tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49756489563872639352024-02-19T00:02:06.510-05:00Spencer County Martial ArtsScott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-91248489875315516692010-04-12T09:45:00.002-04:002010-04-12T09:45:41.280-04:00Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky -- New BlogOur blog has moved! Please check <a href="http://www.graciekentucky.blogspot.com/">http://www.graciekentucky.blogspot.com/</a> for the latest updates concerning information about our Academy, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky.Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-9663922401230629602010-04-05T14:06:00.000-04:002010-04-05T14:06:25.847-04:00Gracie: Guard is the Key Against Hughes<strong>Gracie: Guard is the Key Against Hughes </strong><br />
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by Greg Savage (greg@sherdog.com) <br />
Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie will take on iconic welterweight Matt Hughes at UFC 112 “Invincible,” the company’s inaugural Middle East event, and he took some time out of his busy training schedule to sit down with Sherdog.com to discuss his preparations for the bout and his philosophy on the art he has dedicated his life to. <br />
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Gracie will be returning to the arena for the first time in over three years for his Octagon debut. Check out this exclusive video interview to hear one of the true gentlemen of the sport talk about his family lineage, his punching prowess and the decision-making process that led to his return to MMA at 43 years of age. <br />
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<a href="http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Gracie-Guard-is-the-Key-Against-Hughes-23659">http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Gracie-Guard-is-the-Key-Against-Hughes-23659</a>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-88293735776696787732010-03-28T18:53:00.000-04:002010-03-28T18:53:25.148-04:00Using Flow Diagrams « Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood – a global Jiu-Jitsu resource<div>Check out this article on utilizing flow charts to help strengthen your jiu-jitsu strategy, courtesy of the jiu-jitsu brotherhood. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://jiujitsubrotherhood.com/">Using Flow Diagrams « Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood – a global Jiu-Jitsu resource</a>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-76024787604744160482010-03-28T18:43:00.000-04:002010-03-28T18:43:00.494-04:00Doctors Call Bradley Wilson A MiracleHere's an article on Spencer County Martial Arts' own Bradley Wilson. A hero, fighter and the toughest young man you'll ever meet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.southeastchristian.org/outlook/story.aspx?id=2230">http://www.southeastchristian.org/outlook/story.aspx?id=2230</a>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-76701948209322206382010-03-24T20:58:00.000-04:002010-03-24T20:58:39.901-04:00Gracie Insider Tip of the Month -- Americana CountersGreat tips on countering the Americana, courtesy of Rener Gracie. Very detailed explanation on how to prevent a common submission.<br />
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Be careful, however, on leaving your free arm exposed and away from your body as you bridge -- it could lead to your opponent transitioning into an arm bar on the opposite side.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CixH-SzPI5w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CixH-SzPI5w</a><br />
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</span></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-63625013473413618062010-03-14T23:36:00.001-04:002010-03-14T23:37:12.252-04:00Kron Gracie vs. Phillipe Della Monica<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Check out the latest competition footage of Kron Gracie. Excellent transitions, defense...everything. Simple, effective jiu-jitsu -- works every time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Lucida Grande';font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiI_2ILqoA0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiI_2ILqoA0</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-86648952376445201912010-02-28T19:26:00.000-05:002010-02-28T19:26:30.455-05:00Rener Gracie vs. 21Very cool videos -- while in Florida, Rener Gracie had the chance to spar with 33 members of the Jacksonville SWAT team and Police Department. About half of them were experienced grapplers and the other half were new to jiu-jitsu, but all of them were in determined to win. The batteries in the camera died during the 21st match so you don’t get see the last 12 submissions. Check it out... <br />
“Fighting 33 opponents is like fighting a giant, you don’t decide when you win, they decide when they lose. “<br />
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<em>-Rener Gracie</em> <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONudrmJwL-M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONudrmJwL-M</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGzI9Q0Mb1M&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGzI9Q0Mb1M&feature=player_embedded</a><br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tGzI9Q0Mb1M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tGzI9Q0Mb1M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-39521540771940164602010-02-23T11:34:00.000-05:002010-02-23T11:34:52.753-05:00Andrei Arlovski vs. Marcelo GarciaThis is a good display of Marcelo Garcia's technical ability against a much larger and stronger opponent. Andrei Arlovski, who weighs in at around 240 and is a former UFC champ, is no push-over on the ground. Marcelo uses some excellent transitions and proper weight distribution to neutralize Andrei's size and strength advantage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVju68pMQ9Y&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVju68pMQ9Y&feature=player_embedded</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B1KUZ1pJLvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B1KUZ1pJLvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-24980495334118405902010-02-16T22:26:00.000-05:002010-02-16T22:26:44.436-05:00Turn Your Open Mat into a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu LaboratoryHere's a great article Scott Sale found, courtesy