Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® of Kentucky: 2010

Congrats to our newest blue belts

Team:

The instructors at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky would like to congratulate students Mark Wilson, Matt Wilson and Lewis Christopher for successfully passing their blue belt test this afternoon. Each demonstrated solid technique and a good understanding of the fundamentals of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishment.

Gracie Bullyproof at Our Academy

Team:

Click here to read a great article from the Christian Science Monitor. It was written by a mother who watched her son get attacked by a couple of bullies on a playground. Fortunately, her son had taken several months' worth of Gracie Bullyproof -- the same program we teach at our Academy. He came out of the altercation unscathed and with a renewed sense of self-confidence.

The bottom-line is that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu works and it's especially effective for children who are victims of bullies. Please continue to spread the word about our program, and invite young ones you know to one of our Bullyproof classes. They're held on Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:15 a.m.

See you on the mat!

Master Pedro Sauer 2010 Fall Training Camp Details

Team:

If you haven't yet registered for Master Sauer's 2010 Fall Training Camp, click here for details on how to do so. Here's a clip from the camp from two years ago:

These training camps are always filled with excellent techniques and camaraderie. Whether you're beginner or advanced, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on your game and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in general.

This year's special guest instructor is Andre Galvao, a world jiu-jitsu champion black belt. He's teaching the Saturday afternoon session and is highly regarded in the grappling community as a solid technician and great instructor. Here's a highlight clip of Mr. Galvao in action:

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and join us on the mats next month, Nov. 19-21.

Master Pedro Sauer's 2010 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fall Training Camp

Don't miss this one. Register at www.pedrosauer.com.

Bluegrass Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open

Always a great, well-run and organized tournament. Let's continue to train hard for it and keep spreading the word!

First World Jiu-Jitsu Championship

RELSON GRACIE JIU-JITSU REVOLUTION

Excellent article about Master Relson Gracie and his thoughts about the current state of jiu-jitsu. Take a read and let us know what you think. Here's a brief snippet:

http://www.insidebjj.com/2010/08/10/relson-gracie-jiu-jitsu-revolution/

“I cannot handle an entire tournament where black belts can only win by advantage, staying in one position for ten minutes, and stalling. Anybody can be trapped in that game. Everybody screams hold on! Thirty-seconds left! Stay there! Stay there! That’s not real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. That’s not what we’re about.”
- Relson Gracie

The Grappling Dummy: Segment on Nic Gregoriades, Roger Gracie Black Belt

Team:

Very cool video featuring Nic Gregoriades, a black belt under Roger Gracie.

Check it out...

http://vimeo.com/13725225

See you all on the mat!

How has Gracie Jiu-Jitsu saved your life?

Team:

We're going to soon film testimonials from many of our students and want to know more about why you and/or your child/family are training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky. Please take some time to think about what motivated you to start taking Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. How has it changed/saved your life? What do you like most about our Academy?

Let us know if you're interested in providing a testimonial. We'd like to video several from a diverse array of students. If you'd rather write us your thoughts that would be great, too.

See you all on the mat!

Engrenagem: Gracie Jiu Jitsu..Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Engrenagem: Gracie Jiu Jitsu..Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: "Back in the day, my professor Helio Gracie agreed to begin the first jiu jitsu federation in Brazil. The starting of that federation allowed..."

Master Pedro Sauer: Shin Slide Choke

Nice transition in this mount submission technique from Master Pedro Sauer:

On Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Master Pedro Sauer

Congrats on Recent Promotions

Team:

We'd like to congratulate all who earned promotions recently. Chad Cunningham was promoted to purple belt, while students Brandon Hurst, Christopher Minks and Aaron Pedigo earned their blue belts.

Achieving rank in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a huge accomplishment that doesn't come without personal sacrifice. The reward definitely outweighs everything, however, and we couldn't be more proud or honored to have you at our Academy.

Keep training hard -- see you all on the mats!

Rare Rickson Gracie Tournament Footage

Team:

Here's a rare find on YouTube of Master Rickson Gracie competing in a sport jiu-jitsu match. Of course, it ends in submission. He wasn't looking for points, just seeking a solid position and then the submission.

Imagine if every competitor had this mindset.

Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Team:

Lots of good life lessons presented in this video. It's long, but definitely worth your time and attention:

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

Why Did Grandmaster Hélio Gracie Wear A Blue Belt?

