Posts Tagged ‘jiu-jitsu’

BJJ Technique: Loop Choke from Closed Guard

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Self Defense Classes in Maryland tell their students that closed guard position is one of the best positions to have someone locked in.  Closed guard is the position where you can get off the most offense. You can also better control your opponent and the pace of the match. The toughest part about closed guard is getting your opponent in it. Your opponent will be looking out for the closed guard lock so they might keep their distance or low with their elbows blocking their hips. You have to be careful when you are trying to lock up the closed guard because they might be able to pass your guard if you are sloppy with your legs.  

Sometimes your opponent will gladly go into your closed guard especially if they are up by points and need to stall for time. They will get into your closed guard and will lay their heads down on your stomach with their elbows pinching your hips. Don’t panic if this situation occurs because there is a high percentage of attacks from there. The attack you can do from that stalling position in closed guard is called the loop choke. Fighters who get BJJ Baltimore training love this technique because it’s a very sneaky move for an easy tap if performed correctly.

The first thing that Self Defense Classes in Maryland tell you want to do is relax. You have to relax because the opponent needs to feel like they are not threatened. The next step is to get a loose cross collar lapel grip. It is important to keep the grip loose and remain inconspicuous. The grip should be so relaxed that your opponent won’t even care that you are grabbing their collar. The next step is to move your hips out in the direction of the cross collar lapel grip. Your opponent will begin to move to regain their stable position. When that move happens take your free hand to push their head into the ground while the cross collar lapel grip loops under their chin. As soon as you loop the lapel grip under the opponent’s push their head through that loop. The loop choke is a blood choke so you’ll have to hold it steady until they tap or pass out.

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BJJ-Dealing with Groin Injury

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

BJJ Baltimore schools that teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu know that it’s an extremely combative martial arts where injuries are common. It takes some injuries 1-2 weeks to heal completely. Also, som injuries can take as long as 3-6 months long. Any injury that you encounter can seriously affect your jiu-jitsu career, so every injury must be taken seriously. Reinjury is a constant threat, therefore any area that is injured must be handled with care. The urge to get back out there will be hard to fight, but you must follow the doctor’s orders. 

As a competitior you may feel that you deserve to compete and don’t have to follow doctor’s orders since you’ve trained so hard. Following that mindset is not a viable option. There have been competitors who have competed injured knowing that they are injured and still did it anyways. Needless to say most of those competitors made their injury worst by fighting in the tournament.

A common injury in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the groin injury. It’s so common because most of the BJJ fighters are not flexible in their hips or legs. When your opponent plays double-under on you with all their weight pressuring into your legs and hip it can strain your groin muscle. BJJ Baltimore students get people put into a lot of crazy positions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’m sure at some point in time you felt as if you were doing a split because of the position your opponent had you in.

A groin injury can have a BJJ fighter on the injury list for 2-6 months. The groin muscle never fully recovers because it is always being used. Self Defense Classes in Maryland instructors tell their students to do exercises to strengthen their groin muscle. Since a groin injury is a strain in the adductors you should do an exercise that extends along your inner thigh from your pelvic bones to your knee. A good exercise is to use a cable machine with the straps you can attach to your ankles. Stand side by side with the strap attached to the far ankle. Slowly raise your leg laterally do this for 10 repetitions each leg and 3 sets.

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MMA-Effective Chest Workout

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Are you ready to pump up your chest for the beach this summer? You should be, because there is no reason why you shouldn’t feel confident in yourself with your shirt off.   If you aren’t building your chest muscles for looks then you’ll also love this quick workout too.   BJJ Baltimore trainers tell their students that having a strong chest is great because they add strength to your arms. The chest works heavily conjunction with the back, shoulders, and arms to complete daily tasks. A strong chest is vital for compete in MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.  

Throughout this article there will be 3 exercises to help you build your chest quickly. Self Defense Classes in Maryland schools like this routine because it requires two pieces of equipment. Ideally you should have a stability ball and a machine with a cable, if not use resistance bands.   When selecting resistance bands, to use make sure they are long enough the stretch across your back for the chest fly exercise. Kickboxing Classes in MD have their students do this workout often.

