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Martial Artists: Are You a Shredder?

February 28, 2013 By Sensei Matt Klein

Jimi Hendrix was the ultimate shredder

Jimi Hendrix was the ultimate shredder on the guitar

Urban Dictionary

shred

surfing: performing a series of cutbacks requiring seemingly impossible adeptness.

To play so amazingly fast on guitar you almost destroy it’s strings.

Sometimes you learn lessons in the strangest places. I learned a few behind the bar. Fresh out of bar tending school in San Diego, I had a big break. The school, impressed with my scores on the exams, and especially my pestering them every day for a job, hooked me up with one of the busiest and best bars in San Diego.

I was impressed by Steve, the manager. He was fast, personable, and funny. But the next day, a blonde surfer dude with a bit of a swagger walked into the bar. Steve said to me, “Dave is a shredder”. I asked him what that meant, and he said, “Watch him work. He gets it done. He is in a league of his own”.

That night, I trained with Dave, and I soon knew what Steve was talking about. Dave was in well #4. He was handling the orders of three cocktail waitresses, plus the busiest section of the bar, all by himself. I was his bar back, which meant gofer, running to and from the back with the supplies he needed. He was getting orders by the dozens from the waitresses, memorizing them (no writing or anything allowed, it was too slow) and cranking them out within seconds, meanwhile cracking jokes to the people at the bar, spinning and tossing the the bottles behind his back, and collecting one heck of a lot of money for the establishment. We were truly “in the weeds”, which meant snowed under with people five deep at the bar waving $20 notes, before long. While other guys in the bar, including myself, were getting stressed out, Dave kept his cool, and just switched gears. He was in the zone, and within minutes, we were caught up. The rush was over. I was exhausted.

That night, I knew one thing. I wanted to be a “shredder”. I later asked Dave for his secrets to success. To this day I have applied many of his secrets, as they work in any field, especially martial arts. Here are his secrets.

Enjoy the Present

Dave lived in the present. While most bartenders were university students or in between careers, Dave was a pro. He always wanted to be a bartender, and he wanted to be the best. He had a great sense of humour, and every night he had at least ten or twelve people at the bar, where he held court. His stories, jokes, and personality had that bar full every night. He rarely drank. Sometimes he had more than one attractive woman at the bar competing for his attention. He introduced people, creating many friendships. His customers loved him. Dave loved bartending.

Drill like a Demon

They had us do drills in bartending school with water and food colouring in bottles and plastic spouts on the end. I threw mine away after graduating. Dave still had his. He had a game, timing himself to see how fast he could pour different combinations, and of course, tossing the bottles up in the air, catching it behind his back, and other tricks. He showed me how to do many of them. He knew how to breathe fire, his most popular trick.

Know Your Stuff

Dave had over two thousand drinks memorised and he was always looking at recipe cards and trying to create his own mixes. He explained to me that the better you knew them, the faster you could work as you did not have to recall how to make them, especially under pressure.

Get in your Discomfort Zone

Dave always asked to be in well #4. He and Steve were the only ones fast enough to handle the demands of that well. This kept him in constant practice under pressure. He loved the challenge.

Work Without Fear

I asked Dave how he kept so cool under pressure, and his answer surprised me. He said, “I don’t really care what people, including the boss, think about my performance. I am doing my best, and if they don’t like it, I will go down the street and get a better job, because I have faith in my abilities. So what is the worst that can happen?” He was not worried about making mistakes, spilling drinks, or offending customers. He was super relaxed and this is what gave him the ability to work with reckless abandon.

Have a Bit of Balance in Your Life

On his days off, Dave was learning how to fly small planes. It was his way to chill out after busy nights behind the bar. It was his other passion, and he jumped into it with gusto as well.

Dave made a big impact on me during that time in my life. I never approached his skill and speed as a bartender, but before long, I was working well #4. Once or twice I thought I heard Steve say to the new bartenders something about “shredder” as he pointed my way.

Dave, last I heard, was flying 747’s for Delta Airlines. If there is an emergency up in the air, you hope you have someone like Dave flying your airplane. This wizard behind the bar taught me much about life and success.

Are you a shredder?

