DSTRYRsg: Destroyer Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: DSTRYR/SG EXCLUSIVE: AN INTERVIEW WITH THE LEGEND...

DSTRYRsg: Destroyer Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: DSTRYR/SG EXCLUSIVE: AN INTERVIEW WITH THE LEGEND...: If there ever was such a thing as peaking too soon in the world of kickass BJJ/submission grappling websitery, it might well be the Rickson...

Breaking the Armbar Defense

NUDDA - LIFE EXPERIENCE

Rickson Gracie and Royler Gracie: a remarkable BJJ demonstration..

PRIDE FC 5 : Rickson and Royler do a Jiu-Jitsu demonstration in 1999 in front of the Japanese crowd.

                                    

    Commented by no other than Sebastiaan "Bas" Rutten-"El Guapo" (UFC/King of Pancrase  Champion) a great champion.

 ...one of the best demos that i grew up with.
F.I.

M.M.A. vs. M.A.

MMA vs MA (& the rest)

"The success rate in training depends on different factors such as effort, discipline tenacity and passion for the Art/s you choose. But I am beginning to succumb to the idea that some Arts and their “techniques” in that respect are indeed “superior” to others. For quite a while I have been trying to hold on to the idea that any Art is as good as the other. But I don’t believe that anymore. I guess I am wrong. But sometimes is “right to be wrong”.

Only a few years back any martial artist that went through a rigorous period of training could have managed to handle himself well against a typical pub brawler, regardless their MA background. Most times anyways.

Times have changed dramatically as Martial Arts have become a lot more appealing to a wider public (including brawlers) because of the MMA phenomenon. So these days is not uncommon to find a brawler well-trained in MMA.

So what does a brawler see in MMA that couldn’t find in the past? Brawlers are not exactly clever individuals (otherwise they wouldn’t be brawlers) so what they see is simply that MMA is great for learning how to beat people up. So they are all going to learn that now. Some of them might become better people in the process, but let’s be honest is not what they are there for in the first place.

It used to be like this for Boxing. The Boxing lodges and the noble art have always been full of “not so noble” characters. But the reality is that Boxing requires A LOT more diligent practice and effort than MMA. It doesn’t matter how tough you are. In a Boxing ring you either “Box” or you get BADLY hurt.

What I am saying here is simple. If I take your legs away and your clinches or take downs and anything else you would use “INSTINCTIVELY” in a “brawl “and I leave you there “BOXING” (NOT fighting) in a ring, you better know what you are doing. Also “brawlers” didn’t cope too well with the commitment required in Boxing and the majority would eventually leave. After learning how to trough a few good punches in the process maybe.

I am pretty sure it would be the same if they went to try a “Muay Thai” or Wrestling school. These are extremely effective arts, but just as Boxing they require time to master the skills to a good degree of execution.

MMA is different; within a matter of days you’ll be punching and kicking and throwing and all that, and guess what? It just feels so natural. At the end of the day is the only sport that can immediately bring you close to being in a brawl. So it’s not going to be completely unknown territory for a “brawler”is it? And if he’s tough and aggressive enough, he can (with a bit of luck) even impose himself over a more experienced , technical and gifted fighter. He might not WIN on the scoring cards, but he can give them trouble. Sure fact.

Am I talking about a perfect “nobody” against a top ranked fighter such as GSP? No of course not. I am talking about that “nobody” against a seasoned regular student in an MMA Gym even with a few bouts on his belt. So MMA is almost technical brawling isn’t it? Yes we could say that. Would it work in the street where there are NO RULES?

We don’t question the validity of what Boxing or Muay Thai OR Wrestling could bring to the table when it comes to effective self-defense. And if you have a good standard in all of those areas you will surely be able to look after your self. So we don’t go around wondering if MMA would work in the street. Anyone that does that is a fool.

And now I can almost hear someone “saying”, there are too many rules and limitations in the cage – “If I was in a real fight I would do this and I would do that (eye gouging – testicles strikes – pressure points – the death touch – la “Mano di Travertino”. You name it.

Oh I forgot biting, that is a big one. They even sell instructional videos on biting. Brilliant. Yeah I know, sure you would.

Let’s get back to reality now. MMA has that appeal of unquestionable “effectiveness” that Martial Arts never before managed to achieve by itself before being codified into the perfect “blend” for combat. And brawlers (as well as the rest of us normal people) are buying into it. I have. So should you.

Being the simple people they are, “brawlers” just want to fight and I don’t blame them. I still read many forums and articles concerning a realistic approach to “street defence”. They of course stress the fact that in the street there are no rules (see above paragraph) and they all seem to be big and have many angles and different visions about “the right frame of mind” or “Killer Instinct” to adopt in a fight.

I am sorry but that is not something you can learn or teach. Trying to get people to dip into their darker side is a bad idea. Is brain washing and is bad news. Especially because these are guys that will be out there “thinking” they are tough. They are not. You don’t want to mess around with the wrong people. They don’t have ANYTHING to loose and they will gladly take you in their fucked places where their brain lives any day of the week JUST FOR FUN. People with a normal upbringing shouldn’t look into that. Your mum and dad have worked so hard to get you into a civilized world and give you education and the prospect of a bright future. Hold to those values tight that’s my advice.

Only life can make you tough. And if you are leaving a “not tough life” you should feel blessed. You are one of the lucky ones.

But the good news is that; regardless your upbringings you can still learn how to fight. That is something you can learn without the need to be “tough”. So in that respect, keep it simple just as a “brawler”does. Just go there and learn how to fight because is what you need/want to do. Fighting can be taught. Toughness’ : “forget about it”.

In regards of what art you should learn, of course I would say learn NUDDA – but if you are not lucky enough to find us anywhere near the comforts of your own town, then look into something that will give you results pretty soon if fighting is what you want to learn.

I am sorry to disappoint many here but if you don’t have a solid core of “Boxing” – “Muay Thai” and “Grappling” you simply don’t stand any chances against anyone that has got it. Unless of course, you want to fool yourself and keep play the “Grass hopper” with Mr Miagi.

