Graduation 29-06-2019

Another fantastic graduation for Auckland Kids BJJ!

For those that weren't able to attend don't worry.  We will catch everyone up when they return from holiday or illness.  It was a tough term with everyone getting sick including myself.

Jamie, Oliver's dad, was our photographer again for our graduation.  He took another set of fantastic photos of the team.  Thanks so much for volunteering your time to help us out.

Thanks to Serge and Stuart for coming out on a Saturday morning. Their support is crucial in making our development.  Stuart recently received his 2nd degree for his black belt.  This means he's now able to award the black belt to those in our adult school that are ready.  It's very important that we have a level of competency with our students that progress to a higher belt. Serge, Stuart and I are members of the IBJJF.  The IBJJF holds their members to a very high standard.  You are welcome to visit the site and have a read about the organisation.

In New Zealand the competitions use the SJJIF rules.  I've added a page to our site that has a video and pdf of the rules for those who wish to compete.

Now for the fun part.

It’s almost time! Graduation Day Saturday 29/06/19

Our graduation is on for tomorrow.  There will be a lot of students moving belt and stripes will be awarded to our other students.

Jamie has volunteered to be our photographer  for the event.  His photography of our last graduation was outstanding.  I’m already looking forward to seeing photos of tomorrow’s graduation.

See all of you on the mats tomorrow!

Tuesday's armbar session part 2 and Auckland BJJ Graduation

My new stripe

Today we made our armbar form the mount position look smooth and controlled.  Everyone showed great focus and technique drilling the attack.  We finished by showing another option for the mounted armbar.  We did an introduction to the armbar from mount that allows us to stay on top instead of rolling back.  This is the preferred self defence option.  It enables you to get up quickly after the attack.   New concepts take time to smooth out however I'm confidant everyone will have the new option sharp and tight in a few more classes.

Aidan helping to place the mats.

Aidan and I attended the Auckland BJJ graduation last night.  The evening was fantastic.  There was a huge turn out and a lot of people we awarded their next belt.  We had a long rolling session before the grading.  Aidan got in 4 solid rounds with some very technical partners.  If was great to see him enjoying the rolling and socializing with everyone.  Well done Aidan!

Auckland BJJ 

Saturday's armbar session

Today was all about armbar from the mount position.  Both classes did a fantastic job putting the steps to together to accomplish a submission.  More drilling is needed to make it sharp and tight.

We had our half hour rolling session again.  We worked on how to be prepared mentally before starting a match.  Everyone tried to work their new armbar into there game.  We had a number of attempts and a few finishes. 

It won't be long until we switch to armbar in the guard. The armbar submission is a fundamental part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's self defence.  What's beautiful about the armbar is it can be applied in any position.  The endless variations of the technique allow this to happen. All of our kids enjoyed added today's technique into their tool box.  Well done team!

Going for gold

We had an awesome result at the competition Saturday.

Congratulations to Olivia for winning the gold medal in her division. Olivia lost her first match however she regrouped and won by submission in her next 2 matches.  Both submissions were collar chokes in the standing position.  I was so impressed that she remembered what I had coached the team weeks ago.  We went over setting up the choke in the standing position if the take down wasn't working.  Well done Olivia!

Our other students fought hard and showed everyone that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Our second Olivia  "O'Lilly" had a huge bracket to fight through.  She entered the mat with a warrior spirit and went right to work.  I was so proud to see her truly enjoy her matches.  Her opponents were very skilled, but that didn't slow her down at all. 

A big shout goes to Olaf for fighting in his first comp.  He was super nervous when he arrived at the event.  After his first match the nerves were gone and he went on the have some very intense matches. Great work Olaf! 

Hendryk went in guns blazing and had 2 tough matches. Well done for having a great attitude and exemplary sportsmanship. 

Saturday training with the best team ever

We had a great session getting ready for the competition.  Today was about practicing the submissions that everyone will use at the comp.  Our team also worked on sweeps and mount escapes to make sure their techniques are sharp and successful. 

Our rolling session was fantastic.  Everyone was showing off their techniques with great effect.  I'm very happy with the girls on our team for giving all the boys a hard time when rolling. 

Our plan in the next term is go back to teaching the kids BJJ self defense techniques as well as the sport aspect of Jiu Jitsu.