Question: from Twitter: Wayne (@vinson06) asks: Why did you go to Gi grappling?
Answer:
Special thanks to xharekx33 amazing photography!
Hey Wayne n Bruce. My transition to mostly Gi BJJ occurred when my PB instructor, Tyrone Glover, introduced GI work into City Boxing which at the time was nogi all the time. Over time I began to realize that I had a lot more techniques available to me with the addition of “handles” which of course are the things you can grip on the Gi jacket; collar, sleeves, belt, pants etc. Another reason is that as I got older (and a little slower lol) the Gi game was more methodical, slower and negated some of the pure athleticism many of younger wrestlers possessed.
I also like the Judo throws that you can implement in BJJ, especially competition. Since I’m always looking for any edge I can get to catch up with some of the really experienced sport jiu-jitsu players I tried to get better at Judo take downs than my opponents. I found that a lot of sport jiu-jitsu players (people who train to compete in BJJ tournaments vs. Brazilian jiu-jitsu only for self defense) didn’t always have the best stand up game.
Interestingly, I use nogi techniques when rolling gi and vice versa. You also have a lot more options for sweeps and subs in Gi game which I like. Finally, the belt system in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gives you yet another incentive to improve and train consistently.
I’m in high school(a freshmen) and the 10th graders are a holes at my school. I really want to learn how to fight because I almost got in a fight with this HUGE girl because she thought I was calling her fat when I wasn’t.. But I want to learn so that I can defend myself. What exercises can I do, and with what equiptment? I’m only like, 5′1″ so I know it will take a lot of practice. Any ideas on what I can do? Thanks! And don’t leave any rude comments pleasee.
Grapple Smart Answer:
Great question and I give you a lot of credit for asking the question because frankly there are a ton of people men and women that are in similar situations but are too afraid to ask for help.
This is a confidant look. Meet their gaze but not mad dogging.
I’m sure you can probably think of other people your size that don’t get targeted by bully’s like that HUGE girl. I’d bet they have a different demeanor about them that say’s “Don’t mess with me!” Now I’m not saying to mad dog (stare down) the person but the way you present yourself plays a large part in how you’re perceived by the school bullies. So keep your head up and don’t slouch when you pass a bully. If they try to instigate you, then you don’t have to respond but don’t act intimidated even if you are inside. Main idea here is to put a question mark in the head of the bully and they will move on to someone else.
If you must defend yourself you WILL be able to!
To develop this confident presence you should consider taking a martial art of some sort. I’d suggest Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu or submission grappling because it’s a martial art that best fits the David/ Golliath (small vs. large) scenario. Since it was developed to help the smaller opponent neutralize the strength and size of a larger and stronger opponent it’s perfect for you.
You WILL have to grapple and be put in some difficult and uncomfortable situations in a controlled training environment BUT it’s a great way to prepare yourself if you ever have to defend yourself out in the real world (uncontrolled environment). Find a good BJJ school by talking to the instructor and observing a class. Some BJJ schools have special womens only classes if that makes you feel more comfortable. A good instructor will help you learn without you feeling like you’re going to get hurt all the time.
You will learn to control your breathing, and emotions when in semi stressful situations and begin develop confidence in your technique. You will see that good technique can prevail over size and strength. When you get to that point and you wear your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shirt to school a few times, I’m pretty sure those bully’s will stop harassing you. Remember that bullies actually don’t want to get into fights, unless they know they can win.
Question: “Hi, I’ve been getting an accumulation of small injuries from sore joints, to minor muscle strains. It’s getting more difficult to train on a regular basis because these little injuries are beginning to add up. I know I should stretch before practice but a lot of times I get to practice with just enough time to throw on my gi and go. Please help.”
Grapple Smart Answer:
I’ve had the same problem in the past. Making time to stretch out before class will definitely help to prepare your muscles and joints for the strain they will go through. Stretching after working out can also help to minimize injuries.
One of the best decisions I ever made was to incorporate yoga into my training regimen. I’ll have to admit I felt a little bit awkward going into my first yoga class but it was well worth it. With increased flexibility and core strength I basically stopped getting injured.
I know yoga was the answer for me because the times that I stopped attending yoga for whatever reason resulted in injuries cropping up again. Although there are many great DVD’s on Yoga out there, I needed an instructor and a set time to stay consistent. Although any amount of yoga will help, regular attendance will truly yield the best results.
