Grappling Academy

Eddie Bravo and Aoki – Mount Attacks

Justin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:03:22 +0000

Triangle Escape:Sit and Pry

Justin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:10:25 +0000

Bas Rutten Neck Crank

Justin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:45:31 +0000

Ryan Hall – 50/50 Guard [DVD 3] – Advanced Heel Hook Finishing

Justin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:38:02 +0000

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.

Deep Half Guard

Justin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:31:36 +0000

Ryan Hall – Leg Control

Justin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:30:54 +0000

Underhook Double Leg Takedown

Justin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:48:14 +0000

Bas Rutten Triangle Defense

Justin — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 04:21:45 +0000

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.