19 Dec. 2007 -- Jiu-jitsu

Instructor : Shin

Grips : breaking grips, grip fighting
Take downs, throws
Arm bar from high mount

Sparring

18 Dec. 2007 -- No-gi : arm bar

Instructor : Seph S.

Focused mainly on hip movements to properly execute arm bar.

Practised transition to high guard in the instance of Op standing up in guard, then high guard transition to arm bar, to sweep.

Then worked on a technique for breaking Op's grip when he tries to defend against arm bar by under hooking your leg that is pinning his head.

I refrained from sparring.

13 Dec. 2007 -- Jiu jitsu : lapel chokes from mount

Instructor : Seph

emphasis on proper base. also worked on transition to S-mount if Op defends choke. Learned a detail : lean to side of which ever arm is the top arm of choke--this creates greater tension. Also learned "crow bar" which is a shoulder locking technique that can be used to break Op's grip if he's defending against your arm bar.

Sparring.

12 Dec. 2007 -- Jiu jitsu (Gi) : chokes with Op in turtle position

Instructor : Shin

First choke involved gripping lapel under Op (in turtle) while gripping collar above his neck, planting knee by his head and rolling him to mount to finish lapel choke.

Next was sinking inside knee deep into Op's rib cage and stepping over with outside leg to place calf against Op's neck, then lowering to knee of stepped over leg to close the space, then rolling to shoulder to close the triangle choke. This one was very difficult.

Sparring.

11 Dec. 2007 -- No-gi : half guard

Instructor : Seph

Concentrated heavily on extending/floating Op in half guard, escaping out back door to take down or back take, or switching back to take leg, to sweep. Floating Op has to do with extending his locked leg and destabilizing his base. You're basically spiral riding the Op's leg. Keep grips low on Op for better leverage and positioning.

Postional sparring : beginning in half guard

6 Dec. 2007 -- No-gi

Instructor : Seph

Half guard work. Starting from under Op's side mount, let him try to gain full mount, as this happens switch to half guard. Always keep hips facing Op even if upper body is flattened out. The hips are like cross hairs, aim them where you want to go and/or where you wish to attack.

29 Nov. 2007 -- No-gi

Instructor : D. Carter

Worked on a lot on half guard, back takes, sweeps, limp arms, basic positional situations from Op in ther half guard. Break down of basic applications of our grappling drills.

Sparring.

29 Nov. 2007 -- Gi

Instructor : Shin

Lapel choke. Transition from kimura/hip sweep attempt to "neck crank sweep."

sparring

28 Nov. 2007 -- Gi

Instructor : D. Carter

Surfing techniques, transitioning from mount to fat boy mount, controlling Op with knee to back, setting up arm bar, transitioning from arm bar defense to back take.

Methodical transition--back take from arm bar set up..., control both Op's arms, remove leg from Op's head, under hook neck, grip under arm, lean forward, sink in near hook, roll back get in other hook, take back, get choke.

27 Nov. 2007 -- No-gi

Instructor : N. Booth

Spiral ride, choke to back take. Sink near hook in first then swing other leg over to replace spiral ride with other hook. Worked several variations of this method. Worked RNC.

Sparring

20 Nov. 2007 -- No-gi

Instructor : N. Booth

Review of butterfly guard. Arm drag to back take, arm drag to spiral ride to RNC. Back take from Op's binding pass attempt.

Sparring.

17 Nov. 2007 -- Judo

Instructor : Shin

Warmed up with judo drills, grip fighting and calisthenics.

We trained three ostensibly basic trips and sweeps, one was a re-counter. We were given the Korean terms for the techniques but I wasn't able to write them down at the time.

Sparring then finished with judo push-ups burn out.

15 Nov. 2007 -- Jiu jitsu : Lapel chokes

Instructor : Shin

Warmed up with jog and grappling drills.

In this class we focused on collar/lapel chokes from 1.) mount 2.) rear mount and 3.) butterfly guard. Shin broke down the details of the collar choke and how the basic grips transpose depending upon your positioning. He also showed us a lapel choke where you counter the Op's defending of a normal collar choke from rear mount whereby you grip the gi at the lower extremity of the lapel, weave your arm through and effectively execute rear naked choke with the difference being that you are using your Op's gi lapel instead of your own arm across his wind/blood passages.

Small class so only 2 rounds of sparring.

13 Nov. 2007 -- Jiu jistu

Instructor : Shin

This was a good class. Started of with the usual jogging/calisthenic warm up followed by one man grappling drills. Then we partnered up and practiced various throws, then some grip fighting.

For standing technique we were shown two throws. 1. Faking a hip throw and then doing an arm drag with knee pick. 2. A counter to the Op's grips which was an arm drag and knee pick.

For ground technique we were shown a move where you flatten the Op's turtle with hooks in, stretching Op out until he exposes his neck for choke, then turning Op over for rear mount and applying a lapel choke, also how to remove one hook so as to place the Op at an inescapable angle where there is also a set up for the arm bar.

Sparring : Three 6 minute rounds with a minute of jogging before each round

13 Nov. 2007 -- No-Gi : butterfly guard

Instructor : N. Booth

From butterfly guard worked on various grip fighting to arm drag to take back. Introduced to spiral technique to create space for hook. Also worked from a collapsed butterfly guard with Op attempting binding pass. Also worked on RNC.

Sparring...

6 Nov. 2007 -- No-gi : arm bar from mount

Instructor : N. Booth

A basic review of arm bar from mount position. It was a good review for me because even though we drilled this technique for two weeks about a month ago, I completely forgot some basic points of reference.

Sparring : 4 six minute rounds

3 Nov. 2007 -- Judo

Instructor : Shin

Practice basic grips and sweep. Focused on footwork and posture. Did some drills then sparred.

1 Nov. 2007 -- Jiu jitsu

Instructor : Shin

Arm bar from spider guard : Op is in your spider guard, has grips on gi pants at knees, remove one hook from guard to break Op's base, under hook Op's arm at the elbow joint (a slight arm drag), keep other leg/hook planted on Op's hip an straighten leg to further disrupt Op's base, crank elbow joint to get the arm bar submission. In the case that the Op counters the above technique, destabilize Op's base with free leg, drag Op's arm and take back.

