Sickness, Mouthguards, inspiration...

Well my training this week has been put on hold this week because of some dental/tooth problems.  I finally got in to the dentist today so hopefully the problems and pain will not dominate my life anymore.

The lesson I've take from the past few days:

INVEST IN A DECENT MOUTH GUARD.  I'm not sure what caused the complications - if I bit on something and cracked my tooth or if it was Jiu Jitsu related (it would not be the first time).  Either way I do need to invest in a mouth guard.  Dentist work is expensive (thank god for a job that has coverage) and I do not want to have to keep going back to fix things that were fixed.  For the time being I'm going to go grab a double (covering your upper and bottom teeth) mouth guard from Wal-mart (the boil and bite kind).

I also started catching a fever/cold on Monday which has made the past few days even that much more unbearable at work.  I feel like I've run 10 miles by noon each day.  I'm still feeling very weak and sore from the fever but I think I've managed to avoid a full blown fever (you know the kind that leave you unable to leave your bed and if you do leave your bed you're pretty much useless).

Well on to more important things.  I'm planning on hitting the mats tomorrow (Friday) for an open mat.  My goal is to do my version of a drill/workout that I learned at Ryan Hall's academy last summer.  Said workout/drill is called Marathon Roll - which consists of 10 back to back rolling sessions with different partners of 5 minutes, with 1 minute rest and no quitting once you've started.  You'll read about if I end up doing it.  Either way my tooth/mouth should not be hurting me much and my fever/cold seems to be on the down slide.  Thus, I should be okay to do some training.

As I've gotten older I've learned that when I'm sick and or injured that I need to take the time off to rest and heal.  If I don't then it usually leads to just getting worse and worse.  I've also taken a closer look at my nutrition and have tried to eat better - lean meats, protein powder, vitamins, fruits, vegetables, etc.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm by no means Mr. Clean Eating but compared to even a year ago I'm eating a lot better.  I've looked into fuelling and recovery before and after workout/training.   All in all I'm still experimenting with everything.

In short I've been trying to eat better, recover better (sleep, pre and post workout), stretch, Hot/Cold showers (look it up), vitamins, breathing (you'd be surprised how much learning to breath properly helps you physically and mentally).  Most importantly just letting go of the things and people that pull me down, hurt me, and basically don't bring anything positive into my life.

On my last post  (link below) - I just want to add that I've noticed that the North/South Choke is a slower choke.  By this I mean is not an instant choke like say the Guillotine or Rear Naked Choke.  Once you've gotten the position and choke in place it feels like a gradual tightening then BAM! It's too late and you'll nap if you don't tap.  Where as the RNC or Guillotine you feel the pressure immediately and if you don't tap right away you be asleep.  I've noticed that the North/South traps the opponent but he (me) can feel the gradual tightening but there is time to tap (which is not always the case with RNC and Guillotines).  It does reach a point (from my limited time playing with the technique) where you DO feel that point of no return and THINGS do start to fade.  Anyhow, watch the videos I posted, buy Marcelo's book or subscribe to MGA (Marcelo Garcia in Action). and be patient.  It is a great technique to add to your arsenal from side control.

Last Blog - with North/South stuff

If you're familiar with competition Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then you'll no doubt know who Rodolfo Vieira is - basically he is the competitor who has taken the the Gi world by storm.  And is a serious challenger to Roger Gracie's dominance of the past few years.  I came across this little documentary last week.  It is a three part series in to Rodolfo's regime and what it takes to be a World Champion in Jiu Jitsu (or anything for that matter). If I do make it Rio this summer I would love to take a day or two from my Gordo Jiu Jitsu family and train at GFT and perhaps meet and train with Rodolfo???  Anyhow, if you're needing inspiration watch the videos and take in some lessons from someone who has dedicated everything to the thing he loves doing.

Part 1:



Part 2:




Part 3:




So that is my little update for this Blog.  In case you're stuck in a rut or lacking inspiration (even after viewing the above videos) I'll plug this story again.  The 78 yr old man who recently received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

78 yr old BB - Gracie Mag Story

Till next time . . .

