Self Defense | Annapolis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

self defense - annapolis brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ)

Annapolis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - A large debate in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been taking place for many years. The debate is over whether to practice self-defense BJJ or tournament/sport style BJJ.

What Should You Practice? Self Defense or Sport Style Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) - Annapolis

Lets look at the benefits of both. Self Defense for the purposes of this article will be any training that keeps in mind the possibility of being struck by a punch, kick, head butt, knee, or any other type of strike. When you are standing facing your opponent, you obviously cannot just walk up and try to tie up with your opponent with your hands down. You must tactically make your entry and always keep your guard up. On your back in the guard or any other position, you must always try to be either too close to your opponent for an effective strike or too far. This also must be considered when you are on top of your opponent. Up kicks, elbows and punches from the bottom can definitely end a fight. This will change what style of guard passing you use. Any move could potentially have to be modified to minimize the chance of strikes. Countering headlocks and various grabs are also usually practiced in the self defense curriculum. These are very important for self-defense, as these are some of the most common ways that an untrained opponent will try to attack you.

Sport BJJ has many moves and strategies that cannot be applied in Self Defense. The game changes when you do not have to be worried about being struck in the face or low kicked. Sport BJJ typically emphasizes a high level of physical conditioning and relying on moves which work on individuals in the same weight class as you. If you are training without the gi, sweat will allow you to escape from bad positions without necessarily applying the proper technique. You will also see many people pull guard in tournament BJJ. When you don’t have to worry about strikes this can be a good strategy because of the various sweeps and submissions available to you from the bottom.

There Are Benefits to Both Self Defense and Sport Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) - Annapolis

Overall there are benefits to both styles of BJJ. At Annapolis Brazilin Jiu Jitsu, we practice and teach both. In the author’s opinion 80-90% of your time should be spent learning the self-defense of BJJ. This will ensure that bad habits learned from sport BJJ do not appear if you are confronted on the street. At the end of the day you must make your decision on what style to train based on your own reasons for studying BJJ.

In this article I am going to cover some theories and tips on the technique known as the Triangle choke.

The Triangle choke is one of the most well known strangleholds in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. And along with the armbar, and rear naked choke, it is probably in the top three of all submissions. The triangle choke is a very versatile submission in BJJ that has as many setups as it does transitions to other submissions. Let’s explore some basics of the triangle choke.

The triangle is most commonly performed from the guard. One of the most basic setups consists of pushing one of your opponent’s arms in between your legs, then while controlling the posture of your opponent, you transition into the triangle choke by placing the ankle of one of your legs directly into the bend of your knee on your opposite leg. Most but not all experts recommend pulling the arm that is trapped along side of your opponent’s head across your body to tighten the choke. Pressure is then applied three separate ways. They are, pulling down on your opponent’s head, constricting your opponent with your legs, and finally raising your hips off the ground towards your opponents chin.

This is a versatile choke that can be applied from nearly anywhere. It is not uncommon to see triangles from the mount, side control, half guard, and even flying triangles from the standing position.

Triangle chokes have served me well throughout my grappling training. The threat of the triangle forces opponents to back away and posture. This will create many armlock opportunities. Craftier opponents may try to hide the arm that is locked within the triangle behind your legs. This presents an easy transition to the omoplata. If your opponent tries to defend by placing his hand under his chin you can apply a nasty wristlock.

Many books and videos have been produced about the triangle choke. It seems that everyone has their own spin on how to set up and finish the choke. However almost every top grappler today has made the triangle choke one of his or her bread and butter moves. I believe that this is because once a triangle choke is fully applied and locked in, there is no high percentage escape.

If I were you I would make the triangle a focus of your training. Once mastered it will serve you well.

Patience As A Strategy

Annapolis MMA - One of the key tenets of BJJ is Patience. Frequently a fight is not decided by who attacks the most.  Rather it is often decided by who exhausts themselves first.

I recently read that in as little as 60 seconds an individual could reach complete exhaustion in a fight. There are many reasons for this.

The fight or flight reflex kicks in. This is something ingrained into Human DNA that will give you a surge of adrenaline to either fight or flee from an attack.