The first exercise is the Alternating Chest Press on the stability ball. To perform this exercise you’ll need to grab a pair of dumbbells. Lie with your back on the stability ball and your feet on the ground. Hold the dumbbells up over your chest until your arms are straight. Then you’ll lower one of your arms down to your chest then push it back up. Make sure the other dumbbell is still up in the air with your arm fully extended. Alternate chest press and do 15 repetitions each arm. When completed go directly to the next exercise.     

The second exercise is the Lunging Cable Fly. As stated earlier you’ll need access to a cable crossover machine. If you don’t have access to a cable crossover machine you can still use the resistance bands. Stand in the middle of cable crossover machine. Take a lunge while holding onto both handles. As you lunge forward you’ll pull the handles across you chest until your hands meet. Go back to starting position, although this time do the exercise on the other leg. Do this exercise for 15 repetitions each leg then immediately go to the final exercise.

The final exercise of this chest building workout is the Decline Stability Ball Pushup. With the stability ball behind you, get into pushup position. Place your shins across the ball and palms flat on mat with arms straight. When you are ready, lower your chest 90 degrees then push yourself back up to the original position.

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Continue your Martial Arts Education by doing Seminars

Sunday, June 19th, 2011

Martial arts schools in Maryland tell their students that great martial artists know that learning is never finished.  Though they may have achieved the greatest level possible in a particular style, their education is ongoing.   Certain higher learning institutions will make continuing education classes mandatory post a student completing a degree; similarly, martial arts schools maintain the same philosophy.   After being educated in a certain curriculum, it is curcial for students to be familiar with recent developments and rapid progression in that field.   This concept also applies to martial arts.   Let’s use the martial arts Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu as an example.   In Muay Thai a person can be an expert of various striking and kicking techiniques.   A vast number of attacks can be executed from a variety of positions in BJJ. Do you think it’s possible to learn every Muay Thai technique by the time you reach a professional level?   After you have achieved the rank of black belt is it feasible to know all techniques and counters in BJJ?   No it is not because these sports are continually evolving.   That is why martial arts seminars can be a great educational tool for martial artists.   Martial arts schools in Maryland want their students to take full advantage whenever someone is hosting a good martial arts seminar.  They might show a technique you already know, but they may give you one small detail to make the technique easier or more effective. Martial arts schools in Maryland recommend that you make sure it’s a good martial arts seminar before you purchase.  You’ll know it’s a good seminar based on these several factors.

1.        Credentials:  Do your research to find out what are the credentials of the person giving the seminar.   It’s good to go to seminars of current gold medalists and fighters with a winner record. Seminars conducted by instructors who have students that are champions is also something worth taking note of. Credentials should be current with the appropriate record to show this.
2.       Time:  The best seminars last for 3 to 4 hours.   The person leading a seminar cannot designate the appropriate amount of time to the students doing proper technique if the time is too short. Longer seminars allow the students to ask questions.
3.      Popularity:  This will be a major determinant.   If the person has rave reviews for their seminar then it might be something worth looking at.

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BJJ Techniques – The Umpa Series

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

Too often new students try to learn a variety of moves and they usually do not go together. Students who get Baltimore mixed martial arts training look at Brazilian jiu-jitsu as more than just moves and techniques. You have to look at Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a series of attacks that flow together and leave your opponent in a trap. The best designed series will trap your opponent into a submission or sweep into a dominant position. Many basic attack series such, as the Umpa series, will work at the highest levels.

When preformed correctly the Umpa attack series will make it very hard for your opponent defend. The series will confuse your opponent and they will not know what to do. They will think they avoided a sweep but they set themselves up for a submission. They may also think that they escaped a submission attempt but they set themselves by up to get swept. Martial arts schools in Maryland stress to students that the beauty of the Umpa attack series will work no matter what the opponent does they are trapped in a loop that will end in a submission or a sweep.

To do the Umpa attack series you need to have your opponent in your closed guard. When you feel your opponent’s weight tilting backwards, sit up to do the Umpa sweep. If you sweep the opponent into mount you will get 2 points for the sweep and an additional 4 for holding the mount. Since you are still holding their arm from doing the Umpa sweep you are now in the perfect position to submit your opponent with your favorite armlock from mount.