of Matt Kirtley from Aesopian BJJ:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Turn Your Open Mat into a BJJ Laboratory</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">I’m going to make a bold assumption: You want to get better at BJJ. (I<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">must be a mind reader.) Open mat can be a secret weapon in your<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">training if you use it right. These tips will help make sure you do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Go in with a purpose</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">What makes open mat good is also what makes it bad: you can do<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">whatever you want. Without someone running class, it’s all too easy to<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">waste time, goof off or simply not know what to do. Go in prepared<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">giving yourself a goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Examples:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">– Improve move X.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">– Improve my escapes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">– Improve my conditioning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">– Try out this new guard.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">– Review my basics.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Try picking a topic—a certain position, submission, guard or even<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">concept—and set your mind on exploring and learning it in depth. It’s<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">easier to stay focused when you know what you’re focusing on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>It’s time to experiment</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Now is your chance to put that encyclopedic knowledge of every BJJ<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">instructional to use. Is there a move that’s been making waves in<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">competition that you want to learn? You could bring a laptop or iPhone<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">to watch instructionals then drill them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Forget this piece of advice if it doesn’t line up with your goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Sometimes drilling those same basics you’ve known forever is the right<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">thing to do (at least it’s never wrong.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Don’t get technique overload</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Just because you’re free to do whatever you want doesn’t mean you<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">should pull out every technique you’ve ever Youtubed. Get two<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">experienced guys on the mat and it can quickly turn into technique<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">show and tell (“Hey, check this out!” “That reminds me of this…” “You<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">gotta see how I do it…”) Keep your goals in mind and don’t get too far<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">off track (unless it’s really something worth checking out.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Put in the reps</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Once you’ve figured out what you want to work on, start drilling. Then<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">keep drilling. Discipline yourself to put in a healthy number of<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">repetitions. No skimping on your reps because you don’t have an<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">instructor keeping his hawk eyes on you. I’m sorry if this is boring<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">but it’s good for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Find the right training partner</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Who you train with can make or break an open mat. If they aren’t as<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">motivated as you, it’s a pain to force them to drill when all they<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">want to do is talk and spar a bit. You’re better off with a white belt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">that has a good worth ethic and is eager to learn than a lazy purple<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">belt that doesn’t really feel like breaking a sweat. Finding the right<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">person to team up with can give you a serious boost and make grappling<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">R&D really fun and rewarding.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Do live drills</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Take whatever you working on and make up live drills AKA isolation<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">sparring for it. This is an fantastic training method that a lot of<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">people overlook. Your drills can be as simple as starting from a<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">specific position over and over again to running a series of<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">situational exercises that increase in complexity as they go. (Message<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">me on Facebook if you want some example drills.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Take sparring seriously</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Nothing bugs me more than two guys rolling for 1 minute before someone<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">taps then spending 2 minutes talking about it. Save the discussion for<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">later. Quick bits of advice or showing someone how to stop a move<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">they’ve got caught in a couple times is OK. But you’re there to spar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Now is a good chance to push your endurance and forget time limits and<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">go until you are absolutely dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Film your sparring</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">If you’ve got a camera and a tripod (or a willing third person), try<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">getting your sparring sessions on video and watching them afterward.