. . . Life, Love, and Jiu Jitsu

A.

Breaking the cycle, trying to get enthusiasm back, Marcelo Garcia Book and thoughts.

Well it's been a while - over a month - since I've written anything in this blog.  I've not been training at all either.  I'd like to say that it is some big injury that is keeping me out of the BJJ training but it's really nothing like that.

It's because of not being mentally tough.  Not being able to push through the tiredness (mentally and physically).  I remember back in 2008 when I was training a couple of times here in Lethbridge and also commuting the 2 1/2 hour drive (one way) to train at Gracie Barra Calgary 2-3 times a week.

I just pushed through the tiredness and wanting to quit.  Eventually it just became habit.  Of course that did not last forever and I eventually got sidetracked.

Now on to more positive things.  It is my goal to start training again and get my purple belt before the start of summer.  If things go according to plan I'd also like to do the Mudials and the Rio Open (provided I make it down to Brazil in July).

I'm also restarting the book that I had started writing when I got back from Brazil the first time.  So here's to things getting better and looking up in 2012 (not that 2011 was all that bad - the last few months were a bit of a let down but otherwise it was pretty good.).

Jiu Jitsu has been on my mind the whole time - so I do know that eventually I will come back to it - as it is always there waiting for me.  One of the things I like to do during my down times (evenings) is search youtube for new video techniques and/or highlight videos.

One of my favourite grapplers/BJJ players is Marcelo Garcia.  I just recently purchased his new book Advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Techniques.  In this book Marcelo outlines some of his philosophies about BJJ.

One thing Marcelo brings up is his preference of chokes that do not involve the "arm being in".  For example an "arm-in" arm-triangle choke is something that Marcelo would avoid in favour of a choke that does not have an arm-in; like the 'rear naked choke' or 'guillotine' choke.  Here is a clip that I found in which Marcelo is explaining why he favours chokes that do not involve an "arm-in"; it is up to you to decide whether or not you agree with him.



Here is another video from the sessions for the book.  In this particular clip Marcelo explains why he uses/found the "Arm-Drag" technique.  If you're familiar with Garcia you have no doubt seen he use the 'Arm-Drag" to back.



So if you find yourself using the Arm-Drag to Back Control - from the standing position you may find yourself saying, "now what?".  Well Marcelo has the answer for you.



Finally, if you've purchased the book, Marcelo goes into why he prefers wrestling style takedowns to judo style takedowns.  Again, its up to you to decide whether or not you agree with Marcelo.



Marcelo also won his weight division this past year at the ADCC submission wrestling championships.  Here he instructs the sequence he used to submit, and win, the final match against Leo Viera.  With a choke that goes against what I had posted earlier...ha ha!  The Leg Triangle choke.  it is a very slick choke and I do believe Mark Bocek used to submit Dustin Hazlett.  Of course Mark trains with Marcelo and I'm sure that he picked this up there or perhaps even showed Garcia ????



Here is the Gracie Breakdown of the Mark Bocek triangle:





Finally, here is a clip of Marcelo having his way with UFC Fighter Jake Shields.  Jake being one of top grapplers in MMA today and Marcelo just, for the most part, doing what he wants.  The song accompanying the clip is horrible so feel free to turn down the music while watching this match.



so x-mas just happened.  I spurged and bought myself a pair of Vibram 5 fingers Komodo shoes.  Low and behold I also got a pair of Vibram KSO shoes for xmas.  This brings my total to 3 pairs of Vibrams.  If you're not sure of what Vibram 5 fingers are please follow the link below:

Vibram 5 Fingers

To end off this particular blog I'd like to show a couple of clips from Dennis and Connection Rio:

This first clip is some guys spending x-mas in Rio:



I don't think I'd ever have it in me to spend xmas away from family.  It would be just too depressing.  Hats off to anyone who can take off to somewhere far away from family and friends.

Here they are surfing on x-mas day



Finally an xmas greeting from Dennis and some Portuguese for BJJ:



Well, I'm off to go and have some x-mas fun.  It has been a tough and grinding 4 months at work and I need to let loose.  One of my new life mottos is to just take things as they come and not stress so much about things.  Hence my decision to go off and let loose tonight.