Arm bar counter when Op counters initial arm bar attempt : Op is in your spider guard, you try to get the arm bar described above, the Op defends against it, Keep on hook firmly planted in Op's hip, take other leg and grape vine the Op arm you initially tried to arm bar and gain grip on Op's wrist (make sure you grip the *wrist* and not the gi) swivel hips until you're perpendicular to Op, shoot grape vined leg through to Op's opposite side hip while maintaining grip on wrist, here you should have a very tight arm/shoulder lock which is actuated by you leg.



Sparring 3 Six minute rounds..

18 October 2007 -- Jiu jitsu

Instructors: Shin, Booth

• Attacking Op while he's in turtle. Roll Op and gain side mount.
• Op tried to pull guard from turtle, Roll op by falling backwards leg elevator
• From butterfly guard technical stand up, Op goes for single leg, step to outside with free leg, fall backwards and elevate and sweep Op, gain side mount.

Sparring

17 Ocotber 2007 -- Jiu jitsu

Instructor: Shin

Lapel choke from Op in turtle.
Arm bar transition from lapel choke.
Transition from side mount to Op's back/opposite side control.

Sparring.

11 October 2007 -- Sub grappling : arm bar

Instructor : Noah Booth

Covered same arm bar technique as in Gi.

Free sparring.

EDIT: Passing half guard consistently is becoming a bit more clear to me after this class's sparring session. The concept of making just enough space to get the knee cut across with a one leg sprawl while bridging the other leg with one hook in makes total sense now. The sprawl makes space for the hook, once the hook is in, you continue to sprawl the leg upwards until you make enough room to cut the knee across. Before I figured this out I wasted a lot of energy trying to break the Op's half guard because I thought that was the only way to escape not knowing that the knee cut across IS the escape.

Also, I was able to spar against slightly less experienced grapplers so it was a great opportunity to work on submission set ups and techniques that would generally be well countered by more experienced fighters. I was able to execute a jump to triangle, an inverted triangle and an invert from side mount to far side choke--not to mention be able to methodically practice and execute my half guard escape method.

11 October 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu : arm bar from mount to S mount

Instructor : Noah Booth

Covered arm bar technique from mount to S mount, 8 points of reference.

Free sparring

Triangle choke escape/defense

10 October 2007 -- Jiu-Jitsu

Instructor : Master Shin

Focused on stand up grip fighting and grip breaking. Drilled the clock choke from Op in turtle positon with a roll and sweep. Drilled a counter to Op defending clock choke roll with arm drag and sweep into side control.

Positional sparring.
Free sparring.

9 Ocotber 2007 -- Submission Grappling : Hand fighting

Instructor : Dave Carter

This class focused on hand fighting or grip fighting or Op wrist control in a No-Gi context. Pummeling and a couple of takedowns were covered. Also coveed was the usage of hand fighting to set up transitons and attacks. Several analogies were drawn between stand up hand fighting and hand fighting on the ground from guard.

Sparring for well over 30 minutes.

Preventing half guard block

This is an unbelievably simple counter to a defense that has given me problems on many occasions. It takes less energy than the "binding pass" or going around to the back.

EDIT: Tried this technique last night in sub grappling. It worked pretty well but not as ideally as it would seem form ther above video. You really have to watch your base/posture as it is really easy to get knocked off balance.

4 October 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu : arm bar from mount

Instructor: Noah Booth

Start on mount, with left arm crank Op's neck to left, shoot in right arm to under hook neck, post right arm straight, simultaneously wedge left knee under Op's head/neck and hook right leg under Op's right shoulder--this is the S mount. Sit weight on Op's chest, he should not be able to breath or speak easily,compress Op's arms to break his grips and pummel for grips on arm to set up arm bar. Remember to compress Op with legs, like doing leg curls, keep everything tight, this prevents Op's escape and makes the arm bar tighter.

Sparring for 30 minutes.

2 October 20007 -- Sub Grappling : escaping high mount

Instructor: Dave Carter

This was my first night back after 9 day school closure. Carter made sure we knew class was back in session with a heavy warm-up. My fitness level remained intact despite a week and a half of no physical or supplemental training (not to mention binges and chain smoking). The only issue I had was an oxygen debt cramp in my side during shadow-grappling drills. Some deep breathing fixed that in about two minutes.

We worked on escaping the high mount: shoulder crawling out, bucking to pass Op's legs, keeping shoulders off the mat and gaining full guard. After that we moved on to variations to take Op's back, and half guard work. The half guard drill specifically address posting with the mat side arm to posture up for taking Op's back or limp arming out of Op's over hook (whizzer) if he tries to drive you into mat and then taking his back.

This was followed by 5 six minute rounds of sparring.

No Classes from September 21 through 30

20 September 2007 -- Sub Grappling: Omoplata counter to guard pass

Instructor: N. Booth

Start with Op in half butterfly guard, he tries to pass the open side by sprawling and rotating to side control, push head away and aply omoplata.

A vraition was also practiced: instead of Omoplata counter, take back.

20 September 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu: Closed guard pass to side contro

Instructor: N. Booth

In Op's closed guard, grip lapels, grip one sleeve, keep upright posture, post foot on same side as sleeve grip, turn hips toward planted foot, stand up, swith grip on sleeve, step back with originally posted foot, push on knee to break guard, knee cut across, cross face with shoulder, keep leg hooked, check leg with trailing hand, step leg back and sink into side control, knee on Op's hip, shoulder on Op's jaw.

No sparring but someone tested for promotion to blue belt.

15 September 2007 -- Judo

Instrcutor: Master Shin

50/50 grips to leg sweep or inside trip.
Grip fighting.
Sparring.

14 September 2007 -- Sub grappling

Instructor N. Booth

From sitting guard to sitting half guard to technical stand up to single leg take down to side control.

Sparring.

14 September 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu

Instructor N. Booth

Stand up grip fighting.
Sparring.

12 September 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu

Instructor: Master Shin

Sweep from spider guard. Weave leg through one sleeve grip, under hook Op's arm with foot, with other foot hook Op's leg on same side as under hooked arm, pivot torso away from under hook until Op's base is destabilized, extend under hooking leg to complete sweep. Do not let go of grips at any point until it is time to establish side control. If Op tries to recover, pull him into guard and attack with armbar, omoplata or triangle.

8 September 2007 -- Judo

Instructor : Master Shin

Worked on fall breaks.
Worked on grips.
Inside sweep
Shoulder throw
50 judo push-ups

5 September 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu

Instructor: Master Shin
More Judo...