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">You’ll often be surprised by the things you do (and don’t do) that you<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">never realized.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-58371492896871763372010-02-07T17:20:00.000-05:002010-02-07T17:20:49.162-05:00Renzo dropped 14kg to fight with HughesFrom www.graciemag.com: <div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;">Renzo dropped 14kg to fight with Hughes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; white-space: normal;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Renzo Gracie was in Rio de Janeiro this week. But not to train Jiu-Jitsu, work on his boxing with his friend and coach Claudinho Coelho or do physical prep work in Rio’s nature. Renzo was invited to a wedding.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He was not just any guest. Indeed, he was the best man of his uncle George, brother of Renzo’s mother.Saturday night in family for the UFC fighter.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Among his relatives most clued in to the MMA world, the chatter was about how seriously the Jiu-Jitsu professor living in New Jersey was taking his fight against Matt Hughes.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“He lost 14kg for the fight; he’s lean” they said, impressed. In the group were black belts like Daniel Gracie, Carlos Russo, Flavio Canto, Leo Leite and Kyra Gracie. Naturally happy, Renzo drank only water.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And, of course, father to the fighter Grandmaster Carlos Robson Gracie drew everyone’s attention with his storytelling.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The attention of the guests was also drawn to the dialogue between the great master, famous for his catch phrases while presenting the TV show “Heróis do Ringue” in the late 1990s, and Olympic medalist Canto</div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.spencercountymartialarts.com/">www.spencercountymartialarts.com</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><br />
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</div>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-85903667308075098732010-01-31T16:04:00.004-05:002010-01-31T16:08:53.569-05:00Helio Gracie Lives...<div>The following is a repost from Graciemag.com about the one-year anniversary of the death of Grandmaster Helio Gracie:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 18px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:12px;"><p face="inherit" size="1.1em" color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border- font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">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.</p><p face="inherit" size="1.1em" color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border- font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">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.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:12px;"></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">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.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">Check out the video and then read the technical breakdown of the hold, below:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HMAu0A-vQm8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HMAu0A-vQm8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></p></span><p></p></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMAu0A-vQm8&feature=player_embedded#">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMAu0A-vQm8&feature=player_embedded#</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 18px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">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.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">“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.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 1.1em; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">He will be forever missed.</p></span></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.spencercountymartialarts.com">www.spencercountymartialarts.com </a></div>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-2453567058203770872010-01-28T16:28:00.000-05:002010-01-28T16:28:01.085-05:00The Triumph of Human Intelligence Over Brute Strength...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YYacMTSYC9I&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YYacMTSYC9I&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></span><br />
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</span></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-4242188557288703342010-01-26T23:36:00.000-05:002010-01-26T23:36:45.700-05:00Rafael Lovato Jr. BlogCheck 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.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lovatojr.com/">http://www.lovatojr.com/</a><br />
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See you all on the mat -- tomorrow night!<br />
<br />
Brian<br />
www.spencercountymartialarts.comScott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-69213682833856394522010-01-19T17:54:00.001-05:002010-01-23T18:28:41.942-05:00Women in Gracie Jiu-JitsuCheck 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.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>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.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>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.<br />
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</div><div>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.<br />
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</div><div>Again, big props to Ms. Ackerman on her achievement.<br />
