This past week was amazing to say the least! It started off like any other then deteriorated quickly as both my wife and I got sick and I missed two days of work. It quickly turned around when two of my high school wrestlers made it to the finals match of the 4A 189 lb. and 5A 215 lb. divisions. Aaron Kuttler (189) of East High School won his title match 9 to 3 against Joseph Carley of Mountain Crest becoming the first East High state champion in years! Lars Oveson (215) of Alta High School fought a tough battle against returning champion Dustin Dennison of Pleasant Grove losing in overtime. Both of our athletes put on a great performance and made me proud!
Then Saturday night, Koffi "The Lion King" Adzitso, went up against Brandon "The Murderer" Melendez for the PSUAC Welterweight Utah State Championship. Many believed that Melendez would win easily over Koffi...we knew that would not be the case. We had a game plan that included attacking our opponent's weaknesses and playing to our strengths. Koffi executed beautifully and won by TKO in the first round!
Koffi has made huge improvements the past year since training with us. His recent wins over Kevin Burns (UFC Veteran) and now Brandon Melendez (TUF Finalist) solidify what I already knew...Koffi is one tough competitor!
This was a great week for me as a coach to be able to see the success of my athletes and also to re-solidify that the technique I teach and the stategies we employ work across the board and at the highest levels.
Click here to see our wrestlers in action.
Click here to see Koffi pre and post fight.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Clearing the Air
For years martial artists have argued "which style or discipline is best?". For years there has been little resolved until the UFC's first few tournaments. What I find ironic is even though we've learned so much from those first few tournaments in 'reality based' competition that the argument has still found a way to resurface and remain strong.
I've noticed in magazines and online that 'traditional' martial artists still love to claim the lock on usable 'real' skills and abilities. Somehow they're 'deadly' techniques are the best and there is no way a 'sport' guy could even hope to hang with them...I completely disagree.
The history of martial arts in particular, Judo, was instrumental in creating a way for martial artists to train full power in moves that were less debilitating (generally speaking) and allowed for a martial artist to more fully develop their skills. The 'deadly' or 'lethal' techniques never went away from the art. The 'sport' was still based in MARTIAL skills.
That being said in my own experience "The Rules Make the Game". Whether you're fighting for points, trophies or your life, the rules make the game. Combat at its essence is still combat. There may be more or less dangers and some trained responses from one art or 'sport' may not transfer as well to another. However here are the advantages of a 'sport' guy vs. a 'traditional' martial artist:
1. Real time experience with full power techniques and full resistance. This is critical in real encounters. How many times have you heard 'it has to be instinctual'? How does a technique or principle become instinctual if you never get to actually use full power or experience full power against you? Without a real time resisting opponent how will you deal with one on the street? My experience with athletes is that those who experience dealing with pressure and resistance eventually come to find ways to execute their game plans and techniques. Under high stress circumstances this is of utmost importance. Execution becomes paramount.
2. Superior Conditioning. 'Sport' guys quickly learn that conditioning can be one of your greatest allies or one of your worst enemies. Without it you won't last long and your execution will be sloppy at best. With it you stand a great chance of executing your technique and game plan and coming out on top. Let's be honest few people want to face the ugly monster of conditioning. The 'sport' guy at least understands the value of it and is conditioning in order to compete. Conditioning not only allows you to execute your technique it allows you the energy to defend and recover more quickly from your opponent's attacks.
3. Game Plan and Strategy. Traditional martial arts constantly talk about strategy and philosophy. Sport guys actually do it. There is no greater way to develop your strengths than to actually have them tested against those of your opponent. When your opponent is out to defeat you while you're simultaneously trying to do the same you will experience many setbacks and reality checks. Sometimes you will be exposed to your true weaknesses and lack of skill or strategy. This is one of the greatest advantages that the 'sport' guy has...he learns, evaluates and improves on regular basis.
