Jiu Jitsu discussion / complete beginner!
Discussion
Tony - of course pal, I'll put a post up Saturday night detailed what we covered.
Quite looking forward to the choke seminar since I seem to be continually put in some form of choke by my opponents, mostly uncomfortable but sometimes submission - with my own gi, the shame.
Slightly unrelated note, I'm in London on the 11th June (wife and daughter are going to the summer time ball thingy at wembley). I didnt fancy it so have a full afternoon of nothingness - any recommendations for suitable BJJ academy classes or seminars going on in the area?
Quite looking forward to the choke seminar since I seem to be continually put in some form of choke by my opponents, mostly uncomfortable but sometimes submission - with my own gi, the shame.
Slightly unrelated note, I'm in London on the 11th June (wife and daughter are going to the summer time ball thingy at wembley). I didnt fancy it so have a full afternoon of nothingness - any recommendations for suitable BJJ academy classes or seminars going on in the area?
The last three posts have been incredible reading, thanks guys. I'll address each one in turn.
Tony - As I mentioned previously, I'm a sucker for getting choked and an area that I'm sure I'll see some improvement in (both defense and offense). I'm planning on taking a little notebook over the weekend to make sure I capture the key points and work on them during club sessions over the coming week.
Ben - Really appreciate the guidance and I don't find the post patronizing at all. Something I've been trying to stay on top of is not becoming 'that guy' . You know the one who watches all of the you tube video's, reads all the books, talks BJJ 24/7 despite having very little experience thinks he is a BJJ master off the back of a few lessons. Referring to the 'journey' (sorry!) this is little more than the first step for me.
Your point regarding training with complete newbies I can completely relate to and I think this is possibly what makes BJJ so effective against untrained opponents. When I had chance to train in China I was paired with a newbie (2 sessions in) for a sweep / sub drill. Thinking back I remember applying an Americana from half guard successfully, whereas an opponent with even a basic experience of rolling will know not to expose arm position like that so easily.
The diagram you posted up works on quite a few levels for me, be it the concept of BJJ as a whole or even individual techniques. For instance, since the triangle choke class I've basically spent the last 4 days or so repping this movement in my head but still questioning myself on the sequence or positioning. As point out, I'm probably somewhere between Conscious incompetence and Conscious competence! - and yes it does bother me!
Fred - Not alot to add to your post other than I've started Yoga myself (which the wife thinks is hilarious being 6ft and 100kg), I'm not the most graceful or flexible but its getting better.
Have a good weekend guys.
Tony - As I mentioned previously, I'm a sucker for getting choked and an area that I'm sure I'll see some improvement in (both defense and offense). I'm planning on taking a little notebook over the weekend to make sure I capture the key points and work on them during club sessions over the coming week.
Ben - Really appreciate the guidance and I don't find the post patronizing at all. Something I've been trying to stay on top of is not becoming 'that guy' . You know the one who watches all of the you tube video's, reads all the books, talks BJJ 24/7 despite having very little experience thinks he is a BJJ master off the back of a few lessons. Referring to the 'journey' (sorry!) this is little more than the first step for me.
Your point regarding training with complete newbies I can completely relate to and I think this is possibly what makes BJJ so effective against untrained opponents. When I had chance to train in China I was paired with a newbie (2 sessions in) for a sweep / sub drill. Thinking back I remember applying an Americana from half guard successfully, whereas an opponent with even a basic experience of rolling will know not to expose arm position like that so easily.
The diagram you posted up works on quite a few levels for me, be it the concept of BJJ as a whole or even individual techniques. For instance, since the triangle choke class I've basically spent the last 4 days or so repping this movement in my head but still questioning myself on the sequence or positioning. As point out, I'm probably somewhere between Conscious incompetence and Conscious competence! - and yes it does bother me!
Fred - Not alot to add to your post other than I've started Yoga myself (which the wife thinks is hilarious being 6ft and 100kg), I'm not the most graceful or flexible but its getting better.
Have a good weekend guys.
Ok, MASSIVE failure on my part to feedback Saturday night on the choke seminar, I can only offer my apologies for this. On the subject of the seminar...
100% pleased with my decision to attend despite my lack of Jiu Jitsu experience. Irrespective of the techniques learnt during the day, the opportunity to see an Professor of the sport demonstrate methods was an honor. He controlled my instructor(s) in a way I've never seen anyone in the club even come close. Calm, collected, low-energy, controlled, to an outsider - absolutely effortless.
