Okay, busy week, so this is going to be somewhat truncated. I banged this out last night, and it's a little.....simple, for lack of a better term. In any event, here's my UFC 129 preview!
Jason "Hitman" Brilz vs. Vladimir "The Janitor" Matyushenko
light heavyweight
Brilz looked fantastic when he fought Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Unfortunately, that was his last fight, and was over a year ago. Matyushenko has steadily been racking up wins in that time. Both fighters have stellar wrestling, and solid boxing to back it up. "The Janitor" has been at the fight game for quite some time, and holds a significant experience advantage over Brilz. Expect a tough, hard fought bout with Matushenko picking up a close decision win.
Matyushenko via split decision.
Mark Bocek vs Ben "Smooth" Henderson
lightweight
The former WEC 155 pound champ Henderson makes his UFC debut after an amazing five round war with Anthony Pettis, and its against the surging Bocek. Henderson has a great, well rounded game, where Bocek has a very slick, and nasty submission oriented style. Henderson presents problems at all positions, but has shown a tendency to get caught in submissions, but also has proven nearly impossible to submit. Can black belt in bjj Bocek overcome those obstacles? I'm guessing no, and see Hendersons superior striking overcoming Bocek late in the second.
Henderson via TKO, Rd. 2.
Randy "The Natural" Couture vs Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida
light heavyweight
The last hurrah for "The Natural"? Maybe. If so, he picked a hell of a match up for his final fight. Machida is as tough a riddle to solve as any in the UFC today. Couture has made a career out of overcoming odds, so why would this be any different? On a two fight losing skid, Machida looks to right the ship by sending Couture out in losing fashion. With his elusive, counter striking style, Machida also is very explosive and aggressive when necessary. Couture will not try to stay at arms reach in this fight, and will likely want to close distance, utilize strikes from clinch, and try to use heavy pressure to grind him against the fence and from the top if he manages to take Machida down. Ultimately, Machidas striking will prove too much, and though Couture will put up a good fight, Machida will get an abrupt KO win early in the second.
Machida KO, Rd. 2
Featherweight Championship
CHAMPION Jose Aldo Jr. vs Mark "The Machine" Hominick
Aldo makes his UFC debut defending the newly reminted UFC featherweight belt. Standing in his way is veteran challenger Hominick who has a solid streak of wins, and is fixing to bring home the gold in front of his fellow Canadians. Aldo is a bundle of speed, power, and precision. On top of a strong ground game, its no wonder he's the most heavily favored fighter on the card. Hominick is perhaps the most technically proficient striker Aldo has faced, and is no slouch in the grappling department himself. Hominick will need to utilize footwork and head movement to avoid the destructive force that is Aldo. It should be a very entertaining fight, but Aldo is just going to be too fast, too strong, and too much. Hominick makes it to the third, but not out of it and succumbs to strikes.
Aldo via TKO, Rd. 3
Welterweight Championship
CHAMPION Georges "Rush" St. Pierre vs Jake Shields
GSP, is attempting to make his sixth straight title defense, and Shields is looking to prove he is the best welterweight in the world. Shields will need to get the fight to the ground to have a chance, but against GSP, that will be a tall order indeed. With a ridiculous winning streak that dates back to 2005, and holding wins over some of the top names in the business, Shields will not be intimidated, and will need that confidence to carry him through the gauntlet of skills GSP possesses. St. Pierre is a much better striker, and has shown an almost impregnable take down defense. For Shields to have a chance, he'll have to try to drag the fight into later rounds and hope he can test GSPs cardio. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. Barring a freak injury, or lucky punch, this is St. Pierres fight to lose. I see him getting a late TKO in the third, and ending Shields' six year winning streak.
