2010 December Gradings

Congratulations to all the boys who graded today fantastic effort fantastic result. Andre, Miz and Yaz have begun the journey with their first stripe, Shannon picks up a well earned second! Marco and I added a stripe to our blues and Travis achieved a well deserved and truly overdue bullseye on his back in attaining the most important BJJ belt of all, his blue belt!!! Welcome to the club mate!!

Future Champions!!

IBJJF NO GI CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR 2010 PAN PACS

IBJJF NO GI CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR 2010 PAN PACS


Following the 100% support from the iBJJF, The AFBJJ now imposes the full International rules and regulations issued by the IBJJF. The excerpt has been taken from the IBJJF.

THE ATHLETES WILLING TO COMPETE IN JIU-JITSU NO-GI EVENTS SHOULD WEAR A BLACK BOARD SHORT (SEE REQUIREMENTS) AND A BLACK OR WHITE RASH GUARD HAVING AT LEAST 10% OF THE FABRIC WITH THE COLOR ACCORDING TO HIS/HER BELT RANK.

BOARD SHORTS :

MEN: THE COMPETITORS CAN ONLY COMPETE WITH ANY BLACK BOARD SHORTS (MUST BE ALL SOLID BLACK COLOR, NO OTHER COLORS WILL BE ACCEPTED).

WOMEN: THE COMPETITORS CAN COMPETE WITH ANY ALL SOLID BLACK BOARD SHORTS, ALL SOLID BLACK LYCRA SHORTS OR ALL SOLID BLACK LYCRA PANTS (MUST BE ALL SOLID BLACK COLOR, NO OTHER COLORS WILL BE ACCEPTED).

Taking the back from the closed guard....

Crash test dummies, headaches and bruises...

Over the last few weeks I've had the opportunity to roll with Jeroen and Jason during some extra training days and it has been very rewarding. I end up getting squashed, cranked, choked, battered and bruised and fuck they don't get out of first gear otherwise I'm sure body parts would fall off. Through all of the pain I acknowledge that my role in the roll is one of a crash test dummy for techniques to be practised on, etc. The positives are added toughness both physical and mental that one gains from "enduring", the occasional light bulb moments and the feeling of being alive and not giving in to father time... Dave and I spent 45 odd minutes after training the other night with Jason going over different aspects of our game and it was sensational so thanks heaps Jase!! Through all the crushing I get from Jeroen and the headaches I get from Jason (a triangle so tight my head hurt for 24 hours straight) I wouldn't be anywhere else.....

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....... What happened???

Haha well it finally happened I popped my choked out cherry at training Tuesday night!!!!  Being the demonstration dummy for Coach Lynders' triangle from guard I managed to have a quick nap.  I remember the first demo and tapping cos I was feeling the tingly head sensation and coach apologised and relaxed his legs then I remember thinking why am I sleeping at training?  Why is it so hard to move?  I gotta get up the guys will think I'm a dickhead what am I doing laying down?  I must be dreaming..... hang on a minute.... what happened? Then I was back in the room feeling a little sheepish but none the less very relaxed!!!!  I absolutely have no recollection whatsoever of even getting to that tingly stage again, it was simply lights out.  thank fuck it happened at training and not in a comp and really, thank fuck I didn't piss myself!!!! See ya on the mat!

Fabio Gurgel teaching class at Marcelo Garcia's school

PRO: Daniel Moraes vs. Andrew Mcinnes at 2010 Grapplers Quest Europa Orlando

Mick's Visit

Last night Mick MALONEY owner and head honcho of Mildura Martial Arts and a mate of mine for around 15 years came down to the club and had a roll with the boys at training.  Fresh off of a very succesful campaign at the recent Victorian Championships ( 2 gold and a silver in the purple belt division) Mick very happily took part in the first hour of beginners skill training then another hour and a bit of advanced training and rolling.  Mick is a John DONOHUE blue belt and is extremely profficient on the mat.  He is a very forward thinking and unselfish martial artist and this was evident with his sharing with us a couple of his "secret weapon" moves which were sneaky, painful and did i mention sneaky and painful?? Great stuff!  Anyway Mick is keen to host any of us at his club and we've sort of discussed maybe a bus trip up there and incorporating paintball, drinking, cow tipping, banjo picking, cousin dating and whatever else the country folk do for entertainment!!!  See you on the mat.....

