_Cq3Qk_Y0WioW/s320/dokebi+logo.png" width="232" /></a></div>
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Dokebi Combat Outfitters is a relatively newer gear company that provides kimonos, rash guards, grappling tights/spats, shorts, and apparel. If you aren't familiar with the brand it may be partially due to the fact that not only are they newer in the market but they are based in Vienna, Austria of all places. I had seen some of their gear through social media channels before getting my hands on some of their gear for my own review.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Construction & Quality</span><br />
<br />
Overall I feel this is a very well made rash guard. I have had my fair share of rash guards over the years good, bad, and everything in between. The Dokebi is made of 85% polyester & 15% spandex. These days I think most manufacturers of sport specific rash guards (Jiu-Jitsu of course) are using a blend rather than 100% polyester. <i><b>Something worth nothing when doing a little research of my own current rash guards I realized that "Lycra" is a DuPont brand of elastane or spandex. So if you think there is a difference there is probably very little if the label reads spandex versus lycra.</b></i><br />
<br />
I can really appreciate the use of sublimated graphics throughout the construction of this rash guard. When I first started Jiu-Jitsu most companies were using heat transfer type graphics and some still regrettably do. There is no worry about cracking and peeling of the graphics here with the sublimation. In other words...it's worth the money to pay a little extra for that feature. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SBS1LUpFRZ8KJxbJPGRCz50w9mhJlYD83rJZU_LAP6hXseB3CeXC-EV2F5_54u6DeBaud_VE43sX_9wZhDeD2maSCpooBpsVfNJwuiD1dSLSqVLo4p-23eb2SkVNkyRWVDGUuidcTWuC/s1600/sizechart+%2528Dokebi+Combat%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SBS1LUpFRZ8KJxbJPGRCz50w9mhJlYD83rJZU_LAP6hXseB3CeXC-EV2F5_54u6DeBaud_VE43sX_9wZhDeD2maSCpooBpsVfNJwuiD1dSLSqVLo4p-23eb2SkVNkyRWVDGUuidcTWuC/s400/sizechart+%2528Dokebi+Combat%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fit & Performance<br /></span><br />
I received a size small to test and review. I'm 5'7" & 145lbs. A small is where I land on their sizing chart and I felt the fit was very snug and a slim cut. Don't get me wrong it fits very well but I may have been able to go up to a medium size. I would say that these run a bit on the small end so if you prefer a bit of a looser fit rash guard consider going up to the next size if possible. <br />
<br />
The fit throughout is very consistent. I don't find the sleeves to be excessively roomy as they extend towards the hands. Some rash guards fail in this area and tend to not be snug enough and that is one of my pet peeves while training. <br />
<br />
One of the things I really like about this rash guard is the mesh side vents that run from the bottom to just below the armpit. This is a nice bonus to help the top breathe during training sessions and particularly if you like to wear a rash guard under your gi. My biggest complaint wearing rash guards under a gi is the feeling of trapping all the heat generated while training and cooking inside my gi top. This is a much more pleasant rash guard in that respect.<br />
<br />
The rash guard itself is very soft and lightweight. It features flat locked stitching throughout to ensure it stays together well. After many hard training sessions both nogi and under my gi I haven't experienced any fraying of the seams at all. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Additional Observations:</span><br />
<br />
Anyone that wears their rash guards under their gi's during training have likely experienced "pilling" in the fabric. I did experience some while training in the Dokebi rash guard. This doesn't count as a negative but while researching I did find some companies that claim their products don't experience this due to the blend of fabrics. I have yet to experience a rash guard that doesn't exhibit "pilling" regardless of fabric blend. I think this is just something to expect during normal training. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">As a Tip: Wash your rash guards inside out to help prevent "pilling" while running through the washer and/or dryer (especially if you wash with your gi!)<br /></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr4HpoLGcCS40-rB-c3SZCFsnuCZhf9e8VJULgXDtVXDQt2FICHyE2wyCzkx5fUJoXcWTOGLplu6EN6vS4qWGIePKdYVMRZ0s6Jzw26VZTWhZSw94dt61yiQDAYWfXJ1_2Rm65kKlljqg/s1600/dokebi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr4HpoLGcCS40-rB-c3SZCFsnuCZhf9e8VJULgXDtVXDQt2FICHyE2wyCzkx5fUJoXcWTOGLplu6EN6vS4qWGIePKdYVMRZ0s6Jzw26VZTWhZSw94dt61yiQDAYWfXJ1_2Rm65kKlljqg/s400/dokebi.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall Impressions</span><br />
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Being based in Europe the company's website has their products listed in Euro currency. The price point on this rash guard is around $55 making it comparable to other popular brands. I hope to see more of their products offered on more established vendor sites in the near future.<br />
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Pro's:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>sublimated graphics</li>
<li>side vents</li>
<li>consistent fit throughout entire rash guard</li>
</ul>
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Con's: </div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>runs a bit small on the sizing</li>
<li>availability in the United States through vendors???</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
I like what Dokebi has done with this rash guard. It is a very well made product that didn't skimp on design nor take short cuts on construction/quality. Let's face it. Most Jiu-Jitsu gear is not cheap and most of us want to feel like we are getting good to great value for our money. If you are looking for those qualities and some gear designs that your training partners don't already have then Dokebi Combat Outfitters is definitely worth looking into for your next gear purchases. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dokebicombat.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dokebicombat.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dokebicombatoutfitters?fref=ts" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dokebicombatoutfitters?fref=ts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dokebicombat/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/dokebicombat/</a></span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/DokebiCombat" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://twitter.com/DokebiCombat</span></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-68850263151227970792016-02-18T19:10:00.003-06:002016-02-19T08:27:01.576-06:00Longing for the Days as a White Belt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What it felt like as a BJJ white belt?</span></b><br />
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Sometimes I feel myself longing for that exciting feeling I had back when I first started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The newness of learning something I had never known was impossible to compare to much of anything I had ever experienced when I first started training. I never trained Martial Arts as a kid so when I began training Jiu-Jitsu I finally "got it." My discovery of Jiu-Jitsu came at a time when I most needed it; something to give me focus and direction. I totally immersed myself into training as much as I reasonably could and the learning that came with it. <br />
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I jumped at almost every opportunity I could to train with high level guys that would come through town for seminars and workshops. I competed as often as I could because I felt that it was an important aspect in developing into a better grappler. Even as a full-time, "career guy" and single parent at 30, I would sneak into the gym for a training session anytime I could find a plausible opportunity.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How it evolved and changed?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>As time passed and I started gaining some rank in Jiu-Jitsu I still longed for learning and developing my grappling. I began teaching kids once I reached blue belt and eventually adults as time passed. As an instructor it was vital for me to be a student of the sport. <br />
<br />
At times I became overly focused on reaching certain goals and ranks and that honestly took some of the fun out of it for me at times. Anyone reading this can relate on some level regardless of your time in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. If you stay long enough you will see trends and changes within the competition environment and I tried my best to stay in tune with that despite what we were training in our classes. I found as time progressed...blue, purple, then brown I longed for that feeling I had as a new white belt that was completely devoid of goals, self-imposed pressure, etc. This was a pitfall for me and I imagine I'm not alone feeling that way.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What I missed the most?</span></b><br />
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One thing I missed probably more than anything is that feeling of almost no expectation. When I was a white belt I didn't know much of anything. I had some natural ability and basic understanding of wrestling but outside of that I was like a clean pallet. The amount of knowledge I felt I could obtain seemed limitless as a white belt. The amount of time I invested in addition to normal training sessions was borderline obsessive compulsive but it was a lot of fun. It gave me something to channel my free time off the mats until I could get back in for another training session. That time studying online and chatting with teammates gave me some focus so that I would have a plan when I got back in the gym to train. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So I got my Black Belt</b></span><br />
<br />
Yes, you too can get a Black Belt if you are committed and keep going long enough. I managed to stick with my original instructor which was very important to me. I'm not saying that is the way for everyone but I wanted to have that squeaky clean lineage. Loyalty is a big thing to me and I was lucky enough to develop a relationship with my coach and see it through for my last, big promotion. I can honestly say as I approached my Black Belt I really focused on basics for the last year or so leading up to that point. Maybe that took some of the fun out of it for me? Taking the most basic route of fundamentals rather than learning something completely new just wasn't for me? That being said I don't regret it and feel some of the most basic fundamentals are lost on the average grappler that reaches blue belt. I don't mean to paint every blue belt with that brush but if you are reading this you are in tune with social media. You see how many people become overly focused on things and specialize in certain areas rather than developing themselves to be well rounded grapplers. You don't even have to leave your gym in many cases to see that.<br />
<br />
I will say though that the last six months or so leading up to Black Belt I did become much more focused on leg locks and nogi grappling. I knew as an upper belt having a well rounded game and understanding of leg locks was very important. <br />
<br />
I have been 75% gi focused since day one. It's not that I don't enjoy nogi but my training & teaching schedule simply works out that I am mostly training in the gi. Couple that with a limited amount of time to train and that's just where my focus was mostly...training & competing in the gi. I started to feel that excitement all over again as I started to transition into a leg lock focused nogi game; throw in some stand-up as well thanks to working with Reilly Bodycomb every opportunity I get. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbDHqET6v41Rej1eoh8cxLD7ivDjT5nsJ5yuM0qKp-jlwU2EFnP7dWA5FZWGOO0RWu9jdUUGmBncyrd8UssQRPGiQjOPFa1BqcRBDhz9vr42fXevMohQ4ULqgl2nKKCiXpXjayjW3haeG/s1600/black+belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbDHqET6v41Rej1eoh8cxLD7ivDjT5nsJ5yuM0qKp-jlwU2EFnP7dWA5FZWGOO0RWu9jdUUGmBncyrd8UssQRPGiQjOPFa1BqcRBDhz9vr42fXevMohQ4ULqgl2nKKCiXpXjayjW3haeG/s400/black+belt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph D. Shelly & Me at my Black Belt promotion</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Something new...Judo!</span></b><br />
<br />
Fast forward just a bit from my most recent promotion and I would be lucky enough to find a new training partner and teammate in a 3rd Dan Judo Black Belt. This guy not only has been training Judo for 30 years but has a moustache that rivals both Don Frye and Magnum PI. Turns out he's my age and the real deal. He's a lot like me and we both have very similar goals. We love training, learning new concepts along with the application, and teaching others what we love most. He sold me on Judo and I'll be honest it wasn't easy at first. The stand-up aspect of grappling has always been my weak point (always defaulting as the guard guy) and it's not often you have the chance to work with really talented wrestlers or Judokas outside of your own academy. <br />
<br />
In just six months of working Judo with him 1-2 times per week I've been able to elevate my confidence in standing with anyone at my own gym at a level I had not experienced before. The best part of this new discovery is simply that...it's new. It has given me that white belt feeling all over again that I experienced when I first found Jiu-Jitsu. It is making me a more well-rounded grappler and keeping me very hungry to continue learning. Moving forward I hope to compete in at least one Judo tournament this year and maybe even some Sambo! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLriBtOt0PVe4P8FFDAXYRKFL6KuBeagYijExw2wVpQpvPG9IALCkD4xty-1u7XgXRg8g0boK2iEZyaJPQZJDw-rhElhraFg0_V8tj2zCKm2HqyBKkbchLDUVxCtJ4zke2SAndXorj0jJe/s1600/AK+%2526+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLriBtOt0PVe4P8FFDAXYRKFL6KuBeagYijExw2wVpQpvPG9IALCkD4xty-1u7XgXRg8g0boK2iEZyaJPQZJDw-rhElhraFg0_V8tj2zCKm2HqyBKkbchLDUVxCtJ4zke2SAndXorj0jJe/s400/AK+%2526+Me.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akin Kurtulan (my Judo coach and teammate)</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Moral of the story?</b><br />
<br />
I think it's fairly simple. We all hit the proverbial rut in training. We feel like we've hit a wall or simply losing interest for various reasons. My suggestion is to make a list of the things that you loved most when you first started training. Identify those things that made you most excited about training. Once you figure that out ask yourself, "what can I do to bring back those really good feelings again?" Don't stray from what brings you the most enjoyment. Don't set artificial goals that take the fun out the aspects you love most. <br />
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For me I firmly believe it is to never stop evolving. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-46355120446269015672016-01-21T12:25:00.001-06:002016-02-21T08:47:12.308-06:00Fenom Hemp Belt Review <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0KMaWTrSqkUpj8G-_bJyzYuyO4gt2zJEtjyZ0BU_dvtSGqxOFfv7HCCqkaHQZTWld9RZH7tmlR6ZqFq5AendC3qsrBhulJofUkxSL3V1FbWutI8D8bzUU20-oRjbysdjZFVOX8p53Wk_/s1600/fenom+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0KMaWTrSqkUpj8G-_bJyzYuyO4gt2zJEtjyZ0BU_dvtSGqxOFfv7HCCqkaHQZTWld9RZH7tmlR6ZqFq5AendC3qsrBhulJofUkxSL3V1FbWutI8D8bzUU20-oRjbysdjZFVOX8p53Wk_/s320/fenom+logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know what you're saying, why is a guy reviewing Fenom Kimono products? I am lucky enough to know the owner and she offered me one of her hemp belts to try out. <br />
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A little background on the owner of Fenom. I met her back in 2009 when I was just a baby blue belt and I believe she was a high ranked blue at the time. She helped organize and run a local women's tournament that was a lot of fun. My fiancee at the time (now wife) competed in the event and we had a great time. Not long after my fiancee, myself, and a group of girls including the owner of Fenom took a road trip down to Austin, TX for the 2nd annual Girls in Gi's event which was a blast. Since that time I've been a big supporter of women's involvement in the sport and supporting the Fenom brand has always been a no-brainer. Fenom offers high quality products designed by women, for women, at a very reasonable cost. Simply compare the price points of Fenom kimonos to any big brand and it's an incredible value. Fenom is also one of the first brands to allow mix & match between jacket and pants that some other big brands have copied. <br />
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This is the same belt that Fenom offers with the familiar logo tag but mine simply had the tag removed so yes these belts are for guys too! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqUrLbZZLpR-2pHa_mWjwJ2WVVlAPTulsCWlKb-ic8GeHiiRPWAgNrDs6i7rtsm6ant49XM-K9PAIVozQf05Q0aMQ2rhDszK8jO3nDRVHZ_TpotNh-WhWm1tOvpUAsZxyrn57bHJTiCvb/s1600/Ac_Belt_hemp_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqUrLbZZLpR-2pHa_mWjwJ2WVVlAPTulsCWlKb-ic8GeHiiRPWAgNrDs6i7rtsm6ant49XM-K9PAIVozQf05Q0aMQ2rhDszK8jO3nDRVHZ_TpotNh-WhWm1tOvpUAsZxyrn57bHJTiCvb/s320/Ac_Belt_hemp_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have owned my fair share of belts since I started training in 2008: Gameness, Atama, Shoyoroll, Inverted Panda, and now Fenom. My preference in a belt is generally one that isn't overly thick. I find the thicker belts can be difficult to keep tied and I also prefer a belt that is about 110" in length (I have a 30" waist). This is primarily due to the manner that I tie my belt and usually find that anything shorter than 110" simply isn't long enough. </div>
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First impressions out of the bag is the belt is not overly thick but very firm. I immediately gave it a trip through the washer and let it hang dry to allow it to break in a bit. Brand new belts can be very rigid and need a little work to get them more pliable. After talking to the owner she did confirm the belt is manufactured in China so no fake hemp fiasco here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBcukoor5JVwwfQP1Vr6vb2LlXVJ3cAe1B1UTPVUtedtmvNniEgKXt79U4AnJFtpK8Io5WoyAMdZR3Rbh7lKf8p1uvL1sFvj0phf__HkGdVJFlk8XS2krmxX5lhN-gnyYRknhjC-_9p7q/s1600/beltcomparison1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBcukoor5JVwwfQP1Vr6vb2LlXVJ3cAe1B1UTPVUtedtmvNniEgKXt79U4AnJFtpK8Io5WoyAMdZR3Rbh7lKf8p1uvL1sFvj0phf__HkGdVJFlk8XS2krmxX5lhN-gnyYRknhjC-_9p7q/s400/beltcomparison1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison among other brands</td></tr>
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The belt itself is simple by design and has the typical worn look after only a few washes and training sessions. I love the look of a worn belt and it doesn't take long to achieve that look with a hemp belt. The belt looks great and the length is perfect, and stays tied very well. The Fenom hemp belt has become my favorite belt for every day training and teaching. If you are in the market for a new belt or back up belt I would give these a good look. The price point is in line with any other major brand and is definitely of high quality. <br />
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Links:</div>
<a href="http://www.fenomkimonos.com/index.html">http://www.fenomkimonos.com/index.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.fenomkimonos.com/products_belts.html">http://www.fenomkimonos.com/products_belts.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://poweredbyshe.com/">http://poweredbyshe.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-41410299919997212562015-09-11T04:42:00.004-05:002015-09-11T04:42:50.847-05:00ADCC 2015 "Some" Highlights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well ADCC 2015 was nothing short of incredibly fun
to watch. Not every match was amazing but there were some excellent
match-ups. I applaud ADCC for setting up the brackets such that
a lot of teammates where pitted against each other in the opening rounds.
In case you didn't know the gentleman's handshake "close-out"
is not allowed at ADCC. So maybe we didn't get the ideal #1 vs #2 in
the finals but I feel that is really exciting to set it up in that manner.