Filed Under: For the Martial Artist

How Martial Arts Builds Assertiveness in Children

December 22, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

Kids being assertive in a martial arts class

Kids are encouraged to raise their hands and be assertive in our martial arts classes. There are no wrong answers.

How Martial Arts Builds Assertiveness in Children

Teaching a child to be assertive will pay off as they get older. Confident and assertive children are less likely to bend to the will of their peers. They will be more apt to walk away from a bad situation or to keep up good grades even when others say it is not the cool thing to do.

Providing early leadership opportunities for children is essential for building their assertiveness and confidence. Research from Girl Scouts of America says confidence in speaking up and leading others dwindles by the fifth grade. Kids gain that confidence by entering into activities, clubs, teambuilding, etc. and the earlier the better. The martial arts is a perfect place to to this. Here’s why.

Praise Children for Being Assertive

We praise children for raising their hands in our children’s martial arts classes. We tell them there is no wrong answer and that all questions or comments are good. We never belittle them for any answer they come up with. This gets them to put their hand up more often. Many parents are telling us their children are now putting their hands up in school, which usually means better class participation and grades.

A Strong Role Model

Children copy their role models. Our instructors encourage the children to stand up for their beliefs and views, even if it means going against the crowd. Many of the games we play test individual skills, which build a sense of independence. We also encourage them to speak up when they see injustice. Our instructors also encourage the children to come forth if they are not getting enough attention in class. Children will follow the example of a strong instructor.

Discourage Domineering Behaviour

If we see a shy withdrawn child being pushed around by a more assertive child in class we will separate them, giving the shy child the chance to shine on their own. We will go out of our way to find a way to give them a chance to be assertive and then praise them. We also tell them it is okay to complain if another child cuts in front of them in line. We also give the line-jumpers warning that if they are caught doing it, they will have to watch the game from the side that day.

Provide Leadership

We encourage children to come forth and volunteer to be leaders. As early as purple belt, we will allow children to help with the beginner’s classes. This gets them started helping organise the class and works on their public speaking skills, greatly increasing their assertiveness.

Appearing Confident and Assertive

We teach our students to look people in the eye and use a more firm, powerful voice. We work on our Kiai every day to develop our voices. We encourage them to stay cool and not cry or pout, as this does not show confidence.

We Let the Kids be the Instructor

Sometimes we’ll let the kids take turns running the stretches before class. Each kid picks a stretch, tells the class its name, then demonstrates it. They love to participate in it. Sometimes they come up with funny stretches and everyone has a laugh! It really builds their confidence in speaking up.

Manners are the Key

Sometimes a child will walk up to me and say “I need to get tested because I missed the grading”. I tell them to try again but this time ask in a respectful way. They will often say “Can you please test me Sensei because I missed the grading? This teaches them that they will get a much better result if they make their requests in a firm, but respectful way.

Have Faith in Yourself

We teach our students to have faith in your their own abilities, knowledge and strength. To know that they are valuable and deserve to have their needs met. We all have a right to assert ourselves no matter what our personality.

In the martial arts we give children the tools to be assertive and value themselves and their opinions so they will have high self esteem. It will show in the friends they choose and the activities they participate in and set them up for success in life.

Filed Under: Martial Arts Resources for Parents, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

How Not to Run Martial Arts Classes for Children

November 25, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

structured martial arts class for children

Children want and need structure. They must not be allowed to come and go as they please in a martial arts class.

I was thinking the other day about some of the “disasters” that have occurred during our kids martial arts classes over the last eighteen years. Luckily I learned from these experiences, but would like to share them with you so you do not make the same mistakes. I asked my friend Didi Goodman, a very knowledgeable instructor, who also specialises in childrens martial arts classes, for some of her ideas as well. Didi and I don’t always agree on some issues so I thought it would be interesting to get her take on the subject. Here are my ideas on how not to run a martial arts class for children.

Kids running around doing what they want

The instructor needs to take control of the class. There have been a few times over the years when I was either very tired or distracted and gave the kids free rein. I realized very quickly that kids want and need structure. A few comments from the parents about the chaos that day were all I needed to get it sorted out.

