Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Fat Guy in a Little Gi, Entry #2 Part 4
Fat Guy in a Little Gi
One big man’s journey of self-discovery through combat sports
Entry 2- Of Mentors and Teachers
Experience
Experience is slightly different than applicable knowledge. For me, it’s the stage between theory and truly applicable skills. It is important that a mentor has the experience of trying what they teach, out in the real world (or in our case the ring or mat). It is imperative. One of the reasons traditional martial arts lose public interest, is their combat applications have become obsolete: without real world experience, it is hard to equate the techniques to a modern populace. It is no different when talking about theoretical techniques. A flying triangle is great, but if your mentor doesn't have experience throwing it in competition, the chance of you being successful with it is going to be very slim. My good friend and corner man Harrison Bevins shares his experience with me. He helps me with transitioning my striking game to my ground game, helps me with when to throw certain combos or how to maneuver in the clinch. My MMA game improves tremendously every time we work, because he is able to explain why certain things work and how they work. His experience has helped me tremendously.
These traits ring true for most mentors. I am sure you all have a few traits that are more important to you or you feel I am neglecting, but in my world, these four traits are the most important. There are two mentors that have just joined my life that I would like to make mention of, Professor Marcelo Alonso and Professor Travis Reich. While I haven’t been a part of the MABJJ family that long, these two have given me the same attention and support they give all of their students.
Just one last quick thought!
Like I said before, training partners are also mentors, and I have some of the best in the world. JD, Jared, Ollie, Boom, Alex, Big Steve, Big Tom, JDog, Lemke, De-wreck, Ryder…just to name a few (in reality, pretty much all of AOBJ, MABJJ, and GCA). Training partners are just as important as dedicated coaches.-Till next time! Ken
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Fat Guy in a Little Gi: Entry 2- Of Mentors and Teachers Part 2 and 3 "Investment and Knowledge"
Read Part 1: Here
Fat Guy in a Little Gi
One big man’s journey of self-discovery through combat sports
Entry 2- Of Mentors and Teachers
Part 2 and 3 "Investment and Knowledge"
Personal Investment
Personal investment is the defining point between your every day instructor, and a true coach and mentor. The willingness to sacrifice ones time and energy to help someone else reach their goals is paramount. Unlike the other traits, this one is easier to explain by using examples. Kano Melvin, my grappling/BJJ instructor, truly is selfless with the amount of time he dedicates to his students. Every Sunday, we meet up and work for 2-3 hours on whatever we want. After our grappling classes during the week, he stays after to work with any student who wants more time. Throughout the week we talk off the mats about things I can be doing to better my game, or engage in philosophical discussion regarding different grappling ideologies. However, his interest in his students doesn't stop with the game. He is genuinely interested in his students well being. He offers advice and a listening ear to whatever problem that they may have. If it wasn't for Kano, I would never have been able to progress as fast as I have, and if I am honest I probably would be more of a mental case than I am.
True Applicable Knowledge
McDojo’s are a dime a dozen. I have had the unfortunate experience of being a victim of one of these ‘schools.’ I don’t want to drop names (for legal reasons) but the biggest issue I had was the instructors lack of knowledge. It wasn't long before I was contradicting the instructors when it came to technique and competition rules. I left shortly after that. I learned how important it was to make sure those you turn to for guidance actually know what the hell they are talking about. You have to do your research and find their credentials. That’s when I turned to Brian Johnson. Brian has an amazing striking gym and his knowledge is why that gym is widely recognized by so many. He is a businessman, and knows how to turn a profit, but he does so without sacrificing the integrity of his gym.
Make sure to stay tuned for part 4 "Experience" and my conclusion to FGLG entry #2 on mentors-Ken
Friday, December 13, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Fat Guy in a Little Gi: Entry 2- Of Mentors and Teachers Part 1: Honesty
Editors note: "This is a four part series from Ken on mentors and coaches. Ken a BJJ Blue Belt who also trains MMA, writes for SOTG, documenting his progression and thoughts on the martial arts and his journey, giving you the beginners perspective. Enjoy!" Gregrooski
One big man’s journey of self-discovery through combat sports
Entry 2- Of Mentors and Teachers
We all struggle in our paths and we need perspective and guidance. Mentors and teachers, good and bad, help us grow and develop into better versions of ourselves. In martial arts, we often think of these as being our Sensei, coach, or head instructor. We often forget that there are others who help us along our path. Senior belts, training partners, family, even fans of the sport have helped us grow just as much, if not more so, than those who guide our training.
