It's been a while since my last post and some good things have happened in the past months. In November I successfully tested and received my Purple Belt from John K. Munoz, C-Quence Jiu Jitsu. I enjoyed a fantastic holiday season and finally took a week off during Christmas to rest up and prepare for a fun competition season this year. I also took soem time to get some quality snowboarding in. It was fantastic!
Just this past weekend I had a truly amazing experience... I had the very rare opportunity to meet Grand Master Francisco Mansor. With over 55 years experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and creator of the Kioto Brazilian Jiu Jitsu system his knowledge and experience is wide and deep in our art. He is an amazing man with tons of energy. It is by far the high point thus far in my BJJ experience. Grand Master Mansor is only one of seven 9th degree black belts in the world and is one of only a handful of black belts to have trained with and receive his black belt directly from Grand Master Helio Gracie. His stories, details and system are truly one of kind in BJJ.
I've updated my profile picture which shows my lineage in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Grand Master Mansor to myself. What a great moment in time.
Our team is excited for some upcoming MMA fights we have including a heavy weight title defense for Nail "Chaos" Cooke Feb 3rd. JB is also on the fight card and will pounding out another win I'm sure the same night. Our competitve BJJ team has a strong and excited energy for this coming season. Looks for us at the big and small tournaments across the West Region. It's going to be a great year for our team and for our students.
Happy training. Stay safe and healthy.
Best Regards,
KK
Showing posts with label BJJ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BJJ. Show all posts
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Third Stripe Earned - One Step Closer to Purple Belt!
So it's been quite a while since my last rank advancement. I was beginning to think my coach had forgotten about me. ;-) J/K It's been a challenging but fun season thus far with the Pan Ams and World's in the bag. Our team is excited as ever to continue competing in tournaments across CA and beyond.
Last night I got to roll with King of The Cage Super Heavy Weight World Champion Neil "Chaos" Cooke once again. It's always a pleasure to be tossed around by Neil. He's a tough competitor but he's always helpful to everyone on Team C-Quence, even us geezers. Thanks for the roll Neil!
After class, our instructor John Kvenbo Munoz reviewed the team's performance at Worlds and handed out a few rank advancements, well more than a few. One of the lucky students to get a fresh new stripe was yours truly. Yippeee... I'm a Three Stripe Blue Belt!
I've been pretty excited to take this next step closer to my purple belt. As most competitors know Blue Belt can be a sketchy time in your advancement. It's a time where bad habits stand out like "North Star Zits" in your game and it's a time to refine and solidify trusted go to techniques in your winning strategy, all the while trying to learn as much new technique as you can.
As in every martial art BJJ students must face long up-hill climbs in the learning process, long flat plateaus where nothing feels right and enormous leaps forward in sudden explosive advances in skill. I think my Blue Belt experience has been all of this and more for me. It's been a great time for me to focus my game, learn where my bad habits are and reinforce new knowledge and old to become a better more skilled competitor. But man do I have sooooooo long to go. :-)
So it's back to the mat in preparation for the many tournaments that still lay ahead. I'm excited for the rest of the season and am looking forward to some good learning experiences along the way.
Thanks to everyone who has been helping me to become a better Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and competitor.
Happy Training,
Kenneth Knapp
Blue Belt, III Stripes
C-Quence Jiu Jitsu
Chief Instructor John Kvenbo Munoz
Norco, CA
Last night I got to roll with King of The Cage Super Heavy Weight World Champion Neil "Chaos" Cooke once again. It's always a pleasure to be tossed around by Neil. He's a tough competitor but he's always helpful to everyone on Team C-Quence, even us geezers. Thanks for the roll Neil!
After class, our instructor John Kvenbo Munoz reviewed the team's performance at Worlds and handed out a few rank advancements, well more than a few. One of the lucky students to get a fresh new stripe was yours truly. Yippeee... I'm a Three Stripe Blue Belt!
I've been pretty excited to take this next step closer to my purple belt. As most competitors know Blue Belt can be a sketchy time in your advancement. It's a time where bad habits stand out like "North Star Zits" in your game and it's a time to refine and solidify trusted go to techniques in your winning strategy, all the while trying to learn as much new technique as you can.
As in every martial art BJJ students must face long up-hill climbs in the learning process, long flat plateaus where nothing feels right and enormous leaps forward in sudden explosive advances in skill. I think my Blue Belt experience has been all of this and more for me. It's been a great time for me to focus my game, learn where my bad habits are and reinforce new knowledge and old to become a better more skilled competitor. But man do I have sooooooo long to go. :-)
So it's back to the mat in preparation for the many tournaments that still lay ahead. I'm excited for the rest of the season and am looking forward to some good learning experiences along the way.
Thanks to everyone who has been helping me to become a better Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and competitor.
Happy Training,
Kenneth Knapp
Blue Belt, III Stripes
C-Quence Jiu Jitsu
Chief Instructor John Kvenbo Munoz
Norco, CA
Monday, June 08, 2009
2009 IBJJF World Championships - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
First let me start with our top news! Highlights for Team C-Quence include two World Championship medalists: Johnny Monuz brought home Silver in blue belt juvenile light feather division (only losing by a single advantage point in the gold medal round to a brazilian) and Claudia Martinez Kvenbo brought home Bronze in brown/black belt division female light feather division. Claudia had amazing competition:
Round 1
Kanako Inaba – black belt
ac. Champion JJ
(and)
Round 2
Leticia Ribeiro – black belt
ac. Gracie Humaita
Congratulations to our medalists this year. I know our instructor, John Kvenbo Munoz is proud of his wife and son for their fantastic achievements and for what our team accomplished this year. I know he has high hopes for the coming years as well. Congrats also to Team Lloyd Irvin’s juvenile team for bringing home second place overall this year! Nice work guys and gals. Traveling all the way from MD to compete. That’s pretty cool stuff!
And now on to my results and comments from 2009 World BJJ Championships. This year marks my third world championships (one year as white belt and two as blue belt). To be clear the white belt tournament held at the same time as the world championships is not considered part of the world’s so for the record I have now competed in the world’s twice as a blue belt.
