BJJ Trip Journal - 1

After closing down the class at Bidakara last month, I finally begin another chapter in my martial arts journey. As I am now placed as part of a "regional" team on my new workplace, I can have more chance to go to different countries and train in different places, which may be the best way to learn as I get so many different perspectives.

This month, I was placed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and so far, I went to 2 different schools so far - BJJ Malaysia in Desa Sri Hartamas, and Malicia BJJ in Ampang. NOte that I went to Escobar BJJ during my last trip to KL in Feb/March, but I only had the chance to have a free sparring session - something that I may want to do this weekend.

So far, my experience has been nothing short of insightful, especially my last session with Samir on Malicia BJJ. We spent 2 hours sparring with gi - something that I haven't done for ages. Given that the Indonesian system promotes submission with the rule (6 minutes sub only, then sudden death), some guys like me tend to be a bit lazy. We just defend while frustrating and exhausting our opponents, then when the opportunity arises we go for a sweep or a submission. Under such rules, we never meet one type of opponent: point collectors, and sparring with one after so many years is truly an eye-opener.

Why?
1.) As I waited for an opening (something he didn't show much) while Samir is racking up points, I realised that given this is an MMA or a streetfight, I will be in such a S**tty situation with him on top and me not able to escape and kept on the ground.

2.) Point collectors tend to be defensive - they're sensitive to any changes in pressure, grip changes, etc. I mean, I caught people with a shoulder lock from the BOTTOM of the side control to many people by relying on the false sense of security that no attacks can be executed from bottom of side control. Now, with defensive players, they'll sense these sneaky attacks and will counter you instead.

3.) Do not, and I say, do not forget to train with your gi. I know, I know, it's the good ol' argument of gi vs no gi training, but I guess Niko Han told us to train with gi so many times, but we kinda get into our comfort zone and train no-gi most of the time. Gi is a good way to "learn the steps", as you'll have less chance of out-powering or out-muscling your opponent with all that friction from the gi. This forces you to do things right and have all the steps in place.

So overall, so much to learn, and I really need this lessons of humility to put me back into the fast track of the learning process.

Gracies on Gracie Jiu Jitsu

For those who just begin their class, I believe these quotes best describe the philosophy of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Special thanks to Niko Han for compiling these quotes.

"If it's not street applicable, energy efficient, and based on natural body movements, it's not pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu." (Gracie)

“The most important thing when training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is that you should effectively prepare yourself for the worst case scenarios. Make sure that every technique you learn can be applied on bigger, stronger, faster opponents in the context of a real fight. If you learn a technique that is not street applicable, forget it as soon as you can.” (Gracie)

“Always assume that your opponent is going to be bigger, stronger and faster than you; so that you learn to rely on technique, timing and leverage rather than brute strength.” (Gracie)

“The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu principles of precision, timing, leverage and efficiency that can be used to achieve victory in a fight can also be used to achieve victory in every aspect of life. Focus on using your knowledge of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to effectively strategize your life.” (Gracie)

“Mastery is not perfecting a technique so that you can apply it at all times against anyone (this is impossible), it is perfecting your understanding of the applications and limitations of a technique so that you know exactly when it can, and can’t, be applied during combat.” (Gracie)

Ever wonder why.....

BJJ Guys always point out at the other guy with a wierd hand signal when their pictures is taken? Read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_sign

Thanks to Tom "BVLGARI" McCawley for pointing this out.