At Renzo's

While vacationing, I wanted to train go to Renzo Gracie's academy.  This was a cool experience.  Professor Jose Zed Chierghini was the instructor for this class, and all participants were very pleasant to learn with and from.


The facility is nice but not flashy.  When in the area, I would like to go back.

52912

S Mount Work

52312#303

Leg Locks

This was a walk-on private that went nicely.
52312#302

Armbars

52212#301ww

300

This is significant to me.  At the end of the day, it's just one more toward my 10,000 hours.

52112#300

Not Scientific or a Strict Pattern

I'm not obsessing about belts, etc.  I'm very committed to the journey, etc.   I gladly accept the fact that it takes 10 plus years to get a black belt. Still, I'm curious about a quantitative approach to jiu jitsu rank progression.

10 years of training once a week is not the same as 10 years of daily training, etc.  Something that motivates me is calculating the next step in the path.  There are 20 steps to one's black belt (beginning at white and getting four stripes on it plus blue, purple, and brown).  I'm not sure how much will be required for stripes and belts.  Perhaps an average of 75 classes will be required between each step. (In most cases, stripes on white and blue belts come more quickly.)  This sets the bar at 1,500 hours (which is not scientific or a strict pattern).  

If one trains 3 hours a week (which boils down to a single class every other day), he will get about 150 classes per year (allowing for gym closures, vacations, sickness, etc.).  With 10 years of consistent training, one might be able to get his BJJ black belt.

Reverse Kesa Gatame

We call this position Reverse Kesa Gatame.  I worry with the near arm, but the bottom video shows a neat attack.

Beginner's Class

Guillotine defense
Bump Sweep
Elbow-Knee Escape

51712#299

64

51712

63

51512

armbar defense

51612#298

Beginner's Class

This class covered a ton of self-defense.  I partnered with a beginner.

51512#297

guard pass class

51512#ww296

Triangle and Armbar defense

Good stuff
51412#295

Deep Half Guard

The Week that Was May 7th

This was an epic kind of week.  I was able to train Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday--this included a private and a seminar.   I enjoyed assisting with a kid's class and working on basic self-defense with a pair of beginners.

I worked on being more active, and I paid off in my rolls.  I'm happy to say that I didn't tap this week.  My defense is becoming more reliable, and it's giving me a basis to work offense.

I hope to get to 300 classes by my birthday on May 21.  That will require another busy week, but it will be a nice accomplishment.

Seminar

Good work!

51212#294 @Holly

Attacking and Defending the Turtle

This private was a nice review of this position.  From turtle, an underhook can be gotten.  This makes re-guarding very likely.

A nice armbar can be gotten on a turtled opponent if you isolate the arm (gain wrist control) and press the elbow against your chest.

51112#293

Self-Defense

51012#292

62

51012

61

5812

Side Control Counters Series

5912#291

Beginner's Class

Elbow-kneee escape
Bridge and Roll
Bump Sweep

5812#290

Big Don Special

We worked some of the big guy's favorite take downs and these goodies:
scissor sweep
armbar
side mount counter


5712#289

Another Beginner's Class

Punch defense.  Bump sweep.  Armbar.

5312#288

60

5312

Stand Up and Open Guard

5212#287