Attempting accelerated BJJ learning

Nothing can substitute mat time, but doing the same things over and over again will not take me to the next level. It's not practice which makes perfect, but perfect practice which makes the technique perfect.

Four of us (guys I roll with) have intended to watch one section of Saulo Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Revolution Series One

After watching the section we'll practice what has been mentioned, the whole month. While comparing and learning from each others experience. Four people viewing and attempting the same methods should give us four different view points and experiences. During the month we'll re watch the same section.

This month (Feb 2011) we will study the The Mount position.

Skipping isn't Just for Little Girls

When I was a kid and had stumbled into my local boxing club (Ruskin ABC then, Fairbun ABC now) and had started training there. One of the first things I was taught was how to skip like a fighter and not how a little girls skips in the play ground. This is how Winston the head coach for the juniors had described my first attempts. Where am I going with this trip down memory lane? Skipping is easy. Easy to learn and easy to do. A speed rope will cost you about £3 delivered to your door. All you need is a little space and to make thing interesting sight of a clock.

Currently I try and get at least one 30 minute session per week (5x 5 min rounds with 1 min intervals for breaks) in as I'm leaving work in the car park. Then wrap up and get on my bike to get home.

Here's a Vid of Ross showing us how it's done



For much more details on the benefits of skipping (jumping rope) here's and article by Ross Boxing

Losing @ the English Open Nov 2010

Not sure about the points, as I went from deep half guard, sweep to side, then mount and only got 4 points for the mount. But, in the end my opponent had me defending the last minute of the bout.

A year in to competitive BJJ

The very first BJJ comp I entered after a few solid weeks of BJJ schooling was the Kent BJJ Open back in November 2008. A year into the game I return to the Kent Open and get to the semi finales, and so does the Prince of Darkness a.k.a my brother.

Click here to check out the vids on my Youtube Channel

HMR HIIT (Horse Manure Relocation High Intensity Interval Training)

Just like many others who part take in any amateur competitive sport. I have limited time to put towards training, more so for conditioning. As it’s not as enjoyable as the skills based training sessions. Also requires a higher level of motivation as seldom is it done in a group environment. My personal solution was to combine some manual labour required on my allotment plot and some HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)



This is how HMR HIIT was invented. It allowed me to stock up on the horse manure just outside the allotment site and place it on my own plot. Armed with a wheel barrow and spade I jog to the manure site load up the wheel barrow and jog back pushing the loaded barrow. Tip out the barrow on my plot and hand over the barrow and spade to my brother who’d then do the same while I jog in front to ensure the narrow path way is free from by passers. After thirty minutes of this we relocate six wheel barrows full of manure. Great work out.



This morning we knocked up the first bed and the horse manure was shoveled on.

Increasing Grip Strength for the lazy

After watching 'Five Grip Training Methods for BJJ & Submission Grappling' by Stephan Kesting. I searched online and brought myself a 'Iron Woody - The Woody Gripper'. The idea is to use it while watching a movie and increase resistance every week or so. I'll let you guys know who I get on.

Infected with LS (not ILS)

After a year of rolling around on sweaty mats I stayed infection free. Washing my gi and all my gear soon as I got in and using a cap full of Dettol instead of softener in the machine and Dettol soap in the shower. Followed this with oiling my skin with coconut oil before I towel down. Worked great at keeping me bug free. But After a solid year of infection free grappling I've pick up a really strong strain of LS.


What is LS?


It mainly effects (but not excluded to) the latissimus dorsi (Lats) to region. The doctor tells me the only cure is to stop grappling. This will lead to the LS (Lat Syndrome) reversing over a period of 3-6 months.





LS is a physical condition, while ILS(Imaginary Lat Syndrome) is a psychological one.

All jokes aside I do feel I'm morphing into a Silverback the more I grapple.