Dennis Asche - Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle

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

After listening to Evan Tanner speak in his last interview, a lot of what he had to say really hit home. As Vale Tudo has turned into the professional sport of MMA there are a lot of fans and athletes involved who are incredibly ignorant. Somewhere along the road respect has been pushed aside by many in a quest for personal gain and a chance to stand in the spotlight. Rather than looking at the big picture, seeing the traditional martial arts that where used to develop the sport it seems that onlookers and participants have lost touch with them. The values that are taught in these martial arts build a foundation that will influence and effect the lives of those involved and people around them for the better. Instead of arrogance, respect and dedication create humility in practitioners. To me making an effort to help others learn this through my classes or in daily conversation will always be a forethought.

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!!

Thanks to computer guru Jeff Anliker, the blog is up on my site!

After Monday, this week has been pouring down rain almost non-stop here in Rio. Flooded streets and crowded buses made getting around the city much more difficult these past days…Not the ideal conditions for commuting. This coming week is the last before the Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championships the following weekend (one of two championship this month). There are still a few days left to prepare and I intend to make the most of them training through the weekend. One thing that has always remained the same throughout my competing is the feeling that there is more that can or should be accomplished in preparation. For me that thought creates the drive that wakes me up in the early morning to train after the late bus ride home or pushes me in that last round before leaving the mats.

“Mamazinho” and I after training. –>