I've taught a lot of techniques on how to pass the guard, or how to escape the mount. Most often we think of these techniques as a complete movement. For example, completely passing from the guard to side control, or completely escaping the mount to put your opponent in full guard. It might seem half baked to teach only half of a technique. In other words, to teach how to pass the guard to half guard, or to teach how to escape back mount to being top mounted.
I still advocate going for the most dominate position when you can, but when you can't get from point A to point Z, there's nothing wrong with at least moving forward part way. You're still bettering your position.
If your end goal is to win the fight by submission, you can't just focus on the end goal. There are potentially a lot of things to work out before you get there. Position before submission, right? Take it one step at a time. As long as you're moving forward, all is good.
12/31/10
Moving Forward
12/30/10
Nice jits!
I move that we all collectively ban the use of the word "jits". I'm not saying I've never used it before, but I've now decided that I don't like it (particularly when it's spelled "jitz"). It sounds too much like other words, especially when you say it to outsiders. They're like "What did you say about zits?", or even worse "Did you just say t... ?"
I know there's a desire to shorten things these days, and jiu-jitsu just seems like it takes sooooo long to say, but we need a better alternate. I don't mind "bjj" or "jj" (heck, that's even what I named my puppy). Personally, I've taken to referring to it as "jitsu". It's only one more letter and syllable, but it sounds much better to me.
So from now on if you use the word "jits", I will have to assume you are a "jit", according to Urban Dictionary...
"The term jit is originally prison slang, 'juvenile in training'. It is most often used to refer to young thugs/wannabe thugs or other punky kids that think they are a lot older/cooler than they actually are."
Gina Ethridge
12/27/10
No regrets
The holiday feasts are over and the new year is just around the corner. I don't know about the rest of you, but as hard as I tried to eat sensibly, I simply couldn't resist that last piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream topping. Now it's time to get serious again and hit the mat to work off the indulgence.
I know it's cold outside, and it's so much easier to stay inside. I know the dojo is unforgivingly frigid, and your toes take on that pale tone. But I have to say that I've never known anyone who regretted coming to class. When you're playing those mind games, trying to convince yourself that you're better off just staying at home, remember that you'll be kicking yourself in the rear for it later.
Save yourself from the guilt and regret. Get off your lazy butt and go work out.
Posts
.JPG)