Back into the fray ...

Back into training after the short Christmas break - and I have just realised the year is nearly 10% gone already. I am about to head up to Canberra this weekend to train the newly formed Military Defensive Tactics Cell, then it's a week and a half back here at my school and with my family before I need to head to Miami in Florida (USA) to train Steve Lavallee's Black Belt team. I am really looking forward to both these sessions - as they are quite different gigs, with very different objectives.
I love the variety I have in the work I do. The wide variety of problems I need to resolve and outcomes I need to acheive keeps me thinking laterally. Mental stimulation is something that is important to me - as, or even more important than physical challenge. Our minds are just like our biceps, and they respond to stimulus in much the same way. When we increase the load our muscles need to deal with, they adapt and grow in order to handle that stress - same goes for our mental capacities. The more we 'problem solve', think and analyse - the better we become and doing so.
When I was at school, I used to dislike reading. In fact, I pretty much disliked th whole school system. As an adult though, I find that I love to read, to learn to use my mind to solve problems and exercise my creative abilities.
I encourage my friends and students to read all they can. This is probably the most inexpensive way we can empower ourselves and add to our knowledge base. if you are really hard up on cash - then head to the secondhand bookstores - where for $40 you can walk away with 1/2 dozen good books on a variety of topics.
read some of Robert Kyosaki's stuff, some Eward de Bono, some Brad Sugars; read Donald Trumps life story - and interesting guy - and read some fiction (I love science fiction) we need to fuel the imagination as much as any other part of our mind.
Well, I need to leave off for a bit. Got to write a quick article for Blitz Magazine, eat a mango, play with Felix (my youngest son) before heading to the school for the fun of evening class.
best wishes all,
train safe - train smart.
JBW

Leglocks- where for art thou?

I was on the mat late last year with Rigan Machado and one of my brown belts. One of the transitions we were working happened to dovetail straight into a good footlock opportunity. My brown belt baulked a little at this, because as it happens, he was not familiar with that particular footlock; in fact, he admitted to not having training in them much at all.

Initially, I was kind of surprised; as I have all of my students familiarise themselves thoroughly with our syllabus as a priority, before they embark on journeys down any of the hundreds of convoluted paths that grappling/BJJ can take you. In our syllabus though, leg and foot attacks are in the brown belt syllabus – and although most blue and purple belts have been introduced to them, they are not a priority until one is fairly well-rounded.

I am always wary of white and blue belts becoming too obsessed with foot and leglocks. The reason is simple: during the first few years of training, I am all about control - learning how to control an opponent through superior understanding of leverage and mechanics and learning how to obtain a position of control and then keep it. To put it simply; encouraging students to jump for footlocks and legbars does little to encourage the habit of ‘getting control’. It also does little to promote good guard-passing skills; which in themselves, teach us lots about control and ‘process’.

You will probably have noticed that the Japanese sub fighters (especially prior to BJJ) had their focus in this order:
- leglocks
- armbars
- chokes

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters on the other hand, were almost the other way around:
- chokes
- armbars
- leglocks

The reason is kind of obvious; the Brazilian fighters were about establishing upper body control on the opponent before going after the finish; whilst the Japanese fighters were more ‘target/opportunity’ oriented – looking to leap for a chance to finish rather than going for the control. When ‘target oriented’, the biggest most obvious targets are the legs (hard to hide) – so it makes sense to go after them, before arms, and after arms , before necks. So there it is – what do you want to develop? If control is something you want, I advise putting leg and footlocks on hold until you are into your third year of training.

Train smart – train safe!
JBW

Stuff you don't learn in school ...

This post may seem a little off-beat. But hey, different days, different moods - so here goes.
A corny title - but when I write these posts I don't sit and think, I just type as fast as I can and get the idea down. typos and all, usually.

MMA, mixed martial arts, is the present day holistic approach to competitive fighting. If we apply the same model to the building of success in our lives, we need to also be taking the holistic approach. There is a lot of emphasis on 'building wealth' when it comes to the topic of 'success' - and I do agree, that is a very important part of the total package, but it is not the total package in itself. Just as in MMA, stand-up skills are very important, but they are not the total package.