Onto the seminar then, day 1 AM session - Gi Choke Mastery. This was all new to me, I've been choked by my own Gi too many times to count so I relished the opportunity to learn both offence and defense techniques. We covered standing collar choke into guard, choke from mount, choke from neck hook (mount and guard). I picked up several tips (apologies they may be obvious!) i.e. shoot the first grip deep, be sneaky in shooting the second grip. If applying the collar choke from neck hook then go for approx 3 - 4" between grips. Regarding the defense of choke we spent a lot of time learning defense from bottom mount not to expose our arms (which could open us up to arm bar, top or bottom triangle choke).
Second day, No Gi Triangle Mastery. I have some knowledge of the triangle choke from an earlier club lesson, that was covered as a warm up then onto a nice little transition from modified mount into top triangle (with or without a roll to apply the lock), also incorporated a variation opening up the opportunity for Arm bar / elbow pressure or inverted arm bar.
As you can probably tell I learnt ALOT from the 2 sessions, I'd have loved to attended the other 2 but I had plans.
Finishing off this update I had a club lesson last night (massive come down after the weekend!). Covered a clinch take down variation (standing on opponents feet and squat into it), not entirely sure how effective this would be in reality as its quite difficult to locate the feet efficiently but a decent enough drill to get down into guard punch protection.
Also spent a fair mount of time working on mount control, efficient use of hooks e.g. not grapevining, control of weight, hand positioning and swimming drills. Quite a 'basic' lesson but more than welcome from my perspective.
Had a roll against a friend of mine, ended even-stevens no sub from either of us. Hes a little more advance than me (2 stripe white) and generally a fit guy so i'm happy with that. Finished the session with another roll against a similarly sized opponent from a club up north (hes working down here for a few months). He also had two stripes on his belt so I was naturally a little apprehensive as to his ability. Earlier in the session he mentioned he'd trained for 2 years on and off so I expected him to smash me all over to be honest.
Not so.
The only way I can describe the roll is one of those times everything comes together, you nail techniques, work efficiently and it just feels great. This was one of those times. Within 30 seconds I had him subbed with a collar choke (learnt over the weekend - thanks Ryron!), couple of minutes into the restart I found an Americana from top half guard. This was after 'almost' nailing a Kimura from top half (a move I learnt in China previously) - unfortunately he managed to block my leg from hooking under his head, either intentionally or just grabbed onto anything moving. There was also quite a bit of time spent on his back, couldn't lock in the RNC due to him flattening out and I 'think' a bow and arrow would be used in that situation (but I don't know it! - yet!).
Prior to the second sub I felt like my control was good (for me) didn't need to be too defensive.
No Jiu Jitsu now until next Wednesday (gah!) due to the British Open - GL to anyone from here who's competing! (I'm not!) then its off to New York for a week. I have some sessions lined up Thursday, Friday and Monday while I'm away to learn techniques from other academies.
Thanks guys!
Pete
100% pleased with my decision to attend despite my lack of Jiu Jitsu experience. Irrespective of the techniques learnt during the day, the opportunity to see an Professor of the sport demonstrate methods was an honor. He controlled my instructor(s) in a way I've never seen anyone in the club even come close. Calm, collected, low-energy, controlled, to an outsider - absolutely effortless.
Onto the seminar then, day 1 AM session - Gi Choke Mastery. This was all new to me, I've been choked by my own Gi too many times to count so I relished the opportunity to learn both offence and defense techniques. We covered standing collar choke into guard, choke from mount, choke from neck hook (mount and guard). I picked up several tips (apologies they may be obvious!) i.e. shoot the first grip deep, be sneaky in shooting the second grip. If applying the collar choke from neck hook then go for approx 3 - 4" between grips. Regarding the defense of choke we spent a lot of time learning defense from bottom mount not to expose our arms (which could open us up to arm bar, top or bottom triangle choke).
Second day, No Gi Triangle Mastery. I have some knowledge of the triangle choke from an earlier club lesson, that was covered as a warm up then onto a nice little transition from modified mount into top triangle (with or without a roll to apply the lock), also incorporated a variation opening up the opportunity for Arm bar / elbow pressure or inverted arm bar.
As you can probably tell I learnt ALOT from the 2 sessions, I'd have loved to attended the other 2 but I had plans.
Finishing off this update I had a club lesson last night (massive come down after the weekend!). Covered a clinch take down variation (standing on opponents feet and squat into it), not entirely sure how effective this would be in reality as its quite difficult to locate the feet efficiently but a decent enough drill to get down into guard punch protection.
