Your mind is your most powerful weapon. Use it and improve your tournament outcome.
I'd like to share a story concerning how on two separate occasions prior to BJJ competition I focused on single minded goals to achieve meaningful outcomes for my personal growth in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition. I should mention my mental focus has nothing whatsoever to do with my game plan for my matches i.e. the plan I have to overcome my competitor either by points or submission on the mat. This has more to do with giving my mind something to focus on concretely as an overriding objective for the tournament. I introduced mental focus into my game to give me a clear goal every time I step on to the mat. It's the overriding mission directive I give myself prior to engaging in competition.
Here's how I set a goal mind. As an example I'll talk about my US Open first place finish and my most recent second place finish at American National.
Here's the basics of what I do to get my goal into my subconscious mind. I think about something I wish to accomplish at an upcoming tournament. One single thing that matters to me more than anything at this time. Over a couple of weeks prior to the tournament I verbally recite this goal over and over in my mind. I have even told my goals to my coach both times. something he thoroughly enjoys especially when I do exactly what I commit to doing.
Prior to the US Open I had set it in my mind it was my time to take home a gold medal. This was the first goal I ever set for BJJ competition when I began training in 2005; "I desired to place first in my division at a major BJJ tournament." I had set this goal two years ago when I first started training but I realized I never focused on it prior to a tournament. I simply knew I wanted to achieve it. But the US Open was different. I trained, planned and focused on taking home gold and nothing else from that tournament. Victory or nothing.
So why have a goal in mind prior to competition? A goal such as taking home gold gives you focus, determination, desire and fortitude. How many Gold Medal Olympians have you witnessed over your lifetime. Can you recall a tremendous moment of glory perhaps one shared for generations, moments forever set in our minds as glorious victory. Those enduring moments all began with on overriding goal, Win the Gold!
When you harness the power of your mind by giving it a clear and decisive objective you unleash your most powerful and cunning of weapons. As your match begins and you engage your opponent, setting your grips or pulling guard your mind will immediately access your next step, predicting the outcome of each grip, hand placement or lock. Your mind will create a path in support of your goal. Your mind will observe, calculate, analyze and react to opportunities before your realize they have presented themselves.
Has your instructor ever told you not to think your way through a match? When you think you slow down your nervous system which can cause you to lose or miss opportunities. You must take what your opponent gives you and use it against them the instant opportunity presents itself. By keeping a goal in mind your brain will seize the opportunities presented to you during a match and provide a road map to your desired outcome.
In the US Open the difference between gold and silver was a single take down, 2 points. Without a concrete goal in mind, without knowing with certainty what I desired most from this match, would I have shot for the double leg take down and driven through and turn the corner near the end of our match? Would I have worked so aggressively to flatten my opponent out and hold him on his back so to avoid his guard? I believe by having a goal in mind my brain took over and guided me to my desired outcome.
As a further example of this power the mind has over your ability to perform I'll share my most recent tournament just this weekend at the American National. Two years hence this was my first tournament, I was anxious to compete here now as a Blue Belt and test my growing skill. My goal "a submission in competition." I know it sounds ridiculous but although I had placed second four times and first place once prior to this tournament I had yet to submit a competitor during a match. Once more as luck would have it I was placed with a competitor I had met before. He's a great guy and solid four stripe Blue Belt. But I had made a rookie baby Blue Belt mistake against him at the Pan Ams and gotten DQ'ed on an ankle lock. My goal today was simple, submit him and take the win to move on the the gold medal round and face an unknown competitor. Note: my goal was a submission and to make it to the gold medal round, I never told myself to win the gold....
So what happened Saturday? After waiting out my first round bi, I took to the mat. Because we had met before my challenger had a set agenda to thwart my take down attempts. He has a solid base and avoids sweeps and take downs well. We were deadlocked early on. But at the moment he pulled guard and placed a foot on my hip my mind went on autopilot. I quickly gathered his legs, smashed them to the side and passed his guard pull attempt (earning 2 points). Because a submission was on my mind I worked hard not to simply flatten him out but to turn him toward turtle position which he did and before I could think of taking his back I was setting one hook and searching for the other while my hand simultaneous grasped his collar to setup a collar choke. After setting my second hook and trapping his right arm, as if directing itself I set the choke and squeezed. The moment was surreal as he tapped out. It was as though I was watching it all happen from the stands enjoying the moment from afar.