Financial Independence is one hugely important factor, as it allows and affords us more options - options to make the choices we want to make and to do the things we want to do. Money is leverage! I always urge martial artists to take on board some of the fundamental wealth building ideas; as this is simply 'good leverage' - and although most martial artists seem to be happy to focus on 'good leverage' on the mat or in the ring, they seem to happily ignore the same concept when off the mat - and spend a lot of the time crying 'poor'.
On the other hand, there are many people I know who are so obsessed with the 'game' of making money, they have no time left for 'living'. And I have even seen some of these people, die early. To me, this is profoundly sad.

Being healthy and fit is a major part of successful living. if we are fit, we can live longer, have more energy, do more projects, and make more money. Being fit is like turning back the clock, and gaining years - we feel alive and 'able' - it is how we are designed to feel. Actually, we are designed to 'design' - this gives us the power to recreate ourselves as 'fit', 'able', 'vibrant' beings - or not!

Finding the right partner (wife, girlfriend, etc) - is also a HUGE factor. The right choice and behaviour in this area will play a huge role in how harmonious your life's journey is. This is not taught in those Financial Independence courses - but finding the right partner can be the biggest financial decision you ever make - seriously!
If you havn't already got the right partner, then you may not get one by spending all your time in the boxing gym. Go to where that kind of person may be hanging out - spend one night a week doing a yoga class - walking the dog, etc - I know plenty of people waiting to meet the 'right person' but they are waiting in their garage with their steroid monster mates - and wonderifg why they have such bad luck. Work it out!

Be edumacated! We are learning machines - our brain likes to learn. It did it once - that's how it grew. Get into learning - of all sorts. Be a rennaisance man, women, hermaphrodite.

Don't be too critical of where you are right now. Life throws many a curve ball at us. Stuff happens - good stuff - some bad stuff. Just like MMA - parts of our total game/plan always need work. Often we cannot expect to work on all areas at the same time - pick one and focus on it for a bit, whilst still dabbling in the others.
Take a holistic approach.

Anyways, I best leave it there - got to kiss my wife and son, hit the mat, make some money, read a book - and all before lunch.
Train smart - train everything!
JBW

In the Hole Training ...

Everyone feels good when they are attacking, when they are winning, when they are in control and pushing the buttons. It's when we are not in control, when we are under attack, when we are not winning, that our real fortitude is put to the test.

When it comes to the mat, the class can be divided into the 'better half' and the 'not so better half' ; the second group will almost always be dominated by the first. So left to their own devices, the same outcomes usually occur. Unless we change the circumstances with certain training strategies. One of the ones I really find to be effective is what I call 'IN THE HOLE' training.

It goes like this:

- Divide the class into groups of three.
- One goes into 'bad position'; say, underneath side control (cross-side for Americans/side mount for ignorant commentators_
- Set the timer for two, three or four minutes (your choice)
- The bottom guy has to escape whilst the top guy has to keep him there
- if the bottom guy escapes, the other top guy controls him, and so it goes, with the two top guys continually taking turns to control the bottom guy until the time runs out.
- then cycle through the same process with the other two people, each having their turn 'in the hole'.

This very simple idea makes it as hard a session for the best guys in the class as it does for the least experienced. The other nice thing, is the the least experienced get to experience 'good position' on people who would normally (left to the Darwinian forces on the mat) be controlling/dominating them. Working out of 'worst case scenario' position is great for building fortitude, mental toughness, etc. It also establishes a clearer understanding of the kind of serious probelms we really need to avoid.

Some hints for those on the bottom:
- look for small victories not big ones; try to make little spaces first
- acknowledge (to yourself) when you make those small victories, no matter even if they are only inches at a time
- start by moving what you can, not what you want
- don't become over-focussed on the bits of you that cannot move
- annoy your way out

To take it to another level, now that you have spent some time working out from Worst case Scenario positions - you can begin with it not being so bad. Ie: having your hands in 'good position' whilst opponent holds you - and notice how much easier and better that is!
The back the opponent out even more - starting from where he is only half controlling you - continue this process until the opponent is all the way back into your guard.
By doing this, you have a clear understanding of all the 'levels of bad' - of how small changes in position can make for big changes in how easy or difficult it is to escape.
When people start out with BJJ - it's all too black and white - ie: they are either okay, or completely controlled - the truth is, that there are a myriad of shades (degrees of good or bad) in between. An understanding of that makes for much better defence. And 'In the Hole' training, makes us more aware of this.