Kids walking in and out of classes when they want

You cannot let kids come and go as they like. If everyone did it you would have no class! I let the kids join in without penalty if they are late, because it is rarely their fault as they do not drive. However, if they want to leave the class for any reason, they must ask permission. I never refuse to request to go to the toilet. However, if a particular child is constantly asking for a drink break or something, I will often say “No, you must wait until the next class break”.

Parents blabbing away on mobiles during the class

I do not permit this. It is extremely rude, and I will walk up to them while they are talking and stare at them until they get up and take their conversation outside. For the very stupid or careless ones, I will interrupt their conversation with “Can you take your mobile outside?” in a loud voice.

Kids sitting in horse stances throwing straight punches the whole class

Kids need to have a bit of fun. Our classes have been very popular over the years for two reasons: they are fun and affordable. Well, three reasons actually–they learn excellent martial arts skills! We play games, but all the games are designed to build skills like coordination, teamwork, footwork, and especially, concentration. Boring classes are empty classes.

Instructor is late

The first time an instructor is late people start to wonder if they really care about their students. The second time it happens their students start to quit. The third time….well, the instructor needs to find another job, they do not care enough about their career or their students to be a martial arts teacher.

Didi Goodman, who also wrote the book entitled The Kids’ Karate Workbook, made the following additions to this post.

Instructor is late

I do push-ups if I’m late! LOL I know how you feel about push-ups. I think I’ve been late 3 or 4 times in twenty years. Once it was because my neighborhood was on fire. I missed the whole first class and was late to the second.

Instructor sounds like a loud, angry drill sergeant

Nothing wrong with being firm, clear, and demanding. Be as serious as you like. But you don’t need to be frightening. And if the kids think you’re angry with them whenever they make a mistake, your classes aren’t going to thrive. Be ready to laugh; let the kids know you enjoy martial arts, enjoy them and enjoy their efforts. Then they’ll enjoy trying their best for you. Lay that foundation and you can set the bar as high as you like.

Expecting perfection from the children

“We’re not moving on until you all get this exactly right.” The best teachers on earth can’t make their students get everything right at once. Remember, you’re working with beginners and young children. Students need to practice; they must put in their repetitions; they have age-based limitations on how they’ll do. Like you, they’re imperfect! So keep going. The worst mistake I see from new instructors is bringing all the action to a halt while they try to correct one student’s every last flaw. The other kids are dying of boredom and itching to move! Then, when the next count finally comes, the instructor notices Student B needs an overhaul, too… Give a clear correction and move on. Repeat as needed; help and urge as you go; but keep the action going, and move to the next activity on schedule. (See also: “Kids sitting in horse stances throwing straight punches the whole class” – sometimes this is how it came about!)

Parents coaching from the sidelines

In a well-functioning class, the instructor is in charge, and the kids need to focus. “Stage parents” are a damaging distraction – not just for their own kids, but for everyone. Make sure parents in the viewing area understand proper etiquette. If there’s an issue with their child’s behavior or performance in class, help them understand how you are handling it. If necessary, work out ways they can help and support your efforts without being disruptive (i.e., things they can do outside the dojo to support good behavior during class). Worst case: Suggest they take advantage of class time to run errands…

Younger siblings running wild on the sidelines, or running across the class

While we’re on the subject of etiquette for parents, sometimes they need encouragement to stay in charge of the siblings and toddlers who may accompany them to your school. Their noise and actions can be yet another distraction for your class, and when toddlers run onto the floor, it’s a safety hazard as well.

Kids wanting nothing but games

A game now & then, even a warm-up game every class – no problem. Making a game of hard work, or disguising repetition – those are perfectly good teaching techniques. But the highest goal of an instructor is to get the kids to love working out, to love striving for improvement, – to love learning! Classes based solely on games too often breed students who feel entitled to play – and who resist good old-fashioned discipline and work. Everything doesn’t have to be a game. Help the kids discover that martial arts training is fun in and of itself.

Thank you so much Didi for your ideas about How Not to Run a Martial Arts Class for Children. Your experiences parallel mine closely and it is interesting to see your take on it. Instructors, what ideas do you have on this subject?

Filed Under: For the Martial Arts Instructor, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Martial Arts Instructors | Are You Ready to Go Pro?