But after this match I realized my preparation had failed me for I had achieved my ultimate goal. As luck would have it my first round bi and second round win now placed me in the gold medal round, exactly where I wanted to be; my goal was acheived. But I lacked a solid goal in mind to see me through this new challenge. So what happened? My final match was short lived, he pulled guard and setup a triangle choke, I guarded by holding his belt with my left hand and I had almost all of my right arm in his triangle but somehow the effortless movements of my prior match did not come. I fought hard to keep my neck lose enough to breath which worked for a time. But I didn't posture hard enough, I never stood up and stepped over him to escape. Instead he adjusted his triangle a few times and finally hung my head hard enough to force me to tap or get choked out. It's then I realized the importance of having goals in mind for every match. Knowing the outcome before we begin is critical in every match.
I remember being elated after my second match; goal achieved. I knew I had done my best and received my desired outcome but I entered that final match with nothing mentally.
The power of a goal can carry you through even the toughest of matches so don't let luck be your guide. Set a goal. Know exactly the outcome you want from every match and every tournament. Prepare your mind even more than you prepare your body and witness for yourself the awesome power you contain in your brain.
Happy training.
KK
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
American National 2008
Two years ago with little over three months training I competed in the American National BJJ tournament. It was my first experience in BJJ competition and one I will never soon forget. It also taught me many things about IBJJF competition and simply making it to the mat can be the greatest battle for some competitors, including myself. For me it was a battle to lose over 50 lbs of unwanted mass from my once very athletic frame. This was my greatest challenge and it was a challenge for others as well. I took home a second place medal in 2006 having made weight at 181 in Gi. I had a first round bi, my second match didn't make weight and I lost by two points in the finals to a four stripe white belt who was awarded his blue belt for his victory. I had caught him in a triangle but I forgot to hang on his head and he postured and escaped. A rookie mistake I have not repeated.
Well American National has grown up nicely. Just two short years ago this event was held at a high school in the Los Angeles area. This year's event was hosted at the now usual site CSU Dominguez Hills next to Home Depot Center in Carson.
One notable equipment change was the introduction of rolled Swain mats instead of individual tatami style mats. The mats were taped together instead of set in place side by side. I'm sure this matting system has been used elsewhere but it is the first I have scene used by IBJJF.org. I thought the mats were excellent and had no gaps what so ever. Which I very much enjoyed.
Another change to the usual management was no spectator fee and no competitor check it at the door like Mondial and Pan Americans. Everyone simply entered the gym area. Competitors were called to the bull pin on time, which was well noted by many competitors.
This BJJ tournament was run efficiently and effectively with excellent officiating and MC'ing. They also had free t-shirts available for competitors, no buying them in addition to the sign up fee, YIPPEEE!! The words "well run" come to mind when I think of this event and I believe this is one of the best overall experiences I have had while competing thus far.
Blue Belt, Male, Seniors 1, Middle Weight, Division was called on time at 1:20PM PST. The wait was about 30 minutes in the Bull Pin but they called us and took our names, checked our weight, and ID's so we had a chance to grab a drink of water prior to competition.
I caught up with a few familiar faces in the bull pin and I figured out who was in our bracket. We only had six guys signed up so it was going to be a short day but for older competitors six competitors isn't a bad showing. Three victories would ensure a gold medal this year.
I weighed in at 180 no worries about the 181 max limit again this time. Making weight has become a very comfortable and natural process for me. I can now drop just over 10 lbs in seven or less days with little effort. Using diet, exercise mostly with little dehydration.
My first round was a bi, so I got to watch a couple of matches prior to my first bought. Dave Leon took out a Gracie Barra competitor with ease via arm bar, nice work for a solid competitor.
I had one goal today to submit my first match with a choke. I faced off with a familiar competitor, Jesse Hughes. He's a super cool competitor that I had faced off with at Pan Ams this year. I made the mistake of crossing my foot on an ankle lock and got DQ'ed. I was upset but it was my mistake sooooo. My only goal was to capitalize on whatever I saw and obtain my submission.
