Rigan Machado is certainly a specialist expert on the half-guard. I have bought this 3 dvd set and was very much impressed. Before I give a full review of the DVD itself, let me write a little about Rigan himself.
Rigan Machado is a jiu jitsu legend by all accounts. He is an 8th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Gracie Jr. He is a former Jiu-Jitsu world champion and is considered one of the greatest grapplers of all time with an unbeatable record of eight consecutive years of winning every belt division from ages 14 to 21. He totaled 365 wins with no losses and performed 19 matches in one day with all of them finishing in submission — a record no one has achieved since.
Firstly what I liked about the instructional set is that it clearly explained the fundamentals of the half guard. I have always been fond of the half-guard especially after watching Saulo Ribeiro's Revolution Series but this set has really shown to me how much there is to the half-guard and that this truly is one of the most fundamental positions in jiu jitsu that every player has to know well.
Rigan's demonstrations are fantastic. His explanations are very well presented and each move is very clearly explained. Importantly in my opinion, Rigan shows no only the half-guard postion on the ground but also gives a good grounding on tactics and transitions i.e. how to move from stand up grappling to the half-guard, how to work on the ground from the half guard when you are on your back and the opponent is standing. He also shows some very nice submissions here, how to finish your opponents and this is done with perfection.
For one, I have particularly enjoyed the leg locks in the series. Rigan shows immaculate transitions into leg locks and I will be sure to build these into my game as I develop my jiu jitsu further.
10 out of 10 a must buy DVD set for intermediate and above. It is not the first DVD set you want to buy but if you are looking to further develop your half-guard game, you must get this!
четверг, 21 мая 2009 г.
среда, 20 мая 2009 г.
Leading Judo Players of Today
There seems to be so few articles on the internet about who are the top judo players of today that I wanted to cover this in my blog. To do this, I went to the International Judo Federation website and took a look at the IJF World Ranking list (as of 14 May 2009)
- 60 kg
Jeroen MOOREN (NED)
- 66 kg
Miklos UNGVARI (HUN)
-73 kg
Volodymyr SOROKA (UKR)
-81 kg
Ivan NIFONTOV (RUS)
-90 kg
Yves Matthieu DAFREVILLE (FRA)
-100 kg
Takamasa ANAI (JPN)
+100 kg
Oscar BRYSON (CUB)
вторник, 19 мая 2009 г.
Leg Locks, the Basics
A leg lock is a submission technique applied to the joints of an opponents leg. Leg-locks are considered more difficult to apply compared to for example arm-locks particularly on bigger opponents because legs tend to be stronger than arms. Mixed martial artists, submission grapplers, shoot wrestlers, sambo players and brazilian jiu jitsu players practice these techniques. Note that judoka's on the other hand do not practice these. It is worthwhile noting that Sambo has the most developed leg locks in their art and even junior Samboka tend to be very capable in leg locks compared to bjj players in my view.
Leg-locks training and sparring is more likely to result in injury in practice compared to other submissions. Excess force can cause serious injuries such as bone fractures or dislocation with excessive muscle damage. Knee bars and heel hooks applied with excessive force can result in serious knee injuries.
Stephen Kesting in his leg locks DVD calls the leg locks below "High Percentage" leg locks because really these are the leg locks that you are likely to get much more often than some of the other leg techniques available. These four are the highly effective techniques that each grappler needs to focus his attention first for things like competition.
BASIC LEG LOCKS
Straight Ankle Lock
The Straight Ankle Lock also known as the achilles lock is applied by securing one of the opponents legs, placing his foot under the armpit and applying pressure to the achilles tendon with the bony part of the forearm.
Knee Bar
The kneebar (AKA the straight legbar) is a leglock that hyperextends the knee that works very similar to the armbar applying pressure to the opponent kneecap. Leverage is applied by moving hips forward and shoulders backwards thereby hyperextending the knee joint.
Heel Hook
The heel hook is a twisting technique applied to the foot and affecting several joints in the leg causing pain and potentially injury in the ligaments in the knee. Force is applied to the ankle which is then passed through to the knee itself.
Considered a very dangerous technique with a high risk of injury, it tends to be banned in brazilian jiu jitsua and submission grappling at the lower experience level and sometimes entirely.
Toe Hold
The toe-hold is in fact a type of ankle lock. The image demostrates the figure-four hold, a most common type of hold used. Here twisting and extension force is applied to the ankle by grabbing the toes of the opponent.
----
Stephen Kesting says in his leg locks DVD the following idea. Many players focus on leg locks as an alternative when they meet difficulties in passing the guard. He proposes to train hard in both and in the end it will become clear how interconnected they are. Don't substitute your weak guard passing with leg locks.
Leg-locks training and sparring is more likely to result in injury in practice compared to other submissions. Excess force can cause serious injuries such as bone fractures or dislocation with excessive muscle damage. Knee bars and heel hooks applied with excessive force can result in serious knee injuries.
Stephen Kesting in his leg locks DVD calls the leg locks below "High Percentage" leg locks because really these are the leg locks that you are likely to get much more often than some of the other leg techniques available. These four are the highly effective techniques that each grappler needs to focus his attention first for things like competition.
BASIC LEG LOCKS
Straight Ankle Lock
The Straight Ankle Lock also known as the achilles lock is applied by securing one of the opponents legs, placing his foot under the armpit and applying pressure to the achilles tendon with the bony part of the forearm.
Knee Bar
The kneebar (AKA the straight legbar) is a leglock that hyperextends the knee that works very similar to the armbar applying pressure to the opponent kneecap. Leverage is applied by moving hips forward and shoulders backwards thereby hyperextending the knee joint.
Heel Hook
The heel hook is a twisting technique applied to the foot and affecting several joints in the leg causing pain and potentially injury in the ligaments in the knee. Force is applied to the ankle which is then passed through to the knee itself.
Considered a very dangerous technique with a high risk of injury, it tends to be banned in brazilian jiu jitsua and submission grappling at the lower experience level and sometimes entirely.