You see this is actually quite simple. You don’t say Boxing is shit: you say: “he’s shit at Boxing”.

You just don’t question the effectiveness of Boxing (Muay Thai or Wrestling for that matter). You might question the person skills in the Art but not the Art itself. So yes there are Arts that are superiors to others simply because they work ALL the time. Even against different Arts. All you need is to get decent at it.

But there are Arts that don’t work against other Arts. They only work against themselves. That is like trying to catch up with your mirror image: a waste of time if you ask me.

HOWEVER if you bring a solid core of MMA skills into the ART you practice, then you will see that Art flourishing and you will become better at it. Why? Well that is simply because you will analyse things from a brawler point of view and you will start to keep things a lot more into prospective. That is without having to get as stupid as the brawler is.

I teach sometimes MMA “practitioners” looking for new ideas that they can use in the cage. It is really refreshing training with them as they look trough things without ever “over analyzing”.

The principles in NUDDA are all FMA based. But you got to make those principles work when it matters. If you can then you know you are on the right track.

Some people ask me sometimes “why don’t you teach JKD” Antonio? (As a matter of fact I am a well-qualified JKD Instructor)- Which I reply – “JKD as a principle is bound to eternity. But I still don’t think Bruce would be training or teaching the same way he used to 40 years ago. That stuff is simply out of date. So I had to let go. And it feels so good”. But again this will be another Blog.

I simply can’t be doing or teaching what I have learned over 15years ago. Much has changed over the last 15 years and I truly feel like I have evolved as a martial artist and as a person. I have been constantly “outgrowing my trousers” and that is how it should be. If you feel comfortable in the same clothes for too long is because you are refusing to “grow”. It’s a choice.

But that brawler has also made his choice. To beat anyone up in style with his new acquired MMA skills. And if you are into FMA and you are now telling me that you would show him your blade because you ALWAYS carry a knife , than you are just as screwed up as that brawler is and I hope someday you will face justice and get introduced to a fine mental hospital.

Embrace the evolution of combat and it will add up value to any other Art you might be training.

I still concentrate and mostly train FMA (both weaponry and empty hands) and Silat but I don’t let them define my training. Neither had I let MMA do that.

Bring a healthy balance of both into your table, and it will feel just as a good balanced diet. You will feel complete.

Just remember: It has to work. No Ifs No Buts.

Until the next time

Train hard and hit even harder.."
Mastru Antonio Faedda

NUDDA SYLLABUS

NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ is an Cross-training based system that analyses the gritty and nasty side of urban reality yet maintains a strong bond with the origins and traditions of the Arts. With his unique and creative methods, Antonio Faedda has pushed the boundaries of combat training by blending the very best of the ancient Arts and bringing them straight into the 21st Century.

In NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ students are brought up in a centuries-long tradition of martial arts that allows them to hone their skills and transcend the here and now of effective self-defence to become virtuoso, well-rounded martial artists. The combined weapons and empty-hands training will enhance not only your strength and stamina, but also improve reactions and timing as well as your ability to flow and adapt without breaking the momentum of your actions. Your footwork and overall agility will drastically improve as well as giving you the extra edge that can determine whether or not you survive on the streets.

NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ Syllabus

NUDDA- Filipino Boxing

The NUDDA expression of Filipino Boxing is as “to the point” as it can possibly get. Antonio Faedda has decoded an approach to the Filipino Boxing Arts that strips away all the unessentials and leaves you with the very essence of this beautiful yet devastating martial art.

There is a step-by-step process that will nurture you from the very beginning of your journey, teaching you solid skills that are there to last. We don’t make false promises and you will be required to train hard in order to make NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ work when it matters. One thing we can promise you: once you have reached a reasonable standard it really works. NO Ifs, NO Buts!

You will understand combat dynamically and not just in a pre-set scenario. You will learn how to control “chaos” and become at one with it, after all there is “nothing” (NUDDA in Sardinian) more chaotic in nature than fighting itself.

NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ Weaponry

Kaliradman

The word Kaliradman comes from the Malay, the original inhabitants of the Southeast Asian archipelago. It means more or less “skills/skilled in the art of sword fighting”. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Phillipines and before the inhabitants of the Philippines became “Filipinos”, Kaliradman was used for inter-tribal warfare.

The NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ Kaliradman weaponry syllabus involves:

Double stick

The use of two weapons enhances dexterity, coordination, balance and agility. It teaches you how to utilize all 360 degrees of space. This part of the syllabus includes some very acrobatic moves with spectacular spins and jumps to confuse and surprise the opponent who may be attacking from all sorts of angles. Our expression of Kaliradman is all about being unpredictable and moving constantly. By training in this beautiful art you will acquire superb footwork and reactions.

Single stick

The Filipinos have made a science out of stick fighting. With hundreds of different systems and styles to choose from, you would never run out of learning material. But collecting techniques or badges won’t make you a proficient fighter. In line with our approach to training, we have structured an extremely efficient approach to stick fighting.

Igmat Baraw (The Knife)

To fully appreciate how lethal a blade can become in the hands of a skilled knife fighter, you will have to learn how to use it to its full deadly potential. Only then can you approach knife fighting with the right mind-set. Owing to its dangerous nature, this part of the syllabus is only taught to trusted students. It includes:

Long-range knife-fighting – Largo

Medium-range knife-fighting – Medio

Short-range knife-fighting – Corto

Empty hands vs knife

Dulo Dulo

The use of the Dulo Dulo (palm stick) takes on a completely new dimension in NUDDA M.A.X.TRAINING™ and teaches you how to strike from an empty-hand perspective from a variety of angles and positions that are extremely odd and difficult to counter. A Dulo Dulo can be easily replicated by any daily routine object, such as a pen, pencil or even a teaspoon. It is a valuable counter weapon in the unfortunate event of fa

BJJ AS A SCIENCE

"TO GET TO THE POSITION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO DO THE TRY WITHOUT THEM NOTICING, THAT IS ...THE TRICK OF MIND."
                                                                                   Braulio Estima

THE 16 LESSONS FROM LAST JIU-JITSU WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

 

1. Lesson from Gilberto Durinho

After hitting the woodwork so many times, the Atos lightweight won one of the thorniest divisions in Worlds history. The lesson: don’t be discouraged if you have your objective within grasp on so many occasions but it slips through your fingers. When it comes down to it, those attempts, which others erroneously call “frustrations”, will lead you to conquer something beyond a mere objective, but your greatest dream in life.