St. Pierre via TKO, Rd. 3
Saturday, April 30, 2011
MMA and me; day 108
We worked on the same drills in boxing that we did on Tuesday. Nothing wild and complicated, but instead it was about slowing down and working on fluidity of motion. Making sure that all our punches set up the next punch or motions flowed into each other. We started with the hook, hook, straight, into a rear uppercut, straight, hook, straight, which is the base combo that holds everything together. Then it was the more familiar roll counter. We tacked on the catch counter to that, and then added all three together for this combo; 2-3-2-roll-2-3-2-catch-2-3-2-3-3-6-2-3-2. One thing we focused on here aside from slowing the cadence to quarter speed, was continuing the combo the entire round. Once we finished, we would go right back to the beginning and start over. By the end of each round, I had a pretty solid sweat worked up. We finished with a round of planks, a round of flutter kicks, and it was time for jiu jitsu.
We started jiu jitsu with stretching, and grappling drills. We did our Granby rolls, and the roll and run drill where if someone is about to take your back, you take a few steps (crawling) and drop to your shoulder on the same side as they are and roll into a triangle, arm bar, or failing those, guard. From there we drilled triangles, starting with being in the guard. Faking stuffing one hand under your leg, you instead go for the other arm, and slide your leg on that side over their shoulder, throwing your other leg up over it in an "X" across their back. From there grab their near side arm and use it to pull yourself over to that side and get close to perpendicular so you can lock your top leg over your other ankle, remembering to keep your boot on. The next point to attack is under their near side leg, pulling yourself even farther over to the side, and lastly getting under their stomach to make things really tight. A good day of classes, and it felt awesome to be back in the gym!
We started jiu jitsu with stretching, and grappling drills. We did our Granby rolls, and the roll and run drill where if someone is about to take your back, you take a few steps (crawling) and drop to your shoulder on the same side as they are and roll into a triangle, arm bar, or failing those, guard. From there we drilled triangles, starting with being in the guard. Faking stuffing one hand under your leg, you instead go for the other arm, and slide your leg on that side over their shoulder, throwing your other leg up over it in an "X" across their back. From there grab their near side arm and use it to pull yourself over to that side and get close to perpendicular so you can lock your top leg over your other ankle, remembering to keep your boot on. The next point to attack is under their near side leg, pulling yourself even farther over to the side, and lastly getting under their stomach to make things really tight. A good day of classes, and it felt awesome to be back in the gym!
Friday, April 29, 2011
MMA and me; day 107
In kickboxing, we worked on some fun drills. First, we drilled checking a low 10, countering with a lead superman punch, and then ending with a low 10 of our own. It felt very odd, and I kept forgetting to switch my feet, and was throwing the punch with all arm. I finally started to get it, and was turning my punch over with a little more pop. Next was the opposite drill, checking a low 9 into a rear hand superman punch, and throwing a low 9. This felt more natural throwing the superman punch from my power side, and for some reason I am more comfortable throwing 9s than 10s. I'm right handed, but like left kicks more, go figure. We finished with a round of skippies, plank position, and flutter kicks.
Jiu jitsu was guard passes, and then some arm bar options from side control from those guard passes. First was a pry pass, where you posture up in your opponents guard with your hands on their hips, and elbows in their thighs. As their guard opens, push one leg to the ground (either one) and post your same side hand on that knee. Keeping your hips in tight, slide your opposite side knee over their leg, and slide into high judo, keeping your knee tight against their head. From hear, switch your hips, and transition to side control. Next was another pry pass, but this one utilized stepping over with your near side knee, posting on the far side of the mat with the same side arm as the leg you stepped over with, and rolling to low judo. As you roll backwards to low judo, make cure you clear your other leg from theirs, or you'll get stuck in half guard. From both of these positions we worked snap arm bars. First was a near side arm bar, where you reach around their arm, slip your hip side foot up near their head, sweep your top side leg over their head, and pull back for the arm bar. For the far side arm bar, if they get up to a hip, and you still have a far side under hook, transition around their head, and get the arm bar from the far side. Key to this one, is keeping chest pressure on their arm, and not going too fast or too slow.
Okay, I'm tired, and a lot of this feels rushed, but if there's anyone out there reading this with questions, hit me up. Or just come in to our gym. Our coaches are great, and everyone at the gym is very cool. Good night!
