Why is it so hard for a higher belt to tap to a lower belt?

I have noticed a common saying among Jiu Jitsu Practitioner and that is leave your ego at the door.  I am starting to think that this is a one sided proposition.  It seems  like they are telling the new guys to not get fired up and go all crazy when a higher belt takes you to school and works you over.  I mean most of the higher belts take it easy on me.  No one really wants to hurt me or actually hurt anyone else when they are sparring for the most part.  The only time I see this change is when you catch a higher belt in a move that they have to really fight to get out of and then they go crazy on you trying to show there superiority.  They don't really have to do this as I already know they are better then me and so they have nothing to prove to me.

So yesterday I was rolling with a Purple Belt.  He was 20 years younger then me weighed about 50 lbs more was much stronger then me (or anyone at the gym for that matter) and is even better looking then me.  As we rolled I could tell he was working hard on trying to be technical and not just use his brute strength.  He has hurt me in the past using strength so I think he try to calm it down with me and works on technique mostly when we roll.  So yesterday we were rolling and I caught him in a very tight ankle lock.  It was a straight ankle lock and I could tell I had him.  I looked at his face in pain and realized he was not going to tap.  He tried to roll through but it just made it tighter and he still was not going to tap.  He tried to go 50/50 with me but it was not happening.  So I figured if he was not going to tap I was just going to let it go.  No need to hurt him because of his own stubbornness.  I know some may have an issue with this and may have wanted  me to finish this but I thought why hurt the guy just because he is too proud to tap to an older lower belt then him.

What do you guys think?  Is this a common practice where it is hard a higher belt to tap to a lower belt or someone they think has inferior skills to themselves but if that person is a higher belt or someone with better skills you would tap during the same hold and the same pain level.

 

Today I am posting an embarrassing moment.

As many of you may know I also sell Samurai Swords, Ninja Stuff etc on a website at www.ninjasupply.net  I  have always liked Asia (spent many years over there) and also speak Asian Languages.  My kids call me the Ginja Ninja (Ginja being short for Ginger because of my red hair.

I have found a factory that make high quality knives and swords.  They have some Folded Damascus steel blades (I know it is redundant to say Folded Damascus Steel) etc.

We ship stuff almost everyday and the people who buy from us seem to be very happy.  We have only had a few miscues and we started the site back in July.

So I decided before I sell these more expensive Musashi Swords I better buy a couple and see how Sharp they are and how well they work.  Let me tell you they are extremely sharp and well balanced.  They are truly Samurai Swords and the material and Craftsman ship is Amazing.  The problem comes from me and my buddies lack of experience using a Samurai Sword.

We have to now learn how to hold it correctly and also how to swing it etc.  Here is my first try at this and I cut a corner off of poor John's table.  It was so smooth I did not even notice it cut a corner off the table until I saw the video.  Of course on the next bottle I swung high  to compensate and missed the bottle all together.  I am going to continue practicing by assaulting water bottles and fruit and maybe by Halloween I will be able to  carve a Jack O Lantern with a Samurai Sword.  Then I truly would be the Ginja Ninja.

Maybe I should right a blog on mid life crisis's

Here is the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4O9LLL5P7s

After you've passed out are you less aggressive?

I passed out in a cross choke on Monday.  I have been to 3 workouts since then at different places.  I find myself tapping much quicker.  I have always tapped quick to joint submissions but really have been slow to tap to chokes.  I always felt I would be able to tap before I passed out but ever since Monday I have been questioning myself.  

Is this Normal?  

I enjoy starting the day with Jiu Jitsu but more then 2 rolls and I am shot for the day.

I guess I am getting older and my age is showing.  I like starting the day at Jiu Jitsu class but if I roll more then 2 times I find I am not very productive during the day.