Also spent a fair mount of time working on mount control, efficient use of hooks e.g. not grapevining, control of weight, hand positioning and swimming drills. Quite a 'basic' lesson but more than welcome from my perspective.
Had a roll against a friend of mine, ended even-stevens no sub from either of us. Hes a little more advance than me (2 stripe white) and generally a fit guy so i'm happy with that. Finished the session with another roll against a similarly sized opponent from a club up north (hes working down here for a few months). He also had two stripes on his belt so I was naturally a little apprehensive as to his ability. Earlier in the session he mentioned he'd trained for 2 years on and off so I expected him to smash me all over to be honest.
Not so.
The only way I can describe the roll is one of those times everything comes together, you nail techniques, work efficiently and it just feels great. This was one of those times. Within 30 seconds I had him subbed with a collar choke (learnt over the weekend - thanks Ryron!), couple of minutes into the restart I found an Americana from top half guard. This was after 'almost' nailing a Kimura from top half (a move I learnt in China previously) - unfortunately he managed to block my leg from hooking under his head, either intentionally or just grabbed onto anything moving. There was also quite a bit of time spent on his back, couldn't lock in the RNC due to him flattening out and I 'think' a bow and arrow would be used in that situation (but I don't know it! - yet!).
Prior to the second sub I felt like my control was good (for me) didn't need to be too defensive.
No Jiu Jitsu now until next Wednesday (gah!) due to the British Open - GL to anyone from here who's competing! (I'm not!) then its off to New York for a week. I have some sessions lined up Thursday, Friday and Monday while I'm away to learn techniques from other academies.
Thanks guys!
Pete
Afternoon Everyone,
Sorry for the lack of updates over the past week, I was on holiday in NYC. Originally I had every intention of training while I was out there - even finding and emailing a couple of clubs up front.
As events transpired it just didn't happen, I was either too tired or we had something on which was originally unplanned but nevermind. I arrived back in the UK yesterday morning and attended a session at lunch time covering part of the split series side control i.e. shin over bicep, head control into a kimura or shin wiper into controlling the arm and kimura from there (for less compliant people!).
Back to the gym last night for my second session of the day. A return to takedown from a headlocked position and arm bar from mount. Incidentally this was my first session covering arm bar - nice to finally do!
Finished up with a bit of a roll with one of the newer guys (2 months or so behind me) which I enjoyed since a) he was smaller than my usual partner and b) I was able to practice my technique a littler more rather than concentrate on not getting mauled by my usual heavier partner!
Back on the mats Friday then off until Wednesday (bank holidays etc!). Out for now!
Sorry for the lack of updates over the past week, I was on holiday in NYC. Originally I had every intention of training while I was out there - even finding and emailing a couple of clubs up front.
As events transpired it just didn't happen, I was either too tired or we had something on which was originally unplanned but nevermind. I arrived back in the UK yesterday morning and attended a session at lunch time covering part of the split series side control i.e. shin over bicep, head control into a kimura or shin wiper into controlling the arm and kimura from there (for less compliant people!).
Back to the gym last night for my second session of the day. A return to takedown from a headlocked position and arm bar from mount. Incidentally this was my first session covering arm bar - nice to finally do!
Finished up with a bit of a roll with one of the newer guys (2 months or so behind me) which I enjoyed since a) he was smaller than my usual partner and b) I was able to practice my technique a littler more rather than concentrate on not getting mauled by my usual heavier partner!
Back on the mats Friday then off until Wednesday (bank holidays etc!). Out for now!
Small update for Fridays session. Clinch into rear takedown followed by elevator sweep variations - stage 1 punch block (for those not familar as I think its a GU specific thing its basically guard with the opponent arm pinned against your ribs and head hooked) and second variation opponent headlocking me and trying to base up/drive forward.
Finished up with a roll, felt good, spent alot of time holding side control and half guard. Managed to pass full guard quite a few times. Attempted to go for some of the split series stuff I'd learnt but wasn't to be, I think my mistake was not tiring my opponent out sufficiently to get the arm in position.
Hope you've all had plenty of mat time!
Pete
Finished up with a roll, felt good, spent alot of time holding side control and half guard. Managed to pass full guard quite a few times. Attempted to go for some of the split series stuff I'd learnt but wasn't to be, I think my mistake was not tiring my opponent out sufficiently to get the arm in position.
Hope you've all had plenty of mat time!
Pete
Hi Ben,
It's not derailing at all, this is more of a general thread rather than just my random mumbling
London I believe you have quite the selection. Gracie Barra clubs you cant really go too far wrong with, big UK presence, solid lineage (Braulo & Victor Estima are leading figures) and they have some very, very good black belts - My friend is one of them (world class competitor). If you travel for work around the UK you're usually not too far from a Barra club either, unless you live where I do!