Wong's Top 10 Ways To get Lean Fast!!!!!!!!

The following is from Eric WONG my online strength and conditioning coach who's programmes are really specific for what we do.

Not sure if it's got to do with the nice weather we're having and the imposing shirtless days at the beach, but I thought I'd give you my Top 10 ways to get lean fast...

Everyone loves Top 10 lists right?

This one will some good, actionable advice mixed with irreverent humour. Thanks CagePotato.

Well OK then let's get at it:

1.  Drink only WATER all day, everyday (and maybe some herbal tea without honey or sugar)

2.  Dedicate 1 day a week to eating whatever the heck you want

3.  The rest of the time, eat nothing but meats you cook yourself, fruit, vegetables and carbs only after training

4.  Set a time to go to the grocery store twice a week

5.  If you're gonna drink, do it only once a week, but make sure you go to a bar to do it and hit on the girlfriend of the biggest guy in the bar... you're bound to burn off some of the calories in the scuffle (or at least you'll diet in jail)

6.  Stick to a training program and make PROGRESS every workout

7.  Eat at half the speed you currently eat and if you feel kinda full, ask yourself, "Am I satisfied now?" and if you are, stop eating

8.  Fail to plan, plan to fail - PLAN ahead the night before what you're going to eat and when and make sure you have it

9.  Before continuing, drop down and do as many pushups as you can... Do this every time you find yourself browsing the internet mindlessly.

10.  And the #10 strategy for getting lean fast is...

10. Set a goal and a date, then give someone $500 (or better yet, $1000) and tell them they get to keep it if you don't hit your goal. If you don't have the cash, give them something you value more than the cash.

That's it!

Hopefully you can take something away from this if your goal is to get lean. But if you just take 1 thing, do #10!

Best Hip Flexor Stretch

Here's a great stretch from my Strength and Conditioning Coach Eric WONG  Really good for us old warriors as well as you young punks!!!

Record numbers on the mat at Mornington Extreme JJG.......

Last night was a huge night in terms of numbers on the mat with 35 students occupying practically the whole area.  I think there was an additional 5 guys watching as well so the club is really going forwards in a big way.  Great to have a female rolling as well and hopefully this will attract a few more.....  I think this growth can be attributed to many factors, one obviously being the massive interest in MMA and the recent UFC in Sydney.  However I believe the reputation that Coach Jeroen has made for himself is certainly spreading as is evident with the interest of a couple of senior members from Chaddy expressing a desire to come train with us.

Onwards and Upwards!!!!

Bodyweight Exercise—Full Body Leg Thread From Body-Flow

There seems to be more and more "body weight" type training coming out on the net and having done some of the more functional ones over the last 4 months I can attest to their effectiveness.  This is one from http://www.bodyweightcoach.com/ and it speaks for itself in terms of its usefullness in BJJ.  I think one of the best things about "body weight" type training is that you can do them practically anywhere at no cost and get an incredibly purposeful workout in.

Randy COUTURE Seminar at Extreme Chadstone.

Me and Coach John DONEHUE

Me and Randy COUTURE

Great seminar, loved Randy's view on everything from techniques and training to mental preparation and coping with  a loss.  An all round nice guy which was shown with his willingness to have his picture taken with just about everyone at the end.

Demian Maia The Best BJJ in MMA

Slowly slowly catchy monkey.....

This is how I would accurately describe my BJJ journey and I'm sure I'm not alone.  For me, the lightbulbs do not go off as often as I would like them to, however when they do there is much rejoicing in the Smithy brain!!!!

