Here’s the question of the week.  How do you train to stay calm and composed under extreme pressure, like in bad positions?  Getting smashed  or pretty close to being submitted.  

What do you tell someone who is considering trying Jiu Jitsu?

Piggybacking of Scott's question last week about why we keep coming back, he pointed out all those things that could stop someone from joining. Sore. Hurt knees. Getting beat up. Etc... If you know someone who is thinking about joining, what do you say to get them to take time out of their day and come through that door for the first time?

Fun question this week. What books have you read or movies have you watched related to jiu jitsu. Let's see what titles we can share!

Books I've only read "Opening the Closed Guard" by Robert Drysdale but have his second book.

Movies like everyone I've watched choke. Jiu Jitsu vs the World was really cool on YouTube. There were a few I saw on Flow that were short docuseries ones too. I feel like there are one's I've forgotten too.

Why do you keep showing up?

We all have different reasons for doing that free trial class. But why do you come back?

You’re beaten up constantly and physically exhausted, your knees hurt, your back is sore, and you can only turn your head so far depending on the day. It doesn’t take long to answer that question that brought you in. What’s driving you to be on the mats???

Do you have a pre or post-training ritual? What is it?

Do you visit other gyms when you’re traveling either for work or on vacation? If so what are some things you look for in a gym you’re going to be visiting? 

What’s the single most valuable concept or technique you’ve learned that transformed your jiu jitsu game, and why?

For y’all who’ve been training for a bit:

I know a lot of people quit and move on, but how do you guys manage losing so many awesome training partners and friends even throughout the years? even though I’m happy when folks do what’s best for them, it’s weird when you go from seeing someone for hours each week and then nothing. And it sucks. 

If you could go back in time and watch any combat sport (jiu jitsu, boxing, mma, etc) match up live and in the front row, what would it be? 

I’d choose the Max Holloway vs Justin Gaethje fight for the BMF belt. Seeing Max knock out Justin with a second left in the 5th round and hearing the pop of the arena would be absolutely insane! One of the top sporting moments in my book. Right up there with Scotty Pods hitting a walk off in Game 2 of the 05 World Series. #GoSox

We all spend a lot of time sharing jiujitsu, but what other hobbies, interests, or activities would you share with your training partners?

Most of my free time revolves around my kids now, and we spend a lot of time at playgrounds,  splash pads, and six flags. I’ve found a lot of ways to have fun there… and I don’t even fight anyone! We recently went to a splash pad and the kids and parents had a blast. 

How do you have fun without armbars and chokes?