Failing the Barra club, if you travel to the outskirts you have Roger Gracie which I also hear comes highly recommended.
Go for it, I started this year (age 30) - wish I had done it years ago.
Last nights class was elbow-escape-tastic. full 45 minutes of drilling. First official time I have covered it in a class but I had picked up some of the technique previously when rolling from higher belts (and used it occasionally).
As usual, finished up with a roll against a 4-stripe white belt (I think he's going for his Blue promotion in the coming weeks). Half expected to get mullered and very nearly happened when he caught me with a collar choke within 30 seconds....it was deep as well but I managed to hang on long enough for him to think it wasn't working and release. Spent the majority of the roll in his half guard, he couldn't escape and I couldn't pass or successfully sub. The annoying aspect is as soon as we finished I remembered a move I could of done to switch sides, free my trapped leg and move into full side control. Next time.
Back on the mats friday, also hoping to make the Sunday night session. Must admit to feeling a little tired this week as I am trying to shed some weight (currently up at 107.5kg, want to be <100kg) so back on the low carb wagon as I've used this before and it works for me. Its weigh-in tomorrow so I'll see what the first week results are.
It's not derailing at all, this is more of a general thread rather than just my random mumbling
London I believe you have quite the selection. Gracie Barra clubs you cant really go too far wrong with, big UK presence, solid lineage (Braulo & Victor Estima are leading figures) and they have some very, very good black belts - My friend is one of them (world class competitor). If you travel for work around the UK you're usually not too far from a Barra club either, unless you live where I do!
Failing the Barra club, if you travel to the outskirts you have Roger Gracie which I also hear comes highly recommended.
Go for it, I started this year (age 30) - wish I had done it years ago.
Last nights class was elbow-escape-tastic. full 45 minutes of drilling. First official time I have covered it in a class but I had picked up some of the technique previously when rolling from higher belts (and used it occasionally).
As usual, finished up with a roll against a 4-stripe white belt (I think he's going for his Blue promotion in the coming weeks). Half expected to get mullered and very nearly happened when he caught me with a collar choke within 30 seconds....it was deep as well but I managed to hang on long enough for him to think it wasn't working and release. Spent the majority of the roll in his half guard, he couldn't escape and I couldn't pass or successfully sub. The annoying aspect is as soon as we finished I remembered a move I could of done to switch sides, free my trapped leg and move into full side control. Next time.
Back on the mats friday, also hoping to make the Sunday night session. Must admit to feeling a little tired this week as I am trying to shed some weight (currently up at 107.5kg, want to be <100kg) so back on the low carb wagon as I've used this before and it works for me. Its weigh-in tomorrow so I'll see what the first week results are.
Awesome! Make sure you post back here after your first session, I'd love to hear your experiences and how they compare to mine as a newbie.
For some of the other guys on this thread I'd be interested to hear what you think of Gracie University. I've read quite a bit of arguments for and against, my own personal experience has been positive given that my school follows the GU program (combatives, mastercycle, reflex dev etc.) but I'm actively taught (not via online videos) and my instructors are also Black Belt Judo so I find the techniques are augmented with additional movements and modifiers to make them workable in a comp/street scenario.
At this stage of my 'journey' I certainly don't feel it has put me at a disadvantage so far, this is on the basis of training/rolling at a couple of other schools with other students.
For some of the other guys on this thread I'd be interested to hear what you think of Gracie University. I've read quite a bit of arguments for and against, my own personal experience has been positive given that my school follows the GU program (combatives, mastercycle, reflex dev etc.) but I'm actively taught (not via online videos) and my instructors are also Black Belt Judo so I find the techniques are augmented with additional movements and modifiers to make them workable in a comp/street scenario.
At this stage of my 'journey' I certainly don't feel it has put me at a disadvantage so far, this is on the basis of training/rolling at a couple of other schools with other students.
Brill replies, thanks guys.
At the moment I'm of the opinion that if you're happy and enjoying your training and it fits your needs then so be it. I'm fully aware that in order to obtain a well-rounded skill set training at different clubs, gi and no-gi will be required. I read a great post yesterday about the competition nature of Barra compared to the street nature of Gracie - in a real world application I'm under no illusion both would stand you in good stead over nothing at all!
