Continuing this week with another view of the Brabo Choke, (also known as D'Arce choke) this video shows an interesting and useful grip that can be applied to force your opponent onto his back.
Pay special attention to this and next post I'll be adding onto this demonstration with a video showing the Brabo applied as a counter to a shoot for a double leg.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Technique Analysis; The Brabo Choke Continued...
Now that we've seen a very basic variation of the Brabo Choke, let's take a look at the complete choke with the arm in.
I say complete because this is the full version of the choke and trapping the opponent's arm in makes the choke tighter.
It's not that the previous version doesn't work well, it's just that this is the full version of the choke and has a higher percentage of working because of the trapped arm.
You should experiment with both variations.
The true beauty of the Brabo is it's versatility. You can use this choke from many positions and it works well in taking your opponents by surprise.
Again, pay close attention to the trapped arm in this video.
Here white gi places it on blue gi while blue gi is passing white's guard and establishing side control.
I say complete because this is the full version of the choke and trapping the opponent's arm in makes the choke tighter.
It's not that the previous version doesn't work well, it's just that this is the full version of the choke and has a higher percentage of working because of the trapped arm.
You should experiment with both variations.
The true beauty of the Brabo is it's versatility. You can use this choke from many positions and it works well in taking your opponents by surprise.
Again, pay close attention to the trapped arm in this video.
Here white gi places it on blue gi while blue gi is passing white's guard and establishing side control.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Technique Analysis; The Brabo Choke From Inside Half Guard
Due to popular demand I'll be putting out a series of technique reviews on current video clips that are out there. It seems like alot of you miss these technique analysis type posts so I'll be returning to them over the next couple of weeks.
Over the next few posts I'll be looking at different possibilities and applications of the brabo choke, also known as the d'arce choke.
This first one goes over the basics of applying the choke from inside your opponents half guard. I chose this clip to start with because of it's simplicity as well as it's clear demonstration of proper arm placement for the choke.
The beauty of the brabo choke is it's applicability from a variety of positions and this is what makes it a very versatile choke as well as one of my favorites.
Pay attention to an important variation in the technique that I'll be discussing in a future post in that here they are demonstrating the choke without the arm in. I will more clearly be pointing out this difference in the next post.
Over the next few posts I'll be looking at different possibilities and applications of the brabo choke, also known as the d'arce choke.
This first one goes over the basics of applying the choke from inside your opponents half guard. I chose this clip to start with because of it's simplicity as well as it's clear demonstration of proper arm placement for the choke.
The beauty of the brabo choke is it's applicability from a variety of positions and this is what makes it a very versatile choke as well as one of my favorites.
Pay attention to an important variation in the technique that I'll be discussing in a future post in that here they are demonstrating the choke without the arm in. I will more clearly be pointing out this difference in the next post.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Importance Of Repetition In Training.
Repetition is a standard method of training in many martial arts and although many people will tell you that repetition will lead to the perfection of your techniques, this is only a half-truth.
Yes, repetition IS necessary to develop proper technique however it has it's limits.
The more accurate statement is that perfect and focused repetition is more productive than repetition alone.
Think about it.
Do you think 1000 reps of the same move will develop your skill as much as 100 reps where there is an effort to get all the details down perfectly as well as stay focused on the details as you're performing them?
I would go with the 100 focused reps anyday.
The point here is that although repetition is critical, you can fall into a trap where you waste time and do little for your advancement by aimlessly performing reps.
Staying focused on proper execution and paying close attention to the details will make every rep count.
This will take your skills further than doing 10 times the reps poorly.
Now, let's look at what makes repetitions a necessary part of training.
All champions share one thing in common regardless of their sport.
Simply put, they are able to pull off the technical moves necessary in their sport without thinking about them. This leaves them free to focus on strategy and pull off their techniques in the moment as they are needed.
By realizing the benefits and limits of repetition in your training, you can take your skills to higher levels regardless of the martial art or combat sport you practice.
Yes, repetition IS necessary to develop proper technique however it has it's limits.
The more accurate statement is that perfect and focused repetition is more productive than repetition alone.
Think about it.
Do you think 1000 reps of the same move will develop your skill as much as 100 reps where there is an effort to get all the details down perfectly as well as stay focused on the details as you're performing them?
I would go with the 100 focused reps anyday.
The point here is that although repetition is critical, you can fall into a trap where you waste time and do little for your advancement by aimlessly performing reps.
Staying focused on proper execution and paying close attention to the details will make every rep count.
This will take your skills further than doing 10 times the reps poorly.
Now, let's look at what makes repetitions a necessary part of training.