I would love to list every single mentor and teacher I have ever had; but that would take an exorbitant amount of time and, let’s face it, be extremely boring for you guys. Rather than just list the people who have impacted me in these roles, I’m going to go over what I feel makes a good mentor; those intangible qualities that must be present to truly define a mentor/student relationship. At the end of each trait, I will give a quick shout out to those coaches I feel best embody the listed trait. For the sake of this blog, I will only be mentioning mentors within the combat sports community (sorry Autumn).Honesty
Some pros make the mistake of hiring coaches and training partners who feed their ego, rather than feed their technique. Coaches who say stuff like “that’s it, good, perfect” when you are crossing your feet, dropping your hands, or shooting from WAY outside; do not help you. Worse it can get you seriously hurt when you do compete. Luckily, most of us don’t have that problem. We have our Mick who yelled at us for the little things we did wrong (Rocky reference for those too young. Go watch it… now…(don’t worry we’ll wait) Done? Good…moving on). While we wish they weren't so nit-picky, they helped us. Honesty is the most important aspect to being a good mentor. Having someone who is able to effectively communicate errors, successes, and oddities in your life is paramount to being good at whatever you do. When it comes to my striking game, Julien Martin (The Academy of Brian Johnson in Lacey, WA) is that man. He is honest with every fighter and member when it comes to his chosen vocation. The man gives it to me straight every time (tactfully… most times). When I am doing well and hitting my angles, he lets me know. When I am sucking, dropping my hands, turning away, or any other multitude of errors…he lets me know. While I often annoy him I’m sure, the man is dedicated to making everyone in the gym a better striker. He has no qualms about being straight with us, but with his honesty comes the knowledge to fix out mistakes or capitalize on what we are doing right (more on that later).-Ken
*** The Polar Bear aka " The Fat Guy in a Little Gi" was just promoted to Blue Belt! Congrats Ken!***
Monday, December 9, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Robson in Rio - Life in the Favela
Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to be thankful for what you have, many don't have it.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
COMING SOON: The Grapplers Masterclass
Unlike other instructional sites , our videos are longer and take a more in depth view of specific positions, drills, and submissions with an emphasis on developing a system and skills that allows you to chain the techniques together to form your own personal system. We are focused on No-Gi grappling and Grappling for MMA, although many of the concepts are applicable to Gi Grappling as well.
This program is for anyone looking to get a leg up on the competition or to compliment their game. Are you a no-gi competitor and want to learn a super efficient system of grappling that, until now has only been shown to a select group of professionals? Or are you a striker looking to add a simple and effective grappling system to your game to make you more well rounded? This system is also great for school owners looking to add a grappling curriculum to their school.
This is not a program intended to show hundreds of moves in isolation, but rather take an in-depth look at major techniques and positions and how to develop them into a seamless, efficient and winning system; as proven by the Pro MMA fighters, world champs, and many outstanding grapplers we have helped produce.
What sets us apart is our advanced on-line platform, our exclusive video content and our price. We will be rolling out in the most affordable way possible. Initial pricing is set at $24.99 for a years subscription, however we are offering a %50 discount with promo code "masterclass" for the first 150 members. That's black belt instruction of a proven system for only about $1.00 a month.
We'll be releasing the url just after new new years...stay tuned.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Fat Guy in a Little Gi Entry-1: Who Is This Guy?
Fat Guy in a Little Gi
One big man’s journey of self-discovery through combat sports
Entry 1- Who is this guy? AKA the journey so far
They call me Polar Bear. I started my journey into martial arts, as many in my generation did, through old kung-fu movies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Watching Leo, Mike, Don and Raph stick it to the foot clan every Saturday morning ignited a lifelong passion that I wasn't able to really commit to until MUCH later. From the time I could follow coherent logic, I ‘trained’ by reading every martial art book I could; practicing the moves by mimicking the pictures on the page. Names like Ramon Dekker, Andy Hug, and Royce Gracie weren't known to me yet; instead names like Jean Claude Van Damn, Chuck Norris, and the man himself, Bruce Lee inspired me. From the age of about 3, I have constantly pictured myself in some sort of martial combat.
Unfortunately, I wasn't the kung fu/karate guru I wished to be. Theory only helps so much when applied to real world experience. I was bullied relentlessly during my youth. Growing up, my personality was very odd, and I still have more than enough neurotic behaviors to label me ‘a f*cking weirdo nutjob’. While I have overcome much of my social awkwardness, childhood was hell for me. I lost A LOT of schoolyard battles. Most weren't epic scraps, but poor excuses for grappling matches that ended with me mounted and people taunting me. I can only remember winning two fights before I was 14 to be honest.
Part of my issue was a total lack of self-confidence. While formal martial arts training would have helped with that, we didn’t’ have a lot of extra money back then and my mother was adamantly against violence in any capacity off the football field (still is by the way). In fact I never even asked to do formal training until I got a flier in middle school. There was an afterschool program for Tae Kwan Do that was cheap enough ($25 a month) that I could attend, and I jumped at the opportunity. It wasn't long before I realized that it wasn’t the epic ‘defeat anyone style’ I had hoped it was. This was sport TKD, not traditional, and not effective. Further the instructor was very strict at the most random times. During touch sparring (everything was always too forceful apparently) she would joke and laugh, during forms she would be a dictator. All the while I kept studying other arts through the local library. My love of TKD died just after I got my yellow belt, at the age of 13. Sport TKD just wasn't for me.