Courtesy of Professor Pedro Valente of Gracie Miami:

I asked Grandmaster Hélio this question on his last trip to our academy in Miami and he explained that in the original Gracie Academy there were no belt level differentiations based on fighting skills. Belt colors were only awarded to distinguish instructors from students. In order to separate themselves from Judo instructors, who were teaching what they considered to be a limited sport for competition rather than a complete martial art, they didn't utilize the black belt. At that time, Gracie Academy instructors wore a light blue belt and head professors wore the dark blue. Only those who completed the professor's course under the Grandmaster himself could wear the dark blue belt.

With the creation of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu federation in 1967 by Elcio Leal Binda, the belt system of judo was adopted. In addition, a framework for sport jiu-jitsu, including a point system and weight divisions, which had never been accepted by Grandmasters Carlos and Helio before then, was established. As Judo was attracting a large following in Brazil under this sportive system, Grandmaster Helio agreed to give this structure a shot after being pressured by many of his students, who claimed that the inception of recreational jiu-jitsu tournaments would not have a negative effect on the art.

In the early 1990's, Grandmaster Helio realized that the mutation of his art was a direct result of point jiu-jitsu competitions, and that red belts were being awarded without his consent by individuals who weren't even red belts themselves. For these reasons, he decided to return to his original blue belt as a form of protest and to separate himself from the federation and from sport jiu-jitsu. As a humble teacher, Grandmaster Hélio felt very comfortable wearing a belt that currently indicates the first level of learning as well as his favorite color.

From the “all-out-war” training series: Carlinhos vs Feitosa

Thanks to www.graciemag.com for promoting this great match -- check out the sweet throw at the 5:27 mark:

David vs. Goliath

Never stop moving!

2010 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships

Team:

Wanted to let you know that you can follow the results of the 2010 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships live by checking out Gracie.com's blog at http://graciemagworlds.wordpress.com/.

Kron Gracie is having a rematch with Sergio Moraes at some point today. Don't think today's matches are being live-streamed, but if someone knows then please post!

See you all on the mat!

Brian

Roger Gracie Highlight

In advance of the 2010 World Championships, here's a nice Roger Gracie compilation...

Helio Gracie vs Rockson Gracie

On the No-Gi-Grappling.com website there’s a rare video of late Grandmaster Helio Gracie training will the late Rockson Gracie, his grandson. Excellent, rare footage.

Click here to watch it.

Grandmaster Helio Gracie Rare Self-Defense Footage

www.graciekentucky.com

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Felt, Not Seen

Need another reason to convince you that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is felt and not seen? Look no further than Professor Felipe Costa's work with the visually-impaired in Brazil. The attached video shows many of his students in action, proving -- or at least demonstrating -- the effectiveness of staying connected to an opponent during a match.

Vote For Rener Gracie

Team:

This information come courtesy of Rener Gracie, who is asking all practitioners to vote for his reality-show concept on Oprah's cable channel. The idea with the most votes will be turned into an upcoming show on her channel. The details are below....please vote several times as it is a noble cause and will further promote our wonderful art.

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=836&promo_id=1

Art Suave -- Marcelo Garcia

The Power To Change

Congratulations to our Competitors

Team:

We'd like to congratulate all of our competitors who gave it their all at today's tournament. Your instructors couldn't be more proud of each and every one of you.

It's always important to keep things in perspective, whether you win or lose. For more on that, check out instructor Roy Dean's insights in the attached link.

http://www.roydeanacademy.com/blog/question_on_competition/

Now, let's celebrate at open mat, tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Lockflow Show 19: Rickson Gracie

Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu vs Bill “The Grill” Cooper

Very technical match between two experienced black belts...

Master Rickson Gracie's Miami Seminar

Jean Jacques Machado vs. Roy Harris

Epic battle between two technical fighters. Awesome display of technique.

Open Mat May 1 and 2

Team:

In lieu of structured classes on Derby, we will be conducting an open mat between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition, Sunday's open mat will occur during the same timeframe. Come with a game plan and be ready to work hard!

See you all on the mat!

Congrats to Student Matthew Wilson: Perfect ACT Score...

Team:

The instructor team at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky would like to congratulate student Matthew Wilson on a perfect ACT score. Matthew is a student of great character and ability...we know he has a bright future that includes one day achieving black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!

Keep training hard, both on-and-off the mat, Matt!

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20104260332

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense Fundraiser -- Today at 6 p.m.