Toe Hold
The toe-hold is in fact a type of ankle lock. The image demostrates the figure-four hold, a most common type of hold used. Here twisting and extension force is applied to the ankle by grabbing the toes of the opponent.
----
Stephen Kesting says in his leg locks DVD the following idea. Many players focus on leg locks as an alternative when they meet difficulties in passing the guard. He proposes to train hard in both and in the end it will become clear how interconnected they are. Don't substitute your weak guard passing with leg locks.
понедельник, 18 мая 2009 г.
My Book Review – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Renzo & Royler Gracie, with Kid Peligro & John Danaher)
First published in 2001 this book was the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu book published in Russia in 2005 by the publisher Boevoy Sport.
Royler and Renzo Gracie are absolute masters of their art. The book itself however I found has a number of drawbacks despite the very good illustrations. (it is a hard-cover)
This book firstly I think is a first look at brazilian jiu jitsu from a perspective of a beginner. All techniques included in the book are fundemental, however the order in which they are shown is somewhat sporadic, with a huge mix between different types of positions, sport vs. self-defense techniques. All this makes the book at the very least difficult to use as I actually have to flick through the book to actually find the technique that I need.
The techniques themselves are demostrated with photographs of the two Gracies in white gi's. I think in some techniques it is difficult to actually follow the smaller details.
My favourite Gi positional move which I picked up from the book has been the lift from north-south position into the back mount which I have since then been able to succesfully incorporate into my game during sparring.
I recommend this book for white belts in their first year of training. For higher grades I would still recommend something more advanced.
8 out of 10 a great book with quality foundation material, an excellent introduction into the art of brazilian jiu jitsu.
UK Competitions This Year 2009
I've been thinking of competing in some smaller competitions this year. Just wanted to share some of these here with some information I have.
23-24 May - U.M.A. International Open Groundfighting and Grappling Championships ('No Gi') Groundfighting and ('With Gi') Grappling
14 June - North England Grappling Championships
21 June - British Open
28 June - Ground Control 5
5 July - Combat Academy Groundfighting
25 July - 3rd Brighton Open
8 August - Grapplers Showdown Gi Challenge - London Open
??? - Bristol Open Summer Leg 2009 (not confirmed yet)
13 September - U.M.A. Open 'With Gi' Groundfighting Championships
September 2009 - National BJJ Novice Tournament - Gi
14-15 November - Kent Open GI Competition
6 December - U.M.A. Open 'No Gi' Grappling Championships
Yep, so these are the ones that I am considering going to. Going to the first one on the 23-24 May this weekend and will sure let you know how it goes. This is my first competition ever:)
Generally wanted to mention that it is of course sometimes difficult to find suitable competitions. Some don't actually have websites which I think is not acceptable. Others are not really included in lists of competitions for the year because they are small and are not planned in advance. As brazilian jiu jitsu develops and becomes even more popular in the UK and hopefully in Russia, more information will be available in a more organized fashion I believe.
23-24 May - U.M.A. International Open Groundfighting and Grappling Championships ('No Gi') Groundfighting and ('With Gi') Grappling
14 June - North England Grappling Championships
21 June - British Open
28 June - Ground Control 5
5 July - Combat Academy Groundfighting
25 July - 3rd Brighton Open
8 August - Grapplers Showdown Gi Challenge - London Open
??? - Bristol Open Summer Leg 2009 (not confirmed yet)
13 September - U.M.A. Open 'With Gi' Groundfighting Championships
September 2009 - National BJJ Novice Tournament - Gi
14-15 November - Kent Open GI Competition
6 December - U.M.A. Open 'No Gi' Grappling Championships
Yep, so these are the ones that I am considering going to. Going to the first one on the 23-24 May this weekend and will sure let you know how it goes. This is my first competition ever:)
Generally wanted to mention that it is of course sometimes difficult to find suitable competitions. Some don't actually have websites which I think is not acceptable. Others are not really included in lists of competitions for the year because they are small and are not planned in advance. As brazilian jiu jitsu develops and becomes even more popular in the UK and hopefully in Russia, more information will be available in a more organized fashion I believe.
FAQ for beginners for BJJ and Judo
1. When can I start?
You can be of any age, it really does not matter. Of course both of these supports are contact sports and sparring, throws etc can and do lead to injuries. A good warm-up sessions is therefore important to prevent injury.
Most adult groups will have players aged between 18-35 but sometimes older players come. Some will have a background in other related martial arts like wrestling. Also people vary in their build and physical condition. You don't need to be amazingly strong or fit to start bjj. It is only if you wish to reach a high level and compete and it of course takes years to get there. Start small and focus on core techniques.
* - just check out Roger Gracie. He does not use fancy techniques but has amazing detail and submits everyone.
----------------
2. What do I need to start training?
For your first class you would need a gi/kimono available normally in white or blue. (in judo both colours are allowed, bjj practitioners also wear other colours). Also bring a towel and shower gel and flip-flops.
Other accessories you may want to purchase later may be
a) Gum Shield - good to take care of your teeth as minor accidents do happen and dentists are very expensive (and unpleasant!)
b) Head guard - you will see my earlier thread on cauliflower ear. If you don't have it then you probably don't need to worry about it, but if you get it and are concerned, this is the way to go to protect you ears from deformity.
c) Knee pads - very good as it is always good to take care of your knees. Bruises etc may result from falling on your knee (knees) or performing exercises involving knee contact.
d) Rash guards - always a good idea to have. They help prevent staph infection and reduce wear and tear of your gi. Good for both gi and no-gi training.
e) Shorts - you will need these for no-gi training.
f) Other accessories - shoulder support, ankle support. Depending the types of injuries you may have, these may be useful items.
You dont need any of this stuff for your first training session. Just come in track suit bottoms and a t-shirt. You'll find out whether you like it and then you can get a gi.