It wasn't long after that, I found a copy of UFC 1 on VHS. Wow. I was hooked. These guys were real fighters! And one man captivated my vision. It wasn't Royce Gracie like people reading this will expect, it was actually Ken Shamrock. Here was a guy with my first name, a history of being a complete badass. I was rooting for him through everything. When he was submitted my heart was crushed a little bit, but I kept being a fan long after that fight. I watched every UFC VHS I could (my family couldn't’ afford pay per view until I was much, much older). I started reading on this ‘grappling’ thing and found that I needed a true hybrid system if I wanted to be one of these guys later in life. *note- I have since learned the error of my ways and LOVE Royce*
When I was 15, I finally found a system that called to me. That I could use to launch my No Holds Barred career (the term MMA hadn't been coined or used broadly yet). That system was Kajukenbo. It had everything I wanted; Kung-Fu, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kenpo, and Boxing. Everything was there in one spot! My first day was very difficult, the school had old ½ mats that did very little to break any fall, and because the studio was still being built, it was often that my arm felt the cold sting of concrete. I really enjoyed it, but when I sparred my friends at a local open mat gym, I would still get whooped. Wrestlers would continually take me down and negate my stand up, kick boxers would continually beat me on my feet. II joined the Marines and when I came back the school was so different I decided to move on.
In the Marine Corps I participated in my first MMA fights. These weren't regulated and I can barely say there were anything more than drunken service members and locals fighting for sport. I thought I knew what I was doing, but yet again I was proved wrong. At 8-10 I started fearing maybe my passion wasn't for me. I left the Corps and came home, only to find myself even more lost in this journey.
I started my own fight team. I figured I knew enough about the game, if I couldn't do it, maybe I could find guys who could use my knowledge. Glacier MMA (now Glacier Combat Arts). Our first outings were less than stellar, but we started putting up wins and I felt good. Something was missing though. I had rudimentary skills but nothing I was ‘excellent’ at. I looked to a local gym owner who was kind enough to let me bring my team into his gym and train them with his staff or by myself. It wasn't long before we became a part of the family. Now whenever we fight we are Glacier Combat Arts/Academy of Brian Johnson. Brian has taught me more about kickboxing and the striking game than I can even begin to explain. In his school he also has a Marcelo Alonso BJJ affiliate. That is where I met Kano Melvin and my BJJ journey begins…
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Neil Melanson - Mastering the Triangle - Technique 1
This is great, I'm so excite for this book, I have it on pre-order and I'll do a review of it once I get it which should be in the next couple weeks. You know I love Neil's game and this video shows why- tight control and smart positioning!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Khabib Nurmagomedov MMA Highlight
Love this guy! Is there a better, more technical, and powerful lightweight?
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Daymon Smith: Side control Escape to Armlock
Daymon Smith is a beast of a Black Belt trained by Tim Burrill...He runs an awesome program in Coventry RI and works with many TOP BJJ'ers (world Champs) and MMA fighters (UFC)...like my friend Nate said "Yo! There are Black Belts and then there are Blackkkk Beltssss, and Daymon is a Blackkkk Beltttt!" He's also a super chill guy; so when he shows you something you pay attention!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
SOTG Exclusive Interview With Top Sambo Coach: Joe Neely
The third in our series of exclusive interviews with three of Americas top Sambo coaches: Joe Neely. As you'll learn Joe has had an incredible impact on the sport of Sambo here in the US. He was a national team coach and competitor, who now runs a very successful program in the Kentucky and Ohio areas, where he also organizes National level Sambo competitions. In this interview Joe makes some very good points and observations about Sambo, not the least of which is the name itself, the state of its organizing bodies and the resurgence of collaboration of its top coaches.-Greg
Photos top to bottom:1. Joe (back row-second from right) World Team 1987 Milan Italy. 2. Joe (second from right) with Gregg Humphreys at one of his SomboJoe locations. 3.Joe with some of his Sombo Joe Students.
SOTG: Joe can you tell us about your background: when did you start Sambo, what was your first impression of it, when did you know this is what you wanted to do. Any career highlights you’d like to share?