This year I held a simple but realistic goal of winning my first round match up. As a 39 year old competitor in all other tournaments I would normally fight in the Masters or Seniors 1 age brackets (at age 40 Seniors 2 will be my usual age bracket), but lucky me at worlds they host only an adult division (Men 18 years and older, normally capped at age 29). So if you wish to compete in the worlds without traveling to Brazil for the Masters/Seniors Worlds this is your opportunity to fight the best of the best.
My first match is a perfect example of why I think a lot of guys over thirty don’t jump into this particular tournament. I was matched up against a very game Chris Garci. He’s a 19 year old fighter with excellent movement and flow in his game. With a 20 year age difference I figured I had my hands full but I was focused on throwing everything I had at this match to achieve my goal. Here’s how our match was listed June 04, 2009:
Christopher Garci
ac. Brasa USA
(vs.)
Kenneth Knapp
ac. C Quence Jiu-Jitsu
In the end Chris pulled guard and got a sweep. During our exchange I believe he was nearly awarded 4 back points but my defense was strong and held up. Our match up was filled with a lot of him attacking and me defending from turtle. I had an opportunity to level the scoreboard when we ended up standing and I had his back. I dumped him to his right shoulder and rather than rolling into to turtle Chris shot his legs up and out (like a break dancer egg rolls) and he landed in side position (pretty cool move that caught my attention). Chris earned 2 points I believe our entire match. I had a chance or two at take downs but didn’t capitalize. I was bummed but for the first time I made it through my entire first match at the World Championships and kept it close, my game held up. Overall this match allowed me to see many areas where I need to focus on my game so it was very rewarding for me. I enjoyed it and look forward to my next attempt at achieving my ultimate goal of winning gold at the World Championships.
Disappointingly, I didn’t get passed my first match up but I felt that this had been my best performance to date at the Worlds so I felt bad but good at the same time.
As most of my fellow competitors know the one thing on your mind after your tournament day is done is food. So the only solace I was left with was my $6.00 burger/fries and the fact that I was heading home uninjured, accept for my pride perhaps.
The highlight of my day aside from meeting Coach Lloyd Irvin and Ryan Hall face-to-face at this year’s event was the fact I finally got to meet a couple of my heros, Marcelo Garcia & Rafael Lovato Jr.. I think the only thing that can bring you out of a negative funk after losing in the first round of a big tournament is perhaps taking some cool shots with guys you greatly respect in our sport.
So in the end my I showed up, did my thing but was left wanting. Until next year…same time, same place. ;-)
As a final note most people I know do not train or compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so it’s hard for them to understand what we do and why we do it. Today’s event pitted 117 trained competitors in the Adult, Middle Weight, Blue Belt division against each other. In the end four men (1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medalists) walk away with a little piece of glory around their necks and a title that exemplifies the pinnacle of achievement in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition.
The heart wrenching angst of BJJ competition is no matter what happens in a match one man/woman wins and one man/woman loses. It must needs be there is defeat in every victory.
I’m now looking forward to defending my championship at this year’s US Open, California Classic and American National where I will face competitors in my age, weight and belt level. It will be fun to say the least.
A special thank you to the great competitors who I met this year especially Marcelo Garcia, Rafael Lovato Jr., thanks for the pictures gentlemen. A special shout out to coach Lloyd Irvin and his team for traveling from MD to compete and take home a couple of medals and one title thus far, great work coach! I’d also like to say thank you so much to Ryan Hall for the invite to 50/50. I can’t wait to get to the East Coast to roll with that guy. Love that triangle game. ;-)
See you on the mat, train hard and stay healthy.
Kenneth Knapp
Blue Belt
C-Quence Jiu Jitsu
Monday, May 04, 2009
Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu Norco, Fontana and Riverside become Cquence (Sequence) Jiu Jitsu
News announcement
John Munoz (BJJ 2nd degree black belt) and Anthony Del Valle (BJJ black belt) are proud to announce the completion of our new school name and logo.
The following school locations will now be named and recognized as CQuence Jiu-jitsu:
1. Norco school
2. Riverside school
3. Fontana school
The name is pronounced like "Sequence" but spelled with a "C" instead. We worked long and hard to provide the best logo that will represent our team and method of teaching.
Within the next few months, we will have available merchandise reflecting the new team name, i.e. t-shirts, stickers, gi patches, school banner, car sticker, etc.
In addition, we will be launching a whole new website with updated information, better layout, and BJJ techniques to share with everyone. We will have a blog, twitter account and face book to better service and communicate with our current and future students.
We at CQuence jiu-jitsu have a bright future and exciting year to look forward to, and I appreciate you taking this journey with us.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our schools, where are goal is to provide our students with the best Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instructions in Southern California.
John Munoz and Anthony Del Valle
CQuence Jiu-jitsu
John Munoz (BJJ 2nd degree black belt) and Anthony Del Valle (BJJ black belt) are proud to announce the completion of our new school name and logo.
The following school locations will now be named and recognized as CQuence Jiu-jitsu:
1. Norco school
2. Riverside school
3. Fontana school
The name is pronounced like "Sequence" but spelled with a "C" instead. We worked long and hard to provide the best logo that will represent our team and method of teaching.
Within the next few months, we will have available merchandise reflecting the new team name, i.e. t-shirts, stickers, gi patches, school banner, car sticker, etc.
In addition, we will be launching a whole new website with updated information, better layout, and BJJ techniques to share with everyone. We will have a blog, twitter account and face book to better service and communicate with our current and future students.
We at CQuence jiu-jitsu have a bright future and exciting year to look forward to, and I appreciate you taking this journey with us.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our schools, where are goal is to provide our students with the best Brazilian Jiu-jitsu instructions in Southern California.
John Munoz and Anthony Del Valle
CQuence Jiu-jitsu
Monday, March 30, 2009
2009 Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships Hosts Record Attendance of 2,400 Competitors!
Although Brazilian Jiu Jitsu suffered it's greatest loss in 2009 with the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie (RIP) it is encouraging and wonderful to witness his legacy and impact on martial arts competition with record competitor turn out at this years Pan Jiu Jitsu championships in Carson, CA. 2,400 competitors took to the mats this past weekend for this year's event, and what an event it was!
