Welcome to the weekly newsletter where I will be sharing insights, lessons, techniques, stories and the such that I've picked up from the mats

What I've Been Failing at Lately

Drinking a gallon of water daily! And surprise surprise, this is the first time I've gotten sick in a year and my body has a couple of injuries that it isn't quite recovering from so quickly. This newsletter will feature plenty of golden nuggets on rehab, biomechanics, performance, and health—essential tips for the jiu-jitsu practitioner that often go untaught.

So here is my personal reminder to myself and to you to drink a gallon of water a day. +or- depending on your size. My favorite water is the Trader Joe's Newzeland Water but I'll take any alkaline water really. Soon we'll upgrade to a home alkaline filtration system.

Whatever water you go with though, ensure that it is supplemented with Trace Minerals. In short these minerals help with blood and electrical flow for your body to run smoother. they include iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, manganesium, chromium, and molybdenum. Trace minerals deserves its own article and I don't have an affiliate link, I just want to share what helps me to help you!

When Playing Guard, Push!

This week at open mat, after watching the sparring occuring, I saw a trend that was happening that I've identified over my past few weeks of coaching. Guard Players are not pushing!!! THE PRIMARY EFFECT THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE IN YOUR GUARD IS THAT OF PUSHING BECAUSE THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF THE GUARD IS TO PROTECT. Sorry for the shouting but I've seen so many guards, mine inclusive, because we are not pushing! 

For example: Your throw up a nice armbar from guard, but your opponents whiffs it out and pulls their arm out from your attack. This is the time to push, lift your hips and reguard! too many times I see us pulling our opponents into our bottom side control! 

This and many many many other examples I've seen. Start and restart your guard with pushing. If ya got questions just reach out.

Jiu-Jitsu is not static

Jiu-jitsu isn’t about who you are—it’s about who you’re becoming.

The white belt who is earnest in his work will surpass the black belt who becomes lazy. The black belt who remains diligent will forever exceed the stumbling white belt. 

Technique: Overtie Snap 

The first time I saw an overtie was in Danaher's Front Headlock Instructional. Though there's tons of instructors that show it in more detail. As of late japanese standout wrestler Masanosuke Ono has been showing a new level to the move as seen in this breakdown by @EarnYourGoldMedal

As you start jiu-jitsu you think a snap is a snap, but for those who have been snapping people down their whole lives theirs many unique variations. I suggest you slowly start adding one by one variation to your game because they all have different details and feels. My Guillotine Instructional has a snapdown section but I'm considering scrapping that one and deleting it becuase how much more I've learned since then and now know how much more I have to learn. So if you want to catch my elementary, if that, explanation of various snapdowns, your time's limited. 

Adding the overtie snap will make you a threat in a position your partners don't know there's danger. Especially if your're just starting out its a game changer.

What to Expect From this Newsletter

More freeform writing and nuggets of wisdom I've picked up the previous week! Stay tuned!

Check out the Library, help my students and I accomplish our goals, Peace!