Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Kona: Beginnings

Very Big Guys are Very Hard to Sweep

2010-03-16T16:28:00.003-10:00

Another no-gi class last night. We covered a nice no-gi, butterfly sweep that required catching your opponent in a head-and-arm triangle. I tried it out, but I found it difficult to keep the arm across the body. Then another teammate and I reviewed taking the back as a follow up from that sweep.

Rolling was fun. I purposefully engaged my opponent butterfly guard a la Marcelo Garcia. Didn't really sweep him (got close) but I'm sure it would have worked on someone who wasn't over 250 lbs. I found that I need to work on my escapes from side mount. Not just escaping while in side mount, rather avoiding the side mount before he establishes (Jeff Glover is really good at this).

I'm really sore this morning from training last night, which is unusual. It may have been because I didn't really warm up last night. Or maybe because he continually tried to submit me with a can-opener. Ouch.

No Reservations

2010-03-10T23:20:00.002-10:00

On Monday I stepped into class with no reservations, not caring who would submit me. I just wanted to enjoy jiu-jitsu. I credit this step I feel like I'm finally starting to make to Chris Moriarty of Alliance who recently gave one of the most interesting interviews on the Fightworks Podcast concerning this topic.

There is a certain individual at class I have not been tapped out by, a lower ranking teammate who recently was promoted to blue belt. Sure enough, on Monday we were rolling no-gi and he got me with an ankle lock. After that I wanted to "let him have his day" and not care.

Now this doesn't mean I don't want to learn from that mistake, in fact I feel like I can learn from it better if I don't let my ego get in the way. What do I have to lose if I let go of that? Nothing. That is what makes a real jiu-jitsu practitioner.

It's been awhile...

2010-02-26T10:50:00.004-10:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've been on here. A lot has happened since my last post. I suffered a minor knee injury (MCL, I believe) during a training session with a freakishly strong training partner (not his fault). I was out for a few weeks, but still attending class and staying away from training. As a result of this I couldn't stretch as much and unfortunately haven't gotten back to a regular routine.

Although I haven't been competing since August, our competition team has been doing well. There are some smaller, local tournaments on the horizon but nothing big. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not sure when I'm competing next. Which brings me to the next subject...

I had a daughter! As a result of this I'm training less, which isn't hard to do since she is so nice to take of and spend time with. I always look forward to seeing her everyday when I come home.

Training is still going good, I can still keep up with everyone and give them a hard time. I earned another (3rd) stripe on my belt. So that makes me a little closer to purple. Not sure when that's going to happen, but I look forward to hopefully being at that level one day.

Utter Domination

2009-09-03T21:29:00.003-10:00

My instructor's, Aaron Moeller, match at Maui against a black belt from Brazil. Be patient with this one, it get's good!

Three Matches

2009-09-01T18:01:00.006-10:00

Here are all my matches. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Match 1

Match 2

Match 3

6th Annual Mau Jiu-Jitsu Open Tournament

2009-08-30T10:39:00.005-10:00

Wow. What a day!

I started the day off with a little detour to Maui's beautiful I`ao Valley just outside of Wailuku. There, in it's serene peaks and crystal-clear rivers, we got our minds and bodies ready for the tournament. After doing some warm-ups, breathing, and a lot of stretching, we got in the river and relaxed (after getting used to the cold temperature). Although, this may not have been a good I idea since I was getting sick and later on that night it turned into a full blown cold.

As we were about to head to the tournament, we accidentally locked the keys in our rental car. Woops. But after asking a few tourists we got a hold of the rental car company and they promptly sent an employee to unlock our doors free of charge. Phew.

As we entered the War Memorial Gymnasium it was the usual tournament seen: crowded, loud, and tense. Unfortunately they were only running four mats, which means a slow tournament. After meeting up with my instructor, I changed into my gi and heard something over the PA system about "blue belts 187." I panicked and thought I was going to fight soon without getting myself settled in; but I wasn't on until about an hour or so later.

Finally I was called to my first match. Our referee was Lius Heredia, the black belt who puts on this tournament every year. He started us off and I ran over and grabbed my opponent's collars. He pulled guard right away: just what I wanted. He immediately started to break my posture and tried to collar choke me. No problem, I did what I usually do: grind my chin into his wrist until he lets go. Eventually I postured up and he opened his guard. While trying to pass his guard, he put me in a triangle clamp because I carelessly wasn't controlling his outside leg. I did, however, manage to have my second arm partially in and was able to get back into his guard. Right after that he attempted a knee bar me which I was expecting the referee to warn him not to do so. Instead, a teammate did and he let go of my leg. To my surprise, the referee said it was okay (apparently this was okay for blue belts in this tournament, I was not there for the rules). I ended up passing to side mount and he started to cross-face me. I then went to an open north-south and grabbed an arm for a relatively easy kimura in which he tapped out.