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</div>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-46633423510531409582010-01-14T17:27:00.001-05:002010-01-23T18:28:56.715-05:00Gracie Insider: Technique of the Month - Armbar FinishesCourtesy of Ryron and Rener Gracie. Try working these into your game -- very high percentage moves.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7Hkx0SaWvEw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7Hkx0SaWvEw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-65445335150783684182010-01-01T23:04:00.001-05:002010-01-23T18:29:17.409-05:00Welcome, 2010Team:<br />
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</div><div>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.<br />
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</div><div>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.<br />
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</div><div>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.<br />
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</div><div>See you all on the mat -- and thank you once again.<br />
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</div><div>Sincerely,<br />
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</div><div>The SCMA Instructor Team<br />
</div>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-16870681588751231112009-12-23T12:06:00.003-05:002010-01-23T18:29:29.812-05:00Jeff Glover's Travels -- Gracie Barra's Headquarters<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="315" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LY5wZCTM3IE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LY5wZCTM3IE&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object></span><br />
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</span></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-79703727069016953972009-12-12T17:43:00.002-05:002009-12-12T17:43:37.269-05:00Open Mat -- Sunday, Dec. 13 at NoonWe'll be holding an open mat tomorrow for registered members of SCMA beginning at noon for those who are interested. Come ready to train hard, particularly those who plan to compete on Feb. 12. We plan to train for about two hours.<br />
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See you all on the mat!Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-76450792601619015592009-12-01T19:03:00.000-05:002009-12-01T19:03:10.831-05:00The Gracie DietWhile there may not be too many takers on this right before the holidays, here's a good resource on The Gracie Diet. Is anyone at the Academy currently following this?<br />
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If so, how is it going? If you tried and fell off, what were the reasons? Maybe this is a good challenge for the school. Anyone out there want to try it out with me for one month? Who knows, maybe it'll become a lifestyle...(we could only hope).<br />
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<a href="http://www.graciemag.com/en/gracie-diet/">http://www.graciemag.com/en/gracie-diet/</a>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-68871049851439376322009-11-24T21:01:00.000-05:002009-11-24T21:01:36.788-05:00Classic Jiu-Jitsu: Jean Jacques Machado vs. Wallid Ismail<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">Circa 1987. Tough back-and-forth match with some incredible technique. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-73480729173588069342009-11-17T21:48:00.000-05:002009-11-17T21:48:06.743-05:00Romulo Barral vs. Josh BarnettThis one starts slow but picks up nicely. Great match.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xb689u">Josh Barnett VS Romulo Barral </a></b><br />
<i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/willyboybjj">willyboybjj</a></i></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.graciemag.com/news/144/ARTICLE/16369/2009-11-16.html">http://www.graciemag.com/news/144/ARTICLE/16369/2009-11-16.html</a>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4975648956387263935.post-34053708276318963782009-11-08T16:59:00.000-05:002009-11-08T16:59:57.521-05:00Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Rank DescriptionsInstructor Scott Smith passed this along and wanted to share it with the team. This comes from Professor Roy Harris, a third-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It's a little long, but well worth the read as it describes what a student should focus on at each rank. Enjoy.<br />
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<div>White Belt<br />
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This is the belt of paying your dues. This is the belt where you will spend most of your time on his back. You usually end up doing most of the tapping as well.<br />
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Your ability to grapple successfully will depend largely on three things:<br />
<ol><li>Your previous martial arts experience, (a grappling background helps a lot)</li>
<li>Your current fitness level, (a higher level of fitness help tremendously)</li>
<li>Your ability to learn visually (visual learners adapt and absorb information more quickly)</li>
</ol></div><div><br />
Students who come from a wrestling background seem to adapt very well to the slight change in grappling methods. Students who come from an athletic background also seem to adapt quite well.<br />
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Those who come from a striking background sometimes have a difficult time adapting. Many have become so accustomed to visually grabbing onto the vertical and horizontal lines of the walls, doorways and ropes to stabilize their equilibrium that they feel very uncomfortable with the diagonal world of grappling. They quickly learn that the ground has not been their friend, and, that they must take some time to acquaint themselves with this new perspective.<br />
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The most frustrating part about being a white belt (especially if you have no experience on the ground) is the fact that most of the advanced students will make you tap, or at least positionally dominate you. (I remember feeling frustrated as a white belt.) This frustration usually leads to white belts asking questions like, "How do I get on top of these guys? How do I escape the side or full mount? How do I tap out the blue and purple belts?" Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do right now to immediately change the tables in your favor. Get used to the blue and purple belts tapping you out. Get used to having them positionally dominating you. Consider tapping as a "form of learning", a way of "paying your dues." I remember when I was a white belt. I remember feeling like a rag doll in the hands of the blue and purple belts. I wish there would have been something I could have done to prevent from feeling like that, but there wasn't. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is just one of those "time in service" things. You simply have to put your time in. There are no short cuts!<br />