Jiu jitsu was guard passes, and then some arm bar options from side control from those guard passes. First was a pry pass, where you posture up in your opponents guard with your hands on their hips, and elbows in their thighs. As their guard opens, push one leg to the ground (either one) and post your same side hand on that knee. Keeping your hips in tight, slide your opposite side knee over their leg, and slide into high judo, keeping your knee tight against their head. From hear, switch your hips, and transition to side control. Next was another pry pass, but this one utilized stepping over with your near side knee, posting on the far side of the mat with the same side arm as the leg you stepped over with, and rolling to low judo. As you roll backwards to low judo, make cure you clear your other leg from theirs, or you'll get stuck in half guard. From both of these positions we worked snap arm bars. First was a near side arm bar, where you reach around their arm, slip your hip side foot up near their head, sweep your top side leg over their head, and pull back for the arm bar. For the far side arm bar, if they get up to a hip, and you still have a far side under hook, transition around their head, and get the arm bar from the far side. Key to this one, is keeping chest pressure on their arm, and not going too fast or too slow.
Okay, I'm tired, and a lot of this feels rushed, but if there's anyone out there reading this with questions, hit me up. Or just come in to our gym. Our coaches are great, and everyone at the gym is very cool. Good night!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
MMA and me; day 106
In boxing we worked on some slightly new concepts, with mostly familiar combos. Instead of keeping a quick cadence, we practiced at a much more measured pace, working on our fluidity of motion. Instead of hitting mitts fast, we hit at quarter to half speed, and got comfortable with setting our punches up, and making sure everything flowed into everything. We started with a base combo, or something to tie everything together. Two hooks followed by a straight, into a rear hand uppercut, straight, hook, straight. We then moved onto a roll counter, but worked only on the roll counter for the whole round. Then we added the catch counter onto the roll counter. Lastly we tied it all together by adding the base combo onto the end, and flowing right back into the beginning. The whole thing looked like this; 2-3-2-roll-2-3-2-catch-2-3-2-3-3-2-6-2-3-2-roll-back to the beginning. It felt odd working at a slower pace at first, but it really helped me loosen my shoulders, and flow from punch to punch.
In jiu jitsu we worked more grappling drills that are intended to just get you more comfortable with your body on the mat, and helps strengthen your core as well. We worked a number of different drills including shoulder rolls, modified Granby rolls, lots of stretching, and quite a few drills that I've never done before. None of it was super technical, but it definitely made me work, and by the end I was feeling better about my ability to remain composed on the mat, and am looking forward to the next grappling class!
In jiu jitsu we worked more grappling drills that are intended to just get you more comfortable with your body on the mat, and helps strengthen your core as well. We worked a number of different drills including shoulder rolls, modified Granby rolls, lots of stretching, and quite a few drills that I've never done before. None of it was super technical, but it definitely made me work, and by the end I was feeling better about my ability to remain composed on the mat, and am looking forward to the next grappling class!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
MMA and me; day 105
I'm back! So I was really sick last week (lost almost ten pounds!), but I got back to the gym yesterday, and I really underestimated how much I need that place to keep me sane. Love my gym fam, you guys rock!
In kickboxing, we worked drills including both low and high kicks. Of course, high kicks from me are relative, since I'm still lacking in the bendy department. Anyways, we started by throwing a low 10 and then a low 9, both of which were checked by our partner. It's important to remember to not only check leg kicks with your shin, but to also bring your arm on the same side up to your head and grab the back of your head with that hand, as you reach across with your opposite hand to help diffuse the kick. Next we did the same drill, but with high kicks instead of low kicks. Here, my brother and I had to go a little more slowly, mostly due to the fact that neither of us is great at getting our kicks up that high, especially since we both missed a week. The next drill was checking a low 10, and immediately throwing a low 10 in response. By the end of these drills, my shins were quite sore. We worked on push kicks next, first throwing a rear leg teep, then our partner would throw one, then a lead leg teep, then the partner would answer with one of their own. The hardest part of teeps for me, is finding distance, and extending my hips properly, but I was getting better by the end. Lastly, we worked on defense of the teep. Right before the foot hits your chest, you scoop the foot off to the side with the opposite side arm, turning them away from you, and, leaving them open to an attack. We finished with partner ab drills, and then leg throwdowns.
