Monthly Archives: December 2011

Two Years Since Starting Jiu Jitsu

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Lex

Alright, time to look back a bit. Thanks to everyone that makes my life so rewarding. I hope I can give back even a fraction of that in the coming years. I started training jiu jitsu (aka BJJ) two years ago, … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

2012 Will Be a Big Year for the IBJJF

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Lex

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is the biggest game in town for top notch gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu competition. Grapplers Quest, NAGA, US Grappling and others often attract big names, but only the IBJJF can bring out all the big names … Continue reading →

Posted in Competition | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Review of Operation Knee on Belly

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Lex

Jared Weiner has come out with a new dvd set Operation Knee on Belly. I’m a big believer that a good instructional dvd or book can take your game to another level. For me, for example, Marcelo Garcia’s x guard … Continue reading →

Posted in Athlete Profile, Jiu Jitsu, Technique | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A World Champion in Civilian Clothing

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Lex

I was having a conversation with a Russian judoka who was explaining to me some details on how to properly execute an uchi mata throw. And it slowly began to dawn on me how many elite judoka he was friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Athlete Profile, Judo, Top Level Competition | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Two of the Best Judoka in the World Practicing at the Kodokan

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Lex

The following is a video of Ilias Iliadis and Teddy Riner in a randori session at the Kodokan in 2011, who are two of the best in the world in their respective weight divisions. Iliadis is a -90kg player and … Continue reading →

Posted in Athlete Profile, Judo, Top Level Competition | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Depth and Breadth: Two Approaches to Jiu Jitsu

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Lex

There are two activities in BJJ that I particularly enjoy. The first is technical rolling, where you train hard but are focused on constantly moving, thinking, creating opportunities, trying things, risking positions, etc. I think of it as a chess … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Training | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

My Grapplers Quest Experience in Asbury Park

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Lex

Yesterday, I competed at the 2011 Grapplers Quest World Championships in Asbury Park, NJ. Where better to hold the World Championships than in New Jersey? Take that, southern California!  I won my division, all with submissions. Overall, I wish I had a … Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Jiu Jitsu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Northeastern Judo Championship Video Blog

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Lex

I competed at the 2011 Northeastern Judo Championship last weekend. It was run very well by Camal Judo. Winners of the black division were awarded $250 which was perhaps part of the reason why some of the best U.S. judoka … Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Judo | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Kimura from Side Control

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Lex

D. J. Jackson from Team Lloyd Irvin is a master of the strategy of takedown, pass, and submit with kimura from side control. Here’s an example: I like this submission very much in concept but I haven’t put much time … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Technique | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments