Dan Camarillo:  Judo and Jiu Jitsu Remix

A total remix of my good friend Dan Camarillo’s highlights, with new music.

Swooping uchimatas.  Impeccable footsweeps.  Killer instinct.  Dan is the man! 

Laver Blue

Big congratulations to Paul Laver for his blue belt demonstration!  Special thanks to Rick Ellis for filming and editing this one.  I decided to do something special with the music, scoring the test with a new nine minute piece, in the grand tradition of Ellis Blue, Malone Blue, and Jonesy Blue.  Enjoy!

The BJJ Lifestyle: Hawaii

Thanks to TJ for these glimpses of the island.  TJ also trained at a Relson Gracie affiliate, where he was welcomed warmly!

Saulo Ribeiro: Lessons from a Champion

Second Glimpse: JJF 09

Great Success:  Jiu Jitsu Fest 2009

What a weekend!  With Jiu Jitsu Fest 2009 officially in the books, I can now take a moment to recap some of the highlights and give thanks to the people that helped make it happen.

Those that arrived in Bend early got a treat on Thursday evening at the Academy.  Mr. Harris taught class, and special guests Brian and Sheila Bird also arrived to say hello and visit the dojo.  The real magic happened the next morning, however, as my friend Chris Wright Martell displayed tremendous technique, endurance, and heart in his 3 hour, 72 round Brown Belt Examination. 

At 5:30 that afternoon, I taught the first of 3 seminar sessions, showing triangle set ups from the guard by pushing in on the wrist, and its correlation to mount position, setting up the armlock by pushing down on the wrist.  An extended sparring session followed, and I was fortunate enough to get an long roll with Sheila Bird, barely staving off her treacherous gi chokes and walking away thoroughly impressed.  28 people showed up at Red Robin for the post seminar meal, where lively conversations and general jiu jitsu talk reigned supreme.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, Sheila shared her “A” game techniques with the attendees, including the ‘Crushin’ Russian’ arm control, and kimura into leg scissor choke.  I have already seen people incorporating these moves into their sparring, so it’s clear that Sheila’s instruction was both inspiring and effective.  The afternoon had Mr. Harris gave a panoramic view of gi grips from the guard, gripping sequences against resistance, and answered questions from seminar attendees as only he can.  Everytime I am around my teacher, I am astounded by his depth of knowledge, degree of detail, and real life experience.  All of us in the Harris International family are unbelievably fortunate to have him leading the way, clearing the path, and encouraging our development. 

Rick Ellis hosted the Saturday night party, where on screen MMA action mixed with laughter, drinks, and socializing.  A tremendous amount of filming occurred and this “still under wraps” project is getting better and better content all the time. White water rafting was available on Sunday for all those that attended Jiu Jitsu Fest 2009, while I taught a few private lessons for those interested parties.

Huge thanks to those who traveled from a far to participate, with visitors from Arizona, Northern and Southern California, Canada, and the East Coast.  Rick and James deserve special mention for hosting and catering the Saturday night soiree.  It was a true pleasure to get to know Brian and Sheila Bird better, catch up with Chris and Hope Martell, and once again connect with the man behind it all, Mr. Roy Harris.

See you next year!

Happy Labor Day!

The dojo will be closed this Labor Day, September 7th, 2009.  Enjoy the holiday!

Jiu Jitsu Fest 09 Schedule

FILA World Champion Sheila Bird will be the guest instructor for Jiu Jitsu Fest 09, in addition to Roy Harris.

Festivities are set to begin .  We will be having visitors from Arizona, Connecticut, California, Canada, and the United Kingdom joining us.  This may become an annual get together, so I’m looking forward to seeing how our guests respond to the schedule of events.  Rick continues his jiu jitsu film project, and the camera will be running to capture the entire weekend. 

Friday, September 4th:

12:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

My friend Chris Wright-Martell will be testing for his brown belt during Friday’s lunch class.  Mr. Harris will be directing the test.  His examinations are quite a bit different than the demonstrations I offer for each level.  Those that are in town should consider attending, if only for inspiration.  These tests are technically deep and physically grueling.  Be prepared, even if you’re just watching!  It is an experience.             