Grappling wasn't a shark tank, but something sort of similar. Everyone paired up with a random partner, and grappled with them for three minutes, and at the end of that, we switched to a new partner. We did this until we had gone with everyone in class. It was fun, and forced us to be judicious about how hard we went, because we went the full three minutes regardless of how many submissions were achieved. I tried hard to pace myself, because I wasn't sure where my cardio would be after missing a week. I felt good at the end, and only fairly sweaty. Good times, glad to be back in the gym.
In kickboxing, we worked drills including both low and high kicks. Of course, high kicks from me are relative, since I'm still lacking in the bendy department. Anyways, we started by throwing a low 10 and then a low 9, both of which were checked by our partner. It's important to remember to not only check leg kicks with your shin, but to also bring your arm on the same side up to your head and grab the back of your head with that hand, as you reach across with your opposite hand to help diffuse the kick. Next we did the same drill, but with high kicks instead of low kicks. Here, my brother and I had to go a little more slowly, mostly due to the fact that neither of us is great at getting our kicks up that high, especially since we both missed a week. The next drill was checking a low 10, and immediately throwing a low 10 in response. By the end of these drills, my shins were quite sore. We worked on push kicks next, first throwing a rear leg teep, then our partner would throw one, then a lead leg teep, then the partner would answer with one of their own. The hardest part of teeps for me, is finding distance, and extending my hips properly, but I was getting better by the end. Lastly, we worked on defense of the teep. Right before the foot hits your chest, you scoop the foot off to the side with the opposite side arm, turning them away from you, and, leaving them open to an attack. We finished with partner ab drills, and then leg throwdowns.
Grappling wasn't a shark tank, but something sort of similar. Everyone paired up with a random partner, and grappled with them for three minutes, and at the end of that, we switched to a new partner. We did this until we had gone with everyone in class. It was fun, and forced us to be judicious about how hard we went, because we went the full three minutes regardless of how many submissions were achieved. I tried hard to pace myself, because I wasn't sure where my cardio would be after missing a week. I felt good at the end, and only fairly sweaty. Good times, glad to be back in the gym.
Friday, April 15, 2011
MMA and me; day 104
We worked a new combo in boxing yesterday, and I gotta say, it was pretty sweet. It started simply enough, with a jab to pull counter, catch counter; 1-pull-2-3-2-catch-2-3-2. They were elements we've worked before, and set up a good foundation for what was to come. Next we added a roll counter, and the slip series; roll-2-3-2-jab slip-6-2-3-2-straight slip-body 3-3-2. I really like that series, because personally I feel it helps me set up my offense better. We then stacked on the catch four we started working on last week; catch-2-3-2-body catch-6-3-2-catch-2-3-2-jab catch-2-3-2. This isn't so much a practically applicable drill in the sense that it will be used in an actual fight. Instead, it's to get yourself used to keeping your motions quick and concise, and firing back. Thanks to Coach Troy for the great work in class. This stuff is really fun, and it helps to have that positive reinforcement!
Grappling was an interesting class. We worked a lot of little drills that I can't even begin to remember all of. It wasn't a conditioning class, but it did test my core cardio a bit. It almost felt like a yoga class specifically working grappling drills, but suffice to say I really enjoyed it. Coach Aric is going to give out a sheet with all the drills we did, and I'll make sure I post them in a future blog.
