Jiu jitsu is not just a sport, nor is it just a self defence system. It's a martial art. It's a whole life style.
I recently came across a beautiful quote which, if memory serves me correctly, was from an Aikido documentary:
"No matter if you're fighting the opponent standing up or grappling with on the ground, you need to be able to move your body to a safe place where you can defend his attacks. This is called HEN (change).
At the same moment that you are performing HEN you're drawing the opponent out as he attacks. This causes his openings to quite naturally present themselves."
This is a great reflection of what Rickson emphasises in his seminars:
"In a fight, one person can be comfortable at any one point. Your job is to make sure that's you. Always work to be in a comfortable spot while your opponent is not comfortable"
But isn't that true everywhere in life? I remember the awesome John Will stressing that to get the full potential of jiujitsu and what it can do for you, you need to apply its principles off the mat as much as on it. Rather than focus on solving challenges, just focus on always thinking about your well being (and that of the ones you care about) and the rest will fall into place. Think safety first and the journey will take care of itself.
What a fantastic event the Rickson Gracie Scottland seminar was (more on that in later posts). I would like to thank Scott McVeigh for organising the event, the whole Forca Combat Academy crew for helping us get there and being great travel company and my friend Mr Don Barr for being an awesome training partner.
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ps. Most of these photos are not my own and I'm gratefully borrowing them from the great photographer.
Liam "The Part Time Grappler" Wandi
Proudly sponsored by Predator Fightwear: Built for the kill and Brutal TShirt: Made By Grapplers For Fighters
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