To me I felt like every match was very competitive and it made the
competitors step up their A game early on in the competition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I feel like ADCC is really exciting in nogi competition
as the competitors are allowed to use heel hooks, "reaps" on the
knees, and even slam out of submissions. It forces grapplers to
wrestle and punishes those who choose to pull guard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I honestly didn't get to watch every match but I made a few
quick HL's of some that stood out to me. </div>
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I selected certain matches
where I felt there was an exciting submission or at the very least an excellent
opportunity that may have ended up in a crazy transition of sorts. There
are some very high level entries to leg locks in a lot of these videos so pay
close attention and see if you can work it into your game. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hoping to put something more substantial together in the
future. Hopefully they don't get taken down but enjoy while they are up. In no particular order...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>If you are interested in watching the event in its entirety it is still available through Budovideos until September 15th.</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.budovideos.com/pages/adcc-worlds-2015-live-ppv?mc_cid=78a304dd3d&mc_eid=17a6172580"><b>http://www.budovideos.com/pages/adcc-worlds-2015-live-ppv?mc_cid=78a304dd3d&mc_eid=17a6172580</b></a></div>
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Eddie Cummings x Asadulaev Surkhay </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xqm95t6a3Q">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xqm95t6a3Q</a></div>
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Neiman Gracie x Ezra Lenon </div>
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Michelle Nicolini x McKenzie Dern (Final...and
it's a long HL) This was my favorite match of the event.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDDbSNU0C_s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDDbSNU0C_s</a></div>
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Rodolfo Vieira x Benson Henderson (failed shot)
Open Weight Class </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTRsQRYKQuQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTRsQRYKQuQ</a></div>
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Ruben Charles "Cobrinha" x Tezekbaev Rasul</div>
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Vinny Magalhães x Joao Rocha </div>
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Gary Tonon x Dillon Danis</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Links:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.budovideos.com/pages/adcc-worlds-2015-live-ppv?mc_cid=78a304dd3d&mc_eid=17a6172580">http://www.budovideos.com/pages/adcc-worlds-2015-live-ppv?mc_cid=78a304dd3d&mc_eid=17a6172580</a></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-70702035171897466512015-09-07T15:10:00.003-05:002015-09-07T15:13:44.558-05:00Submission FC Mania Gi Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Submission Fight Company has recently released a new
offering to their line-up of grappling gear: The Mania Gi. This is my first time working with any of their products. The offer everything from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
gi’s, ranked rash guards, gi pants, belts, patches, t-shirts, and replacement
drawstrings. The company was originally based in
California (most recently Frisco, TX) and has been in business since 2010. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Design</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The jacket and pants have a very clean and attractive
look. The model I received for this
review is the black “Mania” with orange and grey contrast colors. The Mania gi features embroidery throughout
with very few sewn on patches. The
quality of the embroidery seems to be very good with no runners. The embroidery on the jacket appears on the
shoulders and lapel. There is a small
embroidered logo for on the skirt (front).
The back of the jacket only sports “Mania” and the company logo along
the bottom of the skirt leaving plenty of room for affiliation patches,
sponsors, etc. The bottom of the jacket
has seam taping with the Submission FC/Mania print as does the sleeve
cuffs. The pants also have the same seam
taping in the cuffs of the pants. The
pants only have “Mania” embroidered just below the loop enclosures and a small,
sewn on patch with accompanied size. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Construction </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The jacket is advertised as a 450GSM pearl weave and it is
remarkably lightweight. In addition to
being lightweight both the jacket and pants are incredibly comfortable. After a few trips through the washing machine
I found jacket and pants to have a relaxed feel as opposed to a gi that can
stand up on it’s own after air drying. The
jacket offers the typical reinforced armpit, single piece (no seam) back on the
jacket. The collar has a nice, thick
feel to it giving some overall sturdiness.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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The pants are constructed from 100% 10 ounce cotton which
also have a lightweight feel. These
pants remind me how I prefer the feel of natural cotton over cotton/polyester
blends (rip-stop material). The
drawstring is the popular paracord material.
I did find the length to be too long but that is typical for most gi
manufacturers. This is easily fixed with
scissors and a lighter to customize the drawstring to your desired length. The only complaint I have about the pants is
the loops provided for the drawstring.
The pants feature double loops near the hips and a single loop in the
middle much like the Bull Terrier gi I reviewed some time ago. It’s not a deal breaker but I feel would be
better served with another pair of double loops just off center. The pants have reinforcement in the knees
that begins at the middle of the thigh and extends down halfway to the shin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is something worth noting that I found odd with the
Mania was found during the vinegar soak process prior to the first wash. I always pre-soak my gi’s (yes even the white
ones) in vinegar for about 30 minutes.
Some ask “why would you pre-soak a white gi?” Well it’s really simple. Sometimes the tags and patches will bleed
during a wash and a few bucks on vinegar are well worth the prevention of staining
a brand new, $150-200 gi. Therefore, I
pre-soaked this gi and when I pulled it out I noticed there was a lot of black
coloration left behind in the vinegar bath.
I imagine this gi would have suffered some fading if I had not
pre-treated it so I highly recommend using vinegar or a product like
Retayne. All that said the gi didn’t
seem to suffer any significant fading after many trips through the washer. I would definitely plan to wash this gi with
no other clothing the first couple of times to prevent any sort of bleeding
onto other garments. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtSrlzBP9x1KFBxu4atUCM2iaPw_pAwBkuDuUSaBMxgu6zps0vgKvWDosFeN6gept18VHQQNSRKmGE_d_zzU-p1TSJvVP13yaaOI6GsQDCp6xEhtOJQIv7UlgvyK1agCGLSx2V2xt5_XW/s1600/shoulder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtSrlzBP9x1KFBxu4atUCM2iaPw_pAwBkuDuUSaBMxgu6zps0vgKvWDosFeN6gept18VHQQNSRKmGE_d_zzU-p1TSJvVP13yaaOI6GsQDCp6xEhtOJQIv7UlgvyK1agCGLSx2V2xt5_XW/s400/shoulder.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean embroidery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fit</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here’s where things were a bit tricky. I am 5’7” in height and weigh about 150lbs. I typically wear an A-1 in most gi’s but have
found there are quite a few brands where I fall in low end of an A-2. In previous experiences when I’ve gone with
an A-2 size I end up with a very baggy gi both through the torso, long sleeves,
and baggy, long pants. Because of this I
usually won’t even try certain brands when I find myself falling in that range
of sizing charts. I was sent an A-1
which is recommended for 5’2-5’5” & 110-145lbs. I opened the gi up and knew immediately this one
wasn’t going to work. It was borderline
competition legal without a single trip through the washing machine. I was sent an A-2 replacement and my first
impressions were also not optimistic. I
was swimming in the A-2 upon trying it on.
My biggest concern was that the gi is advertised as “pre-shrunk” but I
had to try and make this one work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After a couple hot washes, low spin, and dried on high heat
I was amazed that this gi actually fit me incredibly well. The jacket has a very tailored/tapered feel
and looks like it was custom made for my body type. The sleeve length is now perfect and the
skirt length is a bit long. Many times A-1
sized gi’s that fit me perfectly still leave me a bit short on the skirt which
can be annoying trying to keep it tucked in properly and when utilizing the
lapel ends for chokes. This one almost
feels a bit too long but I think it’s really the proper length and I’m just
accustomed to short skirts on my jackets.
The length of the pants is also just how I like it. There is plenty of room in the pants without
leaving me with an overly baggy feeling.
My only complaint about the fit/feel of this gi is the seam taping in
the cuffs of both the jacket and pants has a bit of a scratchy, unpolished feel
to it. It’s not a deal breaker but worth
noting. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs39bgEBv83lRxBveXBta2NQCT5RtlklcMQQJptPnC980jiY5NDiY914vtx8xC13AdDVaPUjVN6ECtDrBGVArP3bY2WxFHiWJ7oHss_OyfJMw3FLXj0IjMLV9O4ZXT16oObQtNPrYB39r/s1600/lapel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs39bgEBv83lRxBveXBta2NQCT5RtlklcMQQJptPnC980jiY5NDiY914vtx8xC13AdDVaPUjVN6ECtDrBGVArP3bY2WxFHiWJ7oHss_OyfJMw3FLXj0IjMLV9O4ZXT16oObQtNPrYB39r/s400/lapel.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturdy lapel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00oVMugkITiBN0DF86uWIKXscXcyVpqEOCQKJeDf859jKBZ5ELDjNFmthv6X7k-epJr75Cbxs-3wDjAx3AfM4A1fISlDh0SUMCGRGu-PihLSfp1t1MPsy9oviw4Dehpg34v41Z2CRxQHg/s1600/top+pants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00oVMugkITiBN0DF86uWIKXscXcyVpqEOCQKJeDf859jKBZ5ELDjNFmthv6X7k-epJr75Cbxs-3wDjAx3AfM4A1fISlDh0SUMCGRGu-PihLSfp1t1MPsy9oviw4Dehpg34v41Z2CRxQHg/s400/top+pants.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgbw46VDwgLw8SuxFeb6cbQY8v1MiNlA4VTenAZ3U_tKwCzzM5_ZW8AlmkmnFXuaI0HBhTdmWF3y2j1Dgi6ABABP0EFu1NHFPss0SxCV0QNwnj9O6Jcphw8DPNXTgkKB9P2K90nbwuzar/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgbw46VDwgLw8SuxFeb6cbQY8v1MiNlA4VTenAZ3U_tKwCzzM5_ZW8AlmkmnFXuaI0HBhTdmWF3y2j1Dgi6ABABP0EFu1NHFPss0SxCV0QNwnj9O6Jcphw8DPNXTgkKB9P2K90nbwuzar/s400/3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reinforcement in the knees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_OOSWxm4LwpqWEQMswFS_0kuz1O9IhsAB0AZvn_PQweLO_zIoY4NYMiklWkRaiQQv0c0nFnoTTvcRIz36C5qjHtHvnYa5WwOfF2o8or5eu00wQAIVSlmAPgVKTkWSWP2nRcFWoXhk8f0/s1600/pants+cuff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_OOSWxm4LwpqWEQMswFS_0kuz1O9IhsAB0AZvn_PQweLO_zIoY4NYMiklWkRaiQQv0c0nFnoTTvcRIz36C5qjHtHvnYa5WwOfF2o8or5eu00wQAIVSlmAPgVKTkWSWP2nRcFWoXhk8f0/s400/pants+cuff.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuff of pant sleeve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rolling Impressions</span></div>
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My first few rolling impressions were average due to getting
the gi dialed in for size. Initially the
sleeves were a bit long which was problematic during rolling sessions but it
has dramatically improved since shrinking the gi down in size to where I like
it. The gi would pass even the most, strict
IBJJF inspectors with flying colors and I would not hesitate to compete in this
gi…and I am very picky about what gi’s I will use for competition. I own far more gi’s I will only train in than
I’m willing to compete in. The gi feels
very durable after many training sessions.
The sleeves have little to no stretch in them. The lightweight feel of the gi definitely
stands out while training. During the
hot Texas summer I tend to shy away from the heavier gi’s in my collection and
this one is welcomed during this time of year.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Measurements<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The sizing available for the Mania gi has a very broad range
for the smallest to biggest of grapplers.
Based on my experience I would say that the gi’s both A-1 & A-2 are
pretty accurate to the sizing chart below.
Of course this also allows for intentional shrinking if needed so keep
that in mind when reading the gi is “pre-shrunk.” Clearly there is some give in this area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Size Chart<o:p></o:p></div>
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Height Weight (lbs) Size<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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4’10”-5’2” 90-110 A-0<br />
5’2”-5’5” 110-145 A-1<br />
5’5”-5’9” 145-175 A-2<br />
5’9”-6’0” 175-210 A-3<br />
6’0”-6’4” 210-260 A-4<br />
6’3”-6’6” 260-290 A-5<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b>*Note that all measurements were taken after shrinking the gi down for my review.</b></o:p><br />
<o:p><b><br /></b></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpzmGd_qHDtAJqzTiRt4_GJTnFwhsh4AqQPdjpJHBmBzrGvtEHadzYQu3mz2rJM3qLX7hkeqGN_ZksKH4wddo33FpyGhW8mlOrRnrXHcGGnfw-ezKYl9bQEG__D7QV4vkYi1JeG0Sfywx/s1600/pantsmeasurements+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpzmGd_qHDtAJqzTiRt4_GJTnFwhsh4AqQPdjpJHBmBzrGvtEHadzYQu3mz2rJM3qLX7hkeqGN_ZksKH4wddo33FpyGhW8mlOrRnrXHcGGnfw-ezKYl9bQEG__D7QV4vkYi1JeG0Sfywx/s400/pantsmeasurements+final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f67/Newcastle77/wearing20gi_zpspe2yeuzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f67/Newcastle77/wearing20gi_zpspe2yeuzy.jpg" height="400" width="187" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Closing Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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This was my first time working with a Submission Fight Co.
product so I didn’t have a lot of expectations good or bad going in. The biggest concerns I had going into this
review was where I fell on the sizing chart.
Clearly the A-1 was way too small and the A-2 was also too big. Luckily with some patience and careful trips
through the washer and dryer I was able to customize this gi and it turned out
to be an excellent fit. On top of being
a great fitting gi, the color contrast, quality construction, overall look and
feel of this gi makes this a very excellent choice for $140-150 whether it’s
used for everyday training or competition.
