Wise words from Dan John

Please take the time to read the following blog post by Coach Dan John. This is really worthwhile blog to follow in that it places your training into a context for your life. I recently read his new book Never Let Go and found it inspirational. If your a reader make sure to check it out.

Let the jiu jitsu do the work...

We all have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to BJJ (and life). Size, patience, speed, strength, flexibility, intelligence, cunning, endurance, power, explosiveness and ruthlessness are qualities we possess, for example, in different measures depending on our genetics, personality and our training. The trick with jiu jitsu of course is not to rely on theses attributes or build a game based entirely on our own individual strengths. The reason that expert smaller BJJ players can handle larger and stronger novice players with such ease is largely due to improved technique, timing and sensitivity. Now as obvious as this may seem I am staggered at how rarely students of the game relinquish their strengths and just work on their technical improvement, timing and sensitivity. Ironically, the successful progress through the ranks is based soley on on how well you can work through the weak areas in your game and thereby gain increased technical proficiency. Notice here that it has absolutely nothing to do with how many people you tap in a nights training or how many tournaments you win. These are wonderful things for sure, but they can sometimes be misleading when it comes down to how technical your game is; Did you win with speed, power or endurance? Or were you using technique? When push comes to shove can you let the jiu jitsu do the work? We now have a group of blue belts that have carried their grade well for a number of years and the question now must be how technical are you? Do I, as your coach, see the same positions, transitions and submissions played out every single time you roll or can I see you work through different avenues of attack and defence in technical combinations? Perhaps paradoxically the only way this goal can be achieved is to step outside your comfort zone while rolling, play, try things, open up the game, experiment, and heaven forbid maybe tap out some more. By losing more you will progress faster. Flesh out your game; be balanced on top and have a solid guard, pass in combinations to both sides, try new submissions and let go of old faithful for a while. Put your favourite sub to bed for 6 months. Food for thought. Make technical progress in the art of BJJ your goal not winning every single time you roll. Do that and you'll be ready for a new belt around your waist. You'll have entered into the higher BJJ ranks regardless of your individual attributes.

Greg Jackson MMA 101

A not so subtle ad for muscle pharm but some sound advice from one of the best in the business.

Ironman Melbourne this weekend

Our best wishes go to, Mornington Extreme blue belt,Niall McDonagh (pictured far left) who this weekend will be competing in the Ironman Melbourne Triathlon. With a solid prep and a home ground advantage with no hassles with travels and the like, we know he can achieve his dream of qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman race later this year. So with all due respect to our tough mudders out there, keep in mind that this race here is actually "probably the toughest event on the planet". While we sleep, eat and relax on Sunday keep Niall in mind as he swims (3.8km), rides (180km) and runs (42.2km). I have the utmost respect for Niall as a person, the dedication he demonstrates and the sacrifices he makes for his sport whilst balancing a young family and a full time executive role are inspirational. I have a feeling that this may be his time to shine. Good luck Niall from all the crew at Mornington Extreme!

Jiu Jitsu has no end...

Kron Gracie vs Beneil Dariush Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials San Diego 2012

Thanks Darts via Facebook

Xande Ribeiro vs Romulo Barral - World Pro BJJ Trials San Diego

New Timetable from Tuesday 13th March 2011

Please note that from Tuesday 13th March we will be changing our timetable to include Mixed Martial Arts classes during the week. BJJ classes will run from 8-9.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday night and will be in Gi both nights. From 7-8pm on Tuesday and Thursday night there will be an MMA class. Please bring your MMA gloves as well as 16oz boxing gloves to training for this class. Saturday open mat at 10.30am will remain no gi. I will set about advertising this more broadly via newspaper ads in the coming weeks but let your friends know that there are now dedicated MMA classes at Mornington Extreme. Also we will have another BJJ class on Monday night at 7.30 pm from Monday 19th March onwards.

Ronda Rousey

Victor Estima Guard Pass