----------------
3. What does a typical BJJ or Judo Session look like?
A typical sessions can vary but normally is 1-2 hours long and involves:
a) Warm-up: some jogging followed by exercises focused to develop your cardio and strength.
b) Specific exercises: various exercises are used to practice break-falling and ground awareness. These include forward rolls, pulling yourself foward with your arms, etc
c) Instruction and practice: here the intstructor demostrates techniques which are then practiced by the students in pairs without full resistance.
d) Sparring (known as Randori in Judo): involves free grappling with each player exercising full strength to throw, submit or pin (only in Judo) the opponent. Sparring excludes striking, grabbing fingers or hair etc.
In Judo the rules are different with more emphasis on throws and no leg locks.
It is also worth mentioning that beginners tend to use all their strength to try to overcome their opponents where as the focus of the exercise is to use technique rather than brute strength.
A bow at the beginning and at the end of each session is included and in BJJ normally everyone just shakes each others hand at the end of the session.
----------------
4. Where can I find a school?
The easiest way to find a school is to look for the appropriate associate in your area. The Internet is a great source of information. Go to google maps and type in BJJ and almost certainly some BJJ academy will pop up in an area where you live if you are in the US or Brazil.
You can be of any age, it really does not matter. Of course both of these supports are contact sports and sparring, throws etc can and do lead to injuries. A good warm-up sessions is therefore important to prevent injury.
Most adult groups will have players aged between 18-35 but sometimes older players come. Some will have a background in other related martial arts like wrestling. Also people vary in their build and physical condition. You don't need to be amazingly strong or fit to start bjj. It is only if you wish to reach a high level and compete and it of course takes years to get there. Start small and focus on core techniques.
* - just check out Roger Gracie. He does not use fancy techniques but has amazing detail and submits everyone.
----------------
2. What do I need to start training?
For your first class you would need a gi/kimono available normally in white or blue. (in judo both colours are allowed, bjj practitioners also wear other colours). Also bring a towel and shower gel and flip-flops.
Other accessories you may want to purchase later may be
a) Gum Shield - good to take care of your teeth as minor accidents do happen and dentists are very expensive (and unpleasant!)
b) Head guard - you will see my earlier thread on cauliflower ear. If you don't have it then you probably don't need to worry about it, but if you get it and are concerned, this is the way to go to protect you ears from deformity.
c) Knee pads - very good as it is always good to take care of your knees. Bruises etc may result from falling on your knee (knees) or performing exercises involving knee contact.
d) Rash guards - always a good idea to have. They help prevent staph infection and reduce wear and tear of your gi. Good for both gi and no-gi training.
e) Shorts - you will need these for no-gi training.
f) Other accessories - shoulder support, ankle support. Depending the types of injuries you may have, these may be useful items.
You dont need any of this stuff for your first training session. Just come in track suit bottoms and a t-shirt. You'll find out whether you like it and then you can get a gi.
----------------
3. What does a typical BJJ or Judo Session look like?
A typical sessions can vary but normally is 1-2 hours long and involves:
a) Warm-up: some jogging followed by exercises focused to develop your cardio and strength.
b) Specific exercises: various exercises are used to practice break-falling and ground awareness. These include forward rolls, pulling yourself foward with your arms, etc
c) Instruction and practice: here the intstructor demostrates techniques which are then practiced by the students in pairs without full resistance.
d) Sparring (known as Randori in Judo): involves free grappling with each player exercising full strength to throw, submit or pin (only in Judo) the opponent. Sparring excludes striking, grabbing fingers or hair etc.
In Judo the rules are different with more emphasis on throws and no leg locks.
It is also worth mentioning that beginners tend to use all their strength to try to overcome their opponents where as the focus of the exercise is to use technique rather than brute strength.
A bow at the beginning and at the end of each session is included and in BJJ normally everyone just shakes each others hand at the end of the session.
----------------
4. Where can I find a school?
The easiest way to find a school is to look for the appropriate associate in your area. The Internet is a great source of information. Go to google maps and type in BJJ and almost certainly some BJJ academy will pop up in an area where you live if you are in the US or Brazil.
If you are not, of course type in brazilian jiu jitsu and your location.
When selecting a school you should look for what association it belongs to and who the teacher is. You want your teacher to be at least a purple belt (ideally brown belt and above) with the school preferrably affiliated with Gracie Barra, Gracie Humaita, Alliance or Carlsons. These are the four largest branches of jiu jitsu in the world today but there are other good schools that have been started by champions and stars like Renzo Gracie, Pablo Popovitch and many others.
The location of the school is also very important to keep you motivated. It is best to first visit your local school and get some first hand knowledge there before visiting other academies. Travelling far for your classes is can be demotivating but also you must enjoy the lessons. This is what keeps you going. It really takes years before you get anywhere in this sport, so you have to love it.
For a start, check out this link to official Gracie Barra schools. This is a list of the Gracie Barra schools around the world. Many of these have affiliate locations and it is worth looking at the websites and calling up the academy to find out more.
----------------
5. BJJ and Judo vs Other martial arts?
BJJ and Judo are extremely effective martial arts. They include both sports and self-defense elements and can be very effective when mastered. One proof of this have been Mixed Martial Arts competitions such as the UFC. Today almost every mixed martial arts fighter is well versed in judo or bjj or a similar art (Sambo, submission grappling).
First of all, judo and bjj are grappling arts. No striking is allowed and this makes them different to many striking arts like boxing, muay thai boxing, karate, kung fu etc
There is a self-defense section but mostly its a sport. This makes it very different to arts like aikido where partners practice in turn and don't offer resistance. In fact this competitive element is partly that makes judo/bjj so effective.
I would also mention that jiu jitsu/judo are rough sports. You can get injured but less than for example muay thai boxing. If you are strong and big, you have an advantage but it does not mean that if you are not strong or big you should not study the art.
In fact what makes bjj and judo stand out is that these arts allow a smaller fighter defeat a larger fighter by applying techniques. A great example is the triangle choke where a smaller guy on his back can defeat by using the most powerful parts of his body (namely his legs and hips) to defeat a much larger and stronger opponent.
----------------
6. Do I have to be fit?
Generally you don't need to be fit to come to your first class. You can be assured however that you will get fitter. I've seen overweight people lose 10-20 pounds within a matter of a few months.
