Time to Start Again

After not using the blog for twelve months, it's time to start using it for what it was intended. A set of notes for class members.

This month, we've been reviewing movement from the top, posture in the guard and bent armlocks, as well as spending time with newer students on how the game works. Recently, there have only been very small numbers in class, though, and we've operated on a 'private class' style arrangement.

Tonight, we'll be doing in depth work on closed guard posture and going over the basic pass for the new students. We'll work on variations for the old hands.

New Year's Eve Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

On saturday, I got a chance to roll with Chris Naylor. He's a purple belt with Darren and someone I've always figured would be a good yardstick to measure myself against. Turns out I didn't measure up that well. Nonetheless, I got a lot out of it.

Rolling with Chris is a lot like rolling with Darren. He may not be as technical (I'm not good enough to pass judgement) but is definitely a heavier player on top. Chris, again, tested my submission escapes. I think I held up rather well the whole weekend in that department, actually.

We also covered little technical details I was missing on positional escapes. Especially from the back. Rolling the correct way, shrimping to the right place and how to recover if you do lose it (as I did - regularly).

Escapes, escapes, escapes. Your top game is useless if you're on the bottom and can't get out. We'll be drilling escapes in class, let me tell you. Oh, and I'll be working on my conditioning. That's some hard work, rolling with those guys in summer.

Darren and the guys are at the Sleeman Sports Aquatic Centre at Chandler. It was built for the '82 Commonwealth Games and looks like it was built a couple of years ago. It is the best indoor pool centre I've ever been to. Lots of pools for all age groups and even rides for the kiddies. I took the family for a swim after rolling with Chris and recommend anyone visiting does the same.

Chris M

Ativa! Ativa! Ativa!

I strained my back at some point over the last few days leading up to training with Darren and it was giving me some problems after our session. I am pleased to announce, I found a solution. A new anti-inflammatory cream. I won't get into it here, but knowing how to use Over the Counter medications judiciously can help a great deal. Discuss use of these with a health care professional. If you want some help, contact me by email.

Nonetheless, the new cream helped me right out and I managed to run to Ativa Gym to train with Matt Cooper and the Advance Martial Arts guys. For those who don't know, Matt "Playboy" Cooper is a staple of the Jiu Jitsu and MMA communities. He's flamboyant, funny, talented and surprisingly down to earth, if you've only witnessed his ring entries at Spartan.

I resolved to a light session. I worked with a few of Matt's students. Lower ranks than me, despite the fact they showed good talent considering their short time in the game. I managed to do a decent job practicing both my 'floating' top game and drilling some of the stuff I'd worked with Darren earlier.

Afterwards, I had the opportunity to roll with Matt. He really tested my submission escapes and forced me to get my timing right and relax. I spent a lot of time on the bottom.

Post-class, I spent some time gibbering with the guys and headed back to the hotel for a swim and some shut-eye.

Chris M

Back From Brisbane

The family and I took a whirlwind trip to Brisbane on the 29th. Left at dark o'clock and spent the day around Southbank and sleeping the trip off in the car and pool.

I managed to catch up with Darren McKean for a private on friday. We reviewed my passing and my guard, especially. Darren helped immensely (as he always does) with elements of posture and some passing strategy, as well as helping me sort out some problems with my (virtually non-existent) hooks from the guard.

I had forgotten what it was like to roll hard in a gi in the middle of the day. I felt more than a little ill and had to take some serious pool time to recover.

Came away with some great guard drills, such as one-handed gurad practice and following the opponent with the hooks. We also identified the benefit in controlling the arms when passing in no-gi, as opposed to the hips. Not being pulled forward is something I emphasise to students, but I found it happening to me more than a couple of times.

Well, a few new drills and lots more tips for class next week.