If I could go back, I would heel hook my white belt self for not starting when I was way younger. lol. But I would also tell him that even tho it can get hard, this journey will be such a confidence booster and so fun along the way. I would also tell him to eat healthy, lift and get strong, focus on technique,  and individually they will compliment each other. Shout out to Coach Rajwah who is gonna help me lift for 2026. 💪🏻

I personally have not had that problem yet with my son. The boy honestly loves coming and looks forward to it. But, when I hear about a kid wanting to give up in the moment, I usually find it’s due to frustration. Like I’ve mentioned before, I try to make them laugh and forget about what they were concerned with. Usually that little mental break is all it takes to get them back in the right headspace space. 

Of the 2 options for back control escape, bridge and single leg, I’m personally a much bigger fan of bridge. This will be a fun one to try and teach, seeing if the kids can understand the concepts of the escape. 

Ok, I’ll be the lone wolf. I think the sport jiu jitsu is so much more fun and would choose that. 

A cool rashguard would be nice. 

I personally own 6. And then at least a few for Jacob. 

Super excited for all the kids this graduation ceremony. Knowing that everyone in attendance is going to be cheering and celebrating each individual student. It is going to make them feel like rock stars and bring a level of satisfaction and pride in that student, in a way that only a big public showing like this can do. 

I’m gonna take a different opinion on this. Pad work helps both the person striking, and the pad holder. Assuming both are orthodox, the strikers jab (left straight), connects with the pad holders left pad, which is his jab hand. So as much as the striker punches his jab, the holder holds out his jab. So on and so forth. Jab, cross, hook will be the same hands and motion for both striking and pad holding… if that makes sense. 

Also, developing good habits is key. The pad holder should not be holding the pads outside of the center line. It’s teaching bad form. The pad holder should be meeting the striker right down the middle and not to the sides of the body/head. 

Connection (Tightness):

The ability to "soak up" the space between you and your opponent, maintaining a close and controlled connection to limit their movement and create opportunities for submissions