Scott Adcox

Doing More With Less Since 1972

Category: Doing (Page 9 of 28)

Armbar To Take Back From Guard – BJJ Training Log – August 2, 2016

August 3, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The warm up was pretty standard with no new things introduced. I like it that we’re doing more partnered warm ups now–KoB, transition from one side control to the other after an underhook, guard retention etc.

The technique section was progressive. First we worked on an armbar from guard, then we added a transition to back from the single leg defense. The last step was setting up the bow and arrow choke from there. I’m going to try to remember all the steps and tips from the beginning, but I expect I’m leaving something out.

  • Hands on wrists, grab opposite tricep of one arm
  • Break guard for foot on him on the trapped arm side to rotate, elbows tight
  • Release wrist hold hand and control head, bring leg over
  • Squeeze thighs and heels to floor, scoot in to close distance
  • Kimura grip to break the defense
  • When leg is captured in half-guard, control arm at tricep, post other hand, and release head–natural reaction of opponent is to sit up
  • Use post hand to quickly attack back
  • Go to deep collar grip and roll opponent to bring leg across the lap and underhook the leg.
  • Leg over shoulder–for me, had to rock back the other way to make up for stiff hips

Rolling

4:00 with Norm. Honestly, was a little preoccupied mentally, and not sure what I was doing other than surviving based on what I’ve been reading in Jiu-Jitsu University. I was able to work on technique when opponent has my back and from turtle. Boring, but seemed effected. He got a triangle on me that I did a decent job of defending for a while, but he still got it.

4:00 with Louis. His hand is still bothering him, so we started with him in my guard. He passed much more easily than last time, and we were back and forth for a while. I got his back, but I was high and couldn’t get a good balance. Attempted to roll for the bow and arrow, but no dice. We ended with him in my guard and me trying to work for a cross choke.

4:00 with Robert (new): As bad as I am, it’s hard to say I “took it easy”, but I definitely took the opportunity to work on technique over strength with him. Saw lots of places where better artists would have attempted arm bars. I ended up getting a triangle–not deep, but I got it. After that, explained to him one of the only things I know–extended arms from within someones guard will mean arm bars.

4:00 with Norm again. This time we started with me in side control. I was actually able to hold it for a few seconds. I think he could tell I was toasted mentally and physically, and it turned into much more of a flow roll.

BJJ Training Log – OPEN MAT – July 30, 2016

July 31, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Lots of stretching and warming up for the first hour. I needed it. Did a squat/pushup/situp pyramid and a 15 minute yoga routine, then held the pads for the kids to strike and rolled around with them some.

Was getting ready to suggest going to the beach, but then Visiting Ben showed up (PB) and we rolled some. Maybe my most valuable session of rolling so far. We went a few rounds, then he walked me through where some of my holes are (defending armbar) and drilled with me on a side control arm bar I can use. More than anything, he gave me a bunch of wisdom and advice.

First thing–“Go home and write down what you learn.  You can even throw it away after, but go home and mentally review every session. Write down every step to a new technique you learn.”

So here are my mental steps for the arm bar we worked:

  • Feed shoulder
  • Trap arm with head-side leg
  • Wiper-blade arm trap to the other leg
  • Far side arm by the tricep and heavy with the elbow
  • Head-side arm to the ground to prevent head movement
  • Replace head-side arm with head-side foot
  • Trap leg down (controlling head) and squeeze the arm with thighs
  • Body side knee to the air or over-body. Tight thighs.
  • Not always necessary to go all the way to floor for arm-bar. Hips high first, THEN shoulders to the floor.

Arm bar escape–I was recognizing and defending, but the defense was pretty easy to break. To escape, defend and roll with the goal of getting the elbow to the ground.

Full mount advice–got the high knees into the armpits, but post the non-head control hand and you can’t be moved. Be heavy, rest, breathe, wait for a mistake.