Grappling was an interesting class. We worked a lot of little drills that I can't even begin to remember all of. It wasn't a conditioning class, but it did test my core cardio a bit. It almost felt like a yoga class specifically working grappling drills, but suffice to say I really enjoyed it. Coach Aric is going to give out a sheet with all the drills we did, and I'll make sure I post them in a future blog.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
MMA and me; day 103
Kickboxing focused on punch kick combos, and got complicated quick. We started easy enough, throwing a 1-10 followed by a 1-2-9. We went straight into a 9-2-1-low 10. This felt very off balance, especially throwing the straight and then the jab. I need to remember to not slide my back foot when I step to throw the jab as it saps any power, and doesn't leave my feet in the right place to throw the leg kick. The next set was a little less off balancing; 9-2-body 3-low 10. I really like this one, as it feels more flowing than the previous combo. Plus the body 3 is a punch I like a lot. We did a full round of skippies, leg raises, and plank position each to finish the class.
In grappling, we worked on passing the guard. First was basing up, and posting your hands on the hips and driving your elbows into the thighs. It's important to post up on your opponents body, preferably shoulders or hips, and to keep your elbows on the inside of the thighs to keep the pressure on. Drive either knee into their tailbone, and slide your other leg straight back. As their guard breaks open, use your arm on the side of your rear leg to press their leg on the same side to the mat. Next, sneak your inside knee over their leg on the mat, and slide into high judo. Next was the matador pass. If you're having a hard time getting their guard open, you post up and create some space between their hips and yours, and swim both your arms under their legs. From here, drop your head to their stomach, and stack their legs over their head, and drive one arm over to the side ending in a low judo. From here, use your top side arm to get a far side under hook, and reclaim side control. Lastly, we worked a pass of the butterfly guard. From having your opponent with butterfly hooks, squeeze his knees together, and pull them flat to the ground. Slowly work your way up to your head on the side of his hip, and step over so your body and head are on opposite sides of their body. From here, all you need to do is use head pressure to pop their arm off your head, drive into them, and end in side control, of course getting a far side underhook. Fun day of classes, can't wait for more boxing and grappling tonight!
In grappling, we worked on passing the guard. First was basing up, and posting your hands on the hips and driving your elbows into the thighs. It's important to post up on your opponents body, preferably shoulders or hips, and to keep your elbows on the inside of the thighs to keep the pressure on. Drive either knee into their tailbone, and slide your other leg straight back. As their guard breaks open, use your arm on the side of your rear leg to press their leg on the same side to the mat. Next, sneak your inside knee over their leg on the mat, and slide into high judo. Next was the matador pass. If you're having a hard time getting their guard open, you post up and create some space between their hips and yours, and swim both your arms under their legs. From here, drop your head to their stomach, and stack their legs over their head, and drive one arm over to the side ending in a low judo. From here, use your top side arm to get a far side under hook, and reclaim side control. Lastly, we worked a pass of the butterfly guard. From having your opponent with butterfly hooks, squeeze his knees together, and pull them flat to the ground. Slowly work your way up to your head on the side of his hip, and step over so your body and head are on opposite sides of their body. From here, all you need to do is use head pressure to pop their arm off your head, drive into them, and end in side control, of course getting a far side underhook. Fun day of classes, can't wait for more boxing and grappling tonight!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MMA and me; day 101/102
Okay, extra slacking on me. Completely spaced writing about last Tuesdays boxing class, and was busy the rest of the week, so I will attempt to tack it on to last nights write up.
Tuesday
Boxing was sweet, and we worked a new, quick combo. It started with a jab, body hook with the rear hand, to a rear hand uppercut, lead hook, lead body hook, looking like this; 1-body 4-6-3-body 3. Felt really weird at first, but I started to get my groove. We added a catch counter, catch-2-3-2, and then onto that we added a catch 4, which is four catches followed by counters looking like this; catch-2-3-2-catch body-6-3-2-catch-2-3-2-catch rear-2-3-2. Once you get the rhythm going, and just let your mind slip into the motion, it flows really well, and sounds so freaking cool on the pads. We finished with partner leg throw downs, and it was time to grapple.
