Grapple Smart

From Twitter: Follow me @GrappleSmart

@texasangelmom Hi Angel, my twitter goal is to help people be successful in #BrazilianJiuJitsu or any form of self-defense for that matter. #BJJ is a very practical and effective art for protection in real world scenarios where a smaller individual is often attacked by a larger stronger person.

Although BJJ and Aikido are derived from Judo, BJJ requires students to live spar or “roll” against each other attempting to submit (allow partner to stop before any damage is done) or gain a dominant position on their partner.

Since 90% or more of real world altercations end up on the ground, BJJ focuses a large amount of time on learning to fight off your back.

U can read more on my bio page: http://www.grapplesmart.com/blog/?page_id=2

Feel free to hit me up w any questions u may have! Jeff

QUESTION: How can I learn to fight at home?

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.

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.

Good question, and you CAN do it!

If you’re not quite ready to step on the mat today then please check out my 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”.