I wanted to write about my experience working with Herschel Walker through his MMA training at the American Kickboxing Academy. (more…)
Archive for the ‘For Fun’ Category
My Time With Herschel Walker
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010Blanka ducks Guile, Black ducks each other
Friday, November 20th, 2009I remember when Street Fighter 2 came out for the Super Nintendo. It was an incredible console adaptation of the classic arcade game. I remember walking from Bakersfield High School to Regency Game Center to play arcade games until Judo practice. I spent hours playing SF2 so when it came out for the Super Nes I was blown away. (more…)
If it isn’t broken, fix it!
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009The old adage if it isn’t broken don’t fix it is absurd, unless mediocrity is something to cherish. (more…)
Feel the Technique Flowing through you: Star Wars lesson #1
Friday, September 11th, 2009I was rolling today in my new academy with one of my toughest students. Alex is a mean machine. He has been training with me for a long time now. His prowess is only matched by his dedication. His strength lies in his technique, his mind and his body. He is well trained and a force to be reckoned with. I am privileged to have in as a student for many reasons. Today he reminded me of this! (more…)
I love the smell of armbars in the morning!
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009I am from the generation before youtube. Whenever we would venture outside our academy to learn new moves it was most of the time in the form of a black and white VHS tape from Brazil! We would huddle around the tv and watch in awe! (more…)
Learn something new or get punched in the face?
Thursday, August 6th, 2009I walked into AKA today and I saw someone in my Jiu-Jitsu class that I haven’t seen in a while. I immediately joked with him by saying, “who are you?” He laughed understanding my point right away. The reason he understood was because he fights for AKA. (more…)
Armlocks are as easy as breathing!
Monday, August 3rd, 2009Armlocks are as easy as breathing!
I remember being asked recently why armlocks come so easy for me. My response has changed over the years. I used to believe in talent as a key aspect of success. I used to believe that technique was a key aspect of success. I also used to believe that armlocks are easy for me because of my genetics. (more…)
Effective Immediately!
Saturday, January 17th, 2009I have traveled the seven seas, fought hordes of Zombies and endured tornadoes, tsunamis and 40 below weather. I have slain dragons, charmed elves and secured treasure in far away lands. I have gained great experience, went up many levels and learned some new spells. I have customized my own lightsaber, moved objects with my mind and leaped great distances using the force.
Ok, I literally have not done any of those things, but I want to! What I have done is traveled the world and trained with some of the best in the business. Since I have already written about the great John Danaher I will save the introduction and move forward amicably. I recently continued my travels for the greatest grappling knowledge I could find. My travels again found me in the home of Danaher, NYC. (more…)
The Sasquatch Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor: A Tale of Insurmountable Greatness
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008The Bigfoot body that was found recently has been revealed as a hoax. It is highly improbable that a large ape-like creature lives among us in remote forest areas with no hard evidence ever surrounding it. I believe it is a waste of time to go on searching for something that probably does not exist. This stands even though many have “seen” this so called creature in question. Even still the Bigfoot has been a part of American culture for quite some time. This legend has spawned some great curiosity among enthusiasts. It has also given rise to my own personal story. Despite my disbelief in such a creature I feel compelled to tell my tale. So here it is. (more…)
Its not all fun and games!
Saturday, August 2nd, 2008I remember hearing Marcelo Garcia answering a question about why he does Jiu-Jitsu.
He responded with, “because it’s fun”.
When I heard that I was training with him helping him prepare for the 2007 Abu Dhabi Championships. That year he finished every opponent in his weight and every opponent in the Absolute besides Robert Drysdale.
He proved once again that he is the greatest pound for pound Jiu-Jitsu fighter in the world!
His impact on my life has not only been because of his achievement however. More so it is his attitude. At Seminars I started using that line, “because its fun” to give my students a closing thought.
I have been on the mats for 28 years learning both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. And I have had a tremendous amount of fun in my lifetime. I remember the feeling of joy I would get as I threw an opponent in a competition or Armlocked someone for an exciting win in BJJ. I remember the after parties following the events I would do well in. I remember getting my Black Belt in from Sensei Imamura in Fresno, Ca. I also remember getting my Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu from Ralph Gracie. Those are some of the most enjoyable days in my life. But that’s not because they were fun.
Without preparing for tournaments there were no after parties. There were no victories. Without smashing up my body in practice there would have never been Black Belts in my future. Without the years of hard work, bloody noses from sparring sessions, aching pains from Koschek and brutal fight camps I would have never become the MMA coach I am today.
My point is simple: Without being uncomfortable there would be no achievement.
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945)
