Dennis Asche - Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle

After much delay the “edu” highlight is finally on the web: “Edu” Pachú Highlight

Make time to check this one out!

Many questions have come to me in reguards to competetion in MMA and training in all aspects of the sport. To clear up a few of them here are some answers…

Currently my focus is on Jiu-Jitsu with the kimono. Training in this art (or range in MMA) is building my MMA base with ability to defend and finish in the better than ever. I can think of no better place in the world to hone my skills on the ground than Brasil, since moving here Jiu-Jitsu has become my lifestyle. As for competition in the sport of MMA, of course it is in the plans. No, I have not lost sight of training the other disciplines but in order to get the most out of Jiu-Jitsu there must be a commitment. When it is time to fight MMA my ground game will be better than ever and this in the big picture adds ability to all the ranges of fighting, in essence strengthening them all. All that aside I really enjoy training and teaching with the kimono!

This subject also brings up a good point that came up in a conversation with “Bebeo” Duarte of BTT, before interviewing him a couple of weeks ago. He put it like this, “If you are going to train Mixed Martial Arts you have to have the arts to mix”. Take a look at the top athletes in the sport and notice that they all have a specialty, some background in a martial art, weather it be Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, Karate, etc. I am putting in my time on the ground in relation to MMA because it is now my base and in the big picture because it is an investment that I really enjoy putting time and effort into.

Valeu!!

If ever I need motivation there are many people around me who are inspiring but the one who shines brightest in my eyes is mom. Always enthusiastic and supportive of her children’s endeavours and outgoing in her own. From her crowning as prom queen in high school, her accomplishments as a professional ice skater, graduating college as a single mother, beginning aerobics at 42 - then becoming an instructor, or her current at 63, a 5am wake up to walk seven miles to work and then back again at the end of the day (not because she has to, because she enjoys it). I am very prooud of my mother, she has really helped me to see that once one sets their mind on something there are no limits…Her encouraging words have been an important factor in helping to guide me to success and attaining my goals. I am both very fortunate and greatful to have a mother like her.

Another great guy to train with…”Facquir” is a featherweight black belt with some serious speed, combined with great technique. He is also champion of various estadual championships in Rio state (no surprise if you see him train). One more athlete from Gordo Jiu-Jitsu.

“Facquir” and I

Saturday training is more or less an open mat and the training is consistently good - excellent, with an average of more than fifteen black belts to roll with. Last Saturday had a few less people because of the rain but didn’t change it’s consistency of being good training. Here are a few photos taken before leaving the academy (there are some people missing that left before we cleared out).

After a week of rough training this one is off to a good start. There are a lot of good athletes at the academy and sometimes there is no way around getting put through the ringer…That was last week for me. One thing for sure, no matter where a person is at or what level they are there will always be ups and downs in training and that is just part of making progress.

Today was what looked like the beginning of summer weather here in Rio…Hot with clear skies and a light breeze. Off the mat this weekend I occupied weekend time with cardio/strength training and interviewing GSP for Intheguard.tv. (will be up after September 8th). I admire GSP’s ability and dedication as well as his mindset in training, it was good to meet him.

Also today Zoro from the Gracie Fusion Team won his first Vale Tudo fight by Triangle in the second round. Congratulations Zoro!!!

Zoro

***Due to copy right restrictions ITG could not post “Edu’s” highlight but it will be on the internet soon with a link from here.

During this past week “Gordinho” has been in the Gordo JJ academy training with us. He arrived the week before last with a group of students from his academy in the US, who spent the majority of there time here with us on the mat. Gordinho put an emphasis on his own training while in Brazil, showing a lot of skill on the mat.

Roberto “Gordo” and Rafael “Gordinho”

Gordo Jiu-Jitsu (LB)

Looking forward to your next trip here to Brazil Gordinho.

Me and “Magoo” after morning training

Black belt Carlos “Magoo” Brito doesn’t always train but he really enjoys pushing people’s buttons in his spare time. Reguardless of his prioritizing other aspects in life such as surfing and work, he is tough and somehow manages to pass just about everyones guard with the same technique! He is best known for talking more trash than almost anyone in the academy and is a lot of fun to train with. I am always glad to see him walk through the door in the morning.