2. Lesson from Kron and Tanquinho

The two finalists (lightweight and featherweight) dropped down a weight group to achieve better career results. Take a close look to see whether you’re coming up short for want of a diet – or just a pre-tourney spell in the sauna.

3. Lesson from Gabrielle Garcia

One time, upon surmounting ultraheavyweight Luiz Felipe Big Mac, black belt Alexandre Souza taught: “You don’t chop down a mountain, you scale it.” If you’re one of Gabi Garcia’s opponent’s and you haven’t found a way of beating her yet, train and study more. Adopting the unbecoming tactic of berating and badmouthing the absolute champion is the attitude of someone who understands nothing of the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu, wherein great opponents shape our character and games.

4. Lesson from Tyler Brey

In Long Beach, the blue belt from Infinite Jiu-Jitsu proved how you don’t need a black belt to thrill a crowd. His legs rendered useless by a congenital spinal defect, Tyler parked his wheelchair at ringside and dove on in. “If you limit yourself, you’ll never get anywhere. I don’t have it all, but God gave me what I need to do what I want,” said the fresh-faced Californian. Stop whining about the difficulties and ask yourself how you can make a difference.

5. Lesson from Angélica Galvão

André’s wife took five years off from training to take care of her daughter. Even after spending so many years on the sidelines, she came back and became purple belt world champion. Find inspiration in her accomplishment; keep in shape and get back to training tomorrow, regardless of your reasons for having put Jiu-Jitsu on hold in the first place.

6. Lesson from Braga Neto

The Roberto Gordo pupil won the world championship in 2008, after which he had a run of poor results until capturing his second, this year in California. Persist, keep training and believing; after all, storms and fair weather are a normal part of any journey.

7. Lessons from the Mendes brothers

The first brothers crowned black belt world champions on the same year, they started out together and made it to the top together. Invite the ones you love to train with you. Jiu-Jitsu only strengthens the bonds – and helps with your objectives.

8. Lesson from Pé de Pano

Early in the year, Márcio Cruz told GRACIEMAG.com he would be making his return and pursuing a medal at the 2011 Worlds. Keeping his word, the black belt commonly known as Pé de Pano only hit a wall in an evenly-matched semifinal with Cavaca. If you truly believe in the promises you make, state them, share them with friends and even rivals. Hold yourself to them and make it happen.

9. Lesson from Hannette Quadros

Dare. If the move featuring on your opponent’s menu is a flying armbar, go for it, and rush to the crowd to celebrate.

10. Lesson from Letícia Ribeiro

Let stated that her pupil Bia Mesquita won’t let her stop competing. Iron forges iron, steel shapes steel. Teach your training partners everything you know so you’ll continue to evolve – and win along with them.

11. Lesson from Léo Nogueira

Winning the absolute gold medal at the Brazilian Nationals a few weeks prior was key in his success at the Worlds. Hiding your game may be effective, but testing it against the best is far more productive. Be prepared to face challenges the moment they surface.

12. Lesson from Cris Cyborg and Ben Henderson

Jiu-Jitsu may not be your only concern in life but it should be top of the list of the less important ones. Train, test yourself at all times, and you may just nab a bronze medal to show your friends at the UFC like Ben did, or a gold medal to show off around Strikforce like Cris did.

13. Lesson from Marcelo Garcia

Be wary of beaten old precepts like “It’s easy to make it to the top, what’s hard is staying there.” Plenty of superstars toiled doggedly in the lower belt divisions, facing all the challenges they could handle, stomped on their egos, and today they seem to win on “automatic pilot”. That’s the case of Marcelinho, who took on all the absolute had to offer at brown belt, developed an unbeatable game, and is now five-time middleweight world champion.

14. Lesson from Alexander Trans

So what if what you’ve been doing is hardly recognized in your country or not recognized at all? Fight, hone your skills, and strive to be the best in your country at what you do. With time, you may, for example, come from Denmark to become champion of the world in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…

15. Lesson from Luanna Alzuguir

Cracked rib? Get the quick tapout, grab your gold medal, and go get it taken care of happier and more fulfilled.

16. Lesson from Rodolfo Vieira

Don’t let titles or glory change the way you see the world and do things. A short tale picked up on by the GRACIEMAG at the Worlds Blog: on opening day at the Worlds, Rodolfo got in a lengthy line like everyone else to collect the IBJJF T-shirt and copy of GRACIEMAG to which all 2,300 athletes signed up were entitled to. Getting near his turn, Rodolfo stuck a hand in his pocket and realized he didn’t have his IBJJF ID, promptly leaving the line and telling a friend: “Shoot, I didn’t bring my card; I’ll come back tomorrow. There’s no way to prove I’m signed up for the Worlds. “What are you talking about, you nut? You’re on the cover of the GRACIE you’re about to pick up; at the Pan!” Even so, Rodolfo stuck to the rules and left, returning the next day to pick up his magazine and T-shirt, happy as a lark.

* This article was originally printed in GRACIEMAG #172.)

