Jiu Jitsu discussion / complete beginner!
Discussion
Post for posterity! tomorrow marks 2 years since my first class (I've posted today since I have a class tonight). A brief summary since starting BJJ:
The good:
1 belt promotion (white to blue, November 2017)
1 bronze, 2 silver and 1 gold medal (all at white)
Average 2 to 3 sessions per week
Assisting with teaching kids classes
Hardest exercise I've ever done
Confidence to walk into any BJJ club in the world and quickly feel at home
99% of people I've met across clubs and competitions
Emotional ups
The bad:
Numerous black eyes (although I don't completely mind these)
Buggered fingers
Broken toe
Knackered knees
Countless aches and pains
Emotional downs
Onto the next 2 years. Goal for the next to years is to have 2 stripes on my belt and be well on my way to Purple.
The good:
1 belt promotion (white to blue, November 2017)
1 bronze, 2 silver and 1 gold medal (all at white)
Average 2 to 3 sessions per week
Assisting with teaching kids classes
Hardest exercise I've ever done
Confidence to walk into any BJJ club in the world and quickly feel at home
99% of people I've met across clubs and competitions
Emotional ups
The bad:
Numerous black eyes (although I don't completely mind these)
Buggered fingers
Broken toe
Knackered knees
Countless aches and pains
Emotional downs
Onto the next 2 years. Goal for the next to years is to have 2 stripes on my belt and be well on my way to Purple.
Another month of training in the bag. Weight is dropping (soon be sub 100 kg and back into the super heavy category) although I'm plagued at the minute by a stiff lower back, aggravated by going back into my dead lift routine too heavy.
Being a stone lighter is already paying dividends on the mat, combined with a couple of cardio sessions p/week its coming good. Certainly feel like I'm hanging with the more experienced blue belts during rolls.
Other than that not a lot to report, still training regularly.
Hows everyone getting on?
Being a stone lighter is already paying dividends on the mat, combined with a couple of cardio sessions p/week its coming good. Certainly feel like I'm hanging with the more experienced blue belts during rolls.
Other than that not a lot to report, still training regularly.
Hows everyone getting on?
Hi Tony,
I'm not registered for the British...yet. Truth be told I'm not confident of entering it given my current weight and experience at blue so I may sit this one out and go for some of the smaller competitions.
My daughter also isn't paying much attention to the British either, so she'll probably do the same. It's a full day out for what could be a single match, not to mention the need for me to be there on two consecutive days (kids saturday, blue belts sunday).
So yeh, theres my excuses and I'm sticking to them
In other news, Judo tonight...should be fun.
I'm not registered for the British...yet. Truth be told I'm not confident of entering it given my current weight and experience at blue so I may sit this one out and go for some of the smaller competitions.
My daughter also isn't paying much attention to the British either, so she'll probably do the same. It's a full day out for what could be a single match, not to mention the need for me to be there on two consecutive days (kids saturday, blue belts sunday).
So yeh, theres my excuses and I'm sticking to them
In other news, Judo tonight...should be fun.
Wee monthly update. It's been a difficult one and my training has been sporadic due to studying for my final MSc exam and my lower back injury taking longer than expected to heal (I managed to pull it again mid-sparring). However, I'm pleased to say that its now fixed and I've had my exam so I can get back to some level of normality and consistency.
My back seems to be just about better and time away from the mats has even allowed my knees to recover...although my toe is still problematic I'll work through that one.
Definitely not doing the British now as my daughter has a cheer leading competition that weekend, as I said previously I'm not upset by this but it has motivated me to get geared up to do smaller competitions over the summer.
As for the jits, I'm starting to play alot more open guard such as Lasso and De La Riva.....it often goes wrong and I get passed but if I don't start to do it now its going to be much more difficult at the higher belt levels to learn and I want to expand my go-to techniques rather than constrain them.
May is 6 months since my Blue Belt....where did that go!
Edited to add - Weight now at 102kg - 10.5kg overall loss since March.
My back seems to be just about better and time away from the mats has even allowed my knees to recover...although my toe is still problematic I'll work through that one.
Definitely not doing the British now as my daughter has a cheer leading competition that weekend, as I said previously I'm not upset by this but it has motivated me to get geared up to do smaller competitions over the summer.
As for the jits, I'm starting to play alot more open guard such as Lasso and De La Riva.....it often goes wrong and I get passed but if I don't start to do it now its going to be much more difficult at the higher belt levels to learn and I want to expand my go-to techniques rather than constrain them.
May is 6 months since my Blue Belt....where did that go!
Edited to add - Weight now at 102kg - 10.5kg overall loss since March.
