It doesn’t matter what belt a practitioner has reached, the basic moves accompany Jiu-Jitsu stylists throughout their entire evolution. Tight moves and freely moving hips, for example, are of the essence both for the basics and for the more intricate techniques. Holds taught ever since white belt, like the armbar, get honed over the years and become deadly.

In the video below, Professor Juan Pablo Garcia of Gracie Barra Woodland Hills demonstrates a good way to perfect hip motion for attacking an opponent’s arm. However, the “clinic” also helps make a fighter’s movement effective in a variety of different training situations.

Practice!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

SHE ALSO WILL TEACH OUR LITTLE CHAMPS FROM 10AM TO 11AM  DON'T MISS IT GUYS!!

Have you defined your 2012 Resolutions?

The New year is just around the corner and we know you must be planing all kinds of great things to accomplish in 2012. But just in case you haven’t set your Jiu-Jitsu resolutions yet, we put together a list of some suggestions for you. Here it is:

Train More Often

Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu training is perhaps the ultimate total body workout. It requires the use of mind, body, and spirit at all times. It is a high-energy cardio workout that builds incredible endurance. At the same time, it is a mental “chess” game that forces you to improvise, to think under pressure, and to keep your emotions under control. Combine the cardio benefits of training with the mental discipline involved, and you have the perfect stress reliever!

Get your Next Belt

Create a list of smaller, more achievable steps to reach your next belt rank. Your list should include deadlines to help you complete each task on schedule. Once each step is complete, mark it off your list.

Achieve Perfect Attendance

Your class attendance can greatly influence the benefit you get from your training. Mark your calendar with the dates and times of your classes for the year. This will not only help remind you of classes, but ensure that you don’t schedule other events during training time. Also, remember to check out your attendance card once in a while to keep track of your progress.

Compete in a GBCompnet

If you have never competed in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament, make it your resolution this New Year’s. For students who have competed before, set a goal to attend a certain number of events throughout the year. Once you have selected the events that you want to attend, don’t wait until the last minute to register! This simple strategy works well for a lot of people because they are less likely to skip out on an event that they have already prepaid.

Understand that you don’t have to be the next world champ!

No pressure! Just be yourself and do your best. But always do your best. The least you will get from it is to learn a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and have tons of fun! But who knows… maybe you’ll become the next Roger Gracie!

Get in Shape

Just do it! Train BJJ, eat well, have a good night’s sleep… You will be in great shape before you know it!

Be less aggressive when you practice with your Partners

Keep it cool! Try to slow down your roll sometimes. Allow your partners to enjoy training with you. You don’t have to act like you are invincible. Self-control and respect for others are always appreciated on the mats.

Follow the steps

Have you ever been asked to do something in class and your first thought was, “No way”? When you tell yourself something often, the subconscious mind starts listening and believing it. Convince yourself you can do something, and the doing becomes that much easier.

Make Jiu-Jitsu an Outlet for your Problems, Not a Source!

Remember! You are here to have fun, make new friends and learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Don’t make your training part of your problems but part of the solutions!

Happy New Year’s from the GRACIE BARRA FAMILY!