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!!!
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10/18/2016 1 Comment KIDS AND JIUJITSU/why??? In todays world with all the technological gadgets, phones, pads and games, kids have so many other things to do. I see some parents using technology to occupy their kids while they work, shop, visit etc... I can understand a little, to an extent. Its hard to send a kid out to play when the parent has so much to do. If you don't have a yard, or someone to watch them, you really cant trust the world to care for your KID . So, to keep the kids safe, parents keep the kids inside. Its the way things are going now. The world is changing daily. Less and less physical activities. More and more down time. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period. Childhood obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. There may be no symptoms other than weight that's above normal. Improving the entire family's diet and exercise habits is one of the best ways to achieve a healthy weight in the child. Jiujitsu is for everyone. Not just the strong, fast, and flexible. Jiujitsu was developed for the weak person. The small individual. "Always assume that your opponent is going to be bigger, stronger and faster than you; so that you learn to rely on technique, timing and leverage rather than brute strength"-Helio Gracie Kids need exercise. Kids need discipline. Kids need structure. Martial arts, and specifically Jiujitsu, is a great avenue to find these things for your kids. At Davis Martial Arts in Humble, we make sure to incorporate cardio activities in every class. Jogging, push-ups, sit-ups, along with a variety of other cardio vascular exercises are a daily part of out training. A few reasons Jiujitsu is great for kids are self-defense, self-confidence, discipline, individual achievement (belts/stripes), athletic development, and even weight control. Character building in a childs early years plays a key roll in their future. Jiujitsu helps to develop problem solving skills through technique and "FREE ROLLING". Building confidence and belief in ones self, that nothing is out reach through hardwork, dedication and training. Discipline by being able to follow directions and participating in class. Control with the idea that we are training a Martial Art where the "TAP" sets us apart, and allows us to freely train as hard as we want. And of course RESPECT. Respect for ones self, training partners, parents, and instructors. As a child develops and begins to grasp the concepts and ideas in Jiujitsu, they become more and more confident and assure of themselves. Parents and instructors encouragement goes along way into building a strong mind and body that stretches beyond the training mats. The belt and striping system is a public and peer recognition of personal achievements and accomplishments. This teaches kids to set goals, strive to achieve them, and accomplish tasks at hand for personal development. Davis Martial Arts is very proud of its kids programs. Setting goals. Achieving these goals and beyond. Striving to be the best individual one can be, on and off the mats. Developing the mind and bodies is what we look to accomplish. Jiujitsu/Martial Arts, is for any and everyone. Search for a dedicated instructor who looks to build up his students and not his own personal glory. A school for everyone, not just the most athletic and talented. A place to grow and develop skills for the body and the mind. “To be champion all you have to do is train. But first, one must be a good person. Be a friend at the academy, learn to help. To be good at Jiu-Jitsu it’s all about believing and training, there isn’t that much else you can do.” – Rodolfo Vieira DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS WE TRAIN!!! 10/11/2016 0 Comments GUARDA ARANHA/SPIDER GUARD Are you ready to be the white belt wizard? A GOD among men...That guy in class no one wants to roll with because you can't pass his freakin' guard (ERNESTO). Then you need to try on the SPIDER GUARD. For those that don't know what I am talking about, the Spider Guard is when the person on their back, places one on more feet on your opponents inner biceps. Sleeve control is extremely critical. There are many variations of grips and foot controls, but for the sake of this blog, there is always at least one foot on the bicep. In Jiujitsu, The Spider Guard can be one of the toughest guards to pass. The ability of you opponent or partner to wreck shop on your otherwise glorious guard passing skills can leave you in awe. With very little effort, simple kicking and retracting of the legs, along with some hip movements can literally take the breathe away of an unexpecting opponent. Scrambling back and forth, pushing and pulling, sitting, squatting or standing, your arms are out of your control. Step too far forward, your on your head. Sit back, on your butt. Try moving to either side, and you could find yourself on your back. From sweeps to subs, the Spider Guard can be deadly. When I was a bluebelt, I personally started experimenting with the Spider.I found this guard was a way to open up my jiuitsu guard game and explore the position. While still retaining a certain level of safety. The Spider literally set me free. Sweeps and attacks from all sort of new and unexplored angles had been laid before me. Scissor sweeps, gun sweeps, traingles, armbars, and my now favorite among favorites, THE OMOPLATA. This guard has lead me down the road in which I am still walking down today, the road of infinite JIUJITSU. I am personally thankful for being introduced to the Spider Guard. For those out there who haven't experienced the business end of this guard, come in and try some classes. Get to your local Jiujitsu school or if you in the area stop by Davis Martial Arts in Humble. We have a couple guys who dabble with SPIDER GUARD.... DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY LETS TRAIN!!! 9/28/2016 0 Comments KNEE RIDE If you train Jiujitsu, you have all fell victim to one of the most dreaded positions known to man... KNEE RIDE(aka-Knee on belly).