PROFIL DE ECHIPĂ

   Echipa AD UNUM M.M.A., cu divizia sa AD UNUM JIU-JITSU DE BRASIL a debutat ca proiect independent în toamna anului 2011, fondată de doi dintre primii oameni care au început antrenamentele de jiu-jitsu brazilian în România, Florin Ionescu şi Cătălin Vlad.
   Florin Ionescu este un competitor în jiu-jitsu brazilian cu vechi state, multiplu medaliat în competiţii de gen, cu înclinaţie spre zona de submission-grappling şi cu o experienţă de peste 10 ani în sporturile de contact.Primii paşi ai săi în lumea sporturilor de contact au fost şlefuiţi din copilărie în sala de lupte a clubului Steaua de profesorii Gabor şi Nemeş, tradiţia în această zonă provenind de la tatăl acestuia, Vasile Ionescu, fost coleg de generaţie şi categorie cu Gheorghe Berceanu la clubul Rapid.Este autorul unor meciuri de senzaţie în primele competiţii de jiu-jitsu brazilian din România, meciuri câştigate înainte de limită, împotriva unor adversari de calibru.
   Cătălin Vlad este până în prezent singurul instructor de Gracie jiu-jitsu/Brazilian jiu-jitsu (self defence, real combat, sport) din România care a absolvit cursuri de pregătire în sensul respectiv cu o centură roşie Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, fiind îndrumat şi atestat oficial de GrandMaster Flavio Behring, gradaţie 9 Dan , prima centură neagră acordată de Helio Gracie, creatorul sistemului de luptă Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Este co-fondatorul  primei şcoli autentice de Krav-Maga din Bucureşti şi instructor de Krav-Maga în ambele sisteme, civil şi militar (Burde Krav-Maga şi Pure Krav-Maga). Adept al cross-training-ului (antrenament în stiluri diferite de luptă), fost competitor şi medaliat la competiţii de jiu-jitsu brazilian, acesta promovează sistemul de asimilare completă al Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, cu principiile şi tehnicile sale de autoapărare, dar şi ca abordare sportivă, competiţională, fără limitarea însă doar la acest ultim aspect .
    Deasemenea este co-organizatorul primului festival de arte marţiale filipineze în România şi cel care l-a invitat pe antrenorul de succes de peste ocean şi campionul mondial de lupte greco-romane, Leo Frîncu, pentru primul seminar ţinut de acesta în România, în anul 2010.

    Ambii instructori au multiple participări la seminarii importante de jiu-jitsu brazilian, precum şi participări de succes la competiţii naţionale şi internaţionale în disciplina respectivă.Pe de altă parte, aceştia sunt membrii Federaţiei Române de Kempo şi elevii ai Şcolii Naţionale de Antrenori, disciplina kempo, artă marţială care a dat impulsionat practicarea artelor marţiale mixte în România, unde primele competiţii de gen au fost organizate la iniţiativa conducerii federaţiei respective.

    De la începutul anului 2012, parte integrantă a echipei şi sprijin pentru proiectul iniţiat devine Sensei Ilie Pătru, un nume de referinţă pentru sporturile de contact şi artele marţiale din România, elev al regretatului Alois Gurski şi competitor de succes în luptele greco-romane, disciplină unde a fost îndrumat de profesorii Marin Cristea, Nemeş Petre, Gheorghe Berceanu şi Vasile Andrei. Sala deţinută de acesta în str.Episcop Claudiu nr.16, sector 3, Bucureşti (cunoscută şi ca sala S.I.G. sau sala "Jean Constantinescu") se constituie ca bază pentru activitatea următoare a clubului.
   Sala respectivă reprezintă mediul care a oferit şi oferă în mod curent campioni în kempo, wushu, kick-boxing, jiu-jitsu tradiţional, şi este locul unde s-au făcut primele antrenamente de jiu-jitsu brazilian în România. Din această perspectivă, acţiunile publice ale echipei s-au desfăşurat şi se vor desfăşura sub deviza "Jiu-Jitsu is coming home!"(Jiu-Jitsu se întoarce acasă!)
   Începând cu 1 septembrie 2012, echipa Ad Unum devine reprezentanţa oficială a unei mari şcoli de grappling şi jiu-jitsu brazilian, Rio Grappling Club, iar instructorii Cătălin Vlad şi Florin Ionescu sunt gradaţi de fondatorul clubului, maestrul Roberto Atalla, 4 Dan BJJ,  astfel fiind semnat şi actul de naştere al organizaţiei Rio Grappling Club Romania.
     Convinşi că numai munca, disciplina, caracterul şi respectul reciproc asigură progresul, mesajul membrilor echipei e simplu şi pe înţelesul tuturor:

VĂ AŞTEPTĂM LA ANTRENAMENTE!

1st Gracie World Championship!

Rose Gracie Sets-Out to Change the Competitive BJJ Scene with the Gracie World Championship

Words by Matthew Soroka

The sportive Brazilian jiu-jitsu game is about to change. With rules that may seem new and revolutionary to most, the Gracie World Championships will run according to one main rule: submit your opponent or you, and your opponent, are eliminated from your bracket – a rule that predates today’s traditional rules that most BJJ tournaments use.

Rose Gracie, a granddaughter of Helio Gracie, is the driving force of the growing project. The concept behind the tournament is to use the rules that Helio originally preferred in BJJ matches. This will be her second Gracie tournament after the successful Gracie U.S. Nationals this past January.

“Basically, if it’s an 8-man bracket, and no one taps in any of the matches then there is no one left on that side of the bracket. I tried to make it as simple as possible so that its not complicated and doesn’t have many rules around it. It’s very simple and straight to the point.”

Therefore there are no advantages and no points in the 15-minute matches. This makes the entire tournament easier for competitors to focus on submission and they don’t have to worry about losing points if they give up a position.

“There is no such thing as stallers in my tournament because they go in with a different mind set. They go in thinking ‘I have to tap this guy in two minutes because I don’t want to get myself tired for my next match, I have no idea how long its going to be’. So there were matches that were over in 50 seconds and some that were done at 14:50. In the last few minutes, guys go into desperation mode and suddenly a submission comes up. This keeps the matches very exciting.”

With such a basic and straight-forward objective, this also makes the lives of the referees much easier.

“The biggest misconception in jiu-jitsu now, I think, is that people think referees are judges. Referees are not judges. You don’t go into a soccer match and the ref has to decide what’s going to happen if there are no points. The referee cannot be there with a bias opinion or with any pressure. The ref is working all day, and the next thing he knows, he has to decide who deserves the win. All the referee does in my tournament is to make sure he counts the time properly, pays attention to the match and makes sure that no one gets hurt. That’s the only thing he is there for.”