This morning I went in and had a good class.  It was all Blue Belts and me there and we learned some technique from the quarter guard.  (off on a Tangent now)  What is your theory on learning Jiu Jitsu?  I have been studying for almost 2 years and it seems like we are going over new moves or variations of moves we have learned in each class.  I find that when I am rolling that I miss certain aspects of the move so I cannot finish it.  Case in point.  This AM I worked on a move that I was taught in Santa Fe NM last week.  I got the back of a younger stronger jiujiterio and then took his left arm in my left hand, hooked my right hand behind his left shoulder and then went for the rear naked choke.  What I forgot to do was trap his arm with my leg so I could finish the move.  When I got choked out the same thing happened.  I was in a cross choke and pushed one arm down and then lifted the other up.  I then moved my hand to cover my neck but I stepped the wrong way with the leg and thought I could pass his guard and boom I am in lala land.  If I would have stepped up with the left leg my angle would have broken the cross choke, instead I was sleeping during class.

I wonder if I will ever get to the point of really being automatic on my moves.  As an older guy being able to anticipate and counter a move before it happens is vital.  Some days it seems like I am going in reverse.  I was thinking about it today.  The guys I started with almost 2 years ago that are still around have improved at about the same level as me.  They have interesting twists to their game that I can anticipate and counter.  On the other hand they are also good at countering my moves.  When we spar we are doing more stuff but basically are in the same battle we were when we started.  What I would really like to see is how I do against the guy who started when I did but quit 3 months in.  I would like to see him come back to see if my game has improved.

Back at Higher Ground BJJ Today

I have been travelling and will still be out this week but was able to make it to HGBJJ today for the lunch class.  It was a good class with a good mixture of proficiency and sizes there.

We did a good warm up and it has been a long time since I did this.  I think I need more of this to increase my Cardio.  Then we worked on an Americana from Side Control.  It always amazes me the little things in each move that can make it or break it.  If you can put all the parts together in a fluid motion you will be top notch.

I know many debate the technique vs strength of Jiu Jitsu and I have to say technique is the key.  Technique will over come strength in most instances.  The only problem is when technique is equal or close then strength takes over.  I try to work on moves that require a minimum amount of strength to pull off and they work well on the unsuspecting when I am sparring at another academy but when I am with my own guys and they know my techniques then the strength and speed of how I hit the move is what makes the difference.

You should train like the guy is going to be stronger but you should use your strength combined with your technical skill when you spar and compete to be your best.  

If you do BJJ you will get choked out sometime.

I try to be quick to tap. I have to say that eventhough I try to leave my ego at the door sometimes it still creeps in,  I don't know about you it is harder for me to tap to a white belt then an upper belt.  

Tonight I was in St. George Utah for the Sheriff's show and I went over to open mat with Jake  Johnston.  What a great guy to roll with and a guy with a great story.  He got his black belt from Pedro Sauer and seemed to be in my mind knowing exactly what I was going to do before I did it and countering everything with technique and not strength.  I was very impressed with his skills.  

Next I was matched with Victor a guy 32 years younger then me at 21 years old.  He was a good roll for me I got a couple of sweeps and he was able to recover guard.  He got me in a cross choke and it seemed a little tight but I thought I had my arm in a place that I was safe.  I passed his guard and the next thing I knew I was dreaming that I was driving and then I heard him ask me if I was okay.  I woke up holding the guy in side control.  I have had dreams of jiujitsu before and woke up to find I was sleeping but this is the first time I was dreaming and woke up to find myself doing jiujitsu.  Being stupid I continued the roll and then actually rolled with a purple belt after that.  

Victor is a good guy.  The problem was mine.  I should have gave his cross choke more respect and not thought I could fight out of it.  I need to let my ego go with all belts.  Lesson learned. 

Getting ready for competition.

Today at open mat not many showed up just some getting ready for an upcoming competition.  For a couple it will be there first time to compete so I thought it was best to go over some things to calm them down and give them some confidence.   