With so many competitors traveling from around the world to Southern California it was easy to see the Pan Ams has well out grown it's home at CSU San Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA next to Home Depot Center). I'm not sure where next year's event will be hosted but it was plain to see the competitor and coaching staffs alone easily filled to over flowing the available seating and standing areas surrounding the ten competitive mat areas. I am hoping next year's event will offer more seating and perhaps a larger floor area to accommodate the swelling masses flocking to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's second greatest US based tournament.
As an older competitor (Senior 1, Men aged 35-40 yrs) the Pan Ams offers the best chance for competitors my age to size them selves up against grapplers near their own age, weight and ability. The World Championships in the US offer no Masters or Senior divisions so for the past two years I have signed up as an adult, but happily at Pan Ams I get to square off with fellow Geezers as we are affectionately labeled.
This year's event was well managed and mat management was at an all time high in my opinion. However from time to time typical issues remained with regard to properly trained officials (or what appears to be biased decision making), but over all bracket coordinators, medical aid, timing and scoring officials did an outstanding job keeping the action moving. Anyone who has ever witnessed tournament day from a behind the scene's perspective knows nothing goes according to plan and there are always tough calls to be made in brackets and on the mats. It seems no tournament would be complete if it did not feel a bit hap hazard in the way brackets are run, competitors are paired and of course there are always questionable calls made on the mat. But all competitive sports offer controversy.
A word to the wise in competition, READ THE RULES! It is astounding to hear arguments and complaints stemming from competitors or coaches who believe they are wronged by a one sided judge. It's simply my opinion some of these issues can be abated by a simple review of the rules posted here http://www.bjjf.org. I believe misunderstandings stemming from what would appear to be a controversial call might be avoided if everyone had fully reviewed these rules annually. When you compete in international competition or any submission competition be aware of the rule system in place by the governing body and work within the rules.
I have heard for years that judges at these international events will favor Gracie Team members over all other competitors from lesser known schools when in fact it is my belief judges are trained to observe and call points, infractions and submissions as they see them (ultimately points are earned when in the judges mind and opinion you have earned them and not simply yours). Their perception of right and wrong doing, correct execution, intent of competitors etc... is all that matters. Ultimately it's their call to decide if you receive points for take down, passing the guard, knee on belly, mount etc... My advice to new competitors is simple, stick to your game, focus on your points (know how to earn them and lose them) and always, always, always be aware of your points earned during your matches. Nothing is more deflating then to realize you have lost your second match by just 2 points when in your mind you felt you had earned three to five points during your match. Don't guess at your standing, know where you stand minute by minute second by second during your match. Five to seven minute matches fly by when you are engaged with an opponent so do your best to have someone watching the points and clock while you are engaged in combat. It is fact the vast majority of BJJ matches end in point related decisions whether they are advantage points or total points accumulated. Either way you must realize where you stand at all times during your match and always be aware if you are ahead or behind on points.
My final comment before I recap Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu's performance at this years Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships I would like to add; know and master three to five take downs to add to your game. If you are a white or blue belt by now you should have three or more take downs that you can implement at will during a match. If you don't know any take downs, don't work take downs or are simply not comfortable with them get over it and get to practicing them. It is upsetting to see great Jiu Jitsu competitors frustrated by Judo players or simply losing to 2-0 over a simple matter of a take down. You need to have take downs working as an integral part of your on mat strategy. your victory begins with your first two points earned via a decisive and convincing execution of a proper take down.
This year's event brought two Championship title home to Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu:
Claudia Martinez Kvenbo - Brown Belt, Adult, Light Feather Weight! Brings home gold!!! Congratulations Claudia, very well deserved victory via collar choke submission!
Allen Wrench brings home gold and a new purple belt (FINALLY!), Blue Belt, Senior 2, Men Super Heavy Weight. Great work Mr. Wrench!
Congratulations goes out to Kevin, Tony, Jim, Edison, Johnny for your hard work and dedication! Great work guys on bringing home silver and bronze victories this year.
Other competitors include, Kenny, Kenneth (me), Fernando, Brian, Ricky, Jonathan, Jesus, Jason, Jerad, Eugene, Jack and Ivan. Great work for your preparation, focus and champion spirit! Keep it up guys!
We look forward to a fantastic competitive season. Feel free to learn more about our school and team here: http://www.bjjtraining.com.
Happy Training,
KK
Kenneth Knapp
Blue Belt - Two Stripe Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu
Black Belt - Kung Fu San Soo (Al Rubin Associates) - Children's Instructor
With so many competitors traveling from around the world to Southern California it was easy to see the Pan Ams has well out grown it's home at CSU San Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA next to Home Depot Center). I'm not sure where next year's event will be hosted but it was plain to see the competitor and coaching staffs alone easily filled to over flowing the available seating and standing areas surrounding the ten competitive mat areas. I am hoping next year's event will offer more seating and perhaps a larger floor area to accommodate the swelling masses flocking to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's second greatest US based tournament.
As an older competitor (Senior 1, Men aged 35-40 yrs) the Pan Ams offers the best chance for competitors my age to size them selves up against grapplers near their own age, weight and ability. The World Championships in the US offer no Masters or Senior divisions so for the past two years I have signed up as an adult, but happily at Pan Ams I get to square off with fellow Geezers as we are affectionately labeled.
This year's event was well managed and mat management was at an all time high in my opinion. However from time to time typical issues remained with regard to properly trained officials (or what appears to be biased decision making), but over all bracket coordinators, medical aid, timing and scoring officials did an outstanding job keeping the action moving. Anyone who has ever witnessed tournament day from a behind the scene's perspective knows nothing goes according to plan and there are always tough calls to be made in brackets and on the mats. It seems no tournament would be complete if it did not feel a bit hap hazard in the way brackets are run, competitors are paired and of course there are always questionable calls made on the mat. But all competitive sports offer controversy.
A word to the wise in competition, READ THE RULES! It is astounding to hear arguments and complaints stemming from competitors or coaches who believe they are wronged by a one sided judge. It's simply my opinion some of these issues can be abated by a simple review of the rules posted here http://www.bjjf.org. I believe misunderstandings stemming from what would appear to be a controversial call might be avoided if everyone had fully reviewed these rules annually. When you compete in international competition or any submission competition be aware of the rule system in place by the governing body and work within the rules.
