BJJ Is More Than Better Positions and Submissions
There are two purposes of this blog. One is to help students of bjj to raise their level of proficiency in the physical aspects of the art (getting submitted less and getting more submissions). The other is to help fill a void in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the inner aspects of the art. Most students have the impression that the purpose of the art is to win tournaments, smash someone in the cage, or just to get in shape or learn self defense. There are actually many more benefits that are not talked about in most BJJ schools.
I have trained in many martial arts, and continue to, but I have found Jiu-Jitsu to be the most difficult and the most rewarding. My purpose is to help open others eyes to the deeper aspects of the art… the art that has given me so much.
As far as the physical training, I started in 1994, and spent years spinning my wheels. Once I joined the Machados, things improved, but I am still finding ways to help students learn faster. Very often now I will teach a student something and think “I didn’t have all these details for 10 years on this technique. This student got it in 10 minutes!”
So I hope this site improves both aspects of your practice- the yin (inner aspects of Jiu-Jitsu) and the yang (the physical aspects of practice).
If there is anything you would like to see covered, feel free to contact me.
Good luck with the new blog. I like your philosophy and am looking forward to reading your posts.
Hello Ryan, I just wanted to tell you that I think your school is great, your instructors are really nice and take time to make sure you understand what they are teaching. I want to come back and train but im going threw a divorce and dont have the extra money yet, but I really want to come back there I could really use a place to let out my frusterations, in this difficult time for me. Hope to see you guys soon.
Rob.
Ryan, the information in your blog is not only insightful, but extremely useful. My favorite quote in the blog is “It’s a way of life”. Looking forward to reading future postings.
I agree about your thoughts on BJJ…
I also find it the most rewarding and have rank in 5 different styles including a Black Belt in TaeKwonDo.
As an early on practitioner of BJJ, starting in 1995, I have trained with many different instructors in many Dojo and can say firsthand that the Yin (inner aspects) are missing from a lot of the curriculum and teaching styles.
I think you are doing a great job of bringing that awareness back to the forefront where it needs to be.
Thank you for your insights…
I Like the philosophy you explained in BJJ,”It’s not just winning in a tournament, smashing some-one in a cage, or getting in shape and learning self defense”. You make the true technique of learning BJJ more vivid.
Your blog is excellent. You obviously put a lot of time and effort into the posts. This is one of the best blogs that I have ever came across.
Thanks!
This is great Ryan! On the days I can’t get to train at the school, I can come to this site and get some of your words of wisdom and insight. You are a great teacher and martial artist and I always look forward to continuing my path of learning under your instruction. Your dedication is a great example for all of us who follow the ‘Warrior’s Path’.
I really appreciate it Bob. That means a lot coming from you, being someone who has served our country, as well as a SWAT leader and decorated police officer, among other accomplishments.