All that being said each and every martial art or 'combat sport' will have something to offer. In real situations the advantage goes to the one who establishes dominance first. The ones who are prepared mentally to deal with pressure situations and still execute will prevail. This is the bottome line.
I've noticed in magazines and online that 'traditional' martial artists still love to claim the lock on usable 'real' skills and abilities. Somehow they're 'deadly' techniques are the best and there is no way a 'sport' guy could even hope to hang with them...I completely disagree.
The history of martial arts in particular, Judo, was instrumental in creating a way for martial artists to train full power in moves that were less debilitating (generally speaking) and allowed for a martial artist to more fully develop their skills. The 'deadly' or 'lethal' techniques never went away from the art. The 'sport' was still based in MARTIAL skills.
That being said in my own experience "The Rules Make the Game". Whether you're fighting for points, trophies or your life, the rules make the game. Combat at its essence is still combat. There may be more or less dangers and some trained responses from one art or 'sport' may not transfer as well to another. However here are the advantages of a 'sport' guy vs. a 'traditional' martial artist:
1. Real time experience with full power techniques and full resistance. This is critical in real encounters. How many times have you heard 'it has to be instinctual'? How does a technique or principle become instinctual if you never get to actually use full power or experience full power against you? Without a real time resisting opponent how will you deal with one on the street? My experience with athletes is that those who experience dealing with pressure and resistance eventually come to find ways to execute their game plans and techniques. Under high stress circumstances this is of utmost importance. Execution becomes paramount.
2. Superior Conditioning. 'Sport' guys quickly learn that conditioning can be one of your greatest allies or one of your worst enemies. Without it you won't last long and your execution will be sloppy at best. With it you stand a great chance of executing your technique and game plan and coming out on top. Let's be honest few people want to face the ugly monster of conditioning. The 'sport' guy at least understands the value of it and is conditioning in order to compete. Conditioning not only allows you to execute your technique it allows you the energy to defend and recover more quickly from your opponent's attacks.
3. Game Plan and Strategy. Traditional martial arts constantly talk about strategy and philosophy. Sport guys actually do it. There is no greater way to develop your strengths than to actually have them tested against those of your opponent. When your opponent is out to defeat you while you're simultaneously trying to do the same you will experience many setbacks and reality checks. Sometimes you will be exposed to your true weaknesses and lack of skill or strategy. This is one of the greatest advantages that the 'sport' guy has...he learns, evaluates and improves on regular basis.
All that being said each and every martial art or 'combat sport' will have something to offer. In real situations the advantage goes to the one who establishes dominance first. The ones who are prepared mentally to deal with pressure situations and still execute will prevail. This is the bottome line.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Home Workout: Guard Work with a Heavy Bag
If you're like a lot of BJJ practitioners you're probably wishing you had more of one very important thing....time to train. Here is a great workout you can do in 15 minutes at home with a heavy bag to develop your guard. I show guard drills, arm lock drills, and even some striking. These drills help a lot because they are simple yet super effective movements that the majority of practitioners either gloss over or skip altogether. Training your body to efficiently perform these movements on a daily or every other day basis will improve your guard game in less than a month!
See the video here!
See the video here!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
BJJ Black Belt Brandon Ruiz on Goal Setting for Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ Black Belt Brandon Ruiz on Goal Setting for Jiu-Jitsu
January 19, 2011
by Daniel Mower
Goals have only been marginally successful for me in the past. I always saw them as a list of wishes…nice things to aim for that could possibly happen if I was lucky and didn’t get distracted.
The notion that goals can help you improve your Brazilian jiu-jitsu sounds cool. But goals, like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, work based on principles and techniques. Until you understand the techniques, setting goals is just that…wishful thinking that will end in failure.
Brandon Ruiz is what I would call a “black belt goal setter.” I was introduced to Brandon through my coach, Dave Johnson. Both are BJJ black belts under the Machado flag in Utah. Despite family and work requiring much of his time, Brandon has been a very successful competitor, particularly in no-gi, winning numerous tournaments (most recently at Pancrase and NAGA in 2010). He attributes that success in competition to setting and reaching goals.
