Monthly Archives: February 2012

Don’t Do What Everyone Else Does, Just Love the Game

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Lex

I know in the United States soccer is not as widespread as in the rest of the world, but I grew up (in Russia) with it being all around me. Everyone played soccer: family, friends, teachers, co-workers… the cross-eyed nerd … Continue reading →

Posted in Athlete Profile, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Walking Past the Guard

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Lex

Here is a guard pass from Rodolfo Vieira that I literally watched about 20 times in a row in the morning today. This pass may seem too easy to most people. It has already collected 2 dislikes on YouTube and … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Technique | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

How to Watch a BJJ Instructional

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Lex

Someone mentioned to me a few months ago that it takes them forever to get through an instructional because they like to carefully watch, re-watch, and re-watch again, every single move in it, take notes, and then drill each one. … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Technique | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Old School Jiu Jitsu: “You’re My Boy, Blue”

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Lex

I registered for the IBJJF Chicago Open today and paused for a moment when I saw a note that said I can register for the Masters division if I was born in 1982 or before. I’m just one year away … Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Jiu Jitsu | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pulling Guard Like a Boss

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Lex

The title of this post is how I think about yoko tomoe nage in the context of BJJ. Joel Gerson explains it best: It’s a throw that I very much like to do in jiu jitsu when my opponent stiff … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Judo | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pondering a Weight Cut

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Lex

I’ve met very few top grappling athletes and coaches that don’t see cutting weight as an integral part of the sport. I think it’s an unfortunate but necessary fact of life for the pros. However, a major downside of that is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Diet, Jiu Jitsu | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The End of Faith and the Beginning of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Lex

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist and philosopher who is popularly known as an outspoken critic of religion. He is not militant about his atheism, and doesn’t have the at-times-annoying self-righteousness (and British accent) of Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Jiu Jitsu, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Has No One Murdered Me (Yet) on Craigslist

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Lex

First, sorry to be making light of crime. It’s a serious thing and should be taken seriously, so demonstrate some caution and damn common sense! I use Craiglist to find carpools to tournaments. There are a lot of people out … Continue reading →

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