Next match happened at least an hour later. They decided to run the black belts (my instructor got a match and submitted someone from Brazil via bow-and-arrow choke who is visiting/training at Luis' academy), then the brown belts, then some purple belts, and the heavier blue belts. Hmm.

My second match was with someone taller and stronger (at least his guard was). Same deal as my last match and he ended up pulling guard fast. He first tried to collar choke me but I got out. Then I looked to pass his open guard while he was trying to scissor sweep me hard, so that made me a little wary and off balance. Looking for a fireman sweep, he hooked my leg and tried to dump my over which I would have none off. I backed off and he didn't grab my collar which always registers in my game as: Achilles lock. I grabbed his ankle under my arm and rolled to my stomach while applying the submission. To my surprise, he tapped out fast.

The time to catch our flight back to Kona was approaching and I told Aaron we had to leave soon. He approached the scoring table and explained my predicament. So, my final match happened after another no-gi match (which also had no time and energy for) which was about 6 minutes of rest. Luis was our referee again; he wished us good luck and started the match. My opponent was smaller and probably lighter than me by no more than 10 lbs. Again, same situation, the guy pulled guard and tried to work an open guard pass. I was also trying to break his sleeve grips which wasn't too hard. But I was really getting tired. I almost passed his guard but I was in too much of an awkward position to finish it. Then, about half way through the match, I think the fatigue was getting to me: I tried the most sloppiest knee bar ever which was following by an not so slick ankle lock attempt. Actually, I can't really remember which came first. To make a long story short we kind of exchanged positions with him getting the points, he tried to choke me from guard, then tried to armbar me from mount which I escaped pretty easily, and finally he won by points. I was pretty tired and had zero energy left. My opponent helped me up and we shook hands. I ran over to the table to get my silver medal, said goodbye to everyone, and left to catch my plane.

Our team did really well, 4 golds and a silver medal. Not bad for Kona's Aaron Moeller Jiu-Jitsu!

Slowing down to a simmer

2009-08-20T22:41:00.004-10:00

Lately I have been feeling a bit overtired during training and have been feeling like a mental aluminum can because of that. I told my instructor this and how I've been training some serious cardio outside of class to prepare for next week's tournament. I've virtually been programmed by my instructor to train outside of class to the point where I want always stay in competition shape. After sharing this with him, he paused for a second and said that it may be a good idea to just take it easy for now, nap, come to class, train, and do some stretching. Phew!

Tonight's training went well. Trying to work my stand-up and take-downs. I scored a really nice single-leg to double-leg take-down on my toughest training partner. Even though he was sweeping and passing me a bunch of times I feel like I am not going to meet anyone tougher than him. I was a good night.

Cobrinha and Lavato Combo

2009-08-13T21:58:00.002-10:00

So I just starting following Rafael Lovato Jr.'s Blog and watched a really cool open guard foot sweep to triangle choke of his. I showed my instructor. He loved it and thought it would go very well with his newly adapted Cobrinha guard. So we drilled it and it worked really well. He picked up a detail on the sweep: scrape the foot against the ground while pushing out his foot. Check it out below.

Top Game

2009-08-07T00:11:00.003-10:00

Finally after focusing on my top game a little more with my instructor I've come to some improvement. It is interesting to think that a few minor details can make a difference in my guard passes. I've been trying to put more pressure (literally) on my opponent and leave little space for him to move. I have to really hand it to my training partners too, they technicality keeps me sharp.

Also, my instructor showed us this really mean and dirty Kron Gracie choke from the mount. He told us with a wry smirk that he would love nothing more than for us to finish someone like that at the Maui tournament.

Training is going good both on and off the mat. Only 22 more days.

Oh, and by the way, Matt unfortunately will be out for some time due to an injury. Bummer.

Metcognative Jiu-Jitsu

2009-07-26T16:04:00.003-10:00

Yet again I had another struggle with a white belt. All in all, I finally submitted him. But this can be pretty discouraging with a tournament coming up in a month. As I write this I can already feel my emotions and mind trying telling me that I should be at such and such level and be able to beat this person.