--grip fighting for sleeve and lapel to inside trip.

--from Op's turtle back, grip lapel from under Op's arm one side, weaveother side leg over Op's other shoulder, step deep toward your lapel grip, with free arm reach in and grip your stepped in ankle wedging Op's neck between your forearm and shin, roll diagonally to put Op on back, pull leg tighter if need be and lock triangle choke.

--sparring 4 rounds, then 2 minute run, push-ups.

31 August 2007 -- Submission grappling

Instructor Seph.
Knee cut across to side mount tansition to leg lock. Achilles lock or reverse heel hook. Another transition to knee bar.
Was asked to get off mat because it looked like i was developing a staph infection on my leg. It is not a staph infection, just an infected pimple--which has cleared up at this time.

30 August 2007 -- Submission grappling

Guest instructor T.
Closed guard work. Breaking Op's posture.
Lesson in leverage regarding side mount reversal.
Climbing high guard to arm bar.
Sparring.

30 August 2007 -- Jiu JItsu

Guest instructor T.
Judo heavy, grip fighting sparring drill.
Closed guard work.
Sparring

29 August 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu

Instructor N.S.

This class was very Judo oriented. Stand up techniques starting from 50/50 grips. Transitional progressions through a range of 3 different trips/sweeps.

Sparring began from standing postion.

23 August 2007 -- Jiu Jistu: counter single leg

Instructor N.S.

This was a counter to a single leg that transitioned into an inverted triangle attack.

16 August 2007 -- Grappling: Kimura, guillotine

Instructor: D.C.

16 August 2007 -- Jiu Jitsu: Gi choke from guard

Instructor: D.C.
Choke using gi lapels
Arm bar transition

14 August 2007 -- Gi: Arm bars from back mount

Instructor N. S.

14 August 2007 -- No-gi: Knee to chest and high mount transitons

Instructor D.C.

9 August 2007 -- No-gi: open guard sweep to technical stand up

Intructor N.B.

Warm up:

• Arm drag to back mount from closed guard drill
• Arm drag to back mount from butter fly guard drill
• Counter to binding control, arm drag to back mount drill

Technique:

• Open guard sweep to technical stand up: Start with Op in closed guard. Cross grip to get wrist control on Op, grab triceps on Op's same arm with other grip (two-on-one control), plant foot on Op's hip--same side as controlled arm, Op stands to feet, keep initial foot planted on hip, with other foot hook behind Op's other leg, with opposite side arm pick Op's ankle, then drop other foot down to hook Op's other ankle, with your initial foot still post on Op's hip push kick forward sweeping Op onto back, use momentum while maintaining wrist control and posting on Op's picked ankle to post for technical stand up.

Free Sparring:

I continued to work on my half guard. I'm trying to improve my mobility, posturing and transitions from one side to the other. I still need to react faster when I get flattened and/or cross faced. Also began to develop a single leg attack which allows me to transition into half guard while Op is still upright. It seems to be effective at shutting down Ops who like to drive in with strength. It's pretty sloppy and I haven't found a way to sweep consistently with it but it does provide a nice set up to a knee bar depending on the Op's reaction. Also, tried to practice an Omoplata transition from failed hip bump/kimura attempt. It seems plausible.

8 August 2007 -- No-gi: Omoplata

Instructor D. T.

Warm up: A 12 minute Dave C. torture session--jogging, bear crawls, reverse bear crawls, judo push-ups, jump lunges, T push ups, burpees, jump squats, cherry pickers, ankle grabs, knee ups, stacking leg lifts, bicycles, carioki, swim plank...not necessarily in that order.

Grappling drills: Double leg shoot drill, triangle drill, arm bar drill, double leg shoot drill. Each drill for 2.5 minute round.

Technique: Omoplata, practiced over and over again.

Positional sparring: Top pass guard, bottom sweep or submit.

2 August 2007 -- No-gi: Kesa getame to kimura

Today was a review of Tuesday's class.

31 July 2007 -- No-gi: Kesa getame to kimura

Warm up drills:
1. Turtle drill: My training partner elucidated the importance of getting secure double under hooks. I had been very lax about this until his mentioning. He remarked not only on the importance of this for torso control but also to limit Op's ability to counter with arms. I'm sure this had been explained to me at some point but I had lapsed.

2. Binding pass counter: This exercise was about taking the Op's back when he attempts a binding control pass. Gain a secure, deep under hook Op's binding arm with your same side arm, pull out knee/leg while simultaneous switch grips from same side arm to opposite arm, arm drag as you throw pulled out leg over Op's back to gain back mount.

3. Side mount to knee on belly: This was review. Just remember to sprawl and post arms on Op before mounting knee.

Technique:
1. Sitting in Kesa getame, bring inside knee up to Op's head, raise Op's outside arm by under hooking then posting your elbow on his belly--this will be extremely uncomfortable for him, with outside leg step over Op's head while maintaining grip on Op's far side arm, once in north/south pummel for kimura grips on Op's tied arm, pull Op's arm putting him on his side, plant knee behind his back, apply submission.

2. Second technique same as above, difference being you cannot pull Op onto side. In this case while maintaining kimura grip lean forward and post head to mat, with the leg opposite the side you posted your head, knee cut across and sit into a reverse side mount while maintaining kimura lock, your weight should be firmly planted upon Op's head/neck/shoulder, apply submission.

Gokor

I was searching Youtube for some of Gokor's fight footage and stumbled upon this short clip of something very simple and fundamental: posturing out from under Op's side control. The thing that struck me was how Gokor uses his mat side knee to swing in to gain half butter fly guard after creating space. It also prompted me to conceptualize using the same movement but from half guard. With extremely limited success I had been trying to monkey foot in the top side leg to get a hook--an attempt to gain X guard from half guard. This almost never worked and the Op invariably passed guard. Gokor's example in the above clip seems more efficient and conservative but it also allows greater control of the Op and subsequent transitions. I plan to explore whether or not the move is effective from half guard also.

23 July 2007 -- P.T.

Monkey bars:

• inclined sit ups x 15-20
• tricep dips x 12
• chin ups x 5
• judo push ups x 10
• rows x 12
• step ups x 12

Repeated circuit 3 times.

20 July 2007 -- No-gi: work from butter fly guard

Instructor S___.

