Blog Archives

11/21/2016 1 Comment

"FREAK BROS." NO-GI SEMINAR

Thanks to Eddie Avelar and the whole family at Grouddwellers BJJ, the "FREAK BROS." put on excellent display this past weekend. With almost 40 in attendance,  Geo and Richie Martinez came in to Houston and laid down some knowledge on all who were there to listen and learn.
The "Freak Bros." as they are known, are well versed Jiujitsu competitors and instructors. Running their own 10th Planet school out of San Diego, at San Diego Combat Academy. Also competeing at the highest levels in Jiujitsu out there today. I was hoping for a good seminar, and it was delivered.
Being a Blackbelt in Jiujitsu myself doesn't mean you know it all and stop the growing process. You have to practice what you preach,  EMPTY YOUR CUP. I am not the biggest no gi guy but, I am always willing to learn. I felt this was a great opportunity to expand my no gi game and get some pointers from a couple guys that spend their entire time life out of the gi.
The seminar started off strong with Richie aka("Boogeyman") showing some guard passing into side mount. He explained some very good control points and methods along with some nice transitions. His style of teaching and ideas were easy to follow and understand. Adding the transitions from position to submission were very well thought out and expressed in his teachings. Lots of good information and details. His concepts and details on reverse side mount(Twister side control) were awesome.
Next up was Geo aka(Freakhhazoid) which lead into some sneaky guard attacks. His smaller size seemed to lead to some interesting conclusions on attacking in the guard. His ideas and setups from butterfly and his "MOTH" guard were great concepts. Moving into the x-guard sweeps and attacks. He finished off his session with a heel hook counter and concept that is going be extremely helpful in the future.
After it was all said and done, 3 hours of teaching and a lot of rolling after, the guys put on an excellent seminar. I learned a lot and took away some very interesting ideas and techniques to try in class at Davis Martial Arts Academy. They stayed and rolled with all who wanted and asked for the opportunity, not shying away from anyone.
Very humble and knowledgeable guys. I was somewhat skeptical in the beginning because I had seen them compete and knew how flexible they were. This worried me because I didn't want to spend 3 hours trying to bend myself into a pretzel and not getting anything out of the seminar. Far from it. This was solid techniques each and everyone from beginner to experts could learn and benefit from. To say the least, I got my moneys worth.
In conclusion, never judge a book by its cover. Always be willing to listen and learn. Take every opportunity out there to improve yourself and your Jiujitsu. Only one life. Live it. Experience the world of Jiujitsu and all it has to offer. Don't be the guy that gets his Blackbelt and is done learning. You only hurt yourself and your students. Keep training...
                                       Davis Martial Arts Academy
                                                    We Train!!!

1 Comment

11/4/2016 1 Comment

GRIP FIGHTING FOR JIUJITSU...

Grip fighting, whether it be standing or on the ground, seems to me becoming a lost part of Jiujitsu training.
Learning what grips work and do not in certain situations is very important in the Jiujitsu guard game. Maintaining a solid control over your opponent to keep them from passing is crucial. From breaking down their posture to controlling sleeves, the grip fighting game is very important.
A beginning grip everyone should learn and be familiar with is the collar sleeve/elbow control. A cross collar control with one hand and a sleeve or elbow control with the other. When gripping the collar, make sure to make a tight fist. Depending on what you want to do, is where you grip the collar, either high by the shoulder or lower in the chest area. A basic grip that should be taught as a fundamental aspect. Perfect for armbars, triangles, and collar chokes. This should be a grip that follows you throughout your Jiujitsu career.
Double sleeve control. Used primarily in guard as a way to establish your spider guard. When controlling the sleeves you generally have a choice of the "Pistol Grip, or what we refer to as "Cats Paw". You can also use these in combination.
The Pistol Grip is somewhat self explanatory. You grip as much of your opponents sleeve as you can, in a fashion that resembles you gripping a pistol.
The cats paw is achieved when you take the end of the sleeve, and roll it over. You can then grip the inside of the sleeve creating a strong sleeve control.
  Gripping the belt in Jiujitsu can be a very effective way of controlling your opponent as well. The belt can be pushed and pulled to control the hips of you opponent. The perfect example is half guard. Lifting, turning, and twisting the hips allows you a greater form of control over your opponents posture, balance, position.
Whether its standing, guard, sweeps, submissions, controlling or passing, the grip fighting game is very important. Along with learning how to break the grips and defending against them as well.
There are all sorts of variations and combinations of these controls. Work your grips and play around with your controls. See what works for you and fits with your style of Jiujitsu. Try them in different positions as well. Like all things Jiujitsu, "Practice Makes Permanent".
  Grip fighting should be a regular part of your weekly training. At Davis Martial Arts we like to work grip fighting scenarios from standing and on the ground. Practice your grips. Work the grip breaks. And as always, drill, drill, drill.
                                   Davis Martial Arts Academy
We Train!!!