Foot sweep for me

For me personally was not being flat on my back. Through white and half of my time at blue belt.  Any time I was working on guard retention or sweeps I would be flat on my back instead of getting on my side.  You can’t accomplish much being flat on your back.  Professor Thomas would always tell me we are not doing Pilates.  

I like to isolate the technique so I get a really good understanding of that technique against a non resistant training partner.  Than I will worry about the what if’s that come into play during the positional training of sparring.

What a good question. .  Jiu Jitsu has been such an instrumental part of my own personal development.  It has taught me so much about myself.  I would say the biggest thing beside problem solving , would be the self confidence it gave me.  Which I always struggled with.

I think drilling is a must, you can also describe it as practicing a movement a number of times or getting the reps in. Drilling a movement pattern consistently downloads it into your subconscious, converting into conscious so your technical effort becomes automatic or muscle memory.  

That’s a good question so many people have give me great advice over the years.  One sticks out at blue belt when my guard is getting passed.  Don’t let them get to your head expect the cross face and be ready to block or redirect it.  That would  help  me to start my reguard process. 

I personally love training both.  I would choose the Gi for a couple of reasons.  One I can slow my training parts because of the grips and the friction from the Gi. I also think you can be more technical. 

A black belt is someone who has put in years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice become proficient in the art.  When I first started training I thought a black belt had all the answers.  As the jiu jitsu journey continues i began to realize jiu jitsu is infinite.  I don’t think you can ever master it.  It’s always changing and evolving.  I think a black belt is a forever student of the art always trying to sharpen there sword.  

What’s in my Jiu Jitsu bag?  My belt, tape for my fingers and a mouthpiece those items stay in there 24/7.  Training days I pack what I need for that class Gi, rash guards and spats.  Usually bring one extra rashguard.