Theme & Techniques: Closed Guard: Break to Double Unders, Stacking Variation on the Pass, Kimura from Guard
Partner: Justin
My nuts had a tough time during the guard break today. Usually I don't have any issues but this particular guard break was uncomfortable every time.
Greg gave an alternative way to stack for the double under pass where you grab their shoulder to keep them from shoulder walking and then stack and get way under them. I'll have to play with it more but I think it has some potential.
Rolling: Closed Guard, Free Rolling
Rolled With: Justin, Jeff, Morgan, Ben
My goal from top was to complete a tozi pass and I didn't complete any of them. I had a hard time keeping my head in place next to theirs. I don't consider it a wasted effort though.
From the bottom I played some Z-Guard and hunted for triangles. I also setup a few kimura traps and ended up in 50/50 and other leg entanglements.
While stretching I spaced out a bit contemplating what to tell Ben about defending the kimura from deep half. Greg noticed and we got off on a tangent about deep thoughts with Jack Handy. I guess Deep Thoughts from Deep Half with Josh Cather would be a decent podcast title.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
January 28th 2017 - Open Mat
Open Mat
Rolled With: Josh J, Ben, Daniel, Mike A, Will
Game Plan: Bottom - Half Guard Sweeps, Top - NS Choke
Had a good day of rolling that kicked my butt. The roll with Will especially took its toll as I had to dig deep a couple times to keep going. Mike also gave me a tough roll but I took advantage of him getting over being sick.
I found several opportunities to attempt the NS choke mostly because I wanted to try the way Marcelo teaches it. The main difference being that he keeps his head on his opponent's chest where I usually put my head behind their shoulder on the floor. I can't seem to make his work as well for me and I'm not sure if I should keep trying it or just accept that my way is better for me.
I gave out a few pointers to Josh. Shared some of my bridging "secrets" which seemed to trigger a light bulb moment. I enjoy seeing that happen as an instructor. We also worked on some cross guard when someone stands up in it.
Rolled With: Josh J, Ben, Daniel, Mike A, Will
Game Plan: Bottom - Half Guard Sweeps, Top - NS Choke
Had a good day of rolling that kicked my butt. The roll with Will especially took its toll as I had to dig deep a couple times to keep going. Mike also gave me a tough roll but I took advantage of him getting over being sick.
I found several opportunities to attempt the NS choke mostly because I wanted to try the way Marcelo teaches it. The main difference being that he keeps his head on his opponent's chest where I usually put my head behind their shoulder on the floor. I can't seem to make his work as well for me and I'm not sure if I should keep trying it or just accept that my way is better for me.
I gave out a few pointers to Josh. Shared some of my bridging "secrets" which seemed to trigger a light bulb moment. I enjoy seeing that happen as an instructor. We also worked on some cross guard when someone stands up in it.
Friday, January 27, 2017
January 27th 2017 - Gi All Levels
Theme & Techniques: Guillotine Defense from Guard, Ezekiel Choke from Mount & Half Guard
Partner: Mike G, Jeff
We had 9 students in class this morning where we're usually lucky to get 6.
Here are some tips on the ezekiel:
Rolling: Mount & Half Guard Up/Down/Out, Free Rolling
Rolled With: Jess, Jeff, Jesus, Justin, Conan, Craig, Ryal
Not a lot different from yesterday. I did have a good exchange with Jess where he turtled up and I stayed on his back and transitioned into armbar/kimura position. I think he's been helping me with that position set since he seems to be able to get to turtle most of the time.
I free rolled with the new guy Jeff and had to rely on technique a few times as he has some strength and great body movement. Even though he was making rookie mistakes of trying to bench press me all over the place he was still difficult to handle. I think I calmed him down a bit after a while and helped talk him through what he should do instead, but I could see how a less seasoned student would have a lot of trouble with him.
Office Hours Partner: Conan
Conan had the better of me today and once he swept me with butterfly I wasn't able to escape. I made a good effort I thought, but I need to work harder to avoid the bad positions in the first place. It's also good to get a reality check and spend some time on the bottom being smashed.
Partner: Mike G, Jeff
We had 9 students in class this morning where we're usually lucky to get 6.
Here are some tips on the ezekiel:
- Make sure you get all 4 fingers in your sleeve. You'll destroy your finger joints if you don't.
- Line up your shoulders with the choke. If I'm attempting the ezekiel and my head and shoulders are above my opponent the angle is off a bit. I want to shove my fist directly into their neck but not in a downward angle.
