Dennis Asche - Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle

Just listened to Rener Gracie on FightWorksPodcast…Great input, I agree with what he had to say about the defensive strategy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and the mentality of survive at all costs. The sport and defensive mentality are conflicting and something I contemplate on a regular basis. This decision is a good subject to consider as it will decide what path in Jiu-Jitsu a person is on.

http://www.thefightworkspodcast.com/podcasts/fightworkspodcastepisode191.mp3

Today I was able to get in some quality training with Rommel Cardozo, possibly marking a new era in the training. During 2007 the afternoon sessions with Rommel, Pitty and Mamazinho gave my game a new dimension. I would like to do the same in this coming year of 2010.

Saturday training was great today at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu, plenty of black belts and lots of good training!

Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Saturday training November 2009

(Photo from Greg Penaloza)

There are a dozen black belts in the photo, including myself and that is not including the ones out of the picture, not to mention a half dozen brown belts, high level purple belts… No breaks from high level rolling and hot weather!

Here are a few Jiu-Jitsu basics I use, recorded by Grego Peñaloza at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKOGa4KlfIc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwj7IyLN4EU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWd_Xf_8TT4

Jiu-Jitsu is something that when practiced, over time becomes a great part of ones life. More than what takes place on the mat but throughout the day, helping to realize healthier options for those who choose to make Jiu-Jitsu’s philosophy a way of life. A simple example of this is knowing that training or Jiu-Jitsu is always with you, remember the teachings and practice do not stop when a person steps off of the mat. In whatever activity I might be doing, there is an awareness of the philosophy’s presence and the effect whatever that might be has on my Jiu-Jitsu and vise versa.

Although my focus for many years has been Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, there is still a deep desire to pick up where I left off with my training in Filipino Martial Arts. This Dog Brothers video really inspired me, reminding of how much I appreciate FMA. Take a look: DBMA Gathering 2009

As it has been a long time since the last blog entry, I would like to write first that training and teaching are great at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu. The amount of time spent teaching every day has provided another avenue to refine my game and I really enjoy helping others develop their Jiu-Jitsu. The Summer weather is here and for me it makes training that much better.

On another subject, yesterday I was speaking with an educated man about Brazil or more specifically Rio…He asked me why I would prefer to live here in Rio as opposed the the United States and simplified, it is the quality of life. He began telling me that he had many friends who left for the US to make a life because of the crime and problems here in Rio. My response; Running away from the problems in your own country is not the solution. They will need to be dealt with eventually and the people to do it are the countrymen themselves.

Thank you to everyone who has kept checking back with the blog. My efforts have been less than sufficient in keeping this page updated during the last few months but it is something that is gaining priority once again. 

I have been spending a lot of time teaching as well as training on the “off” times at the academy. So for the GJJ members who don’t see me in class…I am around and training. 

This weekend is the Bitetti Combat 4 at Maracanazinho, going to be a good show and I will be there working with ITG.

Create a great weekend!

This July has been a very good one for me…On the 4th, at the Gordo Jiu-Jitsu academy barbecue, I was awarded my black belt from Professor Roberto Correa “Gordo”. The path that lead me to this point has been a long one, which adds that much more value to the honor of tying that belt around my waist. Earning my belt in Rio from Gordowas very important to me and the feeling that came with it is incredible.

There are many people who have helped me along this path, from the beginning of this journey, thank you. Everyone who trains with me at the academy has helped to shape my game into what it is today and I am thankful to you all.

I will represent Gordo Jiu-Jitsu and the Arte Suave to the best of my abilities, for as long as I live.

After careful thought I am not competing in the Brazilian Nationals of Jiu-Jitsu. This year leading up to the event has been filled with many obstacles that have allowed me to become more spread out with focus than I would like. There are many more competition and will be another Brasileiros next year. The next competition will be announced on here.

Thanks to all