I think you should always have a plan when you start a match and then make adjustments as the match goes on depending on how your opponent responds or reacts to what your doing.  As the match starts with a takedown you should always have in mind what you are going to do. Do you pull guard? Shoot a double or single leg? Go with a wrestling or judo throw?  If you know what you want you have the advantage.  Do you want to keep them from grabbing a sleeve or lapel?  It all depends on what your plan is.  Your plan should include a takedown that puts you into the position you want to be in once you get on the mat.  It is much easier to get to the position you want to be in during transition then letting your opponent get to a neutral position and starting from there.  

So we went over takedowns based on where they wanted to end up.  We will see what happens once the competition comes. 

Nothing better then BJJ to forget about the worries of life.

When people get overwhelmed, stressed out, under too much pressure, things just don't seem be going the right way they many times will resort to things that are detrimental and addictive.  I am thinking of drugs, alcohol, gambling, overeating or many other addictive vices.  They feel this will relieve their stress and make them forget their problems.  In reality it only creates more problems as it does not solve the situation at hand and then complicates it by bringing in something that usually is worse then the initial problem and gives them one more problem to deal with,

What do I do when I feel stressed out.  I go out and do Jiu Jitsu.  Funny how when some guy is trying to choke you or put you in an arm bar to hyperextend your arm or any number of things that can be done it really does help you put your problems behind you and in perspective even if just temporarily.  You have to admit when a guy is behind you with his arms around your neck trying to cut off the blood flow to your brain your best to worry about the task at hand and not concern yourself with why one of your kids is acting the way they are or what the boss or teacher is going to say about the assignment you are working on, or if you are going to make enough sales that week to put bread on the table etc.

I guess I should  try to start a movement for BJJ for Therapy.  Maybe I can contact the AA people and see what they think.  Who knows maybe if BJJ becomes addictive one day they will have a BJJA.

Also a Shout Out to Dan Lukehart for gettng his Black Belt in Style on Sunday.  Sorry I was not able to make it but I was there in Spirit.  Here is a picture of Dan at the Ceremony while still in his Brown Belt.  Looks like some pretty serious concentration there.

Took a detour home from the Sheriff's show

Just less then 2 hours from Kingman, AZ is Las Vegas.  My kids and Grandsons live there so I decided to make the detour and see them.  

Had a great time there.   You can never spend too much time with family. 

Jiu Jitsu at 7000 Feet

So today I worked out in Santa Fe at Santa Fe Brazillian Jiu Jitsu at 7000 Feet let me tell you that you can feel it.  When we started warm up I could already feel the altitude.  There seemed to be a true lack of oxygen in the air.  I was wondering how I would be able to spar at the end of class.  After our warm up they separated us.  All the lower white belts went to another room and the 4 stripe white belts and above stayed to work on some other moves.   I got paired with another visitor a purple belt from. Virginia who trains with Machado who was 25 years younger then me 25 lbs heavier then me and no fat.  We worked on Chokes from the back and let me say the guy applied the chokes hard and fast.  

Then we situational trained for 10 minutes.  One person on the back the other trying to escape to guard or half guard and the guy on the back trying to submit or mount.  Winner stay on.  The line only had 3 people in it so there was no rest.  I was able to hold my own against the Blue Belts and was able to stay in for 3 rounds where it was mandatory to sit out.  I seemed like maybe the altitude problem was over.  Then we sparred. I was pooped.  I only had spurts of energy that lasted about 15 Seconds and then had to rest, stall, defend whatever you want to call it for 30 seconds or longer to catch my breath.  I considered tapping just to rest.  My Cardio has always been good for my age but I got my butt kicked today.  I can see where training at altitude would really help your cardio come tourney time. 

Can't wait to get back to Sea level. Here is my Santa Fe Souvenir. 

At the Sheriffs show in New Mexico

The Sheriff's really love the new Proelia knives we brought plus the other knives.  The flashlight baton and the flashlight stun gun have almost sold out and today was basically set up day.  Hope for continued success.  

After the show and reception I stopped by Santa Fe BJJ they were just finishing up but I will try to make it tomorrow.  Will be interesting how rolling at 7000 feet makes me feel. 