October 20, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

A martial arts instructor in action

An instructor must be passionate about martial arts and love working with their students

I have been asked many times in my career, how did you build a successful business as a martial arts instructor? They see the results, our many kids martial arts locations in Sydney, but they do not see all the years of work and sacrifice that went into it. Many have asked me how to get into the martial arts business full-time. The person who is considering going professional and doing martial arts as a full-time career should ask themselves some important questions.

Passion for the Martial Arts

Are you truly passionate about the martial arts? In your spare time do you spend hours looking at martial arts videos on YouTube trying to better your game? Do you spend a good percentage of your budget on martial arts DVD’s and gear? Do you absolutely love coaching martial arts and passing on your knowledge to the next generation? Passion will carry you through the inevitable tough times, and will attract people to your club.

Organizational Skills and Work Ethic

Are you organized? Running a martial arts club takes superb organizational skills, as there is an incredible amount of preparation involved in running the classes. Are you able to schedule your day and prioritize your tasks? If you are not organized, you will make mistakes, lose credibility, and finally, lose students.

Are you willing to work harder than your competitors to make your business a success? I wore out a lot of shoe leather to build our organization in Sydney, particularly in the areas of marketing, student retention, and instructor development. There are times when I wake up and face a difficult day of something I’m not particularly fond of doing, while my friends are at the beach. But I relish hard work because I know my competitors are not going to keep up the pace.

Are you motivated to stay healthy and fit? Will you continue to train hard in order to inspire your students? Will you eat right and get plenty of rest, so you can give your students your best?

Martial Arts are About Relationships

Are you able to build relationships and sell yourself? You will need to get out there and hustle, particularly when building your name in the community. You will need to attract people who will be keen to help you.

Are you willing to admit that you do not have the skills in every area, and get the appropriate help? You will have strengths and weaknesses, and must know yourself well enough to find help in areas in which you are lacking.

Drive to Be the Best Instructor Around

Most important, are you willing to put in the time to ensure your service is the best out there? Are you enough of a perfectionist to challenge the status quo and keep pushing it, but not so much of one that nothing gets done? Are you always in pursuit of knowledge about the martial arts? Are you continually trying to improve as an instructor? Do you have an open mind when it comes to new ways of doing things?

If you answered yes to these questions, perhaps you should think about going pro in the martial arts business. For me, it has been the most rewarding of all careers. Martial arts instructors out there, do you have anything to add?

Filed Under: For the Martial Arts Instructor

Left-handers in Martial Arts | Advantage or Disadvantage?

September 27, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao

Mothers and fathers often complain to me about their son’s/daughter’s lack of coordination and difficulty being a left-hander or “southpaw” in our classes. I always comfort them by explaining that it is not a disadvantage, and maybe even an advantage. I tell them I am a left-hander as well, which is true. For me, it has been an advantage for the whole of my martial arts career. Is it an
advantage or disadvantage? Let’s explore it from both sides.

Advantages

Right-handers will have a hard time fighting you. Plain and simple, most fighters lack experience against lefties, since they are such a small percentage of the population. You will be coming at them from unusual angles, which they are not used to seeing. You, on the other hand, will be used to fighting right-handers as you spar against them all the time.

You will become ambidextrous fast because you are usually doing the moves right-handed. Left handed people learn to do things with their right hand due to them being in a right handed world so they have almost equal strength in both hands. In most martial arts classes the whole group practices in the right-handed stance. There will be instances when they switch it over to the other side.

Disadvantages

It will take you longer to learn things since in many cases the movements are not as natural. You will develop power and speed in your weak hand though, with repetition.

People often don’t know how to hold pads during training for lefties, and in some gyms they will force you to be a right-hander. I would switch gyms if that is the case.

A suggestion

Train on both sides. This will develop speed, power and coordination in your weak side. But against other fighters favour your left-handed stance as it will give right-handers fits.

Keep in mind, if he is a left-hander fighting in an orthodox stance, his jab and his front leg kicks will usually be better than the right-handers in the class. In fact, Bruce Lee, a natural right-hander, fought in a southpaw stance so he could have his power hand and foot closer to his opponent. This is especially true in point sparring, as your front hand and foot will score the vast majority of your points.