Question: Think this is a good way to start MMA off?
I have been a fan of mixed martial arts for a few years now and love everything about it. I joined a gracie gym up the street from my house a few months ago and am progressing fast. I just thought that I would share my steps on becoming a MMA fighter and see if the world agrees with my steps.
#1- Have a good ground game. I think to become a great fighter one must posses a great submissive ground game because it can be used as offense as well as defense. If you’re getting owned on the stand up you take it to the ground. I see a lot of really good strikers but their weakness is ground game and that’s how they lose.
After you have a fantastic ground game you work on striking.
#2- First work on technique- I think you should work on the technique of kicking and striking before you jump into strength and conditioning. If you have the right technique down it will only get better with strength and conditioning.
#3 Condition your bones- I think after the technique is perfected for all striking you should condition your bones as much as possible.
And lastly
#4 Strength- After you have perfected all of the other things you should work on your strength. But not just bulking up you must posses lean and dense muscles. Having big muscles is only for show and will slow you down. But building your muscles after you have completely all of the other things will just help. You will have muscle memory for all of the striking as well before you get them stronger.
So this is just my opinion on how I am going about becoming a fighter. If anyone thinks they have a better theory onto become a great fighter please tell me in the comments.
Respectfully,
FailingIdeals
Grapple Smart Answer:
Great well thought out question!
Overall, I think the simple fact that you’ve already have several months of Gracie JJ under belt shows that you’re off to a great start!
If you’re ultimate goal is to be an MMA fighter you’ll have to cross train in many of the disciplines you described above since the window of opportunity for most MMA fighers is relatively small (most are in their 20’s).
You may have heard of the 3 pillars of MMA: Muay Thai kickboxing(or similar striking art), BJJ, and grappling experience. You need all 3 to even put yourself in a position to be a competitive MMA fighter.
Since you’re already doing BJJ, train it hard and begin competing. That will be your your second hurdle on your MMA quest. You’ve already completed the first by surviving live sparring in BJJ for a relatively extended period of time (good job!). Competing in BJJ/ sub grappling will allow you to realistically assess your overall strength and conditioning as well as how well you execute technique under duress.
You’ll probably want to get your feet wet in Muay Thai and eventually begin live sparring there as well. In terms of your #3 (condition bones) you’re bones will harden as you hit and kick the bag. In the beginning you shins will get bruised and swell but that’s part of the process. Soon the nerves in your shins will begin to dead’n and it won’t hurt so bad.
Of course you want to train some MMA to integrate what you’re learning in stand up and ground. MMA sparring takes training to another level as you’re thinking about striking and takedowns simultaneously.
The final step is to fight pankration which is essentially MMA without the head strikes. You also sometimes wear shin pads but that depends on the tournament.
Since you probably have a full time job or school you may not have time for everything so keep up with BJJ and start competing. Don’t worry about wins and losses at first just focus on executing what you know, the wins will come.
Good Luck!
I’ve written an E-book and audio entitled “10 Things I wish I knew before I started Brazilian jiu-Jitsu – A practical introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling” I cover physical and mental preparation as well as executing technique when under duress.
Check it out at http://www.GrappleSmart.com
Hey Wayne n Bruce. My transition to mostly Gi BJJ occurred when my PB instructor, Tyrone Glover, introduced GI work into City Boxing which at the time was nogi all the time. Over time I began to realize that I had a lot more techniques available to me with the addition of “handles” which of course are the things you can grip on the Gi jacket; collar, sleeves, belt, pants etc. Another reason is that as I got older (and a little slower lol) the Gi game was more methodical, slower and negated some of the pure athleticism many of younger wrestlers possessed.
I also like the Judo throws that you can implement in BJJ, especially competition. Since I’m always looking for any edge I can get to catch up with some of the really experienced sport jiu-jitsu players I tried to get better at Judo take downs than my opponents. I found that a lot of sport jiu-jitsu players (people who train to compete in BJJ tournaments vs. Brazilian jiu-jitsu only for self defense) didn’t always have the best stand up game.
Interestingly, I use nogi techniques when rolling gi and vice versa. You also have a lot more options for sweeps and subs in Gi game which I like. Finally, the belt system in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gives you yet another incentive to improve and train consistently.