Joe: I started dabbling with Sombo while wrestling with the 1978 All Marine Wrestling Team (Greco-Roman). I was a young wrestler that thought Greco-Roman Wrestling was the toughest style of combative sport out there. After a long nine hour day workout, I would drag myself up into the bleachers and watch some of my team members (Wilfredo Levi, Jimmy Howard, Jack Beard, Greg Gibson, etc…) put on those funny looking jackets and go for another couple of hours of Sombo only practice. I heckled them quite a bit. One day Levi (105.5lbs) challenged me to come down on the mat (I was 180.5) so he could show me what it was all about. After they put a jacket on me, he proceeded to throw; arm lock, leg lock, and calf crush me to the point of embarrassment! I said that no one that small should be able to do that to me, so I wanted to learn what it was all about. I would venture to say that it was love at the first lock!
I received an honorable discharged in 1979, and came home to start a local summer wrestling program. Title 9 was in full swing back then, so wrestling programs were leaving colleges at an alarming pace. We practiced all styles of wrestling, including Sombo. I still did all the other styles of wrestling (Folk, Free, Greco), but Sombo had stolen my desire for the other styles. I taught what I knew to local kids, and to adult competitors. Around this time FILA had just given up control of Sombo to a newly formed organization, FIAS. We participated in Sombo through the USSA, under the AAU at that time. I won several National titles, USSA, AAU Grand Nationals, AAU Masters, USSA Masters, etc. In 1987 I was ask to coach the USA National Women’s Team, at the World Championships in PAU France. One of my students took second, and the Team took third. From that point in 1987 thru 1993 I travelled to many National, and International Championships, World Cups, and invitational tournaments. After a brief return from my retirement, I placed 4th in the Pan Am Championships in San Diego, CA. The first three were John Maschido, Greg Dixion, Rigan Machido. I have only coached since then. My competitive days are through. In 1999 I was inducted into the USSA Sombo Hall of Fame.
SOTG: Wow, that is an amazing resume and impressive accomplishments…but you've also grown a very successful program in a grassroots way: do you want to talk about your program a bit?
Joe: In 2006 the path of my Teaching/Coaching took a different turn. The Northern KY Wrestling Club changed to the “SOMBOJOE” Program. There was no longer a need for a summer program for the youth to participate in anymore (most schools had their own now). At this point, we focused primarily on Sombo in our club. The SOMBOEJOE program is set up as a Christian Outreach and we still compete in many different type of grappling/martial arts styles. We do what we need to supplement our need for diversity in styles.
SOTG: From what I've noticed I've seen more collaboration with You and some of the other top Sambo coaches Can you tell us more about your relationship with them ? How have those relationships grown and what’s next for Sambo? Also what in your opinion are the hurdles that Sambo has to overcome to progress here in the USA? Do you believe Sambo has to make any significant changes to be successful here?
Joe: The collaboration between myself and other coaches, and organization is an attempt to bring back some of the swagger that Sombo used to have here in the States. The largest tournament that I can remember, was three hundred plus in Billing, MT. I wish to see us surpass those numbers before I finish with all that I have left to do. I have met some new people during this continuing adventure, and I always stay in contact with my OLD friends. Recently I have seen many people put aside their egos for the good of the sport. What we seem to forget is, when people fight for titles, position, or status, it’s the local athlete that suffers the most. I am happy that for the first time in many years, it looks like people are finally starting to work together again.One thing that I catch a lot of flak about is the spelling of Sambo with an O (Sombo). I think that our sport has enough to deal with without using a word that brings up racial discussions. I truly believe that if a sport is to make it in the world, it’s has to make it in America also. Television is the market that we need to bring on board. I don’t think that we would ever be accepted with the name using the SAMBO spelling.
SOTG: That is a GREAT point! Joe, considering your contributions, where do you see Sambo, sorry, Sombo, in the next 5 -10 years here in the US, where does it fit into the jiu-jitsu/grappling /mma scene in your opinion
Joe: Not just with my contributions, but with the hard work of everyone working together, Sombo could become the pinnacle of Combat Sports. It has everything you need to be a great fighter. It’s not just good on the ground, not just in the standing, not just with the striking, and not just good with the submissions, IT HAS IT ALL IN ONE PACKAGE! I can see Sombo really taking hold and growing with the people that we have involved now, maybe a new Sombo Fight League!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Straight Armbar from the Rodeo Position
I am really starting to like the so-called "Rodeo" position with both legs over the back- I've been killing from here lately...this is a great beginners technique from dominant guard position.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
SOTG Exclusive Interview: Head of the American Sambo Association: Stephen Koepfer
Like Gregg Humphreys said: "The three people who have done the most for Sambo are Steve, Steve and Steve" a reference to the man they call the Reaper "Sambo" Steve Koepfer. Steve was very open and thorough in his responses, they are detailed and show the depth of knowledge and history that this man has with the sport. A true martial artist, "Sambo" Steve not only talks the talk, he walks the walk, having a rich competition background and having trained many world class athletes across all facets of the Grappling and MMA universe. I hope you find his interview as enlightening as I did. We talk about his his gym and his American Sambo Association, his background, the state of Sambo and Combat sports and the future outlook for Sambo. I will hopfully be spending some time with Steve this weekend at the Reality Fighting show and hope to have a few follow-ups for you guys next week. Enjoy-Greg
SOTG: Steve can you tell us about your background: when did you start Sambo, what was your first impression of it and when did you know this is what you wanted to do?
