Training BJJ to Improve, some experience

I am a second year blue belt at the moment. Up until a few months ago, I used to train around 3 times per week as the norm which I think is how much most guys train at my academy. Recently however the owners introduced a new time table with classes in the mornings and also on Saturdays. As a result I have found myself training 6x per week instead of 3 and I have to say that I feel much more rapid improvement in my technique as well as overall fitness level as well.

I feel that training more regularly has allowed me to spend more time working techniques where I was missing important details and also one of the new classes is dedicated to stand up which I think will help me much more for competitions. I think I do much better from the top, passing the guard and I plan to in the future focus on throwing with judo or using wrestling takedowns and then end up on top of my opponent. If I lose out on top, then I can still pull guard and work from the bottom but if I can gain points standing than why not spend a little time on this as well.

I also am a big believer in private lessons. Been to the Roger Gracie Academy in London a few times and definitely every time I get a private there, I learn a lot of new details which I was missing before. It is important who your teacher is however but almost always if you have some specific questions, you can get help.

I have also read that you need at least 360 classes for purple belt. I really want to reach purple belt level but then focus on competitions first as I want some trophies at blue belt. Gonna need to train more for that of course. I think if I train hard all year, then perhaps I have a good chance at the end of the year.

The Gracies and the Birth of Valetudo

Victor Cesar Bota it looks like is still working on his debut film bring the story via film to the massess. 
I love it when I see some jiu jitsu in movies but I think it is also extremely important that the movie is well-made and shows jiu jitsu for what it is. I think the major problem is that it continues to be misunderstood as there is still a very small proportion of people that have ever trained in a grappling martial art. People see jiu jitsu still as "rolling around on the floor" and I think it is a duty of every jiu jitsu soldier to really take these guys to the gym and show the beauty behind the sport.

Marcelo Garcia X-Guard

I was just watching this video below of Marcelo Garcia sparring and just amazed how nice he uses that x-guard position to get under his opponent and sweep. Very often I get in this position where my opponent tries to pass from the top with the knee-slide and I have to prevent that. He does this beautifully and and the sweeps him from the x-guard. Very cool.

Marcelo is really a pioneer in a way because he is one of the few guys that has brought new techniques and showed that they can be applied on the elite level.

Roger Gracie Back Take

Roger Gracie is a great inspiration for me. Below is a demo I found on youtube of his amazing back take technique which I will be working on in the next couple of weeks. What I like about it is it is something I think I can get to work against almost any opponent, whether big or small and it doesnt require me to be athletic.

Deep Half Guard

Working on my deep half guard guys! Enjoying the detail with this position. Used to find it difficult to get under there but as time goes on its natural.

Ryan Hall in this video mentions one crucial aspect which is making sure your other hand does not get attacked on under hooked. When I am rolling, sometimes I forget to keep it tucked in and I risk getting caught in the arm bar.

I think deep half guard is one of those technical positions that allows you to fight a much bigger opponent and I find that this is one of the positions where it is almost impossible for my opponent to resist with just brutal strength alone.

Also take a look how he works to transition to the back. Very important detail because very often what happens is that your opponent gets back into traditional half guard or worse, nearly achieves mount and stars putting on the choke. Gotta be careful with this!

Metamoris Pro!!

October 14 Metamoris Jiu Jitsu Pro Invitational.
A stacked card of super fights that will take place in San Diego California

Roger Gracie vs Marcus Almeida Buchecha will headline the event and I think everyone is interested to see how Roger will do against the new breed of bjj fighters that are coming on to the circuit

Moreover plenty of other fights including Andre Galvao vs Ryron Gracie and JJ Machado vs Nelson
Monteiro. The only guy that I don't know is Kevin Casey but I am sure there is a reason why he has been selected.

FIGHT CARD:
Roger Gracie v Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida
Andre Galvao v Ryron Gracie
Jeff Glover v Gui Mendes
Dean Lister vs Kevin Casey
Kron Gracie v Octavio de Souza
Rafael Lovato Jr v Kayron Gracie

Going to live stream as well, more news in the next few weeks

All fights in the GI except the fight with Dean Lister!!



Stacked card, something we keep missing in the UFC. Great job organizers.

Tickets available on Ticketmaster.com and also see the website of the organizers www.metamoris.com/

Lucio Sergio Dos Santos

For those training in the UK, you probably know Lucio Sergio Dos Santos. I have had the pleasure of training with him and I can attest that he is truly one of the best bjj players I have had a chance to learn from, really great guy and a monster on the ground!
Check out the video below about him.