SATURDAY NIGHT BJJ

SATURDAY, 23 MARCH 2013

There were just four of us in BJJ/judo class on Saturday night (me, Nick, Jason, Kyle).  I went over triangle choke defenses and escapes (from prevention to Triage).  I taught two specific escapes for when the triangle choke is actually set in and you start to see little stars and need to tap or take a nap.

After drilling these techniques, we then rolled for about one hour fifteen minutes.  In addition, we had a visitor who may be a potential student for Greg (Scott M.).  He watched during the rolling session, and I spoke to him for a few minutes so everyonce could catch their breath.

WEDNESDAY AT COMBAT ATHLETIX

WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2013

I had a very interesting class this morning at Combat Athletix.  There were just four white belts in the class, so I did not teach to a large audience.  The techniques for the day (elbow strike to throw from opponent's double lapel grab and arm triangle from mount-Lesson 23 in Smiley's syllabus) are not too intellectually strenuous.  What was interesting was two students that I taught.

Two students are regulars.  The other two were first-timers for me; they are a husband and wife team.  Ana does not speak English fluently; Robert is BLIND.  Yes, that's right.

I found myself breaking the techniques into the smallest constituent parts, carefully explaining each movement as colorfully as I could, both visually and verbally.  I then demonstrated the technique on Robert so he can feel how it is supposed to go.  Then I carefully reviewed and assisted in hand placement/foot placement on the throw and the choke. 

In all honesty, I think I learned more than any of my students did on Wednesday.  Rather than simply saying "Watch me do this," I had to make sure that I explained and demonstrated each small step.  I think this made my own understanding of the techniques better as a result.  Thanks Robert and Ana!  I look forward to your continued attendance so I can teach MYSELF how to get better.

Kris