Saturday morning on the mats

Good day everyone

What a great class today.  We did our normal warm up however towards the end I challenged the kids to try the chicken walk drill.  It was great fun watching everyone have a go.  The next challenge was dragging their training partner across the mat by holding the lapels.  Hard work however we all need to improve our leg and grip strength.

Positions we worked on today were side control and knee on the belly. We had a great introduction into these positions.  We will carry on with working through the variations of side control and other positions in future classes.


Parking
We have more parking available off of Nixon street.  There is a new red gate by the dojo entrance that has a punch down lock.  The code is on the white board at the dojo.  You can text me and I can give it to you as well.

Back in action

Hello everyone

With the help of the doctors and nurses at the Auckland ED department, I'm back home and back to work.  Class will resume Tuesday at 4:30pm.  I look forward to getting back on the mat with all of you.

Class cancellation

Hi everyone

I'm in hospital with a kidney stone.  I'm being well looked after and hope to be released late tomorrow afternoon.  Unfortunately our Saturday morning class at 10:00am is cancelled.  I'll keep everyone updated on my progress.  I hope to resume class this Tuesday.

BJJ self defense review

This morning we did a review of the techniques that were taught over the past weeks.

We started with grip breaking.  We added a back fist strike once the grip was broken.  I think everyone enjoyed giving me a good crack to the jaw. 

We progressed into the 2 headlock escapes.  I was impressed with everyone's effort in this very important escape. 

Lastly we did the bear hug escapes. 
Everyone enjoyed taking Aidan down whilst they demonstrated their technique.  Great work being the crash test dummy Aidan. 

What a great attitude and focus everyone had today.  I find it very rewarding to see you all progress in your Jiu Jitsu skill.

I can't wait to see you all back on the mats!

Oss!

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for your child?

It's one of the most effective and tested fighting arts in the world!

95% of fights end up on the ground.  Jiu Jitsu will give your child an advantage if they were to end up in a fight with a bully.

Anyone can learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu isn't just for the elite fighter.  It's an excellent martial art for self defense.  Young, old, big or small can learn the techniques and have a great time in the process.

It's great for physical fitness

Ground fighting is one of the best workouts a person can have.  It's fantastic at building core strength, flexibility and cardio fitness.

It builds character

Your child will learn how to lose and learn how to win with honor and respect. They will discover how to be a good training partner and in the process gain new friends.

It promotes continuous self improvement

Learning BJJ will put your child on a path to discovering new techniques and strategies.  You'll find them looking forward to every class so they can absorb more knowledge.

What students' learn on the mat can be applied in their daily life

Jiu Jitsu will help your child calm their mind in difficult situations.  They will learn to be the rock in the storm.

Jiu Jitsu teaches good sportsmanship

The close contact nature of Jiu Jitsu requires us to have respect for our training partners.  Our dojo etiquette is an essential part of learning sportsmanship and how to be a good training partner.

It is a great opportunity to socialize

Jiu Jitsu is a great place to meet new life long friends and families.  The etiquette of the school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Saturday morning at the dojo

We had 2 new students come out for a try.  I hope they both enjoyed their first class with us.  The first to arrive was Hendrick.  He is new to BJJ and really enjoyed getting going with the class.  The second to arrive was Rossi.  She has just moved from the US and is a yellow belt from a Gracie Barra gym in Georgia.  Her father is a purple belt so I naturally recommended that he come out to Auckland BJJ Epsom for a roll.  Rossi had some really technical rolls with Aidan and the other students.  We look forward to training again with Hendrick and Rossi.

We worked on how to take down a person that bear hugs us today.  It was a good introduction for our newer students and a chance for the older students to revisit the technique.  We will be working the bear hug defense a lot the next few weeks.  This is one of the common tactics I've seen bullies using on the school grounds along with the headlock.

We will be continuing to train during the school break.  Our class times will remain the same.  I look forward to seeing you all on the mats.

School break

School break is coming up.  We will continue classes through the break.

We are focusing on self defense techniques for the next few weeks.  If you are able to attend you will be rewarded with the ability to protect yourself by applying the techniques you have learnt.  Repetitive and consistent practice are the key to honing your skills.  Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

See you on the mats!