I let him know that I feel bad about doing that from side control or mount in class because I feel like it’s taking away my partner’s chance to improve. He said if I’m getting a guy there all the time, we need to work from there. You end up in the position you deserve to be in. The other guy needs to learn how to get out, and I need to learn how to be heavier and hold it better.

Moving (especially when you are big, slow, and inexperienced) creates space. You don’t want space. any movement from a good position should be to improve that position, tightening it up. Wait for the desperate mistake.

Half-guard underhook–serve high pizza. From the top, whizzer that.

BJJ Training Log July 28, 2016

July 28, 2016 / / 0 Comments

12 People at class tonight–three new people and a visitor from NY. Awesome!

Warmups are getting pretty easy for me now. They are actually just warming me up instead of wearing me out. I did 45 minutes on the bike at HR 120 right before class, so I was already pretty warm. Standard stuff with jump-ups, crawls, guard retention, and hip thrusts for triangle. Then we did partner drill (Ed) for KoB and stepping around the head to switch sides.

Technique–again working with Ed

We worked on triangle from guard and turning failed triangle to arm bars. The key for both of us was rotating for the little angles in the triangle, especially at the end. We both sort of preferred just going for the armbar from that position because, being bigger, it’s tougher for us to scoot into the rotations for the best position–definitely something to work on–and the feeling right now (I’m sure this is will be proved wrong) is that the armbar is way more natural for us.

Rolling

6:00 with New Dan (WB)–Taller than me, maybe a little stronger. A little heavier and a little more experience. He works stiff. He immediately got me into some sort of lock on my legs that I had to tap. We haven’t learned any of that stuff yet, so I don’t feel bad. Was pretty back and forth the rest of the time. I made him eat my weight from side control for a little bit. He got me again with a slice across the mouth that made me eat the gi right before time. #Survive

6:00 with Ben (PB, visiting)–This dude wore me out, but I was pretty happy with how I did. I probably had 40 pounds on him. I know he wasn’t going all out, but he tapped me twice–triangle and arm bar. Pulled two sweeps on me that I saw coming a mile away and could do nothing about, which was funny. He gave me a side control gift for a little while. #TryToSurvive.

6:00 with Louis (WB)–Louis is pretty banged up and asked to go more as a flow roll. So happy to do that because I was exhausted from Ben and he has helped me so much already. I know that I’m heavy, and that’s pretty much all I know, so I get it that people who are injured don’t want to just suffer my shoulder in their face. I immediately pulled guard and held that for 5:30. Very relaxed and he worked to pass. Showed the armbar and triangle when he opened them up, but didn’t attempt to take them. When he defended I released. He passed and I worked on defending side control for the last 30 seconds. #Defend.

6:00 with Norm (PB)–Norm is maybe my favorite person to roll with right now because he can flatten me at will. And he’ll do it too. I know I don’t offer him very much of a fight though, and I feel bad about that. We’re about the same size, so I’m hoping a benefit I can give him is that I’m strong enough that he has to think more about technique than size/strength. But I’m sure he’s way past that and already has really solid technique. I know he passes my guard very quickly and I haven’t made it out of his yet. The best I’ve gotten is maybe 3/4.  He completely wrecked me with an arm drag that included some jewel mining, but he was nice enough to show it to me. He also coached me through an escape from mount. Maybe the highlight for me was that he went for a bow and arrow, and I recognized it from class on Tuesday and was able to defend it until time ran out. #TryToSurvive

Yes…everyone still beats me, but I’m ok with that. Losing is learning and improving.

My First Month of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

July 25, 2016 / / 0 Comments

I’m definitely not a great athlete, but I really love doing physical stuff. Always have. Whatever sport I’m doing, I’m at least willing to work hard for the gains, which is a good thing, because they aren’t going to come to me naturally.

One of the things I wish I’d done (literally) decades ago is kept a journal of my relationships with rugby and running. I’ve done that with triathlon to some extent, and it’s pretty cool to go back and look at all the things I’ve learned, all the mistakes I’ve made, and all the things I didn’t understand until I matured in the sport a little bit and (just like I do with everything else) learned the hard way.