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The only encouragement that I can give to you is this, "Keep training! Your day is coming. The day will come when you will no longer be a white belt. The day is coming when you will be able to escape from any position with finesse and ease. Then, it will be your turn to watch the frustration of the new white belts that enter your school. Then, it will be your turn to encourage them as I have encouraged you!"<br />
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White belts are expected to rely on speed, power, strength and explosiveness. For that is all they know. However, once a person dons the "blue belt", the world of Jiu Jitsu suddenly changes.<br />
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<b>Blue Bel</b>t<br />
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This is the belt of survival. It is the belt where the focus of your training must be on escaping from most of the inferior positions (the mount, the guard, the side mount, the wrestler's cradle and headlocks). Having the ability to escape from most inferior positions is paramount to having the ability to get on top of a person, positionally dominate them and making them tap. I know that there are a number of submissions from inferior positions (not necessarily the guard), but these submissions require a high level of speed, power and explosiveness. The reason why these submissions require speed, power and explosiveness is because your body, when placed in an inferior position, can not effectively apply leverage. To compensate for the inability to apply leverage, you substitute it with speed, power and explosiveness to effect the lock. (Anyone who tells you any different is either purposely misleading you or very unknowledgeable with grappling! I know that some may argue this point, but I stand by this point.) Not only do you have an inability to apply leverage from an inferior position, you also do not have control of your opponent's body! So now do you see why escapes are so important to building a firm foundation in grappling?<br />
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When you can easily escape the tightest pin (from just about anyone), you will find yourself on top more often. When you find yourself on top, you have more chances for submission. However, you should not jump right into submission just yet because you have not developed the skill to hold someone down with finesses and ease. I have seen too many blue belts begin their journey into submission too soon and often become frustrated because they just can't finish their opponent. They get so close, but they often fail at finishing their opponent. This usually leads the blue belt to seeking out more and more submission techniques. He thinks that the "new" and "sneaky" techniques will make him more skilled at submissions. However, what he doesn't realize is that his inability to finish his opponent is directly related to his inability to positionally dominate him. The blue belt feels good when he has escaped a hold down and has landed on top. However, he also feels like he has ONE SHOT at sinking in the submission. He knows if he fails, he will end up on his back and have to fight for the top position again. So, he usually stalls, waiting for his opponent to make a mistake so he can hopefully capitalize on it.<br />
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Once the blue belt has a firm grip on positional escapes, he should then move on to positional dominance: which is "the ability to control an opponent." When the blue belt can readily escape from most of the bottom positions, he should focus his training on learning how to control his opponent with greater ease and finesse. Although anyone can control their opponent if they can use all of their strength for short periods of time. It will take some time before a person can effortlessly hold down their opponent.<br />
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Once the blue belt has a good grip on these two aspects, he should then begin to develop a few good submissions. Still, he should not be consumed with them because there are still a few more areas to train before a lengthy period of time should be spent on submissions. (Yes, yes, yes, I know that submissions are the more enjoyable</div><div> </div><div><b>Purple Belt</b><br />
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This is the belt of momentum and combinations. This is the belt level where the amount of energy you expend to accomplish a specific task should be considerably lower than it was when you were a white belt. Your game should have a certain amount of grace and finesse to it. Your game should not have rely on speed, power and explosiveness to get you into positions or out of positions. Your repertoire of techniques should be very high. However, you should begin to focus your training on your depth of knowledge. The white and blue belts are the belts where you accumulate techniques. The purple belt is the first belt where you must begin to refine your techniques. It is also the belt where you learn to put the basic techniques together into various two technique and three technique combinations, with the use of momentum.<br />
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Because you become more reliant upon combinations and momentum, the amount of speed and power required to effect your technique decreases. This is not something a white or blue belt can do just yet because of their limited amount of knowledge and experience.<br />
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As a purple belt, you must begin to focus your training on the use momentum. You must train your entire body to FEEL momentum. Up until this point in time, most everything was visual. You must develop a high level of sensitivity so that you can flow with your opponent instead of forcing techniques with speed and power, especially when you grappled people who are much bigger and stronger than you are. Pushing an opponent's dead weight around is exhausting if you do not have a firm foundation in escapes and positioning. You will need to learn to use the momentum that your opponent gives to you, as well as create momentum when his body is not in motion. Momentum will help you to lower the amount of strength you use to perform your techniques.<br />