Team

Louisville Martial Arts will be conducting a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense fundraiser this Friday, April 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $50, and every penny will go towards the noble cause we discussed in class. You can register at the door. Click here for directions to LMAA.

Please make every effort to attend, and if you cannot, donations will still be accepted. See an instructor for additional details.

See you all on the mat!

Jiu-Jitsu in London

Great video, courtesy of Roy Dean:

Jiu Jitsu Training in London from Rick Ellis on Vimeo.

Gracie vs. Gracie

Bluegrass Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open -- May 8, 2010

Team:

The attached link contains information about the May 8 brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament held at Fern Creek High School -- less than three weeks away. Keep training hard and we'll see you all on the mat!

http://bluegrass-bjj.com/register/

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Kentucky: A Fresh Look

Here's a glimpse of our Academy's new look. There's more to come, but it's amazing what paint and hard work can do to improve the surroundings. Thanks again to all the students who helped over the last several days. More to come....

Help Out A Fellow Association School

Team:

Instructor Robert Lovi, Master Pedro Sauer's San Diego affiliate, lost his Academy last Thursday night due to a hit and run driver who smashed through the front of his Academy. Read the full details of how you can help below. Any donation would be much appreciated. You can donate through PayPal by accessing the attached link, or, if you'd prefer to give your donation to one of the instructors, please see Scott or myself and we'll ensure it gets to Mr. Lovi.

http://www.graciesd.com/relief-fund.html

Thanks, and see you all on the mat!

Who is Renzo Gracie, Again?

http://www.graciemag.com/en/2010/04/who-is-renzo-gracie-really/

Gracie: Guard is the Key Against Hughes

Gracie: Guard is the Key Against Hughes

by Greg Savage (greg@sherdog.com)
Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie will take on iconic welterweight Matt Hughes at UFC 112 “Invincible,” the company’s inaugural Middle East event, and he took some time out of his busy training schedule to sit down with Sherdog.com to discuss his preparations for the bout and his philosophy on the art he has dedicated his life to.

Gracie will be returning to the arena for the first time in over three years for his Octagon debut. Check out this exclusive video interview to hear one of the true gentlemen of the sport talk about his family lineage, his punching prowess and the decision-making process that led to his return to MMA at 43 years of age.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Gracie-Guard-is-the-Key-Against-Hughes-23659

Using Flow Diagrams « Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood – a global Jiu-Jitsu resource

Check out this article on utilizing flow charts to help strengthen your jiu-jitsu strategy, courtesy of the jiu-jitsu brotherhood.

Using Flow Diagrams « Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood – a global Jiu-Jitsu resource

Doctors Call Bradley Wilson A Miracle

Here's an article on Spencer County Martial Arts' own Bradley Wilson. A hero, fighter and the toughest young man you'll ever meet.

http://www.southeastchristian.org/outlook/story.aspx?id=2230

Gracie Insider Tip of the Month -- Americana Counters

Great tips on countering the Americana, courtesy of Rener Gracie. Very detailed explanation on how to prevent a common submission.

Be careful, however, on leaving your free arm exposed and away from your body as you bridge -- it could lead to your opponent transitioning into an arm bar on the opposite side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CixH-SzPI5w

Kron Gracie vs. Phillipe Della Monica

Check out the latest competition footage of Kron Gracie. Excellent transitions, defense...everything. Simple, effective jiu-jitsu -- works every time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiI_2ILqoA0

Rener Gracie vs. 21

Very cool videos -- while in Florida, Rener Gracie had the chance to spar with 33 members of the Jacksonville SWAT team and Police Department. About half of them were experienced grapplers and the other half were new to jiu-jitsu, but all of them were in determined to win. The batteries in the camera died during the 21st match so you don’t get see the last 12 submissions. Check it out...
“Fighting 33 opponents is like fighting a giant, you don’t decide when you win, they decide when they lose. “

-Rener Gracie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONudrmJwL-M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGzI9Q0Mb1M&feature=player_embedded

Andrei Arlovski vs. Marcelo Garcia

This is a good display of Marcelo Garcia's technical ability against a much larger and stronger opponent. Andrei Arlovski, who weighs in at around 240 and is a former UFC champ, is no push-over on the ground. Marcelo uses some excellent transitions and proper weight distribution to neutralize Andrei's size and strength advantage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVju68pMQ9Y&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1KUZ1pJLvg&feature=player_embedded

Turn Your Open Mat into a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Laboratory

Here's a great article Scott Sale found, courtesy of Matt Kirtley from Aesopian BJJ:

Turn Your Open Mat into a BJJ Laboratory

I’m going to make a bold assumption: You want to get better at BJJ. (I

must be a mind reader.) Open mat can be a secret weapon in your

training if you use it right. These tips will help make sure you do.

