Russell Usauskas

17 Mar 07:58

When searching out new techniques now I turn to BJJ Fanatics and YouTube the most. The hardest part can be figuring out with YouTube or Instagram if the instructors are showing legitimate techniques or flashy IG techniques that really only work if your partner is 100% compliant. 

For someone newer to jiu jitsu RolTV is a great source. However if you are looking for something not yet on there or maybe an instructor that fits your body type, asking your instructors is a great option. If you don't want to do that, seeking out someone who has been around for awhile and is maybe posting as an academy owner or instructor or who has proven techniques through competition are great bench marks of who to watch.

Or asking an instructor on here for suggestion too!

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Thomas Rozdzynski eating foods that you can pronounce what's in it is my biggest suggestion. 

There is so much more to expand upon, but the above will help with getting you on the right path. 

Also do be afraid to do your own experiments. Sometimes too aging will play a role. You might have been able to eat something pre-training 10 years ago that doesn't work now. If you can't figure it out, find yourself a professional to help cut down on wasted time. 

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10 Mar 09:43

Personally the biggest challenge I see is making sure that my diet is in order. Meal prepping for me is key on training days and best of all, this benefits my family when we all have an easy meal prepared. I'm fortunate to have a dietitian as a wife to guide me into better choices, but I focus my efforts the most on days I want to train. Pacing certainly helps too. If you physical conditioning isn't quite where you want it or it should be, controlling the pace can remove that challenge. For some, pacing might mean know when to take a round off. 

Studying quality videos, taking notes, and visualization are how I approach the mental side. Sometimes, time on the mats is hard to get, but with the trio of activities I mentioned I feel I'm able to get more out of a training session. 

What do you do when you do not know your partner? Or are you using the approach that Jack Taufer mentioned on your last podcast where he said use judgement to create strategy? You look at them and see a neck too thick to easily choke, short T-rex arms but gigantic feet which are easier to foot lock?

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10 Mar 07:38

This week we continue looking at de la riva or DLR in advanced gi. I'm particularly excited to show a fireman's carry option. Especially if you have any wrestling background you're going to enjoy this week!

03 Mar 14:51

I've never felt like the fastest person but have dealt with plenty of people who like to use speed. I've run across 2 type of speed, one that is calculated and another that gets careless.

When they are very calculated with speed my best option has always been to slow they down using the gi, de la riva hooks, or anything else I can put in their way. This helps me dictate the pace.

When they are using more of a careless speed, I actually like to push their pace as much as I comfortably can. I find this will cause them to make mistakes and from them I try to capitalize on whatever they give me. This approach usually opens them up. This seems to be more common with younger blue belts. 

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03 Mar 07:59

This week we move away from deep lasso into De La Riva or DLR. It'll be a fun series that definitely applies to gi way more than no gi. Unless you are creative. If nothing else, come Wednesday night at 8PM to enjoy a fun game/slash drill we are going to be incorporating. 

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💯

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I know I have a reputation for wrist locks but I think they are sneaky. Maybe it is because people don't think you are "evil" enough to go for them or not enough people do them to make them a recognized threat. I also see them as underrated for smaller people. If you are smaller and have a much larger opponent they are a great way to finish a lot of moves when the other person is out muscling you. Let's face it, it's bound to happen. 

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Dom likes loop chokes? I'm in shock 🤣