Some great left-handed martial artists

Lastly, the following great boxers/martial artists were left-handed, so that should tell you something:

Marvin Hagler (boxing)
Oscar de la Hoya (boxing)
Manny Pacquiao (boxing)
Chael Sonnen (MMA)
Rich Franklin (MMA)
Nick Diaz (MMA)
Lyoto Machida (MMA)
Vitor Belfort (MMA)
Anderson Silva (MMA)
Yushin Okami (MMA)
Takanori Gomi (MMA)
Mirko Cro Cop (MMA and K1 Kickboxing)

Note, some of these guys were born lefties and some are “deliberate southpaws.” They taught themselves to fight as southpaws because they found it to be an advantage to their fighting careers. Others may fight in a southpaw stance to have better jabs and hooks, which are thrown off the front hand.

Any other lefties out there in the martial arts? What is your experience?

Filed Under: For the Martial Artist, For the Martial Arts Instructor, Martial Arts Resources for Parents

Safety Awareness and Self Defence for Moms

August 16, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

A dark and secluded stairwell

A dark and secluded stairwell can be a very dangerous place

You lead a busy life. Your children are enrolled in self defence classes or martial arts training. They have learned about safety awareness. Please see this post, entitled Top Twenty Kids Stranger Danger Tips for Child Safety. But who is looking out for you when out on your own? Preparation and prevention are your best tools. Here are some simple tips to keep you safe.

Car Safety

When parking in the carpark, especially at night, park as close as possible to the overhead lights. A car that is parked in a well-lit area is less attractive to criminals. Also, it will be easier to see into the back-seat and floor, which is ALWAYS where you should look before you open your car door. Have the emergency number on your speed dial if you need it. Ask a store manager or security guard to accompany you to your car if you feel anxious.

When approaching the vehicle, in fact, when you leave the store, or other place, have the keys in your hand with the car key between your thumb and index finger. This serves two purposes. You will be able to get into your car faster if you feel threatened, and second, you can use it as a weapon if attacked. Immediately lock all doors when you get in the car and leave.

Never pull your car over, especially at night or at a secluded location. Attackers sometimes try to get their victims to the side of the road by motioning that they have a flat tire or other problem. Also, don’t stop to help anyone who is off on the side of the road with car trouble, even if it is a woman or they have a child. It may be a trap.

Never, ever get into a vehicle with an attacker, even if they have a weapon. Cause a loud commotion instead, and run away. Punch and kick if necessary. Your chances of survival greatly decrease if you go with them, and most likely, attackers will move on to an easier victim.

If you are ever thrown into the trunk or boot of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but others will.

Public Transportation Safety

Wait in well-lit, highly populated areas for transportation to arrive. Find a seat near the driver, and preferably, many other passengers. Avoid window seats, as this could allow an attacker to trap you. Stick with aisle seats near doors, so you can exit in a hurry.

Be aware of your surroundings. Stay off the mobile phone and iPod as you need all your senses, especially at night. You must focus on your surroundings, as a distracted person is always a target.

Safety When Out and About

If you are being followed by a car, run back in the direction from which you came. The car will have to turn around to continue following you, which will be make it more difficult for them, and will buy you time to get to a safe place, where there are lots of LIGHTS AND PEOPLE.

Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are dangerous places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at night.

Keep yourself fit. A stronger, fitter person is always a harder target for the bad guys (sorry to be sexist but they are almost always going to be male). Be able to run if you have to.

Trust your instincts. If someone makes you feel uneasy, there is a good reason for it. Avoid them.

Home Safety

If you are entering your house, and sense something is amiss, make plenty of noise, and if alone, pretend you are with someone. Say something like “Honey, bring in the dog from the car please”. Never mind what the neighbours will think. Surprised robbers are often violent; this gives them a chance to escape. If a door or window is ajar, or broken, do not enter. Call the police and wait with a neighbour for them to arrive.

Self Defence or Martial Arts Training

It is advisable to learn at least the basics of self defence. Many attacks are thwarted with a simple punch or kick to an unsuspecting attacker. You read about stories like this often in the newspapers. We offer martial arts classes for adults at selected locations around Sydney. Another benefit; you can train and practice at home with your children, helping them.