Jessie was trying to setup a take down on my right side he had a new grasp of my right wrist almost from the start of our match. I established grips a couple of times but ultimately he made it difficult to get my take down game going. Eventually he pulled guard and went for either an arm bar or triangle. I smashed and passed, he gave a bit of a fight but I pressed him flat and he ended up turning for a second and exposing his back to me. I jumped on the chance and got one hook in and fight to establish my other hook then a grasp on his collar. The match ended seconds later by tap out to a collar choke. Jesse is a great guy and tough competitor and I know he and I will see a lot of each other in the coming years. But I was happy with this outcome and for the chance to compete with Jesse once again.
My third match was with Dave Leon. He took first at Pan Ams this year and he was the guy I most wanted to meet on the mat. No slighting the other spectacular competitors in our bracket but I wanted a chance to see Dave's game first hand. He's a bit taller than me so I figured he had a decent leg game. I was not mistaken. He pulled guard almost instantly and as I postured he setup a triangle attack. With my forearm on his right inner thigh and my hand firmly on Dave's belt I didn't feel as threatened as I should have by Dave's triangle. It took him a few adjustments but ultimately he got his choke. Frustrating yes but a good learning experience for me. You gotta maintain leg separation and both arms inside the legs. The one technique that could have saved me from this choke was a little shimmy technique my instructor showed me just after this match. I had scene it before but forgotten to employ this knowledge to get both arms back inside the legs.
Dave and I are looking forward to our next tournament and I look forward to defeating his triangle when next we meet.
Overall this year's American National was a good experience for me. That's three medals since I got my Blue Belt a few months ago. Two seconds and one first place thus far. Not bad for an old fart. ;-))) I'm hopeful another stripe will not be too far away. But we shall see.
Well that's it for now. Happy training.
KK
Well American National has grown up nicely. Just two short years ago this event was held at a high school in the Los Angeles area. This year's event was hosted at the now usual site CSU Dominguez Hills next to Home Depot Center in Carson.
One notable equipment change was the introduction of rolled Swain mats instead of individual tatami style mats. The mats were taped together instead of set in place side by side. I'm sure this matting system has been used elsewhere but it is the first I have scene used by IBJJF.org. I thought the mats were excellent and had no gaps what so ever. Which I very much enjoyed.
Another change to the usual management was no spectator fee and no competitor check it at the door like Mondial and Pan Americans. Everyone simply entered the gym area. Competitors were called to the bull pin on time, which was well noted by many competitors.
This BJJ tournament was run efficiently and effectively with excellent officiating and MC'ing. They also had free t-shirts available for competitors, no buying them in addition to the sign up fee, YIPPEEE!! The words "well run" come to mind when I think of this event and I believe this is one of the best overall experiences I have had while competing thus far.
Blue Belt, Male, Seniors 1, Middle Weight, Division was called on time at 1:20PM PST. The wait was about 30 minutes in the Bull Pin but they called us and took our names, checked our weight, and ID's so we had a chance to grab a drink of water prior to competition.
I caught up with a few familiar faces in the bull pin and I figured out who was in our bracket. We only had six guys signed up so it was going to be a short day but for older competitors six competitors isn't a bad showing. Three victories would ensure a gold medal this year.
I weighed in at 180 no worries about the 181 max limit again this time. Making weight has become a very comfortable and natural process for me. I can now drop just over 10 lbs in seven or less days with little effort. Using diet, exercise mostly with little dehydration.
My first round was a bi, so I got to watch a couple of matches prior to my first bought. Dave Leon took out a Gracie Barra competitor with ease via arm bar, nice work for a solid competitor.
I had one goal today to submit my first match with a choke. I faced off with a familiar competitor, Jesse Hughes. He's a super cool competitor that I had faced off with at Pan Ams this year. I made the mistake of crossing my foot on an ankle lock and got DQ'ed. I was upset but it was my mistake sooooo. My only goal was to capitalize on whatever I saw and obtain my submission.