The goal-setting techniques Brandon has taught me in the last few months have changed the way I train for the better. I don’t know a single BJJ practitioner (especially a beginner) who doesn’t want to improve at Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And if learning to set goals can speed that process up, who wouldn’t want to at least hear about it?
Click here to read more!
January 19, 2011
by Daniel Mower
Goals have only been marginally successful for me in the past. I always saw them as a list of wishes…nice things to aim for that could possibly happen if I was lucky and didn’t get distracted.
The notion that goals can help you improve your Brazilian jiu-jitsu sounds cool. But goals, like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, work based on principles and techniques. Until you understand the techniques, setting goals is just that…wishful thinking that will end in failure.
Brandon Ruiz is what I would call a “black belt goal setter.” I was introduced to Brandon through my coach, Dave Johnson. Both are BJJ black belts under the Machado flag in Utah. Despite family and work requiring much of his time, Brandon has been a very successful competitor, particularly in no-gi, winning numerous tournaments (most recently at Pancrase and NAGA in 2010). He attributes that success in competition to setting and reaching goals.
The goal-setting techniques Brandon has taught me in the last few months have changed the way I train for the better. I don’t know a single BJJ practitioner (especially a beginner) who doesn’t want to improve at Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And if learning to set goals can speed that process up, who wouldn’t want to at least hear about it?
Click here to read more!
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Boxing Legend: Gene Fullmer
This week my family and I went to The Gale Center of History and Culture in South Jordan, Utah. There were lots of great exhibits for the kids about local Utah and South Jordan/West Jordan history. It was all very nice and interesting but the most exciting thing for me was the exhibit featuring the Fullmer brothers (Gene, Don, and Jay) and their boxing exploits. There was a nice video that talked about their fights and even included some fight footage. Gene was a great Middleweight Champion from the 1950's and 60's era of boxing. He beat the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson to win his first world title. He then lost the title back to Robinson. Later he beat Carmen Basilio for his second world title and successfully defending it 13 times!
The brothers were all very accomplished fighters and won numerous awards and titles. Don beat Emile Griffith to win the American Middleweight title and had 78 professional fights. Jay was a promising welterweight and had 27 professional fights before suffering a career ending injury.
It was exciting to see a group of brothers from a working class family accomplish so much in their craft. It also hits home that you don't need to have all the fancy trimmings in order to work your way to the top. Truly inspiring!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Home Grappling Conditioning #2: How to use the Ten Basic Drills to improve your Grappling
Now that you have a good grasp on the drills that you should be using here are a few quick ideas to help get you started developing your own training sessions with them.
First you will need to find a suitable size area where you can do both ground and standing drills.
Second determine which areas you want to focus on the most. If you can’t decide you can simply do them all and then adjust your focus as you get a better feel for where you are weakest.
Third choose your workout format. Will you do a set and rep type workout or would you rather work through a series of timed rounds? I find that the set and rep workout is better for pure skill development while the timed rounds are great for a combination of skill development and conditioning. Again if you have a hard time choosing just pick which sounds best to you. I have included examples for both in this article.