Any other safety and self defence tips for moms are welcome.

Filed Under: Martial Arts Resources for Parents, Stranger Danger

Just Keep Turning Up

July 22, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

Just turning up is half the battle in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any other martial art.

Just turning up is half the battle in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

As I lay in bed at 8 am on my first week of holiday, a very cold Sunday, I fought a pitched battle in my mind. Do I go to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu this morning or not? I felt tired after a full term of teaching kids karate, and was having a very hard time motivating myself. I was losing this battle as I pushed the snooze alarm.

How many times does this happen? When I asked a wise old sensei years ago how to succeed in martial arts he gave me some very good advice. He said, sagely with a gleam in his eye, “Just keep turning up. When you’re happy, keep turning up. When you’re sad, keep turning up. When you’re tired, keep turning up. When you’re ill, keep turning up. If fact whatever else is going on, make training your one point of calmness. Just keep turning up”.

Only four of us turned up that Sunday, but as I stepped onto the mat, a surge of energy washed over me as I was joined by three of the keenest guys in the club. Three and a half hours later, after many drills and rolling, I walked out of there, soaked in sweat. I felt on top of the world, and made a quantum leap that day in my game. I smiled as I walked down the street, feeling the wisdom of ages the old sensei tried to pass on to me years ago. Just keep turning up.

Filed Under: For the Martial Artist

Two Easy Ways to Build A Child’s Confidence and Self-Esteem

June 22, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

A karate kid builds confidence and self-esteem

Kids develop confidence and self-esteem through repetition and positive feedback.

Build on What They Already Know

I already felt like I had two left feet in the salsa class. Exasperated, I asked my partner, who had already been there for a few months, “Am I the only one here not getting it, or is this just too difficult?” I was surprised when she said, “You know what, they never practice anything we have done before, it is always this new stuff. Just when we learn it, we move on to something else, and forget about it”. Ah-hah. We laughed about it, but it was so true. In their quest to make the classes interesting, they tried to do something new every week, but neglected to practice what was taught prior. The result: lack of confidence amongst the students as nothing ever stuck. Many quit in frustration, some, like myself, thinking “I will never be a good dancer”.

In order to build up your students’ confidence, build on what they already know. This is especially important when teaching children. You can still make the classes interesting. Try doing them from the left-handers stance. Try adding a kick that they don’t know onto a hand combination they know. Experiment with rapid commands. That way, their interest is held, but they also are gaining confidence in themselves. That is not to say never teach them new things. Just make sure you are spending enough time for review so they stick.

Build Them Up, Don’t Tear Them Down

I have studied many martial arts outside my own over the years, and have gained many insights through this experience. At one school in particular, I became frustrated, to say the least. Everytime I did something wrong, the instructor would loudly correct it, so the whole class could hear. I was not discriminated against, he did it with everyone there. Meanwhile, if we did something well, we never heard about it. He never praised anyone. The result: only a few of his students stayed; most like myself, moved on. At another school, an assistant got a bit upset when his poor instruction was not understood by myself and two other students. He said, “I’m going to show you one more time. If you don’t get it this time, 50 pushups.” I flatly refused, and stated, “Let’s talk to the sensei about this”. He backed down. I had a chat with the sensei about the incident. We did not see that assistant again. Apparently, other people complained about him as well.

We need to praise our students when they do something well. We all need recognition for our efforts, especially kids. Your recognition of their efforts means so much to them. Build on what they know and be generous with your praise, and before long you will have a large following of confident students with high self-esteem. See an earlier post, Motivating Children in Martial Arts for more ideas in this area.

Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

49 Things I Learned as a White Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

May 25, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

A white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

I recently traded my white belt in for a blue belt, but I learned a few things along the way.

You are a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu white belt, but you aspire to work those spectacular moves the black belts and brown belts use when they roll. You imitate Marcelo Garcia and try to memorise those rolling sweeps and submissions. You buy the same gi as Andre Galvao and watch all the BJJ videos on YouTube. You think you can become an expert overnight. The first time you roll with a purple belt reality bites.