As you progress and your training becomes more serious, you will require a good cardio system and good fitness level especially for competition. More serious judo clubs tend to have grueling training sessions with long sparring and tough cardio training.
When selecting a school you should look for what association it belongs to and who the teacher is. You want your teacher to be at least a purple belt (ideally brown belt and above) with the school preferrably affiliated with Gracie Barra, Gracie Humaita, Alliance or Carlsons. These are the four largest branches of jiu jitsu in the world today but there are other good schools that have been started by champions and stars like Renzo Gracie, Pablo Popovitch and many others.
The location of the school is also very important to keep you motivated. It is best to first visit your local school and get some first hand knowledge there before visiting other academies. Travelling far for your classes is can be demotivating but also you must enjoy the lessons. This is what keeps you going. It really takes years before you get anywhere in this sport, so you have to love it.
For a start, check out this link to official Gracie Barra schools. This is a list of the Gracie Barra schools around the world. Many of these have affiliate locations and it is worth looking at the websites and calling up the academy to find out more.
----------------
5. BJJ and Judo vs Other martial arts?
BJJ and Judo are extremely effective martial arts. They include both sports and self-defense elements and can be very effective when mastered. One proof of this have been Mixed Martial Arts competitions such as the UFC. Today almost every mixed martial arts fighter is well versed in judo or bjj or a similar art (Sambo, submission grappling).
First of all, judo and bjj are grappling arts. No striking is allowed and this makes them different to many striking arts like boxing, muay thai boxing, karate, kung fu etc
There is a self-defense section but mostly its a sport. This makes it very different to arts like aikido where partners practice in turn and don't offer resistance. In fact this competitive element is partly that makes judo/bjj so effective.
I would also mention that jiu jitsu/judo are rough sports. You can get injured but less than for example muay thai boxing. If you are strong and big, you have an advantage but it does not mean that if you are not strong or big you should not study the art.
In fact what makes bjj and judo stand out is that these arts allow a smaller fighter defeat a larger fighter by applying techniques. A great example is the triangle choke where a smaller guy on his back can defeat by using the most powerful parts of his body (namely his legs and hips) to defeat a much larger and stronger opponent.
----------------
6. Do I have to be fit?
Generally you don't need to be fit to come to your first class. You can be assured however that you will get fitter. I've seen overweight people lose 10-20 pounds within a matter of a few months.
As you progress and your training becomes more serious, you will require a good cardio system and good fitness level especially for competition. More serious judo clubs tend to have grueling training sessions with long sparring and tough cardio training.
The instructor normally determines the level of cardio training and this varies. Normally clubs that lessons that last only one hour don't focus on cardio but you really have to go and get a feel for the training yourself.
If you are struggling, speak to your instructor but I have not seen this to be a barrier to training anywhere.
----------------
7. Do I need to be strong to do judo and bjj?
Many people will tell you that you don't need to be strong for these martial arts. In my opinion if you are going to your first class, this will not matter but if you are going to a tournament and competing against strong and skilled adversaries than being strong will benefit your submissions.
Strong guys that start jiu jitsu or judo and try to use their strength are wasting energy and should really focus on understanding the basics. When I started, I did have the tendency to use excessive force in sparring but what really motivated me was the fact that skill is so important. When a much weaker opponent than I am could defeat me due to skill, this really impressed me.
----------------
7. Do I need to be strong to do judo and bjj?
Many people will tell you that you don't need to be strong for these martial arts. In my opinion if you are going to your first class, this will not matter but if you are going to a tournament and competing against strong and skilled adversaries than being strong will benefit your submissions.
Strong guys that start jiu jitsu or judo and try to use their strength are wasting energy and should really focus on understanding the basics. When I started, I did have the tendency to use excessive force in sparring but what really motivated me was the fact that skill is so important. When a much weaker opponent than I am could defeat me due to skill, this really impressed me.
Just focus on technique. Strength is important at certain times but also look at what your opponent is doing, analyze his weak positions and use your strength to attack when he is vulnerable and has exhausted himself.
----------------
8. Can I buy instructional materials to aid by bjj/judo training?
While you can't learn bjj or judo just by watching DVDs or reading books, you can aid your learning by making note of certain details or finding your favourite techniques which you want to perfect. In fact, the only way to learn is dedicating to mat time. Period.
----------------
8. Can I buy instructional materials to aid by bjj/judo training?
While you can't learn bjj or judo just by watching DVDs or reading books, you can aid your learning by making note of certain details or finding your favourite techniques which you want to perfect. In fact, the only way to learn is dedicating to mat time. Period.
What you can do though is set a goal for yourself of studying one technique per session or per week. Just get your DVD and then when you go sparring, just try to apply a technique you have seen. Ask your partner to let you apply it for practice. This will speed up your development but make sure this is not a detriment to your core programme that your instructor is teaching you.
For beginners I recommend: Roy Dean's Blue Belt Requirements DVD
Book Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Renzo & Royler Gracie, with Kid Peligro & John Danaher
For more experienced I recommend: Saulo Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Revolution Series One and Two DVD Sets.
Saulo Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu University Book.
You can get these on Amazon.com, just click on the slideshow below.
Book Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Renzo & Royler Gracie, with Kid Peligro & John Danaher
For more experienced I recommend: Saulo Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Revolution Series One and Two DVD Sets.
Saulo Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu University Book.
You can get these on Amazon.com, just click on the slideshow below.
----------------
9. Is there a difference between BJJ and Judo?
9. Is there a difference between BJJ and Judo?
BJJ and Judo are two very different martial arts with a different focus.
Judo is a traditional martial art that originated in Japan and is very focused on throws although it gives the basics of groundwork and submissions as well. The rules are different with fighters scoring points by successfully carrying out a through making sure the opponent lands on his back.
Judo does not include leg locks and some other submissions common in BJJ on the ground but does count holds as decisive for victory.