Till then - Hope you had a good Xmas and a great new year.

Andre.

It's been awhile; some inspiration.

As the title of my blog says - its's been awhile since I've written and updated the blog.  Last time I wrote it was just a week or so after getting back from Jeremy Ariel's gym in Fort Mill South Carolina.

I did not have my own computer - I was using a loaner computer which I did not have access to once I got back.  I just got a new computer - A Macbook Pro.  Yay!

So now I can start trying to update.  Obviously I'm back in Canada, working, and, unfortunately, not training as much as I'd like.

I'd like to use this blog to just show some techniques that I've found on line - namely from two of my mentors - Dennis Asche and Jeremy Arel as they both use the medium of Youtube to show new techniques.  I'd also like to just showcase anything I'm working on or inspirational videos I've found.

I'll also try to close up this past summer's adventures - in a future blog.  I just have to get my pics and notes together.

On the subject of inspiration - I came across this video last week and have become very inspired by it.  It involves Rodolfo Viera - currently the man to beat in BJJ (that is with the Gi).  I'm not sure how a match between Roger and Rodolfo would go.  I'd say experience, mastery of the basics, and ability to come back from adversity would side with Roger.  While explosiveness (athleticism), youth, conditioning, and hunger would belong to Rodolfo.  Not trying to disparage anyone  as both men are amazing technicians - just Roger is a bit more a laid back basic game while Rodolfo is more of a pressure/top/athletic game.

This video also hints at the other BJJ lineage of Luis Franca and Oswaldo Fadda.  Here is a link to the BJJ Heroes website that delves a further into this relatively unknown BJJ lineage.  As the Gracies are usually only mentioned when one speaks of BJJ:

BJJ Heros Oswaldo Fadda

Here is the clip that has so much inspired me-with the prominent figures being rodolfo Viera and his master  Julio Ceasar Pereira from Grappling Fight Team (GFT).



In particular I like the notion that Julio Ceasar wants to use Jiu Jitsu to form a citizen aka a good person who is able to function and contribute to society in a positive way.  This is why I continue to train (when I can) and take my summer pilgrimages to go and train anywhere I can.

Here are the BJJ Heroes bio of Julio and Rodolfo:

Julio Cesar Pereira

Rodolfo Vieira

Here is another new clip from Dennis and Connection Rio that showcases some of the Older guys who've gone to Rio.  Being an older guy (late 30's) it was nice to see this clip to highlight a few guys that may be a bit older but still love and hold that passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.



For anyone reading this and planning on heading to Rio here is a clip with Dennis and his Portuguese for BJJ:



Good Training!!!

Well that is all for now - I hope I can continually update the blog (work eats up so much time).

Till next time!!!

Training,Clothes, and That Lost Feeling (rolling with Ryan Hall)

So when I left off last I had been without clothes going on my 3rd day.  I ended up going to Target to get some clothes so that I could train and have something to change into.  I also managed to find my way to the 50/50 academy via the bus system in Arlington/Alexandria, VA.

I opened the door and relief hit me as it was definitely cooler inside than it was (recall that I had mentioned that the heat and humidity were unreal).  I was pleased about this and made my way  up the stairs and through another door that lead to the 2nd floor of the building in which Ryan's academy was located.  The actual academy is right through the first door on the left; you'll see a door with a window and the 50/50 logo on there.  You'll also hear alot of voices and music playing.

Anyhow, I made my way into the academy saw Seph and had a conversation with Jen (I do believe she is Ryan's Girl friend and works at the front desk; she is also a purple belt.)  I paid the 75$ for one week of training (unlimited).  Now in my haste I had looked at the schedule for the academy and had looked at Tuesday's class schedule and was under the impression that I had arrived in time for the 7:30 BJJ class.  But it being Wednesday I had arrived in time for the wrestling class.  Not really being a wrestler (my take down options are Judo based).  Jen asked me if I'd like to take part in the wrestling class and I declined (not really wanting to risk getting hurt or hurting anyone).  She then informed me that after the wrestling class, at 8:30pm,  the Advanced No-Gi class was going to take place.

