EEND 713 Genius Hour - Module 3

"If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions"

Meet my new Jiu Jitsu Coach: Alex Seaver (pictured in the white gi)

Alex and his wife have been doing Jujitsu for ten years, and have been competing in professional tournaments for years.  Both coaches are extremely disciplined trainers that have been trained by official Jujitsu Academies.  They both currently train people at UFC Gym in Oak Lawn.  

As mentioned before, I have been boxing since 2008 in South Korea.  However, I have been entirely too intimidated to try my luck on the mats grappling. Jujitsu is a martial art that takes decades to perfect. 

What is Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial that focuses on controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him or her to submit ("tap-out").  Control is easier on the ground than in a standing position, so a lot of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu centers on ground skills.  The objective is to take your opponent down to the group and wrestle for dominant control positions where you can render your opponent harmless.

There are two forms that BJJ can be practiced on the mat.  One with a gi and one without a gi.  Gi is grappling with a use of a traditional Gi (similar clothing to what people wear in karate).  No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash gard.  In NO Gi you CANNOT grab your opponent's clothing. To be a completely rounded and disciplined BJJ competitor, you should train in both.

My plan is to attend the BJJ class at 7:45pm this upcoming Tuesday for the beginners class of BJJ No Gi.  I will keep everyone posted with my progress!