So today at Church I was thinking about BJJ and awards

Many times when I work out while traveling I see the medals that they have won at different tournaments.  I am guessing that these are awards won by the instructors at those locales.  Usually they are medals but sometimes I see swords.  I have never been in a competition that gives away swords so I am wondering if they are for something special like overall champ etc or if they are like medals and every division gets them.  Also what kind and quality of swords are they?  Are they cheap decorative swords or something better?   Are they engraved or the scabbard marked with the competition or are they just plain swords.  Anyone with some insight please let me know.  

Also Congrats to Dan Lukehart of Brea Jiu Jitsu who received his Black Belt in BJJ today.  I wish I could have made it.  

What do you call the place you do BJJ at?

Today I wanted to write that they let me open the ???  Gym? Academy? School? Dojo? Center?  What do you call a place that they do BJJ?  Also what do you call the head guy there?  Instructor? Master? Professor? Coach?  Just casually call him by his first name?

It seems like in other Martial Arts it is layed out very well.  I am heading to the Dojo to work out with Master Wong seems to be very common for those in TKD, Karate, etc.  Anyway anyone that can help me out I would really appreciate it.  I'm almost 2 years in and I travel a lot so it would be nice to know what to call the head guy just to show proper respect.  My personal preference is Instructor and Academy.  Sounds a little like Millitary or Police but it is what I feel comfortable with.

I enjoy opening the Academy.  I showed up a little early and brought my grappling dummy so I could work on stuff just in case no one else showed up.  Luckily 4 people showed up and we drilled on sweeps for an hour.  Just worked on becoming more efficient and some moves that we already knew but needed to get better out as our timing is off when we spar.

I am heading to a Sheriff Show for 4 days so I hope I get a chance to write some blogs there.  I do plan on working out in Santa Fe.  I will see what the instructor there likes to be called.

Early Morning BJJ

Once a week I go to a 7 AM Class at a different place.  I enjoy the early morning classes even though getting stacked at 7 AM seems to hurt a lot more then getting stacked at 7 PM.  The guys that show up to the 7 AM class seem to be more of the family type.  Have kids and activities that keep them from coming after school but still have a level of dedication to the sport to get up and get out on the  mats.

The instructor is excellent and really helps you understand the details of the technique.  Small things like head position or where to put an elbow make the move much easier to execute.  Also instead of a normal Cardio, Stretching warmup we basically drill to warm up.  It is a good warm up (but once again that early in the Morning your body does seem extra stiff.).

I can honestly say that I always leave the morning class having learned something.  I can't spar for more then two rounds  in the morning or I am shot for the day but as long as I can keep that in check I think the mornings will always be a part of my Jiu Jitsu Training.

The funny thing this AM is that only 3 people were there.  Me and two other professionals with kids.  I know one of the guys is a Dentist we are all over 40 so we actually spent time on the mat in a discussion on how Keenan Cornelius was able to beat Eduardo Telles who just used the Turtle move to keep Keenan at bay.  Sometimes the discussion is more educational then the roll.

So I am working out last night and feeling pretty good.  We did technique on a way to get out of the cross choke and also worked on how to defend the choke from the back so pretty basic stuff but always good to remember some of the smaller details that make the difference during sparring and competition.

Then we start to Spar.  Remember I am an Older Guy so conserving energy is vital as well as I don't really like to beat up the guys I Spar with, (something about breaking your toys comes to mind).  I go 3, 6 minute rounds and then this new white belt ask me if I want to Spar.  I say sure figuring I would be able to take it easy.  The guy is smaller framed then me but weighs about the same.  We start and I work a controlling position and then I give him some space to recover guard and then we just continue the roll.  I'm going at an easy pace and all the sudden the guy gets me in a Darce Choke and I tap then shortly their after I am tapping to a Guillotine and then he does a bread cutter style choke from the back and I am totally confused.  I ask him afterwards how long he started BJJ and he tells me that he is new at the Gi but is a Professional Undefeated MMA fighter.  I'm thinking this will be good to know next time we spar,

The lesson learned here is never to get over confident.  Just because you are going against a lower belt does not mean you should drop your guard when it comes to protecting your neck and arms etc.  Next time we spar I will be much more cautious.  I'm pretty sure my neck is going to be hurting the next few days.  