I have heard for years that judges at these international events will favor Gracie Team members over all other competitors from lesser known schools when in fact it is my belief judges are trained to observe and call points, infractions and submissions as they see them (ultimately points are earned when in the judges mind and opinion you have earned them and not simply yours). Their perception of right and wrong doing, correct execution, intent of competitors etc... is all that matters. Ultimately it's their call to decide if you receive points for take down, passing the guard, knee on belly, mount etc... My advice to new competitors is simple, stick to your game, focus on your points (know how to earn them and lose them) and always, always, always be aware of your points earned during your matches. Nothing is more deflating then to realize you have lost your second match by just 2 points when in your mind you felt you had earned three to five points during your match. Don't guess at your standing, know where you stand minute by minute second by second during your match. Five to seven minute matches fly by when you are engaged with an opponent so do your best to have someone watching the points and clock while you are engaged in combat. It is fact the vast majority of BJJ matches end in point related decisions whether they are advantage points or total points accumulated. Either way you must realize where you stand at all times during your match and always be aware if you are ahead or behind on points.
My final comment before I recap Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu's performance at this years Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships I would like to add; know and master three to five take downs to add to your game. If you are a white or blue belt by now you should have three or more take downs that you can implement at will during a match. If you don't know any take downs, don't work take downs or are simply not comfortable with them get over it and get to practicing them. It is upsetting to see great Jiu Jitsu competitors frustrated by Judo players or simply losing to 2-0 over a simple matter of a take down. You need to have take downs working as an integral part of your on mat strategy. your victory begins with your first two points earned via a decisive and convincing execution of a proper take down.
This year's event brought two Championship title home to Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu:
Claudia Martinez Kvenbo - Brown Belt, Adult, Light Feather Weight! Brings home gold!!! Congratulations Claudia, very well deserved victory via collar choke submission!
Allen Wrench brings home gold and a new purple belt (FINALLY!), Blue Belt, Senior 2, Men Super Heavy Weight. Great work Mr. Wrench!
Congratulations goes out to Kevin, Tony, Jim, Edison, Johnny for your hard work and dedication! Great work guys on bringing home silver and bronze victories this year.
Other competitors include, Kenny, Kenneth (me), Fernando, Brian, Ricky, Jonathan, Jesus, Jason, Jerad, Eugene, Jack and Ivan. Great work for your preparation, focus and champion spirit! Keep it up guys!
We look forward to a fantastic competitive season. Feel free to learn more about our school and team here: http://www.bjjtraining.com.
Happy Training,
KK
Kenneth Knapp
Blue Belt - Two Stripe Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu
Black Belt - Kung Fu San Soo (Al Rubin Associates) - Children's Instructor
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Has Made Me A Better Sales Person
Sounds like a funky title but it's true. For more than a decade prior to taking up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I worked to build a successful sales career. It's taken me many years to understand the true nature of sales and to embrace the challenge and game of sales fully.
In sales as in BJJ you win some and you lose some. Even the best in the world are humbled at times. If it were not so it would not be such a challenge to take top honors at world and national events. Likewise, the spirit of competition runs deep in the veins of sales professionals. Each has his/her vision of greatness and works diligently toward a single minded goal... To be the best! Whatever that may mean to them. So like BJJ competitors do sales people share this vision of greatness.
To be good at sales one must endeavor to create specific habits that move you toward an ultimate goal. You must refine your technique, look for advantages, execute flawlessly, and remember the rules, master your approach, you must identify and strengthen your weaknesses and you must be prepared to make sacrifices. And in BJJ like sales once and while you must be prepared to take a chance; "throw the dice" as my instructor John Kvenbo Munoz always says. Without great risk there can be no great reward.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as in sales at times you feel like you are top of the world, but today's home runs do not ensure tomorrow's victories as they say. You must continue tirelessly to hone your game and plan to sustain your victories and create consistency in your craft.
Dedicating my mind and body to a single minded goal such as winning gold at Pan Ams and Worlds in the same season focuses my mind, challenges my fortitude and strengthens my resolve. I seek greatness not for title and glory but for me, for self, I will be #1 for the day and walk off the field of battle victorious having competed well and done my best thankful and grateful for my competition for without them their is no game and no battles to be won.
In both BJJ and sales you must work with the end in mind. What will the next workout gain me, what gem of knowledge can I integrate into my game today. How do the next cold calls push me toward my earning target for the year. So different and yet so similar are the mindsets that create a willing student, dedicated competitor and truly successful professional.
I've learned through many years of competition in many disciplines of sport that half the battle is just showing up; showing up for often routine monotonous endless workouts, showing up for conference calls, cold calling blitzes and meeting upon meeting, showing up for competitions prepared and willing to lay it all on the line for five to six minutes, it's all or nothing, win or lose. But only one can win the day. Sales people like BJJ competitors have an uncanny nack to simply show up, day in and day out, through injury, pain, frustration, good days and bad, victories and defeats.
I have witnessed men and women face their fear, shrug off uncertainty and doubt to find true glory in a simple arm raising or signature on a contract. Sometimes the greatest victories take place in a quiet space deep within ones self, the moment you realize I have mastered this moment. I can win this match, I have the upper hand, this moment is mine. Even before the roar of team mates and the crowd fill your ears as your competition submits and taps your leg you have won. You have overcome self, you have shown up prepared and you have fought well.
An identical feeling can wash over you in a large conference room filled with executives as you open dialogue on a 2.5 million dollar contract, you have prepared well, you know your competition's strengths and weaknesses, you have a strong plan and have answers to every question a counter to ever parry a rebuttal for every objection. You know the second you've won, you note a delving question that signals the "BUY", the contract is yours the day is yours. But that quiet voice deep insides reminds, "in victory be humble". Be a good competitor and appreciate the suffering your competition faced to arrive at this place in this moment. Be gracious in victory as in defeat because you may taste sweetness one day and bitterness the next. And always remember those who gave, shared, coached and paved the way toward your moment in the lime light.