Go in with a purpose

What makes open mat good is also what makes it bad: you can do

whatever you want. Without someone running class, it’s all too easy to

waste time, goof off or simply not know what to do. Go in prepared

giving yourself a goal.

Examples:

– Improve move X.

– Improve my escapes.

– Improve my conditioning.

– Try out this new guard.

– Review my basics.

Try picking a topic—a certain position, submission, guard or even

concept—and set your mind on exploring and learning it in depth. It’s

easier to stay focused when you know what you’re focusing on.

It’s time to experiment

Now is your chance to put that encyclopedic knowledge of every BJJ

instructional to use. Is there a move that’s been making waves in

competition that you want to learn? You could bring a laptop or iPhone

to watch instructionals then drill them.

Forget this piece of advice if it doesn’t line up with your goals.

Sometimes drilling those same basics you’ve known forever is the right

thing to do (at least it’s never wrong.)

Don’t get technique overload

Just because you’re free to do whatever you want doesn’t mean you

should pull out every technique you’ve ever Youtubed. Get two

experienced guys on the mat and it can quickly turn into technique

show and tell (“Hey, check this out!” “That reminds me of this…” “You

gotta see how I do it…”) Keep your goals in mind and don’t get too far

off track (unless it’s really something worth checking out.)

Put in the reps

Once you’ve figured out what you want to work on, start drilling. Then

keep drilling. Discipline yourself to put in a healthy number of

repetitions. No skimping on your reps because you don’t have an

instructor keeping his hawk eyes on you. I’m sorry if this is boring

but it’s good for you.

Find the right training partner

Who you train with can make or break an open mat. If they aren’t as

motivated as you, it’s a pain to force them to drill when all they

want to do is talk and spar a bit. You’re better off with a white belt

that has a good worth ethic and is eager to learn than a lazy purple

belt that doesn’t really feel like breaking a sweat. Finding the right

person to team up with can give you a serious boost and make grappling

R&D really fun and rewarding.

Do live drills

Take whatever you working on and make up live drills AKA isolation

sparring for it. This is an fantastic training method that a lot of

people overlook. Your drills can be as simple as starting from a

specific position over and over again to running a series of

situational exercises that increase in complexity as they go. (Message

me on Facebook if you want some example drills.)

Take sparring seriously

Nothing bugs me more than two guys rolling for 1 minute before someone

taps then spending 2 minutes talking about it. Save the discussion for

later. Quick bits of advice or showing someone how to stop a move

they’ve got caught in a couple times is OK. But you’re there to spar.

Now is a good chance to push your endurance and forget time limits and

go until you are absolutely dead.

Film your sparring

If you’ve got a camera and a tripod (or a willing third person), try

getting your sparring sessions on video and watching them afterward.

You’ll often be surprised by the things you do (and don’t do) that you

never realized.

Renzo dropped 14kg to fight with Hughes

From www.graciemag.com:

Renzo dropped 14kg to fight with Hughes

Renzo Gracie was in Rio de Janeiro this week. But not to train Jiu-Jitsu, work on his boxing with his friend and coach Claudinho Coelho or do physical prep work in Rio’s nature. Renzo was invited to a wedding.

He was not just any guest. Indeed, he was the best man of his uncle George, brother of Renzo’s mother.Saturday night in family for the UFC fighter.

Among his relatives most clued in to the MMA world, the chatter was about how seriously the Jiu-Jitsu professor living in New Jersey was taking his fight against Matt Hughes.

“He lost 14kg for the fight; he’s lean” they said, impressed. In the group were black belts like Daniel Gracie, Carlos Russo, Flavio Canto, Leo Leite and Kyra Gracie. Naturally happy, Renzo drank only water.

And, of course, father to the fighter Grandmaster Carlos Robson Gracie drew everyone’s attention with his storytelling.

The attention of the guests was also drawn to the dialogue between the great master, famous for his catch phrases while presenting the TV show “Heróis do Ringue” in the late 1990s, and Olympic medalist Canto

www.spencercountymartialarts.com

Helio Gracie Lives...