All champions share one thing in common regardless of their sport.
Simply put, they are able to pull off the technical moves necessary in their sport without thinking about them. This leaves them free to focus on strategy and pull off their techniques in the moment as they are needed.
By realizing the benefits and limits of repetition in your training, you can take your skills to higher levels regardless of the martial art or combat sport you practice.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Think There Are No "Secrets" In BJJ? Think Again...
It amazes me that people think there is nothing secret about performing at a higher level.
Just practice more and you'll figure it all out they'll say.
Well maybe it shouldn't amaze me because most people never excel or reach their potential, should I dare say that they are just lacking belief?
Or is it something more?
If you've only been practicing BJJ for under a year then you'll want to especially pay close attention to the post.
I hear many people new to BJJ say that improvement will come with more mat time. And although this is very true it isn't completely true.
What you do with your mat time is more important than just how much time you spend on the mat.
If you haven't heard this before then listen up as I reveal a "secret" that most people starting out in BJJ don't realise or weren't told enough.
Make the basics second nature.
My instructor once told me long ago, the basics are basic not because they are the easiest aspects of your training but because that is what you will use most in your training, without strong basics your game will never be what it can be. You'll always spend too much time to execute techniques that should be second nature to you and your game will suffer because of it.
Think about it, picture the best out there.
Whether Rickson Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Xande Ribeiro, or anyone else. Do you think they execute any of the basics differently than anyone else? The difference isn't in how they execute the basics it's in their mastery of the basics.
It's in the fact that they don't have to "think" about applying the basics they just "do it" without any thought and that's one of the secrets to their mastery of their game.
So to make the most of your mat time identify all the basic moves you need to work on, shrimping, upa, the sit out, etc,... and dedicate mat time to perfecting these basics that you will use most of the time for the rest of your grappling years.
The secret of defense.
Although everyone knows that submissions are the most attractive part of BJJ, it's the part that leads up to the submission that eludes most beginners. The way to evolve past this stage is to develop a solid defense and this is where escapes are crucial. Being able to escape from bad positions and further yourself into a dominant position is what the game is all about so focus on developing an iron-clad defensive game early on.
Your long term success in BJJ depends on your ability to escape and better your position.
These are but two of the "secrets" in Jiujitsu but two of the most fundamental if you are ever to advance your game beyond your foundation.
Remember the strength of your bascis and escapes are what will allow you to advance your game to a higher level.
Just practice more and you'll figure it all out they'll say.
Well maybe it shouldn't amaze me because most people never excel or reach their potential, should I dare say that they are just lacking belief?
Or is it something more?
If you've only been practicing BJJ for under a year then you'll want to especially pay close attention to the post.
I hear many people new to BJJ say that improvement will come with more mat time. And although this is very true it isn't completely true.
What you do with your mat time is more important than just how much time you spend on the mat.
If you haven't heard this before then listen up as I reveal a "secret" that most people starting out in BJJ don't realise or weren't told enough.
Make the basics second nature.
My instructor once told me long ago, the basics are basic not because they are the easiest aspects of your training but because that is what you will use most in your training, without strong basics your game will never be what it can be. You'll always spend too much time to execute techniques that should be second nature to you and your game will suffer because of it.
Think about it, picture the best out there.
Whether Rickson Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Xande Ribeiro, or anyone else. Do you think they execute any of the basics differently than anyone else? The difference isn't in how they execute the basics it's in their mastery of the basics.
It's in the fact that they don't have to "think" about applying the basics they just "do it" without any thought and that's one of the secrets to their mastery of their game.
So to make the most of your mat time identify all the basic moves you need to work on, shrimping, upa, the sit out, etc,... and dedicate mat time to perfecting these basics that you will use most of the time for the rest of your grappling years.
The secret of defense.
Although everyone knows that submissions are the most attractive part of BJJ, it's the part that leads up to the submission that eludes most beginners. The way to evolve past this stage is to develop a solid defense and this is where escapes are crucial. Being able to escape from bad positions and further yourself into a dominant position is what the game is all about so focus on developing an iron-clad defensive game early on.
Your long term success in BJJ depends on your ability to escape and better your position.
These are but two of the "secrets" in Jiujitsu but two of the most fundamental if you are ever to advance your game beyond your foundation.
Remember the strength of your bascis and escapes are what will allow you to advance your game to a higher level.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Taking Your BJJ Skills In The Right Direction In 2010.
It's funny but the beginning of every year has many people making all kinds of resolutions about making improvements in their lives.