To some our endeavor is trite, quaint or a nice hobby. But to us, for the rare breed of competitors that we are, BJJ and/or sales is what we live, it's who we are and it's a sacred part of our life that we hold dear to ourselves. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to me is health, it's focus, it's balance, it's aspiration, it's challenge, it's exhilarating, it's a timeless struggle of man's search for meaning and victory over self and others in battle. It's building of immutable confidence and the sculpting of champion spirit.
Through BJJ training and competition I have found a better me. A more focused, resourceful professional with unbreakable confidence and unyielding persistence. And the best part of it all is I have found the more confident I become in my discipline the more humble I am as a man. Through confidence I have learned the hardest lesson in life, the truly talented sales professionals, fighters and champions are often the most humble not because they have to, but simply because they have the strength to be.
For your consideration. Happy training to all and happy selling!
Best Regards,
Kenneth Knapp
Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu
www.bjjtraining.com
Kung Fu San Soo Instructor
www.kungfusansooriverside.com
In sales as in BJJ you win some and you lose some. Even the best in the world are humbled at times. If it were not so it would not be such a challenge to take top honors at world and national events. Likewise, the spirit of competition runs deep in the veins of sales professionals. Each has his/her vision of greatness and works diligently toward a single minded goal... To be the best! Whatever that may mean to them. So like BJJ competitors do sales people share this vision of greatness.
To be good at sales one must endeavor to create specific habits that move you toward an ultimate goal. You must refine your technique, look for advantages, execute flawlessly, and remember the rules, master your approach, you must identify and strengthen your weaknesses and you must be prepared to make sacrifices. And in BJJ like sales once and while you must be prepared to take a chance; "throw the dice" as my instructor John Kvenbo Munoz always says. Without great risk there can be no great reward.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as in sales at times you feel like you are top of the world, but today's home runs do not ensure tomorrow's victories as they say. You must continue tirelessly to hone your game and plan to sustain your victories and create consistency in your craft.
Dedicating my mind and body to a single minded goal such as winning gold at Pan Ams and Worlds in the same season focuses my mind, challenges my fortitude and strengthens my resolve. I seek greatness not for title and glory but for me, for self, I will be #1 for the day and walk off the field of battle victorious having competed well and done my best thankful and grateful for my competition for without them their is no game and no battles to be won.
In both BJJ and sales you must work with the end in mind. What will the next workout gain me, what gem of knowledge can I integrate into my game today. How do the next cold calls push me toward my earning target for the year. So different and yet so similar are the mindsets that create a willing student, dedicated competitor and truly successful professional.
I've learned through many years of competition in many disciplines of sport that half the battle is just showing up; showing up for often routine monotonous endless workouts, showing up for conference calls, cold calling blitzes and meeting upon meeting, showing up for competitions prepared and willing to lay it all on the line for five to six minutes, it's all or nothing, win or lose. But only one can win the day. Sales people like BJJ competitors have an uncanny nack to simply show up, day in and day out, through injury, pain, frustration, good days and bad, victories and defeats.
I have witnessed men and women face their fear, shrug off uncertainty and doubt to find true glory in a simple arm raising or signature on a contract. Sometimes the greatest victories take place in a quiet space deep within ones self, the moment you realize I have mastered this moment. I can win this match, I have the upper hand, this moment is mine. Even before the roar of team mates and the crowd fill your ears as your competition submits and taps your leg you have won. You have overcome self, you have shown up prepared and you have fought well.
An identical feeling can wash over you in a large conference room filled with executives as you open dialogue on a 2.5 million dollar contract, you have prepared well, you know your competition's strengths and weaknesses, you have a strong plan and have answers to every question a counter to ever parry a rebuttal for every objection. You know the second you've won, you note a delving question that signals the "BUY", the contract is yours the day is yours. But that quiet voice deep insides reminds, "in victory be humble". Be a good competitor and appreciate the suffering your competition faced to arrive at this place in this moment. Be gracious in victory as in defeat because you may taste sweetness one day and bitterness the next. And always remember those who gave, shared, coached and paved the way toward your moment in the lime light.
To some our endeavor is trite, quaint or a nice hobby. But to us, for the rare breed of competitors that we are, BJJ and/or sales is what we live, it's who we are and it's a sacred part of our life that we hold dear to ourselves. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to me is health, it's focus, it's balance, it's aspiration, it's challenge, it's exhilarating, it's a timeless struggle of man's search for meaning and victory over self and others in battle. It's building of immutable confidence and the sculpting of champion spirit.
Through BJJ training and competition I have found a better me. A more focused, resourceful professional with unbreakable confidence and unyielding persistence. And the best part of it all is I have found the more confident I become in my discipline the more humble I am as a man. Through confidence I have learned the hardest lesson in life, the truly talented sales professionals, fighters and champions are often the most humble not because they have to, but simply because they have the strength to be.
For your consideration. Happy training to all and happy selling!
Best Regards,
Kenneth Knapp
Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu
www.bjjtraining.com
Kung Fu San Soo Instructor
www.kungfusansooriverside.com
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
You Can't Become a Black Belt Overnight!
Happy New Year!
I wanted to post a spacial note regarding long term goals today. It's a fact the vast majority of students who will enter a BJJ or any martial arts gym in the next 30 days will quit within weeks or months, never achieving much of anything in the art. Even more students will earn a Blue Belt or Purple Belt and then advance no more. A handful will train and focus long enough to achieve Black Belt. And a precious few will earn additional rank above Black Belt. But why is this?
I think one of the biggest detractors from martial arts success is first; "sacrifice". There is always a cost for success and it's name is sacrifice. You will give up certain things in life to make gains in other areas. Be sure to understand what is gained and lost in any situation before dedicating your time and effort to your goal.
Second a goal may be achieved; thus the drive to succeed further is lost. Some people begin martial arts study to learn to fight, win a championship or perhaps learn to teach their own classes one day. Everyone enters the studio with different goals in mind, well most students have a specific goal in mind (Do you?). I believe some students stop training because they feel they know enough, they won enough, they learned enough to get by. So it is important to support your long term goal, you must first create, write down and share your long term goal with others. This will create your why and help sustain your energy and focus your mind in trying times.