This, if done correctly, can lay waste to your opponent. The pressure you create. The inability of your opponent to draw a decent breath. The transitions this position sets you up for are undeniable. Knee Ride, beautiful. The knee ride is one of my personal favorite positions. From side control, mount, north south, even passing the guard, the knee ride is there waiting. The ability to set up chokes (cross collar chokes, bat chokes, ezekiels) and arm locks is unbelievable. For me, this is my most dominant position. Basic set up from side control: You start out with your basic side control position. Cross face, underhook, knees in tight to your opponent. Underhooking arm creates a frame across your opponents hip line. Crossface arm now reaches back to control the sleeve or tricep of your opponent. You can now slide the knee nearest to the hip, across the chest, hip to armpit, hooking your foot at the hip. Frame arm now gets a grip on the far collar shoulder to chest level. Place your opposite foot down on the mat, knee up, Now, simply posture up, and begin driving your knee down while pulling up on both far collar grip, and sleeve controlled grip. Now, the fun for you and the terror for your opponent begins. Knee ride, I LOVE IT. Try the knee ride out for yourself. Feel free to hit me up with questions. At Davis Martial Arts in Humble, we train hard. We focus on technique. We look to improve each student to the best of their abilities. Lets Train!!! Davis Martial Arts Academy 9/7/2016 1 Comment blackbelt and me A Blackbelt in Jiujitsu! A tough and long road. A journey not many people have the ability to travel. This belt is more to me than just 2" around my waist. More than 16 years of sweat, time, dedication, medals, or trophies. Its a Lifestyle....
Being a Blackbelt and school owner has added a lot of responsibility to my life. I have a lot of people everyday that count on me to guide and direct their journey. They look to me for motivation, reassurance, supervision and instruction. They are counting on me to help them along on their own Jiujitsu journey. Big shoes to fill. Being an instructor and school owner of Davis Martial Arts in Humble Texas, I have learned that we as Blackbelts, are more than just teachers, we are what everyone around us aspires to be. The stares, glances, and whispers when first come in. Trying to live up to those high standards at times is difficult. However, we are like everyone else, just people. we make mistakes. We are humans. I love to teach. Watching the growth of my students is undeniably one of the greatest feelings. To see the progression in a student. To watch them grow and even change right before your eyes. To have a student tap me for the first time legit, humbling, gratifying and for me, personally satisfying. I HAVE DONE MY JOB! My students are very important to me. Their growth and well being is crucial. From the kids to adults, I love them all. Without them, we are nothing. Without the students, we have no future. The kids are the most fun. They are literally what we want as instructors, a dry sponge just waiting for information. The ultimate empty glass, ready to be filled with Jiujitsu knowledge. No doubts. No worries. Flying triangle, "no problems". Jump into guard, "got it". Diving shoulder roll, "which shoulder coach"? NO FEAR! Passing on my knowledge to my students is my goal. Making them not only good Martial Artists, but filling a void in their lives. Jiujitsu is awesome. The bond between students and instructors is difficult to explain. We clash in a game of living breathing "Human Chess." The game of breaking bones and choking people to sleep, where what saves you from certain pain and agony is a simple "TAP". Brothers and sisters in as close to combat as most will ever experience. RESPECT. DISCIPLINE. TRUST. Without these characteristics in yourself and fellow students, no one could train. I hope I live a long time, not just my life, but through my students and on to their students. Long enough to see some of the kids become Blackbelts and pass on our Jiujitsu lineage. I hope to hear some day, "this is an old school move from Mr.Roy I learned 15 years ago that still works today." That's my hopes and dreams as an instructor. To live forever through my teachings. Big dreams. As they say, "Set a dream so big that you cant achieve it, until you grow into the person that can." Davis Martial Arts Academy We Train!!! 8/1/2016 1 Comment Wiping Back a tear... This is a pic of one of my very first belt promotions. EVER! And to say the least, what I was told by her Saturday will stick with me for a lifetime. I had the opportunity to teach classes at one of our former affiliates, Dirty Bay MMA several years ago. It was an opportunity to train and teach people what I wanted and how I saw fit for the first time. What I didnt know was this experience would help forge my way to a future I am living today. I would travel to Baytown after work and prepare the training area for the evening classes. The training area was small, had no A/C or heat, and little ventilation. But, it was the opportunity to teach is what appealed to me. I had been teaching no gi and beginner classes with Alvis, but this was my chance to do my own thing, under the SMAA logo. Classes were small, but he friendships I made will last forever. Mrs. Debra was a whitebelt at the time