Ten Basic Drills to improve your Grappling
1. Bridging (Neck and Shoulder)
2. Shrimp
3. Elbow Sit Up
4. Technical Standup
5. Granby Roll
6. Pendulum Swing
7. Sprawl/Burpee
8. Squats
9. Lunges/Level Changes
10. Stance Footwork
Set and Rep Workout (sets are listed first, reps are listed second)
1. Bridging
a. Neck 2 x 15
b. Shoulder 2 x15 to each side
2. Shrimp 3 x 15 to each side
3. Elbow Sit Up 2 x15 to each side
4. Technical Standup 2 x10 to each side
5. Granby Roll 2 x10 to each side
6. Pendulum Swing 2 x15 to each side
7. Sprawl/Burpee 2 x 10
8. Squats 2 x 50
9. Lunges/Level Changes 2 x10 to each side
10. Stance Footwork 2 x 2 directions
Timed Rounds Workout: 3 – 5 rounds
(1 Round = Perform 5 - 10 repetitions of each exercise over a 3 minute period with 1 minute of rest before your next round)
1. Bridging (Neck and Shoulder)
2. Shrimp
3. Elbow Sit Up
4. Technical Standup
5. Granby Roll
6. Pendulum Swing
7. Sprawl/Burpee
8. Squats
9. Lunges/Level Changes
10. Stance Footwork
Working on your skills in this manner not only allows you to get better at the basics but increase your specific strength and conditioning levels. I have found that this type of training is much more effective than other forms of cross training as it is extremely sport specific. I hope these suggestions help you on your quest for grappling greatness.
Click here to see the drills in action!
First you will need to find a suitable size area where you can do both ground and standing drills.
Second determine which areas you want to focus on the most. If you can’t decide you can simply do them all and then adjust your focus as you get a better feel for where you are weakest.
Third choose your workout format. Will you do a set and rep type workout or would you rather work through a series of timed rounds? I find that the set and rep workout is better for pure skill development while the timed rounds are great for a combination of skill development and conditioning. Again if you have a hard time choosing just pick which sounds best to you. I have included examples for both in this article.
Ten Basic Drills to improve your Grappling
1. Bridging (Neck and Shoulder)
2. Shrimp
3. Elbow Sit Up
4. Technical Standup
5. Granby Roll
6. Pendulum Swing
7. Sprawl/Burpee
8. Squats
9. Lunges/Level Changes
10. Stance Footwork
Set and Rep Workout (sets are listed first, reps are listed second)
1. Bridging
a. Neck 2 x 15
b. Shoulder 2 x15 to each side
2. Shrimp 3 x 15 to each side
3. Elbow Sit Up 2 x15 to each side
4. Technical Standup 2 x10 to each side
5. Granby Roll 2 x10 to each side
6. Pendulum Swing 2 x15 to each side
7. Sprawl/Burpee 2 x 10
8. Squats 2 x 50
9. Lunges/Level Changes 2 x10 to each side
10. Stance Footwork 2 x 2 directions
Timed Rounds Workout: 3 – 5 rounds
(1 Round = Perform 5 - 10 repetitions of each exercise over a 3 minute period with 1 minute of rest before your next round)
1. Bridging (Neck and Shoulder)
2. Shrimp
3. Elbow Sit Up
4. Technical Standup
5. Granby Roll
6. Pendulum Swing
7. Sprawl/Burpee
8. Squats
9. Lunges/Level Changes
10. Stance Footwork
Working on your skills in this manner not only allows you to get better at the basics but increase your specific strength and conditioning levels. I have found that this type of training is much more effective than other forms of cross training as it is extremely sport specific. I hope these suggestions help you on your quest for grappling greatness.
Click here to see the drills in action!
Home Grappling Conditioning #1: Ten Basic Drills to improve your Grappling
The following drills are very important parts of developing solid basic skills for grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Each one has a specific purpose and I can’t think of too many matches where they are not necessary. By incorporating these into your workouts at the BJJ academy and most importantly at home your grappling skills will improve dramatically.
In my personal quest for grappling greatness I have tried to simplify as much as possible by asking: What are the most important skills? What skills and positions show up in every match? What is the most basic and obvious solution to the problem?
These questions help me keep my mind focused on executing the little things and the basic skills consistently. If find that in today’s world of “cyber experts” one has to boil the art down to its most essential components. With so many different fancy techniques out there practitioners can easily become addicted to learning techniques and never grasp the basic principles behind them.
These are my top ten drills for making rapid and consistent improvements in grappling. There is always room for improvement in these drills regardless of if you’re a white belt beginner or a seasoned world class fighter.
