Grappling Academy » Lee Hasson

Abu Dhabi West Coast Trials

Lee Hasson — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:02:58 +0000

The Abu Dhabi West Coast Trials took place in Santa Cruz, CA on January24th. Acting as a qualifier for the richest and most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event on the planet, the Abu Dhabi Pro, the West Coast Qualifier featured the best of the best congregating upon Northern California in the United States.

The winners from the American event will compete with the best grapplers and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes from across the world and for the chance at winning a massive USD$145,000 in cash and prizes at the Abu Dhabi Pro on April 15th to 17th.

The event was super organized and some great contested matches provided a solid the list of winners, with current ADCC World Submission Wrestling Ladies Absolute Champion Lana Stafanac leading the way:

Purple, Brown, Black: Johnny Ramirez (65kg), Marcos Pagliere (74kg), Clark Gracie (83kg), Raul Castillo (92kg), John Devine (+92kg)

White and Blue: Issa Able (light), Orlando Sanches (Heavy)

Ladies: Kiri Liao (light), Lana Stafanac (Heavy)

Coming up this weekend will be the East Coast trials in Boca Raton. Be sure to register ASAP if you intend to compete. Winners of the Open Weight divisions (Light/Heavy) will move on to the Abu Dhabi Pro on April 15th to 17th.

Kettlebells and CrossFit

Lee Hasson — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 04:37:41 +0000

Recently I’ve been hearing more about kettlebells and how effective they are in training grapplers. In a recent conversation with the owner of ATP Kettlebells, Juan Bacca, I learned how kettlebells are used to train a person with “real” motion. This is compared to “pin-popping” on traditional workout equipment which only allows for one range of motion. By incorporating realistic motion into your weight training routine you will better be able to build the muscle around your joints. This will lead to greater flexibility and decrease the chance for injury due to training. For any grappler this is key since joint strength is so frequently used. Just think of all those times you tweeked your hip or shoulder.

Additionally, kettlebells have the inherent ability to develop a person’s core better then most any other method. Increasing core strength will lead to better balance which is extremely important in any Jiu Jitsu or grappling game.

Also, any person who’s ever done CrossFit has most likely picked up a kettlebell at some point. The marriage of the two is a perfect way to accelerate one’s strength and cardio at the same time. Although CrossFit can be an intense and for some too intense of a workout (many people puke on their first attempt) I highly recommend giving it a try. You may want to ask the instructor if there’s a “track” or a program to build you up before diving into the WOD(Workout of the day).

I’ll leave you with this video. It’s Christine Bagiotti of ATP Kettlebells doing a kettlebell routine that would put many guys too shame.

Logan Stanton and Natasha Wicks UFC Girls Get Cut

Lee Hasson — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:42:50 +0000

Normally you would be hearing about a fighter being cut, but to my surprise both Logan and Natasha have been cut from the UFC as ring girls. Honestly, I didn’t pay attention to what they had to see in the past, but after hearing them speak I can tell that’s not why they get paid. Either way, it’s sad to see them go. Also, I was reading that their some speculation it has to do with the comments in their interview that has led to their demise.

Wicks mentioning that Josh Koscheck perhaps was faking his eye poke and Stanton’s comments about the Octagon Mom/Manager Leslie Hedges may have been the reason for this decision. It would seem doubtful to me considering the UFC has dealt with much worse when it comes to rogue commentary. Dana himself is known for uncensored criticisms.

Watch UFC Octagon Girls Natasha Wicks and Logan Stanton Say Josh Koscheck Faked Injury at UFC 106 on RawVegas.tv

Slick Judo Armbar

Lee Hasson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:05:21 +0000

I’ve recently been taking more of an interest in Judo and found this video. Last night I was talking with my BJJ instructor on Judo and its use in Jiu Jitsu. From my experience, Judo is probably the weakest part of most competitor’s game. I ran across this perfectly executed stand-up armbar and think this would certainly throw off most if you could throw it at the very beginning of a match.