Luckily, I can do that with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After one month of training, and I’m completely hooked. Even better than that, I’m like a newborn baby seeing and experiencing things while at the same time being fully aware that there’s a whole level of understanding to what we’re doing that I can’t comprehend yet.

So here’s a quick summary of my experience with BJJ so far. I’m guessing every single thing I’m experiencing has been experienced by millions of people already, but…

Week1:

  • How’d you get that submission?
  • Do it again!
  • How’d you do it so quickly?
  • I have to improve my cardio.
  • How do I defend that?
  • Ribs!
  • Ok, how were you still able to get that–what did I forget to do?
  • When I did defend it, how did you get the next submission?
  • Wow…my whole family really loves this! I’m glad I won’t be boring them to death when this is all I want to talk about.
  • Cardio needs improvement, but isn’t as bad as I thought. Mostly I have to relax more.
  • Now I’ve read and watched some videos, and my mind is blown. Literally blown. This goes so much deeper and wider than I could have ever imagined.
  • I can’t soak this up fast enough, and my body can’t keep up with my head when I do absorb something.

Week 2:

  • Hey! I recognize this situation, and I know what I’m supposed to do here! Why can’t I remember the first step and execute it?
  • Wasn’t planning on training tonight, but I really want to. We already made other plans. That sucks.
  • Wow. Rolling with someone new completely changes everything.
  • How can I get more new people here?
  • I can mark my progress against the more experienced guys by the fact that it’s at least taking them longer to submit me. And now I’m making different mistakes.
  • My primary training partner is equal to me in size, strength, and experience and it feels like we just lay on each other because we are limited by our knowledge and experience.
  • Gym closed today. That sucks.
  • I’m so glad my kids are into this. What a tremendous skill for them to have.

Week 3:

  • Next time I roll with that guy and get in that situation, I got a little something for him.
  • Now, why did I have to work so hard for it? Please show me the technique that won’t require that kind of muscle/time.
  • I know where I feel most comfortable for now. By “comfortable” I mean the place I can make my opponent most uncomfortable.
  • This has all of a sudden become the reason to running, cycling, stretching, yoga, and an NSNG diet.
  • Foam roller being used for real.
  • More relaxed now.
  • “Position Over Submission” is going on the next coffee mug I buy.
  • Gym closed today. That sucks.
  • Can we just bring dinner to the gym in some plastic containers so we can roll for an extra 30 minutes?

Week 4:

  • Morning classes soon please?
  • My submission from last week won’t be happening to him again for a while. He saw that coming from a mile away.
  • Hey…we’re not laying on each other! We’re moving a lot more!
  • But this other guy moves so much faster and so much more that by the time I recognize a situation we’re already two positions past it.
  • New rule–you kids can roll all you want, but no submissions or chokes allowed without adult supervision. Be careful with your friends.
  • I think if I got jumped in the street I could do a pretty good job of keeping myself safe until help arrived. Probably couldn’t do too much damage, but that’s ok. At least I could defend myself and walk away without getting my face smashed in.
  • We’re not really ready to look for a house yet, but we are shopping for mats.

Unschooling John Muir and Squirrel

May 12, 2016 / / 0 Comments

We found this book at our local library with a great story about John Muir in Yosemite, and his interactions (mostly fictional) with Floy Hutchings (Squirrel). Her father operated an inn and tour guide business in the Valley, and John Muir worked for him when he first came to Yosemite.

The kids loved seeing photos of themselves from our trip to Yosemite last summer in the places he could have been–“Here’s a picture of you playing in the same river John Muir is relaxing beside. The exact same river!”

It’s really cool to see them make connections between their own lives and what they are reading. Also funny to point out to them that they were having so much fun playing in the Merced River that they completely missed the fact that Yosemite Falls even exists.

And maybe this view help develop his idea that glaciers formed the landscape?

Olmstead Point – always carry a stuffy

[Amazon affiliate link included]

Want To Try Trainerroad For Free?