When too many stressors are introduced at once, or there is a prolonged exposure to one stressor the body will quickly reach exhaustion.

When you have no energy left, all the technique and training in the world will be useless. You will be completely at the mercy of your attacker.

BJJ teaches you to feel comfortable in the close confines of a fight. The more familiar you are with a situation the less stress you will feel.

BJJ also teaches to wait for the right time to counter your opponent and either finish the fight or look for an opportunity to escape.

Having patience and staying calm will allow you to let your opponent to exhaust himself which will make it much easier to survive a fight.

Survival is the name of the game. When you can survive there will always be an opportunity to apply a chokehold or escape to your feet where you can safely continue.

These are not natural reactions. They must be trained. At Annapolis MMA, this type of training is taught.

I promise you that if you can master patience and survival they will serve you well not only in a fight but in life as well.

You will know when to commit an efficient counter attack and ensure that you have sufficient energy to counter when the time is right.

New Year's Resolution

Annapolis MMA - It’s the time of year where we all make promises to ourselves to lose weight, get in shape, stretch more, try something new, and drop bad habits we no longer want. You have made these promises to yourself over and over year after year. But here you sit still unhappy after another new year.

Psssst….. there’s a secret that will allow you to reach every goal I listed in the introduction. This secret will not only take you by the hand and pull you to all of your goals, but it will also teach you a skill that could save your life or the life of your loved ones someday.

What is this secret? It’s not really a secret at all. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the fastest growing martial art in America right now. And, it is a huge part of Annapolis MMA.

Why? Well a big part of it is because it works in self-defense situations. It works so well that the US Army has adopted it as there official hand-to-hand method of combat.

What’s other reason? And I think the biggest reason. It’s FUN!

You wont even realize that you’re exercising. Jiu Jitsu is a game of human chess. You will get so caught up in the strategy and timing of the training that you will not realize the great cardiovascular and strength workout that comes from Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu practitioners are also some of the most flexible people on earth.

If I could recommend just one thing that would help you reach your New Years Resolution… It would be to RUN not walk to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Revolution going on right now.

Make the best investment anyone can make. Invest in yourself. Come out, get moving, learn a skill that could save your life, and finally get yourself in shape.

The only thing you have to lose is inches off your waist.

Aim high in 2012; make this the year where you become all that you can become.

Own 2012!

Big Steve

Annapolis MMA

Annapolis MMA - There are many different reasons why an individual takes up Mixed Martial Arts. It could be for self defense, to become champion of the world, to get in shape, or to just study the art. Whatever your motivations are for taking MMA, take heed to these 3 critical tips to stay on track to receiving maximum benefits out of your MMA career.

Annapolis MMA: Killer Tip 1 – Choose the Right MMA School

Locating the best MMA School can seem to be a daunting task. It is the first step and key to your success. At Annapolis MMA, we cater to every facet of an athlete. No matter your goals, there is a place for you at Annapolis MMA. If you are an exceptionally athlete with aspirations of becoming a pro fighter, Annapolis MMA has brought up fighters from the ground up. Aspiring fighters have come in with no experience and turned pro.

However, the majority of individuals that enter a MMA gym have no concerns about competition. They want to learn the art. A beginner friendly atmosphere is paramount for a new student. Annapolis MMA caters to beginners as well as the intermediate and advanced practitioner. Classes are taught from the ground up. Beginning classes in ground fighting, striking, and grappling are conducted with the new student in mind.

Annapolis MMA: Killer Tip 2 – Set Your Goals

To be successful at Annapolis MMA, or any other MMA school, you must set goals. With the aid of your instructor, set short and long term goals. Goal setting will help you stay focused and motivated. I highly suggest that you write your goals down. And, after you complete one goal, write down the next. Goal setting tremendously helps your MMA journey.