The upcoming tournament in San Jose will feature some of the best grapplers in the business, including Kron and Ryron Gracie who have already confirmed their participation. Braulio Estima has also shown interest in re-matching Nick Diaz at the event, something most people would love to see. However at this moment, Rose is unsure whether the top competitors will be part of the regular tournament brackets or if there will be a lineup of super fights. But what is certain is that the tournament has received great support from the international community.

“There are several plans on what to do in the future. I’m thinking whether I can travel with the event, that’s why we are in San Jose for the Worlds. It will be there every year, just like the nationals every year in January in Los Angeles. I’ve been requested to do it in other places around the world and it’s received an overwhelmingly large response. What people need to start doing is running my rules as much as possible in the little local tournaments and test these rules so they see the difference.”

Rose is strongly passionate about her mission and states her motivation for the entire endeavor as her conclusion.

“Its just not fun watching the jiu-jitsu tournaments anymore. At the world jiu-jitsu expo this weekend I was just angry because it was so boring and no fun. It just looked like a cloth tug-o-war. Just do it and tap them already!”

It is clear that with Roses determination and strong support from the BJJ community, her style of tournament will continue to expand globally.

Cardio for BJJ

Cardio for the BJJ Athlete

Words by Dan Sammit

What is the best way to improve your BJJ game? Is it perfecting drills? Learning the latest technique? How about sparring? All of these are extremely important in the development of a BJJ athlete. The most important tool that you have at your disposal is conditioning.

The first time I heard that statement was about 12 years ago. I was in Columbus, Ohio listening to Frank Shamrock speak during a seminar. He posed the question to the audience about what they thought the most important attributes a fighter needed. As you would expect, many different answers were given; skill, power, strength, explosiveness and heart were all mentioned.

Frank addressed the crowd over the microphone. He agreed that all of the aforementioned skill sets are significant factors to a fighter’s career. He was quick to point out that the key to his success was to “not run out of gas” while in the cage. The answer I heard surprised me. Once I started training it did not take long to figure out exactly what Frank meant.

If you have ever done any kind of sport or athletic activity, you realize that being well conditioned leads to better performance. BJJ athletes are no different. If your conditioning is spot on, you don’t fatigue. If you are not tired, you don’t make mistakes. Therefore, it makes sense that you fight better. It really is a straight forward concept… or is it?

Well it is not quite that simple. You do need to know a few basics to get you in peak cardio condition.

1) The Difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic Training
Most people spend countless hours in the gym on treadmills, bikes or elliptical trainers. The vast majority of these people are conditioning the aerobic system. Basically, aerobic activity means that your body is using oxygen (as a fuel source) to perform low to moderate intensity exercise over an extended duration. This is the most popular and common type of cardiovascular exercise.
Anaerobic exercise does not require oxygen. Sprinting, shot put and discus throw are just a few examples of anaerobic sports. This type of training requires the athlete to perform high intensity, short duration activities. The time frame ranges from just a few seconds to about 2 minutes in duration. 

2) When to use Aerobic Training
There are several instances that you would use aerobic training. Aerobic training is excellent for someone who is looking to get baseline conditioning (ie: a beginner or after coming back from a long training layoff etc.). It is also a great method of weight control (particularly with heavier weight class athletes who cut weight for tournaments). The frequency and time of exercise will be dependent on your current level of fitness. For most healthy individuals, 3-4 times per week with 15-30 minutes sessions in duration are adequate. Base conditioning should only be performed for 4-8 weeks maximum.

3) When to use Anaerobic Training (interval training)
Anaerobic training is usually used after you complete your baseline conditioning (aerobic) phase. Intermediate and advanced athletes will be able to train more efficiently due to previous exercise experience and fitness levels. The frequency and duration are slightly different than aerobic. Two to three times weekly is almost always sufficient. Your work period will consist of 30-40 seconds, while your recovery phase will be between two to three minutes (longer if necessary). The total amount of repetition or intervals will vary. Four to six total repetitions is a good starting point for most people.

*Please do not guess what may work for you. Consult a certified trainer for specifics on programming.

Aerobic Exercise

Pros	Cons
Base conditioning.	Boring.
Comfort level when starting	Takes a long time to complete.
Weight control (for heavier weight class athletes).	Can be hard on the joints (knees, lower back).
Confidence.	Muscle loss (if done too long).
Varied equipment.	Only works for a limited time.

 

Anaerobic Exercise

Pros	Cons
Efficient (short duration).	Can be unpleasant (hard workouts).
Excellent results.	Increased risk of injury.
Increase in performance quickly.	Hard to motivate yourself for workouts.
Decrease in body fat and maintains muscle.	May need trainer to optimize training.
Takes less time (vs Aerobic).	Excessive fatigue (if not training properly).

 

Understanding the basics of cardio conditioning and how to implement proper programming, will help you develop a “competition ready” fitness level. I guess Frank Shamrock had it right over a decade ago when he said if you want to win, make sure your gas tank is full. Time to go fill up!

*Consult your doctor and get medical approval before beginning any fitness and / or exercise program. Instruction or advice obtained from this article may NOT be used as a substitute for your doctor's advice or treatment.

GRAPPLING DRILLS

NUDDA

SAMBO

IBJJF Worlds 2012

IBJJF Worlds 2012, Analysis & Predictions

Source: The excellent J SHO for EFN

This is the 17th Mundials of the modern era (1996 - ) and despite the absence of a number of Elite players due to injury, MMA or retirement (not least champions Roger Gracie and Braulio Estima) this edition looks to have surpassed even last year’s stellar competitor list.

BJJ Eastern Europe will be running a Play by Play on saturday June 2 and Sunday 3!!!