To others I guess the response may very well be "well duh what did you think you were supposed to do?" but to me when things fall in to place, it's like I've discovered the meaning of life!  I had one such moment while competing last Saturday.  Playing off my back is where I seem to be at the moment and while I enjoy preventing my opponent passing my guard, I'm really (and honestly) doing fuck all else!  So the penny dropped, the heavens opened and shit fell into place and I realised the next step that i need to take is to push the game from this position a whole lot more.

This is what my coach Jeroen and others (Jason) have been telling me I'm sure but sometimes you (I) cant see the woods for the trees!!!

I comfort myself with the old saying "you have to identify a problem before you can address it" or words to that effect that and "you can't teach an old dog new tricks!"  I guess it just makes the journey that much more interesting.....

So my mantra for the time being will be sweep, consolidate, submit..... that's the plan anyway your assistance will be greatly appreciated!  See you on the mat....

Armbar Spin-Out from Guard

Another Stefan KESTING gem!

MG Summer Tournament No Gi 2010

Marco, Shannon and I rocked up to the latest MG Tournament at Dominance which was a No Gi affair.  Not as well patronised as past competitions however the guys and gals that did show up were of a pretty high caliber!

Shannon started with a quick guillotine win for his first ever comp roll.  Unfortunately he lost the following 3 matches via guillotine so plenty of guillotine defence practise to come!!!  Well done mate for having a crack.

Marco and I were up next.  Marco in the under 86.5kg category and me in the over.  I lost my first roll via kneebar right at the end and then won the next by triangle and the third on points for the silver.

Marco won all of his matches by points for the gold.

Bobby from Chady was in Shannons division and ended up with a silver.

Fights being posted on youtube as quick as I can upload them!

Rigan MACHADO vs Judo Black Belts

"Tom relax relax listen stay off the mat with this guy!"

Ah Kimbo... he sorta grows on you after a while!

Nino "Elvis" SCHEMBRI - Omoplata from Mount

Anyone with the knickname "Elvis" has got to have some very cool jits!!!!

Gustavo Falciroli

From Paul MCVEIGH'S Facebook - Notice to all extreme boys. We have Gustavo Falciroli coming over from Perth to instruct all classes from mon 8th feb to sat 13th feb. Make sure you get down there. We also have a special guest coming over from the USA at the end of feb and will be announced shortly

More Marcelo GARCIA

Marcel GARCIA

I never get tired of watching Marcelo roll he makes it look so effortless.  I especially like spotting techniques we've been drilling recently and then rewinding back to study everything he does before during and after!!

Look out all you underhookers!!!!!!!

Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro vs. Rumina "Moon Wolf" Sato

HAHAHAHAHAHA......

Big Mick Wilson

2008 Pan Pacs

Dave and I were talking with Coach at training on Saturday about the importance of pushing the game and maintaining control by eliminating spaces and we drilled a really sweet move that emphasises all of the above points.  I was having a look at some of our old comps and thought this one of Jeroen at the 2008 Pan Pacs is a great example of this.  What I enjoyed was spotting some of the techniques we've been drilling of late and their application in a comp.  2:04 was sweet and then the elimination of space from about 2.40 on to set up the choke was really nice.

Daniel Cherubin V Thiago Braga Australia cup 2009

Jose ALDO - Nova Uniao Black Belt

Andre Galvao Open Guard Sweep

Ryan Hall - Finishing The Choke: Stomp And Curl BJJ

Abby's 10 tips for female grapplers

Found the following on dutchassassinbjj.blogspot.com/ and considering we had a female enquire about training the other night I thought i'd post it as it's pretty common sense stuff.

1. Don’t be afraid of stronger bigger training partners. If you can sub them you can sub a 110 lb girl.


2. Wear headgear and a mouth guard. You really don’t want cauliflower ear. If you have no idea what I’m talking about just look at the higher ranks at the gym who don’t wear it.