- I get this choke far more often from the threat of the half guard pass or directly after getting the mount. I'll also use it in mount to help me move up on their chest and isolate their arms for other submissions.
Rolling: Mount & Half Guard Up/Down/Out, Free Rolling
Rolled With: Jess, Jeff, Jesus, Justin, Conan, Craig, Ryal
Not a lot different from yesterday. I did have a good exchange with Jess where he turtled up and I stayed on his back and transitioned into armbar/kimura position. I think he's been helping me with that position set since he seems to be able to get to turtle most of the time.
I free rolled with the new guy Jeff and had to rely on technique a few times as he has some strength and great body movement. Even though he was making rookie mistakes of trying to bench press me all over the place he was still difficult to handle. I think I calmed him down a bit after a while and helped talk him through what he should do instead, but I could see how a less seasoned student would have a lot of trouble with him.
Office Hours Partner: Conan
Conan had the better of me today and once he swept me with butterfly I wasn't able to escape. I made a good effort I thought, but I need to work harder to avoid the bad positions in the first place. It's also good to get a reality check and spend some time on the bottom being smashed.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
January 26th 2017 - Gi All Levels
Theme & Techniques: Guillotine Defense from Guard, Ezekiel Choke from Mount & Half Guard
Partner: Jess
Ezekiels are my jam and I felt like I did a good job of giving Jess some good details. I don't feel like I hit is as much from mount anymore as people are wise to it, but passing half guard seems to still catch people off guard. I'll try to write some more tips on the technique tomorrow when I have time.
Rolling: Guard KOTM, Mount
Rolled With: Jess, Jordan, Tom, Daniel
Had to work harder today than I was prepared for. Both Jordan and Tom gave me a hard time in my guard. I attempted sweeps and went to 2 on 1 but they were both insistent on wanting to pass. I had to turtle and prevent getting my back taken. I did end up coming up into a single leg at one point which is something that I need to do more often.
My mount both top and bottom felt pretty good today as it has lately. I would say if you are one of those people that says that mount sucks and side control is better, you may be right for your style and body type, but give mount a chance.
Office Hours Partner: Greg, Chris
Greg had Jordan and I roll hard with him after class. We started standing and he pulled guard on me both times but swept soon after from butterfly. I was on the defensive for the rest of it I think. I felt like I escaped quite a few submissions until he finally caught me in an armbar. Afterward he told me that my defense is good but he doesn't feel threatened by me. So my new goal is to be threatening to Greg. Greg showed me a trip takedown that he's been working on off of an arm drag. I kind of like it but would need to drill it to get the leg part down.
Helped Chris a bit with grip fighting from butterfly and holding their arm to his body after he breaks a grip instead of letting them regrip right after. Seemed to be surprised that he hadn't known that already. To me those are the best kinds of lessons because once you feel like they're obvious, you can use them right away.
Partner: Jess
Ezekiels are my jam and I felt like I did a good job of giving Jess some good details. I don't feel like I hit is as much from mount anymore as people are wise to it, but passing half guard seems to still catch people off guard. I'll try to write some more tips on the technique tomorrow when I have time.
Rolling: Guard KOTM, Mount
Rolled With: Jess, Jordan, Tom, Daniel
Had to work harder today than I was prepared for. Both Jordan and Tom gave me a hard time in my guard. I attempted sweeps and went to 2 on 1 but they were both insistent on wanting to pass. I had to turtle and prevent getting my back taken. I did end up coming up into a single leg at one point which is something that I need to do more often.
My mount both top and bottom felt pretty good today as it has lately. I would say if you are one of those people that says that mount sucks and side control is better, you may be right for your style and body type, but give mount a chance.
Office Hours Partner: Greg, Chris
Greg had Jordan and I roll hard with him after class. We started standing and he pulled guard on me both times but swept soon after from butterfly. I was on the defensive for the rest of it I think. I felt like I escaped quite a few submissions until he finally caught me in an armbar. Afterward he told me that my defense is good but he doesn't feel threatened by me. So my new goal is to be threatening to Greg. Greg showed me a trip takedown that he's been working on off of an arm drag. I kind of like it but would need to drill it to get the leg part down.
Helped Chris a bit with grip fighting from butterfly and holding their arm to his body after he breaks a grip instead of letting them regrip right after. Seemed to be surprised that he hadn't known that already. To me those are the best kinds of lessons because once you feel like they're obvious, you can use them right away.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
January 24th 2017 - No Gi All Levels
Theme & Techniques: Side Control: Tripod Escape, Arm Triangle Choke
Partner: Jeff (New Guy), Jess
Was glad I got to escape train today, as I'm a little stressed from work. I like how BJJ can put things into perspective and clear my head but I am a bit of a bitch if I miss a workout.