All the best with it - it's a great way to start the year.
train smart - train safe!
JBW

The Defense part of the Self Defense Equation

In my view - the most important thing about self defense - is the DEFENSE bit! We all need to work on our escapes and defense if we are to develop an all-round strong and complete game. ground or stand up. Here are some general pointers for escapes on the ground:

Lots of small moves a better than one big move for a couple of reasons;
- Big moves leave you tired, small moves eare more energy efficient
- Big, explosive moves almost always leave you open to attack
- Big, explosive moves leave you taking a huge psychological hit when they fail to give you the
desired outcome
- Big moves don't allow you to make direction or strategic changes quickly and easily

When really strapped down - try to focus on what you can move as opposed to what is being trapped/pinned/controlled. We have a tendency to focus on what's being trapped - in fact, most martial arts systems have a hundred ways to free your hand if someone grabs your wrist - why bother, the rest of your body is free - HIT them with your free hand, for example! So, focus on what parts of you are able to move, and start working with those bits to effect your escape.

Annoy your way out! Look at the situation as if it is a jumper/jersey you are trying to unravel. Find that loose thread and start pulling. The right thread will bring the whole thing undone!

Go early! Don't wait till you are neck deep in shit before turning around and trying to find a way out. This is the practical side of EXPERIENCE. Experienced people just see the problem evolving early - they stop what they are doing and deal with it. Inexperienced people ignore the early warning signs, and stay overly focused on their particular agenda.

Use Combos! Just like stand-up - the most effective outcomes are usually driven by a combination of moves. Use escapes in combinations - an opponents reaction to one escape will often open up possibiliities for another. Always combine!

So there are a few basic ideas on how to appoach escapes - as talking about specific escapes is difficult because of the myriad of positions an the hundreds of small variations that surround them. Also, the oppponent may react to your escape attempts- so you need to be able to change and adapt accordingly.

Tha's a only a brief outline - but it may help get some of you thinking.
Train smart - train safe.

JBW

Guard in a nutshell ...

GUARD STYLES – Pros & Cons

The Guard concept is one that has revolutionized groundfighting. Simply put, it gives hope and opportunity to those who have found themselves on the bottom of the fight; which, on any given mat, at any given time, amounts to about half of the class.
And although there are some occasions where being underneath is preferable (street situations where there is a big all-in brawl going on and you get protection under there and away from the chairs and bottles) – most of the time, the Guard is really our second preference – our Plan B, if you like. My advice, is go on top – and dominate, use your weight, where you have more chance to disengage and get outa there if need be. If you can’t be on top – learn some Guard skills – and so we begin in taking a look at some of the different approaches to this Art of the Guard.

Closed Guard:
Downside: The Guard you use when you don’t yet have a guard. That may be a bit harsh – but there is truth to the statement. One of the negatives of the closed guard is that ‘in and of itself’ it doesn’t do much, in the way of either defence or attack. You have to work it hard, otherwise it can be argues that it ‘holds’ the opponent securely in front of you, where he an hit you with full power. So a static closed guard – is not the friend some people think it is.
Upside: On the other hand, the closed guard prevents the opponent from controlling the upper part of your body. And it does provide a base from which many attacks and sweeps can be delivered.

Spider Guard:
Downside: This is a sports-oriented style of guard that can be difficult to make work in no-rules situations. It is technical and tricky and requires the opponent to be wearing long sleeves. It is self indulgent, in that it has evolved out of a pure BJJ environment, and it designed to thwart and frustrate BJJ players (if you can make the spider guard work, then in the real world you would probably already be controlling the fight with far simpler stuff).
Upside: The Spider Guard can be very frustrating for an experienced opponent to deal with. It is technical and tricky – and can be used to set up a wide variety of attacks and sweeps.