Some random Mundial stats to start us off:

*Of the 160 black belt golds won since 1996, Gracie Barra & offshoots have won 52 gold, Alliance & offshoots have won 44 gold, Gracie Humaita have won 22 golds, Nova Uniao have won 13 golds and Carlson Gracie Team & offshoots have won 11 golds
*Roger has won 10 golds (7 weight and 3 absolute)
*Xande has won 6 golds (4 weight & 2 absolute).
*Saulo Ribeiro, Marcelo Garcia and Robson Moura have both won 5 golds at their weight.
*Royler Gracie, Bruno Malfacine, Fabio Gurgel, Roberto Magalhães (Roleta) & Rubens Charles (Cobrinha) won 4 golds at their weight.
*Robson Moura won his first black belt gold in 1997 and his most recent in 2007, the longest span in terms of first and last golds.
*Only 4 men have won 10 or more medals at Black Belt: Xande Ribeiro (12), Saulo Ribeiro (10), Comprido (10) and Roger (15)
*Roleta and Cobrinha have both won the Pan Ams and the Mundials 3 years in a row.
*Royler, Robson and Cobrinha have won their divisions 4 years in a row.
*Saulo won a different weight division 4 years in a row (1997 - 2000 Medio, Pesado, Meio Pesado, Super Pesado).
*Roger Gracie has been in his weight category final 7 years in a row, winning all 7.
*Xande is the "winningest" Champion here, with 6 Mundials, 4 Copa do Mundo and 2 ADCC Titles to his name.

*** The Divisions***
Competitors to date here at the IBJJF site

*** Roosterweight - Galo ***
2011 Mundials: Bruno Malfacine
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Ivaniel Oliveira
2012 Europeans: Koji Shibamoto
2012 Pan Ams: Caio Terra
2012 World Pro Gi: N/A
2012 Brasilieros: Igor dos Santos

The Contenders?
Bruno Malfacine; Felipe Costa; Koji Shibamoto; Rafael Freitas; Igor dos Santos

What might happen?
In the absence of Roger, as close as it gets to a sure thing at the Mundials, the identity of the finalists can pretty confidently be predicted with Malfacine will be looking for his 4th Gold in a row here, probably by a 4th straight finals match with Caio Terra. Shibamoto may have won major tournaments, but not when Terra or Bruno have been in the same division. Costa is unlikely to add to his Mundials titles but may break the record for most bronze in a division. Freitas and Dos Santos won’t make it easy for Terra or Bruno, but I’d still see the latter two making their 5th straight face-off in a Mundials Final

Random facts
*Malfacine will be going for his Fifth Mundials gold and his fourth in a row, with Costa and Terra gunning for their second.
*Felipe Costa has six bronze medals in this division, equaling Comprido’s record at Black Belt.


*** Light Featherweight - Pluma ***
2011 Mundials: Guilherme Mendes
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Adriano Mineiro
2012 Europeans: Carlos Vieira Holanda
2012 Pan Ams: Bruno Malfacine
2012 World Pro Gi (-65kg): Fernando Vieira
2012 Brasilieros: José Tiago

The Contenders?
Daniel Beleza; Carlos Vieira Holanda; Ary Farias; Guilherme Mendes;  Gabriel Willcox; Bernardo Pitel; Laercio Fernandes; Dai Yoshioka; Pablo Silva; Samuel Braga
 
What might happen?
Gracie Barra (Braga and Souza) and Atos (Gui & Ary) both have very strong pairings, with multiple Mundials and Pan titles between them. Farias’ vanquisher in the recent Brasilieros final Jose Tiago is not enrolled and Malfacine, who beat Gui at the Pans will not be in contention, but perennial medalists Beleza, Holanda and Fernandes will be in contention as well. Depending on the brackets, I would most likely expect to see Atos vs Barra semi-finals with Gui and Braga the likely finalists.

Random facts
*Mendes & Braga will be going for a third Mundials title.
*In 2011 Gui and Rafa Mendes joined the Ribeiro brothers and the Correa brothers (aka Gordo & Gordinho) as world champion siblings, but they were the first to have done it in the same year. They will be confident of repeating the feat this year
*Bernardo Pitel last tasted Gold here in 2001, if we managed to pull off a win here this year, his span between golds would be a new record (surpassing Robson Moura’s 1997 and 2007 golds

*** Featherweight - Pena ***
2011 Mundials: Rafael Mendes
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Mário Reis
2012 Europeans: Bruno Frazatto
2012 Pan Ams: Rafael Mendes
2012 World Pro Gi (-70kg): Samuel Hertzog
2012 Brasilieros: Leonardo Saggioro

The Contenders?
Rafael Mendes; Leonardo Saggioro; Eduardo Ramos; Justin Rader; Isaque Paiva; Samuel
Hertzog; Rubens “Cobrinha”; Mario Reis; Marcelino Freitas; Mike Fowler.

What might happen?
Former World Champion Mario Reis has recently joined Alliance. The veteran black belt may yet
one day have had more clubs that Liz Taylor has had husbands, but in a way he was already part
of the same club as Cobrinha, the club of people who cannot beat Rafa Mendes.
Mendes blew the competition away at this year’s Pans, mauling Justin Rader and then submitting
Cobrinha in the final, the first time this has happened at black belt. The bracket has depth, with
Frazatto’s conqueror Isaque Paiva; World Pro Gi champ Hertzog and Brasilieros champ Saggioro
in attendance, but as above, which of these contenders has the gameplan to dethrone Mendes?

Random facts
*Mendes, like his brother Gui, will be looking for a third Mundials Gold.
*If Cobrinha wins this year, he makes it 5 Mundial Golds
*Two time champion Mario Reis had medaled at black belt eight years in a row, but will be hoping he can add to his golds from 2003 and 2004.
*Mendes is the only reigning ADCC and Mundials champion.
*Gabriel Willcox is the lightest person to ever win his weight (Pena) and the absolute at the same IBJJF Black Belt competition (2006 Masters & Seniors). Mario Reis has achieved the same feat at the 2009 CBJJE Mundials.