If you’re in the market for a new
gi I would definitely give Submission FC some consideration. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Link:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://submissionfc.com/">http://submissionfc.com/</a></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-3771345171085926752015-09-02T09:15:00.002-05:002015-09-03T08:43:31.854-05:00Get to Know BJJ Revolution's Josh Mancuso<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o7FN0dCKrH4DwWxnSIStffDLW438Cv2f6qrPand1CeJTTl5t5l5pFzBIgnvot8aCOoG1xn8ADHur1M1tuQpkfZ2_yfUL7pz7rB_GO_wgPKHOQ0OZJyWSifP0XzmPDe4imSgrDCkXj1DD/s1600/bjjrevlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o7FN0dCKrH4DwWxnSIStffDLW438Cv2f6qrPand1CeJTTl5t5l5pFzBIgnvot8aCOoG1xn8ADHur1M1tuQpkfZ2_yfUL7pz7rB_GO_wgPKHOQ0OZJyWSifP0XzmPDe4imSgrDCkXj1DD/s400/bjjrevlogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Josh Mancuso is a guy that is not shy to social media and I first encountered his technique videos on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/">https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/</a>. He was posting videos weekly for quite some time and was very open about sharing some of his favorite techniques. He was gracious enough to make some time to share with me a little about himself earlier this year. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When did you start training?</span><br />
<br />
-October 2006<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When did you receive your Black Belt and from whom?</span><br />
<br />
-I was promoted to Black Belt by Tim Credeur and Rodrigo Medeiros in July of 2013. I was 32 years old. <br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Name some competitors you either trained with or against coming up in the ranks.</span><br />
<br />
-I have had the opportunity to train with many of the world's top practitioners such as Marcelo Garcia, Ricco Rodriguez, Caio Terra, Dean Lister, Davi Ramos, Andrew Galvao, Samuel Braga, Eddie Bravo, the Mendes Bros, Joel Tudor, Jean Jacques Machado, Leandro Vieira, Felipe Costa, Ricardo De La Riva, I could go on for days. There are so many high level practitioners from so many different teams that I've had the pleasure of training with that I honestly could be here all day naming them off. I would like to say that I am lucky to have been in the situations to train with these guys but that's just not true. I made those situations happened and sacrificed a lot to get those experiences.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Where do you currently teach?</span><br />
<br />
-BJJ Revolution Team BR/UFC Gym Baton Rouge<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What should a new student of BJJ focus on?</span><br />
<br />
-A new student should focus on whatever they enjoy. I feel that people will be more consistent and train harder if they are encouraged to work on the things they find pleasure in. Some will choose take downs and closed guard; others will only want to do foot lock or berimbolo. All are fine and encouraged by me. I feel like if a student has holes in their game, eventually those short comings will be exposed and they will need to close those gaps. The mats will show them where they are lacking. And I believe in never telling a student to stop working on a skill they enjoy building. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What would you change about how you approached training Jiu-Jitsu if you had to go back and start all over again?</span><br />
<br />
-Not much, when I started I was very lucky to be influenced by a guy (who sadly has since quit training) who was much smaller than me, but dominated me with clean technique. He always pushed the importance of technique and drilling over everything. I was very fortunate to have this person show me that technique is the key to everything and that drilling is the way to get there.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How important is competition to development?</span><br />
<br />
-I think it is very important. It is not just a coincidence that the people who compete regularly get better, faster. Even if you only compete once or twice, it is important to feel what performing under that type of pressure is like. It is much different from training at the academy and I think that competing is a great way to face your fears and deal with overcoming self-doubt. Personally,I feel like I always compete, not because I have any goals of being a world champion, but because I feel like it keeps me honest, driven, and most importantly I like to lead my team from the front and not the rear.<br />
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX5czrzKDLo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX5czrzKDLo</a>)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do you feel about supplementing training with other forms of physical activity such as lifting weights, crossfit, running, swimming, etc?</span><br />
<br />
-I never touched a weight until about halfway through my brown belt. I felt that if I was focused on getting stronger then that's what my Jiu-Jitsu would be focused around. I do not regret this decision at all. My goal in Jiu-Jitsu is to play the same game now at 34 years old as I will when I'm 65. If my Jiu-Jitsu revolves around physical attributes then this would not be possible.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are your thoughts on rolling versus drilling?</span><br />
<br />
-Drilling is the key to getting better but rolling is just simply fun! Both are essential to being your best. The key is learning how to drill and having the self-control to set aside a certain time a day for it. I personally can feel my technique slipping if I go too long without drilling.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you use supplements?</span><br />
<br />
-How do you stay healthy? Before Jiu-Jitsu I never ever though about staying healthy. I don't take any supplements except for BCAA's after training session. I do however consume a large amount of fruits and veggies. I make huge fruit/veggie smoothies twice a day i my Vitamix and I honestly wake up every day feeling like a million dollars. I feel better at 34 than I did at 18.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you recommend for training preparation?</span><br />
<br />
-Lots of water in your system and a good attitude.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As an instructor, what does your training consist of trying to balance teaching vs training?</span><br />
<br />
-It changes pretty drastically for me, luckily I have assistant instructors to help me carry the load. I enjoy training so much, that I can't teach all the time. I try to train twice a day, twice a week, and then once a day for the remainder of the week. Although I am trying to reduce my training time to gain a little more balance in my life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you continue to study new (modern) Jiu-Jitsu and how do you go about that? Do you train with other black belts at other gyms, affiliations, etc?</span><br />
<br />
-I love the berimbolo, I also love the scissor sweep, and cross choke. I just love Jiu-Jitsu! I also love Sambo and Judo. I love all grappling martial arts. As far as cross training goes, yes. I cross train with other gyms and highly encourage everyone to do it. You gotta get new looks from other training partners and it is also a great way to network and forge new friendships. Although at the same time, I am extremely loyal and feel strongly about my instructor and my team. If my instructor had an issue or beef with another instructor from a different academy, I would not train with that person, even though he wouldn't ask me to do that. It wouldn't be because I personally have anything against that person, but because that's just how I am. If you are in my circle, I will have your back no matter what the circumstances. I've been like that long before Jiu-Jitsu, I am just a loyal friend.<br />
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-EfFEfpRfQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-EfFEfpRfQ</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is the worst injury you have experienced while training?</span><br />
<br />
-Luckily in my time training I have only had a few rib separations, a meniscus surgery, but my absolute worst injury are my fingers. They hurt all the time. My wife likes to tell me that I need to invest in Velcro shoes because at this rate I won't be able to tie normal ones. Other than that, I feel like a million bucks. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any big goals for 2015, plans for your gym, competitions?</span><br />
<br />
Mostly I am just looking to keep competing and building my team. I like stepping out of my comfort zone.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you think the current state of competitions are headed in the right direction to benefit the athletes?</span><br />
<br />
- I feel like Jiu-Jitsu will never be a spectator sport unless you train, bu hopefully we can build Jiu-Jitsu so that we have so many people training, we can support our own. I do think events like EBI are doing some great things for our sport. And could possibly get us on ESPN 8 "The Ocho" one day. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite match you have had in competition and why?</span><br />
<br />
-They are all so special, but probably my first match as a black belt, because when I won I felt like I deserved to wear the belt I had worked so hard to earn. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Name the accomplishment you are most proud of be it BJJ or personal.</span><br />
<br />
-Just the huge transformation my life has undergone since starting in BJJ. It has completely changed me physically and mentally into a much stronger and happier person. Also the growth of my team, and successes of my students. To see my students do well and to have our mats packed is really a strong source of happiness for me. Considering where we were just 5 or 6 years ago.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is there anything interesting you would like to say about yourself or any opinions you have on the current state of BJJ?</span><br />
<br />
-I think BJJ is doing great and is destined for big things. The only issue I see isthat we are coming to a point in competitions where we are over regulating and I fear we will take the path of Judo. II would like to see deregulation of the sport.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anything else you would like to add people might find interesting about yourself?</span><br />
<br />
-I have a pretty decent comic book collection, I'm a hobby junkie before I started BJJ I was into DJ'ing (with actual 12" vinyl records). I also participate in the occasional redneck pastime of camping and mud riding my Polaris RZR to spend some time with my family and do a little something besides just BJJ all the time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any sponsors you would like to thank or products, services you would like to promote?</span><br />
<br />
-I would like to thank Bear Quitugua for giving me the opportunity to represent Shoyoroll, it really feels good to have what I consider a blue chip company in the BJJ world willing to put their name on me. I also gotta thank Roach Rodriguez for taking care of me at Shoyoroll and always hooking my gear up in the most awesome ways possible. Shoyoroll is a truly special company. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k4b-7DuJ1J5A60hCr8js-NvprdeyWdoYnfxFMn_34bnRxAC3pWYiLrDfWy8HblCzsYluoUZtPHc_CcWP0Koes8Q48ZZlqQicamVEctSW9s2g076GcQ9FgNTXeNyh8yG8FOCmZd-I_Ovv/s1600/shoyoroll_logo_by_overcapitalize-d4weybg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k4b-7DuJ1J5A60hCr8js-NvprdeyWdoYnfxFMn_34bnRxAC3pWYiLrDfWy8HblCzsYluoUZtPHc_CcWP0Koes8Q48ZZlqQicamVEctSW9s2g076GcQ9FgNTXeNyh8yG8FOCmZd-I_Ovv/s400/shoyoroll_logo_by_overcapitalize-d4weybg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd like to personally thank Josh for taking the time out of his busy schedule to contribute some info about himself. He consistently puts a lot of free content on various social media sites. You can visit his YouTube channel here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/joshv50">https://www.youtube.com/user/joshv50</a>. If you're ever in his neck of the wood, Baton Rouge, Louisiana drop in his gym. <br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Links:</u></span><br />
Josh Mancuso Facebook Page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Joshmancuso311?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/Joshmancuso311?fref=ts</a><br />
<br />
Josh Mancuso YouTube Channel<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/joshv50">https://www.youtube.com/user/joshv50</a><br />
<br />
BJJ Revolution Facebook Page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BJJRevolutionBR?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/BJJRevolutionBR?fref=ts</a><br />
<br />
Shoyoroll<br />
<a href="http://shoyoroll.com/">http://shoyoroll.com/</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-54709680270185583672015-07-15T07:55:00.005-05:002015-07-15T08:29:37.194-05:00Reilly Bodycomb Houston Training Camp 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrHI0AO4oGy7rvqGE-SZPUQIKjEU5CEVuKXD5dfzLyNpO9qgCd4AGvX5jvWxhs0eSDwcu4hhqhR9aeKgIajMCGpMjXBTFs-kCIixQG2bJR3pMHlaGM2ynRDg9nyXSccbsWzDLjOYj4Znc/s1600/Seminar+Group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrHI0AO4oGy7rvqGE-SZPUQIKjEU5CEVuKXD5dfzLyNpO9qgCd4AGvX5jvWxhs0eSDwcu4hhqhR9aeKgIajMCGpMjXBTFs-kCIixQG2bJR3pMHlaGM2ynRDg9nyXSccbsWzDLjOYj4Znc/s400/Seminar+Group.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have followed my blog for a while you have probably seen postings promoting Reilly Bodycomb's digital downloads, DVD's, and seminars that I have impressed me. When I was a purple belt I started to realize it was high time to start working on leg locks. In hindsight I was very late to the game and should have been doing them much sooner. Since that time I've been lucky enough to train with Reilly at least once per year since then at each respective belt rank. Now as a black belt (the paint is still fresh) I am fully aware my knowledge of leg locks is still incredibly poor. In addition there are other aspects to my game that need a lot of attention and Reilly's approach to submission grappling gives me an opportunity to fill these gaps. <br />
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July 3rd our gym <a href="http://www.ndmma.com/"><b>www.ndmma.com</b></a> hosted Reilly for a seminar that was well attended (yes even on a Friday evening one day before a major holiday). Just like previous seminars when we've had Reilly the general consensus from those that attended was "this is the best bang for the buck seminar ever!" I know I was not disappointed at all; myself and those there that night seemed to really appreciate his conceptual approach to grappling and instruction. As an instructor and student of grappling Reilly inspires me to be a better instructor and think critically in a different manner than my mind typically works. I won't go into all the details of that seminar and the content covered simply because the focus here is about the two day training camp I attended last weekend in Houston. <br />
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Pics from the seminar hosted at North Dallas MMA on July 3rd:<br />
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Now on to the <b>GOOD STUFF</b>. Let me preface by I have not attended a training camp like this. In a nutshell the camp consisted of two days, broken into two training sessions (two hours each with a two hour break in between each day). I've highlighted some but certainly NOT ALL of the content covered during each session.</div>
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<u>Day 1 - Session 1</u></div>
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Leg control from bottom position</div>
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Three major points of control</div>
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How to off-balance standing opponent from leg control</div>
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When to attack & when to go to a reversal</div>
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Practice maintaining/re-establishing leg control drills</div>
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Recovering position when things go bad (various scenarios)</div>
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Sliding heel hooks</div>
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Finishing ankle locks/heel hooks when they roll/defend</div>
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<u>Day 2 - Session 2</u></div>
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Tripod ankle lock</div>
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Outside heel hook escapes (various scenarios)</div>
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Ankle lock to heel hook transition</div>
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Live grappling</div>
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<u>Day 3 - Session 3</u></div>
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Take down defense (doubles & singles)</div>
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Wrestling fundamentals</div>
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Throws</div>
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Day 4 - Session 4</div>
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1/4 guard back-step pass (See Top Rock <a href="http://rdojo.com/toprock.html">http://rdojo.com/toprock.html</a>)</div>
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Various attacks & scenarios from the 1/4 guard back step pass</div>
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Knee on belly (Top Rock)</div>
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Vegan mount (Top Rock)</div>
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Inside heel hook defense</div>
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As if this all wasn't good enough, Reilly set up an in-camp tournament for those interested in competing. It was run on Day 2 after the third session. The rule set was such that it forces both competitors to push the action at all times. Stalling of any sort from any position would result in a point given to the opponent. Take downs, legitimate submission attacks, ride time from knee on belly, sweeps all would account for a scored point. If you pulled guard and did not immediately work a submission or sweep you could potentially have points scored for the opponent. First person to submit or gain nine points would be declared the winner of the match. No time limits. We had a odd number of guys in our 140-170lb weight class so the first competitors to get two wins would qualify for the finals. The competitor with the longest combined match times would not be qualified to compete in the finals. Knowing this wasn't a rule set that is favorable to my own game I figured "what the heck, let's do it and have fun." We had a division of six competitors in the big boy weight class as well so we alternated matches between the two. </div>
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The result? It forced everyone to attack like crazy and I believe only one match ended by points. The rules allowed for reaping (Oh Heaven!) and all foot locks were good. I could see this rule set being used in big tournaments because it produced very aggressive matches. I don't think a single match ever exceeded 7 minutes. I managed to win both of my matches via Estima Lock but missed the finals as my total match times were a little too long (4:00 min & about 2:30 in the second match). Regardless of missing the final I was super happy to catch those subs as I've never finished with leg locks in organized competition before. </div>
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Here is a HL video of that in-camp tournament. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fx_d8EFSu0I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fx_d8EFSu0I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b> (Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx_d8EFSu0I">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx_d8EFSu0I</a>)</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the in-camp competitors (missing a couple)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcWk_stnkE6lMG1NIPGI5w8BfmIl31AsLKGwxQAstyfIRwW-PUycY9QjLZKhTlFcE4ODwz4CgSS53VwgRJn2ALRg-cfKWEffaXCpBXo_JITngsls7oyJ96J7Vs4IuHJBE9tzdlLeBJI2W/s1600/Matt+Collage+Camp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcWk_stnkE6lMG1NIPGI5w8BfmIl31AsLKGwxQAstyfIRwW-PUycY9QjLZKhTlFcE4ODwz4CgSS53VwgRJn2ALRg-cfKWEffaXCpBXo_JITngsls7oyJ96J7Vs4IuHJBE9tzdlLeBJI2W/s400/Matt+Collage+Camp.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Estima Locks during in-camp tournament<br />
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The value of this camp was ridiculously good. $200 for over eight hours of training is hard to beat in my book and I've been to my fair share of seminars. It was a cool chance to meet a lot of different people that traveled from places like Maryland, South Carolina, New Mexico. I can't stress enough the value that Reilly offers in private lessons, seminars, camps, and especially his DVD/digital downloads. He doesn't hold back information and gives you his best every time. We were also lucky to have one of Reilly's top students Denny in the house to help with the seminar because it was packed...about 25 people each day. </div>
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Also a big thank you to Eddie Alevar that owns/runs Ground Dwellers in Spring, TX. He was an excellent host and invited us all over to watch UFC 189 at his house which was a blast. </div>
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Side note: Reilly Bodycomb will be competing against Richard Cummings at Polaris 2 in September. This event will be streamed live so check it out. The card is looking pretty amazing with tons of talent. <a href="http://www.polaris-pro.org/polaris-blog/2015/5/8/polaris-2-fights-announced">http://www.polaris-pro.org/polaris-blog/2015/5/8/polaris-2-fights-announced</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR0zG6pagoEnuYHPxeWJQzgKPPZdwwWFyKowu3NeBia14AlyGNR0oNfLt9-VUTQhAsxDRccJF-B7EMfbvgGEo-YZyXo081jzgt5Wob-68kHwepZ5q1ZHBBoV_yC_AQrf5iWGQQUEw_XyF/s1600/rdojo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR0zG6pagoEnuYHPxeWJQzgKPPZdwwWFyKowu3NeBia14AlyGNR0oNfLt9-VUTQhAsxDRccJF-B7EMfbvgGEo-YZyXo081jzgt5Wob-68kHwepZ5q1ZHBBoV_yC_AQrf5iWGQQUEw_XyF/s200/rdojo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Links:</span></b></u></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rdojo.com/downloads.html">http://rdojo.com/downloads.html</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.grounddwellers.com/">http://www.grounddwellers.com/</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.polaris-pro.org/polaris-blog/2015/5/8/polaris-2-fights-announced">http://www.polaris-pro.org/polaris-blog/2015/5/8/polaris-2-fights-announced</a></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-83920033313540739372015-06-02T13:52:00.004-05:002015-06-02T17:54:40.612-05:00So...I Got Promoted to Black Belt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSCEUB8-ePMTEWZI4aZEAXTCI4T6BESz5lLNhGPoZgln08ei9ovYzmjLorYk6OG8GZV-8TfnHCMaPa5P58BsSETCLmRzwLm8oLa5PCPgL_mRYj0SqcnEY1U8EcUTHwH6zRtBqokSuKxk-/s1600/meampJDblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSCEUB8-ePMTEWZI4aZEAXTCI4T6BESz5lLNhGPoZgln08ei9ovYzmjLorYk6OG8GZV-8TfnHCMaPa5P58BsSETCLmRzwLm8oLa5PCPgL_mRYj0SqcnEY1U8EcUTHwH6zRtBqokSuKxk-/s400/meampJDblog.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor JD Shelley & Me</td></tr>
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I will apologize in advance that this post will probably sound like I'm rambling. I will do my best to keep it logical and organized but I can't help the fact that trying to summarize 7.5 years of training while keeping it reasonably concise is a lot to ask. <br />
<br />
Last night I reached a big milestone in my life and Jiu-Jitsu career. I was awarded my black belt by my Professor, Joseph D. Shelley (2nd American black belt under Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti. I began training February 2008 as the age of 30. I played soccer competitively from a young age up until my late 20's. I began training Muay Thai at NDBJJ in 2006 and thought I would NEVER have anything to do with the "grappling stuff." Looked like too much work to be honest. The truth was I was going through a difficult time in my life, a recent divorce, financial difficulties, among other things. I didn't fully commit to Muay Thai because of I was out of shape and the commute was not ideal. <br />
<br />
Fast forward to 2008. I'm driving by the old gym and think to myself..."it's time to make a change for the sake of your own health." I dropped in to simply observe and see what it was like to go through a routine beginner class. I sent an email to JD Shelley to introduce myself and that I would be coming in to try a class. Well I did...and I loved it. It gave me something to focus on that I was missing in my life, a place to exercise, somewhere I could learn something, and work out the competitive side of my personality. <br />
<br />
As a newbie it didn't take long for me to recognize the upper belts were vastly better and more knowledgeable than myself and other fellow white belts. I found Jiu-Jitsu to be incredibly challenging and frustrating at the same time. I just kept going back no matter how good or bad my training sessions went. It didn't take long for me to "buddy up" with a couple other white belts and even a couple upper belts. I did my best to get to know an upper belt that had been at the gym and with JD since the early 2000's. I even met him back in 2006 during Muay Thai and he was nice enough not to punch my face off during my first class while he was prepping for an MMA fight. He fought professional MMA and was an instructor at the gym. I'm not going to lie the guy was a bit standoff-ish but I persisted to get to know him and ask lots of questions. That guy would go on to get his brown belt in 2008 and his black not too long after. I was lucky enough to see him receive his 1st & 2nd degree black belt promotion last night. His name is Shervin Alavi and he has become not only a good training partner but a good friend since then. <br />