BJJ on the other hand is a martial art that is focused on ground work and often includes elements of both gi and no gi. As you progress, leg locks and even wrist locks are included and you benefit from a very diverse curriculum on ground work which is extremely effective.
There are enormous benefits of combining Judo and BJJ to develop a great all round game. Judo will give you the gi takedowns you will need and BJJ the ground fighting skills to overcome and submit the opponent.
Many well known jiu jitsu fighters including Roger Gracie, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Xande Ribeiro have studied a great deal of Judo and used it in jiu jitsu competitions.
ADCC 2009!!!
Ok quickly, for those that don't know ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championship is a competition for professional athletes who have been successful at the highest levels of Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, Sambo, Shooto and Mixed Martial Arts. The rules disallow strikes while promoting grappling and submissions.
This is one of the most prestigious and exciting events combining different styles of grappling and minimizing restrictions. The competition was created by Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of the former United Arab Emirates president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, together with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Nelson Monteiro. The first competition took place on March 20, 21 & 22, 1998 in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. (Source: Wikipedia)
In the past many stars have competed in this tournament including Royler & Renzo Gracie as well as top-players of today including Xande Ribeiro, Roger Gracie and Jacare. (in fact almost all top stars have competed here since this is the biggest no-gi tournament around)
Now here is the link to the 2009 tournament link
I am telling you it is going to be amazing. This year it will be held in Barcelona, Spain at the end of September. This is going to be a tournament that even a remote fan is going to want to see. They havent announced the full list of competitors yet but......... just think, it is official, Fedor Emelianenko will be participating. The greatest MMA fighter ever. Everyone is going to want to be there, watch, fight it doesnt matter.
I think it is going to be very interesting. Yes jiu jitsu is very different to Sambo, but a guy with so much experience, training and ability, it will be very interesting to see how the fight goes. Of course I would also love to see Xande, Roger, Jacare and Monson there together with the other heavyweights.
Lets keep our eyes open for this one. This is going to be a sensation for the martial arts world.
This is one of the most prestigious and exciting events combining different styles of grappling and minimizing restrictions. The competition was created by Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of the former United Arab Emirates president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, together with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Nelson Monteiro. The first competition took place on March 20, 21 & 22, 1998 in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. (Source: Wikipedia)
In the past many stars have competed in this tournament including Royler & Renzo Gracie as well as top-players of today including Xande Ribeiro, Roger Gracie and Jacare. (in fact almost all top stars have competed here since this is the biggest no-gi tournament around)
Now here is the link to the 2009 tournament link
I am telling you it is going to be amazing. This year it will be held in Barcelona, Spain at the end of September. This is going to be a tournament that even a remote fan is going to want to see. They havent announced the full list of competitors yet but......... just think, it is official, Fedor Emelianenko will be participating. The greatest MMA fighter ever. Everyone is going to want to be there, watch, fight it doesnt matter.
I think it is going to be very interesting. Yes jiu jitsu is very different to Sambo, but a guy with so much experience, training and ability, it will be very interesting to see how the fight goes. Of course I would also love to see Xande, Roger, Jacare and Monson there together with the other heavyweights.
Lets keep our eyes open for this one. This is going to be a sensation for the martial arts world.
пятница, 15 мая 2009 г.
Positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a fundamentals block but once you go beyond it there is a whole array of other positions that keep coming up with no end in sight really. Eddy Bravo at his 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu school has been one notable proponent of continued development of jiu jitsu with his unorthodox no-gi style. One of his most well-known developments that have had a lot of success is the Rubber Guard.
The very fact that jiu jitsu keeps evolving makes it such an interesting art. People keep coming up with new moves. As Saulo said in his Jiu Jitsu Revolution DVD set, jiu jitsu keeps evolving. Roger Gracie has been of course a phenomenon because he has been able to successfully apply very basic techniques and submit champions and this is beautiful but I think the fact that this sport is still evolving after so many years is beautiful.
FUNDAMENTAL POSITIONS
Closed Guard
The closed guard is a fundamental position in brazilian jiu jitsu. The player lies on his back with legs hooked around the back of his opponent, totally in control. This position can vary from the opponent either on his knees, on one knee or totally standing. The jiu jitsu player has a range of techniques he can apply like sweeps and submissions. The opponent tries to prevent submission attempts and pass the guard and gain a more advantageous position such as the mount.
Open Guard
This is another classic position from which jiu jitsu players try to work their sweeps and submissions. It differs only in that the jiu jitsu player on his back does not lock his legs. Several variations exist of the open guard such as placing the feet on the opponents his and maintaining full control.
Butterfly Guard
This is another fundamental position learnt early on and very popular with higher grade jiu jitsu players. The legs in this position are hooked with the ankles inside between the opponents legs, against the inside of the opponents thighs. (just like a butterfly). Good control of the opponent is maintained by also securing a confortable grip for example under the arms. This position enables to carry out effective sweeps and transitions, however tends to be difficult to maintain for a longer period of time compared to the closed guard for example.
Spider Guard
The spider guard is particularly effective in gi bjj, when long sleeves enable the jiu jitsu player to exercise good control of his/her opponent. The jiu jitsu player is on his back pressing the soles of his feet against the biceps of the opponent. Submissions such as for example the omoplata and triangle choke as well as a whole range of sweeps make this position another good option to be included in the game of a jiu jitsu practitioner.
Sitting Guard
A position where the jiu jitsu player controls his opponents only with his arms but sitting up with legs in front prepared for an exchange.
Half Guard
A fundamental position in brazilian jiu jitsu and is very common and arises very often when the opponent attempts to pass the jiu jitsu players guard but gets one leg entangled by the jiu jitsu player. This position opens up another whole chapter in jiu jitsu with a range of sweeps and submissions that can be done from the bottom and submissions and passes that can be done from the top. From a vale-tudo perspective of course the top position is advantageous but from sports jiu jitsu perspective a skillful half-guard player can do very well here.
Knee-on the belly
Also known as the knee-mount, this is a dominant grappling position with the opponent placing a knee at the bottom of the jiu jitsu players torso and the other leg extended for balance. This position is most commonly attained from side-control (cross-body).
