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
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.
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
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…
Gordo Jiu-Jitsu/Gracie Fusion team mate Rafael dos Anjos interview, before his April 1st fight with Tyson Griffin at UFC Fight Night.
For all the people who want to know more about Gordo and the academy:
There has been a lot happening here in Rio. As it is said the year doesn’t begin in Brazil until after Carnival and for many people the saying is true.
During this last week David was once again admitted to the Clinica Bambina because of difficulty breathing, he even spent 24 hours in the ICU. The doctors said that it is possible he has some blood clotting from his healing leg that likely migrated to his lungs (in addition to inflamed bronchial tubes). Thankfully he left the clinic Saturday with his mom and Lane. He seemed in good spirits when I saw him this Saturday afternoon.
Training in the academy is getting into full swing as many of Gordo Jiu-Jitsu athletes prepare for upcoming Jiu-Jitsu championships and Vale Tudo fights. Not only where their the Cariocas but Gordinho brought down a group of New Yorkers, filling up the academy. No shortage of good people to train with.
During the weekend aside from Saturdays training there was a special Mauy Thai promotion for students of Edu Pachu, Deigo Braga, Cadu Andrade, Dudu, and Erinaldo Rodrigues headed by their professor Vander Valverde.
Sunday ITG held a special recording session for the TECH FACTORY and Faixa Preta Digital, with BTT black belt Fabiano Capoani demonstrating technique on Olivar Leite and myself.
Filming Technique at gordo Jiu-Jitsu w/BTT's Fabiano Capoani
Olivar Leite at home on the mat.
Felipe behind the camera
The year of 2008 went by incredibly fast with much gained inside the academy and many days of appreciating the sites of Rio. Hundreds of times I passed Sugar Loaf and the Christ statue in route to Gordo’s academy in Largo da Barra, feeling the warm air of the humid climate on my skin. There is much to be thankful for in having the opportunities to live and train in Rio…In 2009 I am still thankful and now looking on to what this year will bring as my sights are set on the 2009 Brazilian Nationals of Jiu-Jitsu.
Yesterday afternoon ‘Zen’ Mario talked balance in Jiu-Jitsu between conditioning, technique and the mind of an athlete…A much appreciated good conversation that directly applies to progression as an athlete and martial artist. Key points being how an individual uses the time in the academy to get the most out of each session in a constant progression and mindset for competition. He even put on the kimono and trained for a couple rounds before breaking down technique behind one of his specialties. Meeting Sperry for the first time at a seminar in ‘99 I did not imagine he would one day be a face in my daily life.
Thursday training 10/16/2008
This Thursday’s training wasn’t full but it was good training as always. Still more than a month off till Edu’s fight in the next Fury FC and a month till Rafael dos Anjos debuts in the UFC…both are already looking sharp.
Compliments of Edu