Sambo Steve: I have studied martial arts most of my life (I am 45 years old); starting at age 7. Prior to Sambo I trained Shotokan, Tae Kwon Do, Grappling, and San Shou. During that time I competed in many different martial arts such as Grappling, Tae Kwon Do, San Shou and Shooto. In 1997 I was a Bronze medalist at the United World San Shou Championships. In 1998 I competed in what could be first ever international submission grappling tournament; the Gene LeBell World Grappler’s Challenge in Toronto, Canada.
I did not win that tournament but that is where I met UFC champ Oleg Taktarov and first experienced Sambo. That planted a seed in my head. It was quite a historic weekend and really changed the direction of my martial arts life. That event was a first of its kind (Grappler’s Quest founder Brian Cimins was also competing there; this event was actually the inspiration for Grappler’s Quest). Gene LeBell, Carlos Newton, Gokor Chivichyan, Mark Tripp, Rick McCoy, Dave Womack, Gary Goodrich, Lloyd Irvin, Mark Bocek, and Harute Terzyan were all in the house. Many of those guys went on to be noted people in the MMA & grappling community. Serge Gerlach (one of our ASA Vice Presidents) and Chris Herzog (of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu) also got their start at that event. It was a real evolutionary moment in North American martial arts. Looking back, I am so glad I was there.
Photo by Yvette Lincoln
By the following year I had found my Sambo coach, who was living in New York at the time; His name is Alexander Barakov. Alexander now lives and teaches in St. Petersburg, where I have also trained with him. After one training with Alexander I was addicted to Sambo. I fell in love with it. I have not stopped training Sambo since that time. I have also been training bi-annually with Igor Kurinnoy since 2007. I have trained with him and his team at Borec (Russian for “Warrior” –his academy) and the prestigious Sambo 70 in Moscow as well as Spartak Olympic Development Center in Ukraine.
SOTG: You run one of the largest (if not the largest) Sambo schools in the country- and just recently moved, tell me about the new space, what does it mean to your students to have a new space?
Sambo Steve: I don’t think we are the biggest US Sambo club at all. But, we are pretty well known! I started my club in April, 2003 when Alexander Barakov left New York and moved home to St. Petersburg. For the first five years I rented from other gyms until we had enough students to get our own space. The last five years I've had my own gym. This month, we actually moved into a larger space which is real exciting for the students and me. It is a new chapter for the club.
During the last 10 years, we have become known for training Sambo, grappling and MMA. We are located in midtown Manhattan, which is a perfect spot for accessibility, but, it is also a very competitive location with many other clubs in the area. So, if you do not offer the solid services, you will not succeed. We have had many amateur and professionals fighters and grapplers during the past 10 years. Our club has become quite popular because of this. We have many people who come to train with us from across the United States as well as internationally. Students have visited from Japan, Russia, Sweden, France, Germany, Canada and Brazil (as well as a few others). The past 10 years have been a blessing to me - a dream come true. I love my club and my students. Not too many people can say they earn a living doing what they love every day. I feel very fortunate.
In the end, our club would not be what it is without the team of coaches behind it. Currently, our coaching staff includes Tyga Maclin, Alexius Phoenix, Anthony Pipola and Bradley Desir. Until he moved to Louisiana, Reilly Bodycomb also was a resident coach. Their cumulative experience is literally world class. I am proud to have all these guys as friends, students, and now coaches at my club.
SOTG: Steve you also run the American Sambo Association: can you talk to us about your associations goals and growth?
Sambo Steve: The American Sambo Association was founded in 2003 by me and Alexander Barakov. Since that time the Association has been committed to becoming the premier association dedicated to the advancement of Sambo in the United States. Through tournaments, training camps, seminars, demonstrations, coach and team development, marketing, and cross-discipline affiliations, the American Sambo Association strives to introduce and educate the American public to the benefits of Sambo. Through memberships for schools and individuals, the American Sambo Association strives to monitor and make available Sambo training of the highest quality. The American Sambo Association supports and promotes bridge-building across martial art disciplines. The American Sambo Association does not promote any particular ranking system. Recognizing the moral responsibilities of all martial arts, the American Sambo Association also offer its services to local and global community building and human service efforts. Most importantly, like Sambo itself, the American Sambo Association promises to grow and evolve with the needs of its members and students.
Since our founding we have grown to have an incredible Executive Board including many noted international members of the martial arts and Sambo community. We now have clubs in 27 states as well as many other individual members. We are the largest US Sambo organization as well as the oldest organization currently in operation.