Jessie was trying to setup a take down on my right side he had a new grasp of my right wrist almost from the start of our match. I established grips a couple of times but ultimately he made it difficult to get my take down game going. Eventually he pulled guard and went for either an arm bar or triangle. I smashed and passed, he gave a bit of a fight but I pressed him flat and he ended up turning for a second and exposing his back to me. I jumped on the chance and got one hook in and fight to establish my other hook then a grasp on his collar. The match ended seconds later by tap out to a collar choke. Jesse is a great guy and tough competitor and I know he and I will see a lot of each other in the coming years. But I was happy with this outcome and for the chance to compete with Jesse once again.
My third match was with Dave Leon. He took first at Pan Ams this year and he was the guy I most wanted to meet on the mat. No slighting the other spectacular competitors in our bracket but I wanted a chance to see Dave's game first hand. He's a bit taller than me so I figured he had a decent leg game. I was not mistaken. He pulled guard almost instantly and as I postured he setup a triangle attack. With my forearm on his right inner thigh and my hand firmly on Dave's belt I didn't feel as threatened as I should have by Dave's triangle. It took him a few adjustments but ultimately he got his choke. Frustrating yes but a good learning experience for me. You gotta maintain leg separation and both arms inside the legs. The one technique that could have saved me from this choke was a little shimmy technique my instructor showed me just after this match. I had scene it before but forgotten to employ this knowledge to get both arms back inside the legs.
Dave and I are looking forward to our next tournament and I look forward to defeating his triangle when next we meet.
Overall this year's American National was a good experience for me. That's three medals since I got my Blue Belt a few months ago. Two seconds and one first place thus far. Not bad for an old fart. ;-))) I'm hopeful another stripe will not be too far away. But we shall see.
Well that's it for now. Happy training.
KK
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Competition Update 2008
A few months back perhaps five months now I tested and received my Blue Belt under John Kvenbo Munoz, United Submission Academy (www.teamusabjj.com) where I have trained since I was referred to John from fellow grapplers who got me started in BJJ.
As a white belt Masters competitor I think I faired pretty well. I brought home three second place medals: 2nd place American National, 2nd place American International, 2nd place California Classic. I also competed in my first Pan Ams and World Championships. As a newby to BJJ I had a modest goal of winning a gold medal in my rank, weight and age division. That dream was recently realized.
I was anxious to test prior to this year's World's where I competed once again in the adult division. i went a full round against a 26 year division 1 grappler from FL. I did much better this year than last (no rookie mistakes) but the pace this kid kept up was fast and i did the best a 38 year old white belt could do with a high school varsity repertoire. Progress all the same. After the worlds my next tournament was Glebber Luciano's tournament, well attended and managed like all other well managed Brazilian tournaments. I had three matches and came out with another 2nd place medal. But it felt good and it was my first medal as a baby blue belt.
My next tournament was US Open of Grappling in Long Beach (I met BJ Penn and Clebber was there, I got them to sign my white belt). I was excited as I had missed this tournament last year but wanted to head out and see how my skills are progressing. The only comment I'd make is they need more Master's and Senior competitors at this event. It seemed to be thin in the Blue Belt category in general. I had one match but came out with the Gold. My goal was met after a little over two years of consistent training. Not bad for a 39 year old.
Next I'm focused on American National in Carson, CA. It's coming up fast. Our team should have a good showing. The last two tournaments we have entered we have all placed.
So as my initial goal has been met in BJJ competition I have now focused securely on a new one, place 1st in both Adult and Masters divisions a single tournament. Now it's time to see how I rank in the younger generation as well as my peers. Only time will tell but with focus and hard work I'm sure this goal will come in time. Adult competition will also prepare me for World Championship (Mondial) competition as the only Master's Senior's World Championship is held in Brazil at the time of writing this blog. I've heard they may be working to create a Master's/Senior's world here in the US. We shall see.
Remember nothing can keep you from obtaining a goal you truly set your heart on. It's been almost three years since I was captivated by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I have never looked back. I began this journey out of shape and weighing in at 225 lbs. Today I walk around at 178 lbs and feel fantastic. I'm also training to compete in Pankration tournaments as well where I finally get to punch and kick a bit.
I encourage anyone who might stumble upon this blog to realize that you can meet the challenge, try new things and achieve great things. I'm happy with what I've done thus far and look forward to decades more of learning and challenging myself to perform.
Happy training to all.
