Monday 08/08/2005 Dion’s class.

Good class. About 16 people on the mat.
Class in four parts.
(1) Warm-ups: Revision of 4-armbar drill. One set slow concentrating on technique, the other two sets flat-out going for speed and smoothness. Hooks guard partner to feet, then (a) simple foot sweep, or (b) John's funky rollover sweep from X-guard.

(2) Working a technique: In pairs, one person controlling from a chosen position and trying to work a technique they want to include in their game. Working for 5 taps then switch. Partner working with us, after each tap slowly ramping up the resistance 20%, 40%, 60% etc and putting up more roadblocks.

(3) Sparring: 5 minute rounds, 30s break between rounds.

(4) Control drill: One person on top trying to change through as many control positions as possible in one minute. Partner underneath working as hard as possible to escape.

Highlights: Jeremy back on the mat (good to see you bro'). Rev's huge "bonus points" knee to Crazy's nose.
Partners not being passive but actively working with their partner to improve their game.

Great class guys - thanks!

Wednesday 10/08/2005

22 in the class, which is pretty big for a wed.

Started with a few lite rounds to warm up then went straight into pass or sweep. Finished the class with some grappling. Pretty intense night but everyone handled it well. I also took the opportunity the promote some of the boys. Well done to everyone who received their next stripe.

Thursday fundamentals. (ha ha)
25 in class. Including a couple of new faces.

Continued with the basic sweep theme, started with the basic (scissor) sweep then the Hooking sweep. I also taught a slight variation that can be used on both sweeps. With the free foot (the one on the ground) simply move your foot to the front of the knee, then when your opponents weight is as far forward as you can get it, push the supporting knee out with your foot. This is a great way to break their balance.

We then quickly covered the "snap" armbar. I saw it on the Masters Of Grappling DVD and it's an armbar that I'd always liked but had never been taught, so I didn't have enough knowledge to make it work. But as with everything John does the DVD explanation was perfect and allowed me to finalise the technique and show it at class.

We finished with a quick look at the Flip Armbar from the DVD as well. I love it! Its a problem I've seen with newbys and the armbar is a great way to deal with the issue of your opponent pushing and bridging at the same time.. Just covered it quickly and hopefully we'll get a chance to revisit it.

Both these arm bars are on the Masters Of Grappling DVD but also will be on John and Dave Meyer's Arm bars DVD that is due soon.. :)

Finished the session with Pizza from HELL.co.nz :) lovely!

Bonus prize, Friday lunchtime. 8 in the session.

m&m posted on the forum earlier in the week asking about a session during the day. It quickly evolved into a get-together on Friday. I had hoped to make it and as things panned out I was able to spare about 50 minutes on the mat. Well an hour and 20 later I was in serious trouble. :) Managed to get away with it and hopefully I won't have to pay for it later.

Anyway m&m, Migel, Jill, Donna, Shano, Rev, Mustafa and myself all hit the MVD at 12.30 and basically covered individual things. I spent some time with Mustafa just going over a few concepts and skills for him to work on, then floated and helped where needed. Good session, towards the end the local courier stopped by to check if online had any pickups and he came through to have a look and watch me grapple Shano, Rev and Migel. I think he got a bit of a shock! :)

Also there was a group of Karate guys from the UK practicing for the "Commonwealth Competition" being run in Wellington this weekend. It's run by Mark Pennell, who’s a dick and don't waste your money as it's arm flapping at it's worst!!! You have been warned! Go if you want to really appreciate your current training or if you just want a laugh. My suggestion is to better spend your time up at the Sport Jiu Jitsu Nationals at Vic Uni, where you'll hopefully see a couple of our boys in action. If they're allowed to enter on the day that is. :)

So: No to the Karate arm flapping at the events centre and Yes: to Sport Jiu Jitsu Nationals at Vic Uni. Good luck boys.

On one final note, the article about Phil and Alex appeared int the inside back page of the Wellingtionian, it's abridged but still an ok article. Check it out.