Grappling was working on our stretching, and then drilling letting our partner pass our guard, just to reclaim it. It felt weird at first, but then started to get more natural. From your back, as your opponent passes your guard, you turn on to your hip, towards them. Kicking your top leg over and planting it firmly on the mat on the opposite side of them, use it to pull your other knee across their body, and slip your other leg back across and reclaim your guard. It was really awkward for a bit, but as we got warmed up, it began to flow much better. I really liked having Coach Wiseman back for grappling. I dig jiu jitsu and it's great having multiple coaches who can teach you.
Last Night
Kickboxing focused on the push kick, and then branching off of it. We started with the rear leg teep, where you take a small forward step, then bring your rear knee straight up, and hip forward as you extend your leg, making contact with the ball of your foot. Next was the front leg teep, and it feels strange. You take a step forward with your rear leg, and as your weight shifts forward, bring your front knee up and hip forward just like with the previous kick. I had a hard time getting my timing and distance down, so I will have to work on that. Next was a rear leg teep to a mid 9. As your leg comes down from the teep, take a small step to the outside and drive the 9 at a slight incline into their ribcage. Lastly was a front leg teep to a mid 10. This felt way strange, and I struggled with the balance, timing, and distance. Same as the previous kick, as you bring your foot to the mat from the teep, step to the outside, and drive your shin into their midsection. All in all, I feel I did okay, though I need to work on my balance, and my stance. I stand way tall, and it takes away from a lot of my power.
Shark tank was fun as always, though I should have tapped to Morgan's triangle instead of letting time run out. Subsequently, I don't really remember too much of the next few minutes, though I do recall grappling and trying to survive. Ah well, lesson learned.
Tuesday
Boxing was sweet, and we worked a new, quick combo. It started with a jab, body hook with the rear hand, to a rear hand uppercut, lead hook, lead body hook, looking like this; 1-body 4-6-3-body 3. Felt really weird at first, but I started to get my groove. We added a catch counter, catch-2-3-2, and then onto that we added a catch 4, which is four catches followed by counters looking like this; catch-2-3-2-catch body-6-3-2-catch-2-3-2-catch rear-2-3-2. Once you get the rhythm going, and just let your mind slip into the motion, it flows really well, and sounds so freaking cool on the pads. We finished with partner leg throw downs, and it was time to grapple.
Grappling was working on our stretching, and then drilling letting our partner pass our guard, just to reclaim it. It felt weird at first, but then started to get more natural. From your back, as your opponent passes your guard, you turn on to your hip, towards them. Kicking your top leg over and planting it firmly on the mat on the opposite side of them, use it to pull your other knee across their body, and slip your other leg back across and reclaim your guard. It was really awkward for a bit, but as we got warmed up, it began to flow much better. I really liked having Coach Wiseman back for grappling. I dig jiu jitsu and it's great having multiple coaches who can teach you.
Last Night
Kickboxing focused on the push kick, and then branching off of it. We started with the rear leg teep, where you take a small forward step, then bring your rear knee straight up, and hip forward as you extend your leg, making contact with the ball of your foot. Next was the front leg teep, and it feels strange. You take a step forward with your rear leg, and as your weight shifts forward, bring your front knee up and hip forward just like with the previous kick. I had a hard time getting my timing and distance down, so I will have to work on that. Next was a rear leg teep to a mid 9. As your leg comes down from the teep, take a small step to the outside and drive the 9 at a slight incline into their ribcage. Lastly was a front leg teep to a mid 10. This felt way strange, and I struggled with the balance, timing, and distance. Same as the previous kick, as you bring your foot to the mat from the teep, step to the outside, and drive your shin into their midsection. All in all, I feel I did okay, though I need to work on my balance, and my stance. I stand way tall, and it takes away from a lot of my power.