Promotion via online assessment is certainly a contentious point. Its not something I have any experience of, or would want any experience of, but if it gets people interested in the art then I suppose that's a positive aspect. Personally I much prefer the mat time with an instructor and active rolling with other guys. My only choice to go with Gracie at the minute is that's all is available in my small town (of which I consider myself lucky to have on my door step), it just so happens the instructors are great and have a solid Judo background as well (black belts).
Anyhow, back on the mats tonight, no idea what the class is but looking forward to it. Also happened to be weigh in day, 107.5kg down to 105kg (5.5lb for the old school). Important to note this is my first week eating clean/low carb so a healthy proportion of that is probably water and down to limiting my sugary carb intake.
Target weight is <95kg over 12 weeks or so.
At the moment I'm of the opinion that if you're happy and enjoying your training and it fits your needs then so be it. I'm fully aware that in order to obtain a well-rounded skill set training at different clubs, gi and no-gi will be required. I read a great post yesterday about the competition nature of Barra compared to the street nature of Gracie - in a real world application I'm under no illusion both would stand you in good stead over nothing at all!
Promotion via online assessment is certainly a contentious point. Its not something I have any experience of, or would want any experience of, but if it gets people interested in the art then I suppose that's a positive aspect. Personally I much prefer the mat time with an instructor and active rolling with other guys. My only choice to go with Gracie at the minute is that's all is available in my small town (of which I consider myself lucky to have on my door step), it just so happens the instructors are great and have a solid Judo background as well (black belts).
Anyhow, back on the mats tonight, no idea what the class is but looking forward to it. Also happened to be weigh in day, 107.5kg down to 105kg (5.5lb for the old school). Important to note this is my first week eating clean/low carb so a healthy proportion of that is probably water and down to limiting my sugary carb intake.
Target weight is <95kg over 12 weeks or so.
Thanks for the links Ben, i'll take a look. Unfortunately I'm the worst type of fitness guy, I know exactly what I should and shouldn't eat but choose to eat it anyway lol. On the plus side I've lost alot of weight previously going down the LCHF route and I know it works for me and my body, I don't profess to it working for everyone though.
In the coming week I'll be ramping up the cardio, my current gym regime is heavily weights based, lots of bench presses, deadlifts, squats etc. For a bigger guy I move quite well (6ft). Losing the weight shouldn't be too much of an issue and it would be nice not to be in the super heavy cat.
In the coming week I'll be ramping up the cardio, my current gym regime is heavily weights based, lots of bench presses, deadlifts, squats etc. For a bigger guy I move quite well (6ft). Losing the weight shouldn't be too much of an issue and it would be nice not to be in the super heavy cat.
Well then...not sure if any of you have seen the latest out of Gracie HQ, it would appear big changes to the syllabus and ranking system are coming, influenced largely due to Rickson's involvement if sources are to be believed.
For those that haven't seen the changes, basically the 'Online' blue belt promotion has now been canned (positive move) and there is now a shift towards further learning before students can be considered for blue belt promotion. The previous system allowed students who had completed the 'Combatives' course (36 lessons x 3 cycles plus 12 'Reflex Development' classes) to go for blue belt - this process typically took 9 - 12 months.
Once blue belt had been achieved students were eligible to attend 'Mastercycle' classes which concentrated on more advanced techniques i.e. leg attacks and defense against subs.
The new structure requires students to complete Combatives plus 6 - 12 months of Mastercycle before blue belt promotion, a massive step in upping the overall competency of white belts, in my opinion.
The downside to all this? The introduction of a Combatives belt (white with a blue stripe) - not entirely sure this is needed but I guess it monetizes the move somewhat. I will more than likely choose to retain my white straight through.
It will be interesting to see the effect this has on competing white belts, I would hazard a guess that a Gracie white belt, ready for promotion to blue will be quite skilled having the equivalent of 18 - 24 months of training behind them. All in all a positive step from my perspective, the general feeling around forums/groups is positive and should alleviate some of the hating/b
hing about the current process.
Edit to add, blue belt promotion must be earned through live sparring / demonstration to senior instructor(s).
For those that haven't seen the changes, basically the 'Online' blue belt promotion has now been canned (positive move) and there is now a shift towards further learning before students can be considered for blue belt promotion. The previous system allowed students who had completed the 'Combatives' course (36 lessons x 3 cycles plus 12 'Reflex Development' classes) to go for blue belt - this process typically took 9 - 12 months.
Once blue belt had been achieved students were eligible to attend 'Mastercycle' classes which concentrated on more advanced techniques i.e. leg attacks and defense against subs.
The new structure requires students to complete Combatives plus 6 - 12 months of Mastercycle before blue belt promotion, a massive step in upping the overall competency of white belts, in my opinion.