If you didn’t get the Umpa sweep because your opponent leaned back and post their arm, it’s okay because you can follow up the failed Umpa sweep with the kimura submission. When they base out grab their wrist with the same side hand and lock up the kimura grip. Then drop back down to your back and push your opponents hand to their far shoulder blade finishing the kimura. If you keep going back and forth between the two options it just a matter of time before they fall into the trap. Students who get Baltimore mixed martial arts training takes the time to really drill this series so they will be able to perform it instinctually.

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MMA-Leave Your Ego At The Door

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

New students who get Ultimate fighting training in Maryland have to realize that there is a time and place to be cocky. It’s okay to be confident in yourself and your abilities, but good martial arts schools in Maryland pride themselves on having an ego free training environment. You really don’t want to be the student that disrupts the mood of the training room. If you do want to be that student then you might be considered egoistical. If you don’t want to be that student then you’ll learn so much more. When you are willing to buy into the system and listen to your coaches they will in turn be more willing to invest in you.

It is always better to check your ego at the door before you start training. When you are ego free other students will enjoy train hard with you. This will also make your training much easier and more enjoyable. Coaches are always looking for students with good attitudes because they are easier to mentor.

Here are some signs that you may be egoistical. As a new student you walk into the school like you own it. You don’t listen to the instructors when they correct your mistakes when drilling the techniques. You are purposely not a good training partner because it’s not your turn. The mood of the training room changes when you walk in.

Considering the world we live in today, perception is reality to people. So until they really get to know you and understand your personality they will always assume that you are full of yourself. Facilities for UFC training in Maryland are ego-free for a reason. In order to keep and grow talent you need to you need to have a good training environment.

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The Difference Between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu And Military Combative Training

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Martial arts schools in Maryland know that it’s common for military personnel who have done some sort of combative training to try their hand at Brazilian jiu jitsu. That is a logical step for military personnel to take, but they shouldn’t expect instant success. Military combative training teaches a lot of the same principles that are in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Military combative are designed to teach a variety of techniques including weapons training and striking to a large number of people in a short amount of time so many of the techniques are left out.

Of course it’s military combative training and it’s going to be different because they can punch their opponent or use weapons. The opponent can also strike them back which will change the techniques to address that issue. Martial arts schools in Maryland are very good at teaching the differences in the the techniques. Even though the combatives will give them a foundation some techniques may need to be unlearned. They can keep their basic principles, but they will have to unlearn some techniques. There are no successful military trained Brazilian jiu jitsu fighters in the world that compete and win on an international level. However if they are willing to relearn the process differently and leave their ego at the door they can quickly rise to that level.

One good example of a technique that they will need to relearn is opening the closed guard. The military combative training book teaches the students to open the closed guard by first posturing up, which is good. It is very important to maintain good posture in your opponents guard. Unfortunately the book then teaches you to insert one arm between your opponents legs and forcing them open. This is very dangerous because you are putting yourself right into a triangle choke. A Brazilian jiu jitsu fighter would thank their opponent if they always tried that escape. There are so many more examples like that in the military combatives book, but fortunately there are martial arts schools in Maryland will teach any student proper technique if they are willing to learn.

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3 Tips for BJJ Fighters to Make Weight

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Good martial arts schools in Maryland that teach Brazilian jiu jitsu tell their competition students that they have two battles. One battle is with their opponent and the second battle is with the scale.  Competitors must watch what they eat because if they don’t make weight all of the hard work, getting in shape and training will have been for nothing. It is not that hard to find a diet and get tips an loosing weight or to find tips on losing water weight but all too often competitors don’t give themselves the proper amount of time to cut the weight.  Throughout this article will be tips about making sure every fighter is on weight for their competition.