<br />
Keith Wilks another fellow white belt training partner has been a friend as well since then. We have both shared promotions ever since the beginning through last night. There have been countless other people that have come and gone for various reasons and I can't name them all. There is still a small group of us "old guys" now which even to me..."we aren't ALL the old guys" because Lord knows there were many before us. That being said it has been an absolutely difficult, at times frustrating, and many times fun, exciting "journey" (I hate that word) to get here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddfxAg51UfcY9Q1Mj1tyfV5chnKJq8uhsBJeruZ4DaL0QJccUXhMEGAFMWy5zEFJ1Vp9U1W_5ti9AbTEckFzZECXPokeXx_Pl8kUj7Rso0BLZ1KUHF9itRwuCCihjoOgWI4jh1fq8T3Tk/s1600/3+amigos+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddfxAg51UfcY9Q1Mj1tyfV5chnKJq8uhsBJeruZ4DaL0QJccUXhMEGAFMWy5zEFJ1Vp9U1W_5ti9AbTEckFzZECXPokeXx_Pl8kUj7Rso0BLZ1KUHF9itRwuCCihjoOgWI4jh1fq8T3Tk/s400/3+amigos+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith Wilks, Shervin Alavi, & Me</td></tr>
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I've endured my fair share of injuries along the way, set backs, personal & professional challenges, you name it. I'm just a regular guy like most people reading this. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family. I was lucky enough to meet my wife right after I began training in 2008. She has been there every step of the way. She is the person that has had to put up with me when I've had a bad day at the gym, the office, etc. Lindsey has always known this was important to me; she has been and will always be my #1 fan. I can't say enough about that really. My parents and daughter without a doubt have also been crucial to support and help me get here even though they don't fully realize their roles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb7HXWvkHa9946dLsxb0-xGjbVxNS_-Q2EnM4TZEwKyj-P_sv6jByAyEIXd3II2kYPUMRjTtKuYvdJj0rI40IOz0LKDwPh90lmk-WS0VCeF3vT9v7LLQ0asrnzLyb8i3CCuBsh4Sq7wTV/s1600/meamplinds1blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb7HXWvkHa9946dLsxb0-xGjbVxNS_-Q2EnM4TZEwKyj-P_sv6jByAyEIXd3II2kYPUMRjTtKuYvdJj0rI40IOz0LKDwPh90lmk-WS0VCeF3vT9v7LLQ0asrnzLyb8i3CCuBsh4Sq7wTV/s400/meamplinds1blog.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey & Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9QsjekFcA9W1t9sv9rEJuKGUsEGz9quEqoVGjZkq_vuRXmEgKm43vQOZHYDvDUEaDjzUaeDCRGYYPMxz9hLpt5_V92BBsmztpNEXg7vEPEJghl4lh9q8lbmfScyBPT6kXSr0w8aFRNAd/s1600/meamplinds2+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9QsjekFcA9W1t9sv9rEJuKGUsEGz9quEqoVGjZkq_vuRXmEgKm43vQOZHYDvDUEaDjzUaeDCRGYYPMxz9hLpt5_V92BBsmztpNEXg7vEPEJghl4lh9q8lbmfScyBPT6kXSr0w8aFRNAd/s400/meamplinds2+blog.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky Dude!</td></tr>
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<u style="font-size: x-large;">Timeline</u><br />
Feb 2008 - White belt<br />
October 2009 - Blue belt<br />
December 2011 - Purple belt<br />
November 2013 - Brown belt<br />
June 1, 2015 - Black belt<br />
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I've competed in my fair share of tournaments with successes and some failures. I'm currently 38 and even when starting this at the age of 30, my ability to participate in tournaments is and has been limited at best. I have a professional career, a family (3 children), among other obligations so keeping everything balanced has always been a challenge. I'm very lucky I have had a good support system in my wife and family. I have sacrificed an unbelievable amount of time with them to get here so soon. For that I appreciate what they have been willing to sacrifice for me. <br />
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Note: I have competed at every level and have been lucky to record most of my matches. I am missing some from last fall at Five Texas 2 I hope to upload. If you are willing/interested to see any of my matches over the years you can find them on my YouTube channel:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Reefernut77/videos">https://www.youtube.com/user/Reefernut77/videos</a><br />
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I began teaching as soon as I received my blue belt and have continued on since then teaching kids and adults of all levels including private lessons. I immediately discovered that teaching was a big passion right away. It helped me understand things better and gave me a new outlet to communicate with people. I enjoy seeing people learn and can also share something that I am passionate about. If you have seen my blog then you have an idea how "into" Jiu-Jitsu that I am. I study it and my life revolves around it. <br />
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Some people along the way have and continue to ask "how did you get promoted so fast?" The answer is simple. I kept coming to class and training. It didn't stop there though. I focused on improving certain aspects that were problematic for me in the gym while rolling or at competitions. I never took breaks either unless I was injured. The longest break I took over 7.5 years was three months for a broken foot which I just recently have come back from. <br />
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I'm not a super star; I'm an average, athletic guy that simply remained focused and always continued to learn and evolve. That is what is important to me in Jiu-Jitsu. That is not the same for everyone as we all have varying levels of interest but that is the most simple way to answer that common question. <br />
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I also found along the way that as people would come and go, and some even came back...it was important to me to eventually earn my black belt but it was even more important to get it from MY coach, Joseph D. Shelley. He has never been known to "hand out belts" and has incredibly high standards especially at the black belt level. Lineage means a lot to me and he trained with some of the best. You may not know my coach but if you do, you know that he is one of the toughest guys you will ever encounter on the mats. He's a 2 tour Gulf War veteran (Marine) and a two-time Nogi Worlds Champion 2008 & 2010. Even at his age (early 40's) you would never know it by the way he rolls on the mat and his dedication to the sport. He is and will always be MY coach and he is also my friend. I am grateful for the time, energy, and opportunities he has given me over the years. <br />
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I can't thank every single person that has helped me but I will list the most influential people that come to mind not previously mentioned above.<br />
<br />
-All of my training partners<br />
-Every guy that stepped on the mat against me in competition<br />
-Robson Moura<br />
-Reilly Bodycomb<br />
-Sean Roberts<br />
-Michelle Nicolini<br />
-Caio Terra<br />
-Mendes Bros<br />
-Bruno & Rico Bastos<br />
-Gustavo Dantas<br />
-Manny Diaz<br />
<br />
<b>My lineage: Rolls Gracie--->Romero "Jacare" Calvalcanti--->JD Shelley--->Me</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG1rbd0NjEr5Q0PIc8qKltjAOZ9_xVfqI6Q_oT02Q-cD_mVMmjzcY_EVajzG2nk3-HUD9ktRVeSHndw4YGolafq66CcumeQugMsEvXUgFFfCEvbY9KSxAxgkpQVAgtcP21BaqJnQaJ70M/s1600/bb+group+pic+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG1rbd0NjEr5Q0PIc8qKltjAOZ9_xVfqI6Q_oT02Q-cD_mVMmjzcY_EVajzG2nk3-HUD9ktRVeSHndw4YGolafq66CcumeQugMsEvXUgFFfCEvbY9KSxAxgkpQVAgtcP21BaqJnQaJ70M/s400/bb+group+pic+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the the NDBJJ Black Belts in attendance last night</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://ndbjj.com/index.html">http://ndbjj.com/index.html</a></b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-27530082619674428182015-05-26T06:26:00.001-05:002015-05-26T06:38:50.731-05:002015 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships (Preview)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nmMz_LnkPDRwOoktxb1COBaCdKIXm9AL3jZGH62rl9cLF-iUa_VhRtNtteEgc-SrCVll_jpspXSbsU8j1JdTZr7rCckJraHv9bq39ggyBlPrbOU6qBkL69UmawcNC4ioZo5xkICRPSa5/s1600/world_jiu_jitsu___2015__side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nmMz_LnkPDRwOoktxb1COBaCdKIXm9AL3jZGH62rl9cLF-iUa_VhRtNtteEgc-SrCVll_jpspXSbsU8j1JdTZr7rCckJraHv9bq39ggyBlPrbOU6qBkL69UmawcNC4ioZo5xkICRPSa5/s320/world_jiu_jitsu___2015__side.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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2015 IBJJF Worlds here we come! This year features a new method of determining WHO can participate at the black belt level. Competitors were required to compete throughout the year in IBJJF event in order to accumulate enough points in order to qualify for the Worlds Championship tournament. This has prevented the typical monster-sized divisions at black belt and should ensure that those competing deserve to be there. Prior to this pretty much anyone could enter the tournament at black belt so I think it's a good thing for this particular event. <br />
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So you want to watch this live? Well you are in luck because it's being streamed here:<br />
<a href="http://www.ibjjftv.com/">http://www.ibjjftv.com/</a><br />
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<b>I will warn people that I personally have had problems watching some streaming events (2015 Pan & EBI III specifically). Upon the checkout process I would receive an error stating <u>"invalid country specified."</u> Unfortunately I could never get an answer from Budovideos or the IBJJF. I was able to determine that the company that is handling transactions for these events are based in Europe. My bank was basically kicking back the charges unbeknownst to me. So that being said if you have any problems ordering the event you may need to contact your bank or credit card company to inform them that it is not a fraudulent charge.</b> <br />
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With that out of the way let's get on to the good stuff!<br />
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As usual I will list some of the brown belt divisions that I have a vested interest in for the 2015 World Championships preview. I think it's silly to ignore the non-black belt divisions as were are looking (or should be) at the future crop of talented black belts for years to come. <br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Brown / Adult Male / Light Feather (34 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Ram Ananda (Alliance) / 2nd place: Windson Ramos Silva (CheckMat)<br />
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There are a handful names that stand out for me: Michael Musumeci Jr (ATT), Michael Woolf Barnato (Ralph Gracie), Darson Hemmings (Ribeiro JJ), Jacob Sandoval (Alliance). Do not sleep on Gustavo Fonseca (Atos) either but the first three are my favorites to make it to the podium. <br />
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<b>My pick: Michael Musumeci Jr (ATT)...and I predict a black belt promotion in short order.</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Brown / Adult Male / Feather (49 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Marcio Andre (Nova Uniao) / 2nd place: Isaac Doederlein (Alliance)<br />
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Cobrinha talent Isaac Doederlein (Alliance) is my immediate favorite in this division. Rick Slomba of Atos is a personal favorite that I think will do some damage but for me this one is easy. Doederlein is ready for the next level.<br />
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<b>My pick: Isaac Doederlein (Alliance)</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WbdLLO43qc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WbdLLO43qc</a>)</span></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Brown / Adult Male / Light (60 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Michael Liera Jr. (Atos)<br />
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Romulo Barral protege Edwin Najmi (Gracie Barra) will likely be everyone's favorite in this division. Don't sleep on Brandon Russell (Lovato) is a solid competitor to keep an eye on. <br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Brown / Adult Male / Super Heavy (17 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Erberth Santos (TLI)<br />
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<b>My pick: Jared Lynn Dopp (Lovato JJ)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Rooster (9 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Bruno Malfacine (Alliance) / 2nd place: J. Miyao (PSLPB)<br />
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This year reigning champ Malfacine return to defend his title but for the second year in a row we won't be treated to Caio Terra in competition. The usual names are present though: Fabbio Passos (Alliance), Rafael Freitas (Gracie Barra), Joao Miyao (PSLPB Cicero Costha), Koji Shibamoto (Tri-Force). I would expect to see a rematch of Malfacine x Miyao in the final. Last year's battle was very close and I'd expect no less. Miyao has been much more active over the last year so I have to give him the edge.<br />
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<b>My pick: Joao Miyao (PSLPB Cicero Costha)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Light Feather (16 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Gui Mendes (Atos) / 2nd place: P. Miyao (PSLPB)<br />
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In case you haven't heard in recent news, Gui Mendes has announced that he is retiring from competition so we will not see him in the tournament. The big names that jump out this year are as follows: Samir Chantre (Brasa CTA), Carlos Vieira Holanda (CheckMat), Paulo Miyao (PSLPB), Daniel Beleza (SAS Team USA), and Vitor Paschoal (Brasa CTA). Depending on how the brackets are set up I would favor seeing Samir Chantre x P. Miyao (PSLPB) in the final.<br />
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<b>My pick: P. Miyao (PSLPB)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Feather (16 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Rafael Medes (Atos) / 2nd place: Cobrinha (Alliance)<br />
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Well I will say that Cobrinha was kind of a last minute competitor to show up into the division so I'm really excited to see a very stacked division this year at Feather. Gianni Grippo (Alliance) has shown that he has the chops to compete at the highest of levels coming off gold at Abu Dhabi among other titles over the last 9 months at black belt. He has had some wars with P. Miyao and Osvaldo Moizinho aka Queixinho who is also competing at Feather. Mario Reis (Alliance) will most certainly be a favorite to medal. The seemingly never againg Megaton Dias (Gracie Humaita) will be present to show these young guys he still has what it takes to compete at 47. It's very difficult to say who will make it to the final and I'm excited to see how the brackets are set up for this one. <br />
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<b>My pick: Rafa Mendes (Atos)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Light (20 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Lucas Lepri (Alliance) / 2nd place: Jonathan Torres (Atos)<br />
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I am very interested in the Light division this year. We are usually treated to a Michael Langhi & Lucas Lepri (Alliance) close out in the finals. Just a few weeks ago Nova Uniao black belt Luan Carvalho Alves edged out Michael Langhi at the Brasiliero's in the semi-finals and went on to take gold in that tournament. That said I expect Luan to be a contender at this years Worlds in the Light division. <b>*EDIT: Apparently Luan will not be competing as it appears he may be having visa issues to travel for the competition.*</b> Enter newer black belts Michael Liera Jr. (Atos) and Andris Brunovskis (Atos); don't sleep on Rodrigo Caporal (Atos) or last year's silver medalist Jonathan Torres (Atos). Atos has a very strong presence in the division and will make some noise. I'm excited to see how Liera will do being a newer black belt.<br />
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<b>My pick: Lucas Lepri (Alliance)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Middle (22 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Leandro Lo (PSLPB) / 2nd place: Otavio Sousa (Gracie Barra)<br />
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I feel very certain the returning middle weights are pleased to see that Lo has moved up to Medium Heavy for this year's tournament. This is an incredibly stacked division. 2014 silver medalist Otavio Sousa (GB) returns and is likely the immediate favorite. Sinistro (Alliance), new Marcelo Garcia black belts Jonathan Satava & Marcos Tinoco (Alliance) will have their hands full but should be exciting to watch. Tanner Rice (Amazonas), Atos standout Claudio Calasans, Murilo Santana (Barbosa JJ), Marcel Mafra (CheckMat), Victor Estima (Gracie Barra), Magid Hage (Gracie Barra), and last but not least Victor Oliveira (GF Team) round out an impressive line-up. <br />
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<b>My pick: Victor Estima (Gracie Barra)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Medium Heavy (20 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Braulio Estima (Gracie Barra) / 2nd place: Romulo Barral (Gracie Barra)<br />
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Well neither 2014 finalists will be competing this year. Braulio is out due to suspension for failing PED testing last year and Barral is focused primarily on ADCC this year. That's okay though because we will be treated to Leandro Lo (PSLPB) stepping up a weight class which I doubt will be a problem for him. He is usually in the finals of the Open Weight class every tournament so barring injury he has to be a heavy favorite. Marcelo Garcia black belt Matheus Diniz is going to be someone to keep a close eye on. Gustavo Campos and Pedro Mello both of Atos will be likely forces. Depending on how the brackets are set up I expect to see Lo x Campos in the final.<br />
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<b>My pick: Leandro Lo (PSLPB)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Heavy (19 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Felipe Pena (Gracie Barra) / 2nd place: Andre Galvao (Atos)<br />
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Again we won't be treated to defending champ "Preguinca", Galvao, OR Rafael Lovato (2014 bronze medalist). Don't fret because Keenan Cornelius (Atos) has moved up a weight class! Additionally we have Jackson Sousa (CheckMat), Lucas Leite (CheckMat), Manny Diaz (Soul Fighters), and Timothy Spriggs (TLI). Oh...and don't sleep on Xande Ribeiro (Ribeiro JJ). Keenan had a really disappointing 2014 Worlds when he lost to Diego Gamonal (BTT) over a (in my opinion) controversial knee reap. Keenan will for sure be looking to redeem himself and collect his first World's title at black belt. <br />
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<b>My pick: Keenan Cornelius (Atos)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Super Heavy (9 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Rodolfo Vieira (GF Team) / 2nd place: Bernardo Faria (Alliance)<br />
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Rodolfo won't be competing this year as he's been focused on MMA so make way for a new champ this year at Super Heavy. Bernardo Faria (Alliance) has to be the favorite as he is usually coming up short against the monster Rodolfo. Yri Simoes (Brasa CTA) will certainly look to improve from last year's bronze, Roberto "Tussa" Alencar (Gracie Barra) will likely find his way onto the podium. Joao Gabriel Rocha (Soul Fighters), James Puopolo (Ribeiro JJ), and Erberth Santos (Guigo BJJ) will all be factors in a traditionally small division. <br />
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<b>My pick: Bernardo Faria (Alliance)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Ultra Heavy (13 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Marcus "Buchecha" Almedia (CheckMat) / 2nd place: Alexander Trans (UAE JJ)<br />
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As luck, or bad luck would have it depending on who you are...Buchecha is BACK! Rodrigo Cavaca (Zenith BJJ), Alexander Trans (UAE), and 2014 bronze medalist Ricardo Evangelista (GF Team) are my favorites to watch in this division.<br />
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<b>My pick: Buchecha (CheckMat)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Male / Open Weight Prediction</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida (CheckMat) / 2nd place: Rodolfo Vieira (GT Team)<br />
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Of course we can only imagine who will be participating in the open. 2014 runners up include Keenan & Faria. We can obviously eliminate Rodolfo this year. If Buchecha is able to enter the absolute then without a doubt he will be the favorite to repeat as I don't see many people being able to dethrone him.<br />
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<b>My pick: Marcus "Buchecha" Almedia (CheckMat)</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmV17RsCUiU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmV17RsCUiU</a>)</span></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Light Feather (4 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Gezary Bandeira (ATT)<br />
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In a tiny division we have the 2014 champ returning. I'm not going to lie...I don't know the other competitors so my choice is easy here.<br />
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<b>My pick: Gezary Bandeira (ATT)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Feather (8 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Michelle Nicolini (CheckMat) / 2nd place: Tammi Musumeci (ATT)<br />
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Who can forget this match from 2014? The final saw Nicolini with a come from behind victory and destroying Tammi's arm. This was easily the most exciting final of last year's tournament. Both competitors are back for 2015 but so is red-hot Mackenzie Dern (Gracie Humaita) who just seems unbeatable. Dern is coming off gold at her weight in Abu Dhabi and not only a close win over Gabi Garcia (Alliance) but gold in the open class at Abu Dhabi. Dern even beat Nicolini on points earlier in the same tournament. <br />
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<b>My pick: Mackenzie Dern (Gracie Humaita)</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChWzHzvpBs4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChWzHzvpBs4</a>)</span></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Light (10 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaita) / 2nd place: Luiza Monteiro (PSLPB)<br />
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All of the medalists from 2014 outside of Luiza (moved up to Middle) are back this year and will be challenged by Angelica Galvao (Atos), and Nyjah Easton (TLI).<br />
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<b>My pick: Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaita)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Middle (8 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Janni Larson (CheckMat)<br />
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Reigning champ Janni Larson (CheckMat) isn't returning this year to defend her title but the division gets an instant new challenge in Luiza Monteiro Costa (PSLPB). Look for Ida Hansson (CheckMat) and Sijara Eubanks (TLI) to be making it to the podium. <br />
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<b>My pick: Luiza Monteiro (PSLPB)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Medium Heavy (5 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Ana Cordeiro (Gracie Barra) / 2nd place: Hannette Staack (Soul Fighters)<br />
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Hannette Staack (Soul Fighters) won't be competing this year. Something notable is that 2014 Heavy champ Andresa Correa (Alliance) has dropped down a weight class. Outside of that my knowledge of the competitors is pretty limited.<br />
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<b>My pick: Andresa Correa (Alliance)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Heavy (4 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Andresa Correa (Alliance)<br />
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2014 Champ Correa has dropped down a weight class which should make way for the Marcelo Garcia talent Dominyka Obelenyte (Alliance). Tammy Greigo (Gracie Barra) is the only big challenge I see for her this year.<br />
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<b>My pick: Dominyka Obelenyte (Alliance)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Super Heavy (5 Competitors)</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Venla Luukkonen (Hilti BJJ)<br />
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With the reigning champ returning to a small division I'm not going to make any bold predictions here. No Gabi Garcia this year. <br />
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<b>My pick: Venla Luukkonen (Hilti BJJ)</b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Black / Adult Female / Open Weight Prediction</span></u></b><br />
2014 Champ: Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaita) / 2nd place: Michelle Nicolini (CheckMat)<br />
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Since Gabi Garcia is not competing this year (again) we are likely to see a more competitive field. I feel like this will be a great tournament for Dominyka Obelenyte (Alliance).<br />
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<b>My pick: Dominyka Obelenyte (Alliance)</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Links:</b></u></span><br />