Cross-body/Side-control
This is another dominant grappling position typically achieved once the opponent is successful in passing the guard. The top player lies perpendicular to the player on the bottom with his legs free exerting full control.
Kesa-gatame
This is a position achieved as a transition from side-control and is well-known in judo and translated as "scarf-hold". Two variations of this pin exist with one arm under the head and the other under the arm of the player on the bottom.
Another slight variation of this hold is known as kata-gatame whe the arm of the opponent on the bottom is placed around his head allowing the top opponent to execute the arm-triangle choke if needed.
North-South
This a dominant ground grappling position where one player is supine, with the other player invertedly lying prone on top, normally with his or her head over the bottom opponents's chest.
Mount
A dominant grappling position with the player on top sitting on the bottom player's torso. The bottom player is unable to exercise any submissions from this position and focuses on escaping while the top player tries to maintain this position and execute chokes and locks.
Back-mount
Another very dominant position where one player is behind the other controlling him. The defending player facing down is considered to be in an inferior position. The player that achieved this position attempts to hook his legs around in order to maintain good control and the proceed to execute a submission.
The very fact that jiu jitsu keeps evolving makes it such an interesting art. People keep coming up with new moves. As Saulo said in his Jiu Jitsu Revolution DVD set, jiu jitsu keeps evolving. Roger Gracie has been of course a phenomenon because he has been able to successfully apply very basic techniques and submit champions and this is beautiful but I think the fact that this sport is still evolving after so many years is beautiful.
FUNDAMENTAL POSITIONS
Closed Guard
The closed guard is a fundamental position in brazilian jiu jitsu. The player lies on his back with legs hooked around the back of his opponent, totally in control. This position can vary from the opponent either on his knees, on one knee or totally standing. The jiu jitsu player has a range of techniques he can apply like sweeps and submissions. The opponent tries to prevent submission attempts and pass the guard and gain a more advantageous position such as the mount.
Open Guard
This is another classic position from which jiu jitsu players try to work their sweeps and submissions. It differs only in that the jiu jitsu player on his back does not lock his legs. Several variations exist of the open guard such as placing the feet on the opponents his and maintaining full control.
Butterfly Guard
This is another fundamental position learnt early on and very popular with higher grade jiu jitsu players. The legs in this position are hooked with the ankles inside between the opponents legs, against the inside of the opponents thighs. (just like a butterfly). Good control of the opponent is maintained by also securing a confortable grip for example under the arms. This position enables to carry out effective sweeps and transitions, however tends to be difficult to maintain for a longer period of time compared to the closed guard for example.
Spider Guard
The spider guard is particularly effective in gi bjj, when long sleeves enable the jiu jitsu player to exercise good control of his/her opponent. The jiu jitsu player is on his back pressing the soles of his feet against the biceps of the opponent. Submissions such as for example the omoplata and triangle choke as well as a whole range of sweeps make this position another good option to be included in the game of a jiu jitsu practitioner.
Sitting Guard
A position where the jiu jitsu player controls his opponents only with his arms but sitting up with legs in front prepared for an exchange.
Half Guard
A fundamental position in brazilian jiu jitsu and is very common and arises very often when the opponent attempts to pass the jiu jitsu players guard but gets one leg entangled by the jiu jitsu player. This position opens up another whole chapter in jiu jitsu with a range of sweeps and submissions that can be done from the bottom and submissions and passes that can be done from the top. From a vale-tudo perspective of course the top position is advantageous but from sports jiu jitsu perspective a skillful half-guard player can do very well here.
Knee-on the belly
Also known as the knee-mount, this is a dominant grappling position with the opponent placing a knee at the bottom of the jiu jitsu players torso and the other leg extended for balance. This position is most commonly attained from side-control (cross-body).
Cross-body/Side-control
This is another dominant grappling position typically achieved once the opponent is successful in passing the guard. The top player lies perpendicular to the player on the bottom with his legs free exerting full control.
Kesa-gatame
This is a position achieved as a transition from side-control and is well-known in judo and translated as "scarf-hold". Two variations of this pin exist with one arm under the head and the other under the arm of the player on the bottom.
Another slight variation of this hold is known as kata-gatame whe the arm of the opponent on the bottom is placed around his head allowing the top opponent to execute the arm-triangle choke if needed.
North-South
This a dominant ground grappling position where one player is supine, with the other player invertedly lying prone on top, normally with his or her head over the bottom opponents's chest.
Mount
A dominant grappling position with the player on top sitting on the bottom player's torso. The bottom player is unable to exercise any submissions from this position and focuses on escaping while the top player tries to maintain this position and execute chokes and locks.
Back-mount
Another very dominant position where one player is behind the other controlling him. The defending player facing down is considered to be in an inferior position. The player that achieved this position attempts to hook his legs around in order to maintain good control and the proceed to execute a submission.
среда, 6 мая 2009 г.
Famous People Doing BJJ
I first thought about this when I was reading one of the martial arts magazines. Fightsport, the great MMA magazine I think it was. This is really great stuff and I wanted to post some info I found on this here for everone's interest. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is so great and it is surprising how many different types of people practice it. I think there are certainly very many others that we just dont know about.
BLACK BELTS:
Sean Patrick Flanery - an American actor known for such roles as Connor MacManus in The Boondock Saints as well as portraying Indiana Jones in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
Chuck Norris - an American martial artist, action star and television and film actor who is known for action roles such as Cordell Walker on Walker, Texas Ranger, his iconically tough image and roundhouse kick.
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Edward "Ed" O'Neill - an American actor. He is best known for his role as the main character, Al Bundy, on the FOX Network's sitcom, Married... with Children. O'Neill has often been cast as a police officer in television shows and films.
Pete Loncarevich - a former Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racer. Loncarevich was an "Old School" professional BMX racer whose prime competitive years were from 1980 to 1994.
Rikki Rockett - better known by the stage name Rikki Rockett, is an American drummer best known for his work with the glam metal band, Poison.
