SATURDAY, 07 NOVEMBER 2020

Our deputies were injured and did not practice today. Today's class was just me, Jason, and Josh M. We covered the defense and escape from the clock choke when the opponent has hooks in and is on his back. Following this, we worked on the defense and escape from the clock choke from the turtle position. I had eight, six-minute roll sessions. I also awarded Josh his first stripe on his blue belt.

HALLOWEEN 2020

Today's class had two brown belts (Jason and Ryan) and two blue belts (Steve and Josh M.). Today's course of study? Wrestling. Takedown defenses were the top priority. I developed a drill so that we could repetitively work on stopping an opponent's attempt without going 100%. We focused on the crossface and correct hip movement into the ground. We followed this with a modified spiral ride. In addition, we worked on the guillotine choke, focusing especially on the arm-in variation. Today, we had four eight-minute rolling sessions (Steve only rolled with Josh since he had to leave early).

SATURDAY, 01 AUGUST 2020

Today's class had me, Jason, Ryan, Steve, Josh, and Jack. We covered four distinct half-guard sweeps, one guard pass, and had four 5-minute rounds of rolling. I went with everyone except Jack.

SATURDAY, 27 JUNE 2020

David Lee Berlin (22 August 1952 - 26 June 2020)

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Sensei Dave Berlin. He helped me and Jason quite a bit on our journey in judo. His kind words and sage advice were apt. He will be missed by me. Below is his official obituary.

David Lee Berlin, 67, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020. He was born in Miami, Florida, to Sol and Blanche Berlin, on August 22, 1952.

David was the beloved husband of 46 years to Cheryl Berlin; father to Michael Berlin (Bailey), Michelle Taylor (Nick) and Melissa Bauer (Michael). He was a loving Zayde to Baxter, Marlee, Bennett, Ryland, and Carter, and is also survived by his brother, Steve Berlin (Susan), and sister, Barbara.

Simply put, to know David was to love David. Life will never be the same for his family, friends, and colleagues. He was a mentor and cherished leader to many, he changed the lives of all who met him for the better, and all-around irreplaceable. David was a scuba diver, Judo Champion, the kindest gentleman, a storyteller, an influencer, and a dedicated businessman. “His professional contributions only scratched the surface of his value to his fellow man, as he was especially giving of his time and resources to causes embraced by him and his family.”

Words do not exist that describe the heartache caused by the world’s loss of this truly beautiful human being.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, June 29, 2020 at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.

The family kindly suggests contributions be made in David’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

WEDNESDAY, 24 JUNE 2020

Tonight's class had me, Jason, and Josh M. since my son (another Josh) stayed out due to potential strep throat. We went over a series of arm drags and take downs for two hours. We did not live roll.

SATURDAY, 20 JUNE 2020

Today's class had me, two brown belts (Jason and Ryan), a blue belt (Josh), and two white belts (Jack and Chris).

We went over four standing guard passes and then had five, 5:30 rounds.

SATURDAY, 13 JUN 2020 SARASOTA TRIP

Six of us made the trip to Sarasota. On what is normally an open mat day, I taught the correct way to do the bread cutter choke and the escape.

Saturday, 16 May 2020

Today's class had me, Jason, Ryan, Tony, Steve, Josh M., and Jack.

We worked three de la Riva sweeps, basic defenses to being in the de la Riva guard, and moved on to judo (sasae & osoto gari).

We rolled for 6 rounds (5 minutes).

Josh Moss Blue Belt (25 April 2020)

SATURDAY, 14 MARCH 2014

Today's class had me, Jason, Ryan, Tony, Steve, and Jack.

We covered two variations of the scissor sweep, the cross-collar choke and Americana from the mount once the sweep was achieved, and the basic "trap arm/trap leg" mount escape when the opponent "bulldogs" their arms. Each person rolled with everyone for at least one round.

SATURDAY, 04 JANUARY 2020

BJJ practice today had a black belt, two brown belts (John & Ryan), and three blue belts (Tony, Rebecca, and Steve).

We covered: loop choke from butterfly guard; a follow-up back take from butterfly guard; how to defend the loop choke for the person in the butterfly guard; and a powerful kimura set-up taught by John.