When I try a technique or move that I can typically always land, and the person I’m rolling with, shits it down like it’s my first day at the gym. So demoralizing. 

While we would hope that nobody makes the mistake to extend their arms from the bottom, it is great to see our kids recognize the opportunity to secure an arm, twist the hips, throw the leg over, and land an arm bar. I also love that for every attack technique shown to the kids, it also shows the defensive technique in a way for the training partner. Great training partners make for great jiu jitsu. 

Trap, Bridge, and Roll is such a solid technique that it’s a fundamental for little kids, but still applicable to adult jiu jitsu on a daily basis. It’s even taught as part of the defensive tactics curriculum for local law enforcement. 

I enjoy training with someone that I can have a conversation with. I can try some technique that is not traditional and we can laugh about it being a dumb move or explore variations to show why it’s a good move. 

Would you say that those 2 days off help equilize your body? LOL #Casey

While this is sport jiu jitsu, and these are kids, Jiu Jitsu as a whole idea is great for self defense. It builds confidence and allows them to know what is safe and what is not safe in regards to limits of flexibility. A choke however, doesn't really have a "flexibility line". If the choke is in, especially one as devastating as a rear naked choke, the importance of knowing that it can come on so quickly and be so powerful is critical. Done correctly and safely, the rear naked choke is one of the all time greatest.

When an opponent is in top side control, and switches their hips to face towards me, this is one of my favorite escapes. It is simple and uses the person's body weight and gravity against them.

Striking class: Upper cuts are not a super common strike, but definitely a devastating one when it lands. Using angles to generate power in both punches and kicks is a game changer. 

Probably not the best quality test to determine of the technique is quality, but something I have noticed that catches my attention is the quality of the video recording itself. If someone is recording from their phone, holding it in their hand, I tend to skip over those videos. If I find a video where thought and effort went into the production of the video, (ie. microphone, video quality, transitions) I tend to give them more attention. If they are willing to put in the effort, I would imagine they take that time and prep into their jiu jitsu learning. 

Super excited for the upcoming competition. Watching our students grow and compete is very rewarding. As a coach, who still actively trains, I am proud to announce that I too am going to compete on the April 12th card. Students on the mat, fighters in the match, and teammates always.

In regards to the upcoming striking week, similar to my love of leg locks in jiu jitsu, I am a big fan of legs in striking. I believe hands are the opening and set up strikes to powerful, knockout kicks. I look forward to seeing the switch kick in action.

With the desire to always want to feel like you accomplished something, it can be hard, especially for kids, to handle disappointment and handle it in a healthy way.