Dan Inosanto - is an American Filipino martial arts (FMA) instructor from California who is best-known as a student of the late Bruce Lee and authority on Jeet Kune Do Concepts.
Richard Norton - a martial artist, action film star, and stuntman. Norton worked as a bodyguard in the entertainment business before pursuing an acting career. He worked as a personal bodyguard for the likes of The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, David Bowie, ABBA, John Belushi, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. His first screen appearance was in the 1980 Chuck Norris film The Octagon, and to date he has worked on over 70 feature films and television programs.
Suga Pop (Steven Daniells-Silva) - an internationally-recognized "street dance" practitioner and choreographer based in the United States, with family ties to New Zealand and Samoa. He is renowned for his execution of the styles "popping" and "locking" (collectively grouped under the umbrella term "funk styles") that are associated with the U.S. West Coast, particularly California. His crew affiliations include the Electric Boogaloos, The Lockers, and Rock Steady Crew.
BROWN BELTS:
Guy Ritchie - a filmmaker known for his modern take on British gangster movies and for being married to pop star Madonna. Ritchie got his start behind the camera in the mid-1990s, making promotional music videos and television commercials. His 1995 short The Hard Case -- and a script for a feature film based on it -- convinced a handful of wealthy investors (including Trudie Styler, Sting's wife) to finance his first movie. Ritchie made Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) on a small budget with mostly unknown actors; it became a box office hit and he was suddenly being compared to Quentin Tarantino. He was also making news as Madonna's boyfriend and father to her son, Rocco. Ritchie and Madonna married in December of 2000 and settled in England, much to the delight of the British gossip sheets, who report regularly on their doings. His next movie, Snatch (2000), had major studio backing and big-name stars like Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro. It performed well at the box office and furthered Ritchie's reputation as an exciting writer/director. He then worked with his wife on three projects: a music video ("What It Feels Like for a Girl"), a short film for BMW ("Star," with Clive Owen) and a poorly-received remake of the 1974 film Swept Away (2002). In 2005 he finished Revolver, a crime thriller starring Ray Liotta and Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000 of the hip-hop band Outkast). He followed with the cash-frenzy action comedy RocknRolla (2008).
Joe Rogan - is an American comedian, actor and longtime color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rogan is also known for his role as Joe Garrelli in NewsRadio and as host on the TV game/reality program Fear Factor.
Michael Westbrook - a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. Westbrook spent seven seasons with the Washington Redskins from 1995 to 2001 and the 2002 season with the Cincinnati Bengals before retiring.
PURPLE BELT:
Harley Flanagan - is the founder of the Cro-Mags, an influential 1980s hardcore punk band. Flanagan was the drummer for The Stimulators in 1980, when he was 12.
Maynard James Keenan - an American rock singer, songwriter, musician, producer, winemaker, and actor. Keenan is best known as the lead singer of the multi-platinum rock bands Tool and A Perfect Circle with whom he has released four and three studio albums, respectively. In 2003, he created Puscifer as a side project, financing and releasing its first studio album in October 2007. In addition to his music career, he has performed improvisational stand-up comedy, as inspired by close friend Bill Hicks, and ventured into acting, making his feature film debut in April 2009 with the release of Crank: High Voltage. He is the current owner of Merkin Vineyards and the associated winery, Caduceus Cellars, and has part ownership of Stronghold Vineyards, all located in Arizona, where he resides.
Paul Walker - an American actor. He became well known in 2001 after starring in the surprise summer hit The Fast and the Furious and has since gone on to star in its sequels 2 Fast 2 Furious and Fast & Furious. His other successful movies include Joy Ride, Running Scared, and Eight Below.
David Mamet - an American author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter and film director. His works are known for their clever, terse, sometimes vulgar dialogue and arcane stylized phrasing, as well as for his exploration of masculinity. He received Tony Award nominations for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and Speed-the-Plow (1988). As a screenwriter, he received Oscar nominations for The Verdict (1982) and Wag the Dog (1997).
Michael Clarke Duncan - an American actor, best known for his breakout role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
BLUE BELT:
Nicolas Cage - an American actor, known for collaborating many times with film producer Jerry Bruckheimer. A high school dropout, Cage pursued acting as a career, making his debut on television in 1981. Cage has famously featured in numerous "bad boy" roles, and has won numerous awards, beginning in 1989 with his Independent Spirit Award, and his most recent Toronto Film Critics Association Award in 2002. Cage has starred in over 70 films including Face/Off (1997), Ghost Rider (2007), and National Treasure (2004). Cage has married three times, once to Patricia Arquette, then to Lisa Marie Presley (the only daughter, and child, of Elvis Presley), and most recently to his current wife Alice Kim Cage who was 20 years old when they met and married.
Mario Van Peebles - an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous films. He is the son of writer, director and actor Melvin Van Peebles and German actress Maria Marx. Van Peebles recently starred on the television show Damages, and will return this season, reprising the role of Agent Harrison.
Zach Roth - former member of Still Remains, a melodic metalcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan signed to Roadrunner Records, that formed out of previous local bands Shades of Amber and Unition.
Other notable celebrities known to be brazilian jiu jitsu fans include Jim Carrey, Jason Statham, Steve Irwin, Mel Gibson, Mila Jovovich, Shaquille O'Neal, Mickey Rourke, Tommy Lee
BLACK BELTS:Sean Patrick Flanery - an American actor known for such roles as Connor MacManus in The Boondock Saints as well as portraying Indiana Jones in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
Chuck Norris - an American martial artist, action star and television and film actor who is known for action roles such as Cordell Walker on Walker, Texas Ranger, his iconically tough image and roundhouse kick.
.jpg)
Edward "Ed" O'Neill - an American actor. He is best known for his role as the main character, Al Bundy, on the FOX Network's sitcom, Married... with Children. O'Neill has often been cast as a police officer in television shows and films.
Pete Loncarevich - a former Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racer. Loncarevich was an "Old School" professional BMX racer whose prime competitive years were from 1980 to 1994.