Warm up.

Technique:
1. Op is in your butter fly guard. Under hook one of Op's arms, then shift weight to hip opposite from the arm under hooked. Make sure the under hook is high and tight and that guard is as compact as possible. With free arm, over hook Op's other arm, gain elbow control, then fall to shoulder that has over hook, as you fall sweep and elevate with hook, you're almost cart wheeling, as soon as Op's base has been destabilized and is on his back, pull sweeping leg back in and sit out to kesa getame.

2. Variation on the first technique, the difference being that you are unable to over hook Op's other arm because he is guarding, so you post your free arm to mat, while maintaining under hook rise to combat stance, then basically knee cut across Op's far side leg, take down to third point pressure, pass guard, and sit out into kesa getame.

Sparring.

19 July 2007 -- No-gi: Take down counters

Instructor N___.

Warm up.

Technique:
1. Counter to inside single leg attempt: sprawl slightly, control Op's torso, take large back step with free leg--this should break Op's grip if step back is wide enough. Hips are now almost in parallel line with Op's shoulders, grip Op's near wrist, shoulder roll in place to Omoplata, over hook Op's back to prevent his rolling out.

2. Counter to high crotch take down attempt: Op shoots in for high crotch, sprawl slightly to break Op's grip, control Op by under hooking his neck, use your Op controlled leg to triangle lock Op's arm. While under hooking Op's neck and locking his arm, stretch out your torso an slightly lift up legs to apply a shoulder joint manipulation.

Sparring.

18 July 2007 -- P.T.

Interval training on monkey bars.

• crunches x 20
• tricep dips x12
• pull ups x 5
• rows x 10
• judo push ups x 5-8
• step ups x 10

repeated circuit 3 times

16 July 2007 -- P.T.

Interval training on the monkey bars.

• Judo push ups x 5
• triceps dips x 15
• pull ups x 5
• one armed rows x 3 each arm
• step ups x 10

Repeated circuit three times with no rest between reps nor sets. Had to lay off training for 6 days due to a severe ear infection. On another note, my shoulder rehab seems to be succeeding since i was able to eek out some Judo push ups--this would have been absolutely impossible a month ago.

10 July 2007 -- Gi: spider guard sweep

Instructor D. T_____.

Technique:

1. while on back with Op standing, feet planted on Op's hips, grips on both Op's sleeves. Release one grip and hook a heal, drop same side leg as hooked heel. Sweep behind Op's leg opposite of hooked heel, with other foot still planted on Op's hips push, while sweeping Op's leg and pulling on hooked heal. As Op falls maintain grip using Op's momentum to pull you onto mont or side mount.

2. second technique was just a slight variatino on the above except for switching foot placement on Op's hip from outside to inside.

3. this techniques varied in that there was a switch grip on Op's sleeve and instead of sweeping leg from behind with grip side leg you use opposite side leg to insert hook in back of Op's knee.

With all above techniques emphasis is place on a sharp push un hips with leg to initiate sweep and create momentum in additon to Op's fall.

Drill sparring

10 July 2007 -- No-gi: Closed guard break and pass

Instructor D. T_____.

Warm up grappling drills: triangle drill, open guard pass from standing combat base to knee on belly and switch, arm bar drill.

Technique:
Hard break of Op's cloased guard, to combat base, to same side knee cut across pass, to side mount, to step over to mount.

Postional sparring.

6 July 2007 -- No-gi: Open guard pass

Instructor S___.

Technique:

1. Open guard pass from standing combat stance. Knee cut across to side mount/ kesa getame.

2. Open guard pass from standing combat stance versus active guard, destabilize Op's base by pulling up on both ankles simultaneously, as Op sits back up for take down attempt, knee cut across and pummel for under hooks, gain side control etc.

3. Submission: from established side mount gain control of Op's far arm. Step over Op's head trap Op's near arm--there is an arm bar there. Turning to Op's far arm, by pummeling different grips you can manipulate Op's arm to get either an Americana, arm bar or Kimura, there's also a wrist lock. There is also a Triangle initated by the earlier stepping over of Op's head.

Sparring.

5 July 2007 -- No-gi: triangle

Today we had a guest instructor, Ryan Hall.

Today Ryan helped us to understand the triangle a little better and dispelled some misconceptions, e.g. placement of the Op's trapped arm. It does not need to be dragged across your torso, as it is usually taught. He went over the importance of relentless breaking of Op's posture and defined the optimum torso angle to look for in order to increase your percentage of getting the lock. There was a lot of subtle information even a sneaking little wrist lock technique used when Op's hand is planted on your sternum. He also covered the proper gripping for the arm drag. There was a lot of information. I'll have to update it in further detail tomorrow after i sleep on it tonight.

3 July 2007 -- No-gi: high guard

Instructor: D.T.

Technique: High guard.

1. First drill emphasized getting arm drag and creeping the guard up to Op's shoulders. On the dragged arm side place crook of knee on Op's shoulder, on other side creep leg under Op's arm. Turn hips perpendicular away from dragged arm, under leg you pivot toward to help pull to that side. Pass far leg over Op's head and secure arm bar.

2. Scissor sweep: Same as above except when you bring leg to pass Op's head, your swinging way past and out while the dragged arm is trapped and the opposite leg is under hooked, then quickly swing leg back in and down toward Op's knee on mat while other leg under Op's shoulder, you pull his torso toward the mat. You create a scissor motion between both legs and end up in full mount or S-mount.

Positional sparring.

29 June 2007 -- No-gi: half guard sweep

instructor S___.

Warm up: mat laps, grappling drills, calisthenics

Begin with Op in your half guard, under hook Op's free leg and opposite side arm, bring in outside knee to Op's hip frame out space, with outside arm shuck Op up and over to create space, sit up quickly and with outside arm gain hip control of Op. From this point extend guardwhile simultaneously shifting and turning so that you are now on your other hip. You should almost be out the back but completely under Op disrupting his base. From here hook Op's shin with your far leg and post to the mat the other leg. Extend guard and sweep to opposite of leg you posted. End up on top with a double under pass, collapse and pass guard, gain side control.

Sparring

28 June 2007 -- No-gi: Half guard sweep

instructor: N___.