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Your training should also begin to use the basic techniques together into two, three and sometimes five technique combinations. Notice I said "basic" techniques. The purple belt mentality is very different from the white and blue belt mentality. White and blue belts think the answer to their problems is learning more techniques. The purple belt thinks to himself: "I need to refine the techniques I already know and then learn how to reflexively put the appropriate techniques together into flowing combinations." For example, when I first learned the triangle, I thought it was just a matter of throwing my legs over their head and shoulder and squeezing my legs together. Then as I matured in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I noticed that there were a specific set of components that made up the technique (20 to be exact!). Then, I noticed that these components could be broken down even further into sub-categories. Now (as a black belt), the triangle is no longer a simple technique with three or four movements. It is now a myriad of over twenty (20) different (and subtle) moving parts that must be put together in a specific order so they can all work together towards one common goal: apply pressure to the neck. Once I had mastered the triangle, I needed to put it together with other basic techniques like the arm lock, the hip bump, the sweep, the kimura, a knee lock, etc. Knowing how to combine the triangle with other basic techniques was very important to my development in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Once I could combine techniques together and use them in conjunction with momentum, I now felt ready to take on the world. I've noticed the same in many students, both in seminars, at my school and other schools.<br />
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The purple belt's mind set should be on the refinement of his current knowledge and the use of momentum and combinations. The purple belt is able to do this because he already has a wide base of knowledge in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I know that white and blue belts want to learn how to do this, but they simply aren't ready for it just yet.<br />
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This mindset, along with some rapidly developing skills by the purple belts usually sets the stage for some highly charged matches, especially amongst new purple belts. Why? Because the some of the "veteran" blue belts want to make a purple belt tap. Plus, a number of students who get their purple belts go through a period which I call "testing their wares." They want to see just how they compare to the older, more experienced purple belts, especially those who are about to be promoted to brown belt.<br />
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<b>Brown Belt</b></div><div><b><br />
</b>This is the belt of mastery of ALL the basics and something I call "at-will grappling." This is also the belt where submissions play a big part in the training. When I decide that someone is about ready for their brown belt, I tell them in advance that they are about 9 months to a year away from their brown belt. I give them a schedule of tasks that I want them to work on.<br />
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First, they must master each and every escape. I want them to be able to escape every position with the use of their hands AND without the use of their hands (they must know how to push and pull, lift and lower with every portion of their anatomy.). I want them to be able to hold other students down with their hands and without their hands. I want to see them use all of the basic techniques in three and five technique combinations. I also want them to begin to refine their submissions. This is where I begin to use the "at-will grappling" training method. I will tell the student, "for the next thirty days, all I want you to do is apply straight arm locks when you grapple with the other students. No chokes or leg locks. Just arm locks." Then, a month later, I will tell them, "for the next month, all I want you to do are leg locks. Then a month later, I will tell them to choke the other students. So, for each month, they have been given a specific task to master. Because they tell the other students, "All I am going to do is arm lock you today," the student knows what the purple belt is going for. This forces the student to be creative in setting up the arm lock because his opponent knows that he will not try a different submission. Setting up an opponent is a difficult task, however, it is one that needs to be learned at this belt level. (I know the lower belt levels want to learn this stuff, but again, they are simply not ready for it.)<br />
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Once the student has gotten pretty good at arm locks, leg locks or choke, I will have him narrow the scope of his training. Now, he must focus on one specific limb. I will tell him, "for the next month, all I want you to do is arm lock your opponent's left arm." This really forces the student to develop a multiplicity of ways to enter into the straight arm lock on his opponent's left arm. The student has the confidence to go for all of these submissions because he has a foundation in positional escapes and positional dominance. If he did not have this foundation, he would be timid to go for the submission because he would not want to end up on the bottom again. However, because he can easily escape from any position, and because he can readily hold down and control his opponent, he can repeatedly try for these submissions time and time again! This is why I do not place a lot of emphasis on submissions until the purple or brown belt levels. Position and control are the most important tools to develop at first.<br />
