Friday’s Class: 4th Session Overall: X-guard

I have had a total of four sessions since I started attenting Smiley’s MMA (Combat Athletix). For the first time in a while I feel a real sense of progression. Being able to train more than twice a week makes me feel as if I can achieve a lot more. I think it has been [...]

Joined a Gym

Last week after contemplating my struggles with Big Man in class, I really thought about the use of strength and conditioning in BJJ. Since I am the smallest of the Big Men in class I suffer from what my instructor termed the “law of diminishing returns.” He stated that if I were smaller and wiry [...]

BJJ and the Stability Ball

I have finally used a stability ball (my wife’s) as a part of BJJ training. In the past, I have seen a few videos with guys describing the benefits of using it for BJJ, but it never prompted me to act. I tried it out Saturday night just to see what would happen.
It truly does require balance, timing [...]

Training Chart: Preparing for Tournament

I want to participate in the April 12th tournament in Jacksonville, so I need to alter my training regimen. After a week of knowing about the tournament I hadn’t changed my routine, at all, of a minimum of 30 reps and attending class until yesterday. I drew up a chart that I will use to prepare for the event.
I am [...]

Crosschoke Talks about BJJ and the Kettlebell

I read a great article about the use of the kettlebell and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Crosschoke.com. The way he described it made me want to find out more ways to incorporate it into my routine. One statement really grabbed my attention:
“I can pull people off their base with a wrist curl, which is pretty cool.”
Dang [...]

Ginastica Natural: Suggestion from Dave

Dave, a new reader, in response to my post, Solo Exercises - Over the Holidays and Beyond, suggested I check out “Ginastica Natural For Fighters by Alvaro Romano.”
I couldn’t find the book online, but I was able to find a video where guys were using the techniques leading up to a ADCC 2007. The promoters of the video [...]

More on the Kettlebell and Jiu-jitsu

As I mentioned previously, I bought a kettlebell made by Everlast. I didn’t mention that I also ‘threw” my shoulder joint a little out of whack by taking it and hoisting it in the air before learning how to use it properly.
So I have taken the time to view the exercise DVD they included as [...]

Solo Exercises - Over the Holidays and Beyond

Before I began Jiu-Jitsu 365, I rarely ever practiced Jiu-jitsu outside of the academies where I trained. However, now that I have made it an everyday habit, I have acquired a number of grappling specific drills and exercises that I can perform.
Since there are so many solo grappling drills I won’t list them here. I [...]

30 Days In - Jiu-Jitsu 365: Training log

Well, it’s been 30 days since I had the idea to practice Jiu-Jitsu for 365 days straight. At the very least, I have to perform at least 30 solo drills each and every day I am not in class.  I have covered a lot of techniques outside of the class environment. I believe this has [...]

Jiu-jitsu for 2 Weeks Straight -Training Log

So now I have been practicing Jiu-jitsu every day for over two weeks.  What have I learned?
I now know that my approach to Jiu-jitsu should be the same as when I played other sports in the past. Whether it was basketball, cross country, tennis, football or other martial arts, constant and consistent practice made me [...]