How do you Spar with Women?

Last  night was interesting because when I showed up for drilling there was only Women there to drill.  There was an accident on the Freeway that had the closest on ramp to our gym closed down so I guess only the Women could figure out how to get there on time.  By the end of class we ended up with a bunch of guys there.

Since it was all ladies I asked them who they liked to spar with and who they didn't like to spar with.  (Now these are mostly white belts (one blue belt) and I can tell you that I have had Brown and Black Belt Women come to our place and give me way more then I can handle.  The comments that follow have to do with a specific situation and in no way insinuate that all Women and especially Women of Higher Belts feel this way.)  (Disclaimer out of the way).  They said that they prefer to go with people who will test their skills but not just muscle their way into a position or smash them when they spar.  They also don't want someone who is condescending or patronizing.  They can tell when someone just lays there and gives them moves they don't earn.  They want to earn the position by doing proper technique.  Last night we drilled Bump Sweep and Scissor Sweep.  The Women who attended the drills class seemed to really benefit from it.  I think most Women understand why technique is so important to Jiu Jitsu and that is why more of them show up to the drilling class.  We could probably all learn something from them.

I always look forward to Tuesdays because we drill for an hour before class

I find the time we drill to be very valuable.  It gives me a chance to go over some more again and again and build some muscle memory.  This really helps when you get in a Tournament and the instincts take over.  I have seen so many people who enter tournaments and spend much more time about thinking what they are going to do instead of actually doing it.

I think you need to have a game plan if you want to win.  If you can scout your opponent that makes it easier but that is not always possible.  The best thing to do is have 3 moves from each position.  That means 3 take downs and if you are really good 3 take downs from each grip that he has.  Your response will be much different if the guy grabs a collar, sleeve, or lapel or if he leaves an open spot.  Know what you are going to do ahead of time.

If you get underneath how will you sweep him.  The answer is different depending on how he is positioned.  How will you pass the guard if you are on top?  Will you try to go knee on belly, or mount?  What about taking his back?  Do you have moves from those spots.  Jiu Jitsu tournaments are not pick  up basketball games where you just go out and run up and down the court.  Having a plan will help you to wiin.

That is why if you get a chance to drill take it.

I love the smell of the Gym.

I have been told on many occasions that the sense of smell is the strongest sense you have and it stays with you longer and triggers more memories then any other senses.  We can all think of distinctive smells that trigger memories.  Hospitals, or things that smell like Hospitals triggers certain memories.  My Grandparents were raised in Farm Land so when I smell Farm Smells it reminds me of them.

Hong Kong has a distinct smell and in fact the word Hong Kong actually means Fragrant Harbour in Chinese (Cantonese).

I think this is one of my draws to Jiu Jitsu.  I wrestled when I was young and in College.  I coached for a while after that.  There is a distinct smell that the wrestling room has and I get that smell when I walk in the door of a BJJ academy.  No matter how tired I am and how worn out I seem to be (I am 53 so I can get pretty Tired and worn out) I always am happy that I made the effort and showed up.  The smell the Camaraderie and the other things about showing up to sweat and roll with these other men are the things that draw me to the sport.  I go 4 days a week and get beat up most days as I attend the mid day class with younger, stronger, heavier, quicker and more experienced practitioners then me.  The treat me I just have no advantage on them.  Most of these guys are Purple Belts, Brown Belts and Black Belts and 20 years or more younger then me.  I am just glad they tolerate me.

I have an addiction to BJJ

I am 53 years old and started Jiu Jitsu when I was 51.  I have been totally addicted since the start.  I wanted to compete and lost 40 lbs in just over 2 months so I could compete against the smaller guys and I actually won the first tournament that I entered.

Not sure if this is a midlife crisis or what but I am all in.

www.ninjasupply.net