Dennis Asche - Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle

Training and focus in training for competition

Training for competition takes on a different level of focus and methodology in the sessions. In preparation for competitions I break down sessions into three types; those focused more on technical aspects, specific positions and free training. All three aspects are used in each sessions with a specific focus directed toward one of the three.

In my experiences there are three key factors to success in preparation for competition; visualization, repetition, and consistency. Together with these three key factors is a need to know and understand your body…If you are injured or overworked, take a day off and recuperate. Another fact to remember is that the mind set for training takes a different form than training as a pass time. Athletes are required to be ’selfish’ with their time, focusing on what it will take for them to win in competition (this makes it more difficult for a professor/coach to teach and train at the same time). There is an objective to accomplish every time one steps on the mat, sharpening the necessesary offensive and defensive skills that will provide the tools to win.

During competition training, rounds are set to the same as in official rules for matches in competitions. On the mat, beginning of the training cycle for a specific competition is defense and as the date draws near, split between passing and guard work with the mindset of ‘needing to score’ in order to win the match. Technical training is generally between hard workouts and each technique is done in shorter intervals than full rounds. In physical conditioning the workouts are divided into two types; those focused more on strength/explosiveness and those on anaerobic/cardio. My strength training consists of much work with kettlebell and body weight exercises, in addition to several series of exercises with tubing. Cardio and anaerobic workouts are done in interval training, breaking down the rounds into one minute intervals and alternating in a circuit between 3-4 different exercises.

That covers the basics!

JR Familia Blog

Yesterday an email came in asking me if I would be competing again…Although my blog has been dedicated to my good friend David Mills this past month, yes I am still training and yes I will be competing soon. The next championship will be the Brazilian Nationals of Jiu-Jitsu this May, said to be the toughest there is. To date there has been only one American to take gold in his division. My focus is on this championship.

Training photos will be up soon.

The Copo Novo Leblon took place a couple weeks ago but it deserved a post regardless!

This really turned out to be a good championship put together by Gordo and Rabco. The majority of competitors from both the Largo da Barra and Novo Leblon academies represented well on the mat, while academy members showed up in force to show their support.

From the Largo da Barra academy; Deigo Robalo, Pedro Paulo (now known as ‘He Man’), ‘Ze Carioca’, and Pedrinho all won their divisions.

Congratulations to all the GJJ athletes who competed in the Rags AlfaBarra 2008. There where also a couple of guys who made time to come and coach all of the athletes there…Thank you Regis and Paulo ‘Samoa’ !

Regis

Samoa, Regis and I at Rags Copa AlfaBarra

This event was well put together and ran smoothly. Nice medals too! My performance here was less than desirable, not meeting up to my own expectations as an athlete. Getting cut in the first round of the bracket by way of advantage points is never ideal. Never the less, I have one more experience in an international competition and a clear vision of what my game needs for competition in Jiu-Jitsu. Back to the academy on Monday to begin a new chapter in development.

Thanks to Dr. Joao Renato, founder of ProEcho clinics in Rio de Janeiro I underwent a cardiopulmonary exam yesterday afternoon. Passed the test with excellent results and had fun doing it. Thank you for sponsoring the visit Dr. Joao!

Dr. Joao and I at ProEcho in Botafogo.

Dr. Julio Cesar, assistant Cinthia and I at ProEcho Samaritano

The championship was well run and as organized as could be. I arrived late by bus, as the bus cashier had forgotten to let me know when we reached the stop. After the cashier was kind enough to get me on another bus (free of charge) my stop came around the second time and I hit the ground running for the entrance. Outside the Grajau Country Club my name was being called over the loud speakers.

Entering in the Arena I was approached by an official confirming that my name was Dennis Asche (there are some advantages to being the only foreigner in an event, sometimes, as I am fairly easy to spot). A few minutes later my kimono was on and my name was being called again for the first match…

Event Result: Bronze

(lost by advantage points in the semis to the eventual victor of my category)

Back to the academy in the morning to refine my weaknesses.

**video and photos of the matches will be posted as they come in from x-combat.**