The downside to all this? The introduction of a Combatives belt (white with a blue stripe) - not entirely sure this is needed but I guess it monetizes the move somewhat. I will more than likely choose to retain my white straight through.
It will be interesting to see the effect this has on competing white belts, I would hazard a guess that a Gracie white belt, ready for promotion to blue will be quite skilled having the equivalent of 18 - 24 months of training behind them. All in all a positive step from my perspective, the general feeling around forums/groups is positive and should alleviate some of the hating/b
hing about the current process. Edit to add, blue belt promotion must be earned through live sparring / demonstration to senior instructor(s).
Bit quiet in here at the minute chaps, nudge nudge!
Had a very tough session last Wednesday consisting of the standard Combatives covering body fold takedown and arm bar from guard / arm bar from guard into triangle choke if they slip the arm. My instructor then invited me to stay for the Mastercycle class which went into advanced throws (lots of Judoka in there, I was definitely the nail!), onto elbow lock/Kimura from the underhook in guard. Finished up with takedown sparring (2 x 5 minute rounds) and 4 x 5 minute ground rolling.
This was the night I was invited by my instructor to roll. It didn't end well. It seemed that anything and everything I did resulted in a submission (on me obviously). It didn't help having rolled/sparred at least 4 times previously either! (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!).
On the plus side of things, I rolled with a blue belt shortly after and I reckon if I'd have been fresh I'd have done very well (as it happened he got me in a mounted triangle although I spent a lot of time in side control, even taking the back at one point).
More training this weekend, fundamentals class while I'm in London and then Sunday night back at my club for another couple of hours. According to my training card I'm 4 - 5 sessions away from my first stripe (assuming my instructor is happy with me!)
Had a very tough session last Wednesday consisting of the standard Combatives covering body fold takedown and arm bar from guard / arm bar from guard into triangle choke if they slip the arm. My instructor then invited me to stay for the Mastercycle class which went into advanced throws (lots of Judoka in there, I was definitely the nail!), onto elbow lock/Kimura from the underhook in guard. Finished up with takedown sparring (2 x 5 minute rounds) and 4 x 5 minute ground rolling.
This was the night I was invited by my instructor to roll. It didn't end well. It seemed that anything and everything I did resulted in a submission (on me obviously). It didn't help having rolled/sparred at least 4 times previously either! (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!).
On the plus side of things, I rolled with a blue belt shortly after and I reckon if I'd have been fresh I'd have done very well (as it happened he got me in a mounted triangle although I spent a lot of time in side control, even taking the back at one point).
More training this weekend, fundamentals class while I'm in London and then Sunday night back at my club for another couple of hours. According to my training card I'm 4 - 5 sessions away from my first stripe (assuming my instructor is happy with me!)
Today marks the 3 month point of my BJJ 'journey' (sorry) and I feel it would be good to provide a summary so far.
It's been quite an intense 3 months consisting of somewhere near 31 hours on my home club mats, 4 hours at a club in China, 4 hours Ryron Gracie Seminar and also an hour at a club in London - Total approximate hours = 40.
Considering I started with absolutely no knowledge of BJJ, its techniques or customs it's developed into an obsession, thinking about techniques and moves most of the day, when my next session will be and at times rearranging plans to ensure I can train 2 - 3 times per week (sorry wife!).
Naturally there has been up's and down's, good sessions and really bad sessions. Some days just clicked, some days it was a wonder I managed to dress myself let alone coordinate techniques which generally left/leaves me feeling very frustrated. One aspect I've found a lot of love for is rolling. As I understand some people like it, some people don't but I make a point of rolling after every session and it's become an integral part of my training. I feel I'm on the right track here, able to submit fresh meat, hold my own with 4 stripe white belts and give some of the new blue's a run for their money (but eventually be submitted), for note I was absolutely smashed by a 2 stripe purple last week lol.
I'm getting to the point that I'd like to enter some comps in the next 3 months, see how I get on and go from there. In terms of progress I should be looking at my first stripe in the next few weeks (assuming its awarded, I don't mind either way to be honest).
Anyway, thanks for everyone's input so far, it's very much appreciated and here's to the next 3 months.
It's been quite an intense 3 months consisting of somewhere near 31 hours on my home club mats, 4 hours at a club in China, 4 hours Ryron Gracie Seminar and also an hour at a club in London - Total approximate hours = 40.