I'm really trying to focus on what I need to work on rather than mentally beating myself up. I have learned that jiu-jitsu is not a simple "If, Then" thing. If A is better than B and B is better than C, then A is better than C. Nope. Jiu-jitsu is far more dynamic and complex than that.

Jiu-Jitsu is like a chain link fence that's made with drills

2009-07-07T14:06:00.005-10:00

Why are there so many ants on my desk!

Anyway, the past few weeks have been okay at Jiu-Jitsu. I told a training partner last night that I kind of felt like I was in a rut (with Jiu-Jitsu that is). We talked about where I need to tighten up my game and what we all could do in class to improve our technique. What we lack in class is drilling techniques: plain and simple.

I've been hearing it over and over again from guys like Martin Rooney and Andre Galvao. I suggested that we incorporate our drills just as we do our excercises, give an assigned amount (i.e. 20 triangles on each side). Starting off with simple drills (shrimps, etc.) and ending with a new/series of techniques.

I have been have a hard time with strong opponents in my guard or in there guard. I feel like I stalemate too much. As far as my x-guard is concerned, I have been having more success with it.
The Maui tournament is on the 29th of August: need to get cracking and continue linking all my techniques together.

Yikes, Maui Tournament, and summer humidity

2009-06-19T17:35:00.003-10:00

It has been quite a while since I have made an entry (don't know if I have too many followers anyway). The last 6 weeks have been very hectic at work. Now, the dust has settled and hopefully I can add on an extra day here and there at jiu-jitsu.

I plan on doing the Maui Open Jiu-Jitsu, that's hosted by by Limao Heredia (check out there site at http://www.mauijiujitsu.com/), at the end of July. Kind of nervous since I, as usual, don't feel ready techniquely. Which leads me to this week's performance: aweful. I have strayed a bit from attempting butterfly guard and x-guard as I mentioned in previous entries. I feel a bit all over the place and rudderless with my "game." A stark constrast from the razor-sharp methodicalness of Roger Gracie at the Mundials: pass the guard, side mount, mount, collar choke (every match!).

Finally and being winded

2009-05-08T16:01:00.003-10:00

Last nights training session (and the last few) was a success. I know I'm a blue belt and I should have been doing this long ago, but I finally pulled a solid x-guard on another blue belt. This guy's no slouch, in fact he's got about 25 lbs on me and has the most wicked knee on belly (he's the guy right next to me in the picture at the top of the page). I'm not really sure if I swept him as much as I think I just got an advantage. After I established the x-guard he attempted to sit back in order to avoid me from "floating" and sweeping him. I tried to grab a hold of his heel with my free hand to trip him and then I tried the take-out-the-trash sweep but to no avail. That's alright, this was a definite improvement. I should also note that I have been trying to start with the butterfly guard lately and that's how I was starting when we rolled last night.

As far as defense goes I need to work on my knee-on-belly and side mount escapes. On the last Fightworks Podcast Martin Rooney was on to talk about the importance of drilling techniques and that is what I need to do more of too. I suggest listening to it.

Also, on a side note. Lately, I've been feeling a little more out gas than usual when I roll. I'm not sure why. I don't think I'm getting enough sleep and water. I feel like a zombie after work!

Butterfly Guard

2009-04-25T15:41:00.002-10:00

Despite my wife's medical opinion, I decided that I felt good enough to go to class Thursday. Turns out that it was a good idea.

I rolled with my instructor first. He kind of just toyed with me and eventually used no hands (that's always kind of humiliating in a good way). After we rolled he said that I play too loose in his guard and that I need to apply more pressure when trying to pass. He then reviewed a pass with me where shoulder pressure is applied while posting on your toes.

I then rolled with one of the stronger white belts and decided to try butterfly guard as I mentioned wanting to do in earlier posts. I ended up sweeping him on two attempts with a simple butterfly collar grab sweep. I also employed Marcelo's pant leg grab defense.

I didn't drill the sweep before hand so I don't think it was very crisp.

Sick

2009-04-20T21:33:00.002-10:00

Due to an unfortunate bug that hit me I won't be training until at least Thursday. I am trying to stay home, eat well, take herbs (no, not what you may be thinking), Tylenol, and rest.

I was really looking forward to trying out those butterfly sweeps.

Taking risks and more

2009-04-19T07:59:00.009-10:00

This week has been very hectic at work and home (as in I've been busy). So I only could make it to class once last week. Unfortunately, the facility we use only allows us to have class 3 times a week. Having a Friday option would be great but sometimes my instructor has class at his house on Saturdays.

