Advanced gi continues our work on the saddle position. We'll review entries and start adding in attacks. 

With heel hooks being covered by Thomas Rozdzynski in the intermediate class too, it's a great week to get 2 different perspectives on this move. While many frown upon heel hooks in the gi, when done cautiously and correctly, this is a great way to get the reps in.

I almost forgot, I'll be filling in tonight (Monday) at 6PM. Come see me as we cover 2 techniques on the WBMK. We've actually been covering one of them in the kids classes so it has very much been on my mind, lots of tips and pitfalls to watch for!

Advanced gi is starting our look at the saddle position. This one is great for all things leg lock. 

Missing advanced no gi? This is a perfect one to come out because everything we are working translates from go to no gi!

Good question.It really depends on what I'm trying to work on. For me it might even vary from person to person because of body type or experience. 

It's rare I don't have some idea before starting. 

This week I won't be there for advanced gi but coach Tim will be covering. He'll be teaching his favorite guard pass, the knee cut, knee slice, or knee slide depending what name you've heard it called. If you've ever rolled with Tim you know this is his favorite and you're in for a treat!

Saying no to a roll is something that people are unaware they can do, or they just don't. You don't need to roll each round. Maybe you need to rest, maybe physically you are concerned you could be inadvertently hurt, or you just have a personal reason.I think there needs to be just as much acceptance on this topic as awareness. Please spread the word!

I have some ideas in the works, do not worry.

Scott Tresch haha me too. But this has lit a fire and created focus. So if you thought rolling before was bad, just wait!

Great question Patrick!I feel like my game really developed as a blue belt and continues to get refined. My game forces you to make choices. Your choice gives me options. 

The moves don't necessarily matter but what I do is an upper/lower body approach. As I attack your upper body you'll often pull back, but as you pull the upper body back the lower body is available. Then I take the lower body and start to attack. However, then people will pull the lower body back which exposes the upper body. 

I'll go back and forth until something gets exposed enough for me to capitalize. 

Right now I'd go with opening the closed guard. Normally, I'm able to create space but this weekend I ran into a competitor where I couldn't make this happen. My usual methods and adjustments weren't working.  I think opening the guard is going to be the focus for a bit.