My big "Aha" was when I figured out Jiu Jitsu is a technique game and not about brute force or strength. It finally hit me during an injury when I wasnt able to use my strength - I was forced to depend on good technique. 

Kids Striking - 12/30/24-1/5/25

Front Kicks (Teep/Ball of Foot & Rising)

Focus: Using powerful, long-range front kicks for defense.

Skills:

Front kick with the ball of the foot (precision).

Rising front kick (shin/instep contact).

Drill: Reaction drill—students strike a pad held at varying heights.

Key Message: “Strong kicks keep danger away.”

This weeks Mat Chats are all about "Trust": 

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.

"Position before submission." Life, like Jiu Jitsu, isn’t won by brute force—it’s won by strategy, patience, and control. When things feel overwhelming, I remember to get to the right "position" first. Control the chaos - especially in my mind. Then, and only then, make the move.

Control. In Jiu Jitsu, it's about controlling your opponent, your position, your movements—never rushing, never wasting energy, always knowing your next step before your opponent does. In life, control is about mastering your emotions, your reactions, and your environment. It's knowing when to push and when to hold back. It's about responding, not reacting. Control turns chaos into opportunity. LOL - alright journal entry done for the day - time to eat an apple.

This week we emphasize the importance of recognizing, using, and building upon your strengths in training and beyond.

“Use your strengths to build new strengths.”

Technique Breakdown:

ROL Kids - Kimura Bump from Guard - 1. Hands In Place (Closed Guard); 2. Hug the Arm; 3. Hip Bump; 4. Top Control

ROL Kids - Open Guard Sitting - 1. Hands In Place (Closed Guard - Hand on Hip, grip on lapels); 2. Knee In & Sit Back; 3. Loop Under & Grip Shoulder; 4. Pass to the Side

ROL Kids - Scissor Sweep - Hands in Place (Grip Lapel/Grip Sleeve); 2. Knee Inside; 3. Get to Elbow & Load; 4. Scissor Legs

LOL! Yeah the jiu-jitsu = weight loss paradox is real! The better we get with technique the less we sweat on the mat!

The easiest technique for me? It's not about the move, it's about the mindset. Staying calm under pressure is where I have learned to thrive since I first started. I started to realize maintaining control of my mind lets me control the mat. The technique follows naturally when you're in command of your mental game. Everything else - just the flow.

Yea - closed guard was and is still unappealling to me, but I have almost finally accepted that as a smaller guy it's a great way for me to set myself up for better positions especially against more experienced players.

MAT CHAT - SHARING JIUJITSU

“Grow together, stronger together.”

This week we emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge and supporting each other in Jiu Jitsu, showing that by helping one another, everyone becomes stronger.