and trained on a regular basis. Her daughter Emily was dedicated to the art as well and they are the dynamic duo that makes you happy to come teach and train. So, I was talking with Mrs. Debra and she tells me I am the reason she kept training. I was like,WOW!!! Man, did it touch my soul. I could feel my head swell a little, then I could feel a tear coming on. I asked what she meant and she said that at the time I started teaching at Dirty Bay, she was at a point where she felt she wasn't growing and felt unmotivated to train. She said that my style of coaching and teaching helped pull her back in. And that I was the reason she is still training today. Now, I am not sure about all that, but the one thing I can say, for whatever reason, she is still training today. And that's enough for me. I am glad to have been a part of her life. I am even more proud to have made such an impact on someone and didn't even realize it. She is now a purple belt training under my good friend Anthony at Combat Nation. What we don't know in life is how our actions and teachings may affect people around us. How what we say and do can alter and change the future of individuals everywhere. Being an instructor has really opened my eyes to this. At Davis Martial Arts we look to inspire individuals. To help people grow and be the best they can at whatever they do, not just Jiujitsu. I am very thankful to Debra for those words. I am forever in her debt, because this has truly opened my eyes to the effects we have on each other. DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY Humble Texas 8/1/2016 0 Comments Bitter Sweet What an awesome weekend this was. So, I got to go out to Combat Nation and pic the brain of probably the best teacher and true student of the art of Jiujitsu, Carlos Machado. There were so many Blackbelts there ready to learn from the best. For myself, it was a bitter sweet reunion with guys and girls that were once all teammates, but have now moved on to do their own things. Travis Tooke, Anthony Bernabeo, Robert Soliz, Spenser Gilliam, Shawn Key, Kevin Henderson, Eddie Avelar, Pepe Garcia and several more. Some of these guys had been doing their own thing awhile, but it seemed we were definitely closer a year ago. I count myself lucky, for the fact that none of these guys have ever denied me any help, information, or a place train. Having all these guys back on the mats together was definitely a moment I took in and want forget. Its just a testament to Carlos and his teachings on how someone great, can bring people together and make others around him great as well. Even though these guys have moved on to different schools and in different directions with their lives, I hope that over the years I have had a positive impact on them and that each and everyone never doubts my friendship toward them all. I know that I have learned valuable lessons from each of them as well. There is no price that can be put on memories and lessons learned. Jiujitsu is an awesome art. The brother/sisterhood it develops between students and instructors is definitely inspiring. The friendships and relationships that are created can last a life time. I want to thank all of those, from students to instructors, who have been a part of my own Jiujitsu journey. THANK YOU FOR EVEYTHING.... At DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS, my journey continues on. 7/29/2016 0 Comments LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR??? EGO; Definition: A person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance I had a very interesting conversation with my cousin about this saying. For those in the Jiujitsu world, the concept behind this saying may be very clear. However, to people like my cousin, "WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?" Ego plays a big part in our day to day lives whether we realize it or not. From your child trying to get the best grades in class to your boss walking in and laying down the law. Ego's are everywhere. For me, and Jiujitsu, it means a lot more. LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR. Empty your cup. You have walked in the school looking for something. Looking for what? Whatever it is, its different for everyone. But, this applies to each and everyone of us. Be receptive to concepts and ideas that may not be exactly in line with your own. Be a sponge. Absorb the information from class. Each training session should be a completely new experience for you. Allow yourself to go outside your comfort zone. Try new techniques and positions. Never underestimate your partners ability to teach you something. Take any and all advise as corrective criticism. From white belt to black belt. Young to old. Everyone has something to offer and contribute. Jiujitsu is beautiful like that. Your Jiujitsu is complete unique to you. Everyone adds their own flavor. You are an artist. A blank sheet of white paper. I hand you and brush and some paints. The end result, is your own Mona Lisa. At Davis Martial Arts in Humble we strive to be our best. We look to give each and every student enough knowledge and training to accomplish whatever goals they set for themselves. Don't let your EGO stop your progression. At Davis Martial Arts, we train for life. 5/9/2016 0 Comments IBJJF... I don't know if any one else has had these problems with the IBJJF, or is it just me?
