Roger Speaks. Smart Jiu Jitsu Fighters Listen.

I don't post much about the awesomeness that is Roger Gracie, but the man is a ten-time world champion. When he talks, I like to listen. People often call his style super-simple but when you watch him in action you realize that his BASICS are just so solid he doesn't need to go flying through the air into some super-spinny technique to get the win. In this video Rodger talks about how the sport has changed professionally and how he is constantly learning and advancing his jiu jitsu.




And just in case you are not sure why you should listen to what Roger has to say -

Universtiy of Jersey Shore?

Totally Valid Reason to Choke Someone Out #132: 
When people sign up for university courses on "Jersey Shore."  Seriously. #WayToSpendMomAndDad'sMoneyLoser

We laugh at you all the way to the bank  - SUCKERS

Impressing Women

...forget MACHINES try a personality

After training BJJ today I stopped by the local globo-gym to meet a friend. I was grabbing a couple of sets of squats while I waited when some noob walks over and asks me: "Which MACHINE should I use to impress the women?"

Without missing a rep I replied, "The ATM across the street." #YouJustCan'tFixStupid

~Minister of Propaganda

Competitor Mindset

They say I say I make it look too easy, that I pass too fast, sweep too smooth, submit too much.
They say my game is disruptive.
I say you have to train harder than everyone else to make it look this easy. I'm just getting started.
You won't out work me, you can't stop me, you'll never beat me, and the only way to make it end is to take a nap.

#YeahI'mInYourHead

~Minister of Propaganda (a little "poetry" for our Competition Team keepin' it real this weekend)

Playing Games

Playing Call of Duty MW3 or Batman Arkham Asylum will make you FEEL like a badass. Know what else does? Training Jiu Jitsu and ACTUALLY BEING ONE.
~Minister of Propaganda

Weekend Update

Someone is going to feel the wrath of my traingle!

 

Good thing it's the weekend because admit it, you're just one really bad meeting and a break room out of coffee away from choking out a bunch of coworkers.
~Minister of Propaganda

Training Partners Part 2 (Take Control of Your Training)

In Training Partners Part 1 I said I would share some examples of how I plan my rolling strategy. There is no one size fits all plan. It depends on what I want/need to work on in any given week (so of course your plan may look completely different). Here are some examples:

Heavier/Stronger Training Partners
When I'm rolling someone 10-30lbs heavier I might try and match their technique and power. I can try to challenge their weight/strength advantage by going head to head against their strength with my grips, frames, and pressure.  I might play a guard that invites them to crush me, hopefully improving that guard and my survival and comfort under that extra weight. Alternatively, I might specifically work a strategy that tries to neutralize their size/strength advantage as much as possible - even if it takes me away from my preferred game and technique set (which is where we have a tendency to go against someone who is bigger - it's a natural reaction/survival instinct).

If someone has 40lbs or more on me, I might work on a game that keeps me outside and on top so that they never get a chance to use that weight directly or I might decide to play inside and fast to work on speed and scrambling against their strength and weight. For example, I might play an open guard where I've got a foot on their hip keeping their weight off looking for an opportunity to arm drag or scramble to the back rather than chasing a sweep.

Lighter/Smaller Training Partners
With smaller guys I want to try and match their technique and speed. Can I out-scramble them, can I move as fast or faster, can I feel when they want to move and work on my timing, can I beat them to the shot or getting grips? Alternatively, I might concentrate on what I can do to slow the game down. Can I neutralize their speed using grips and position without having to use my size/strength advantage?


Equal Size Training Partners
If I am rolling with someone my size but at a lesser skill level, I like to work on new techniques until I have it down and learn to "trust" the technique (once I think I have it down I want a variety of body types short/tall, thick/thin, strong/fast to really get the feel of the technique). At my level and above, I often swap between running my "A Game" and experimenting with new techniques (tournament time is almost all "A  Game"). Sometimes I choose not to go for subs and just see how well I can change between positions and advance positions. Other times I might hunt for only one particular submission ("It's kimura night - GET EXCITED") or combination working on how effectively I set it up and lock it in.


Sometimes I  "just roll" and there is nothing wrong with that. BUT if I want to take charge of my training I want to spend some mental energy on rolling with a plan. Remember, gym taps don't count. These are learning/training opportunities to be exploited for that purpose, not fights to the death. Experiment, tap, try again.

On the flip side, remember your training partners need to work on their plan(s) too. Be an asset to your school. Roll with everybody. Help the new guys. Be cannon fodder for the really good guys. Have fun.