Most of these resolutions never go anywhere. I think that's because people get themselves all worked up and motivated to make changes in the new year but they don't take the most important step to that change which is to consistently DO something differently than what they did or the way they did it the year before.
We're not going to make that mistake with our BJJ skills.
This year my BJJ training goals include improving my endurance, further improving my attacking skills by solidifying all my most dangerous combinations, as well as taking my escapes and position control to world class levels.
How about you?
Are you clear on what you need to work to take your skills in the right direction this year?
Examine where you're having the most problems, record yourself sparring or ask your training partners but find out what you need to work and get organized. Write down your areas of weakness or ask your instructor for help, that's what he's there for.
It's still early and this is the best time to plan your year.
Remember if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Most of these resolutions never go anywhere. I think that's because people get themselves all worked up and motivated to make changes in the new year but they don't take the most important step to that change which is to consistently DO something differently than what they did or the way they did it the year before.
We're not going to make that mistake with our BJJ skills.
This year my BJJ training goals include improving my endurance, further improving my attacking skills by solidifying all my most dangerous combinations, as well as taking my escapes and position control to world class levels.
How about you?
Are you clear on what you need to work to take your skills in the right direction this year?
Examine where you're having the most problems, record yourself sparring or ask your training partners but find out what you need to work and get organized. Write down your areas of weakness or ask your instructor for help, that's what he's there for.
It's still early and this is the best time to plan your year.
Remember if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Different Kind Of Post...
Hi, 2010 has been extremely busy for me as I'm looking to make huge improvements in both my martial arts training, fitness and life, can you relate?
If so great, because I'd like to take this post in a different direction than I've ever written about before, in that I will be asking a series of questions that are critical to improving your game and I will be answering some of them over the next few weeks.
First off, I'd like you to ask yourself how your training went in 2009?
Was it everything you wanted it to be?
Did you make the progress that you had planned?
Do you think you will improve more this year?
If you were forced to, what could you do right now that would take your skills further in the right direction?
Are you willing to commit to doing it this year with every training session you put in on the mat?
If you are willing to commit to it 100%, will you take a few minutes and write down your training goals for 2010 right now, so you don’t forget?
Is there anything that you regularly do in your training that holds you back?
Why do you think you do it?
Is it fear if getting injured, embarassed or submitted?
Do you see how putting yourself on the line (within reason) can help you improve faster, as long as you learn from where you went wrong?
If you had to choose, would you say it’s a fear of failure, or a fear of success?
Could it just be a bad habit that needs to be broken?
If you are being held back by bad habits in your training would you be willing to create new habits to replace the bad habits even if it means to add extra time to your training each week to identify and break the bad habits?
If so, can you commit to doing that one thing that’ll create a newer habit on the mat that will improve your game?
Do you think this is an interesting experiment so far?
Do you realize the value in it?
Have you ever stopped and thought about what techniques you are already good at?
Can you imagine how different your BJJ game would be if you applied everything you are already good at?
Do you realize that the solutions to most of the problems you're having in your training right now are at your disposal?
By either just identifying the problem and solving it yourself or through your training partners and instructor?
Do you see how much more effective this approach would be than just waiting for improvement or someone else to point out the holes in your game?
Do you know more about the problems your training partners experience than they do? Don’t you think you do, considering you are rolling against them regularly?
Don't you think that they can also help you discover the flaws in your technique and game?
Do you think that developing this type of training relationship with them where you help each other improve would help accelerate both of your progress?
Would you like to know how I learn more about holes in my game and how I develop solutions?
Also if you would like to share some common problems you have in your game in the comments section or let me know what you would like covered in further posts in the blog, do you realize how this could directly help you and others improve?
I know that's alot of questions, but don't you think this approach will help make 2010 your best training year yet?
If so great, because I'd like to take this post in a different direction than I've ever written about before, in that I will be asking a series of questions that are critical to improving your game and I will be answering some of them over the next few weeks.
First off, I'd like you to ask yourself how your training went in 2009?
Was it everything you wanted it to be?
Did you make the progress that you had planned?
Do you think you will improve more this year?
If you were forced to, what could you do right now that would take your skills further in the right direction?
Are you willing to commit to doing it this year with every training session you put in on the mat?
If you are willing to commit to it 100%, will you take a few minutes and write down your training goals for 2010 right now, so you don’t forget?
Is there anything that you regularly do in your training that holds you back?
Why do you think you do it?
Is it fear if getting injured, embarassed or submitted?
Do you see how putting yourself on the line (within reason) can help you improve faster, as long as you learn from where you went wrong?
If you had to choose, would you say it’s a fear of failure, or a fear of success?
Could it just be a bad habit that needs to be broken?