Ten Basic Drills to improve your Grappling
1. Bridging (Neck and Shoulder)
2. Shrimp
3. Elbow Sit Up
4. Technical Standup
5. Granby Roll
6. Pendulum Swing
7. Sprawl/Burpee
8. Squats
9. Lunges/Level Changes
10. Stance Footwork
I hope this helps you on your quest for grappling greatness.
Click here to see the drills in action!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Home Grappling Workout
Have you been a white belt forever? For the last 5 years you can’t seem to beat anybody because you don’t have time to train? Do you work odd hours that don’t let you get to the gym? Man that sucks…
To Read More Click Here!
Watch the video!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Body Slam! Grappling Conditioning Basic Workout
Body Slam! Grappling Conditioning Basic Workout
Body Slam can be followed as part of a daily routine, every other day, or as you feel best for your specific grappling conditioning needs, style, and system. You may also simply choose to implement a few exercises here and there in your current grappling conditioning programs. Below are some example exercises and a basic structure for a complete Body Slam! workout. Studying the exercises on the DVD will help in your ability to maneuver and control your training partner. Remember to alternate back and forth, as soon as you finish one set your partner does one and then you go again and so on.
Grappling Conditioning Basic Workout
Gymnastics and mat work: (pick 4 or 5)
Jogging, cart wheels, shoulder rolls, front rolls, bridging, shrimping, round offs, etc. along with stretching for a warm up.
The best way to do this: pick 4-5 exercises and do 5-10 reps of each and then stretch. This will get your joints and muscles ready to go.
Medicine Ball throws: (pick 2 or 3 from the DVD)
Up for height 2 sets of 5 throws
Down like a snap 2 sets of 5 throws
Body weight exercises: (pick 2 or 3 from the DVD)
Squats 2 sets 25
Push-ups 2 sets of 25
Buddy Lifts: (Pick 5 or 6 exercises from the DVD)
Double Leg lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Single Leg lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Reverse lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Straddle lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Fireman’s Carry Squats or lunges: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Buddy Lifts (BL) and Body weight (BW) exercises
BL-Double Under-hooks: 4 Carries for distance (i.e. across length of training mats, down and back equals 1 rep)
BL-Piggy back: 4 Carries for distance
BL-Wheelbarrow: 4 Carries for distance
BW-Squats: 50-100 reps
BW-Push-ups: 50-100 reps
BW-Pull-ups: 20-30 reps
BW-Lunges: 2 sets of 10-15 reps
Partner Sit-ups and neck: (Pick 3- 5 exercises from the DVD)
Hands and knees/Legs in armpits: 2 sets 10 reps
Sit up while he stands (your legs locked): 2 sets 10 reps
Flip over w/ partner: 10 reps
4 Way Neck: 10 reps each side
Start with the gymnastics, mat work and medicine ball throws as part of your warm up drills and stretching routine. Then begin the buddy lifts. After you have done your buddy lifts you can incorporate as few or as many of the body weight exercises as you like but if you do too many before your buddy lifts then you will lose out on a lot of your “pop” and power in your buddy lifts. This is a basic recommendation so feel free to be creative and try to gear your workout towards your individual needs.
This workout will take about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how many exercises you choose and also depending on your rest times. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if you want to make the workout more explosive then do more sets with fewer reps and longer rest times.
If you want to make the workout more endurance oriented then do fewer sets with more reps. You can also increase the number of exercises for the same effect.
The great thing about this type of workout is that it requires very little equipment, only a partner and medicine ball, and can be done just about anywhere and anytime. If you don’t have a partner available you can also use a throwing dummy or heavy bag.
This workout is pretty intense so be ready for it. If you are starting out I would recommend doing the minimum number of exercises or even reducing numbers in half at first and then work your way up.
Have a great workout!
Body Slam can be followed as part of a daily routine, every other day, or as you feel best for your specific grappling conditioning needs, style, and system. You may also simply choose to implement a few exercises here and there in your current grappling conditioning programs. Below are some example exercises and a basic structure for a complete Body Slam! workout. Studying the exercises on the DVD will help in your ability to maneuver and control your training partner. Remember to alternate back and forth, as soon as you finish one set your partner does one and then you go again and so on.