*** Lightweight - Leve ***
2011 Mundials: Gilbert Burns
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Leandro Lo
2012 Europeans: Roberto Satoshi
2012 Pan Ams: Leandro Lo
2012 World Pro Gi (-76kg): Roberto Satoshi
2012 Brasilieros: Leandro Lo

The Contenders?
Lucas Lepri;  Roberto Satoshi de Souza; Leandro Lo; Jonathan Torres; Zak Maxwell;  Davi Ramos

Random facts
The days of the Alliance Hegemony at Leve are well and truly over, with Langhi and Lepri both without any titles and both having to become accustomed to the sight of Leandro Lo or Roberto “Satoshi” taking the gold. Reigning champion Gilbert “Durinho” has retired from BJJ competition to focus on MMA and all the major titles since have fallen to either Lo or Satoshi. Langhi has reportedly been struggling with visa issues and will not be competing, leaving Lepri an uphill task this time. Atos standout Davi Ramos and the two very talented American players JT Torres and Zak Maxwell (who defeated Kron Gracie earlier this year) will also be in contention for medals.


*** Middleweight - Medio ***
2011 Mundials: Marcelo Garcia
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Adriano Silva
2012 Europeans: Victor Estima
2012 Pan Ams: Claudio Calasans
2012 World Pro Gi (-82kg): Claudio Calasans
2012 Brasilieros: Murilo Santana

The Contenders?
Claudio Calasans; Murilo Santana; Abmar Barbosa; Alan “Fin Fou” do Nascimento; Otavio Sousa; Bruno Alves; Victor Estima; Lucas Leite; Clark Gracie; Kron Gracie; Bill Cooper; Vagner Rocha

What might happen?
A host of champions from many major tournaments, but the greatest middleweight of all time is absent. With Marcelinho away, reportedly due to a broken collarbone, a large number of elite players will be looking for a rare change at Mundials Medio Gold. Heavy favourite is likely to be Claudio Calasans, who, despite modest success as a lightweight has racked up many world level titles since moving to the higher weight class. Others who have tried and failed to best Marcelo such as Victor Estima, Murilo Santana and Lucas Leite are all in contention to make the finals, but the staggering array of talent that has entered (Fin Fou, Clark and Kron Gracie, Bill Cooper, Abmar Barbosa to mention a few more) means that all bets are off and this division promises 8 enthralling quarter-finals, to say nothing of the potential confrontations in the semis and final.


Random facts
*With the exception of Shaolin in 2001 & Pe de Chumbo in 2002, Alliance or an offshoot have won the Medio Gold every year since 1999.
*Alexandre Paiva, his student Terere and his student Sergio Moraes have all won Medio Gold, the only chain of 3 instructors/students to have done so at the Mundials.


*** Middle Heavy – Meio Pesado ***
2011 Mundials: Sergio Moraes
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Vitor Toledo
2012 Europeans: Rodrigo Fajardo
2012 Pan Ams: Kayron Gracie
2012 World Pro Gi (-88kg): Andre Galvao
2012 Brasilieros: Nivaldo Oliveira

The Contenders?
Andre Galvão; Vitor Toledo; Nivaldo Oliveira; Eduardo Santoro; Rômulo Barral; Rafael Lovato Jr.; Eduardo Telles

What might happen?
Sergio Moraes will not be defending his title given his focus on the TUF Brazil competition.
Absent too is Pans Champion Kayron Gracie. With Romulo Barral seemingly a shadow of his
former self, Checkmat’s rising star Nivaldo Oliviera, who took double gold at the recent Brasilieros
will be strongly favoured. Multiple time world champion Andre Galvao will also be looking to add
to his World Pro Gi title and even the presence of former champion Lovato and the ever tricky
Eduardo Telles will probably not prevent Nivaldo and Andre meeting in the final.

Random facts
*Romulo will be going for his 3rd gold in this division.
*Galvao will be trying for his 3rd Mundials title.


*** Heavy - Pesado ***
2011 Mundials: Rodolfo Vieira
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Fabiano Leite Souza
2012 Europeans: Rodolfo Vieira
2012 Pan Ams: Lucas Leite
2012 World Pro Gi (-94kg): Rodolfo Vieira
2012 Brasilieros: Alexandro Ceconi

The Contenders?
Alexandre Ribiero; Tarsis Humphreys; Alexandro Ceconi; Yuri Simões; Rodolfo Vieira; Paulo Tarcisio; Neiman Gracie; Roberto “Tussa” Alencar

What might happen?
Someone other than Rodolfo might win. Well, that might happen I suppose and with Xande, Tarsis, Ceconi, Yuri and Paulo registered, this will be a well contested division. The possible final between Xande and Rodolfo will be intriguing and after a bit of a lull, Xande seems to be back on form but what will probably happen is Rodolfo demonstrates once again, “to be the man, you gotta beat the man and he is the man!” All bets are off if Ric Flair turns up however.

Random facts
*Alliance and Gracie Humaita have both won this category 5 times each.
*Alexandre and Saulo Ribiero have both won this category, Xande 4 times in 2004/6/7/8 and Saulo in 1996. They are the only brothers to have both won gold in the same Mundials division.



*** Super Heavy - Super-Pesado ***
2011 Mundials: Leonardo Noguiera
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Augusto Ferrari
2012 Europeans: Bernardo Faria
2012 Pan Ams: Bernardo Faria
2012 World Pro Gi (-100kg): Alexandre Ribiero
2012 Brasilieros: Leonardo Nogueira

The Contenders?
Antônio Carlos Júnior; Bernardo Faria; Leonardo Nogueira; Antonio Peinado


What might happen?
Another year, another collective sigh of relief as Roger Grace has elected to focus on MMA, training with the BlackHouse team and eschewing gi and nogi competition again this year. Alliance has entered 3 elite players with Checkmat in contrast represented only by Antonio Carlos Jr. Antonio may be reigning Pan Ams Absolute champion, but he lost at super Pesado to Faria in the same event. He then went onto to lose in the semis at the recent Brasilieros to reigning World Champion Leo Nogueira. With no Joao Assis or other Checkmat teamate acting as wingman, Antonio may struggle to get his first Mundials title. Xande Ribiero beat Faria in the World Pro Gi this year and clearly still has what it takes to win major titles, but he has gone back to Pesado, leaving this an almost guaranteed Gold for Alliance team.

Random facts
*Roger has won this division 6 times.