Just catching up on this
Pete > glad to see you're still going and your game is progressing. congratulations on the weight loss
I've been a blue for a year now and got my first stripe last week
about 3 weeks ago i did the Allstars BJJ comp in Manchester and entered 4 categories and did the best I've done in a while and got my first Gi Gold, the match i lost in the absolute was actually my favourite one of the day
Gi - Blue Masters Medium Heavy = Gold
No Gi - Blue Adults Medium Heavy = Gold
Np Gi - Blue Adults Absolute = Bronze
No Gi - Purple Super Heavy = Gold
Had a great No-Gi seminar with Ben Poppleton last night with some great details on the top half guard position, really was superb stuff and yet again showed how after 11 years in the game I still have loads to learn
Did anyone do the British Open?
Pete > glad to see you're still going and your game is progressing. congratulations on the weight loss
I've been a blue for a year now and got my first stripe last week
about 3 weeks ago i did the Allstars BJJ comp in Manchester and entered 4 categories and did the best I've done in a while and got my first Gi Gold, the match i lost in the absolute was actually my favourite one of the day
Gi - Blue Masters Medium Heavy = Gold
No Gi - Blue Adults Medium Heavy = Gold
Np Gi - Blue Adults Absolute = Bronze
No Gi - Purple Super Heavy = Gold
Had a great No-Gi seminar with Ben Poppleton last night with some great details on the top half guard position, really was superb stuff and yet again showed how after 11 years in the game I still have loads to learn
Did anyone do the British Open?
Great effort, well done.
My lad competed for the 2nd time, showed some guts and we were pleased with how he did in only his 2nd competition against much more experienced competition, losing his fight to an arm bar. All grey belts are grouped together so him being a new grey/white belt he has almost 2 years less experience than the grey/black opponent. He got a bronze so he's pleased with himself.
He had to defend much more than he is used to and couldn't cope in the end giving the other lad an opening that he took, but with more mat time and work on his takedowns/takedown defence he will hopefully progress nicely. Link for anybody interested https://youtu.be/U-PqEn0rN_A
I got my 4th white belt stripe last week, still plugging away at my low level but only managing once a week lately due to other commitments. Still enjoying it and making more mates so all good.
My lad competed for the 2nd time, showed some guts and we were pleased with how he did in only his 2nd competition against much more experienced competition, losing his fight to an arm bar. All grey belts are grouped together so him being a new grey/white belt he has almost 2 years less experience than the grey/black opponent. He got a bronze so he's pleased with himself.
He had to defend much more than he is used to and couldn't cope in the end giving the other lad an opening that he took, but with more mat time and work on his takedowns/takedown defence he will hopefully progress nicely. Link for anybody interested https://youtu.be/U-PqEn0rN_A
I got my 4th white belt stripe last week, still plugging away at my low level but only managing once a week lately due to other commitments. Still enjoying it and making more mates so all good.
Enjoyed watching that Tony, your lad did well, especially the first arm bar escape when he managed to end up on top.
If i were to suggest any areas for him to focus on to improve his game I'd have a look at being more compact with his limbs, and to keep all of them active and working together i.e. when in the bottom half guard his legs are quite open and not active in helping him in the position, he could engage them more to manipulate the posture or to make space etc which would enable him to then get ahead on his hand grips as his opponent would have to be respecting what was going on on with the leg and hip manipulation. it's much easier to say than do but it really is a thing that helps people really increase their level once they can use more of their body/limbs working together in each position. I'm sure with him starting from such a young age he'll be awesome if he sticks at it
If i were to suggest any areas for him to focus on to improve his game I'd have a look at being more compact with his limbs, and to keep all of them active and working together i.e. when in the bottom half guard his legs are quite open and not active in helping him in the position, he could engage them more to manipulate the posture or to make space etc which would enable him to then get ahead on his hand grips as his opponent would have to be respecting what was going on on with the leg and hip manipulation. it's much easier to say than do but it really is a thing that helps people really increase their level once they can use more of their body/limbs working together in each position. I'm sure with him starting from such a young age he'll be awesome if he sticks at it
Awesome Tony, really please for your lad, I'll watch the video later.
BRR - Again, absolutely cracking effort pal. I haven't done an Allstar event yet (last one in Manc for me was BJJ 24/7) but I'm eyeing up Roll Models in Stoke around July time providing I can get and remain healthy.
At the moment it seems to be injury after injury after injury. Rolling last week one of the bigger lads in the gym (19 stone) went Knee on Ribs on me causing a noticable 'pop' and immediate chest pain. A bit of home googling (because that always ends up well!) suggests something along the lines of an intercostal separation (cartilage / rib interface has slipped). Its been getting better over the past few days and I'm going to lightly drill tonight and see how it goes.
Any sort of lifting has been out of the question so I've taken up running, sticking to between 5 and 7k for now but its manageable and should preserve some fitness.
Still, super frustrating that I seem to fix one bit of damage and then end up with more.