18 UFC Competitors Suspended After UFC 107

Lee Hasson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:25:39 +0000

Diego Sanchez: Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days and must undergo a CT scan and be cleared by a doctor

Frank Mir: Suspended three days with no contact for three days for precautionary reasons

Cheick Kongo: Suspended three days with no contact for three days for precautionary reasons

Jon Fitch: Suspended 60 days with no contact for 60 days for precautionary reasons but can be cleared early by a doctor

Kenny Florian: Suspended 60 days with no contact for 45 days due to a cut but can be cleared early by a doctor

Clay Guida: Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to a possible eye injury but can be cleared early by an ophthalmologist; regardless, suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons unless cleared early by a doctor

Paul Buentello: Suspended indefinitely until ribs X-rayed and cleared by a doctor; regardless, suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days for precautionary reasons

Alan Belcher: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days for precautionary reasons

Wilson Gouveia: Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons; can be cleared early by a doctor

Matt Wiman: Suspended 180 days with no contact for 180 days due to a possible right injury but can be X-rayed and cleared early by a doctor; regardless, suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days for precautionary reasons

Shane Nelson: Suspended 14 days with no contact for 14 days due to a cut but can be cleared early by a doctor

Johny Hendricks: Suspended three days with no contact for three days for precautionary reasons

Ricardo Funch: Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons but can be cleared early by a doctor

Rousimar Palhares: Suspended three days with no contact for three days for precautionary reasons

Lucio Linhares: Suspended three days with no contact for three days for precautionary reasons

DaMarques Johnson: Suspended three days with no contact for three days for precautionary reasons

Edgar Garcia: Suspended 30 days with no contact for 21 days for precautionary reasons but can be cleared early by a doctor

Kevin Burns: Suspended 45 days with no contact for 30 days for precautionary reasons

Death Warrior the Movie

Lee Hasson — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:46:59 +0000

The movie Death Warrior will be coming out on DVD December 4th starring well known MMA superstars such as, Hector Echavarria, George St-Pierre, Quiton Jackson, Keith Jardine, and Rashad Evans.

I have to say I think they probably hit the nail on the head with this one. MMA is a gritty sport, so its seems reasonable that the Director, Bill Corcoran, has created what seems to be a violent flick based around the sport. The film is based on an underground gambling ring where an MMA fighter must fight to the death in order to save his wife from death which is being held by an insane crime lord. Racing the clock he has to compete in death matches and figure out who created the fight scheme.

While I haven’t seen the movie I certainly plan too as I’m sure any MMA fanatic would. For one I’m interested to see how these guys can act. Then again anyone watching The Ultimate Fighter lately has probably been laughing their ass off at the antics between Rashad and Rampage. For fuck sake, how’d they keep them on the set together?

How many black belts do you have?

Lee Hasson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:17:50 +0000

No video this time, but rather a question. How many martial arts can one person master? I was on a gym’s site and the instructor was a 7th degree black belt in 3 arts, 6th degree black belt and 3rd degree black belt in other arts. Not only does he hold 5 black belts, but they are 5 high level black belts. It’s hard enough to get a black belt in BJJ let alone 4 additional arts. I’m not sure I can buy into this being practical. This is not to suggest that they are not extremely talented martial artist’s, but it brings up the question as to whether focusing your energies into one art is more valuable to a student. For me I’m grateful for an instructor who has experience in different styles, but I’d prefer they are a true master of one.

So I wonder who out there has the most black belts? Anyone who thinks they know who it is, leave a comment for us.

Some people are this stupid, Kiai Master vs. MMA

Lee Hasson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:00:28 +0000

It’s challenging to believe that there are people who believe that “the force” really can be with you, however, this Kiai Master really does believe it. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work like Star Wars and you can use “the force” to beat your opponent. The question that really must be considered is that at least if you’re going to stage a fight, make sure you rig the fight, but I guess this guy actually believes his own bull shit. Try not to laugh too hard, because this guy has to be at least a little “held back.”

Another Great Video of Grappling Women

Lee Hasson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:04:24 +0000

Watching women in bikinis grappling is fucking hot. These two chicks go at it for quite a bit and show a decent bit of technique and experience. If there is anything that the UFC needs to incorporate into its shows is women matches and require that their uniforms are bikinis. Or better yet make a Women’s UFC.

Vintage Gracie Jiu Jitsu Video

Lee Hasson — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:44:38 +0000

This is an amazing video of the beginning of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The only significant difference that I could tell from jiu jitsu today is the stand-up. The first scene depicts Judo based throws, whereas today’s stand-up is a mix of Judo and wrestling. Also, make sure you watch the video to the end, because it shows how knowing jiu jitsu will always get you the girl. Another aspect of the video shows how the Gracie family in the ’50s was just as good at marketing as they are today.