I’m writing this on my 20th anniversary of my own appearance on a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mat, and on the eve of a new Fundamentals cycle at my gym Heroes Martial Arts preparing for an influx of new students and I am reflecting on all the ways that Jiu Jitsu has changed my life and […]
*I watch the Olympics because I love grappling. I will be following Judo and Wrestling in part for my own enjoyment, in part because I understand and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices these athletes make and partly because I am trying to learn. *That being said, I recognize that the Olympics Judo and […]
I have been to many events over the years, but I think what the promoters of Fight to Win bring to the table is unique and exciting. The idea is create a huge card, over 20 matches in all largely showcasing local talent with a couple of super fights, give everyone the rock star treatment, […]
At the risk of sounding like the crotchety old man telling the kids to get off my mat, I have to get this off my chest: As much as I like an informal environment at my own gym (Heroes Martial Arts), I really only have three rules I rigorously enforce: 1: Display Common Courtesy […]
“A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life. “ Muhammad Ali I have more than a few more years before I get to 50, but the quote above is still applicable. Heck, I don’t view the world the same way now […]
In 2004 was the East Bay Judo Institute Shido, I had brought my video camera along to record my friends Dave Camarillo and Jose Bencosme. They put on a show, as expected, even fighting each other in the finals (for the record Jose won, though Dave claimed the mat was slippery 🙂 One girl […]
Just a quick note of condolences for the Alliance Team in Atlanta for the loss of Jim McPherson, passed away just shy of his 62 birthday after a yearlong battle with colon cancer, surrounded and comforted by loved ones. It’s always been a pleasure in my travels to encounter the McPhersons and the were the […]
I had posted this on my Facebook page a few days ago, bait more off the cuff from my usual style, with the intent of expanding on this later. But I am reposting this here on OTM word for word. "Give a horrific and tragic turn of events in our community of […]
I’ve promised more than a few friends plus myself that I was going to get back to writing again on the regular. The last couple of weeks in particular have lit a fire under my butt. So I’m aiming for a weekly column? Keep stroking my ego and I might actually stick to it this […]
Note that this is not necessarily a complaint. But I’m pretty sure this is not going to be a popular opinion. This past weekend we saw the 16th annual Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships, the largest ever at some 3200 competitors over four days. This represents a eightfold increase of competitors from the first Pan American […]