In my first year of training and competition I was injured in a no gi competition, I badly tore my shoulder. I could barely lift my hand above my shoulder and it was obvious major muscle damage had occurred. My training came to grinding halt but I still visited the studio weekly to watch and learn while I rehabilitated my shoulder. It took more than three months to get my shoulder working well again even longer before I could do a full push up once again. But I knew my long term goal was to earn my Black Belt and open my own school so I kept taking baby steps toward my goal even though I could not give it 100% physically, I still gave a 100% mentally.
This is the primary sibject of my post. Regardless of what your why is in this martial art you need to focus on the daily baby steps you take toward your goal. Jim Huling one of my favorite authors and bloggers writes about it this month. Jim calls it "consistent progress". It's my baby steps I take daily toward my ultimate goal.
I'm not going to earn my black belt over night but I might as well enjoy the daily routine and focus I give Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If not I may wonder and stray off my path and lose sight of my goal. It's in the small things we learn to achieve the great things in our lives.
Over the last three years I have learned it's always the tiny nuances of a technique that make it work, a grip, a leg or foot position, your balance or your opponents balance. Learn to enjoy and relish the small things in yoour daily routine toward your ultimate goal.
Happy Training.
Kenneth Knapp
Owner
www.SanSooKids.com
Instructor - Children's Class
www.kungfusansooriverside.com
Student - Blue Belt - Two Stripe
Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu - www.bjjtraining.com
I wanted to post a spacial note regarding long term goals today. It's a fact the vast majority of students who will enter a BJJ or any martial arts gym in the next 30 days will quit within weeks or months, never achieving much of anything in the art. Even more students will earn a Blue Belt or Purple Belt and then advance no more. A handful will train and focus long enough to achieve Black Belt. And a precious few will earn additional rank above Black Belt. But why is this?
I think one of the biggest detractors from martial arts success is first; "sacrifice". There is always a cost for success and it's name is sacrifice. You will give up certain things in life to make gains in other areas. Be sure to understand what is gained and lost in any situation before dedicating your time and effort to your goal.
Second a goal may be achieved; thus the drive to succeed further is lost. Some people begin martial arts study to learn to fight, win a championship or perhaps learn to teach their own classes one day. Everyone enters the studio with different goals in mind, well most students have a specific goal in mind (Do you?). I believe some students stop training because they feel they know enough, they won enough, they learned enough to get by. So it is important to support your long term goal, you must first create, write down and share your long term goal with others. This will create your why and help sustain your energy and focus your mind in trying times.
In my first year of training and competition I was injured in a no gi competition, I badly tore my shoulder. I could barely lift my hand above my shoulder and it was obvious major muscle damage had occurred. My training came to grinding halt but I still visited the studio weekly to watch and learn while I rehabilitated my shoulder. It took more than three months to get my shoulder working well again even longer before I could do a full push up once again. But I knew my long term goal was to earn my Black Belt and open my own school so I kept taking baby steps toward my goal even though I could not give it 100% physically, I still gave a 100% mentally.
This is the primary sibject of my post. Regardless of what your why is in this martial art you need to focus on the daily baby steps you take toward your goal. Jim Huling one of my favorite authors and bloggers writes about it this month. Jim calls it "consistent progress". It's my baby steps I take daily toward my ultimate goal.
I'm not going to earn my black belt over night but I might as well enjoy the daily routine and focus I give Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If not I may wonder and stray off my path and lose sight of my goal. It's in the small things we learn to achieve the great things in our lives.
Over the last three years I have learned it's always the tiny nuances of a technique that make it work, a grip, a leg or foot position, your balance or your opponents balance. Learn to enjoy and relish the small things in yoour daily routine toward your ultimate goal.
Happy Training.
Kenneth Knapp
Owner
www.SanSooKids.com
Instructor - Children's Class
www.kungfusansooriverside.com
Student - Blue Belt - Two Stripe
Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu - www.bjjtraining.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
It’s the off season, time to get to work…
In all things there is a time to relax, work, heal, learn and grow; as with everything else in life so to is BJJ training and learning. Now the off season has arrived for many competitors but now is not the time to relax, hang up your gi and allow your game to soften and slow. Now is the time to prepare, strengthen, plan, research, rebuild and reflect.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu like many athletic endeavors, planning and precise practice can take vast amounts of your time and effort in the gym for a scant few minutes of competition annually. When I was in college I spent more than nine months training and preparing for as little as 60 minutes of total competition for a season of sweep rowing. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu our preparatory work can be far greater in comparison. If the average competitor competes in just six events each year and ends up losing in the first round of each event, that competitor would have spent a year planning and practicing for 30 minutes of competitive mat time and that’s only if every round reaches 5 minutes (an average Masters Blue Belt match, Adult matches may go 6 minutes or more depending upon rank). If the same competitor won all of his tournaments in six rounds he would spend just 150 minutes in competition for his year worth of training.
Although the competitive season may come to a close during the holidays, there are always opportunities to grow. Now is the time to watch, review and learn new techniques to add to your game plan for next season. Now is the time to perfect a few new takedowns, sweeps and attacks. Without the pressure of making weight and pulling together a plan for each event and potential known competitor you may face next season. Now is the time to reflect on highs and lows, doubts, challenges and perhaps even weaknesses in your game and prepare for a new challenge in 2009!
We are all constantly learning. What worked as a White Belt may have little to no chance of affecting a wiser more tenured Blue Belt, what once worked with Purple Belts may need to be refined to work with Brown Belts. And there are always your basics to readdress and perfect over and over and over again.
This season my gift to myself is knowledge. I picked up a few DVDs I have long wanted and look forward to studying them in detail. I plan to review what I see and practice with my instructor and team mates to fit what works for me into my plans for future events in 2009. Now is the time to grow, think and expand what I know.
I invite my friends and competitors in BJJ to join me in our quest to gain ever more knowledge in the sport we love. I encourage you all to work your precise practice of new techniques into your daily training regimens. These advances will pay large dividends with a little luck next season.