Grappling Conditioning Basic Workout
Gymnastics and mat work: (pick 4 or 5)
Jogging, cart wheels, shoulder rolls, front rolls, bridging, shrimping, round offs, etc. along with stretching for a warm up.
The best way to do this: pick 4-5 exercises and do 5-10 reps of each and then stretch. This will get your joints and muscles ready to go.
Medicine Ball throws: (pick 2 or 3 from the DVD)
Up for height 2 sets of 5 throws
Down like a snap 2 sets of 5 throws
Body weight exercises: (pick 2 or 3 from the DVD)
Squats 2 sets 25
Push-ups 2 sets of 25
Buddy Lifts: (Pick 5 or 6 exercises from the DVD)
Double Leg lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Single Leg lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Reverse lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Straddle lift: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Fireman’s Carry Squats or lunges: 3 sets 5-10 reps
Buddy Lifts (BL) and Body weight (BW) exercises
BL-Double Under-hooks: 4 Carries for distance (i.e. across length of training mats, down and back equals 1 rep)
BL-Piggy back: 4 Carries for distance
BL-Wheelbarrow: 4 Carries for distance
BW-Squats: 50-100 reps
BW-Push-ups: 50-100 reps
BW-Pull-ups: 20-30 reps
BW-Lunges: 2 sets of 10-15 reps
Partner Sit-ups and neck: (Pick 3- 5 exercises from the DVD)
Hands and knees/Legs in armpits: 2 sets 10 reps
Sit up while he stands (your legs locked): 2 sets 10 reps
Flip over w/ partner: 10 reps
4 Way Neck: 10 reps each side
Start with the gymnastics, mat work and medicine ball throws as part of your warm up drills and stretching routine. Then begin the buddy lifts. After you have done your buddy lifts you can incorporate as few or as many of the body weight exercises as you like but if you do too many before your buddy lifts then you will lose out on a lot of your “pop” and power in your buddy lifts. This is a basic recommendation so feel free to be creative and try to gear your workout towards your individual needs.
This workout will take about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how many exercises you choose and also depending on your rest times. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if you want to make the workout more explosive then do more sets with fewer reps and longer rest times.
If you want to make the workout more endurance oriented then do fewer sets with more reps. You can also increase the number of exercises for the same effect.
The great thing about this type of workout is that it requires very little equipment, only a partner and medicine ball, and can be done just about anywhere and anytime. If you don’t have a partner available you can also use a throwing dummy or heavy bag.
This workout is pretty intense so be ready for it. If you are starting out I would recommend doing the minimum number of exercises or even reducing numbers in half at first and then work your way up.
Have a great workout!
Friday, December 24, 2010
2010 NAGA World Champion
December 18th my wife and I traveled to Forth Worth Texas so that I could compete in the 2010 NAGA Grappling World Championships. I was able to win the semifinal match with a front choke submission in the first minute! I won the final match by decision in a technical battle of positioning and conditioning. I had a great time competing and won a beautiful NAGA World Championship belt.
The event was huge with adults competing on Saturday and the kids competing on Sunday. There were literally thousands of people in attendance between competitors and spectators. NAGA puts on a great event and their staff is great to work with. Their events are quickly becoming one of my new favorites to compete in.
Preparing for the event I incorporated a lot of the things I talk about on my website. Specifically I had been focusing on a core group of techniques for the past six months. I also utilized Cross Fit style workouts to help my conditioning the last 4-6 weeks leading up to the tournament. I also used the bike inner tubes and swiss ball training like I usually do. To top it all off I wasn't without my game plan which was pretty simple and to the point. I made sure to write it down and keep it with me during the competition to help with the final pre-match mental preparations.
Here is a picture of me and my belts (UCE Grappling Championships on my waist, NAGA West Coast Championships on my left and NAGA World Championships on my right).