3. Don’t be afraid to tell your training partner he is rolling too hard or light with you. At competitions female grapplers are out for blood. This was a huge shock for me the first time I competed. Having a partner who is afraid to touch you won’t prepare you for competitions, but having a partner who injures you or just smashes you won’t help either. Tell the guys you are rolling with the amount of resistance you want. It’s also a good idea to roll with higher ranks. They usually have better control and won’t injure you.

4. Be prepared to see chunks of your hair on the mat. You can’t really help this. All you can do is tie it back. Headbands won’t work either. They just fall off. You also need to remove any jewelry or earrings you’re wearing. I’ve seen earrings get ripped out. It’s not pretty. It’s also a good idea to cut your nails. If they are too long they will get bent back which is very painful.

5. Avoid grappling with ringworm guy, the smelly guy who never washes his gi, the MMA guy who wants to kill anything he encounters, and the creepy guy. The creepy guy is usually the guy who is overly enthusiastic you joined and constantly asks you to be his drilling partner. He usually outweighs you by 30lbs and still insists on drilling with you even though there are smaller people closer to your size you could drill with. It’s a good rule of thumb that if everyone avoids a certain person it is usually best to do the same.

6. Some guys may refuse to roll with you. Just accept it. They may just feel uncomfortable rolling with a female or there wife or girlfriend may have issues with it. You’re not training to break up a relationship so it shouldn’t matter if they do or don’t. For every guy who is like this, there are fifty guys who are more than willing to roll with you.

7. Don’t use the gym as a hunting ground. If you’re going to date one guy from the gym that fine, but when you try to sleep with the entire team it’s a problem. This not only gives you a bad reputation, but it’s promoting a horrible stereotype about female grapplers. It makes it extremely hard for girls who are there to actually train to be taken seriously.

8. Buy a female specific gi. It will fit a lot better than a male gi and be a lot less baggy. It’s also good idea to wear a rash guard and shorts under your gi too. The rash guard will stay tight to your skin and won’t ride up or absorb excessive amounts of sweat. CatFight Gear makes custom female gis that come is very amazing colors. They are just releasing a new line of rash guards and shorts too. http://www.catfightgear.com/ I’ve heard Atama makes a good female gi, but I haven’t tried it yet. Fight Chix another clothing company makes a wicked clothing line dedicated to empowering women and female fighters. They have the coolest designs I have ever seen and sell a few rash guards and shorts as well. http://www.fightchix.com/

9. Be aware you will never just blend in. Every new guy who comes in will facebook you and know your name. This isn’t that bad because you get a lot of extra help and your bad techniques will be corrected faster. Your can’t really change this unless you chop off your hair and change your name to Ron ;)

10. Grappling will seem really awkward at first, but after a while you will get used to it. If you stick with it you’re going to get into the best shape of your life. Your team is going to become like a second family to you and you’re going to have 30+ older brothers watching your back.

Open Guard Drills

Interesting Facts About Chuck Norris You May Not Know!

Left Hook!!!!!!!

Priscus Fogagnolo vs Clinton Joyce CFC4

7 REASONS WHY

Here are the top 7 reasons why being in top shape is KEY to being a successful mixed martial artist from strength and fitness coach Eric WONG :


1) Because you'll pick up techniques and skills faster because you're not sucking wind in class, accelerating your development as a fighter

2) Your coaches will respect you more and spend more time with you because you pick things up faster and you're always ready for more

3) You're less likely to get injured because your muscles do a better job protecting your joints

4) You'll be able to beat guys with more skill because you can tire them out then take advantage of them

5) Your physique will throw your opponent off mentally, especially if they're not confident in their conditioning

6) You'll be able to push the pace of the fight and do what you want to do

7) You'll be more relaxed and confident knowing that you can go the distance and still maintain a high level of output