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Once a student has a firm grip on the mastery of his basics, I will promote him to brown belt. Once he has been promoted to brown belt, he must continue to refine his game. He must seek out his weak areas and focus on them. He must also find his strengths and focus on them for an extended period of time because these will define his character as a black belt. Most black belts have a specialty. Some are good at throws. Others are good at collar chokes. I happen to be good at leg locks. I want my brown belts to find their sweet spot and train it like crazy!<br />
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</div><div><b>Black Belt</b><br />
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This is the belt where a person focuses his training on counters and placing his or her signature on the art. First, let's talk about the signature. Some black belts develop an affinity for leg locks (like myself). Others tend to focus on throws or take downs. Some are exceptional at arm locks. While others are magicians at collar chokes. This is also the belt where you really begin to refine and redefine the art. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takes on a more personal look to it. The new black belt begins to realize that there's more than one way to skin a cat. He also begin to notice how certain things work for some people while others don't. (Now, let me qualify that last statement: all of these things apply to the black belt who is still refining, growing, learning and adapting. They do not apply to the black belt who is stuck in his old ways, paralyzed by his resistance to change!)<br />
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At the black belt level, the learning process starts over again. If a new black belt is honest with him or herself, they realize they know very little about their chosen art. They will also know that there is a difference between a new black belt and a black belt who has consistently been training "as a black belt" for the past ten years. For example, I am a relatively new black belt, someone you might call "a white belt amongst other black belts." I've had my black belt for two years now. Then there's Royler Gracie. He's had his black belt for several years. As a matter of fact, he had his black belt before I even thought about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Plus, he has so many more hundreds of hours competing, teaching and training that there's no way to compare my black belt with his black belt. So, as a new black belt, I am introduced to a new journey, one that is as long and hard as the one I just traveled. However, because I have already traveled a similar road, I am ready to take on this new one!<br />
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At the black belt level, a person's technical expertise is very high. However, his ability to skillfully perform all of his technical knowledge will not be as good as some might think. The black belt will obviously have some favorite moves that he does most of the time. However, over time (if he continues to train with the same intensity as he did in the earlier belts), his skill level will continue to increase. The only thing that will be different is that his game will become much smaller. He will not concern himself with "NEW" techniques, but the refining and redefining of the old ones. He will work on the small subtle movements that will make the art much easier and more enjoyable to practice. He will begin to make smaller movements to accomplish the same objectives as the other belt. For example, to a black belt, the difference between escaping and being held down is often the difference between a hip movement of less than one inch. YES, I SAID "ONE INCH!" The black belt's feel and sensitivity of the game is so much higher than the white, blue or even purple belt's game. The black belt begins to move like a shadow. He flows effortlessly around his opponent's movement and follows the path they set. He finds his opponent's weakness and then exploits it. The game is very small and tactile!<br />
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Finally, the black belt's knowledge and ability to execute counters will be much higher. For example, when a student performs a basic technique, the black belt is already three or four moves ahead of him. The black belt knows that for every move, there are several counters. For every counter, there are several more counters. Let me show this to you another way:<br />
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We will call the bridge and roll escape from the mount (Upa), technique "A". Technique "A" has ten (10) counters to it:<br />
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A.1 straight arm lock<br />
A.2 catch your balance with your head<br />
A.3 catch your balance with your right foot<br />
A.4 catch your balance with you left foot<br />
A.5 catch your balance with your far arm<br />
A.6 spin to knee on stomach<br />
A.7 spin to side mount<br />
A.8 turn onto your side<br />
A.9 roll and sweep to mount<br />
A.10 triangle<br />
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"A.1" is the first counter to technique "A", the bridge and roll escape from the mount position. "A.1" also has ten (10) counters to it:<br />
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A.1.1 heel</div><div><div align="justify">hook<br />
A.1.2 sit up and crush escape<br />
A.1.3 sit up and crush escape to knee lock<br />
A.1.4 sit up and remove leg off face<br />
A.1.5 sit up and spin to opposite side<br />
A.1.6 roll over shoulder escape<br />
A.1.7 basic elbow/knee escape<br />
A.1.8 basic elbow/knee escape, go to the back<br />
A.1.9 basic elbow/knee escape<br />
A.1.10 shin<br />
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Now, do you see how I could keep going on and on with counters? I could list the ten counters for A.2 and A.3 and so on, and then I could begin to list the counters for A.1.1 and A.1.2 and so on and so on.<br />
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Do you now see and understand the progression from white to black belt? The process of becoming skilled at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is frustrating, very time consuming and nerve racking, however, it is always rewarding!<br />
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I wish you continued success in your journey. Keep training hard and smart!</div></div>Scott Smith and Brian Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071545910840020714noreply@blogger.com0