Thursday's training was alright. Similar to the class I wrote about in the first blog, I had trouble with another strong white belt. We did guard passes and this guy was in my guard for long time. He kept presenting opportunities to me, like sticking his arms out to push on my shoulder(s). I could have tried to armbar him but I didn't want to risk it. It's not like I wasn't trying anything, just nothing outside of my comfort zone, which was at the time, with this guy at least, my closed guard. Unfortunately, nothing really worked with this guy in my closed guard. Finally I did attempt an open guard but I wasn't quick enough to establish it and he passed my guard. I should note I do like the open, spider guard but haven't been using it lately for some reason.

Now this brings me to something I've been thinking about recently and relates to the previous posts. Obviously my closed guard techniques aren't always working. Should I try to keep focusing on my closed guard techniques or try something new or different? I don't want to get too scattered and trying way too many techniques at once. Ryan Hall said he just went for the triangle choke for a long time and look at him today!

Yet, as I've said earlier, I want to really transition to a butterfly and x-guard game. So that's what I'm going to do. I just bought Marcelo Garcia's book on the x-guard and I'm really looking forward to using it a reference with my instructor. This is going to be something that I know I won't be finding sucess with instantly and I'll have to really take risks.

I think Marcelo encourages to start with the butterfly guard first and then add the x-guard. I've picked out 2 butterfly guard sweeps and I'm going to try them out. For those of you who have the book, they're on page 38 and 41.

On another note, I should mention I try to cross train to keep up my strength and conditioning. Yesterday I did some plyometrics with 4 hurdles, hammered a tire, and flipped a tire. Also, I pressed a tire while maintaining a butterfly guard position. A lot of my training methods come from Martin Rooney's "Training for Warriors" book and that has been a good reference. I recommend it.

More on the X-Guard

2009-04-11T13:24:00.004-10:00

This is a good instructional video I found on the X-Guard; fairly close to what we were drilling last class, well, at least the sweep. I haven't seen anyone armbar from the bottom in X-Guard. Right now I just want to focus on the sweep.

Below is video of Marcelo Garcia applying the best X-Guard I've ever seen.

First Entry

2009-04-09T22:14:00.001-10:00

Hi, my name is Arash Steindamm and I am a Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Blue under Aaron Moeller here in Kona, Hawaii. Our club is relatively new, we have no purple belts yet. I've had my blue belt for about 2 years and I'm kind of itching to get my purple belt. But first I feel like I must accomplish these goals.

Do well in a gi tournament.
Get to a point where I don't care what happens to me when I role with anyone.
Develop an X-Guard.
Develop some more flexibility.

Last night my instructor went over the X-Guard with us. Now you should know that I have an aversion to it and I haven't found much success with it. There are 2 reason why I'm not good with the X-Guard. Number 1, I'm not very flexible (like I-can't-touch-my-toes-very-easily-flexible). Number 2, I'm 6'2" and it's hard to get under someone like that. One of the other blue belts, who very well may be the best blue belt in the state of Hawaii, is flexible, shorter than me, and has incredible strength and speed, has an excellent (no pun intended) X-Guard.

There is a reason why Marcelo Garcia developed the X-Guard and not Roger Gracie!

Drilling the technique hasn't been a problem. I usually think of the X-Guard when someone is in my half guard but I usually get cross-faced and fail to get under my opponent properly. I usually resort to a kind of half butterfly guard to get a sweep or to recover full guard. Tonight we drilling a cross wrist grab, placing a hook on the same side, threaten the back, opponent brings one knee up, and a dive to hook that leg up with my arm.

First rolled with a couple of white belts. First white belt, who was 20 lbs lighter than me, I tried the same specific technique and he drove his knee over to pass my guard. I ended up being in his guard for most of the time. Second white belt, maybe 20 lbs heavier and strong, same thing happened except that I was side-mounted for quite a while until I escaped at the very end. That second role was very frustrating.

Next, I rolled with that blue belt I mentioned earlier (yeah, the best in the state). I tried to set up an X but he didn't have any of it. Ended up passing my guard, side mounting me, mounting me, attempted to collar choke me, and triangle me. I did manage to however get under him as he was mounting me in a kind of butterfly guard, grab his heels, and almost sweep him.

I told another blue belt, who I car pool with, that it was one of those nights where I was wondering, why do I even have a blue belt? I know that I do deserve the strap but it was "one of those nights."