5:30- 7:30 p.m. 

Seminar led by yours truly.  We’ll include time for rolling as well. Lots of talent will be there.  Kevin Jones, one of my training partners from the Harris Academy and a fearsome brown belt, will be laying down the law in one corner.  Brian Bird, Sheila’s husband and a crushing black belt, will definitely leave an impression on any interested parties.  Red Robin afterwards to refuel for Saturday, or choose your own adventure exploring downtown Bend.

Saturday, September 5th

10 a.m. - 12 p.m:  Seminar led by Sheila Bird. 

12 p.m. -  2 p.m:  Lunch

2 p.m. - 4 p.m: Seminar led by Roy Harris.

7 p.m. - 10 p.m:  Afterparty at Rick’s House.  Food in our hands, with fighting on the TV.  We may pull a few people to wax about jiu jitsu and life on camera.

Sunday, September 6th

11 a.m. 

White water rafting at 7th Mountain Resort.

Then you’re free to do as you like!  All group activities are optional, and seminar attendees are encouraged to explore the beauty of Bend on their own.

Check into the office to register, receive your welcome packet, and sign the necessary paperwork. Here are some addition options for the weekend, that can be purchased during registration.

White water rafting passes for Sunday are $25. 
Black RDA T-shirts on organic cotton will be $30. 
All DVDs are $40.  RDA Patch kits available for $50. 
Private lesson from Mr. Harris for $200.

See you all soon!

Colorado Seminar 09

Bottom photo: Grace Jividen (6th dan and Judo Olympian), myself, and chief instructor Ian Starr

This weekend I journeyed to Littleton Colorado for a 2 day BJJ seminar at Front Range Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Invited by my good friend Ian Starr, I flew into Denver and Ian played the perfect host, making me feel very comfortable in his home and at his gym.

It’s a young school, less than a year old, with a full Crossfit facility and BJJ program.  Ian is a strong purple belt, Harris International grappling instructor, and Crossfit instructor, in addition to being the driving force behind the whole operation.  He mentioned that his assistant, Andres, was coming close to purple, and I had the pleasure of rolling with Andres after Thursday night’s class.  Based on what I felt, Andres will be coming to Bend in 4-6 months to do a purple belt demonstration, and I know it’s going to be dynamite!

We were able to cover a lot of territory over the 2 day seminar, including footlocks, armdrags, chokes, and armbar mechanics.  I managed to fit in a private lesson on Sunday morning, had plenty of excellent meals with the crew, and I see huge potential in what Ian is doing.  The first year is always the most difficult for any business venture, and with the base that he’s established already, the future looks extremely bright.  I look forward to assisting with their development for years to come.

Huge thanks to all at Crossfit Littleton and Front Range BJJ for their hospitality.  I hope to see you soon!

Purple Belt and Wristlock DVD Reviews

A few friends of RDA have recently penned their thoughts on both the Purple Belt Requirements and Art of Wristlock DVDs.  Each one of these reviews have been thoughtful, conscientious, and positive.  Recommended reading, you won’t be disappointed!

Purple Belt Requirements DVD review at BJJNorcal

Paul Pedrazzi recognized that Purple Belt Requirements filled in a philosophical gap in BJJ instructionals.  As he puts it:

“One of the best parts of this dvd is the sections where he discusses approach and philosophy. These are areas not often touched on in the sea of instructionals out there. It is important since many people buying dvd’s do not have the benefit of a black belt instructor, so a place where you can feel like you are having a conversation with a mentor is critical. In this role of guide, Roy talks extensively about the gateway to a more advanced approach to the art with concepts such as momentum, fluidity, kuzushi, using your legs, and why you should let others into the game when you roll (“you can’t be the hammer all the time”). He mentions how purple is where you get beyond accumulation, noting the difference between “knowledge and skill”. I should also note that watching Roy hit armlocks is inspiring - some of the smoothest movement I have ever seen.”

