Just the beginning...

This blog is going to be focused exclusively on my experiences and principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I think it is important to take notes on the specific techniques that I learn from day to day to help me retain the information as well as giving me a resource to go back and review later on in the game. I now realize that it is just important to keep a record of my principles and philosophies as I grow with the art.

Currently, I am trying to examine EVERY transition and turn the "gray area" into a chance to predict my opponents next move and have a trap ready for them as apposed to reacting and using speed/explosiveness/agility. Also, I'm realizing how often I give up position or get swept due to carelessness or lack of urgency. Where most people's instincts tell them to get on top or base out, my instinct tells me it's okay to get swept if I can at least trap half guard. This is a terrible strategy, especially since I'm trying to make my game more effective for competition.

In order to be successful in tournaments I have to take my top game from a 2 to at least a 7. This is obviously on a scale of 1-1000. My guard passing is probably the biggest hole in my game, immediately followed by controlling and pinning my opponent. Only recently have I developed the ability to consistently get my knee in and maintain a solid base. From there I have difficulty breaking the guard, passing, and holding a dominant position.

Still a long way to go...