That cross-lapel choke you saw perfectly executed by Roger Gracie took him years to perfect, drilling it over and over to the tune of thousands of repetitions. Hate to burst your bubble, but becoming an expert in BJJ takes time; many years and thousands of hours on the mat. You get discouraged every time you get tapped, but you also get better. As Roy Dean said in his excellent Blue Belt Requirements DVD, white belt is a frustrating time, but it starts getting fun when you have been doing it for awhile.

Patience is virtue, but there are a few things you can do to accelerate the process. As a recent white belt in BJJ, and “wanna get better fast newbie”, I have done a lot of research into how you can improve your game. I picked up some valuable tips from the most knowledgeable people in BJJ.

Much of this knowledge came from books, DVDs, websites, and most importantly, actual instruction in classes. Primarily featured here is the work of several top BJJ experts: Saulo Ribeiro, whose book Jiu Jitsu University I highly recommend; Stephen Kesting whose website is outstanding for novice and experienced players alike; John Will, one of the top BJJ experts in Australia, who also has an outstanding blog and website that explores the mental game of BJJ in much detail. John is a huge inspiration with his high level of energy; Roy Dean, whose DVDs are the best out there in my humble opinion, and his instructor Roy Harris; Also Royler Gracie, whose organization, Gracie Humaita, is one of the best in the world; Rodrigo Antunes, a fourth-degree black belt who has helped my game on a personal level. Last but not least, my instructors Rick Spain and Andrew Nerlich, who have taught me so much.

General BJJ Tips

Get Saulo Ribeiro’s book Jiu-Jitsu University. It is extremely valuable for players of all levels.

Build a solid defence before you do anything.

Have at least two solid escapes from Mount, Back Mount and Side Control. Spend lots of time practicing these, because as a white belt you will find yourself in these positions often.

Hip escapes (shrimping) and bridging are core movements that will really improve your game. Practice them all the time.

Move yourself, not your opponent. It is much easier, especially if you face a larger opponent.

Grip near the joints as this will give you more leverage.

Use the 90 degree rule for leverage.

Look where you want to go. In the Upa, for instance, look over your shoulder first.

Build your core.

Strengthen your grip.

Posture is everything. Always be aware of it.

Pushing anchors you to your opponent and prevents your hip movement. Don’t do it!

Train regularly. Your body will grow accustomed to it and you will prevent injury this way.

Stretch and stay flexible. Always warm up and stretch before and after training this will prevent injuries, and as a bonus increase your range of motion for better mat performance.

Use your hips to generate power, not your hands.

Master positions and transitions before attempting submissions.

Pay for a few private lessons with a renowned black belt. It is well worth it.

In jiu-jitsu timing is everything. While your opponent is transitioning to an attack, that is often the best time to make your move. If you wait too long, it will take too much strength to escape.

Drill, drill, and drill your moves. The techniques you are comfortable with will become your “go to” when pressured in BJJ.

BJJ Guard Position Tips

Guard Top Position

Never one arm in–one arm out. Both arms in or both out.

Master two techniques for passing the guard, and start using them the second you find yourself in the position. If you wait, you are asking to be swept or submitted.

DON’T put your hands on the ground – keep your hands on your opponent!

DON’T put your elbow across his centerline – keep each arm on its own side of your body!

Grip belt, lapels, or biceps for leverage and control.

Keep your weight low with knees spread and feet flat on the ground to avoid sweeps.

Keep your back straight and look up to avoid having your posture broken.

Guard Bottom Position

For shorter guys, perfect the open guard, half guard, and butterfly guard.

Play more from side instead of flat on back.

A good grip is one lapel high centerline behind neck and the other on the sleeve behind bicep/elbow or low on sleeve near wrist.

Don’t sit in the guard, waiting for your opponent to try to pass it. Look for sweeps or submissions straight away.

Try to break your opponent’s posture by pulling him forward.

BJJ Side Control Position Tips

Side Control Top Position

Make yourself heavy by staying on your toes.

Go for the cross-face to exert pressure and control.

Keep your hips glued to his hips in side control, or block hips with arm or knee.

Side Control Bottom Position

Do not allow the cross-face. Control of head means control of body.

Use your elbows to make room for escapes and to enable you to breathe.

