Living the BJJ life style

Class 48 - 54 of 200 BJJ classes
Weight 166 lbs.
Instructor(s): Cassio Werneck
                    Daniel Morales
Class(es) Overview:
Cassio worked a bunch of positional drills from not only the Big 6 positions(Closed Guard, Half Guard, Side Control, Mount, Back, Sitting up guard) but also some of my new favorite(again) the X-Guard. However you cannot talk about the X-Guard without talking about Mr. Marcelo Garcia.



This is an interesting transition into a kneebar from the X-Guard that I have been working:



In this video this guy shows an attack on an armbar from the X-Guard as well.



Tip(s) of the week:
My biggest problem with using the X-Guard against advanced students is the transition to into it. Cassio showed an "alpha" guard entry which I plan on filming in the near future that has been working pretty well for me.

Rolling Overview:
I was rolling at full strength and my cardio is starting to improve. I continue to refine my grappling gameplan ...going to give the America's Cup a shot..God help me!




Daniel(Judo) went over the O-Goshi and Harai Goshi. Here is what the Harai Goshi looks like:



Check out this guy's modified low O-Goshi against a crotching opponent:


Judo Overview: Taking falls hurts...PERIOD.  I do not care how good your ukemi it still never feels good.  Getting the timing for executing throws has to be the most difficult part to learn.  I am going to keep at it twice a week. 

I know this is a Judo throw(not BJJ) but I love this throw I must learn it!!

When the attacker punches, block and step through with a deep step — you need to get your advancing foot almost level with their rear foot. Turn through 180° while gripping under their rear armpit or by the belt if they're tall (and you're not). Using this hand, draw his balance forward, but not so he's bent over. When he's on the verge of falling, bring your leg up and backwards into his stomach, while continuing to draw him forwards — he should wheel about your leg.

As Sensei John Hamer will tell you, o-guruma is one of a continuing set of throws each of which is applicable depending upon how far you step through: koshi-guruma (if your feet end up between the attacker's feet), ashi-guruma (if you step through a little further), uchi-mata (if your feet end up either side of his rear foot) and o-guruma (if you pass his feet altogether). So even if you can't do the throw you originally planned because you've stepped through too far, there's always an alternative throw you can do instead.

Common mistakes:

* Not stepping far enough
* Not turning through enough
* Not getting the leg high enough
* Trying to execute the throw before you've taken the attacker's balance
* Losing your balance
* Making him bend in the middle
* Standing too far away from the attacker when trying to perform the throw

That's right sports fan I have been out of action since April 4, 2006 due to a groin strain that I received in Judo class. Suck for me and I'll be out until at least May 1, 2006. I have seen a doctor and they have started me on physical therapy I will blog my progress..keep your fingers crossed!!

On happier note my son Malik won the 11-12 year old white/yellow belt pool at the Okubo Invitational Tournament. Here is some video from one of his matches:



Words and cannot express how proud I am of him...good job!!