But do we get to pick the black belt that we get the knowledge from?

Advanced gi is going through some of the techniques from the past weeks and looking how they can be chained together to create some flows and give options.

This will serve as a great time to really get some reps in and do some positional sparring.

Advanced Gi will continue our work with 50/50.

We will be looking at a sweep that is common from closed guard and a nice way to take your partner's back. Continuing with the popular topic of leg locks, we will be looking at another toe hold. 

I've become a big fan of knee cut passes. I don't know why other than one day they just started to work.

See how we can connect the 6 weeks of Ashi Garami to 50/50.

See how we can almost use John's knee lever from advanced no gi to help us sweep in gi.

See how we can attack the top foot.

So many connections to make this week!

Matching intensity is another good one!

For me it is trust and understanding.

Trust because we all know the moves could injure us if we don't tap. So we need to know that our partner doesn't want to hurt us and will stop/slow down even if we aren't tapping. Sometimes we don't know the move so having trust in your partner who does, can keep you from getting injured. 

Understanding is huge too. Sometimes we just want to work on something even though our partner really just wants to spar. Sometimes we are slightly injured or maybe we are preparing for a special event. When our partner is understanding they will work with you because they know at some point they will be on the other side and need the same from us. 

Bonus for creative/curious partners. Sometimes this is the best way to find a new favorite move!

This week's Gi Advanced will continue building off the leg lock momentum from last week and Saturday's seminar. 

Show up Wednesday night and see what's in store for those 50/50 leg locks!

You do love the trash talking!

It has changed at different times, but the one constant is how some techniques look so easy until you try them. The challenge of making something that seems so simple and isn't keeps me coming back.