IBJJF Site: <a href="http://ibjjf.org/championship/world-jiu-jitsu-championship/">http://ibjjf.org/championship/world-jiu-jitsu-championship/</a><br />
Schedule: <a href="http://ibjjf.org/championships/world-jiu-jitsu-championship-2015-pre-schedule-update/">http://ibjjf.org/championships/world-jiu-jitsu-championship-2015-pre-schedule-update/</a><br />
Brackets: <a href="http://events.ibjjf.com/sportos/application/sheet/index.php?idevent=319&dayofevent=1">http://events.ibjjf.com/sportos/application/sheet/index.php?idevent=319&dayofevent=1</a><br />
Divisions: <a href="http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000415/en-US/RegistrationsByCategoryAndAcademy.pdf">http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000415/en-US/RegistrationsByCategoryAndAcademy.pdf</a><br />
How to watch live: <a href="http://www.ibjjftv.com/">http://www.ibjjftv.com/</a><br />
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Gui Mendes retirement announcement:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpQ68uHZK1E&feature=share">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpQ68uHZK1E&feature=share</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-72889671036280346972015-05-19T08:58:00.001-05:002015-05-19T09:01:59.074-05:00Bad Coaching & Parenting...Are you Guilty of This?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie9FvX0Yyy0&feature=youtu.be)">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie9FvX0Yyy0&feature=youtu.be)</a></b></div>
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I am not a fan of public shaming but I feel like there are examples where this should be done. The goal isn't necessarily to single any one individual out but to be more aware how we as coaches, instructors, and even parents should treat our children. This is not limited to sports by any means. There is a fine line between being firm as an instructor but we should focus on building our kids up. They WILL make mistakes both on and off the mat. I am not a proponent of babying kids and ignoring their mistakes but it should be a focus to help them LEARN from their mistakes. Tearing kids down as shown in this video is a terrible way of helping kids learn from their losses. This kind of behavior isn't tolerated in our gym. If you find yourself doing this as a coach or a parent, I implore you to reconsider about how this may affect them.<br />
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1. Is this sport or activity for them or is it for YOU?<br />
2. Do you know how difficult this is for your child?<br />
3. Have you yourself tried this activity?<br />
4. Is it more important to YOU or your child to succeed?<br />
5. What are they learning from the experience?<br />
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<u>Remember a few things that I can assure you that your child will go through.</u><br />
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1. They do not want to disappoint you (Parents & Coaches)<br />
2. They do not want to fail because who likes to lose?<br />
3. They will experience stress from the above two items<br />
4. They WILL lose some but hopefully they will also win some as well<br />
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If you are a parent that is incredibly tough on your children like what is seen in this video I ask that you work on making yourself a better parent.<br />
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1. Back OFF! Let the coaches do their job and TALK to them. Get feedback to determine what they could have done better. If you have a coach like this...I recommend finding a new gym. <br />
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2. If you can't do the above then you should reconsider taking part in activities such as BJJ practice and especially tournaments. I have seen parents here and there that simply cannot control themselves while watching their kids roll & compete. This may not be the sport for you or your child. <br />
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You kids are already participating in a very tough sport and they need YOUR support.<br />
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If you are a coach and are guilty of treating your students like this then YOU should reconsider working with children or coaching entirely. It's our job to make these kids better on and off the mats. They need to have their self-esteem built up, not destroyed.<br />
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I'll finish this up by saying that as a parent, if you find your kids in an atmosphere that is not healthy for the development of your child <b>IMMEDIATELY</b> get in touch with the coach or head instructor. If the issues cannot be resolved then it's time to look for a better environment. Not everyone can be a world champion in this sport but this should be fun, a learning experience, and an opportunity to grow. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-75953398643208695642015-05-11T11:53:00.000-05:002015-05-12T07:12:17.026-05:00Get to Know: Rikki Rockett (Famous Rock Star & BJJ Black Belt)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmw-DWSTrJKpRAelH8u_jVGu0gaUwsCTCWbuDA6P3udNu1tQJ11KqfeLw-VfMQlt09MigqHs6LLck3xtcG0gPkHlPcXjF-uG7VEWzg43KP2aSjdpBiBxnLu79aW3x0dDWuIQ7UiFSaxwr/s1600/poison+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmw-DWSTrJKpRAelH8u_jVGu0gaUwsCTCWbuDA6P3udNu1tQJ11KqfeLw-VfMQlt09MigqHs6LLck3xtcG0gPkHlPcXjF-uG7VEWzg43KP2aSjdpBiBxnLu79aW3x0dDWuIQ7UiFSaxwr/s400/poison+concert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a child of the 80's I grew up listening to bands like Poison and am a HUGE fan of that genre of music. </span> If I had any idea when I was 13 years old that I would have something in common with my rock star idols, or that we would speak to each other on the same level about it, my mind would have been COMPLETELY blown. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I am beyond stoked that Poison drummer Rikki Rockett took the time to contribute some of his life, history and how he became a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe many people (myself at least) dream about living the life of someone famous. Having opportunities to experience things that the average person may never get to do. I know that as kid in my early teens, the idea of being a rock star was incredibly appealing and sounded very exciting. If you don't know Rikki Rockett because you didn't grow up in the 80's like I did, I think that you can easily imagine this being any other music super star that fits your generation. To date, this has been the most exciting Q&A opportunity I have had. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.</span><br />
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Q: What are you up to these days? Are you still playing and involved with music?<br />
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A: Very much so. I can’t talk a lot about the changes with Poison right now due some legal stuff, but suffice to say that we are pretty busy right now! We played a show with a different lead singer, Brandon Gibbs, who is in my other band, The Devil City Angels. I started the Devil City Angels with Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns fame (Guns ’N’ Roses), Eric Brittingham from Cinderella and Brandon. I found Brandon in Burlington, Iowa 11 years ago at 17 years old playing with his brother. We have stayed tight ever since and now he is a bona fide rock star in my opinion!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I build custom drums and most important, raise my 5 year old boy Jude and my 2 year old Lucy.</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Q: When did you start training? What drew you to the sport as you got a much earlier start than most people that will be reading this interview?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A: I started over 17 years ago. I was training JKD, Kali and Silat. I was drawn to Silat because of the Sumatran version that was pretty much a ground game. I met John and JJ Machado at a vegetarian rally and told them how I admired Royce Gracie and I wrestled in High School and loved Silat. They invited me to the school. Once I was there I was greated by Renato Magno, (my long time and still my coach) and Eddie Bravo who also trained JKD. I got tapped out 12 times that evening and my life has never been the same! Can I tell you what an experience it is to tapped out by JJ Machado!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Q: When did you receive your Black Belt and from whom? How old were you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A: I was 48 years old. Renato Magno (Street Sports BJJ, Santa Monica, CA). Renato moved here with the Machado Bros. from Brazil to help start their school. I got my second degree two years ago. I am eligible for three stripes, but I don’t deserve it! I haven’t been as consistent this year because of all of my musical projects. Four training days a week is great, but this past year has been about two or three. I like to walk around at competition weight and feeling like I could compete at any time, but that’s just a wish most of the time! </span><br />
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Note: I got my purple belt under Renato and JJ Machado at the Machado Bros. school. I remained a purple belt for 7 years!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rikki & Renato Magno</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rikki & Jean Jacques Machado</td></tr>
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Q: I think most people find it fascinating to learn about famous people that also train Jiu-Jitsu. Name some of the competitors that you either trained with or against comping up in the ranks. Any other well-known training partners currently or in the past? </div>
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A: Mac Danzig (UFC), Danny Inosanto, Gabriel Vella de Freitas, All of the Machado Bros., Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Eddie Bravo, Ed O’Niel, Rico “The Baltimore Butcher” Chipparelli & playwright / film director David Mamet come to mind.
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Q: Any interesting stories to share about training over the years? </div>
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A: I swear, everyday is an adventure. And thank God for that!!!<br />
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Q: What do you feel a new student should focus on?<br />
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A: I can answer both this and the second at the same time. Keep a log of your training. I wish, wish I would have done this! We all tend to remember our rolls more than our drills and so it’s important. When your coach sez, “I wanna see 15 chokes from the mount!” and you are going in your head, “Hmmmmm, I only use 3 most of time, what were they now?” It’s important to review. Even if you prefer certain techniques over others. I am not a gifted grappler. I have had to scrimp and scrape for everything I have acquired. It just doesn’t come naturally most of the time for me. Even for our gifted brothers, keep a log. You are probably going to teach too.
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Q: What would you change about how you approached training Jiu-Jitsu if you had to go back and start all over again?<br />
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A: See last answer!<br />
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Q: In my experience, famous and well known people that train BJJ don't compete very often. I personally saw you compete at IBJJF Pan 2010 via the Budovideos stream. That is how I became aware that you were a Black Belt. How important is it to compete and its usefulness for development?<br />
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A: I think competition is a big part of our art. It pushes the envelope. Sure, the system of competing has it’s limits, but it drives a certain aspect of BJJ that is important. Some people never compete. Ceasar Gracie for example, but he is a bad ass and a great coach. So, it’s personal. However, it does build camaraderie and that is essential. BJJ peeps are, for the most part, a big family. We are like the Marine Corps of martial arts and we respect each other because of that. (I mean that with respect to the Marines, BTW. My Dad and cousins were in the corp.)<br />
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Q: What are your thoughts on rolling versus drilling?<br />
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A: If you don't drill, you will always defend more than you initiate when you roll because you won't have the mobility or the familiarity of the technique. Both are critical.<br />
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Q: Do you use supplements? How do you stay healthy?<br />
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A: I do supplement, but not overly. Multis, Vega powder after training and I toy with a few other things. Juice from time to time. I have been vegetarian for 22 years and I think it’s the best option for me. Mac Danzig, Jake Shields and others are vegetarian or vegan and do well in MMA. It is a viable option. I’d love to go Raw Vegan!<br />
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Q: What do you recommend for training preparation?<br />
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A: Sleep!!! What you ate the day before matters. I think too many guys try and eat like bodybuilders and that doesn’t seem to be the trick. Carbs are not the enemy in BJJ. That is a myth. If you are trying to rip for a photo session, sure, protein and low carbs. Doesn’t work with BJJ in my experience. To each his own, I guess, though.<br />
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Q: How active are you these days in BJJ? What is a typical week for you training or simply a day in the life of Rikki Rockett? Who do you currently train under?<br />
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A: Very active. However, my perfect week would be: Mon., Wed. & Fri. Jits. Tues. & Thur. TRX and Yoga. Weekends: Chasing my kids!!! I train under Professor Renato Magno, Street Sports BJJ, Santa Monica, CA. Sometimes I train with Dave Dunne (3rd degree B Belt under JJ Machado) at Fight Academy in Santa Clarita, CA. We have been buds for years. I fill in and teach once in a while for Mr. Dunne. He is a great coach and an amazing person.<br />
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Professor Magno has been an inspiration to me over the years on many levels. He is a friend, a great family man, great coach and a positive force in BJJ culture.
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Q: 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?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rikki & Professor Dave Dunne</td></tr>
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A: I do. We have guys in our school who travel all over and come back with some unexpected moves. We have guys train before tournaments from Brazil who are affiliates of Professor Magno who have a whole new twist on things sometimes. I have the pleasure of traveling and interacting with lots of Jits guys. Southern California is such a melting pot and hot bed for BJJ. It’s a blessed thing to be here and soak it up. I still suck, though! LOL!</div>
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Q: What is the worst injury you have experienced while training?</div>
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A: A meniscus tear from a leg lock and a compound fracture of my left big toe. Big toe breaks are like breaking your whole foot. The balance from your big toe is what separates us from the great apes… oh and Rigan Machado! LOL!!! (He’s gonna kick my ass for that one!)
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Q: Any big goals for 2015? Jiu-Jitsu, music, projects, etc?<br />
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A: Well, it’s about keeping up the momentum with my musical projects first and foremost. I have a family, so I gotta stay working for awhile. Maybe semi retire in about 5 years and teach Jiu-Jitsu. “Rockett’s Snakepit BJJ”. I would like to compete again. I really enjoyed it. I didn’t win. But, I didn’t get tapped or owned, so it was a positive experience for me.<br />
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Q: Do you keep up with current events in the sport? i.e. Watching events like IBJJF, Metamoris, Polaris, etc? Might you peruse BJJ forums online under some secret persona?<br />
<br />
A: I do, indeed. I love Metamoris and Rigan’s new endeavor The World Jiu-Jitsu Federation. I love the UFC too. Any forum I have ever gone on I was very transparent. Too many ball busters on some of them. Because I am the drummer for Poison, some haters wanna judge me on what I looked like on the cover of a record in 1986! It becomes a little not worth the hassle. However, I thought about fighting a no-gi tournament and wearing bright colored spats, tease my hair and wear guy liner. But, if I lost I’d look like an ass! It would be funny, though!<br />
<br />
Q: Name the accomplishment you are most proud of be it BJJ or something personal.<br />
<br />
A: My first gold record. I bought my parents a Cadillac with that money like Elvis did! (Except I’m still in the building)<br />
<br />
Q: Is there anything interesting you would like to say about yourself or any opinions you have about the current state of BJJ?<br />
<br />
A: I think it’s a good thing to occasionally roll with the ballistic white belt who will challenge your current knowledge. The young, over the top Blue Belt hell bent on your destruction! yes, it will keep your instincts fresh. Oh, yeah, do it when you are tired. And… the light girl who trains all the time. Make sure you use no muscle-ing at all. These are things many of us avoid when we roll. Try asking your Police training partners what they run into every day and how you might handle it. This is real life and sometimes we can get bogged down of the sports end of BJJ. Like Bruce Lee always warned about never losing your natural instinct from learning too much technique.<br />
<br />
Q: Anything else you would like to add people might find interesting about yourself?<br />
<br />
A: I was an EMT back in Harrisburg, PA. How's that one? I was a hairdresser, a dishwasher and a lifeguard before seeking fame and fortune out west. <br />
<br />
Q: Any sponsors you would like to thank, products, or services you would to promote? BJJ, music, etc? <br />
<br />
<b>BJJ:</b> Shoyoroll <a href="http://shoyoroll.com/">http://shoyoroll.com/</a><br />
Scramble Brand <a href="http://store.scramblestuff.us/">http://store.scramblestuff.us/</a><br />
Ludwig Clothing <a href="http://ludwigvantheman.com/">http://ludwigvantheman.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Music:</b> Devil City Angles <a href="http://www.devilcityangels.com/">http://www.devilcityangels.com/</a><br />
Poison <a href="http://poisonweb.com/">http://poisonweb.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Clothing:</b> Cult of Individuality Denim <a href="http://www.cultofindividuality.com/mens/jeans/">http://www.cultofindividuality.com/mens/jeans/</a><br />
New Balance Sneakers: <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/">http://www.newbalance.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Drums:</b> Sabian Cymbals <a href="http://www.sabian.com/en/home">http://www.sabian.com/en/home</a><br />
Drum Workshop Hardware & Pedals <a href="http://www.dwdrums.com/">http://www.dwdrums.com/</a><br />
Drum Tacs <a href="http://www.drumtacs.com/">http://www.drumtacs.com/</a><br />
Aquarian Drum Heads <a href="http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/">http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/</a><br />
Los Cabos DrumSticks <a href="http://loscabosdrumsticks.com/">http://loscabosdrumsticks.com/</a><br />
Rockett Drum Works Custom Drums <a href="http://rockettdrumworks.com/">http://rockettdrumworks.com/</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Additional Links:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.rikkirockett.com/index.html">http://www.rikkirockett.com/index.html</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRealRikkiRockett?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/TheRealRikkiRockett?fref=ts</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RikkiRockett?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/RikkiRockett?fref=ts</a><br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/rikkirockett/">https://instagram.com/rikkirockett/</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/rikkirockett">https://twitter.com/rikkirockett</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-22139636357500008912015-05-05T07:17:00.001-05:002015-05-05T07:25:45.105-05:00Luan Carvalho (Nova União) x Michael Langhi (Alliance) 2015 Brasileiro (Semifinal)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Unless you are very plugged into the tournaments going on in Brazil right now last weekend featured the 2015 Brasileiro tournament which is kind of a big deal. Unfortunately unless you were there or have been able to see some of the posted matches it's a bit difficult to stay on top of the results. One match that jumped out at me as very impressive is that of fairly new Black Belt Luan Carvalho (Nova Uniao) over Alliance powerhouse Michael Langhi! Note this was a semifinal and a real nail biter but most did not expect this result. Luan would go on to win the division and I can imagine this is the biggest win of his career. I would definitely keep an eye on this prospect in the Leve (Light) division at future events!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBx2Aaacfmc" width="459"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBx2Aaacfmc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBx2Aaacfmc</a>)</b></div>
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<u>2015 Brasileiro Results:</u><br />
<a href="http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000380/pt-BR/Resultados.pdf">http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000380/pt-BR/Resultados.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<u>Links:</u><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/luancarvalhobjj">https://www.facebook.com/luancarvalhobjj</a><br />
<a href="http://thebjjmentalcoach.com/">http://thebjjmentalcoach.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.novauniao.com/">http://www.novauniao.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pridefightwear.com.br/loja/index.php">http://www.pridefightwear.com.br/loja/index.php</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-30539366278521019042015-05-04T06:47:00.000-05:002015-05-04T14:24:20.411-05:0093 Brand 100 Kilo Gi Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been a long time since I have done a gi review on the
blog. I recently had the opportunity to
test out one of 93 Brand's latest offerings the 100 Kilo gi and that was just
the inspiration I needed get on here and share it with everyone. 93 Brand is an American company based out of
New York that was founded in 2012. They
are very well known in the Jiu-Jitsu community for offering basic gi designs
that are not overly flashy. There is
something to be said for simplicity in the design of a gi. As much as I take pleasure
in a gi adorned in eye catching logo patches and a custom look right out of the
box, I also enjoy the ability to get creative and add on my
collection of patches from my gym and various others acquired from seminars, organizations and causes I support. They also offer a full line of gear
not limited to belts, rash guards, grappling tights, and t-shirts. 93 Brand offers some excellent pricing on
their gi's well under the $200 mark. You
can usually purchase their gi's anywhere from $99-140 pretty regularly on
various sites. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Design</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are Jiu-Jitsu purist then 93 brand has a lot to offer
in the way of getting you geared up and on the mat with little fuss. The 100
Kilo at first glance is a clean, organic look with a well blended combination
of classic colors. It is a solid off white gi with the look and feel of
unbleached cotton, soft to the touch right out of the bag with charcoal grey
contrast stitching and crimson accents on the taping, logo patch and
embroidery. Each sleeve features 93 brand logos embroidered in black, white
crimson and charcoal grey. The bottom of the jacket has some added flair with
the words “position/submission” embroidered charcoal grey and crimson. The cuffs of the jacket, inner portion of
lapels and skirt, and cuffs of the pants have crimson taping and are very soft. All of these
elements provide a subtle but appreciated balance to the look of the gi. The
pants match the jacket well with the contrast stitching, reinforced knee and a vertical 93 brand patch down the front of the right leg rather than down the
side as we might see in a lot of other gi’s on the market. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Construction</span><br />
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Specifications:<br />
<ul>
<li>Unbleached natural cotton</li>
<li>450 GSM Gold Weave jacket</li>
<li>10 oz. twill cotton pants</li>
<li>Minimal contrast stitching</li>
<li>Interior seam taping</li>
<li>Gold Weave lined knee reinforcements</li>
<li>Gold Weave crotch gusset</li>
<li>Stretchy para-cord drawstring</li>
<li>6 drawstring loops on the pants</li>
</ul>
</div>
As many know, Gold Weave gi's tend to suffer from shrinkage more than almost any weave available on the market. I spoke with George of 93 Brand prior to receiving the gi and he informed me that "the 100 Kilo has undergone two treatment processes since the unbleached fabric tends to shrink quite a bit." That isn't to say it won't shrink but it should prevent any unexpected surprises after being laundered the first few times.<br />
<br />
Touted as the 100 Kilo gi, the actual weight of the A-1 tested came in right at 2.6 pounds. For those of you who don’t want to make
that conversion, that is 1.18 kilograms. Made of 100% cotton, when I opened the package and pulled the gi out I
contemplated actually sleeping in it.