Warm up: grappling drills

Begin with Op in your half guard. Under hook Op's free leg, under hook Op's arm with your outside arm, Shrimp out to create space, get butter fly hook in with outside leg, shrimp back in to make half guard compact. Extend guard and break Op's base, sit up toward Op's far leg and simultaneously post up on elbow and get to feet or knees. Ankle pick or knee pick for take down. from there gain combat stance in Op's guard and pass guard.

Sparring

Video: Kimura counter to arm bar

26 June 2007 -- Gi: butter fly guard pass

instructor D.T.

Technique:

1. Start in Op's butter fly guard. Posture up, pull Op's knees together and pressure down with grips while simultaneously pressuring Op's feet together with knees. Posture up to feet keeping OP's knee pressed between your own, thrust hips forwards and sit into mount.
2. Same as above except when you posture up to feet your separate Op's knees, step one leg into guard, thrust hips forward into mount. At this point your feet will need to clear Op's guard. You can do this by transitioning to knee on belly or side control.

26 June 2007 -- No-Gi: butter fly guard pass

instructor D.T.

Warm up:

• run on mat
• medicine ball pressure drill two 2 minute rounds
• stationary mat drills
• triangle drill

Technique:

1. Knee cut across butter fly guard drill from combat stance. Emphasis on posting on Op's torso, flattening one knee and hopping guard into side control
2. Submission: in side control, post far side arm to mat, shoot inside knee up toward Op's head, hook top of foot into arm pit, maintain control of Op's near side arm, move hips forward but keep weight on Op's torso, bring outside knee even with the inside knee thereby controlling arm with both knees and an arm. There's the lock, now just apply pressure by leaning back to get submission.

30+ minutes positonal sparring

25 June 2007 -- Muay Thai

Warm up:
jumping jacks x 100
toe touches x 100
sit ups x 100

Kicking shield, low round kicks:
Rear leg kick to Op's front leg, 3 minute round
Front leg kick to Op's front leg, 3 minute round

Thai pads, combination 1:
Jab-Cross-Hook(L) > round kick to body, 3 minute round

Thai pads, combination 2:
Jab-cross/jab-cross > thai clinch > 4 knee strikes > push off > round kick to body, 3 minute round, last 30 seconds drill knees

Focus mitts:
3 minute round of straight punching drill, emphasis on speed, rhythm and body mechanics

23 June 2007 -- P.T.

• run hills x 8
• push ups x 8
• rows x 8
• step ups x 8

repeated circuit three times

Video: Simple arm bar clarity

push face/neck. use non-posting leg to break Op's posture. it's not always necessary to plant swing leg on hip--it can be just as effective posted on the ground. the avantage of planting it on hip allows you to keep Op's trapped arm from easy escape.

23 June 2007 -- P.T.

• run hills x 8
• push ups x 8
• rows x 8
• step ups x8

repeated circuit 3 times

21 June 2007 -- No-gi: guard pass from combat stance

Warm up with grappling drills

Technique:

1. In combat stance within Op's guard. Knee cut across to pass Op's leg, plant on mat, under hook far arm when Op attempts to posture to 1/2 guard, over hook near arm, keep constant pressure on Op's torso. Plant head on matt, post outside leg perpendicular to Op, sit out to kesa getame.
2. In combat stance within Op's guard, take the up knee cut across Op's leg on same side while simultaneously posting same side arm on Op's shoulder/chest, as you plant knee on mat controlling Op's torso under hook his neck, apply cross face with shoulder. Take a giant step back with trailing leg to clear guard, sit back in to gain side control
   

20 June 2007 -- P.T.

Monkey bars:

• triceps dips x 8
• chin ups x 6
• push ups x 8
• inverted rows x 8
• step ups x 8

Circuit repeated three times

19 June 2007 -- Gi: Kimura counter from within Op's 1/2 guard

Technique:
Start in Op's 1/2 guard. Op gains two-on-one control via kimura. Immediately drive shoulder into Op causing him to flatten, apply pressure with shoulder to face or slightly stack Op on his neck/head. This should cause him to release the lock or at least compromise his grip enough so that you can free your arm. Gain side control and retain control of Op's arm, step over and sit into arm bar.

Note: make sure to keep control of Op's torso with proper placement of legs, also use knees to control Op's arm.

19 June 2007 -- No-gi: butterfly guard pass

Warm up
Medicine ball 3rd point pressure drill, two 2 minute rounds
Posture to feet in Op's closed guard/break guard drill, 2 minute round
Hip sweep from closed guard drill, 2 minute round

Technique:
Start in Op's butter fly guard. Flatten Op to prevent him from getting double under hooks. Shift weight back to hips and control Op's legs with elbows, place pressure on their hips. Choose a side, gain control of Op's ankle by reaching down to his guard, post opposite arm to mat right under Op' arm pit, post head to mat on same side where you have control of ankle. Press yourself into head stand and pass the guard coming down to side opposite the ankle control and head post to mat. Land in side control or kesa getame.

40 minute positional sparring, man on mat pulls butter fly guard, must sweep or submit. The challenger tries to pass the guard.

18 June 2007 -- Muay Thai: elbows, round kicks

Instructors J__ & V___

Warm up: 100 jumping jacks, 100 toe touches, 100 sit ups

Thai pad drills:

• elbow strikes, L/R, 1-2 combination (3 minute round)
• straight punches, jab/ cross, 1-2 combination (3 minute round)
• jab/cross > L elbow (3 minute round)
• jab/cross > L/R elbow combination (3 minute round)

Kicking shield drills:

• Weak side low round kick (2 minute round)
• Strong side low round kick (2 minute round)

Conditioning:
Weak side round kicks to body > 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3
Strong side round kicks to body > 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3

15 June 2007 -- No-gi: Butter fly guard

Instructor: S__.

This technique began with Op on your butter fly guard. Double under hook Op's torso, roll to back pulling Op over while shoving him forcefully to one side. Simultaneously pivot your own torso to opposite side. You can assist yourself by under hooking Op's leg and pull yourself perpendicular to Op's torso. Meanwhile the other hook stays in place. Take your own leg (on the same side to which you pivoted) release hook and shoot it through Op's legs while maintaining under hook on Op's leg. The leg you just shot through, weave it over top of Op's thigh and plant foot on the inside of his hip while keeping pressure on his far inner thigh with your other hook...

An aside: from this position you could very well apply an inverted heel hook or even transition to a knee bar.