Use bridging and shrimping to create space.

BJJ Mount Position Tips

Mount Top Position

Squeeze your knees together but don’t lock yourself to your opponent, and touch your toes together if possible.

Roll your hips forward like a cowboy riding a bull.

If you put your hands on the mat for base, keep them wide so your opponent can’t reach them easily.

Mount Bottom Position

Keep arms bent, elbows in to prevent arm bars and to allow for breathing room.

Avoid being flat.

Get in the correct defensive posture before your opponent can settle in. This actually applies to any time you are put in a poor position suddenly.

BJJ Rolling Tips

Relax and don’t worry about winning or losing.

Tap out. Don’t fear it. Learn from it. Escape from the bounds of your ego.

Slow down for better sensitivity and to avoid gassing out.

Breathe! Inhale when body is straight, exhale when body is balled up (knees close to shoulders). Empty lungs completely on exhale.

As you progress, learn to stay on the attack. It makes it hard for the opponent to mount an attack if he has to defend.

And the most important tip of all, enjoy the whole process of making mistakes and learning, because you are only a white belt once.

What did you learn as a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Filed Under: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Be Humble, For There is Always Someone Better

April 28, 2012 By Sensei Matt Klein

 

Be humble for there will always be someone better

Becoming Humble

I like to tell my karate kids on their awards ceremony, be proud inside, but be humble on the outside, for there is always someone better. When they lose in a karate game, I tell them it is always important to be a good loser for the same reason—there will always be someone better. Maybe not right now, but down the line an outstanding player will appear that will be better than you. You may be the gold medalist in the Olympics, but will you always be the best in the world? No, that is life.

A Lesson in Humility

As a recent recipient of the blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I started feeling pretty sure of myself when able to tap out the white belts. Then along comes a higher-ranked purple belt, substantially smaller than me, who can tap me out at will. I needed it to remind myself there is always someone better, and also to remind myself that there is lots of work ahead. This can be discouraging if you let it, but it also motivates you to train harder.

The Mark of a True Champion–Humility

The most important lesson of humility is empathy. You need to wear a loser’s shoes so you know what it feels like to lose. It will make you a better winner. The purple belt told me I had a strong defence, but just needed to make a few adjustments. I felt much better. And unselfishly, he showed me how to shut down some of his attacks for next time. Now there is a true champion and a master instructor.

What have you learned about being humble in your life?

Filed Under: For the Martial Artist

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New Term Starts 16th October

September 24, 2020
Hey Kenpo Freestylers! The first week of classes for next term starts Friday, 16th October, through Thursday, 22nd October. The last week of term will end on Thursday, 17th December. It is a nine week term. Please mark your calendars! Times and dates are also posted on our website at http://www.karate-kids.com.au/locations/.

We are a COVID safe business!

July 24, 2020
All of our head instructors and a good many of our assistants have completed the MAIA course for qualification as a COVID safe business. Please be assured that we take your child’s health and safety as our highest priority. Our classes will be run safely in a clean environment. Please talk to your head instructor […]

Regular Classes Starting Soon!

July 18, 2020
Our regular classes are starting this Friday, the 24th of July through Thursday week the 30th of July. It will be a nine-week term and will continue through Thursday, 24th September. Please see our Locations page for times and dates. Welcome back returning students and we look forward to meeting all new students. Sensei Matt

Great Deals Online Kids Karate!

May 11, 2020
Great Deals Online Kids Karate! Welcome back Kenpo Freestylers! We now have pre pay options available on iKarate for our loyal students and families – with something extra… Our way of saying thank you We have been so touched by the overwhelming support for you all for our beloved Karate Club. The emails & facebook […]

Online Kids Martial Arts Starting New Term

May 3, 2020
We are pleased to announce that a new term of online kids martial arts classes is starting this week. We had an excellent turnout at the end of last term and through the school holidays and hundreds of our students were able to successfully grade to keep progressing on their martial arts journey. This has […]

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Testimonials

Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
Yogendra Joshi, father of Mihir JoshiImage
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Tyvian Macfarlane

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Tyvian's story.
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane, father of Tyvian Macfarlane
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Adam Loader

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Adam's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
09/01/2014

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