Generally treated with a finishing chemical, most new gi’s feel like
sandpaper and smell like the rubber sole of fresh pair of Keds. The collar itself is very sturdy and thick; no flimsy collar present here<i>. </i>The traditional
stretchy drawstring is present here. This type of drawstring seems to be the industry standard these days. In my experience these usually are manufactured to be longer than necessary as I found with the Kilo. That being said, it is easily cut to the desired length and burning the ends makes for an easy modification. The stitching throughout the jacket and pants seems to be very good. I have seen very sloppy work in this area even with some of the most expensive brands on the market. Sometimes it is simply a cosmetic issue and even worse can affect the structural integrity of the gi. Fortunately that is simply not found here with the Kilo. The pants have reinforced knees that run mid-thigh to just 5" above the cuff on the pant legs. I prefer to see the longer, reinforcement to provide additional cushioning and the Kilo does this well. As many know this provides cushion, and
additional support for those who like a gi that fits relatively close to the
body. If you do prefer that type of fit like I do, then you may be familiar
with the added wear and tear that comes as a result of added stress and pull on
the flat panels of fabric and critical fulcrum point seams. The crotch gusset is constructed identical to the Gold Weave fabric of the jacket. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fit</span><br />
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Based on my dimensions, 5'7" 150lbs I
requested an A-1. Often times when I fall into the top end of a sizing chart for any particular brand, A-1 sized gi's tend to be too small. Moving up in size tends to put me in an overly bulky gi. Dealing with the added fabric can be cumbersome and
allow opportunities for my training partner or opponent to get deeper grip control. A-1
was the perfect choice for the 93 brand 100 kilo, especially knowing I could
wash and dry it in warm/hot temperatures without worry. This is something to
take into consideration when purchasing your gi, the amount of time it will
take to ensure laundering is handled properly every time. The less of a worry
that is, the better. Out of the bag the sleeves were a
bit long and wide for my arms, but nothing that a high heat setting on the dry couldn't fix. The pants were pretty much perfect in length and not baggy by any means. To my satisfaction the taping on
the inner seams throughout the entire gi are also 100% cotton, preventing the
chaffing that can be an issue when the manufacturer uses synthetic threading or
taping that has been cauterized to prevent unraveling. I found that sometimes taping can be abrasive due to logos and the overall finishing process. The taping on the Kilo is smooth and just what I prefer. I can't say enough about the comfort of the pants. They are so comfortable I have no issue lounging around the house in them. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rolling Impressions</span><br />
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I can’t help but refer back to my comment about this gi
being comfortable enough to wear to bed as pajamas…although my wife might
actually be able to defend the middle-of-the-night Kimura or ankle lock I try
in my sleep. That being said, I knew
there may be a chance that the jacket sleeves would stretch during training or
become more pliable after a sweaty high intensity roll. One thing I knew for
sure, I was excited at the idea of NOT getting chaffed to hell with sandpaper pearl
weave on my shoulder blades and elbows! The skirt proved to be a very acceptable length, not too short or too long. The fit in the shoulders is perfect and the overall fit of the jacket does feel a bit roomy for my body type. It doesn't fit me like a competition gi but I think you can get a pretty good idea from the pictures provided. If I have one complaint about this gi it is that I did experience some stretch in the sleeves. Modern day Gold Weave gi's almost all suffer from this due to being manufactured to be "light" and comfortable. I have had the chance to work with most of the current Gold Weaves on the market these days and almost all of them have some stretch particularly when they get damp from training. That isn't necessarily a bad thing if you prefer a very comfortable jacket that doesn't feel like you are wearing body armor. My fix for this issue is to not fret about a little over-shrink in the sleeves to counterbalance any stretch you will experience while training. In order to custom tailor the fit of the Kilo I ran it through 3-4 trips in the washing machine on a warm setting, low spin cycle. I followed this up with trips through the dryer to help steam the material and shrink it down.<br />
<br />
All in all my experience using the 93 Brand 100 Kilo gi has been an absolute pleasure. Even under heavy training conditions the Kilo never feels heavy from sweat and doesn't trap body heat. I have used this gi quite a bit over the last 2-3 months and it handled everything I threw at it. It appears to be very durable and hasn't shown any degradation at all. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Measurements</span><br />
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93 Brand offers a great range of sizes for any body type. The original sizing chart can be found at <a href="http://www.rollmore.com/93br-kilo.html">http://www.rollmore.com/93br-kilo.html</a> where you can purchase this gi and other 93 Brand products.<br />
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<u>Size</u> <u>Height</u> <u>Weight</u><br />
A0 5'0"-5'4" 100-130lbs<br />
A1 5'2"-5'7" 125-155lbs<br />
A1L 5'5"-5'9" 125-155lbs<br />
A1F 5'3"-5'7" 110-135lbs<br />
A2 5'7"-5'10" 150-180lbs<br />
A2L 5'10"-6'1" 150-180lbs<br />
A2H 5'7"-5'10" 200-230lbs<br />
A3 5'10"-6'1" 175-210lbs<br />
A3L 6'1"-6'4" 185-220lbs<br />
A4 6'1"-6'3" 215-250lbs<br />
A5 6'3"-6'6" 240-270lbs<br />
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<b>*Note that all measurements were taken after shrinking the gi down for my use.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Closing Thoughts</span><br />
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This was a very fun gi to review. It is not your every day, run of the mill kimono. I enjoy the unbleached look of the Kilo. It definitely makes you stand out in the crowd yet remains simple by design, not cluttered with patches and embroidery. Due to the stretch in the sleeves I personally would wear this for any normal training and teaching day at the gym as opposed to a competition. This is by far the most comfortable gi I have ever worn and trained in. If you are looking for something different at a very reasonable price then give the 93 Brand Kilo gi some serious consideration, you wont be disappointed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Links</span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/93brand?fref=ts"><b>https://www.facebook.com/93brand?fref=ts</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.rollmore.com/93br-kilo.html">http://www.rollmore.com/93br-kilo.html</a></b><a href="https://instagram.com/93brand/"><b>https://instagram.com/93brand/</b></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-78199635223687499422015-04-01T06:39:00.000-05:002015-04-01T06:39:01.372-05:00Gustavo Dantas Seminar Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9t7gbJx0HIETMPAaHUzKilG9PSqo9t-SsKTPMwRUyJLlDQWoEzSjAgrFtguMBsvi4q4vowY7rhPEchyl4XfXb5wPdvJIHnWeouzLIVm3SQV0O72ClNBc1ngHNnFfNtd-0EUd7scto8x-/s1600/GD+seminar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9t7gbJx0HIETMPAaHUzKilG9PSqo9t-SsKTPMwRUyJLlDQWoEzSjAgrFtguMBsvi4q4vowY7rhPEchyl4XfXb5wPdvJIHnWeouzLIVm3SQV0O72ClNBc1ngHNnFfNtd-0EUd7scto8x-/s1600/GD+seminar.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our gym was fortunate enough to host Gustavo Dantas in December 2014. We are affiliated with Robson Moura so during that time we have developed a relationship with many of the current and former Nova Uniao gyms throughout the country. Gustavo is the President of Nova Uniao USA with his gym based in Tempe, Arizona. Gustavo is a 4th degree black belt under Andre Pederneiras. <br />
<br />
The content covered in this seminar was very good. Rather than show a series of moves from a particular guard or position Gustavo focused heavily on concepts. We began with his most successful closed guard sweep, the "Roleta sweep." After spending some time breaking down the move and the timing of how to execute it properly we switched things up a bit. Gustavo spent some time showing proper posture in the guard when trying to stand up. A lot of emphasis was placed on doing this properly and how if the posture was not very good it would be easily exposed by the Roleta sweep. This method of teaching really made it an "ah ha" moment because while we were learning the Roleta sweep it really drove home the importance of good posture when trying to break the closed guard. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1PvwLZHBR7U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1PvwLZHBR7U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b>(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PvwLZHBR7U">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PvwLZHBR7U</a>)</b></div>
<br />
The other concept we covered worth mentioning was chaining the guard breaks into passes without much delay. Obviously hanging out in the open guard is not going to be favorable for the guard passer. Gustavo showed us a slick way to control the pants sleeves and prevent spider guard bicep control. I had not seen this particular variation. Importance was placed on being purposeful with your grips and not hesitating to initiate the guard pass. A good deal of time was spent working situational guard passing with the guard player trying to defend. <br />
<br />
One thing I liked was during specific moments throughout the seminar Gustavo would queue up matches online that we could review and he would point out specific examples of executing techniques in competition. He has a very analytic approach to teaching which is very refreshing. <br />
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<b>(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo7Rtc6X4wU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo7Rtc6X4wU</a>)</b></div>
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Something some people may not know about Gustavo is that he is a Certified Mental & Life Coach and excellent public speaker. He has developed a DVD series: The BJJ Mental Coach "Inner Discovery for Outer Success." Gustavo described how he himself experienced a lot of performance anxiety competing in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the past. Through this series he is trying to help others achieve their goals by taking a more mental approach to competition. I personally purchased the DVD set and watched a good portion of it however I have not completed it so I will review it at a later date. After hearing his speech at the seminar about the program and some of the free videos he has put out on his YouTube channel I felt like I could benefit from it both for Jiu-Jitsu and in my personal life. A lot of the concepts discussed do not have to only apply to the sport.<br />
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If you get a chance I highly recommend checking out some of his BJJ Mental Coach videos and see if you can benefit from them. To wrap things up, the seminar was great. I'm a huge fan of Gustavo Dantas, his analytic teaching style and wish he was more local to us. If you get a chance to drop in at his gym in Tempe, Arizona or attend one of his seminars I highly recommend it. There is also an excellent three part series he participated in on Budovideos Rolled Up from late 2014 that I have linked at the bottom of the article.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Links:</span><br />
<a href="http://thebjjmentalcoach.com/">http://thebjjmentalcoach.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://gdjiujitsu.com/">http://gdjiujitsu.com/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwNh1vy8QSg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwNh1vy8QSg</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-36933077314030629432015-03-12T12:55:00.000-05:002015-03-12T13:12:43.137-05:002015 Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After taking a year off from doing any big tournament articles I got the pre-Pan excitement. I am really looking forward to the tournament that seems to get bigger every year with each division getting more stacked from lower belts all the way through black belt. Tournament info can be found here: <a href="http://ibjjf.org/championship/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship/">http://ibjjf.org/championship/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship/</a><br />
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This preview will focus on divisions that interest me and/or I feel like I know enough about the competitors to make comments.<br />
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<b>Brown / Adult / Male / Light Feather</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Andris Brunovskis (Atos)</b><br />
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This is actually a pretty stacked division with some exciting guys to watch and picking a winner is difficult. Michael Musumeci, Ostap Manastyrski, Woolf Barnato, and Darson Hemmings are my personal favorites in this division. Woolf came up short and finished second in 2014. <br />
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<u>My prediction: Woolf Barnato (Ralph Gracie)</u><br />
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<b>Brown / Adult / Male / Feather</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Fabio Caloi (Alliance)</b><br />
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Watch for Isaac Doederlein and Rick Slomba (Atos) will be big contenders. Slomba is coming off a big year but Doederlein is likely to claim the title this year.<br />
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<u>My pick: Isaac Doederlein (Alliance)</u><br />
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<b>Brown / Adult / Male / Middle</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Dillion Danis (Alliance)</b><br />
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Marcelo Garcia protege has to be the favorite to reclaim his title this year. <br />
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<b>Brown / Adult / Male / Medium Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Manuel Diaz (Brasa CTA)</b><br />
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Reigning champ Manny "Beats" Diaz was promoted to black belt late last year making way for some new blood this year. Another Marcelo Garcia protege, Matheus Diniz (Alliance) will be a big favorite this year. Don't overlook Cyborg's sutdent Hunter Ewald (Fight Sports) as he is a gamer. These two would make for a great final.<br />
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<u>My pick: Matheus Diniz (Alliance)</u><br />
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<b>Brown / Adult / Male / Super Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Erberth Santos de Mesquita (TLI)</b><br />
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Not familiar with many of the guys making up this division but one name stands out by a lot.<br />
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<u>My pick: Jared Dopp (Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu)</u><br />
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<b>Brown / Adult / Male / Ultra Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Pedro Henrique Moura (Ribiero Jiu-Jitsu)</b><br />
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This is a pretty small division with only 6 guys. <br />
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<u>My pick: Ryan Sandhagen (Bruno Bastos Association)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Rooster</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Joao Rodrigues (CheckMat)</b><br />
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Seven competitors making up this division with Caio Terra returning after taking time off from health issues in 2014. He will have his hands full on the tougher side of the bracket with Fabio Passos (Alliance) likely in the semi-final. Bruno Malfacine (Alliance) has the easier path on the other side of the bracket. I'm going to predict a Passos / Malfacine final here as I'm not sure how healthy Caio is these days.<br />
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<u>My pick: Bruno Malfacine (Alliance)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Light Feather</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Paulo Miyao (PSLPB Cicero Costha)</b><br />
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We will be treated to both Miyao's competing in the Light Feather this year and thankfully on opposing sides of the brackets. <br />
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<u>My pick: Paulo Miyao (PSLPB)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Feather</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Mario Reis (Alliance)</b><br />
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This is probably my favorite division every year. The usual names are here minus Rafa Mendes, Tanquinho, and Cobrinha. Make way for Vitor Paschoal (Brasa CTA), Osvaldo Moizinho (Gracie Fighter), Gianni Grippo (Alliance) and Davin Maxwell (Cassio Werneck BJJ). My personal interest this year is to see how Gustavo Dantas (Nova Uniao) will fare competing with the younger guys.<br />
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<u>My pick: Osvaldo Moizinho (Gracie Fighter)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Light</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Lucas Lepri (Alliance)</b><br />
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Usual favorites Lucas Lepri and Michael Langhi (Alliance) are not registered this year which should be a relief for the rest of the division. That said there is a lot of talented guys which should make for an interesting watch. Mario Reis (Alliance) has moved up a weight class, Jonathan Torres (Atos), Andris Brunovskis (Atos), Michael Liera Jr (Atos)...the list goes on. Lots of Atos guys here are likely to make some noise.<br />
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<u>My pick: Jonathan Torres (Atos)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Middle</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Leandro Lo (PSLPB Cicero Costha)</b><br />
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Reigning champ Lo is back again this year and will be the favorite as usual. Otavio Sousa (Gracie Barra), Victor Estima (Gracie Barra), Magid Hage (Gracie Barra), Vitor Henrique Oliveira (GF Team), Tanner Rice (Amazonas), Sean Roberts (CheckMat) are just a handful of the superstars making up this group.<br />
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<u>My pick: Leandro Lo (PSLPB)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Medium Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Gustavo Campos (Atos)</b><br />
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This will be a hotly contested division again with most of the big names returning including all of the medalists. Keenan (Atos), Gustavo Campos (Atos), Abmar Barbosa (Zenith BJJ), Murilo Santana (Barbosa JJ)<br />
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<u>My pick: Keenan Corneilius (Atos)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Yuri Simoes (Brasa CTA)</b><br />
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Yuri has moved up to Super Heavy this year making way for Lucas Leite (CheckMat), Marcelo Mafra (CheckMat), and Timothy Spriggs (TLI).<br />
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<u>My pick: Timothy Spriggs (TLI)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Super Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Luiz Panza (Barbosa JJ)</b><br />
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Guys to watch are Yuri Simoes (Brasa CTA), Bernardo Faria (Alliance) Joao Assis (CheckMat), Eduardo Telles (Brasa CTA), and Erberth Santos de Mesquita (Guigo JJ).<br />
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<u>My pick: Bernardo Faria (Alliance)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Male / Ultra Heavy</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Andre Galvao (Atos)</b><br />
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First thing worth noting is no Galvao this year! Luis Panza (Barbosa JJ) has moved up in weight. Bruno Bastos (Bruno Bastos Association) will give it a run again with the younger guys. James Puopolo (Ribiero JJ) and Alexander Trans (UAE JJ Team). An interesting note is that Joao Rocha (Soul Fighters) has just recovered from cancer and will be in this division. <br />
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<u>My pick: Alexander Trans (UAE JJ Team)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Female / Light Feather</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Andrea Encarnacion (Elite BJJ Redmond)</b><br />
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With only 4 women in this small division this is a pretty easy pick for me. Michelle Nicolini (CheckMat) and Gezary Bandeira (ATT) are likely to meet in the finals. <br />
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<u>My pick: Michelle Nicolini (CheckMat)</u><br />
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<b>Black / Adult / Female / Feather</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Tammi Musumeci (ATT)</b><br />
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Tammi is making her first big stage showing since suffering an awful elbow dislocation at the 2014 Worlds. I think we are likely to see a finals rematch with Mackenzie Dern and Musumeci (ATT).<br />
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<u>My pick: Mackenzie Dern (Gracie Humaita)</u><br />
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<b>Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChWzHzvpBs4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChWzHzvpBs4</a>)</b></div>
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<b>Black / Adult / Female / Light</b><br />
<b>2014 Champ - Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaita)</b><br />
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Texan Lora Hallock (Atos) will be making her first attempt as a black belt this year. Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra), Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaita), Angelica Galvoa (Atos), and Nyjah Easton (TLI) will be heavily favored here. <br />