The next part is predicated upon the event that the Op tries to come back toward you to stabilize his base. At this point, while you far leg is still hooked, you un-weave your near leg from over top Op's thigh and shoot it through to far leg establishing the X guard (at this point you could extend and destabilize Op's base for a take down/sweep but the next part is predicated on Op seeing what's happening and trying to step out of your X guard. When this happens extend your X guard and sit up simultaneously while still controlling Op's near leg with under hook. As you sit up and extend post free arm to mat and get to feet. While the Op is trying to pull away you should still have full control of his trailing leg which you cand drag down to the mat and then transition to take Op's back.

• 30 minutes submission grappling free sparring
• shoulder rehab, free weight training
• 30 minutes aggro submission grappling sparring with a fight team member preparing for tournament
• Mitt drill focusing on straight punches and left hook combinations
• light intervals of round kicks on thai bag
• heavy bag work focusing on "lazy" jab followed by left hook and right cross
• 15 minutes conditioning with calisthenic interval training
  

15 June 2007 -- P.T.

Body weight exercizes, monkey bars:

• tricep dips x 12
• chin ups x 6
• push ups x 10
• inverted rows x 12

circuit repeated 3 times

14 June 2007 -- P.T.

30 minutes stationary bike

Shoulder rehab:

• elbow judo push-ups
• external shoulder rotations
• elastic band

12 June 2007 -- Gi: Transitions from half guard

Instructor: D.T.

Half guard sweep: Starting with Op in your half guard gripping your lapel. Frame out with knee, break grip by pulling arm and arching back, pull Op's arm to mat, over hook Op and grip belt or Gi, shrimp out, bring leg back in to sink hook, pull Op forward and then to roll to side for sweep, gain side control.

Half guard to take back: Starting with Op in your half guard gripping your lapel. Frame out with knee, break grip by pulling arm and arching back, pull Op's arm to mat, over hook Op and grip belt or Gi, pull self up to take Op's back.

Half guard to reversal: Starting with Op in your half guard gripping your lapel. Frame out with knee, break grip by pulling arm and arching back, Op immediately postures up, use their momentum to post up with free leg and drive up and forward taking Op to mat and gain side control.

• 30 minutes free sparring: cross face is good counter to lapel choke when in Op's closed guard.

12 June 2007 -- No-Gi: half guard pass

• Warmup
• Triangle drill
• Mount to arm bar drill
• Mount to S-mount to arm bar drill

Instructor: D.T.

Technique: In Op's half guard, passing the half guard. This particular pass was predicated by the Op shrimping out and bringing knee back in to frame out space after he was flattened to the mat. A binding pass was used to control Op's base, a sprawl and hip pressure was used to collapse the half guard. Apply cross face and advance to side control.

• 30 minutes of positional sparring

11 June 2007 -- P.T.

Supplemental body weight training on the monkey bars.

• Tricep dips x 12
• Chin ups x 6
• Push ups x 12
• Inverted rows x 12

Repeated this circuit four times.

11 June 2007 -- Dr.'s appointment

I had another follow up appointment with the doctor and my blood pressure is now stabilized to a normal reading. It was 116/75, at 68 b.p.m. So, that's good. It looks like the current cocktail of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril will do the trick. I have to schedule an appointment two months from now for follow up.

10 June 2007 -- P.T.

Supplemental free weights training.

• incline dumbbell curls x 8
• barbell french press x 8
• incline dumbbell rows x8

Repeated circuit 3 tmes.

9 June 2007 -- Noel Loban : world class wrestling seminar

This Saturday afternoon from 1:00pm - 3:00pm we had the privileged to train with coach Noel Loban. He was NCAA division 1 freestyle wrestling champ, 190 lbs from Clemson University and winner of the light heavy weight (90 kg.) freestyle wrestling bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics representing Great Britain.

• 10-15 minute calisthenics warm up
• Duck under drill: emphasis on inside tie control of Op's arms. ducking under and driving Op on a backward diagonal.
• Duck under to take Op's back and gain two-on-one control of Op' arm opposite initial duck under penetration.
• Duck under to two-on-one to take down. From backside two-on-one control pinch Op's near leg between knees and drop weight down to mat.
• Duck under to two-on-one control to take down to submission. Get Op flattened to mat trapping one arm to mat then transition to arm lock. Coach Loban suggested straight arm bar but I found it more comfortable to transit on to a nort-south fat boy mount in order to lock the kimura.
• Practiced an arm-drag drill
• Practiced arm drag to two-on-one control to take down to submission (arm lock)
• Practiced a shoulder throw: starting in over-under clinch, step toward over hooked arm, release under hook, weave that arm under Op's over hooked arm, pivot 180 degrees and drop knees to mat dragging Op over shoulder resulting in throw. This was good fall break practice also.

At the end of class we circled up and had a critique session where each of us had to perform the throw with our partner. I didn't quite understand it as Coach Loban intended. It turns out that I was initiating the throw too early and therefore too high. Luckily my training partner was an accomplished judoka. I felt kind of embarrassed about this because the whole class was like OMG! WTF? but in a humorous/constructive way. It was interesting watching the more advanced students and classically trained wrestlers perform the throw because they did it very smoothly with seemingly very little effort and perfectly achieved the intended result.

8 June 2007 -- P.T.

Supplemental weight training (free weights), interval circuit.

• arms
• back
• shoulders

Video: Half guard to butterfly guard transition

What to do when your half guard is totally shut down. It'll be interesting to see if this is effective in a no-gi context.

7 June 2007 -- No-gi: standing butterfly guard

Instructor N.

This evening we trained the standing butterfly.

Technique 1 : OP standing, your hooks in transition to X guard by under hooking one leg with arm and pivoting hips while crossing shin of inside leg across the other leg. With under hook grip above knee, then extend X guard out until OP's posture is destabilized, then with free arm pop OP's under hooked leg sweeping him backward, posture up to combat stance with arms outside OP's guard and one knee inside the guard.

Technique 2 : Same as above except OP falls forward and posts arms on mat. With free arm gain wrist control of OP's far arm, pull toward you head causing OP's torso to torque while simultaneously sweeping with X guard. After OP is swept roll up to knee-on-belly mount.

5 June 2007 -- Gi: Half guard pass

Instructor D.T.