Shark tank was fun as always, though I should have tapped to Morgan's triangle instead of letting time run out. Subsequently, I don't really remember too much of the next few minutes, though I do recall grappling and trying to survive. Ah well, lesson learned.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
MMA and me, day 101
We started out with the arm bar/triangle/omoplata drill, but since it was MMA, we also had to deal with punches while throwing up the submissions. As your partner throws a big punch, slip it and with the opposite side arm grab the punching arm high up on the tricep. As they pull out, push off their hip and swing that same leg you pushed off with over their head for the arm bar. TO defend, they'll clasp their arms and stack your legs over your head. When they pull their arm out, swing your top side leg back around their neck and cross your legs behind their head. As you do this, swing your head over to the other side of their body, sliding your other leg across their neck and locking it behind your other knee. Reach under their leg to help cut an angle, and as they reach behind your hips to defend the triangle choke, swivel your hips around, push their head away, and transition to the omoplata. As you do this, remember to cover their back with your near side arm, and lift off your butt so you can get your outside leg underneath you to finish the sub. We drilled this for a bit, then went for a couple live rounds to finish class.
In kickboxing, we started by throwing a 1-10 then 1-2-9. After a round of these combos to loosen up we threw them again, but doubled up on the kicks. Next, we moved on to a step across 1-2-body 3-low 10. It felt weird at first, because you don't want to slide when you step across because it takes away all your power, and you don't have the right base to throw the leg kick. Last, we drilled the 1-2-step around body 3-mid 9. This one feels really awkward at first because of the odd body punch that you can't dig in too much or you'll get hung up as you step around, but if your don't put enough behind it, it wont even register on your opponent. As you finish the body 3, you then transition to the mid 9, and it's gotta be quick. No switch step, but a little step with your plant leg is enough to get things started. We finished with a round of planks, and then it was on to grappling.
It was Monday, so that meant shark tank. I will say this, for as good as I felt last week, this week taught me some humility. I think I got a little cocky after last Monday, and this week I got my butt handed to me, but it was in a good way. It made me realize that I need to always be trying to get better, and don't think I'm awesome just because I had a good day. I need to work more on the positions I have trouble with, and not just stick to the areas where I'm comfortable. All in all, it was a good day!
In kickboxing, we started by throwing a 1-10 then 1-2-9. After a round of these combos to loosen up we threw them again, but doubled up on the kicks. Next, we moved on to a step across 1-2-body 3-low 10. It felt weird at first, because you don't want to slide when you step across because it takes away all your power, and you don't have the right base to throw the leg kick. Last, we drilled the 1-2-step around body 3-mid 9. This one feels really awkward at first because of the odd body punch that you can't dig in too much or you'll get hung up as you step around, but if your don't put enough behind it, it wont even register on your opponent. As you finish the body 3, you then transition to the mid 9, and it's gotta be quick. No switch step, but a little step with your plant leg is enough to get things started. We finished with a round of planks, and then it was on to grappling.
It was Monday, so that meant shark tank. I will say this, for as good as I felt last week, this week taught me some humility. I think I got a little cocky after last Monday, and this week I got my butt handed to me, but it was in a good way. It made me realize that I need to always be trying to get better, and don't think I'm awesome just because I had a good day. I need to work more on the positions I have trouble with, and not just stick to the areas where I'm comfortable. All in all, it was a good day!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
MMA and me; day 100
Several days late this time, but it's the one hundredth day! Boxing was another intricate combo. It started with a hook parry, into a 2-3-2-catch high-2-3-2. Remember to make the motion for the hook parry very minimal so you don't leave your arm way out of position. Next is a roll-counter-body catch-counter, adding this to the combo; roll-2-3-2-catch body 3-6-2-3-2. It finishes with something new, a slip to a pivot, body 3-2. It feels kinda funky at first, because you want to pivot right away. If you do that, you don't get them to commit to the jab you're trying to slip, and when you pivot, they're ready to counter. Also, as you pivot, you wind up to cork the body 3, and then follow through with the 2. It started to feel much more fluid by the end.
In wrestling, we did a lot of conditioning, and finished off with drilling the double leg take down. First we just worked circling, and finding distance with our rear hand, setting up the shot. We then moved onto the actual take down, making sure to split their legs with your lead leg, and keeping your head as low on their hip as possible. We finished with defending the guillotine choke, in the event that your head gets up to a chokeable position. You bring your far side arm around their back, and your near side arm under their leg, and dump them to their back, landing in side control. I was pooped by the end of class, but felt pretty good.