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<u>My pick: Beatriz Mesquita (Gracie Humaita)</u><br />
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Wheeeeeeew that's about it. If you want to watch the Saturday & Sunday portion of the live stream go here: <b><a href="http://ibjjf.tv/">http://ibjjf.tv/</a></b><br />
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Tournament info: <a href="http://ibjjf.org/championship/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship/">http://ibjjf.org/championship/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship/</a><br />
Brackets: <a href="http://events.ibjjf.com/">http://events.ibjjf.com/</a><br />
Schedule: <a href="http://ibjjf.org/pan-2015-schedule/">http://ibjjf.org/pan-2015-schedule/</a><br />
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Please visit the following:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thebjjmentalcoach.com/">http://thebjjmentalcoach.com/</a></span></div>
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Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gzZH4cQK30">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gzZH4cQK30</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/93brand">https://www.facebook.com/93brand</a></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-63424759476689527052015-01-15T22:52:00.005-06:002015-01-15T22:52:59.058-06:00The Miyao Brothers are COMING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unless you've been living under a rock there has been much chatter on social media groups about the two phenomenal Japanese/Brazilian twins finally making their move to the United States. A new gym in New York City known as Unity Jiu-Jitsu is very close to opening their academy. From what I have gathered Murilo Santana will be running the gym and of course the bolo twins of Joao and Paulo Miyao will be training and possibly teaching to some degree. It sounds like the intent of this move is for them to re-focus their training in the Big Apple and capture some World Championships at the Black Belt level. They have spent a great deal of training during their time in Jiu-Jitsu under the banner of Cicero Costha which is also well known for developing the talents of Leandro Lo. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Qt4niYz8Qc" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Pretty exciting stuff right?! If you don't know where these talented brothers come from then take a minute to watch this excellent piece by BJJ Hacks which focuses on training at Cicero Costha gym. I know quite a few local competitors that have recently visited the Sao Paulo gym for some training. It's a different world training in Brazil I can promise you that much. <br />
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<b>Link for mobile users:<br />(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20040Wr2ng0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20040Wr2ng0</a> )</b><br />
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<b>Murilo Santana vs Lucas Leite (Nogi Worlds 2013)</b><br />
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<b>Link for mobile users:</b></div>
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<b>(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cZt8hWMZ0&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cZt8hWMZ0&feature=youtu.be</a>)</b></div>
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New York City is just packed with some talented schools you could takes weeks of vacation to visit all of them. Off the top of my head there is Marcelo Garcia Academy, Renzo Gracie, Vitor Shaolin, and the addition of Unity Jiu-Jitsu is just amazing as there are all fairly close in proximity. There are many other schools already in the area...you just can't go wrong picking a school or selecting a few to drop-in for some training. I could easily exhaust my vacation days for 2015 trying any of these schools and not get to nearly all of them. </div>
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Links:</div>
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<a href="https://unityjiujitsu.com/" target="_blank">https://unityjiujitsu.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitybjj/info?tab=overview" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/unitybjj/info?tab=overview</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/murilo-santana-facts-and-bio" target="_blank">http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/murilo-santana-facts-and-bio</a></div>
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<a href="http://bjjhacks.com/" target="_blank">http://bjjhacks.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-64873516627337785922014-12-05T02:48:00.003-06:002014-12-05T03:25:18.072-06:00Anthony Bourdain on Cooking and Jiu-Jitsu (Charlie Rose 12-2-14)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you know who Anthony Bourdain is? If you don't you probably need to know. Everyone loves food and he is a food NERD. He's as nerdy about food as most of us are about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He had a well known show on the Travel Channel about culinary and cultural adventures known as <u>No Reservations & The Layover</u>. From here he gained national notice and his talents moved over to CNN where he currently hosts <u>Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown</u>. In a nut-shell...he travels all over, specifically NOT tourist attractions looking for delicious, "unknown" places to eat excellent food. He is not limited to visiting places within our United States. He visits exotic countries leaving few stones un-turned.<br />
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So some may be asking...why in the heck is this being posted on a Jiu-Jitsu blog site? Well he has a passion for Jiu-Jitsu like most of us. The only difference is he is a well known celebrity and I find it really cool to see how far Jiu-Jitsu reaches out and has an impact on the lives of people outside of the normal population. <br />
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To a degree I can relate to Bourdain as I myself started training Jiu-Jitsu at an older age (30) and have a lot of respect for his approach to training and enjoying the sport. From what I have seen and read about Bourdain he is really down to earth and has very little ego on the mats. Like many of us he sees it as a challenge to help better himself and of course he enjoys the learning aspect of it. <br />
<br />
I don't have any particular desire to see our sport be adopted by the majority of people...I think that it feels more special when you can relate to the minority of people that share the passion...so seeing someone on occasion that seems to be the last person you might expect to also share that passion makes it a little extra special. <br />
<br />
Ironically, Anthony Bourdain's wife, Ottavia, is the one responsible for exposing him to Jiu-Jitsu. <br />
I highly recommend reading more about their relationship with Jiu-Jitsu here: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/22/5334360/anthony-bourdain-interview-mma-jiu-jitsu-training" target="_blank">http://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/22/5334360/anthony-bourdain-interview-mma-jiu-jitsu-training</a> <b>(EXCELLENT INTERVIEW)</b><br />
<br />
His wife, Ottavia, regularly competes and is very dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu. Serves her right. She needs some hobbies while her husband is traveling the world working on his tv show! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsBOGHIBp02ulmR3aeSMDbun4_uQNL9CXc2ShAp5kZl3GBoMzQnFiqN0P82XLPOHOyN6lZK5tVsVzGNBmR2J_NVeImqfZixeVCvq4WmlEDzGspxMzm7N0jIXYFujSs-QO86i8rG-N_NvQ/s1600/anthony's%2Bwife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsBOGHIBp02ulmR3aeSMDbun4_uQNL9CXc2ShAp5kZl3GBoMzQnFiqN0P82XLPOHOyN6lZK5tVsVzGNBmR2J_NVeImqfZixeVCvq4WmlEDzGspxMzm7N0jIXYFujSs-QO86i8rG-N_NvQ/s1600/anthony's%2Bwife.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthony Bourdain & his wife Ottavia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ready to get a little jealous? Bourdain with his star power obviously has opportunities to train with some high level grapplers. I regularly see him sporting Shoyoroll gear and recently saw pictures of him training with Cyborg!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS_FhqWJ9WnInuxCY3zMO9RK6JOyIi8H-Yp9-8tn8XmGDg_GhHvNPgA2nYmk5LddvryYFuNsRjQHl4aMEuAd6Uamds_aj7FSmGHOn9sCIQy-FGGhEhf5AJNhXegDI_hzwdzkoQgrPjQZk/s1600/cyborg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS_FhqWJ9WnInuxCY3zMO9RK6JOyIi8H-Yp9-8tn8XmGDg_GhHvNPgA2nYmk5LddvryYFuNsRjQHl4aMEuAd6Uamds_aj7FSmGHOn9sCIQy-FGGhEhf5AJNhXegDI_hzwdzkoQgrPjQZk/s1600/cyborg.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those interested in seeing what Bourdain is up to be it his travels, food, or Jiu-Jitsu exploits I HIGHLY recommend following him on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyBourdain?fref=ts" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyBourdain?fref=ts</a><br />
<br />
I had known about his passion for Jiu-Jitsu for a while and seeing this recent video of Bourdain on the Charlie Rose show motivated me to put a small piece together to share with those that might not be aware of him. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QjHXipJoAqU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjHXipJoAqU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjHXipJoAqU</a>)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Related Links:<br />
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/22/5334360/anthony-bourdain-interview-mma-jiu-jitsu-training" target="_blank">http://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/22/5334360/anthony-bourdain-interview-mma-jiu-jitsu-training</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown/" target="_blank">http://www.cnn.com/video/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyBourdain?fref=ts" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyBourdain?fref=ts</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdd2PR4LCndEIOoQsN_aLMQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdd2PR4LCndEIOoQsN_aLMQ</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-80019546252505611552014-12-03T07:48:00.001-06:002014-12-03T07:51:04.088-06:00Get to Know: Collin Grayson (Caio Terra Association)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDec1gonv-GashSGUlR9mPzfgLqJFJdIzJGpyamU5obWtHfnxa1YAfEncGX6eDaB97e_YrRxwvN-hgutYp1so77nedisWFBc3O1aOd_d16zxmMm8Kucr1t8kM1s7wdJ-zGHQm63pLKLwaK/s1600/collin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDec1gonv-GashSGUlR9mPzfgLqJFJdIzJGpyamU5obWtHfnxa1YAfEncGX6eDaB97e_YrRxwvN-hgutYp1so77nedisWFBc3O1aOd_d16zxmMm8Kucr1t8kM1s7wdJ-zGHQm63pLKLwaK/s1600/collin.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>When
did you start training?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>-January 28, 2002</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>When did you receive <span style="font-family: inherit;">your Black Belt and from who</span>m?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>-I received my Black Belt on December 28, 2011 from Jose Reyes</i></div>
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<b>What should a new student focus on?</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>-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.</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What would you change about how you approached training
Jiu-Jitsu if you had to go back and start all over again?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>-Drill more. Recognize that rolling/training is merely
the output of the input.</i></div>
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<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>How important is
competition for development?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>-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.</i></div>
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<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Collin Grayson (CTA) vs Kelly Rundle (Alliance)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/U4Fs4wXQ1gY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">(Link for mobile users: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Fs4wXQ1gY" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Fs4wXQ1gY</a><span style="text-align: center;">)</span></div>
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<b>How do you feel about students cross-training at other gyms?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>-Learn whatever you can! Just be sure to share it!</i></div>
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<b>How do you feel about supplementing training with other
forms of physical activity such as lifting weights, crossfit, running,
swimming, etc? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>-<span style="line-height: 115%;">If
you want to be good at Jiu-Jitsu, train Jiu-Jitsu.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do
you feel like the BJJ is becoming watered down due to the ease of people
uploading instructional videos on sites like YouTube?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">-</span>Not watered down, but the evolution of BJJ has changed
dramatically. Advanced techniques are being hit at a much lower belt
level</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What
are your thoughts on rolling versus drilling?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">-</span>Rolling should be secondary, drilling helps to develop the
tools you use when rolling.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do
you use supplements? How do you stay healthy? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-</span>Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Glucosamine & Chondroitin</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What
do you recommend for training preparation?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">-</span>Stretching, eating a light meal 90 mins prior, and having a
teaspoon of honey 10 minutes prior</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do
you think training wrestling and judo is important? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">-</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">At
least enough to defend against it</span></i></span></div>
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<b>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. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>-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.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>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? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>-Yes – via <a href="http://www.caioterra.com/" target="_blank">www.caioterra.com</a>. Study new techniques and drill
them with BB Mark Stites on the weekends.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What
is the worst injury you have experienced while training? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>-Torn MCL</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Is there anything interesting you would like to say about
yourself or any opinions you have on the current state of BJJ?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>-<span style="line-height: 115%;">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!</span></i></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlUHElTXZD_-dcdllphbJst3L3uEVdzP2QOjDqGy9GOfRzx165g7FuvjLRjg9VbpAm7lRI0gIcmAh0o-HQFpfAoJwmSx9EvIRQTIz77ARvqXWbXTH_rLEDjpJgj6zaEaTHS_Vb91fvSZE/s1600/collin's%2Bpromotions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlUHElTXZD_-dcdllphbJst3L3uEVdzP2QOjDqGy9GOfRzx165g7FuvjLRjg9VbpAm7lRI0gIcmAh0o-HQFpfAoJwmSx9EvIRQTIz77ARvqXWbXTH_rLEDjpJgj6zaEaTHS_Vb91fvSZE/s1600/collin's%2Bpromotions.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collin Grayson recently promoted his first Black Belt and <br />
longtime friend Mark Stites who also teaches at the Rockwall location. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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:</div>
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<b>811 E. Yellow Jacket Ln</b></div>
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<b>Rockwall, TX 75087 </b></div>
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<b>(Located inside of Ridge Pointe Athletic Club)</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>612 South Valley Ranch Parkway</b></div>
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<b>Irving, TX 75063</b></div>
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<b>(George Prevalsky's Boxing & Muay Thai Boxing Club)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U4DxQgFiEyfA2IH0jFxUtvLfpbzNzH7rKOrEt-7QSsF9OBxtXafkWfO27CFirYDXled0UD8ZUmbDtWMaO-KZP9N_699ZwXY7U3nY2oXjFMz1tUndBCasMcNdzOdKUZS6QodPEn-9oqsX/s1600/banner-image-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U4DxQgFiEyfA2IH0jFxUtvLfpbzNzH7rKOrEt-7QSsF9OBxtXafkWfO27CFirYDXled0UD8ZUmbDtWMaO-KZP9N_699ZwXY7U3nY2oXjFMz1tUndBCasMcNdzOdKUZS6QodPEn-9oqsX/s1600/banner-image-2.jpg" height="115" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Related Links:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ctarockwall.com/" target="_blank">http://ctarockwall.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://caioterra.com/" target="_blank">http://caioterra.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2013/08/caio-terra-seminar-review.html" target="_blank">http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2013/08/caio-terra-seminar-review.html</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-caio-terra.html" target="_blank">http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-with-caio-terra.html</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-74235223512797935642014-11-18T06:02:00.001-06:002014-11-18T06:02:09.825-06:00Robson Moura Brown Belt Requirement 2.0 DVD Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSJHDHa_Q4jpwfcp5Tjv-AYnY-cQPJHEyh3XsANjQ0hwXBaCMb_dex0mrDmRbMF4pgbv_Idi2g0CXeAl7S_pvf1fU34S4ZO-uPHPqhFTW8VURzOVDu9DlrxFb0h1rJLQAb3_eTHHzJr0I/s1600/Req2Brown-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSJHDHa_Q4jpwfcp5Tjv-AYnY-cQPJHEyh3XsANjQ0hwXBaCMb_dex0mrDmRbMF4pgbv_Idi2g0CXeAl7S_pvf1fU34S4ZO-uPHPqhFTW8VURzOVDu9DlrxFb0h1rJLQAb3_eTHHzJr0I/s1600/Req2Brown-2T.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the purple to brown belt requirements DVD and his second offering of a similar series now dubbed 2.0. The DVD features Robson Moura and his black belt Jeff Mitchell. The beginning of the video is worth a minute to watch and reflect on Robson's opinion about being a brown belt and working on the transition to black belt. <br />
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"To me brown belt is one step to be a black belt and you must be able to put all the pieces and combinations together. You don't want to be a black belt and continue making the same mistakes. At brown belt level you really have to begin putting everything all together. At brown belt you really have to fix all the gaps, the problems to make everything flow and be ready for the black belt level."<br />
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Let me preface by saying that this instructional isn't the typical, here's a move, then another, then another. Robson and Jeff both discuss options and commonly encountered issues with nearly all the moves which gives it a natural feel and provides a nice flow. <br />
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<b>1a. Combination Attacks in Full (Closed Guard)</b><br />
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In this section Robson shows one of his favorite ways to set up the omoplata. He likes to utilize a same side sleeve grip for the targeted shoulder and pivots his body in order to create the lock on the shoulder. Here he shows some nice details on how to break down his opponent and finish the shoulder lock.<br />
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He moves on to show an alternative back-take option when he cannot break his opponent's posture from the omoplata position and finishes with a choke. <br />
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There is a third option (armbar) when your opponent tries to use the typical shoulder roll to relieve the shoulder lock pressure that is also very sneaky. <br />
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<b>2a. Countering Stand-Up Full Guard Pass</b><br />
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I really like this series which features the opponent standing up while in the closed guard. Rather than forcing to keep the guard closed Robson uses a slick transition by over-hooking the outside leg (similar to an ankle lock) and moving into X-guard. From the X-guard position Robson shows a sweep based on posture control landing in knee on belly/side mount. An armbar option is also shown as he finishes the sweep. <br />
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<b>2b. Countering Stand-Up Full Guard Pass (continued)</b><br />
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Robson shows two additional sweep options when he cannot control his opponents posture via the lapel. <br />
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<b>3a. Spider Guard Front Side Pass</b><br />
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Robson begins showing how to deal with the spider guard while his opponent has a lasso and bicep control. He likes to utilize a low base with forward pressure to remove the bicep grip. He transitions with a knee over pass to finish. This is a great pass for those that prefer to pass low and/or on the knees.<br />
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<b>3b. Spider Guard Backside Pass</b><br />
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Robson focuses on smashing the legs together in a leg drag fashion. This is a variation I have not seen before. It appears to create a nice opportunity to take the back of the opponent. He is essentially faking a guard pass to the conventional side and switching to the opposite side to complete the movement. <br />
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<b>4a. Foot Locks</b><br />
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If you have seen Robson's 93 Guard then this will look familiar. Robson begins in the half guard and utilizes his 93 Guard to sweep his opponent. From here he attacks for an ankle lock on the sweeping side rather than coming up to complete the pass/sweep. <br />
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<b>4b. Foot Locks (continued)</b><br />
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Straight ankle lock escapes are covered utilizing lapel control, clearing the leg and sitting up into a dominant position courtesy of Jeff Mitchell. <br />