She then called Ryan over and asked him if it would be okay if I took part in the advanced class and Ryan replied, "Sure, why not!"  So I was set to go but also pretty nervous as I was going to be rolling with guys who were in all likelihood far above my skill level.  I ended up watching the wrestling class then getting ready a few minutes before the class started.  Now being that I that that it was going to be a Gi training day I only brought my Gi so I ended up having to just wear my gi pants and a rashguard.

Sidenote; while I was waiting for the wrestling class to finish.  My phone went off and low and behold it was the airport baggage guy informing me that my luggage was in and that he would be delivering it to me.  Finally!  I would have some clothes to change in to and after some back and forth it was decided that he would deliver my baggage to the academy (it worked out better for him as he mentioned that he was closer to Arlington than Alexandria.

Class started and we got right into it.  Ryan and Seph started off by showing an arm-drag to back technique.  I got paired with a younger, larger (as in athletic) guy.  We drilled that technique and then a couple more; at this point I knew that this particular class was going to fly by me as I was not familiar with the techniques and too be honest I had not trained much back home and as a result I was completely off.  After about 20-30 minutes or so we got down to some rolling (sparring).  I rolled with my sparring partner first, then another one of the guys in class.  I was able to somewhat hold my own with the first sparring partner.  But my 2nd rolling partner (again I'm bad with names) pretty much had his way with me.  After my 2nd rolling session we stopped and everyone sat around waiting for the next round to start.  Just before the round began everyone partnered up and I sat there waiting; being the visitor I was unsure of the gym etiquette.

As I sat there I heard someone say "hey,Andre would you like to roll?"  I looked to my left and it was Ryan Hall himself.  The round started off and I was under no impression that I was even going to remotely be competitive.  Any time that I've rolled with a black belt in Brazil I always got this feeling that I lost in a dream; you know that dream when every corner is a dead end and no matter what you do it's always the wrong choice. Well I got that alot both times that I was I Brazil and I was experiencing it as I rolled with Ryan.

It was quite obvious that Ryan was going very easy on me; nonetheless he did whatever he wanted with me.  If you're unfamiliar with Ryan he is well known for the deep half guard position; and I have only really heard of the deep half guard position (I have played around with it but in all honesty I don't know much about the deep half guard).  And I must say I felt very helpless. As the round progressed Ryan would occasionally stop and correct me if I was doing something wrong or he saw an opportunity to help me get to where I was going to go (in terms of Jiu Jitsu position).  The round ended and Ryan began to chat me up; the usual.  Where was I from?  Who did I train with?  How did I like it thus far?  Etc.  But how lucky was I? On my first night I got to roll with Ryan Hall himself.  Back home I don't think I've rolled with my instructor at all - at least in the past year and half or so.  So felt pretty lucky.

I forgot to mention that while I was drilling at the beginning of the class the airport guy dropped by.  I signed the little waiver thing and hooray! I had clothes.


I ended up rolling with Seph and a few other guys that stayed (it was a smaller class). After class I thanked Ryan and he told me that he was thankful and happy that I chose his academy out of all the other places I could have trained at.  But lets be honest the honour was all mine.


So I hopped into Seph's car and we drove back to the house.  I showered and then took pleasure in the fact that I could change in to some clean clothes. Then took a walk to 7-11 as it was the only thing open at that time within decent walking range; grabbed a hot dog and some snacks.  Walked back home and retired to my room.

My first training session went well and I was looking forward to the next day's training session.  On my first night I got to train with one of the worlds best grappler's.  How luck I am to have found jiu jitsu and all the places it has taken me.  If it all ended right now; it would not be such a bad ride.

Here is the website for the 50/50 academy with pictures so that you can get the idea of where I was training.  Please do not hesitate to contact them if you would like to drop by and train with them.

http://5050bjj.com/multimedia


Here is a photo of Ryan teaching and answering questions; notice Seph to the right.

Stay tuned for the next installment - You hear more about the up's and downs of the hopeless romantic grappler...ha ha!!!!