SOTG: That is very impressive! You were also recently featured on the Budovideos.com produced show “Rolled Up”. Can you discuss that experience and its impact on Sambo here in the US? (For those that don’t know “Rolled Up” is an extremely popular and well respected show dedicated mainly to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) Sambo
Steve: I had a blast with Budo Jake on Rolled up! He has been extremely supportive of the ASA and Sambo in general over the years. He offers a tremendous service to our grappling community. I don’t think his contributions can be overstated. We all owe him. He has certainly helped me, as well as Sambo in general, get on the radar of the non-Sambo grappling community in ways we could not have done on our own. He opened doors for us.
SOTG: Steve, last one so we’ll make it count: considering your contributions, where do you see Sambo in the next 5 to 10 years here in the US, where does it fit into the Jiu-Jitsu/grappling /MMA scene in your opinion and do you have any current in the works we might not know about?
Sambo Steve: The United States has seen a great growth of interest in Sambo in the past few years. 2014 will be an exciting year as some of the sports unfortunate political divisions have been put to rest and many Sambo oriented fighters are competing in the UFC and Bellator such as: Adlan Amagov, Khabib Nuragomedov, Rustam Khabilov, Mikhail Zayats, Blagoi Ivanov, Magomedrasul “Frodo” Khasbulaev and more. These men are following the footsteps of Oleg Taktarov and Fedor Emilianenko. They are making waves and bringing Sambo into the mainstream. But, the United States does have a rich history in Sambo dating back to the first word championships in 1973. Politics really suppressed Sambo in the 1990’s, but we are coming back strong!
Combat Sambo fighters also have an easier transition to MMA because they are used to fighting in all ranges in a match: striking, throwing, wrestling, and grappling. I also believe the training methodology used in Sambo is very beneficial for MMA. I personally prefer it to a more traditional approach like BJJ. (I feel) Sambo training is more scientific, practical and utilitarian. But, in the end, what makes a fighter great is how well he can use what he knows: There are very good BJJ fighters and very good Sambo fighters but the best fighters will train everything they can. Isn’t that how Sambo was created? Take what works from any style and use it. This is the real key to success in MMA. The critical word in MMA is “Mixed.”
The same goes for the grappling scene. Sambo is making itself known there as well and it is great to see. But, it is a two way street; BJJ and other styles like Catch Wrestling are also influencing Sambo. For example: this year Kyrgyzstan sent a team to the NAGA worlds for the first time. They trained at our gym while in the US. Though they were mainly wrestlers and Sambists, it is clear that they have been working their guard game as well as other aspects unique to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene. Similarly, Sambo 70, perhaps the best known Russian Sambo training center, now has a fully integrated MMA division. Everyone is evolving; which makes all of us better at what we do. As Reilly Bodycomb recently said “Training BJJ makes my Sambo better. Training Sambo makes my BJJ better.” This is what it is all about.
Regarding current projects, now that the documentary I produced (New York MMA on Hulu) is distributed and settled, I am just in the beginning stages of a new TV project, but I can't say much about it yet. Keep a lookout though, it will be cool!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
SOTG Exclusive Interview with Top Sambo Coach: Gregg Humphreys
Gregg coaching at "The Sambo Summit"
Be on the lookout for more exclusive interviews with Stephen Koepfer and Joe Neely in upcoming posts.
SOTG:Gregg, Tell us about your background: when did you start Sambo, what was your first impression of it, when did you know this is what you wanted to do?
GH: "I started Judo in the seventies. I always had a fascination for the Soviet Union. It was those fascinations that lead me to learn about Sambo. I was living in the Chicago area at the time and I found a Sambo coach named Bill Maxey. That's when I began supplementing my Judo training with Sambo. I competed in several National Champions and got to join a group of Judo players and wrestlers that went to the Soviet Union. It was then my enthusiasm for Sambo sky rocketed."
SOTG: You've had an amazing career working with Miletich Fighting Systems (MFS) and leading trips to Russia to train with multiple times World Champ Igor kurinnoy: do you want to discuss your career highlights?
GH: "It's been great coaching and training at MFS. Taking teams to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus for training has been the peak of my career. Igor Kurinnoy is one of my best friends and I've never met a better athlete. Other coaches who I've trained with such as Steve Koepfer, Vlad Koulikov, Serge Gerlach and Aaron Fields have influenced me greatly. My son Corey has always been my most honest critic and has been my best training partner. He has been to Russia and Ukraine multiple times. Also Joe Neely was a pioneer in U.S. Sambo and he continues to be a force. He deserves huge thanks."
SOTG: Gregg can you you tell us more about your relationship with Igor and the "Sambo For Professionals" (SFP) program?
GH: "Igor's Sambo for Professionals (SFP) was a ground breaking approach to sambo coaching and training. I'm Igor's North American Representative and editor. Igor has a Doctorate in Physical Conditioning for Grapplers, the guy is a genius."