The new guy, Jeff, has the build of a wrestler but he said that he runs Ironman races and stuff like that though so he'll probably be a terror after he learns some technique.
I worked on perfecting my tripod and trying to find the best way to get to my head and shoulder and maintain my bridge. For the arm triangle I focused on keeping my head on the floor and copying the way that Greg did it to get their arm in place. Helped out both Jess and Jeff a lot with some basic side control things aside from the techniques of the day. They both had pretty tight arm triangles by the end of the session.
Rolling: Side Control Up/Down/Out
Rolled With: Jess, Jeff, John, Morgan, Daniel, Ben
My North/South choke was delivered plentifully today as many of my brethren left their necks unprotected in side control. I explained to a few people how to defend it but pushing my chin to make me look away which helps make space for them to turn their head. I also had some success with the waiter sweep today, feeling especially good about coming up after the sweep.
Had some good rounds. Jess was hard to hold down in side control as usual and I was transitioning from side to turtle, trying to take the back, trying to get crucifix, then eventually got an arm in guillotine using the method that Greg showed us a couple of months ago. He is so difficult to control in no gi.
Office Hours Partner: John, Morgan
Rolled with both John and Morgan and experimented with some single leg-x and full-x. I looked for more leglocks on John, but had some trouble finding good technique to finish the heel hook. Probably have to go over that with Mike or Greg again.
There was a point with Morgan where a toe hold presented itself and I put it on to kind of show him it was there and for my own muscle memory. From his office Greg said, "Are you toe holding a white belt" to which I let it go and responded "NO! I was just um...showing him it was there."
Partner: Jeff (New Guy), Jess
Was glad I got to escape train today, as I'm a little stressed from work. I like how BJJ can put things into perspective and clear my head but I am a bit of a bitch if I miss a workout.
The new guy, Jeff, has the build of a wrestler but he said that he runs Ironman races and stuff like that though so he'll probably be a terror after he learns some technique.
I worked on perfecting my tripod and trying to find the best way to get to my head and shoulder and maintain my bridge. For the arm triangle I focused on keeping my head on the floor and copying the way that Greg did it to get their arm in place. Helped out both Jess and Jeff a lot with some basic side control things aside from the techniques of the day. They both had pretty tight arm triangles by the end of the session.
Rolling: Side Control Up/Down/Out
Rolled With: Jess, Jeff, John, Morgan, Daniel, Ben
My North/South choke was delivered plentifully today as many of my brethren left their necks unprotected in side control. I explained to a few people how to defend it but pushing my chin to make me look away which helps make space for them to turn their head. I also had some success with the waiter sweep today, feeling especially good about coming up after the sweep.
Had some good rounds. Jess was hard to hold down in side control as usual and I was transitioning from side to turtle, trying to take the back, trying to get crucifix, then eventually got an arm in guillotine using the method that Greg showed us a couple of months ago. He is so difficult to control in no gi.
Office Hours Partner: John, Morgan
Rolled with both John and Morgan and experimented with some single leg-x and full-x. I looked for more leglocks on John, but had some trouble finding good technique to finish the heel hook. Probably have to go over that with Mike or Greg again.
There was a point with Morgan where a toe hold presented itself and I put it on to kind of show him it was there and for my own muscle memory. From his office Greg said, "Are you toe holding a white belt" to which I let it go and responded "NO! I was just um...showing him it was there."
Saturday, January 21, 2017
January 21st 2017 - Open Mat & Sparring
Open Mat
Rolled With: Jerad, Romero, Henry, Justin, Mo, David
Had some tough rolls today and felt exhausted after the first roll with Jerad. We had some good back and forth and I was happy with my performance even though he eventually got me.
Romero was one of a few guys visiting that I hadn't met before. He's a very good wrestler and I had trouble dealing with him. I had some sweeps from deep half but never felt like I had a good position. He had me in back mount for a while and I eventually escaped but it took it's toll. I eventually gassed and had to call it good.
Henry was a step ahead of me with guillotines and kimuras. I'll have to get him to show me how he maintains his guillotines and sinks them in. I want to be able to do that.
Haven't rolled with Justin in a long time. He did a good job of attacking me in turtle. After we rolled I showed him some attacks I liked from knee on belly.
Made a mistake of trying to do the rolling back take on Mo and he turned it into back mount for himself. I eventually got out of it but I don't think I'll try that on him anymore.
David and I both had our moments and only quit because he had to go. I was a little gassed too.