November 28, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Quick and to the point, if you’d like to try out Trainerroad for a month,  just leave a comment to this post with your first and last name and I will hook you up. The email address you use will have to be legit, but it won’t be displayed–I just need it to fill in the information on the TR side. First three commenters get them.

No catch, and they don’t have an affiliate program (yet), so I don’t get a dime for it. I just strongly believe in their product and want to help anyone who’d like to take it for a test spin.

Horrible pun.

I’m a huge fan of Trainerroad, although you wouldn’t know it by reading this blog lately. Actually, you wouldn’t think I’m a huge fan of much of anything by reading lately.

Still, when I am training (and why am I such a lazy bum right now?), I can’t think of a better investment I’ve made in my fitness that Trainerroad. I was riding a ton about a year ago–well, at least a ton for me–and I saw tremendous results not only in my cycling, but also in my running.

Yeah, being a strong cyclist takes you a long way towards being a strong runner.

I even did the Sufferfest Tour of Sufferlandria in 2014. What has happened to me?

 

October 12, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Black and white of the beach snapped at Torrey Pines State Park in San Diego, California

Every wave leaves behind a beautiful pattern in the sand
And every wave destroys another beautiful pattern in the sand
I reckon that’s supposed to be some kind of metaphor.
Or maybe it just looks cool.

National Parks Tour – Grand Canyon

March 23, 2015 / / 0 Comments

20150905_135110

After our February trip to Death Valley National Park, we were all pretty excited to go to see The Grand Canyon. As an added bonus, we were taking the scenic route via Flagstaff, AZ to visit some of our best friends, which paid unexpected dividends later.

We left Las Vegas in the late afternoon for the drive to Flagstaff, and we loved how the scenery seemed to change every 30 minutes or so as we changed elevation.

2015-03-21As we arrived in Flagstaff, 4 of the 5 people in the Adventure Van were worked into a fevered pitch by the sight of a Chik-Fil-A sign. It was the first chance to eat that stuff since September, and we fell off the gluten-free wagon (again) to take advantage.

The kids were excited to see old friends, but crashed pretty quickly after we got to their house. The next morning we were treated to pancakes (glad we were off the wagon) and cartoons while we got everyone prepped for the day. Flagstaff is cold in March.

We piled into our cars and headed toward the Grand Canyon. First stop, Desert View Watchtower. The only other time I’d been to the Canyon, I’d come straight from Las Vegas, so this was new to all of us. I don’t think the views are as “grand” here, so it doesn’t make the impression for first time visitors the way Mather Point does. But, while not as impressive for The Missus, the kids loved the tower, and we spent a good deal of time here.

Which brings me to a couple of things to consider regarding the downside of taking young kids to the Grand Canyon. Our kids really like to hike and experience things hands on. At the Grand Canyon, there are big crowds, and it’s sometimes tough to keep your eyes on them to make sure they are staying safe. There are also limited opportunities for them to hike, but luckily we were able to remedy this.

20150321_132822

Our next stop was the Visitor’s Center. Again, really crowded. But we at least needed to get our passports stamped and let the kids pick out a souvenir.

20150321_134354

Now the good part. Our friends are both biologists who work or have work for the Parks Service. Luckily, one of them spent lots of time working at the Canyon and knew just the spot to get away from the crowds and allow the kids to rampage. We took a nice mile long hike through the forest to a secluded part of the south rim. Really nice because their kids are the same ages as ours, and it gave them an opportunity to climb around on fallen trees and do lots of exploring. Plus, the quiet and uncrowded spot was nice!

20150321_15311620150321_163906

Before heading back the next day we decided to check out Sunset Crater National Monument in Flagstaff. Really cool, and zero crowds! There’s an amazing lava flow to explore and a short but steep hike to the top of a crater with beautiful views. It was the perfect stop to stretch our legs a little to prepare for the drive back to southern Nevada.

20150322_10425820150322_114215IMG_20150322_172136

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2024 Scott Adcox

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