  1.  Plan:  Planning is the most important part of any goal. During this stage the jiu jitsu fighter needs to figure out exactly how much they weight with what they are going to wear for the competition (take note if the tournament requires you to weigh in with a gi or off) including the belt. Once that is figured out it is time to be realistic about the goal in relation to the time frame of the competition. Martial arts schools in Maryland help their students when they are unsure that their plan is not working.
  2. Execute:   Once the pan for cutting the weight (Diet, methods for shedding water, time frame and schedule, etc.) is set it is time to put the plan to action.  It takes a lot of discipline to cut weight, which is why this stage is so hard, so you need to be sure you set up a system of accountability. During the execute stage outside and inside distraction need to be kept to a minimum especially if the fighter is not strong-willed.
  3. Monitor:  Martial arts schools in Maryland teach their students that during the monitor stage the jiu jitsu fighter needs to check up on themselves. They need to track their weight, and also their strength and energy levels. If the path that they are taking is making them feel weak and causing their body to break down more than usual then it is time to reevaluate the plan to make tweaks. 

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Tips On Defending Your Self From An Attacker

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

Self defense classes in Columbia MD like to teach techniques that will increase a person’s chances of survival in the event of an attack. The classes often teach them how to defend from the standing position, back against the wall position, and when the back is flat against the ground. These are a few of the positions that could occur during a fight. Fights are unpredictable so it is important to know how to defend yourself in every situation. It is important to be ready both mentally and physically to so that when the situation occurs you can react fast which will increase your odds of success.                 

The fight is usually going to start on the feet so knowing how to immediately defend from the standing position will stop a lot of potentially bad things from happening. Self defense classes in Columbia MD will tell their students to keep their hands up at all times protecting their face. Keeping the hands up in the correct position will allow for better defense and also allow you to mount an offence of your own weather through striking or grappling.  

When the back is against the wall or some other object the situation has now escalated to a riskier situation. At this point in the fight it is imperative not to get trapped into the corner of a wall when being attacked. If there are multiple attackers then it’s better to have the back in a corner because no one can hit them from behind. Also if the person is being attacked by multiple attackers while in the corner it limits some of the damage the group can do.

People rarely think about what to do if the fight gets taking to the ground. Most people think that they should just focus on learning boxing and stand up techniques. Although knowing how to box is a good skill to have some self defense classes in Columbia MD teach their students how to protect themselves against ground attacks. Being on the ground is not necessarily a bad position but it could be. there are many ground positions, some good and some bad, so you need to be sure not to get mounted or turn your back to them.

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Mixed Martial Arts – The 3 best headgears to buy to sparring

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Everyone that does serious UFC training in Maryland knows that sparring is necessary part of training.  The fighter can drill moves and hit the heavy bag as hard as they want, but sparring is the best way to see how they will handle themselves in a real fight.   If fighter uses their sparring time effectively they will be able to analyze and correct the mistakes that were made during that sparring session.   Students who do self defense classes in Baltimore MD spar also to get the most realistic training experience possible. 

Even though the fighter will not be wearing that much protection in the cage they need to protect themselves while training.  Headgear is the most important item to purchase when fighters decide to begin sparring training.    Fighters need to be sure to find headgear that fits properly and comfortably while providing the most protection and support.

 There are a lot of different brands of headgear so it can be very hard for someone who is starting out to know what brand is the best.  The following is the 3 most recommended headgear brands that fighters who get their UFC training in Maryland use for sparring.  The items lists are not in any particular order.

  1. Fighting:   The Tri-Tech training headgear is the best headgear Fighting has to offer.   This headgear features a trio of fighting foams (sponge, high and low density) for maximum comfort, delivery, and coverage.  The Tri-Tech Fighting headgear has padded cheeks, forehead, ears, back of the head and chin giving the fight full coverage and protection to concentrate on technique. 
  2. Fairtex:  The Fairtex Full Coverage headgear is designed for comfort, protection, and visibility.  Their equipment is manufactured for years of hard sparring.   The headgear is fully adjustable for added comfort.  The Fairtex Full Coverage headgear is made from top grain leather and hand produced in Thailand.
  3. Hayabusa:   The best headgear that Hayabusa makes is their Hayabusa Pro MMA Headgear.   The headgear is ultra lightweight getting the head the ability to move quickly to avoid punches.  There are integrated ear hole covers and open top for ventilation.  Hayabusa Pro MMA headgear is stylish and provides maximum protection to the face and jaw.

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