MMA Sparring
Trained with: Richard, Mike
Knocked some rust off today and did some standup punchy kicky sparring. It's been at least 5 years since I sparred like this and I've been wanting to jump in since they started to prepare for Mike's fight. Henry gave me a quick tutorial on putting on hand wraps and he and Will were nice enough to lone me some gear.
It was as tough as I thought it would be. 3 minute rounds are exhausting after 2 hours of open mat. I felt like a lot of my timing and distance control were still right on but my flexibility was not as good as it used to be.
I took a solid shot to the face and some leg kicks from Richard who just recently came to us with some MMA experience. Mike kept his distance out of kicking range. He would move in and out and I felt like had to chase him every time.
I had some good leg kicks and some decent side and front kicks to the body. The gloves felt unnatural and heavy and everyone kept reminding me to keep my hands up. I think some pad work would help me out.
Rolled With: Jerad, Romero, Henry, Justin, Mo, David
Had some tough rolls today and felt exhausted after the first roll with Jerad. We had some good back and forth and I was happy with my performance even though he eventually got me.
Romero was one of a few guys visiting that I hadn't met before. He's a very good wrestler and I had trouble dealing with him. I had some sweeps from deep half but never felt like I had a good position. He had me in back mount for a while and I eventually escaped but it took it's toll. I eventually gassed and had to call it good.
Henry was a step ahead of me with guillotines and kimuras. I'll have to get him to show me how he maintains his guillotines and sinks them in. I want to be able to do that.
Haven't rolled with Justin in a long time. He did a good job of attacking me in turtle. After we rolled I showed him some attacks I liked from knee on belly.
Made a mistake of trying to do the rolling back take on Mo and he turned it into back mount for himself. I eventually got out of it but I don't think I'll try that on him anymore.
David and I both had our moments and only quit because he had to go. I was a little gassed too.
MMA Sparring
Trained with: Richard, Mike
Knocked some rust off today and did some standup punchy kicky sparring. It's been at least 5 years since I sparred like this and I've been wanting to jump in since they started to prepare for Mike's fight. Henry gave me a quick tutorial on putting on hand wraps and he and Will were nice enough to lone me some gear.
It was as tough as I thought it would be. 3 minute rounds are exhausting after 2 hours of open mat. I felt like a lot of my timing and distance control were still right on but my flexibility was not as good as it used to be.
I took a solid shot to the face and some leg kicks from Richard who just recently came to us with some MMA experience. Mike kept his distance out of kicking range. He would move in and out and I felt like had to chase him every time.
I had some good leg kicks and some decent side and front kicks to the body. The gloves felt unnatural and heavy and everyone kept reminding me to keep my hands up. I think some pad work would help me out.
Friday, January 20, 2017
January 20th 2017 - Gi All Levels
Theme & Techniques: Basic Open Guard: Maintaining the position, Tripod Sweep, Sickle Sweep
Students: Jesus, Matt, Quinton, David (New)
David did pretty well for this being his first class. Like I said in my last post, I would consider the basic open guard to be advanced basics. I enjoyed teaching the sickle sweep and it seemed like everyone got it pretty well.
Rolling: Open Guard
I didn't get to roll during this time due to even numbers. The skill levels of everyone was evident though while watching everyone roll. It was a tell on who has played more guard with Jesus and Quinton having some success with it but Matt and David were getting passed relatively easily. I was really impressed with Jesus, looks like he's figuring stuff out. I remember getting frustrated with strong wrestlers coming in on their first day and giving me trouble and a few months into blue belt I felt like I started figuring things out.
Office Hours Partner: David, Quinton
Rolled a few times after class but it wasn't enough to be fulfilling. I'll have to make it up tomorrow.
Students: Jesus, Matt, Quinton, David (New)
David did pretty well for this being his first class. Like I said in my last post, I would consider the basic open guard to be advanced basics. I enjoyed teaching the sickle sweep and it seemed like everyone got it pretty well.
Rolling: Open Guard
I didn't get to roll during this time due to even numbers. The skill levels of everyone was evident though while watching everyone roll. It was a tell on who has played more guard with Jesus and Quinton having some success with it but Matt and David were getting passed relatively easily. I was really impressed with Jesus, looks like he's figuring stuff out. I remember getting frustrated with strong wrestlers coming in on their first day and giving me trouble and a few months into blue belt I felt like I started figuring things out.
Office Hours Partner: David, Quinton
Rolled a few times after class but it wasn't enough to be fulfilling. I'll have to make it up tomorrow.
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