The event was huge with adults competing on Saturday and the kids competing on Sunday. There were literally thousands of people in attendance between competitors and spectators. NAGA puts on a great event and their staff is great to work with. Their events are quickly becoming one of my new favorites to compete in.
Preparing for the event I incorporated a lot of the things I talk about on my website. Specifically I had been focusing on a core group of techniques for the past six months. I also utilized Cross Fit style workouts to help my conditioning the last 4-6 weeks leading up to the tournament. I also used the bike inner tubes and swiss ball training like I usually do. To top it all off I wasn't without my game plan which was pretty simple and to the point. I made sure to write it down and keep it with me during the competition to help with the final pre-match mental preparations.
Here is a picture of me and my belts (UCE Grappling Championships on my waist, NAGA West Coast Championships on my left and NAGA World Championships on my right).
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Zar MMA and Champion Challenge XV
This weekend was a good one for Team Machado Utah and Kingdom Klub. We had Koffi Adzitso, our Welterweight phenom, fighting in the Zar MMA Fight Night on November 12, 2010. Koffi's opponent was Kevin Burns, a UFC veteran. Koffi came out strong and lit up Burns with his fast hands and power. Koffi cut Burns under the right eye with a left jab and a few seconds later cut him under the left eye with a right cross. Burns appeared dazed and confused and began throwing wide shots, Koffi countered beautifully and sent Burns down in flames. Koffi won by KO in the first round!
At the Champion Challenge XV Grappling tournament Team Machado Utah members Spencer Kutler and Brandon Ruiz competed and did well in their respective divisions. Spencer had two matches in which he worked on his skills and gained more mat time and experience. Spencer is improving and is looking to start making some break throughs soon. Brandon won both Gi and No-Gi Super Heavy Weight divisions.
In all it was a great weekend for our team! Plus I found a great new barbecue joint up in Layton called Holy Smoke BBQ! Jeff, the owner was an awesome down to earth guy and I can't help but get a little emotional and excited that there is one more great BBQ joint in the world!
At the Champion Challenge XV Grappling tournament Team Machado Utah members Spencer Kutler and Brandon Ruiz competed and did well in their respective divisions. Spencer had two matches in which he worked on his skills and gained more mat time and experience. Spencer is improving and is looking to start making some break throughs soon. Brandon won both Gi and No-Gi Super Heavy Weight divisions.
In all it was a great weekend for our team! Plus I found a great new barbecue joint up in Layton called Holy Smoke BBQ! Jeff, the owner was an awesome down to earth guy and I can't help but get a little emotional and excited that there is one more great BBQ joint in the world!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Grappling for Dummies
If you're looking for a great way to supplement your grappling workouts look into getting a throwing or grappling dummy to train with at home. They are fairly easy to store, and you can drill as many times as you want! Check out my website for more on working out with dummies: http://www.grapplingcrossover.com/
Monday, October 25, 2010
Get ahead of 90% of your Grappling competition!!!
If you want to get better than 90% of the Grappling competitors out there focus on the areas you know will present themselves in your Grappling match! Takedowns, Side Control, Passing the Guard, Mount, Back Mount, Guard are all positions that show up in every single Grappling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu match. Rather than take time getting fancy get good at the basics in these main positions!
Monday, October 18, 2010
NAGA West Coast Championships
Back in September I took a few of my students with me down to Las Vegas to compete in the NAGA West Coast Championships. Team Machado Utah/Kingdom Klub did very well! Jeramy Hunt-Loveless Gold and Bronze, Wes Kjar Silver, Koffi Adzitso Silver, Spencer Kutler (DNP), Brandon Ruiz Gold. We had a great time and got some great experience. We are now preparing for the Champion Challenge here in Utah in November!
Left to Right: Jeramy Hunt-Loveless, Wes Kjar, Koffi Adzitso, Spencer Kutler, Brandon Ruiz
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