The following is a repost from Graciemag.com about the one-year anniversary of the death of Grandmaster Helio Gracie:

It was on January 29, 2009, exactly a year ago, that Grandmaster Helio Gracie left us. But while there are still Jiu-Jitsu academies, the weak, women and children getting stronger through the art, his legacy shall only become more and more pervasive.

It needn’t be a special occasion for you to remember the teacher, and no matter what the tribute, it will never be enough to fully honor him. Even so, we set aside this video in which Helio does what he likes doing best.

This match, where he from the bottom choked unconscious an opponent 15 kg his heavier and even advised the distracted referee what he had done, was a milestone in the grandmaster’s career. ”It was the biggest thrill of my life,” he was quoted as saying in the newspapers of the time. And he confirmed it to GRACIEMAG 50 years thereafter: “It is true, because I found out my Jiu-Jitsu was superior to his.”

Check out the video and then read the technical breakdown of the hold, below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMAu0A-vQm8&feature=player_embedded#

Helio narrated the outcome of the fight: “He didn’t realize my other hand had gone in directly into the flap of the gi. We were trying for the choke, both of us with the hold in place, but it happened that Kato couldn’t get past the barrier of my legs, making my hold more effective and bringing us to the decisive phase of the fight.

“I noticed he gave up the hold to defend his neck, consummating my positional supremacy. I tightened the hold and Kato began to falter, his grip on my wrists weakening. So I held the choke in place and brought the referee’s attention to what was going on: ‘He’s going to pass out.’ The ref didn’t hear me or didn’t understand, but, in the end, I let him drop to the side, Kato landing with a thud,” recounted the professor, on “O Globo” TV.

He will be forever missed.

www.spencercountymartialarts.com

The Triumph of Human Intelligence Over Brute Strength...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYacMTSYC9I&feature=player_embedded

Xande Ribeiro Sweep From Class

Excellent technique and timing on this sweep from six-time world champion Xande Ribeiro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqJsG8UeKKY

Rafael Lovato Jr. Blog

Check out this blog when you get a chance. Hosted by black belt Rafael Lovato Jr, the blog features some great training tips and techniques. He's an avid competitor, and there's plenty of tournament advice featured in his posts. Definitely worth a visit and a look.

http://www.lovatojr.com/

See you all on the mat -- tomorrow night!

Brian
www.spencercountymartialarts.com

Women in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Check out this blue belt demonstration from Roy Dean Academy. The student, Caryn Ackerman, is Mr. Dean's first female to be promoted to the rank of blue belt, and deservedly so. Her crisp technique and attention to detail show a high level of proficiency with the blue belt curriculum.

In my opinion, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect system of self-defense for women. It's all leverage and technique, and Grandmaster Helio Gracie (with his 130 pound or so frame) proved time and time again that his technique could prevail over much larger and stronger attackers. Sure, size and strength will always be factors in an altercation, but it's short-sighted to believe that those elements cannot be overcome with proper training.

Unfortunately, however, women aren't encouraged (and oftentimes are discouraged) to participate in this gentle art because of the popular "MMA-tap-or-snap," brute mentality that is being perpetuated by the mainstream media.

I can speak for our Academy in saying that all are welcome at Spencer County Martial Arts, and love to see increasing diversity on the mats. If your wife or girlfriend has any doubt about the style and if it's a right fit for her, show them this video and invite them to watch a class.

Again, big props to Ms. Ackerman on her achievement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIhc97XjhPI&feature=player_embedded#

Gracie Insider: Technique of the Month - Armbar Finishes

Courtesy of Ryron and Rener Gracie. Try working these into your game -- very high percentage moves.

Welcome, 2010

Team:

We wanted to take an opportunity to say thank you again for your commitment to yourselves and to the Academy in 2009. The school continued to grow with newcomers who contribute to our unique atmosphere in numerous, positive ways.

Veteran students mentored every white belt and greeted everyone who stepped through our doors with a handshake and open arms. Integrity, sportsmanship and strong character are essential tenets of our students' success. We ask that the SCMA family keep to this tradition in 2010 and dedicate themselves to continuing to practice pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as developed and refined by Grandmaster Helio Gracie.

We look forward to starting the new year off on a strong note tomorrow at Saturday's class. Please join us, and tell a friend to come and watch.

See you all on the mat -- and thank you once again.

Sincerely,

The SCMA Instructor Team

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