KK
As a white belt Masters competitor I think I faired pretty well. I brought home three second place medals: 2nd place American National, 2nd place American International, 2nd place California Classic. I also competed in my first Pan Ams and World Championships. As a newby to BJJ I had a modest goal of winning a gold medal in my rank, weight and age division. That dream was recently realized.
I was anxious to test prior to this year's World's where I competed once again in the adult division. i went a full round against a 26 year division 1 grappler from FL. I did much better this year than last (no rookie mistakes) but the pace this kid kept up was fast and i did the best a 38 year old white belt could do with a high school varsity repertoire. Progress all the same. After the worlds my next tournament was Glebber Luciano's tournament, well attended and managed like all other well managed Brazilian tournaments. I had three matches and came out with another 2nd place medal. But it felt good and it was my first medal as a baby blue belt.
My next tournament was US Open of Grappling in Long Beach (I met BJ Penn and Clebber was there, I got them to sign my white belt). I was excited as I had missed this tournament last year but wanted to head out and see how my skills are progressing. The only comment I'd make is they need more Master's and Senior competitors at this event. It seemed to be thin in the Blue Belt category in general. I had one match but came out with the Gold. My goal was met after a little over two years of consistent training. Not bad for a 39 year old.
Next I'm focused on American National in Carson, CA. It's coming up fast. Our team should have a good showing. The last two tournaments we have entered we have all placed.
So as my initial goal has been met in BJJ competition I have now focused securely on a new one, place 1st in both Adult and Masters divisions a single tournament. Now it's time to see how I rank in the younger generation as well as my peers. Only time will tell but with focus and hard work I'm sure this goal will come in time. Adult competition will also prepare me for World Championship (Mondial) competition as the only Master's Senior's World Championship is held in Brazil at the time of writing this blog. I've heard they may be working to create a Master's/Senior's world here in the US. We shall see.
Remember nothing can keep you from obtaining a goal you truly set your heart on. It's been almost three years since I was captivated by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I have never looked back. I began this journey out of shape and weighing in at 225 lbs. Today I walk around at 178 lbs and feel fantastic. I'm also training to compete in Pankration tournaments as well where I finally get to punch and kick a bit.
I encourage anyone who might stumble upon this blog to realize that you can meet the challenge, try new things and achieve great things. I'm happy with what I've done thus far and look forward to decades more of learning and challenging myself to perform.
Happy training to all.
KK
Go Big or Go Home!
Most of the guys I know who train in BJJ spend time at the studio on a regular basis, we warm up, work technique and spar. Some nights our instructor John Munoz (www.teamusabjj.com) has us train tournament style. We line the walls of our mat room and he randomly calls out students to square off at center mat. We fight for five to six minutes and he keeps score just like any gi tournament you would compete in. It's a great time to work your plan. You start standing so take downs are available and you have the entire mat to use as your playground. It's on!!!
Last week he unexpectedly told the class we were doing tournament style that night at end of class. This is all well and good but that night just before class I told John I wanted to spar with none other than 250 lbs Neil "Chaos" Cooke, one of our undefeated cage fighters (King of The Cage) who trains in gi and no gi with us weekly, he also trains with me on my mit workouts (he loves to see me tank). To my delight and horror John decided to make Neil my second match of the night. BTW: I walk around at 178 lbs around, a middle weight at best. Neil is a slim heavy weight with tons of talent, he's won the Pan Ams and rolled plenty of opponents on the mat and now in the cage.
So there I stood at center mat praying I'd make it out alive. Thank the Lord this wasn't MMA night or I'd be in the pounding of a life time. I've sparred in MMA class with Neil in the past and one of his gentle taps can feel like a cement encased baseball bat upside your head gear. He always says he takes it easy on me and thankfully I know he tells the truth. But his hands are more like bear paws than digits and even a gentle blow can send you back a few steps. He's a big dude as I say.
So what did the BJJ geni tell me to do once the clock started last week during our tournament match? Yep, you guessed it a flying arm bar from the get go. I don't know how, why or where the thought came from but as soon as the word go sounded I was grasping Neil's right wrist, reaching for his elbow and throwing my left leg up over and across his face. I left the mat and was air born in a "Flash" (my latest nickname given to me by John, but not for my speed in competition). The best part was Neil was surprised to have a little monkey now attached aggressively to his arm. I had surprised him, good for me. But bad for me, Neil yanked and smashed and just as quickly as the arm bar was inflicted on him he was wadding me up like so much old chewing gum in a spent foil wrapper.