BRR - Again, absolutely cracking effort pal. I haven't done an Allstar event yet (last one in Manc for me was BJJ 24/7) but I'm eyeing up Roll Models in Stoke around July time providing I can get and remain healthy.
At the moment it seems to be injury after injury after injury. Rolling last week one of the bigger lads in the gym (19 stone) went Knee on Ribs on me causing a noticable 'pop' and immediate chest pain. A bit of home googling (because that always ends up well!) suggests something along the lines of an intercostal separation (cartilage / rib interface has slipped). Its been getting better over the past few days and I'm going to lightly drill tonight and see how it goes.
Any sort of lifting has been out of the question so I've taken up running, sticking to between 5 and 7k for now but its manageable and should preserve some fitness.
Still, super frustrating that I seem to fix one bit of damage and then end up with more.
Pete102 said:
Awesome Tony, really please for your lad, I'll watch the video later.
BRR - Again, absolutely cracking effort pal. I haven't done an Allstar event yet (last one in Manc for me was BJJ 24/7) but I'm eyeing up Roll Models in Stoke around July time providing I can get and remain healthy.
At the moment it seems to be injury after injury after injury. Rolling last week one of the bigger lads in the gym (19 stone) went Knee on Ribs on me causing a noticable 'pop' and immediate chest pain. A bit of home googling (because that always ends up well!) suggests something along the lines of an intercostal separation (cartilage / rib interface has slipped). Its been getting better over the past few days and I'm going to lightly drill tonight and see how it goes.
Any sort of lifting has been out of the question so I've taken up running, sticking to between 5 and 7k for now but its manageable and should preserve some fitness.
Still, super frustrating that I seem to fix one bit of damage and then end up with more.
Sorry to hear of the injury, certainly sounds like an intercostal, when i've had that injury previously it has typically taken 4-6 weeks until i can roll properly again 2-3 weeks for light drilling. just be careful with bridging or motions that twist the coreBRR - Again, absolutely cracking effort pal. I haven't done an Allstar event yet (last one in Manc for me was BJJ 24/7) but I'm eyeing up Roll Models in Stoke around July time providing I can get and remain healthy.
At the moment it seems to be injury after injury after injury. Rolling last week one of the bigger lads in the gym (19 stone) went Knee on Ribs on me causing a noticable 'pop' and immediate chest pain. A bit of home googling (because that always ends up well!) suggests something along the lines of an intercostal separation (cartilage / rib interface has slipped). Its been getting better over the past few days and I'm going to lightly drill tonight and see how it goes.
Any sort of lifting has been out of the question so I've taken up running, sticking to between 5 and 7k for now but its manageable and should preserve some fitness.
Still, super frustrating that I seem to fix one bit of damage and then end up with more.
all being well with training I should be competing at Roll Models so may see you there
BRR said:
Sorry to hear of the injury, certainly sounds like an intercostal, when i've had that injury previously it has typically taken 4-6 weeks until i can roll properly again 2-3 weeks for light drilling. just be careful with bridging or motions that twist the core
all being well with training I should be competing at Roll Models so may see you there
Roll Models is looking more and more likely now (bit of a group of us going down) so might be a good opportunity to put a face to a name. all being well with training I should be competing at Roll Models so may see you there
Had a very light session last night covering 3 or 4 standing guard passes followed by drills and then some light rolling with a coupe of the less intense white belts. Had a small amount of discomfort but nothing too bad - I guess the injury isn't as bad as first thought but I'll still need to be careful,
All being well I should be entering Roll Models at <95kg which will be a first for me (usually compete at either super or ultra heavy) - weighed in this morning at 100.7 kg with a consistant 1 kg / week loss.
Tony Angelino said:
Great effort, well done.
My lad competed for the 2nd time, showed some guts and we were pleased with how he did in only his 2nd competition against much more experienced competition, losing his fight to an arm bar. All grey belts are grouped together so him being a new grey/white belt he has almost 2 years less experience than the grey/black opponent. He got a bronze so he's pleased with himself.
He had to defend much more than he is used to and couldn't cope in the end giving the other lad an opening that he took, but with more mat time and work on his takedowns/takedown defence he will hopefully progress nicely. Link for anybody interested https://youtu.be/U-PqEn0rN_A
I got my 4th white belt stripe last week, still plugging away at my low level but only managing once a week lately due to other commitments. Still enjoying it and making more mates so all good.
Just watched the match Tony, your lad did himself proud there. Really good arm bar escape early on and it looks like he has a really good bridge / bump, using it at the right times as well. My lad competed for the 2nd time, showed some guts and we were pleased with how he did in only his 2nd competition against much more experienced competition, losing his fight to an arm bar. All grey belts are grouped together so him being a new grey/white belt he has almost 2 years less experience than the grey/black opponent. He got a bronze so he's pleased with himself.