Annapolis MMA: Killer Tip 3 – Consistency is Critical

Being consistent is probably the most important aspect of your MMA journey. If you can’t remain consistent, you will have a difficult time becoming fluent in the art. At Annapolis MMA, I suggest new students attend classes at least three times a week. Attending classes three times a week allows you to retain information and become fluent in the technique. It also allows your body to rest as needed. Members that attend classes more than three times a week must be careful not to over train. Moreover, be careful with the intensity of your workout. Too many hard workouts can result in injury especially if you are not giving your body enough time to recover. Furthermore, ensure to tailor you intensity. Some days, you will need to spar or workout slow. That being said, it is always wise to conduct smart training sessions with safety in mind.

Just like any other sport, there will be good and bad days. MMA training is no different. On some days, your training session will be so good that you will feel like you can beat the current Ultimate Fighting Champion. On other days, you will feel like you never learned anything. At Annapolis MMA, we will focus on the good and correct mistakes. It is a learning process. If you can walk away from each training session with one improvement, no matter how small, consider it is a good training session at Annapolis MMA.

Annapolis MMA

Annapolis MMA - There is no doubt that that MMA practitioners are the most conditioned athletes on the planet. They possess attributes of conditioning, speed, stamina, and strength (without lifting weights).

There are many different types of athletes. They will excel in the sport they participate in. But, they will normally lack key aspects that will make them an ultimate athlete. Take a marathon runner for instance. A marathon runner has incredible endurance and stamina. However, they will lack in strength and power. Other sport’s athletes will lack where other athletes are strong. It isn’t impossible to dominate all the major attributes of an extreme athlete such as endurance, speed, power, strength, agility, cardio, balance, and stamina. You will simply need the guidance to accomplish this feat.

To become an ultimate athlete, you must train in MMA. Mixed Martial Arts athletes are the most well rounded athletes on the planet, period! Not only do they possess mental toughness, they also possess all the physical attributes listed above combined with fighting skills. Even the smallest of MMA fighters can subdue a much bigger opponent based on athleticism alone, not even adding fighting skills.

Annapolis MMA is Broken Down Into Three Stages

Let’s break down each athletic attribute of a MMA fighter. At Annapolis MMA, MMA is broken down into three stages; striking, grappling, and ground fighting.

Speed is measured by how fast an object travels from one point to another. Speed is needed in striking. Speed creates powerful punches and kicks. The strike that can’t be seen is normally the one that renders your opponent unconscious. Quickness is measured by how fast you can move. Agility is the icing on the cake. Speed, quickness, and agility give you the ability to move in different angles and to strike your opponent from various positions.

At Annapolis MMA you will learn grappling skills. At Annapolis MMA, grappling is classified as wrestling and judo. Grappling skills can be used to keep the match standing or to take your opponent to the ground. While performing grappling techniques, you will develop arm and core strength as well as leverage to aid in your technique.

Ground fighting is defined as a set of techniques employed by a MMA practitioner on the ground. There are several Martial Arts that teach ground fighting. However, at Annapolis MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the preferred method of ground fighting. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, also known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu was developed, perfected, and popularized by the world famous Gracie family. It is an art of leverage and technique, most notable by applying joint-locks and chokeholds, used to defeat or subdue an opponent. It has also been used to dominate other Martial Arts all over the world. At Annapolis MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the main component of MMA.

Placing these three components of MMA into practice will give you stamina and endurance. Stamina is working at a continued pace for a long period of time. Endurance is working for as long as you possibly can. Without stamina and endurance, you will not last long against an opponent. If you lack in either, it will allow you to make critical mistakes that can cost you dearly. Furthermore, you will not be able to complete the rounds required to be a top MMA fighter. At Annapolis MMA, you will develop skills necessary to combat the war of attrition.

Moreover, your muscles will gain stamina and endurance without tiring to be able to sustain a submission hold. If you can’t hold a submission against a stubborn opponent, it can create a huge risk. Once you release the submission, not only will your muscles be fatigued, you will also give your opponent the chance to turn the tables.

Discover Annapolis MMA and Become The Ultimate Athlete

I can assure you that at Annapolis MMA not only will you be put on the path to becoming an Ultimate Fighter; you will also become an ultimate athlete as well. Training in MMA is the only sport that will allow you to master every athletic attribute associated with a sport. Don’t get me wrong, other sports will get you in shape. However, they lack the total package that is offered at Annapolis MMA.