Considering I started with absolutely no knowledge of BJJ, its techniques or customs it's developed into an obsession, thinking about techniques and moves most of the day, when my next session will be and at times rearranging plans to ensure I can train 2 - 3 times per week (sorry wife!).
Naturally there has been up's and down's, good sessions and really bad sessions. Some days just clicked, some days it was a wonder I managed to dress myself let alone coordinate techniques which generally left/leaves me feeling very frustrated. One aspect I've found a lot of love for is rolling. As I understand some people like it, some people don't but I make a point of rolling after every session and it's become an integral part of my training. I feel I'm on the right track here, able to submit fresh meat, hold my own with 4 stripe white belts and give some of the new blue's a run for their money (but eventually be submitted), for note I was absolutely smashed by a 2 stripe purple last week lol.
I'm getting to the point that I'd like to enter some comps in the next 3 months, see how I get on and go from there. In terms of progress I should be looking at my first stripe in the next few weeks (assuming its awarded, I don't mind either way to be honest).
Anyway, thanks for everyone's input so far, it's very much appreciated and here's to the next 3 months.
Thanks for the tip Fred. I'll speak to my instructors and get some input.
I think there are plans for our club to hold a local comp which could be good as an introduction just not sure when it will be.
In other news, my daughter starts a formal Rock Climbing course on Saturday which means I have 3 hours to kill (10 - 1) on a saturday morning. Lucky for me the local MMA club runs BJJ classes 1130 - 1230, more mat time and it fits around what would be wasted time. winner.
I think there are plans for our club to hold a local comp which could be good as an introduction just not sure when it will be.
In other news, my daughter starts a formal Rock Climbing course on Saturday which means I have 3 hours to kill (10 - 1) on a saturday morning. Lucky for me the local MMA club runs BJJ classes 1130 - 1230, more mat time and it fits around what would be wasted time. winner.
It's been a solid week of training since my last post, attending a 3 hour session Wednesday night, 1 hour Friday and another 3 hours last night. I'm feeling a little fragile today if I'm honest!
Wednesday was a mixture of standing guillotine and shrimp escape in side control. The intermediate session was standing throws into butterfly sweep variations finishing up with rolling. I enjoy the intermediate rolling as it usually results in my untimely tapping but I learn loads.
Friday we covered Kimura, I've done this class 2 - 3 times now and I feel really happy with it. Quick roll after class but I was rushing.
Then last night was another big session, movement while on my back, mount prevention and cross sweep into a really cool takedown from rear clinch. I don't know the name of it but its Judo related and looks mega.
Finished up again rolling, tough session but in the bag.
Wednesday was a mixture of standing guillotine and shrimp escape in side control. The intermediate session was standing throws into butterfly sweep variations finishing up with rolling. I enjoy the intermediate rolling as it usually results in my untimely tapping but I learn loads.
Friday we covered Kimura, I've done this class 2 - 3 times now and I feel really happy with it. Quick roll after class but I was rushing.
Then last night was another big session, movement while on my back, mount prevention and cross sweep into a really cool takedown from rear clinch. I don't know the name of it but its Judo related and looks mega.
Finished up again rolling, tough session but in the bag.
Things I learnt last night: A newbie rolling for the first is ALWAYS a fight to the death (for them).
Paired up with a guy who's been training for a month or two, not rolled yet but he fancied it so I obliged (it was open mat last night).
He mentioned that he wasn't overly confident so I told him we'd go slow and I'd take it easy. Mistake.
Due to a busy class size we started on the ground, within 10 seconds he had stood up and gone for my back and a crude RNC at 100% effort. At this point I'm starting to consider the concept of tapping to this guy but luckily he'd not sunk the RNC particularly deep or got the hooks positioned so I managed to hitch out sideways slowly (and painfully as he attempted to squeeze through my jaw / face).
Feeling slightly aggrieved I got up, took his back and sunk my own RNC, REALLY deep and finished it. Close call.
The entire session was open mat but I enjoyed it, got loads of rolling in, worked on Ezekiel Choke (loop choke) that I've been studying on youtube and finished it a couple of times. Also pulled a bow and arrow for the first time.
By some absolute miracle of god I set up blind leg triangle (it even caught my experienced opponent off guard) but I was unable to finish it due to not knowing which leg to apply pressure with (I couldn't see my leg set up)
Paired up with a guy who's been training for a month or two, not rolled yet but he fancied it so I obliged (it was open mat last night).
He mentioned that he wasn't overly confident so I told him we'd go slow and I'd take it easy. Mistake.
