Sunday, January 31, 2010

Helio Gracie Lives...

The following is a repost from Graciemag.com about the one-year anniversary of the death of Grandmaster Helio Gracie:

It was on January 29, 2009, exactly a year ago, that Grandmaster Helio Gracie left us. But while there are still Jiu-Jitsu academies, the weak, women and children getting stronger through the art, his legacy shall only become more and more pervasive.

It needn’t be a special occasion for you to remember the teacher, and no matter what the tribute, it will never be enough to fully honor him. Even so, we set aside this video in which Helio does what he likes doing best.

This match, where he from the bottom choked unconscious an opponent 15 kg his heavier and even advised the distracted referee what he had done, was a milestone in the grandmaster’s career. ”It was the biggest thrill of my life,” he was quoted as saying in the newspapers of the time. And he confirmed it to GRACIEMAG 50 years thereafter: “It is true, because I found out my Jiu-Jitsu was superior to his.”

Check out the video and then read the technical breakdown of the hold, below:


Helio narrated the outcome of the fight: “He didn’t realize my other hand had gone in directly into the flap of the gi. We were trying for the choke, both of us with the hold in place, but it happened that Kato couldn’t get past the barrier of my legs, making my hold more effective and bringing us to the decisive phase of the fight.

“I noticed he gave up the hold to defend his neck, consummating my positional supremacy. I tightened the hold and Kato began to falter, his grip on my wrists weakening. So I held the choke in place and brought the referee’s attention to what was going on: ‘He’s going to pass out.’ The ref didn’t hear me or didn’t understand, but, in the end, I let him drop to the side, Kato landing with a thud,” recounted the professor, on “O Globo” TV.

He will be forever missed.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Rafael Lovato Jr. Blog

Check out this blog when you get a chance. Hosted by black belt Rafael Lovato Jr, the blog features some great training tips and techniques. He's an avid competitor, and there's plenty of tournament advice featured in his posts. Definitely worth a visit and a look.

http://www.lovatojr.com/

See you all on the mat -- tomorrow night!

Brian
www.spencercountymartialarts.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Women in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Check out this blue belt demonstration from Roy Dean Academy. The student, Caryn Ackerman, is Mr. Dean's first female to be promoted to the rank of blue belt, and deservedly so. Her crisp technique and attention to detail show a high level of proficiency with the blue belt curriculum.

In my opinion, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect system of self-defense for women. It's all leverage and technique, and Grandmaster Helio Gracie (with his 130 pound or so frame) proved time and time again that  his technique could prevail over much larger and stronger attackers. Sure, size and strength will always be factors in an altercation, but it's short-sighted to believe that those elements cannot be overcome with proper training.

Unfortunately, however, women aren't encouraged (and oftentimes are discouraged) to participate in this gentle art because of the popular "MMA-tap-or-snap," brute mentality that is being perpetuated by the mainstream media.

I can speak for our Academy in saying that all are welcome at Spencer County Martial Arts, and love to see increasing diversity on the mats. If your wife or girlfriend has any doubt about the style and if it's a right fit for her, show them this video and invite them to watch a class.

Again, big props to Ms. Ackerman on her achievement.






Friday, January 1, 2010

Welcome, 2010

Team:

We wanted to take an opportunity to say thank you again for your commitment to yourselves and to the Academy in 2009. The school continued to grow with newcomers who contribute to our unique atmosphere in numerous, positive ways.

Veteran students mentored every white belt and greeted everyone who stepped through our doors with a handshake and open arms. Integrity, sportsmanship and strong character are essential tenets of our students' success. We ask that the SCMA family keep to this tradition in 2010 and dedicate themselves to continuing to practice pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as developed and refined by Grandmaster Helio Gracie.

We look forward to starting the new year off on a strong note tomorrow at Saturday's class. Please join us, and tell a friend to come and watch.

See you all on the mat -- and thank you once again.

Sincerely,

The SCMA Instructor Team