He had to defend much more than he is used to and couldn't cope in the end giving the other lad an opening that he took, but with more mat time and work on his takedowns/takedown defence he will hopefully progress nicely. Link for anybody interested https://youtu.be/U-PqEn0rN_A
I got my 4th white belt stripe last week, still plugging away at my low level but only managing once a week lately due to other commitments. Still enjoying it and making more mates so all good.
I see he falls naturally into the half guard position (I do this alot), once he learns to go underhook and deep half with his head and hips below his opponents he should find it really effective to come out of the back door / sweep.
Just wondering whether you guys had learned this one yet?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDbBeug2nk/?taken-by=...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDbBeug2nk/?taken-by=...
Turns out my rib injury was more likely a costochondral separation judging by how long its taken to heal. For those that are wondering it happens when a rib separates from the sternum at the costochondral cartilage joints.
I tried to train through it but it was severely limiting my movement and intensity so I made the call to take a few weeks off the mat. Back on it tonight so we will see how it goes - being injured sucks!
I tried to train through it but it was severely limiting my movement and intensity so I made the call to take a few weeks off the mat. Back on it tonight so we will see how it goes - being injured sucks!
Pete102 said:
Turns out my rib injury was more likely a costochondral separation judging by how long its taken to heal. For those that are wondering it happens when a rib separates from the sternum at the costochondral cartilage joints.
I tried to train through it but it was severely limiting my movement and intensity so I made the call to take a few weeks off the mat. Back on it tonight so we will see how it goes - being injured sucks!
Glad you're back on the mats pal, obviously goes without saying to take it steady. I'm enjoying things at the moment and have been doing a few open mats, my engine is getting better week by week even if my technique isn't!I tried to train through it but it was severely limiting my movement and intensity so I made the call to take a few weeks off the mat. Back on it tonight so we will see how it goes - being injured sucks!
Manchester next week for the lad!
Thanks Tony. Actually ended up having a really good session last night, guard breaking. I 'felt' my rib but it wasn't causing me any issues if that makes sense? Good luck in Manchester (for your lad - I'm assuming you're not competing?)
Should be back up to full speed next Wednesday. Funny you should mention cardio, I've been doing alot more running lately which seems to really help me not gassing out so much.
Also, I'm officially out of the Ultra-heavy category! weighed in last night at 99kg although I don't want to stay in super-heavy, ideally 90 - 95kg
Should be back up to full speed next Wednesday. Funny you should mention cardio, I've been doing alot more running lately which seems to really help me not gassing out so much.
Also, I'm officially out of the Ultra-heavy category! weighed in last night at 99kg although I don't want to stay in super-heavy, ideally 90 - 95kg
Glad you're on the mend Pete. In the last few weeks my updates are that i'm now up to 3 stripes on my blue, had a great seminar with Mauricio Gomes on saturday then was cornering at some grappling thing in Liverpool on the night which was a great show and included an epic match between Jack grant and Ross Nichols and I've signed up Roll Models in a few weeks time
Ahhh you was at the Figure 4 promotion? I watched it on PPV. Jack actually trains at DMAC (same club as me) and he lives in the same town as me (my coach was cornering him) - he's very very good (as you saw Friday night) - well above the purple belt he currently has!! but also a super nice guy.
Another friend of mine was also on that card, first fight on (Ollie). We started training at about the same time.
As things transpired I managed to get a session in Tuesday and Wednesday night, no issues with the rib so all good. Back on the mats Friday (feeling it today a little) but weight sitting at 98.3, I'll hit 95 before long.
I'm in one of those peaks of training, things appear to be working, I'm not getting swept an awful lot and holding my own (even caught a foot lock last night against one of the purple belts). Theres whispers of stripes coming up but I'll just keep turning up and hope for the best (had my BB 7 months now).
Another friend of mine was also on that card, first fight on (Ollie). We started training at about the same time.
As things transpired I managed to get a session in Tuesday and Wednesday night, no issues with the rib so all good. Back on the mats Friday (feeling it today a little) but weight sitting at 98.3, I'll hit 95 before long.
I'm in one of those peaks of training, things appear to be working, I'm not getting swept an awful lot and holding my own (even caught a foot lock last night against one of the purple belts). Theres whispers of stripes coming up but I'll just keep turning up and hope for the best (had my BB 7 months now).
Is anyone interested in my old buy clean gi's? Im not going to be able to train BJJ again (shoulder surgery) and so they are just in the draw taking up space.
IM 5'9/10 and around 80kg, so not sure what size that is as the labels gone.
Ones a Faixa Rua (black) and one is a white judo Mizuno (that might have shrunk abit).
Not sure on the worth though or if theres a market for them?
IM 5'9/10 and around 80kg, so not sure what size that is as the labels gone.
Ones a Faixa Rua (black) and one is a white judo Mizuno (that might have shrunk abit).
Not sure on the worth though or if theres a market for them?
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