Purple Belt Requirements DVD review at Slidey’s Training Log

Can Sönmez, aka “Slideyfoot” also has a review of Purple Belt Requirements.  Extremely detailed.  No stone unturned.  Those wondering what’s on the discs have a complete rundown here.  To summarize, Can concludes with this:

Purple Belt Requirements is a new kind of DVD instructional. Almost every other instructional is a long compilation of techniques, sometimes (but not always) arranged in some kind of structure, with the instructor methodically working their way through the details. In his new offering, Roy Dean takes a conceptual approach instead, where the techniques fit into an overall philosophy for purple belt, the most important element of which is the need to learn how to combine techniques into a flowing sequence.

Therefore this is not Blue Belt Requirements 2, with simply another syllabus broken down for the viewer. The instruction here is faster, less intensively detailed, because it is intended for a more advanced audience, who already have a basic technical understanding, but need to find ways to take those techniques and incorporate them into a personal game. 

Art of the Wrist Lock DVD review at Three Harmonies Martial Arts Center

Jake Burroughs at Three Harmonies Martial Arts Centere appreciated the presentation and knowledge in Art of the Wristlock.  Here was his favorite part:

“In what is perhaps the hidden gem of the DVD Roy sits down and offers a candid discourse on his involvement in the arts, the differences between Ju Jitsu and Jiu Jitsu, as well as the origins of the various grappling arts of Japan. Roy is quite honest in his approach sharing stories of his evolution in the arts, and the evolution of the efficacy of training within Aikido, Judo, Traditional Ju Jitsu, as well as BJJ. Perhaps many would/did skip this 15 minute intro to get to the “goods,” but you should certainly give it its due and pay attention with a notebook. Here are some key points I took away:

All styles of grappling are based on the principles of push and pull. (I would interject and offer this principle is found in all styles period, as with striking you are pushing and pulling your hips in an effort to strike faster/harder, for instance).

Failure is how you make progress. Do not fear failure, embrace it as a learning opportunity.

Huge thanks to all the took the time to review these projects and solidify their thoughts through the written word!

UK Seminar 09 Part II

The training was plentiful on this trip.  Sightseeing is a favorite activity, but what goes on in one place, in the same place, was the focus of this trip.  Classes were held in a private school close to Paul, Kirsty, and Stephen’s beautiful flat in Poole, Dorset, UK.  I had one hour private sessions with Paul and Stephen, which tightened up a few areas of their game, and led classes on Wednesday and Friday nights.  I only had a few days to transmit as much knowledge as I could.  Techniques came rapidly for attendees.  Every 5-8 minutes for hourlong sessions.  The schedule for Saturday and Sunday was 10-12 and 1-3.  The last hour was spent sparring.  I rolled a lot.  We all did.  Many people were moving slower on Sunday than they ever thought possible.

The school hall where Stephen and Paul lead classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and K3 martial arts.  K3 is their own MMA striking system.  I taught many sequences off of the Purple Belt Requirements DVD.  Here I’m switching from the back into a rolling armlock.  Be sure to push on the head and throw your leg wide!

The appearance of Slideyfoot cannot go unrecognized.  Can Sönmez is a prolific blogger, Roger Gracie blue belt, and future Phd in English.  His beginner FAQ for BJJ is excellent.  Can came down for the weekend and joined in all festivities, including Friday nights UFC 100 greatest fights/barbecue/hottub triathalon, and Saturdays swank nightclub/greasy chip shop/another hip bar trifecta.  He kindly wrote down every technique for the weekend and blogged it.  Check it out! Friday evening class, Seminar Day 1, Seminar Day 2.

Jamie Jackson is getting choked, but not as quite as perfectly as it could be.  I can’t help but point it out.  I’m happy to hear that Jamie is going to make it to visit Bend this year.  Only Kirsty has to stay behind in the UK this summer to finish up a business dealing through Ethical Forestry.  So sad!  We will see you next year, though…

Kevin Hall is a high ranking Tae Kwon Do instructor, and is a close friend of Stephen.  Great guy, impressive martial artist, and future BJJ blue belt.  He will also be coming out to the Academy at the end of the month.

