Rol Striking Flash Card #1 - the Dekkers Combo. This combo is inspired by Ramon Dekkers and is one of the Sweet 16 combos. "Heart" for more...

My goal is for the technique to feel natural - whether that means to do the move 100x or 10,000x. When you focus on "feel" you are forced to perform in the moment. I stopped thinking about tracking and just think about showing up.

Striking mat chats will focus on how being a leader isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, doing your best, and owning your actions. That’s how trust is built—and that’s how champions grow. We want our students to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. 

Be honest and dependable. Take responsibility. Oss!

This week's JiuJitsu Mat Chats are all about SELF-DEFENSE! These mat chats should help kids understand the importance of self-defense, the role of awareness, and how to use Jiu Jitsu techniques to stay safe. Beyond the techniques we train, self-defense starts with being aware of your surroundings and avoiding dangerous situations whenever you can. It's about staying safe and making smart choices. Self-defense means protecting yourself WISELY. Oss!

Stand up - 100%. When things go down - they always start from a standing position. Lawyers avoid language like "100%" and "always", but I'm confident im right, even when I am totally wrong.

📢 Mat Chat Recap: This Week’s Theme – DecisionsMaxim: “Decisions shape our path.”

👊 Mat Chat 1: Every Decision MattersWe learned that even small choices add up over time. Choosing to practice instead of skipping builds growth and strength. Every decision moves us closer to — or further from — our goals.

🤔 Mat Chat 2: Making Smart ChoicesWhen things get tough, smart choices matter. Just like escaping a tough position in Jiu Jitsu, staying calm, thinking ahead, and picking the best option helps us succeed — in training and in life.

📚 Mat Chat 3: Learning from Our DecisionsNot every decision will go the way we want — and that’s okay! Mistakes are lessons in disguise. Every choice, good or bad, gives us a chance to improve, grow, and get stronger.

✨ Takeaway:

Every decision matters

Make smart choices under pressure

Learn and grow from every outcome

Best answer I could come up with - training with pads and striking across the body more naturally trains us to rotate and wind up our torso for max impact. Here is a clip of Saenchai pad training in Thailand: https://youtu.be/dY6ZVJjkTNM?si=eMwbou1MqXQH8GUc

In this week's Adult Striking class we will sharpen the hooks, practice the switch kick from a southpaw stance, and run the Hemmers combo till it’s in your blood. Show up, put in the work—respect is earned on the mats.

A mentor taught me that there is a confidence that only comes from training combat sports. Jiujitsu and striking gives me that extra confidence in every single area of my life that nothing else can. I show up because the mats don’t lie—pain fades, but respect is forever.