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<b>4c. Foot Locks (continued)</b><br />
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Robson adds one of his preferred methods of escaping the ankle lock. <br />
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<b>5a. Countering Single Leg to Back Take</b><br />
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This is an excellent opportunity to take back of opponent attacking a single leg while they are ground on the knees. It is particularly effective if you cannot sprawl hard enough to remove the grip on your leg. <br />
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<b>5b. Countering Single Leg to Back Take (continued)</b><br />
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Working from the same position Robson shows a shoulder roll that lands his opponent in an omoplata.<br />
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<b>5c. Countering Single Leg to Back Take (continued)</b><br />
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Further exploring options from the single leg attempt Robson shows a darce choke. Lots of details are shown when it is difficult to get the arm deep enough to finish the darce. When this happens there is a great ezekiel choke opportunity that Robson covers. <br />
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To finish things up they have included a nice collection of bloopers that they encountered while shooting the video of techniques which is always amusing. That about sums up the content on this disk. It is not the largest instructional DVD in my library but what it does show is all very good material a lot of which I have never seen before. Nothing too flashy rather technique that seems reasonable for most BJJ practitioners to pull off with some practice. I think that this is a well valued DVD instructional at it's price point of $35 I and feel that most people blue belt to black belt would appreciate the content. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">DVD's & gear can be purchased here:</span><br />
<div>
<a href="http://store.robsonmoura.com/category_s/1517.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">http://store.robsonmoura.com/category_s/1517.htm</span></a><br />
<a href="http://robsonmoura.com/rmnu/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">http://robsonmoura.com/rmnu/</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-23104526427455987762014-10-08T06:54:00.004-05:002014-10-08T07:20:06.649-05:00Get to Know: Bruno Bastos<div style="text-align: left;">
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This is a new section of the blog I am starting that is intended to bring fans of Jiu-Jitsu a little closer to some interesting and talented people in the sport and help promote them. Our first feature will focus on Bruno Bastos originally from Rio de Janeiro. Bruno and his family live out in Midland, TX and run a very successful gym along with affiliates located just east in the Dallas area. Bruno Bastos has had a positive impact bringing his brand of Jiu-Jitsu to our State and can regularly be seen on the podium at most of the larger IBJJF events. In addition to competing he has developed many World Champions at various ranks. </div>
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<b>When did you start training?</b></div>
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<i>-I started training young. I was 10 years old.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>When did you receive your Black Belt and from whom?</b></div>
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<i>-I received my Black Belt from Professor Wendell Alexander
when I was 20 years old. It came after I beat 3 black belts in a Grappling
Tournament. Unforgettable!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<o:p><b>What do you feel a new student should focus on? </b></o:p></div>
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<i>-Focus on simple moves that can be use with Gi, without Gi
and Self Defense situation. That's how I start my students from every age.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What would you change about how you approached training Jiu-Jitsu if you had to go back and start all over again?</b></div>
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<i>-I wouldn't change anything. All the Professors that I had
in my life made me become successful because of the way I learn from them. It
wasn't easy but it was worth for sure!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>How important is competition for development?</b></div>
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<i>-Very important because Life is all about competition with
take a look. You're competing for everything. It's very important understand
wins, loses and how to be competitive in a competitive World.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>How do you feel about students cross-training at other gyms?</b></div>
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<i>-I'm not a fan maybe because I learned on the old school
way but I never tell me students to don't do it because end of the day, they
will prove to other that my job is well done and from that I'm able to receive
visitors who can become my students once learn from me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>How do you feel about supplementing training with other forms of physical activity such as lifting weights, crossfit, running, swimming, etc?</b></div>
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<i>-You must do extra work if you want to have athlete life
style. So it's important for sure. But if that's not your goal(be an athlete),
than I believe it isn't necessary. Sure better shape you have, easier gonna be
the process, but lot people don't have time because of work, college, family,
etc...<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bBNjk91cKoA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBNjk91cKoA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBNjk91cKoA</a>)</div>
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<b>Do you feel like BJJ is becoming watered down due to the ease of people uploading instructional videos on sites like YouTube?</b></div>
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<i>-Not at all. I think videos are very welcome for
Professors, Coaches and Students. You can use that to study Jiu-Jitsu BUT
remember that you must training to learn and that you gonna find some trash
fancy moves online.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What are your thoughts on rolling versus drilling?</b></div>
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<i>-For me there is no rolling versus drilling since both are
very important on the learning process. People talk about this just to get attention
on my point of view.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Do you use supplements? How do you stay healthy?</b></div>
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<i>-I use when I train very hard for competitions so
it helps me to recovery during the day once I still have conditioning, classes
to teach and the most important: Take care my family. So that said, I try to
balance my diet but not been paranoid at all. After 24 years of Jiu-Jitsu (most
of them just training, dieting and competing), I deserve enjoy food the way I
want lol<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What do you recommend for training preparation?</b></div>
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<i>-Weight Lifting and Cardio done with good Personal
Trainer. The training going to be done for YOU. Everyone is different, so I
don't like conditioning classes for athletes. Again: I'm talking about
athletes! If you're not athlete, than any extra work that you do, like
Crossfit, running, etc...going to help you.</i></div>
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<o:p>Bruno breaks down fundamental 50/50 guard pass </o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Saahp1lFzb4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<o:p>(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Saahp1lFzb4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Saahp1lFzb4</a>)</o:p></div>
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<b>Do you think wrestling and judo are important? </b></div>
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<i>-That's necessary on my point of view for you be
complete. In my school you have all that and from high level Coaches for Judo
& Wrestling that are competing Jiu-Jitsu(successfully), so they understand
the transitions between sports, plus they have excellent resume on their own
sports.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>As an instructor, what does your training consist of trying to balance teaching versus training?</b></div>
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<i>-Training Jiu-Jitsu 3x week minimum and the same for
Conditioning. Closer to big tournaments I have good team that helps on my
classes so I can train myself more the way it should be done to keep the good
results.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Do you continue to study new (modern) Jiu-Jitsu and how do you go about that? Do you train with other black belts at other gyms, affiliations, etc?</b></div>
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<i>-I study everything about Jiu-Jitsu: New and Old as well.
People forget things... If you come to my school, you'll find myself playing
berimbolo, warm guard, 50/50, etc believe or not...haha! And gonna see as well
the old school style of pressure with no room for the opponent with basic moves
and submissions. </i><i>I do have some friends in other affiliations but when I have
chance to train out of my school, I train with old teammates mostly like Vitor
Shaolin, Robson Moura, Marcelo Pereira, Gustavo Dantas here in the States. When
I go to Brasil, outside of my Association, I've training few times with old
friends like Professor Alexandre Gigi Paiva, Leo Leite, Elan Santiago and
Fernando Terere.</i></div>
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<b>What is the worst injury you have experienced while training?</b></div>
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<i>-Nothing in training but full separation of my shoulder
while I was competing against Cyborg Abreu at the 2012 IBJJF Dallas Open. It
was bad and I was winning... but everything has a reason right? I was out for
almost 4 months.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Is there anything interesting you would like to say about yourself or any opinions you have on the current state of Jiu-Jitsu?</b></div>
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<i>-About myself I believe that I'm just hard worker and
because of this I could get good recognition. About the current state of BJJ,
it's growing a lot still(with LOT room to keep that process). One very
important thing now is that the black belts gonna have to qualify in order to
compete at IBJJF Worlds. It's necessary and very positive step for the sport.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/llcxdm5QV4k" width="459"></iframe><br />
(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llcxdm5QV4k" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llcxdm5QV4k</a>)<br />
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Now for my personal connection with Bruno. The gym I train out of is a Robson Moura affiliated gym. Because of their friendship and ties to Nova Uniao we were fortunate enough to have training opportunities with Bruno and his students. He regularly brings in talented people to train like Marcio Andre, Claudia Gadelha, Horlando Monteiro, Luan Carvalho, Daniel "Jacare" Almedia, and of course his talented brother, Rico Bastos. You can regularly see UFC fighters dropping in for training at BJJ Bastos Midland the likes of Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal and Paul Buentello. If you have the opportunity to train with Bruno I highly recommend it. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Links:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.bastosbjjmidland.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bastosbjjmidland.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/bruno-bastos" target="_blank">http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/bruno-bastos</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bruno.bastos.353" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/bruno.bastos.353</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2013/07/who-have-you-trained-with.html" target="_blank">http://ifightinpajamas.blogspot.com/2013/07/who-have-you-trained-with.html</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-55521635180002824872014-09-30T06:55:00.001-05:002014-09-30T14:08:11.471-05:00De-Worming the Worm Guard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Lc0gW4CBuwqgx68cksdLU4efLYnhBFRgFu52UebVpgCNGw1NiCrtEbBE9CUoV3eKnZN9koJvocx2nZepLJhMGmG93_-PBBg_0ZkMI97UGiUlWFQy_GeiPLbzzCiyYiM6NHjeUyfoI63/s1600/worm+guard+defense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Lc0gW4CBuwqgx68cksdLU4efLYnhBFRgFu52UebVpgCNGw1NiCrtEbBE9CUoV3eKnZN9koJvocx2nZepLJhMGmG93_-PBBg_0ZkMI97UGiUlWFQy_GeiPLbzzCiyYiM6NHjeUyfoI63/s1600/worm+guard+defense.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The rising popularity of the Worm Guard has made the Jiu-Jitsu world take notice. We can thank Keenan Cornelius for the boom in competitors utilizing this guard in competitions. Thankfully we are finally starting to see some technique videos popping up showing how to prevent, pass, and even counter this tricky guard. I am a firm believer that you don't have to be a fan of any particular guard but it is important to understand it enough to be able to defend against it. <u>That being said, studying the offensive side of this guard will help you understand defense even more than just working on the counters.</u> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEIwrT7o03HsgfMbIoz9PmWRctqzQ-SY85QKvDIpcu0ZDuznhCQsVYVhliqTD-kU47-2Drs3UrGx5aMP14D-jNKK8LKS7mvIEputkcXec8WVsjWyaDQQK0MDM_4AJxhF6vGw2-bTqlqjC/s1600/bj+franklin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEIwrT7o03HsgfMbIoz9PmWRctqzQ-SY85QKvDIpcu0ZDuznhCQsVYVhliqTD-kU47-2Drs3UrGx5aMP14D-jNKK8LKS7mvIEputkcXec8WVsjWyaDQQK0MDM_4AJxhF6vGw2-bTqlqjC/s1600/bj+franklin.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
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While that quote is so true...in the event that you DO ALLOW your opponent to establish the lapel control they need to set up the worm guard you need to be familiar with methods to regain that lapel control and focus on passing the guard. </div>
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Isaac Doederlein, Cobrinha brown belt, shows a really cool way to neutralize the Worm Guard and turn it into a back-tack opportunity. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/a2bM1GksF94?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2bM1GksF94" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2bM1GksF94</a>)</div>
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Here, multi-time World Champion Rodolfo Vieira shows how to pass the worm guard with a pressure pass type of approach. <br />
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6dUxlhbO_8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6dUxlhbO_8</a>)</div>
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I would be remiss to not post BJJ Scout's videos here. He does some excellent work! There are a variety of counters and concepts in these two videos. </div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/WYkqZkxv_ZA/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WYkqZkxv_ZA&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WYkqZkxv_ZA&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYkqZkxv_ZA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYkqZkxv_ZA</a>)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tSh0OfdSkWE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSh0OfdSkWE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSh0OfdSkWE</a>)</div>
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I have found that the worm guard is 100% dependent on lapel grip control. Because of this it seems that the most effective way (at least for me) to defend against it is to address the grips. This is particularly true if the grips have been established and your base has been compromised or threatened...they have progressed if you will deep into the guard. I have spent more time playing with the offensive side of this guard but recently started working on defense/counters. My advice so far is:</div>
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1. Defend the lapel!</div>
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2. In the event the lapel control is established...focus on your base!</div>
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3. Try and square up to your opponent as much as possible to eliminate the angle they need to sweep</div>
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4. Dominate/control their own lapel and use it against them to remove THEIR grip on your lapel. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-1828550731017801302014-09-26T06:04:00.001-05:002014-09-26T07:21:04.005-05:00Watch Keenan Roll with 7 Black Belts (No Rest)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VdCsuSAaIW4uwzEHBN2KQf_8F2SKj-XIm1QIq1WuU3mqyaceSzGZk8qaCrPxDhlkEp-eRIN42Nudw0pEowYfKnBtuwV6v3Q80f77RJ72g0ljf2vfW93_ol5QiyUiL_HYCXquDpKAjBP2/s1600/keenan+seminar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VdCsuSAaIW4uwzEHBN2KQf_8F2SKj-XIm1QIq1WuU3mqyaceSzGZk8qaCrPxDhlkEp-eRIN42Nudw0pEowYfKnBtuwV6v3Q80f77RJ72g0ljf2vfW93_ol5QiyUiL_HYCXquDpKAjBP2/s1600/keenan+seminar.jpg" height="167" width="400" /></a></div>
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So Keenan is in Denmark for a seminar (BJJ Globetrotters Fall Camp) this week...that's right there are 151 people in attendance! I once attended a Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti seminar once and thought that was a big seminar. I'm not sure what the BJJ culture is like in Denmark but clearly they know a superstar when he visits. After watching the first couple of rolls I can relate to how those black belts must feel. I've had the pleasure of being dismantled by really good grapplers like Robson Moura and Sean Roberts. It's kind of like a regular human vs a superstar. A good reminder of the difference between a regular, everyday grappler and a professional. Who doesn't dream about being able to effortlessly handle black belts like this? <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nXjPKwU1hZs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXjPKwU1hZs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXjPKwU1hZs</a>) </div>
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Visit Keenan's website to purchase his 5 disk DVD set: <a href="http://keenan-cornelius.com/" target="_blank">http://keenan-cornelius.com/</a></div>
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You can also see what he offers for free on his YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgkTBcGRHlRQUVsxoesKBA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgkTBcGRHlRQUVsxoesKBA</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511130887607695974.post-58672477899064982942014-09-25T19:16:00.003-05:002014-09-25T19:29:01.679-05:00Flashback Friday Match: Andre Pederneiras vs Rumina Sato (MMA)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUjgBtzFd3wC9sn0N_CcyYaYBUFUBCoqHUhyphenhyphenUr5h1jhEWrmPChqJwmRV95IqqRJt0UqhesPruCd4xBT1JQDlu8uyFMBRdrl-Yux75rrTrOegQt_4IMW13KbHTiHlS3qlFStlC4VyVpDR3/s1600/Nova-Uniao-logo-300x295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUjgBtzFd3wC9sn0N_CcyYaYBUFUBCoqHUhyphenhyphenUr5h1jhEWrmPChqJwmRV95IqqRJt0UqhesPruCd4xBT1JQDlu8uyFMBRdrl-Yux75rrTrOegQt_4IMW13KbHTiHlS3qlFStlC4VyVpDR3/s1600/Nova-Uniao-logo-300x295.jpg" height="175" width="400" /></a></div>
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I generally don't post MMA fights on the blog but felt like there should be exceptions particularly when it involves someone that has had a massive impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you don't know Andre Pederneiras (also known as "Dede") then you probably know some of the high level grapplers or MMA fighters he has had a hand in training. </div>
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Notable black belts and MMA fighters:</div>
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1. Robson Moura</div>
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2. BJ Penn</div>
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3. Renan Barao</div>
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4. Jose Aldo</div>
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5. Gustavo Dantas</div>
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6. Vitor Ribeiro</div>
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7. John Lewis</div>
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8. Marcus Aurelio</div>
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9. Renato Verissimo</div>
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10. Thales Leites</div>
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Andre Pederneiras was originally award his black belt by Carlson Gracie when he was 22 years old. After starting his own gym he became frustrated with his teams inability to be competitive for team points at tournaments. His team was almost always outnumbered by the likes of Gracie Barra and Carlson Gracie Team. Andre befriended Wendell Alexander, another black belt, in a similar situation. Together they formed Nova Uniao which means "new union." Andre began to focus on MMA and compiled a professional record of 1 win, 1 loss, & 2 draws. Eventually Andre turned his focus towards training MMA fighters leaving Wendell Alexander in charge of the Jiu-Jitsu side of Nova Uniao. </div>
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Here is a great fight between Andre Pederneiras and Rumina Sato at Vale Tudo Japan 1998 which was Andre's professional debut in MMA. Very good fight with a spectacular ending. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2B2BKsEsG04?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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(Link for mobile users: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2BKsEsG04#t=365" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2BKsEsG04#t=365</a>)<br />
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<b>Source Credits:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/" target="_blank">www.bjjheroes.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andre-Pederneiras-227" target="_blank">http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andre-Pederneiras-227</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00577185993405303138noreply@blogger.com0