*** Ultra Heavy- Pesadissimo ***
2011 Mundials: Antonio Braga Neto
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Nivaldo Oliveira
2012 Europeans: Alexander Trans
2012 Pan Ams: Marcus Vinicius O. Almeida “Buchecha”
2012 World Pro Gi (+100kg): Marcus Vinicius O. Almeida “Buchecha”
2012 Brasilieros:  Alexander Trans

The Contenders?
Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros; Márcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz; Ricardo Ferreira Evangelista; Marcus Vinícius “Buchecha”; Alexander Trans; Michael “Big Mick” Wilson; Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu

What might happen?
With reigning champ Antonio Braga Neto absent, this division will probably be a question of “which Checkmat superstar will get the gold?”, given all 4 “majors” this year were taken out by Nivaldo, “Buchecha” and the newcomer Alexander Trans. Trans has had a fantastic start to his first year at black belt, following up double gold as a brown belt last year with wins at the Europeans and Brasilieros and a silver behind his teammate “Buchecha” at the Pans.
Legends of the game “Pe de Pano” and “Comprido” will be in the mix, but I wouldn’t expect either to be able to take out Trans or ‘Buchecha”. Stalwart Roberto “Cyborg” will be dangerous as always, but I think this will be an all Checkmat final with “Buchecha” taking the title.

Random facts
*Pe De Pano will be going for his 4th (& potentially 5th) Black Belt Gold.
Comprido makes a return to competition and is one of only 4 men to have 10 black belt medals at the Mundials. He is also one of only 6 to have double absolute golds (a distinction he shares with fellow Ultra-Heavyweight Pe de Pano and no doubt may soon shares with current stand out Rodolfo Vieira, who will be looking for back to back titles).


*** Absolute ***
2011 Mundials: Rodolfo Vieira
2011 CBJJE Mundials: Nivaldo Oliveira
2012 Europeans: Rodolfo Vieira
2012 Pan Ams: Antonio Carlos Junior
2012 World Pro Gi: Rodolfo Vieira
2012 Brasilieros: Nivaldo Oliveira

The Contenders?
Too many to list… this could be interesting!

What might happen?
All 6 Major Absolute title holders are present, not so remarkable perhaps given Rodolfo holds three and Nivaldo holds two. Roger and Xande are absent and although all eyes will be on the man of the moment, Rodolfo will face some stiff competition, with Alliance and Checkmat in particular fully laden with talent at this edition of the Mundials.
Bracketing, as always, will be key (this writer’s get out of jail card), but one might expect the semi-finals to comprise Vieira, Galvao, Xande & “Buchecha”. No-one yet seems to have an answer to Rodolfo’s game and I’d expect him to get his second absolute title.

Random facts
*Xande Ribeiro, Amauri Bitetti, Marcio Cruz (Pe de Pano), Rodrigo Medeiros (Comprido) Ronaldo Souza (Jacare) have all won the Absolute division twice.
*Roger Gracie has won the Absolute three times.
*Margarida (2001), Pe de Pano (2002) & Jacare (2005) have won their weight division and the absolute in the same year (Jacare couldn't contest the Meio Pesado final in 2004).
*Xande (2006, 2008) has won his weight and the absolute in the same year twice.
Roger (2007, 2009, 2010) has won his weight and the absolute in the same year three times.
*Roger Gracie made the absolute final 8 years in a row, winning 3.


The Absolute winners to date
1996   Amauri Bitetti (Meio Pesado)
1997   Amauri Bitetti (Meio Pesado)
1998   Jose Mario Sperry (Super Pesado)
1999   Rodrigo Medeiros (Pesado)
2000   Rodrigo Medeiros (Pesado)
2001   Fernando Pontes (Pesado)
2002   Marcio Cruz (Pesadissimo)
2003   Marcio Cruz (Pesadissimo)
2004   Ronaldo Souza (Meio Pesado)
2005   Ronaldo Souza (Meio Pesado)
2006   Xande Ribeiro (Pesado)
2007   Roger Gracie (Super Pesado)
2008   Xande Ribeiro (Pesado)
2009   Roger Gracie (Super Pesado)
2010   Roger Gracie (Super Pesado)
2011   Rodolfo Vieira (Pesado)

OSS

"The word "OSS", of Japanese origin, has become an almost vernacular word in the world of KARATE, understood and exchanged among numerous practitioners of many nationalities, not only on the occasion of every day greetings but also in place of expression such as "Thank you" "Glad to meet you" "Goodbye" "Understood" and "I understand". It must be uttered from the lower abdomen with a properly executed bow, showing respect, sympathy, and trust to the other party. "OSS":, a phonetic transcription, is in fact, written with two Chinese characters. The first character, meaning literally, "pushing," symbolizes the fighting spirit, the importance of effort, and facing all obstacles--pushing them away, with a positive and unchanging attitude. The second meaning literally, "suffering," expresses the courage and the spirit of perseverance--suffering pains and resisting depression with patience and without giving up, always keeping sprits high. As it is often said, "Talent is nothing without effort." The key word "OSS" used to recall this saying to the young in order to encourage them to make a resolution, to convey it to each other and to encourage each other; in fact, it may have first been used in the Japanese Naval School. The word "OSS" must not be used loosely. From now on, reexamine your attitude, posture, state of mind, pronunciation, and their harmony; the torso is inclined with the trunk straight and the chin is drawn in as you pronounce the word. The movement, the breathing and the pronunciation thus executed, all contribute to the filling of the lower abdomen (TANDEN) with KI and Power. If we refer to the principles of (AUN) when you express "OSS", the breathing and sound is IN. AUN(a-u-n), a form of breathing method to bring One into harmony with the Universe, means (Heaven and Earth) (Yin and Yang) (Inyo), which are the opposite components (negative and positive elements) that make up our universe. As far as the author is concerned, he is trying and will try to let the world know the meaning, value, and manner of executing this word." Quoted from Kancho's book - S.K.I. Kumite Kyohan

"The Savage Samurai"!

NoGI Essentials by Roy Dean

Jiu-Jitsu Path: White to Black

ARENA