Rick and the Love brothers.  Craig on the left, and Gareth on the right.  They will make strong blue belts next year.  They also served in the army of William Wallace, specifically the Braveheart version, in past lifetimes. 

My first affiliate.  Both Paul and Stephen have made leaps in their games.  Paul will be doing his blue belt demonstration September 2nd, and from what I felt, he is slightly overdue.  Stephen continues to improve and is on schedule for purple next summer.  He is doing an excellent job with the Academy, and leads from the front. 

A huge and sincere thanks to Stephen, Kirsty, and Paul for their hospitality and thoughtfulness.  I am honored to be able to show you this path!

UK Seminar 09 Part I

The 2009 UK seminar was one that I looked forward to with great anticipation.  It would be my first time to Europe, and my first time to see Stephen Greenaway, Paul Laver, Jamie Jackson, and the lovely Kirsty Geoghegan on their own turf.  Since all my interactions with Stephen have been nothing short of excellent, I decided to make him my first official RDA affiliate.  I was looking forward to meeting his students, and sharing as much BJJ as they could possibly stand.

Rick Ellis and Glen Farris also joined me for the adventure.  Rick is in involved with an independent documentary on jiu jitsu, and Glenn was the chief videographer.  We captured much of the trip on film, and in pictures.  As you can see, even documenting the documentation is important for these media moguls.

Flying out of Bend on Monday, we arrived in Heathrow on Tuesday, and were whisked from London to Bournemouth by our gracious hosts. They set us up at a Ramada Encore hotel, which had a cool minimalist euro vibe to it.  On Wednesday, I gave Stephen a private lesson and taught his evening BJJ class.  I started with several basics that the students were noticeably crisp on.  I rolled with everyone at the end of class, one at a time, as the others watched and observed.  I was pleased with how his students were progressing, and saw that he had a strong base to build his Academy on.

A day trip to London took place the next morning. Although I had scheduled a private lesson with Roger Gracie, he contracted a case of the mumps and was still recovering.  In retrospect, it was fortunate that I could devote all my energy to exploring London on foot.  There was so much to see.  Stone buildings.  Lush parks.  Underground transport.  The multiculturalism was refreshing.  I don’t know if I would want to live in London full time, but it certainly was a joy to visit.

On Friday, we took a pilgrimage to Stonehenge, which needs no introduction or explanation, as it was made famous in the cutting edge documentary “This is Spinal Tap.”  The version they had in England was not only quite a bit bigger than the stage model used by the Tap, I have to admit, it was even more powerful. 

Amazing.  Alien.  Stones.  Like giant 11’s.

To be continued…

Glimpses of London

London Eye.

Fast Pace.

Buckingham Palace.

Green Park.

Big Ben.

St. Paul’s.

Just me.

England Week Teaching Schedule

Thanks to all the instructors for filling in while I visit K3 Martial Arts Academy.  I’m really looking forward to seeing Stephen and the entire crew!

Monday, July 20th:

Lunch class led by James. 

Evening class by Neil, followed by Jimmy.

Tuesday, July 21:

Advanced class led by Donald.

Wednesday, July 22

Lunch Class by Jimmy

Evening class by TJ

Thursday, July 23:

Evening class by TJ

Friday, July 24:

Lunch class by Donald.

Evening class by Neil.

Saturday, July 25:

Afternoon class by Donald

Sunday, July 26:

No class.  Do Yoga!

Monday, July 27

Lunch class by James

Evening class by Neil, followed by Jimmy.

Purple Belt Pre-Order

The long awaited sequel to Blue Belt Requirements is now available for pre-order!  I’m very pleased with this new release, and intend for it to function as a developer’s toolkit rather than a straight instructional.

The goal at purple belt is to take the single words you’ve learned at blue and string them into sentences.  Once you have a few reliable sentences from each major position, then you have a basic BJJ “game”. 

Purple Belt Requirements is meant to move viewers forward conceptually, and encourage them to create and personalize their own game.  Everybody’s game will be different, as no list of techniques will ever ensure a physical skill level.

I have sent a few select copies out for review.  The pre-order price is $44.95, and the new release price will be $64.95.  Estimated ship date is August 1!