The goal at that point became get out, get back to a neutral position and work for a sweep from guard or half guard; don't get passed and don't give up a submission. I thought this was a realistic goal for a one stripe blue belt fighting a competitor that out weighs me by 70 lbs.
In the end I got a sweep and defended chokes, arm bar attempts and a knee bar. I think Neil gave me the sweep but he'll never tell. Overall though my movement was good, or so Neil stated as we shook hands after our round. He took the match on points and I took a few new ideas away from our encounter.
So why blog about such a topic... Well one of tenants as taught to us by John is once you have solid technique size matters less in competition, you should look to challenge yourself by training with the largest opponents you can. This idea has seeped into my pyshcy and weekly I take on bigger, stronger, faster competitors every chance I get. And for this I have found my techniques come easier against competitors closer to my size. I have also found my sweeps are much more precise, my grips more secure, my legs stronger and my submissions tighter.
Like any confrontation size does matter but solid technique and a little surprise can go a long way in the BJJ game.
So I would share that as you feel your game plateauing you should look to mix up your challenges by adding in training sessions with larger opponents to give you a different feel for your techniques and setups. Challenge yourself in training and it will pay off in gold come competition time.
Happy Training,
KK
Last week he unexpectedly told the class we were doing tournament style that night at end of class. This is all well and good but that night just before class I told John I wanted to spar with none other than 250 lbs Neil "Chaos" Cooke, one of our undefeated cage fighters (King of The Cage) who trains in gi and no gi with us weekly, he also trains with me on my mit workouts (he loves to see me tank). To my delight and horror John decided to make Neil my second match of the night. BTW: I walk around at 178 lbs around, a middle weight at best. Neil is a slim heavy weight with tons of talent, he's won the Pan Ams and rolled plenty of opponents on the mat and now in the cage.
So there I stood at center mat praying I'd make it out alive. Thank the Lord this wasn't MMA night or I'd be in the pounding of a life time. I've sparred in MMA class with Neil in the past and one of his gentle taps can feel like a cement encased baseball bat upside your head gear. He always says he takes it easy on me and thankfully I know he tells the truth. But his hands are more like bear paws than digits and even a gentle blow can send you back a few steps. He's a big dude as I say.
So what did the BJJ geni tell me to do once the clock started last week during our tournament match? Yep, you guessed it a flying arm bar from the get go. I don't know how, why or where the thought came from but as soon as the word go sounded I was grasping Neil's right wrist, reaching for his elbow and throwing my left leg up over and across his face. I left the mat and was air born in a "Flash" (my latest nickname given to me by John, but not for my speed in competition). The best part was Neil was surprised to have a little monkey now attached aggressively to his arm. I had surprised him, good for me. But bad for me, Neil yanked and smashed and just as quickly as the arm bar was inflicted on him he was wadding me up like so much old chewing gum in a spent foil wrapper.
The goal at that point became get out, get back to a neutral position and work for a sweep from guard or half guard; don't get passed and don't give up a submission. I thought this was a realistic goal for a one stripe blue belt fighting a competitor that out weighs me by 70 lbs.
In the end I got a sweep and defended chokes, arm bar attempts and a knee bar. I think Neil gave me the sweep but he'll never tell. Overall though my movement was good, or so Neil stated as we shook hands after our round. He took the match on points and I took a few new ideas away from our encounter.
So why blog about such a topic... Well one of tenants as taught to us by John is once you have solid technique size matters less in competition, you should look to challenge yourself by training with the largest opponents you can. This idea has seeped into my pyshcy and weekly I take on bigger, stronger, faster competitors every chance I get. And for this I have found my techniques come easier against competitors closer to my size. I have also found my sweeps are much more precise, my grips more secure, my legs stronger and my submissions tighter.
Like any confrontation size does matter but solid technique and a little surprise can go a long way in the BJJ game.
So I would share that as you feel your game plateauing you should look to mix up your challenges by adding in training sessions with larger opponents to give you a different feel for your techniques and setups. Challenge yourself in training and it will pay off in gold come competition time.
Happy Training,
KK
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