John Zapala

07 Sep 12:22

This week's striking mat chats are all about focusing on details. When we say “analyze details,” it means paying close attention to the little things. Great martial artists don’t just go through the motions — they watch their foot placement, where their hands are, how they move their body.

Why? Because small details make a BIG difference.

When you notice the small stuff — like how to pivot your foot, or how your partner reacts — you get better faster and stay safer too. 

The best athletes (and people) don’t rush. They slow down, focus, and notice the small things — because details are the building blocks of greatness.

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Breath through your nose - out through your mouth - then take them down!

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16 Jun 16:39

I’m massive on visualizing - going over techniques way too many times in my head until I can do it on the mats. I listen to audiobooks like Gracie’s 32 Principles and the Zen Jiujitsu books. I study fights, but now I’m really excited about the UFC going BJJ in this new series: https://www.youtube.com/live/61M_EvA1eyU?si=SBRcvdzkoZjt-rmE

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26 May 22:25

Great topic! I’ll be visiting Randy Couture's gym in Las Vegas this June with my kids — can’t wait to soak it all in. You're right about calling ahead! If I can give any advice - be respectful. Traveling is a great way to experience new styles, make connections, and level up your game. Let me know if you’ve got any tips for Xtreme Couture!

25 May 13:54

Cus D'Amato - legendary trainer and Mike Tyson's coach - once said the most beautiful sound was when two punches sound like one. This week in striking, we are going to work on mastering the mechanics of the 1-2 combo. https://youtube.com/shorts/UAOtzR-lw5g?si=2aeozLijOFYvtOOy

22 Apr 09:31

I’d create a class called “Pressure & Presence: Jiujitsu for Dominance and Control.” It would focus on using weight, posture, and mindset to overwhelm opponents before submissions even begin—teaching how to control the fight through positioning and pressure. 

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07 Apr 09:21

This week's JiuJitsu Mat Chats center around Trust. Here is our Key Message About Trust:

Trust is earned through actions, honesty, and respect.

Trusting yourself is the first step to achieving your goals.

Building trust with others makes us stronger as a team and as individuals.

These mat chats encourage students to think about trust in multiple dimensions, fostering stronger relationships and self-confidence. "Trust is built with respect."

03 Mar 15:01

This week's mat chats will be about Decisions & Choices. "Decisions Shape Our Path!" Our discussions will center around how decisions matter (even the small ones), making smart choices, and how we can learn from our decisions - good and bad.

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Loop choke - but now that you know, is it still sneaky?

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