Oct 2007

Sept 2007

Aug 2007

"Twist My Arm"

The Official Blog of Submissions 101

Click Here for our Blog

Jan 21: The Sky's the Limit

Ok, I know it's been a long while since I updated the blog. It happens. As you can see, I still update the site, participate in the forum, answer my you tube comments, train, video tape and teach. All in a days work.

I knew that 2008 was going to be a really good year for me and Submissions 101 is moving in the right direction. We have 1000's of viewers and fans and I know this will increase over the next year.

The new DVD EARTH BOUND, should be out in late Feb 2008. It is produced by www.cranesproduction.com and I am really happy with the final product.

I am heading down to Arizona again to visit my buddies Tom (president of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gear) and John (owner of Deep Impart Jiu Jitsu). We are goin to see Eddie for a seminar while there and hang with him as usual. I am also bringing my student Dylan with me. I think he is in for a real treat.

I have had a lot of questions about patches for gis and shorts. I decided to make some and they'll be really to go within 2 weeks I hope. I am producing large gi patches and smaller circular patches.

I've had several seminar inquires and can't wait to book some of these. It is always a blast teaching new people and meeting them.

That's it for now...going to go and start my day!

Dec 8 2007: Different Ways to Start Grappling

This article is an analysis of the different ways to start grappling matches. Each type has an advantage and disadvantage to its starting position. Let's get to it.

Type: Both partners standing

Advantage: This start allows you to work on your take downs and throws. You have the ability to shoot in, hip toss, leg sweep or pull guard from this position. This is also a good way to work your cardio because it takes a lot of energy to either remain standing or attempt take downs. It is also very good for competition practice because grappling tournaments all start on their feet.

Disadvantage: If your take downs and throws aren't very good, you probably will end up in the worse position once the fight goes to the ground. The possibility of being hurt is greatest from this position (because of awkward throws, slams or knees buckling). A lot of energy can be spent in this position and make one get winded/gased even before the fight hits the ground.

Type: Both partners on their knees

Advantage: Starting on the knees allows both people to get right in grappling but still work on getting position because of the mobility that the knees allow. Many schools start 'rollin' this way. It also is a good way to start when you have limited space or with many guys on the mat at once.

Disadvantages: If you have bad knees (bursitis), this start can really aggravate them. Also, starting from the knees doesn't allow someone to work on takedowns for competitions. It is possible to damage knees when one person shoots in and folds the other guy backwards (catching his knees under him).

Type: Butt Scoot

Advantage: The butt scoot start (my favorite) allows one to pull guard, half guard, butterfly guard or work sweeps. It saves the knees from damage or further damage. Also, it is an unorthodox way to start, so it does mess up many peoples grappling game plan. This is very good for defensive fighters (counter grapplers...like counter punches).

Disadvantage: It allows your opponent to get side or full mount on you if you are not good at defending from your butt.

Type: Back to back

Advantage: This is a GREAT way to start grappling because there is no stalling. When you start, each guys is trying to gain position as quick as possible, so the grappling starts right away. It allows one to work on explosivness and quick thinking.

Disadvantage: You don't start competitions this way and again it does help with the takedown game.

Type: Butt Scoot competition

Advantage: If you think your takedowns and throws aren't that good and your are going into competition, the butt scoot is a great alternative. It saves energy, especially if you don't want to spend 1-2 minutes trying to get someone down in a jiu jitsu match. When you only have 5 minutes for a grappling match, you want to get down to business right away and this forces the other guy to come down to your level. As with the other butt scoot method, this is great for guys with good rubber, half, full, or butterfly guards.

Disadvantage: Your standing opponent can get position on you and move faster because he is on his feet. He may be able to get full or side mount if you don't have a good ground game.

How did this photo get in here?

Dec 7 2007: Busy time of year....

December is a busy time of year and the videos will slow down over the next 3 weeks or so as I film and edit my new dvd. Also, with the holiday's approaching, I have a lot of family responsibilities to take of. Things will take off in the New year again and I think you guys have enough videos on the site to entertain you until then.

I might film some more techniques next week, so stay tuned.