Due to a busy class size we started on the ground, within 10 seconds he had stood up and gone for my back and a crude RNC at 100% effort. At this point I'm starting to consider the concept of tapping to this guy but luckily he'd not sunk the RNC particularly deep or got the hooks positioned so I managed to hitch out sideways slowly (and painfully as he attempted to squeeze through my jaw / face).
Feeling slightly aggrieved I got up, took his back and sunk my own RNC, REALLY deep and finished it. Close call.
The entire session was open mat but I enjoyed it, got loads of rolling in, worked on Ezekiel Choke (loop choke) that I've been studying on youtube and finished it a couple of times. Also pulled a bow and arrow for the first time.
By some absolute miracle of god I set up blind leg triangle (it even caught my experienced opponent off guard) but I was unable to finish it due to not knowing which leg to apply pressure with (I couldn't see my leg set up)
lemmingjames said:
ben5575 said:
Any update on progress? You should be around 6 months in now aren't you?
Probably made blue belt and stopped :lol:I started on March 14th, so 8 and a bit months in. I've managed to maintain a training routine of 2 x 3 hour sessions and 1 x 2 hour session per week, average 8 hours per week. By my rough estimations that's 35 weeks, 280 hours minus 20 or so for weeks away with work
so 260 hours. Cant remember the exact time I last posted but I entered my first no-gi comp in August, lost to Americana (I know, I know), but learnt a lot about the environment, the nerves, working on my mount escapes and Americana defense. My belt currently has 3 rather tatty looking stripes on them, 1st stripe in August, 2nd in October and then a surprise stripe last week (which was nice).
My next competition is actually this Sunday in Nottingham (Nottingham open), looking forward to it a lot on the basis I'm 100% more prepared than the last one!.
I fully appreciate I'm still pretty much a newbie in the grand scheme of things but I've noticed little plays coming into my game, go to moves, natural reactions etc. I've become a big fan of lapel and lapel tail chokes from either mount or side. At the moment I'm focused largely on sweeps from guard, side control and mount escapes (so pretty much working the fundamentals!)
Hope you're all still training, I don't regret my decision to start BJJ one bit. I'm lucky enough to travel with work and get time to train at other clubs, this year in China and Switzerland, for example. Everyone I've met and rolled with have been spot on.
Tony Angelino said:
Took my 10 year old to Gracie Barra Barnsley last night for a trial session and he loved it. He's done a bit if Japanese jujitsu and fancied something a touch different.
He loved it and has been mentioned on this thread the network looks really good and a great setup.
Hi Tony, He loved it and has been mentioned on this thread the network looks really good and a great setup.
The Barra clubs are good, I'd certainly consider one if I wasn't 1 hour 30 away from my nearest
. Glad your lad loved it, my daughter has been doing BJJ for a week longer than me and she's made amazing progress, not only in here JJ but also confidence, attitude and demeanor. Its tough for her because the first belt wont come until she's been a year but the strips she has keeps her happy and committed.
It's getting to the point when she takes the back of her opponent (they do controlled and supervised rolling) shes naturally reaching for the RNC/gable grip choke (which I've told her to hold off until her instructor teaches them proper technique and safety).
Back from Nottingham, lost by a single advantage point (which I felt was a little dubious to being with - a very slack cross collar choke I easily defended and was no where near tight) but hey ho. Looking on the positive side there was no submission and I didn't get swept (standing or on the ground).
Onwards and upwards, back to training. Decided I no longer like competing in the open weight category! so time to cut down below 100kg. Switched up my gym routine this morning to include some cardio with weights and a 10 minute run at 10kmh. Found the run quite easy to be honest but I'm trying to start slow and build it up.
Onwards and upwards, back to training. Decided I no longer like competing in the open weight category! so time to cut down below 100kg. Switched up my gym routine this morning to include some cardio with weights and a 10 minute run at 10kmh. Found the run quite easy to be honest but I'm trying to start slow and build it up.
Ah ok, I'm sure it will come.
I'm luck in the sense my instructor is a 1st Dan Judoka so we get plenty of take down practice. Doesn't always work in live sparring through, as I found out at the weekend spending a minute or two stood up trying to fend off / initiate take downs.
Back on the mats tonight, quite looking forward to it actually. I'm also giving some serious thought to entering a load of comps next year (at least 6).
I'm luck in the sense my instructor is a 1st Dan Judoka so we get plenty of take down practice. Doesn't always work in live sparring through, as I found out at the weekend spending a minute or two stood up trying to fend off / initiate take downs.
Back on the mats tonight, quite looking forward to it actually. I'm also giving some serious thought to entering a load of comps next year (at least 6).
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