In wrestling, we did a lot of conditioning, and finished off with drilling the double leg take down. First we just worked circling, and finding distance with our rear hand, setting up the shot. We then moved onto the actual take down, making sure to split their legs with your lead leg, and keeping your head as low on their hip as possible. We finished with defending the guillotine choke, in the event that your head gets up to a chokeable position. You bring your far side arm around their back, and your near side arm under their leg, and dump them to their back, landing in side control. I was pooped by the end of class, but felt pretty good.
Friday, April 1, 2011
MMA and me; day 99
A day late is no big deal, right? To be fair my gym buddies did thump me with leg kicks Wednesday in "celebration" of my birthday, even though it was Tuesday. In any event, I think I'm allowed a day to recover and gather my thoughts.
Kickboxing was rough, mostly because my legs hurt. We started off throwing a mid 9, followed by a mid 10, then the other person would go. Once we were warmed up, we moved on 10 a 1-2-mid 9. The 9 flows really well after the 2. Next was a 1-2-3-low 10. This was a little tough for me, on the defensive side of things, because the leg I catch a low 10 with, is also the leg I took the most punishment with for my birthday kicks. I gritted my teeth, and whimpered quite a bit, but I made it through. We finished off with partner ab drills and some more core exercises, and it was time to grapple.
In jiu jitsu, we worked on the basics of arm bars, and arm bar defense. From the guard, reach across your opponents body and grab the tricep of the arm opposite the one you're reaching with. Next, take your opposite leg of the one you have a hold of their tricep with and push off of their hip, swinging it around their head, trying to get their neck in the small of your knee. Put your boot on and pinch your knees together, and when you have the arm securely trapped, let go of the tricep and with the same hand, cover their wrist, keep their arm in the middle of your chest, and arch your hips for the submission. Next we drilled a defense for the arm bar. As the man on the bottom tries to trap your arm and arch, clasp your hands together and try to drive your top side shoulder into their chest, while popping your arm out in little bits until it's free, then scooping that arm over their leg into side control. Lastly, we worked a transition from the am bar if it's defended, into a triangle. As soon as they pop their arm out, swing your outside leg around their head, and spin to the other side of their body. From there, sneak your other leg over the ankle of the leg behind their head, reach your outside arm under their leg to help cut an angle, and pinch your knees together until they tap.
Kickboxing was rough, mostly because my legs hurt. We started off throwing a mid 9, followed by a mid 10, then the other person would go. Once we were warmed up, we moved on 10 a 1-2-mid 9. The 9 flows really well after the 2. Next was a 1-2-3-low 10. This was a little tough for me, on the defensive side of things, because the leg I catch a low 10 with, is also the leg I took the most punishment with for my birthday kicks. I gritted my teeth, and whimpered quite a bit, but I made it through. We finished off with partner ab drills and some more core exercises, and it was time to grapple.
In jiu jitsu, we worked on the basics of arm bars, and arm bar defense. From the guard, reach across your opponents body and grab the tricep of the arm opposite the one you're reaching with. Next, take your opposite leg of the one you have a hold of their tricep with and push off of their hip, swinging it around their head, trying to get their neck in the small of your knee. Put your boot on and pinch your knees together, and when you have the arm securely trapped, let go of the tricep and with the same hand, cover their wrist, keep their arm in the middle of your chest, and arch your hips for the submission. Next we drilled a defense for the arm bar. As the man on the bottom tries to trap your arm and arch, clasp your hands together and try to drive your top side shoulder into their chest, while popping your arm out in little bits until it's free, then scooping that arm over their leg into side control. Lastly, we worked a transition from the am bar if it's defended, into a triangle. As soon as they pop their arm out, swing your outside leg around their head, and spin to the other side of their body. From there, sneak your other leg over the ankle of the leg behind their head, reach your outside arm under their leg to help cut an angle, and pinch your knees together until they tap.
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