If you are being held back by bad habits in your training would you be willing to create new habits to replace the bad habits even if it means to add extra time to your training each week to identify and break the bad habits?
If so, can you commit to doing that one thing that’ll create a newer habit on the mat that will improve your game?
Do you think this is an interesting experiment so far?
Do you realize the value in it?
Have you ever stopped and thought about what techniques you are already good at?
Can you imagine how different your BJJ game would be if you applied everything you are already good at?
Do you realize that the solutions to most of the problems you're having in your training right now are at your disposal?
By either just identifying the problem and solving it yourself or through your training partners and instructor?
Do you see how much more effective this approach would be than just waiting for improvement or someone else to point out the holes in your game?
Do you know more about the problems your training partners experience than they do? Don’t you think you do, considering you are rolling against them regularly?
Don't you think that they can also help you discover the flaws in your technique and game?
Do you think that developing this type of training relationship with them where you help each other improve would help accelerate both of your progress?
Would you like to know how I learn more about holes in my game and how I develop solutions?
Also if you would like to share some common problems you have in your game in the comments section or let me know what you would like covered in further posts in the blog, do you realize how this could directly help you and others improve?
I know that's alot of questions, but don't you think this approach will help make 2010 your best training year yet?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Jiujitsu Universe E-zine Is Almost Ready For 2010.
New for 2010, the Jiujitsu Universe ezine will be available quaterly in PDF format.
Annual subscription will be $10.00 for 4 issues.
I'm currently accepting articles, interviews, etc,... for the first issue, anyone interested just email me as the deadline is January 4th, 2010.
As a perk all blog subscribers get the first issue free.
Lookout for it in your email in late January.
Annual subscription will be $10.00 for 4 issues.
I'm currently accepting articles, interviews, etc,... for the first issue, anyone interested just email me as the deadline is January 4th, 2010.
As a perk all blog subscribers get the first issue free.
Lookout for it in your email in late January.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Grappler Paralyzed At Tournament...
Some of you may have heard about this but for those who haven't, this past Saturday the 12th of December, a fellow grappler was seriously injured at a tournament in New Zealand.
You can read more about it and make a donation if you want to at the link below.
http://www.gsw.co.nz/haydn.html
BJJ is a relatively safe martial art to practice and compete in but rarely freak accidents occur and sometimes as in this situation, they are serious.
I just thought I would let everyone know about this incase anyone would like to help this guy out.
You can read more about it and make a donation if you want to at the link below.
http://www.gsw.co.nz/haydn.html
BJJ is a relatively safe martial art to practice and compete in but rarely freak accidents occur and sometimes as in this situation, they are serious.
I just thought I would let everyone know about this incase anyone would like to help this guy out.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Success Of Solo Drilling...
It never amazes me how many people still ask, "does doing drills on your own actually make a difference in your performance?"
The reason why it amazes me is that if you ask almost any top name bjj player they'll quickly tell you that they incorporate solo drills as a crucial part of their practice.
You would think that it would have caught on to everyone by now but it hasn't and I believe I know why,... laziness and fear.
Why else would anyone ignore a simple solution that they can practice anywhere, anytime without any excuse if not because they want excuses to why they are stuck in their comfort zone?
Think about it, if you can practice drills on your own that you can adapt to your evolving game to keep you not only in shape but instilling your movement as second nature and DON'T, isn't it most likely because you are afraid of putting in the effort to break out of your comfort zone.
You and you alone are responsible for improving, and this is one area that places the responsibility completely on you.
The many comments I get concerning the BJJ Drills DVD and the difference people have seen in their abilities is proof positive that this is an important aspect of your game and if you are ignoring it, then you should ask yourself why, I believe you know the answer.
The reason why it amazes me is that if you ask almost any top name bjj player they'll quickly tell you that they incorporate solo drills as a crucial part of their practice.
You would think that it would have caught on to everyone by now but it hasn't and I believe I know why,... laziness and fear.
Why else would anyone ignore a simple solution that they can practice anywhere, anytime without any excuse if not because they want excuses to why they are stuck in their comfort zone?
Think about it, if you can practice drills on your own that you can adapt to your evolving game to keep you not only in shape but instilling your movement as second nature and DON'T, isn't it most likely because you are afraid of putting in the effort to break out of your comfort zone.
You and you alone are responsible for improving, and this is one area that places the responsibility completely on you.
The many comments I get concerning the BJJ Drills DVD and the difference people have seen in their abilities is proof positive that this is an important aspect of your game and if you are ignoring it, then you should ask yourself why, I believe you know the answer.
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