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

That was a far off prediction on my part! Regardless, I stand by the thought that Liddell and Leites could have won their fights…unfortunately they did not employ the game plans that I was hoping to see. Much respect to them both, Leites has many years to improve his game (and learn Wrestling) and it would still be great t osee Liddell retire on a winning note in a big fight. Hope to see the UFC make that happen.

Caught on tape by infamous reporter Olivar Leite caught Paula from Premier Combate, Fred from Ability and myself on camera giving our opinions on what will be the outcome of tonight’s UFC 97. Check out the video: http://fightecia.blogspot.com/2009/04/paulinha-premiere-fred-ability-e-denis.html

(sound on my portion is very low)

My picks: Leites over Anderson Silva, believe in Jiu-Jitsu! Liddell, he has still got what it takes to put away Shogun.

After nearly two years out of Brazil Paddy and Donal Carmody are back in Rio. These two brothers travel the globe searching out the best training in BJJ there is and this year brought them to the academy of Gordo Jiu-Jitsu. Paddy and Donal are two of the most dedicated and matriculate Jiu-Jitsu practitioners I know. After training, they review, they watch instructionals and championships…Notes??? These guys have literally written a book thoroughly logging and detailing the techniques they have learned and practice. The Carmody brothers represent both Ireland and Jiu-Jitsu with confidence and pride. Aside from being dedicated to the Arte Suave they have a great sense of humor and are really good people. Glad to have you both back here!

Paddy & Donal at GJJ

Olivar Leite was unable to make it to Bar do Oswaldo Saturday because of a commitment to help with a show in honor of Sylverster Stallone. Stallone was in Rio off set of The Expendables at the Nogueira bros. Training Center in Recreio.

Cris (Minotoro's girlfriend), Stallone & Olivar Leite

More Photos on: Fight e Cia

Parabens para o seu aniversario Olivar!

This weekend was a good one for me. I enjoyed a birthday training and later a celebration with friends at Bar do Oswaldo in Largo da Barra. Even though I prefer to sleep at night, it is good to go out every once and a while, as most things are good in moderation. My time spent in Gordo Jiu-Jitsu has built many friendships with the athletes who train there. There where a few people out of town or with prior commitments…Thank you to my friends who where able to make it there!

GJJ at Bar do Oswaldo

There are a few people missing in the photo…

It’s been on my mind for a while but I keep forgetting to write it in the blog. At the 1a etapa da Copa Minerienha LB academy had a lot of good performances from the team. Tiago Gaspery, Zorobabel, Ze Carioca, Clayton, Massoud and Caleb all did well, putting on a good showing for the team. Novo Leblon team also did very well. The team has a lot of young competitors and the showings get better every event.

In this last UFC Fight Night, Rafael dos Anjos earned fight of the night with a great performance. Congratulations Rafael.

I remember being 15 and speaking with my Karate instructor, Steve Yerger about progression in training and what time in life a martial artist peaks. Between 29-31 seemed to be the age that everything comes together with a more clear understanding of life through experience, a mind that is tuned to the martial arts through years of training, mastery of ones own kinetic abilities and an acquired ability to bring both physical and mental aspects together. At 31, I still feel there is much to learn and far to push myself physically and because of that it makes me wonder if my ‘peak’ is yet to come. There are many athletes that are competing and fairing well while silencing critics of their age. It could be that with time limits on age have been pushed back, not to mention that training in Mixed Martial Arts requires time and dedication to multiple styles that can only be learned over time. With this in mind I would like to retire from competition before my time is up…That time has yet to come.

This last weekends physical conditioning brought back memories of bounding up Pilot Butte, running the stairs at the Shilo In - in Newport, the South Sister, through the wilderness in Central Oregon, Diamond Head in Hawaii, stairs in Santa Monica, the many places that I have enjoyed training…It has made my mind and body stronger and more resilient over the years. Today it takes longer to recover day to day from injuries and tough workouts but my training is more beneficial. There is much to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to. That said back to training for the next championship.