Looking back I feel purple was most difficult. As I felt I was really making progress and a brown belt was a reality by the end of the year, COVID hit. This resulted in 10 months off and ultimately a switch in gyms. 

The idea of coming back after 10 months off seemed easy enough, but the reality was much different. My timing was all off so I knew what I wanted to do but couldn't execute it. There were new people prior to stopping that wouldn't have been as much of a challenge but were incredibly challenging. Even with trying to keep some level of fitness the gas tank was a challenge. Plus it felt like everyone had a different style of jiu jitsu than I was used to seeing. 

With that said sticking it out was the best choice ever and the longer you are in it the more you see each belt has its own unique challenges. 

Are we talking done with correct technique? 

I feel either way a choke. Someone can be double jointed or let an ankle pop (for enough money) but the brain is going to shut down without blood.

Now poorly executed I still think chokes still have an upper hand due to the potential for becoming face, nek, or nose cranks and get pain taps. Joint manipulation done sloppily may not lead to enough pressure for a tap. 

However a correctly executed joint manipulation should be quicker.

Thomas Rozdzynski what do you think?

What a week! There is a special advanced gi class this Saturday in addition to the normal Wednesday class.Wednesday we look at the taboo topic of heel hooks in the gi.Saturday will provide another look at ankle locks, bringing together some basic topics and adjustments. If you've been at an advanced class where we did these, great an opportunity to really refine them. First time seeing an ankle lock? Then this is a great opportunity to learn!

Straight ankle and foot locks have been making a strong come back. Don't get left behind with this one.

I'm going to challenge that there is still a huge liability due to the damage from a fully applied armbar. But also I heard Dean Lister tell a story about arms bars for self defense. The guy he was with in Russia told him don't armbar. He was told the guy can walk out to his car and retrieve his weapon. Now....heel hook them and they can crawl at best!

I'd go triangle because it's effective against white to black belts. And its a fairly safe move in that if its a new person or someone you don't know if they freak out a little bit nothing should be breaking.Lots of different set ups and positions it can be done from. Unlike joint locks where flexibility can come into play, if done correctly they are tapping or going out. 

Advanced gi will continue to look at the Aoki lock. We introduced it last week and will look at how it can be applied this week.

Quickly becoming one of my favorites!

I need mix. I need to hit the reps to understand the movements. Once I have some level of understanding I like to add in varying levels of resistance to see if I can actually apply it. Once applied it'll float around in my memory. 

I try to visit 1 different gym a year. I've only been able to make it to 1 out of state. Can't say it was a favorite though.

Like everyone said, call ahead. Some places will have gi requirements that can be color or patch related. It's also nice to know if they will have a drop in fee so there is no surprise there. Some schools don't always have up to date schedules posted. If you aren't sure when you get there it can be a good idea to ask about their etiquette when it comes to things like leg locks. Some places do them and others don't.

Often not discussed if you are an upper belt be prepared for some tough rounds. You might be on vacation, but in some (not all schools) you will be looked at as a challenge or way to prove something. I'm fairly certain we've all done this visitor at some point.

Lastly, have fun!

This week advanced gi continues from our single leg x, ashi or ashi garami position shifting focus from the straight ankle lock to the aoki lock. 

This particular attack has become one of my favorite for the lower body as it can be applied when our partners attempt to utilize several common defenses for the straight ankle lock. 

Gary Pond fair point!