Gregg Leading a Trip To Russia To Train With Igor Kurinnoy
SOTG: Gregg, what in your opinion are the hurdles that Sambo has to overcome to progress here in the United States?
GH: "One word-- POLITICS. The recent changes in FIAS and in the United States hold promise but only time will tell. Steve Koepfer's efforts in the American Sambo Association have been nothing but amazing. If I had to pick the top three proponents of Sambo in the United States it would be Steve, Steve and Steve. I'm not joking here; he has been unselfish and tenacious in his efforts to put U.S. Sambo on the international map."
SOTG: Gregg, considering your contributions, where do you see Sambo in the next 5 -10 years here in the US, where does it fit into the jiu-jitsu/grappling /mma scene in your opinion?
GH: "If we can get around the political issues and work together, I see a bright future for U.S. Sambo in terms of growth and international success.
Regarding it fitting into the Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling/MMA scene, I think it has already begun and will explode largely to the efforts of the Bellator organization importing former Soviet Bloc athletes into the MMA scene."Monday, October 28, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Exclusive Technique Video! Draculino shows the tripod sweep
I don't recommend using the guard in the street ever, it's better to use Judo or Sambo in this scenario, but this is a very useful to learn for a high percentage way to pull guard in either MMA (if you have to) or competition.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Jeff Glover - Torreando Counter with Arm Drag or Rollover Sweep
Jeff Glover - Torreando Counter with Arm Drag or Rollover Sweep
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
This Week in BJJ Episode 43 - Keenan Cornelius
Keenan Cornelius shows 3 innovative ways to beat the berimbolo! Michael Liera Jr shows some sweet attacks from De la Riva guard!
Monday, October 7, 2013
BJJ Scout: Positional Studies - Crossface Counters (Rodolfo v Buchecha)
A quick positional study of the defense of the crossface pass, a little tune up for your game.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Bicep Slicer
This is one of my go to moves- although there are some details missing from the video- look for a follow up video Thursday.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Kurt Osiander's Move of the Week - Kimura Defense to Choke
who doesn't love this guy, honestly, Kurt is a breath of fresh air in Jiu-Jitsu, not to mention he's got pretty good technique, so check out this sweet Kimura defense to a RNC.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Choke w/ Daniel Aguiar and Joe Warren
A different look at a takedown into a Guillotine/Anaconda Choke.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Tim Sledd Kimura Series
This is a slick transition form Kimura to Arm Triangle...add this one to our game for sure!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Inspirational Video of Cyborg in Russia Teaching BJJ
Wow awesome and inspirational video of Cyborg in Russia training BJJ...I can't wait to see some high level BJJ/Sambo cross trained athletes come our of these former Soviet Union countries, they will be monsters!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Neil Melanson Team Practice
I just found this awesome series of videos highlighting Neil Melanson's Grappling teams practices- I am a huge fan of Neil's style and persona, I believe you guys will find these videos a great watch too; they are both inspirational and informative. If you are unfamiliar with Neil, find him in the "Tags" bar I have posted many of his other videos dealing with technique.Enjoy.
Closed Guard Sweep Low Hip Bump
This is a nice high percentage sweep from the closed guard that is really just a sneaky low profile Hip Bump sweep. The cool thing about this sweep is it is more effective as you progress in Jiu-Jitsu and battle tougher partners who are wise and do give you too many options.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
BJJ Turtle Guard Sweep: The Murphy Roll
A very handy BJJ sweep to have, the Murphy Roll is clutch when you play butterfly guard, if you haven't seen it before you'll see why in the video.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Setting Up Butterfly Guard by Saulo Ribeiro
Learn to set up your Butterfly Guard from a Master....Saulo always impresses with his technique, great Jiu-Jitsu.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Stuart Cooper Jiu-Jitsu Highlight
Stuart Cooper BJJ Highlight: Action packed with funky Jiu-Jitsu goodness!
Braulio Estima - Tune My Game
Great concept for Jiu-Jitsu instruction, Braulio has amazing Jiu-Jitsu, what a great way to learn.
Pedro Sauer Mount Choke
All of Pedro Sauers techniques are slick, smooth and efficient and this mount choke is no different; Jiu-Jitsu at a very high level.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Frank Mir: Rolling Ankle Lock
Check out Frank Mir hitting the Rolling Ankle Lock vs the De La Riva Guard. He has some good tricks once in the position, like using his forehead to add pressure. Enjoy.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Double Under Guard Pass Counters
Wow, tons of VERY usfull techniques in this one to counter the double under guard pass, similar to sweeps in other videos I've posted before from Marcello and Chris lytle, but I like some of these better I think. I Think this is a must see video!