I received my 2nd degree on my Blackbelt back in May 2015. Its was an awesome day for me. What I didn't realize is how this would also start a new set of problems, registering my own Blackbelts fro the IBJJF. This is my current issue. The IBJJF is refusing to acknowledge my 2nd stripe until 2019 which also doesn't allow my new Blackbelts to be recognized either. Their reasons are that I was not a registered Blackbelt with them until 2013, according to their records. Under their guidelines you have to have 2 stripes to promote a blackbelt and have them recognized. I had been registering with them since I was a bluebelt but sometimes I would skip some years because at that time, they were only coming to Dallas once a year and if my schedule conflicted with this, then there was no reason to register, or so I assumed. As a blue, purple, brown, and even Blackbelt, it never really occurred to me how it may effect myself or my students in the future. Even though I have sent them photos dated from the date in which I received my belt, they still refuse to acknowledge this. I didn't compete that much in IBJJF, but I did quite a bit on the local scene. So, registering with them didn't really matter, because like I said, if I couldn't make it to Dallas, there was no reason. Once they started the Houston Open and Now San Antonio Open, Austin and Dallas, we have more frequent tournaments to hit. So, the need is now there. So, basically where I am at with this is I have 2 Blackbelts that can not compete in IBJJF under me as Blackbelts. They are registered with the IBJJF as brownbelts. But of course, they do not want to compete as browns. Anyone with any suggestions?? Davis Martial Arts Academy 5/9/2016 0 Comments 1 year down... So, on April 18th, Davis Martial Arts reached a pinnacle point. 1 year anniversary. Wow!! Honestly that's all I can say. The fact that's its been a year blows my mind. Through the change of command, growing pains, and relocation, we are moving right along.
I know the first year of any business is always the toughest. On that note, that is a fact. Trying to juggle a full time job and a new business, is to say the least difficult. Thanks to all the help from my wife Sarah, Jacob, Amy, Isiah, and Shane, the transition and rocky road seemed less bumpy. Not to mention all of our students who come in and make it all worth while on a daily basis. Davis Martial Arts in Humble Texas is growing. Our kids classes have tripled in size and keep growing every week. We are adding more and more adults on a steady basis as well. The new location has made a complete difference in our ability to advertise and get the word out. Jiujitsu...Kickboxing...Sopon Arnis... Humble Jiujitsu is coming into its own. With 1 year in our back pocket the future is looking awesome. We have a strong core group which we are building on. We have lots of Jiujitsu veterans that any beginner can learn from, kids and adults. If your looking to start something different. Looking for a change your routine. Looking to learn martial arts (Jiujitsu, Kickboxing, Filipino Martial Arts), for self-defense, self-confidence, discipline, cardio, or for whatever reason, then come by and check us out. DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY WE TRAIN FOR LIFE!!! |
Roy davis
Owner and head instructor of Davis Martial Arts Academy in Humble Texas Archives
April 2020
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