Half Guard:
Downside: When you have a half guard set upon your opponent, remember, this also means that he is half way past your guard! I remember learning my first half dozen half guard sweeps back in Brazil with Jean Jacques Machado in the late 80’s. (sad but true!) At that time it was considered revolutionary – but now it is becoming kind of mainstream. Remember though, at a high level, it is still considered to be a plan for making the best out of a bad situation.
Upside: The half guard is easy to establish on the unwary. You only need to snag one leg and secure the underhook. There are a plethora of sweeps/reversals you can execute from there also, it works in well with other guard styles, especially the hooking guard.

Hooks Guard:
Downside: Takes some time to develop hook ‘stickiness’. The Hooks game moves a little faster than the closed guard game for instance, and so seems a little daunting to those with less experience. It is not well suited for applying armbars and triangles chokes – common BJJ attacks.
Upside: The hooking guard can be seriously upsetting for the opponent – who has to be very careful about the way he moves or passes. It works well against aggressive people; so has loads of potential in street apps. It can open up the opponent for a wide variety of sweeps and some attacks; and can be generally used to keep him off balance. Easy to establish under pressure.

I hope some of these views help you to see the Guard in a more overall context. Remember, everything has it’s pro’s and cons – some styles, concepts or ideas have limited applications and will never fit all situations. We need to be conversant with a variety of strategies once we have or foundations in place. It is good to take time with one Guard style at a time, and immerse ourselves in it until we peak with our performance – but then it is time to let go, and get onto something else. Become well rounded – this is important for Jiu Jitsu – and important for life.

Train smart – train safe.
JBW

The Leg Grab Rollover Sweep

The first class of the year at my school last night, came none too early for me. After some ten days off from training, I was anxious to get back on the mat. The BJJ class last night was a novice class - with a few blue belts sneaking onto the mat as well. It was a lot of fun - and we are off to a great start for '07!
Anyways, I would like to offer up this vid clip of one of the easier sweeps to learn, one that several people used in last nights class. Though simple, the Leg Grab Rollover series of sweeps remains one of the most highly effective ways to topple and opponent who is trying to stand up in your guard, I hope you like it,
Best wishes - train smart - train safe!
JBW

IF ...

Firstly, a Happy New Year to everyone! I have a great feeling about this year - and I think you all should as well! I discovered long ago - whatever it is you have in your mind, whatever pictures are there and whatever you have sincere and true desire for, will eventually come to you and shape the life you live. I was explaining this to a friend recently - who had goals but his 'self talk' was fear-based: ie: He would be thinking - I don't want to be eating so much food - and I want to be less overweight. Rather than: I want to look and feel like an athlete! See the difference: One is based on the 'toward style' of motivation, the other on the 'way from' style of motivation. I have written about this before - so I shall not repeat. Take heed though, seriously, the things you think about should be the things you want to happen - because without doubt, whatever you think of will manifest in your life. Be careful! So make this a GREAT New year - a chance to re-work your thinking, your thoughts and feelings about how you want your life to take shape. 2007 - the year of thinking creatively!

Anyways - sometimes it's easy to have our thoughts run all over the place - and leave us uncertain about how we should proceed. When that happens, I adopt a laconic attitude - I narrow my thoughts down to one single, simple, directly to the point, image.

I have been accused, on more than one occasion of being entirely too laconic. I like being that way ... it's my way of 'cutting to the chase' - so to speak.

For those who are unfamiliar with the origin of the word 'laconic' - I shall regale you with this (in my opinion) interesting history. It goes like this:

The region inhabited by the Spartans (Warriors of ancient Greece) was named Laconia. When Philip of Macedonia (father of Alexander the Great) arrived to conquer the city and sent the Spartans a message - "If I enter Laconia with my army I shall raze Sparta to the ground". The Spartans replied with a single word - "If."

Now that's Laconic! To the point!
Sometimes it is worthwhile doing this with out thoughts - and not just our words. That's what I call being focused. Be careful though, very careful, because I can assure you, whatever you begin to focus on, has a high probability of coming to pass.

Have a great year,
best wishes,
JBW