Kyacey Uscola Front Headlock escape
Kyacey Uscola Sows a tricky counter to the Turtle(Front Head Lock) when your opponent is looking for an Anaconda. I've used this very successfully when sitting through or short dragging isn't an option and suggest you add it to your game, at the very least to add another trick to your bag.
BJJ Submissions: Armlock Series
I usually skip the shoulder lock and go straight to the second armbar after the failed armlock, but it's a nice option to have and a bit unexpected.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Catch As Catch Can: The "Surfboard" Submission
I know this Catch As Catch Can submission as a Surfboard. It's an old school lock, I like to get from the guard (see any of the Neil Melanson posts for some sweet set-ups for this technique from his "Irish Collar".) However you hit it, it has got to be one of the most embarrassing ways to be tapped!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Jiu-Jitsu: Scissor Sweep Counter
I love these simple, basic, effective and surprising techniques: they are so easy to work into your Jiu-Jitsu game and make an immediate impact-check it out.
Jiu-Jitsu: Estima Lock and Inside Heel-hook from 50/50 Guard
When it comes to Jiu-Jitsu or grappling in general, more technique is better, this Video shows a couple of different foot lock options from the 50/50 guard which maybe aren't too common. I personally use the Estima lock all the time and, although, it doesn't look like much, it's a match ender.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt KImura Counter Attack to The Back And Armbar
Some crazy high level Jiu-Jitsu right here; all of the techniques working together to escape a bad position take the back and finish is very impressive. The real trick is catching this live, and that requires a lot of mat time....so what are you waiting for!
Roy Dean Jiu-Jitsu: The Kimura
Roy Dean is back with another White to Black video, this time highlighting the Kimura; as expected it showcases exceptional Jiu-Jitsu. You'll want to watch this one a couple times, chances are you'll see at least one new application for this devastating submission.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Draculino: Sitting Up Butterfly Guard Pass
A Very effective pass of the sitting up butterfly guard, Draculino is a class act and an extremely technical instructor- so learn from the best!
Jiu-Jitsu Gi Choke (Modified Peruvian Necktie) The "Gerbi"
Here it is, an instructional on the "Gerbi" choke, a modified Peruvian necktie using the gi! The is always so much to learn; the saying is true "the deeper you go, the deeper it gets!" I posted Yarden Gerbi's match yesterday and there is already an instructional! Wow! You are gonna start seeing this everywhere soon and just like the No Gi Peruvian my guess is this is just the start: what other options are there from this position?
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Budovideos.com Presents "This Week In BJJ Episode 41 Part 2 of 2: Roger Machado"
This week in BJJ episode 41 Part 2 with Jiu-Jitsu living legend Roger Machado. Thanks to our affiliate partner Budovideos.com for the awesome shows, gear and support of BJJ and grappling! Enjoy!
Budo Videos.com Presents: "This Week in BJJ Episode 41 - Roger Machado part 1 of 2"
This Week In BJJ 41 Part 1: Living Legend Roger Machado
Monday, September 2, 2013
Arm Drag to Butterfly Sweep - No-Gi: Robson Moura
Keeping with the sweep theme today something a little more advanced from Robson Moura, this is some high level Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, Arm Drag, Butterfly Sweep and a reverse of direction Wow!
Jiu-Jitsu Guard Sweep "The Amazon"
Another cool full guard Jiu-Jitsu sweep "The Amazon". Looks nifty and certainly worth trying.
Jiu-Jitsu: Butterfly Guard Sweep " The Bulldozer"
This is a nice Jiu-Jitsu 101 sweep, from Butterfly Guard, that can add a nice second or third option for the sweep. Go train and Good luck!
Robert Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu: Pendulum Sweep to Gi Choke
Some Basic but effective Jiu-Jitsu from 6 time world champ Robert Drysdale. Check it out!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Over The Back Flying Armbar "Gongkwon Yusul"
This is a sick Flying armbar, similar to the Chaotic I posted a while back that you guys loved so much. I don't usually put any Hapkido techniques on but this one seems to fit. See if you can fit this into your Jiu-Jitsu game, (I know it can be down from a hip bump position with an across grip) although I suggest using mats;)
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Budovideos.com Labor Day 15% off Sale
Clink the ads on our page and go get some new fresh Jiu-Jitsu Gear!
Kyra Gracie: A Technical Armbar From The Mount
I fully expect this to get the most views of any video I've ever posted....I've already watched it about 5 times, I have no idea what she is saying, and although the technique is technical, I got it after one watch...enjoy!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Learn two sweeps with GMA Adem Redzovic
Strong basics like these win matches-2 great sweeps by Gracie Chicago Head Instructor.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Jiu-Jitsu Inspiration and Amazing Armbars
This is what grappling is about- amazing and inspiring. Awesome armbars and technique. if this doesn't want to make you train, then you should't be in Jiu-Jitsu!
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