Happy Training to all and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Best Regards,
KK
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu like many athletic endeavors, planning and precise practice can take vast amounts of your time and effort in the gym for a scant few minutes of competition annually. When I was in college I spent more than nine months training and preparing for as little as 60 minutes of total competition for a season of sweep rowing. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu our preparatory work can be far greater in comparison. If the average competitor competes in just six events each year and ends up losing in the first round of each event, that competitor would have spent a year planning and practicing for 30 minutes of competitive mat time and that’s only if every round reaches 5 minutes (an average Masters Blue Belt match, Adult matches may go 6 minutes or more depending upon rank). If the same competitor won all of his tournaments in six rounds he would spend just 150 minutes in competition for his year worth of training.
Although the competitive season may come to a close during the holidays, there are always opportunities to grow. Now is the time to watch, review and learn new techniques to add to your game plan for next season. Now is the time to perfect a few new takedowns, sweeps and attacks. Without the pressure of making weight and pulling together a plan for each event and potential known competitor you may face next season. Now is the time to reflect on highs and lows, doubts, challenges and perhaps even weaknesses in your game and prepare for a new challenge in 2009!
We are all constantly learning. What worked as a White Belt may have little to no chance of affecting a wiser more tenured Blue Belt, what once worked with Purple Belts may need to be refined to work with Brown Belts. And there are always your basics to readdress and perfect over and over and over again.
This season my gift to myself is knowledge. I picked up a few DVDs I have long wanted and look forward to studying them in detail. I plan to review what I see and practice with my instructor and team mates to fit what works for me into my plans for future events in 2009. Now is the time to grow, think and expand what I know.
I invite my friends and competitors in BJJ to join me in our quest to gain ever more knowledge in the sport we love. I encourage you all to work your precise practice of new techniques into your daily training regimens. These advances will pay large dividends with a little luck next season.
Happy Training to all and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Best Regards,
KK
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!! I Struck Gold at the US Open of Submission Grappling!!!
Today is my 39th birthday. ;-) I had one goal in mind when I began my journey to learn and compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling... Earn a "Gold Medal in a Major Tournament", well I'm happy to report after six or so silver medal finishes I have finally earned myself a little piece of gold! Saturday I enjoyed a day at the US Open of Submission Grappling hosted by OTM (On the Mat) in Long Beach, CA. The event is hosted as part of a larger MMA and martial arts show. It was located in the Long Beach convention center (food is WAY OVER PRICED!!! $8.50 for two slices of pizza, WHAT!!!)
We (Team USA BJJ) brought just four grapplers to the Gi event. Saturday was for Gi competitors and Sunday No Gi. We came away with one Bronze and two Gold medals. The other gold medalist from our team was non other than young Johnny Munoz at 14 he's been training for twelve years in BJJ under his father, my coach and mentor John Kvenbo Munoz Owner/Chief Instructor of United Submission Academy in Norco, CA (www.teamusabjj.com). Also Ricky, "Slick" Lopez earned his first medal as a purple belt by bringing home a bronze in his division.
So how did this journey begin? A little over two years ago I visited my friend Jeff Frater on Father's Day. Jeff had invited me out to his studio many times to join his small group of well rounded submission grapplers for an open mat training day. Jeff and his guys had been fighting regularly in cage fights and submission grappling tournaments. I was intrigued by the sport and wanted to learn more so on Father's Day 2006 I visited Jeff and his guys. After two and half hours of non-stop learning I knew I was in for life. I wanted to be thin in the worst way (I weighed 225 lbs on that day) and I wanted to compete in grappling once again. But I hadn't been on the mat since my Junior year in college (1993 or so). It was going to be a long road to hoe for sure.
Jeff took me under his wing and I visited Jeff and his guys every weekend for almost three months straight, my first goal... "compete in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournement". I alsmot immediately signed up for the American National, an IBJJF hosted event run out of Torrance, CA. It was going to be tough for no nothing white belt and Jeff wasn't sure i was ready but he let me sign up and compete anyway. The one saving grace, Jeff spent hours with me in the weeks leading up to this event setting a plan in place, a gameplan that would give me just enough tools to avoid getting caught by submissions and possibly submit my opponent if the chance arose.
When the American National tournament came up I was weighing in at a slight 168 (181 in Gi for weight ins that day). Yes, I lost over 50 lbs to compete in my first tournament. It was an awesome feeling. What was even better I made it to the gold medal round in my first tournament and missed a triangle submission simply because I forgot to hang on the guys head quickly once i locked my triangle. I lost to a four stripe White Belt (he earned his Blue Belt for his gold medal effort) on points to take second in my first tournament ever with almost no training. I was totally hooked and loved this experience. My wife and kids thankfully joined me that day and I was so happy to have them witness this event.
After training with Jeff I sought out a referral to a trusted coach near my home and learned John Kvenbo Munoz had trained previously in my other love Kung Fu San Soo and had been introduced to grappling arts by non-other than Master Lari Beebe (a multi-disciplined champion grappler/world class instructor trained under Judo Gene Lebell among many others). Lari told me John was a good man and was a talented black belt in BJJ. So I went to visit John and have never left since Nov 2006 or so was my start date.
Saturday was the culmination of well over a thousand hours spent on the mat, in the gym, dieting, running, studying, tapping and loving the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It might not be a world championship but for me it's my first evidence I've got what it takes mentally and physically to be successful in a martial art that many avoid simply because they've heard the workouts are tough and the competition tougher and sometimes unfair for non Brazilians.
After two years of Pan American and World Championships I will tell you that yes, it can be tough not training with a Gracie school to be favored in international Brazilian tournaments. But still the experience, the sense of accomplishment and potential for greatness are well worth minor frustrations that come from the occasional missed point or disqualification that stems from not focusing on international rules (that do not offer detailed examples of proper or improper technique, which leaves your fate in the hand of one referee often times).
Be that as it may. I have found a sport and martial art that I now dearly love and have embraced. I commit no less than four to five days per week to my training and I will tell you I have sacrificed much to make this possible along with my family. But there is much to accomplish and enjoy in this sport and I intend to enjoy it all throughout the rest of my life.
