I think I have a similar response in that jiu jitsu offers a reset for me. I always tell people you can come in and take a class for an hour and for that hour you need to be in the moment. If someone is on your back choking you, you can't think about what's happening outside the gym or you get choked. 

I always find that I either have a new perspective or the problem is a little less significant. 

Last advanced gi for 2024, lets pack the mats!

It's going to be an interesting look at the Russian or Sambo knee knot which is a great transition from saddle. Ankle locks, heel hooks and z locks are all right there.

This is one "knot" to miss 😂🤣

I feel like top pressure and proper weight placement is still a struggle. I've recently been watching more wrestling and this has been helping me understand a little bit more about my own weight placement.

This weeks advance gi will focus on attacking the legs from top half guard especially when your partner is using a knee shield. It is a very Dean Lister inspired sequence that works through different stages of your partner's defense. Plus it even includes a saddle entry to revisit the last few weeks!

I feel this way when I go to jiu jitsu and am having a bad day. You can't think about the days problems when someone is on your back attempting to choke you. If you do, its over and the choke is in. Its a great way to reset. 

One of the biggest lessons has been to be open to more opportunities. Even if they aren't ones you were looking for you don't know where they will lead. You can meet some great people or have some cool experiences along the way. Just like jiu jitsu, sometimes we need to take chances and try a new move or position. We don't know what doors will be opened until we try.  

This week advanced gi will focus on putting together the last 3 weeks and fine tuning our saddle work. 

We'll do some trouble shooting and a lot of drilling.

Missed the last 3 weeks, make it up this week!

I feel my favorite person to watch changes all the time. Typically my favorite is tied to what ever I am trying to learn at any given point in time. I often watch whoever is most known for a position or move.

One person who always comes up when I'm trying to research new techniques or positions is Stephan Kesting. He's been a constant since I started.

Gi advanced will continue to work on the saddle position this week. We've looked at attacks and defense. Now lets see how we can get into position! See you all Wednesday!

I use open mats as an opportunity to trouble shoot a specific issue or test a technique that I have been drilling. Once I am able to strip away the problems from an issue I work to connect it to another technique and that's how I build up a game.

Open mats are a great to really work through something as you might have a wide variety of skill levels and body types to try things.

Like John said it can be a simple task and don't be afraid to spend as much time as you need. As a while belt I spent about 1 month keeping my elbows glued to my sides as I kept getting arm barred by one person. It was a victory even if I got choked as long as I didn't get arm barred. 

Don't be afraid to ask your partner to start in a specific position or try to catch you with whatever move. I sometimes have different plans incase the game I'm trying to build doesn't work because of who shows up.