This was basically the Gi version of the No-gi half guard pass except for emphasis on lapel grips. The submission setup was a transition from kesa getame to knee-on-belly mount, switching grips on collar to form choke with blade of forearm and OP's own arm being pressed down across his face, applying pressure with chest/belly on the elbow. A variant choke was covered but due to my inexperience I was content with simply working with the first choke (blood chokes).

Transitioning from kesa getame to knee-on-belly mount is a motion worth practicing. My transitions felt awkward. I wasn't exactly sure how to post but I am now imagining that posting on the inside elbow, driving all weight down upon OP is the proper way in order to maintain constant 3rd point pressure (thereby preventing escape or reversal).

5 June 2007 -- No-gi, half guard: a sweep and a pass

Instructor D.T.

Started with warm up drills
Technique drills: S mount drill and Hip sweep from full guard drill

Techniques:
1. Half guard sweep: From bottom position. Emphasis on staying on hip/side, switching leg lock down from triangle, creating space by shrimping, pummeling to maintain underhooks, pummeling to pick OP's free foot > pulling it through and driving in causing OP to virtually sit-out, gain side control.

2. Half guard pass: From top position. Shoulder cross face OP applying 3rd point pressure. Keeping free arm posted on OP's outside hip to prevent bridging or shrimping. Sink in hook with free leg. Bring free leg knee down to OP's inside hip. Still maintaining cross face sit back to hip. This should weaken OP's half guard and torque their torso. Walk foot of lock leg up. Slip the guard. Post up to knee cut across. Sit out to kesa gatame.

4 June 2007 -- P.T.

Interval training--circuit repeated for 35 minutes with one minute rest between each cycle.

dumbbell press x 10
flys x 10
nose busters x 10
compund lift: incline > curls to dumbell press x 10
decline rows x 10
deltoid raises x 10

30 May 2007 -- class schedule change

Wednesday night no-gi class canceled. Instead did 30 minutes on stationary bike and interval weight training.

rows x15
upright rows x 15
reverse curls x 15
shrugs x 15
front raises x 15
curls x 15
arnie press x 15
internal rotation curls x 15

repeated circuit with 12 pound dumbbells nonstop for 15 minutes

Lisinopril

Had a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday to check up on my hypertension and see how the hydrochlorothiazide was working. My blood pressure is now "borderline" so i was prescribed lisinopril. This drug is no joke. It totally zombified me for the entire afternoon and evening. Therefore I will have to make up Tuesday's class tonight, that is if this second day of dosage allows me to feel up to it. My appetite also increased severely--I'm not sure if that's another side effect or not.

25 May 2007 -- Review

Tonight's class was a review of techniques covered on 15 May 2007: Butterfly guard pass to side control.

During sparring the half-guard game is working very well per the Reis seminar. The sweeps are almost effortless.

While in half-guard you can use your inside knee as leverage to move OP in order to create space. This only creates enough space to pummel for an under hook on the OP's free leg--it generally will not facilitate an escape unless the OP over reacts to the move.

23 May 2007 -- P.T.

On lunch break. Monkey Bars, SW. Body weight interval training. Repeated this circuit for for 30 minutes. Shoulder stretches for warm up and warm down.

• step ups x 16
• inverted rows x 10-12
• close grip decline push ups x 8
• chin ups x 2-3
• tricep dips x 12-15

22 May 2007 -- Clinch, snap down, choke

The usual instructor was out this day. The boxing coach guest instructed.

1. Collar tie and inside control, snap down opponent to bread basket choke.
2. Collar tie and inside control, deep under hook to opposite lat., snap down to guillotine while maintaining deep under hook, step back with choke side leg and take down trailing step back.
3. Basic kimura from full guard technique.

Observations:

• In half-guard, when pummeling to under hook opponent's free leg, be sure to keep OP's near arm under hooked. This usually means you get cross faced but it will keep your arm and shoulder free from getting stacked against your face or locked. Also, once you achieve under hooking the leg you can make your half-guard tighter and more compact thereby causing OP to have to compromise his balance if he wishes to continue downward pressure on your face/neck. The entire purpose of under hooking the OP's free leg is to setup a reversal/sweep by taking advantage of OP's narrowed base of balance.
• I'm beginning to see that when working half-guard the OP will usually tire himself out between resisting your attempts to under hook his free leg, trying to lock your arms and cross facing you. The moment he pauses to rest is the opportunity to escape or reverse.
• While in half-guard, shrimping out and getting a butterfly hook in will be more advantageous than remaining in half-guard lock down.

Questions:

• How to properly work butterfly guard.

UPDATE on hydrochlorothiazide: This Tuesday was my 5th day of dosage. My system seems to be getting used to the medication and I've completely stopped my alcohol intake. I was concerned that my general feeling of fatigue was going to totally wreck my endurance during practice but all day I felt awake and energized. I ate light intermittent snacks throughout the day.

My sparring performance was better than expected. I only had to sit out 1 out of 4 rounds--during which I worked on previously learned techniques with a new student. I fought some very intense opponents my first 2 rounds, rested 3rd, then fought a regular training partner who is just as difficult. I didn't get submitted once and I scored a nice arm bar from guard.

Hydrochlorothiazide

I've been diagnosed with hypertension and was prescribed hydrochlorothiazide. It has definitely made me noticeably drowsy, fatigued and weak--and this is only after 3 days of dosage. The Dr. said it may take several days for my body to adjust. Then I find out you should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

So we'll see how things go at the gym this week. Hopefully the side-affects won't be any serious impediment to practice.

...returning to Thai boxing classes in June.

UPDATE:
On my lunch break I decided to do 30 minutes of interval training. The routine I chose was one that I've done before with no problem at all. I could actually do each set consecutively without 30 or 60 second rest period for the first 20 of the 30 minute duration:

-Step ups, alternate legs
-Triceps dip
-Wide grip push up
-Row
-Close grip push up

Of course there may be other factors involved beyond the hydrochlorothiazide but I felt decidedly weaker in terms of overall endurance although in some of the exercises I did feel a bit stronger and increased repetitions from 8 to 10. My cardio was teh suck--i quit after 20 minutes. Tonight I'll do some stationary bike and some core exercises.

18 May 2007 -- Wilson Reis seminar

Mr. Reis was heavy on the half-guard work. Every technique involved half-guard except for one "escape from opponent's closed guard" move.