Rikki Rockett - better known by the stage name Rikki Rockett, is an American drummer best known for his work with the glam metal band, Poison.
Dan Inosanto - is an American Filipino martial arts (FMA) instructor from California who is best-known as a student of the late Bruce Lee and authority on Jeet Kune Do Concepts.
Richard Norton - a martial artist, action film star, and stuntman. Norton worked as a bodyguard in the entertainment business before pursuing an acting career. He worked as a personal bodyguard for the likes of The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, David Bowie, ABBA, John Belushi, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. His first screen appearance was in the 1980 Chuck Norris film The Octagon, and to date he has worked on over 70 feature films and television programs.
Suga Pop (Steven Daniells-Silva) - an internationally-recognized "street dance" practitioner and choreographer based in the United States, with family ties to New Zealand and Samoa. He is renowned for his execution of the styles "popping" and "locking" (collectively grouped under the umbrella term "funk styles") that are associated with the U.S. West Coast, particularly California. His crew affiliations include the Electric Boogaloos, The Lockers, and Rock Steady Crew.
BROWN BELTS:Guy Ritchie - a filmmaker known for his modern take on British gangster movies and for being married to pop star Madonna. Ritchie got his start behind the camera in the mid-1990s, making promotional music videos and television commercials. His 1995 short The Hard Case -- and a script for a feature film based on it -- convinced a handful of wealthy investors (including Trudie Styler, Sting's wife) to finance his first movie. Ritchie made Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) on a small budget with mostly unknown actors; it became a box office hit and he was suddenly being compared to Quentin Tarantino. He was also making news as Madonna's boyfriend and father to her son, Rocco. Ritchie and Madonna married in December of 2000 and settled in England, much to the delight of the British gossip sheets, who report regularly on their doings. His next movie, Snatch (2000), had major studio backing and big-name stars like Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro. It performed well at the box office and furthered Ritchie's reputation as an exciting writer/director. He then worked with his wife on three projects: a music video ("What It Feels Like for a Girl"), a short film for BMW ("Star," with Clive Owen) and a poorly-received remake of the 1974 film Swept Away (2002). In 2005 he finished Revolver, a crime thriller starring Ray Liotta and Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000 of the hip-hop band Outkast). He followed with the cash-frenzy action comedy RocknRolla (2008).
Joe Rogan - is an American comedian, actor and longtime color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rogan is also known for his role as Joe Garrelli in NewsRadio and as host on the TV game/reality program Fear Factor.
Michael Westbrook - a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. Westbrook spent seven seasons with the Washington Redskins from 1995 to 2001 and the 2002 season with the Cincinnati Bengals before retiring.
PURPLE BELT:Harley Flanagan - is the founder of the Cro-Mags, an influential 1980s hardcore punk band. Flanagan was the drummer for The Stimulators in 1980, when he was 12.
Maynard James Keenan - an American rock singer, songwriter, musician, producer, winemaker, and actor. Keenan is best known as the lead singer of the multi-platinum rock bands Tool and A Perfect Circle with whom he has released four and three studio albums, respectively. In 2003, he created Puscifer as a side project, financing and releasing its first studio album in October 2007. In addition to his music career, he has performed improvisational stand-up comedy, as inspired by close friend Bill Hicks, and ventured into acting, making his feature film debut in April 2009 with the release of Crank: High Voltage. He is the current owner of Merkin Vineyards and the associated winery, Caduceus Cellars, and has part ownership of Stronghold Vineyards, all located in Arizona, where he resides.
Paul Walker - an American actor. He became well known in 2001 after starring in the surprise summer hit The Fast and the Furious and has since gone on to star in its sequels 2 Fast 2 Furious and Fast & Furious. His other successful movies include Joy Ride, Running Scared, and Eight Below.
David Mamet - an American author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter and film director. His works are known for their clever, terse, sometimes vulgar dialogue and arcane stylized phrasing, as well as for his exploration of masculinity. He received Tony Award nominations for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and Speed-the-Plow (1988). As a screenwriter, he received Oscar nominations for The Verdict (1982) and Wag the Dog (1997).
Michael Clarke Duncan - an American actor, best known for his breakout role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
BLUE BELT:Nicolas Cage - an American actor, known for collaborating many times with film producer Jerry Bruckheimer. A high school dropout, Cage pursued acting as a career, making his debut on television in 1981. Cage has famously featured in numerous "bad boy" roles, and has won numerous awards, beginning in 1989 with his Independent Spirit Award, and his most recent Toronto Film Critics Association Award in 2002. Cage has starred in over 70 films including Face/Off (1997), Ghost Rider (2007), and National Treasure (2004). Cage has married three times, once to Patricia Arquette, then to Lisa Marie Presley (the only daughter, and child, of Elvis Presley), and most recently to his current wife Alice Kim Cage who was 20 years old when they met and married.
Mario Van Peebles - an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous films. He is the son of writer, director and actor Melvin Van Peebles and German actress Maria Marx. Van Peebles recently starred on the television show Damages, and will return this season, reprising the role of Agent Harrison.
Zach Roth - former member of Still Remains, a melodic metalcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan signed to Roadrunner Records, that formed out of previous local bands Shades of Amber and Unition.
Other notable celebrities known to be brazilian jiu jitsu fans include Jim Carrey, Jason Statham, Steve Irwin, Mel Gibson, Mila Jovovich, Shaquille O'Neal, Mickey Rourke, Tommy Lee
вторник, 5 мая 2009 г.
BJJ Comedy :)
Hey everyone! Found this comic strip on the internet and it just cracked me up:)
I actually had a similar situation when I first came to bjj after having done a year of judo. I was already ok in newaza and did some sambo-like grappling as well, so when I came to spar with some of the bjj guys, they were asking "is this your first time doing bjj" and I was answering "well, yes". After the fight when I submitted some of these white belts they realized that I was not really the beginner they thought they would be facing. This is great and I am sure this happens all the time in training when judo/sambo or wrestling guys come to bjj or vice versa.
Guys, we definitely need to find and make more of these comic strips from experience. There must be plenty more.
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