Another black belt from our association, Bart Palazewski, also fought and won by KO in the first round against Tyson Griffin.

Major stars from Crop Cop to Chieck Kongo among others were fighting on this card that was headlined by the great fight between Nick Diaz and BJ Penn! Check these out!

Everyone at the Garfield BJJ academy frequently takes trips to the Pedro Sauer total Self Defense Academy. This ensures that we provide the best Annapolis MMA training available.

Master Sauer Frequently Visits Annapolis MMA

In addition, Master Sauer frequently travels to our school and teaches Annapolis MMA fighters his own unique and highly technical brand of MMA.

Annapolis MMA training is scarce and those who do teach MMA in Annapolis are often frequently not qualified to prepare anyone in basic self defense let alone to compete in a cage.

There are many Annapolis MMA fighters training right now at Garfield BJJ who are on the path to events like the UFC.

Reach The Top With Annapolis MMA!

Annapolis MMA fighters who want to reach the top should only trust their valuable time and energy to the best trainers available.

So if you are an aspiring Annapolis MMA fighter or just want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense, you owe it to yourself to stop by Garfield BJJ and check out a class.

Check Out The Pics:

Crocop Talking To Herb Dean

Bart Palazewski Getting Hands Wrapped

Bart Palazewski

Master Sauer and Bart Palazewski

Jeff Curran Getting Hands Wrapped - GSP In The Background

Jeff Curran Warming Up

Jeff Curran's Entrance To The Cage

Jeff Curran In The Cage

Jeff Curran - Showtime!

Jeff Curran - Across From Opponent

Juff Curran in Action!

Annapolis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ralek Gracie and Jon Garfield

Annapolis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Ralek Gracie and Steve Adornato

Monday night, Big Steve and I had the opportunity to attend a seminar taught by Ralek Gracie.

If you ever get a chance to train with Ralek or any of the Gracie family, go do it! Ralek has his own perspectives on self-defense and Jiu Jitsu that are different from anyone that I have ever trained with.

We learned several concepts about pressure on top, as well as focused sparring that I will be incorporating into my training.

I once heard that in Jiu Jitsu a concept is worth 10,000 moves. I agree 100%!

Jon and Aaron Riley

Hey Guys,

While flipping through some photo albums yesterday I came across something I thought was lost forever. Take a look at this picture of me and UFC and Pride Fighting veteran Aaron Riley. This picture was taken right after the rules meeting at a professional MMA Event in Ocean City MD. Aaron and I coached ten fighters together at this event. Afterwards Aaron was very complimentary of my coaching abilities. This is a huge compliment coming from someone who has competed at the elite levels of Mixed Martial Arts. This man has fought for the two biggest promotions to ever stage MMA - Pride Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championships.  I’m sure he has seen good coaching and bad coaching along the way. I wish Aaron all the luck in his future fighting endeavors. I’m sure that our paths will cross again as this is such a small knit community.

I should look through these albums more often

And what a seminar it was.  Several aspects of self defense were covered with phenomenal details.

If you missed out, don’t worry.  The instructors here at Garfield BJJ will be covering the material in the coming weeks.

Of special interest was a guard pass series that Royler used to win four straight world championships.

Stay tuned to all of Garfield BJJ social and online communications especially this blog so that you can stay up to date with all the happenings at our academy!!!!

Check out the pics:

Master Sauer, Jon Garfield, Royler Gracie

Master Sauer, Big Steve, Royler Gracie

Master Sauer, Cindy, Royler Gracie

Royler Gracie & Kid

Royler Gracie & Master Sauer

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Self Defense Technique 1

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Self Defense Technique 2

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Self Defense Technique 3

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Knee Bar

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Guard Pass on Master Sauer 1

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Guard Pass On Master Sauer 2

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Guard Pass on Master Sauer 3

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Guard Pass on Master Sauer 4

Royler Gracie Demonstrating A Guard Pass on Master Sauer 5

Royler Gracie Answering Questions 1

Royler Answering Questions 2

Cindy Enjoying The Seminar!

Group Pic!