My next goal... to medal at Pan Ams and World's (Mundial) in the same year and to compete in the first ever Master's World Championships ever held on American soil, if that day ever comes.
I'll keep writing. I appreciate any comments received so please if you've taken time to read this far let me know you stopped in, tell me where you train and share a thought of your own about your experience. I'd love to read it.
Special personal thanks to Coach Lloyd Irvin for inspiring me to get back on the mat and challenge myself to compete in submission grappling at 36 years old. And to Phil Migliarese's and his Jiu Jitsu Matrix video sharing and of course JiuJitsuShare.com (the MySpace for BJJ) both are fantastic avenues for progression and understanding in BJJ. Coach Lloyd and Phil are two of the most gracious ambassadors to this art. Lastly to the Gracie Insider for sharing detailed techniques and training tips straight from the source at the Los Angeles Gracie Academy. You can't learn BJJ in a bubble and mentors and coaches are everywhere. Seek training partners, knowledge and education wherever it resides. I encourage anyone who wishes to enjoy good health, enjoyable training experiences and of course a great personal challenge to seek out BJJ instruction in your area. Take the challenge and find your inner champion!
Stay tuned for pictures and future events.
Best Regards and Happy Training to All,
Kenneth "socialFIEND" Knapp
We (Team USA BJJ) brought just four grapplers to the Gi event. Saturday was for Gi competitors and Sunday No Gi. We came away with one Bronze and two Gold medals. The other gold medalist from our team was non other than young Johnny Munoz at 14 he's been training for twelve years in BJJ under his father, my coach and mentor John Kvenbo Munoz Owner/Chief Instructor of United Submission Academy in Norco, CA (www.teamusabjj.com). Also Ricky, "Slick" Lopez earned his first medal as a purple belt by bringing home a bronze in his division.
So how did this journey begin? A little over two years ago I visited my friend Jeff Frater on Father's Day. Jeff had invited me out to his studio many times to join his small group of well rounded submission grapplers for an open mat training day. Jeff and his guys had been fighting regularly in cage fights and submission grappling tournaments. I was intrigued by the sport and wanted to learn more so on Father's Day 2006 I visited Jeff and his guys. After two and half hours of non-stop learning I knew I was in for life. I wanted to be thin in the worst way (I weighed 225 lbs on that day) and I wanted to compete in grappling once again. But I hadn't been on the mat since my Junior year in college (1993 or so). It was going to be a long road to hoe for sure.
Jeff took me under his wing and I visited Jeff and his guys every weekend for almost three months straight, my first goal... "compete in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournement". I alsmot immediately signed up for the American National, an IBJJF hosted event run out of Torrance, CA. It was going to be tough for no nothing white belt and Jeff wasn't sure i was ready but he let me sign up and compete anyway. The one saving grace, Jeff spent hours with me in the weeks leading up to this event setting a plan in place, a gameplan that would give me just enough tools to avoid getting caught by submissions and possibly submit my opponent if the chance arose.
When the American National tournament came up I was weighing in at a slight 168 (181 in Gi for weight ins that day). Yes, I lost over 50 lbs to compete in my first tournament. It was an awesome feeling. What was even better I made it to the gold medal round in my first tournament and missed a triangle submission simply because I forgot to hang on the guys head quickly once i locked my triangle. I lost to a four stripe White Belt (he earned his Blue Belt for his gold medal effort) on points to take second in my first tournament ever with almost no training. I was totally hooked and loved this experience. My wife and kids thankfully joined me that day and I was so happy to have them witness this event.
After training with Jeff I sought out a referral to a trusted coach near my home and learned John Kvenbo Munoz had trained previously in my other love Kung Fu San Soo and had been introduced to grappling arts by non-other than Master Lari Beebe (a multi-disciplined champion grappler/world class instructor trained under Judo Gene Lebell among many others). Lari told me John was a good man and was a talented black belt in BJJ. So I went to visit John and have never left since Nov 2006 or so was my start date.
Saturday was the culmination of well over a thousand hours spent on the mat, in the gym, dieting, running, studying, tapping and loving the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It might not be a world championship but for me it's my first evidence I've got what it takes mentally and physically to be successful in a martial art that many avoid simply because they've heard the workouts are tough and the competition tougher and sometimes unfair for non Brazilians.
After two years of Pan American and World Championships I will tell you that yes, it can be tough not training with a Gracie school to be favored in international Brazilian tournaments. But still the experience, the sense of accomplishment and potential for greatness are well worth minor frustrations that come from the occasional missed point or disqualification that stems from not focusing on international rules (that do not offer detailed examples of proper or improper technique, which leaves your fate in the hand of one referee often times).
Be that as it may. I have found a sport and martial art that I now dearly love and have embraced. I commit no less than four to five days per week to my training and I will tell you I have sacrificed much to make this possible along with my family. But there is much to accomplish and enjoy in this sport and I intend to enjoy it all throughout the rest of my life.
My next goal... to medal at Pan Ams and World's (Mundial) in the same year and to compete in the first ever Master's World Championships ever held on American soil, if that day ever comes.
I'll keep writing. I appreciate any comments received so please if you've taken time to read this far let me know you stopped in, tell me where you train and share a thought of your own about your experience. I'd love to read it.
Special personal thanks to Coach Lloyd Irvin for inspiring me to get back on the mat and challenge myself to compete in submission grappling at 36 years old. And to Phil Migliarese's and his Jiu Jitsu Matrix video sharing and of course JiuJitsuShare.com (the MySpace for BJJ) both are fantastic avenues for progression and understanding in BJJ. Coach Lloyd and Phil are two of the most gracious ambassadors to this art. Lastly to the Gracie Insider for sharing detailed techniques and training tips straight from the source at the Los Angeles Gracie Academy. You can't learn BJJ in a bubble and mentors and coaches are everywhere. Seek training partners, knowledge and education wherever it resides. I encourage anyone who wishes to enjoy good health, enjoyable training experiences and of course a great personal challenge to seek out BJJ instruction in your area. Take the challenge and find your inner champion!
Stay tuned for pictures and future events.
Best Regards and Happy Training to All,
Kenneth "socialFIEND" Knapp
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