1. Take down to half-guard: get one collar tie to control opponent, then transition collar tie to underhook on same side. All this clinch work must be kept very tight. With underhook in, use your free arm to underhook opponent's far leg and sit into half-guard locking down opponent's near leg. This will cause an immediate take down while simultaneously limiting opponent's ability to sprawl.
2. Half-guard sweep: This next step is set-up by the half-guard take down. This half-guard is a bit different than the usual half-guard because you already have your opponent's free leg underhooked. Get the guard as tight and compact as possible. Then shrimp out to create space, then bring outside leg back in to sink in butterfly hook and then move hips back into opponent for compactness. At this point take the other leg and hook in to get an X guard on opponent's leg. Use X guard to elevate opponent. This will cause opponent to post with arm to remain balanced. At this point simultaneously overhook opponent's arm and stretch guard and sweep opponent forward and onto back, Then gain side control.
3. 2nd half-guard sweep: This one was very difficult because it required under hooking opponent's locked leg while moving the guard higher toward's opponent's hips. I had too much trouble with this move and feel like it's decidedly a more advanced technique. It just doesn't feel right to me at this point.
4. Esacaping opponent's closed guard: While in opponent's guard under hook one shoulder and gain wrist control of opposite arm pinning it to mat parallel to opponent's body. Walk legs out and up toward opponent's head on side you have arm pinned keeping as much weight and pressure on opponent's torso as possible. Once you are almost perpendicular, take a giant step back with top leg while maintaining pressure and balance--make sureyou still have that underhook secured. At this point take your free arm and press down on opponent's near leg--this will break his guard and allow you to pass with top leg while simultaneously neutralizing that leg. From there, gain side control.

Wilson trains and teaches at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu United in Philadelphia, PA

17 May 2007--Review of last class

Terminology: "Binding pass"--weaving arm through opponent's collapsed guard to neutralize their leg movement.

15 May 2007 -- Butterfly guard pass to gain side-control

Emphasis with this drill was to preemptively break down opponent's butterfly guard before he can totally sink in hooks and posture up for clinch. This is done by forcing both of the opponent's knees down to one side breaking his posture while simultaneously controlling opponent's bottom leg and reaching up to underhook opponent's neck for collar tie. One knee should be past opponent's guard and pinned against opponent's side while with a large step back your trailing leg escapes opponent's half-guard or whatever entanglement. Then sit back in for side control or kesa gatame.

Edit: if trailig leg is caught in OP's half guard, be certain to shoulder cross face with maximum pressure while breaking the half guard.

10 May 2007 -- Escape side mount to omoplata to triangle

This drill was designed to practiice technique on proper creation of space when shrimping out of opponent's side-control then flowing back in for omoplata then having opponent posture up creating opportunity to flow to triangle choke.

Tuesday--5/08/2007

Mount work. Did drills for transitioning to "knee on belly" from full mount. Then did drills for transitons from full mount to fat boy mount to side mount. The 30 minutes of sparring. Afterwards I did 30 minutes of HIIT in the weight pile.

Friday--5/4/2007

Arm bar from closed guard.
Gain control of arm. Open guard, buck up, then snap back down while shifting hips to side pulling opponents elbow to mat and secure neck with collar tie. Re-close to high guard simultaneously While maintaining collar tie. Reach for far arm pull it in while simultaneously pivoting to other side still securing neck with collar tie. Push opponent's head away while passing with leg and secure the arm bar.

Shoulder impingement syndrome

My last training took place on Sunday, March 18th. Physical therapy begins Wednesday, April 4th. Hope to resume training in 6 weeks : Tuesday, May 1st.

This was a recurring condition that, although was allowed to fully recover last year, was not correctly rehabilitated. Cross training boxing exacerbated the impingement in both shoulders to the point where i had to suspend Muay Thai entirely. The impingement syndrome gradually worsened during the course of Judo and jiu jitsu classes. If my rehabilitation is successful, ideally i will begin training grappling and striking collectively again.

Sunday, 18 March 2007

Positional sparring.
Need to work on basing out to counter bride/roll.
Need to work on open guard.

Friday, 16 March 2007

Reviewed butter-fly guard sweep.
Practiced butterfly guard pass.
Takedown sparring and takedown to groundwork sparring.

Friday, 9 March 2007

S-mount to arm bar review.
Worked butterfly Sweep, underhook and arm drag.

Tuesday, 6 March 2007

REVIEW:
Escape high mount via shoulder crawl to bridge to leg drag to half-guard to guard sit up to under hook and post to take back.

Worked on limp arm escape from wizzer.

Worked knee pick from half-guard as counter to wizzer after limp am escape.

Thursday, 1 Mar. 2007

From full guard breaking opponent's posture with arm drag and over hooking neck to transition to high guard then cross face to lock arm bar.

Worked single leg takedown with arm triangle on leg...and duck under to high-crotch takedown.

Tuesday, 27 Feb. 2007

Posture out of opponent's side control:
Keep arms in tight, compact.
Pummel inside arm for under hook.
Plant outside arm on opponent's hip to maintain space.
Shrimp out as far as possible to create more space.
Bring knee back in under opponent.
Insert butterfly hook with other leg.
Gain butterfly guard then full guard.

Thursday, 22 Feb 2007

Mount to S-mount to arm bar drill. Get high mount before attempting transiton to S-mount. Keep pressure constant.

Double leg shot, take down to third point pressure hip control, sit out to kesa gatame.

Single leg shot to take down. Shoulder downward pressure on opponent's leg.

No-gi triangle and arm lock technicals as demonstrated by Dean Lister

Tuesday, 20 Feb 2007

No-gi:

Kimura drill from full guard.

Arm bar drill: arm drag, foot plant on hip, vertical hip movement, pinching arm with knees, hip/leg swivel.

Triangle drill: arm drag, arm pass, planting foot, hip movement & placement,hooking neck with leg, locking triangle, pivoting perpendicular to opponent.

Kimura from open half-guard
Countering opponent's Kimura defense
To sweep and various progressions

Rubber guard

Arm Drag

The music is way goofy but it's a good demonstration for visualizing proper arm drag technique.

Escaping high mount, gaining full guard.

Shoulder crawl out of high mount until opponent has low mount.
Bridge, shift hips to one side. Hook opponent's leg with far leg (leg drag).
Shift hips to opposite side, gain half guard.
Insert hook (with inside leg), gain half butterfly.
Shift hips back to other side, gain full guard, lock.