M Kimono's Black Hybrid Weave Gi Review

All photo's courtesy of Elton Pinto

M Kimono's and Luciana Machado Simon have become a staple in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.  Founded in 1995 with her brother Marcelo, M Kimono's can be seen in the earliest Gracie magazines and old pictures of the greats grappling in Brazil.  A brand that has lasted nearly 20 years has something to offer, and the black Hybrid Weave I received has lived up to expectations.

Renown for its durability and strong weave, M Kimono's (MK) is without a doubt one of the toughest gi's I have ever worn.  A beautfifully simple kimono with the "M" logo embroidered in silver on the upper arm's with "Jiu-Jitsu" underneath and that is it as far as patches or advertising.  The clean design pays a homage to the traditional uniforms on our predecessors which were plain white.  The Hybrid Weave comes in white / black / blue, and the black one has maintained it's color without fading over the past couple months I have been training in it.  Aesthetically I give MK a 10 as it is beautiful in its emptiness in terms of "bling." 

As of the pictures I am 6'4" 200#'s and have a size A4, with the entire gi weighing in just shy of 5 pounds, a rather heavy hitter for competition.  But this gi is designed for more then just competition as the triple stitched seams scream to be tested weekly at the dojo.  One would think that a kimono this rugged would be rough to the touch, sandpaper like.  I am happy to announce not the case here with MK!  Honestly one of the softest weaves I have ever owned.  With the exception of the collar, the kimono is a very soft and pliable fabric which breathes just fine.  The collar is soft and comfortable but thick.  Armpits are reinforced as are the skirt slits.  Everything on this gi is triple stitched and solid.

The pants have a thin draw cord which I am am not crazy about since it cinches up when it is humid out, but it does not get untied during training much at all.  100% cotton with double fabric running the length of the leg in front from just above the knee to the cuff, those velociraptor like guard passers at your school will not tear these to shreds.  The pants are a bit restrictive and do not have the most favorable cut in the groin, but again these pants will last you a lifetime on the mats.

Be mindful of the directions regarding washing and drying any MK, as you are supposed to hang dry these bad boys.  Unfortunately that is not an option in the Pacific NW as mold and mildew strike faster then a Mayweather jab, so a little drying is needed.  The 100% cotton gi WILL shrink, the pants especially!  Really that is my only gripe about MK.  If you live in a place where you need to dry your gi at least partially in a dryer then you may want to jump up a size and shrink that bad boy down.  

The Hybrid weave has held up beautifully, not a single thread has come loose on it.  The kimono breathes very well, though the pants do not, and is uber comfortable to roll in .  The weight may deter some competitors from wearing MK in tournaments, but retailing at $180 this is a great mid-range gi.  Customer service is great with MK!  My gi was practically sent overnight (shipped from Europe!!) and was in my hands in no time.  Luciana is happy to answer questions for you and resolve any issues that may come up with your order.

Make sure to vote on the poll to your right, and if you choose "other" leave which brand in the comments section of this post please.  




You can order one of the Hybrid weave M Kimono by clicking here to be re-directed! 

Collar thickness compared to my Atama purple belt

ATTN: Three Harmonies Students

No class November 2-6th.  Apologies for any inconvenience.

Train Hard.  Train Smart.
Jake

Prof. Marcos Santos Promoted

Attendees of the 2013 RCJ Machado 5 Brothers Camp were treated to a special belt promotion on Sunday afternoon, as we saw Prof. Marcos Santos receive his fifth degree in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!  Marcos has been a loyal and dedicated student of the Machado brothers since he was 12 years old.  He was one of the first black belts to open an academy in NYC which was unfortunately cut short by the disaster of 9/11.  Marcos has been working diligently to grow his academy in Ft. Worth, TX. 

Always willing to lend a hand and lighting up any room with his contagious smile, Marcos Santos epitomizes what it means to be a black belt under the Machado family.  Loyalty.  Hard work.  Perseverance.  These are all synonymous with "black belt" under the Machado banner, and Marcos goes above and beyond in all categories. 

Please take this moment to congratulate Professor Marcos Santos on 5th degree black belt, and check out this footage from 1997 as Santos takes gold in the brown belt division with Rigan Machado coaching him, Carlos Machado in the background, and I believe that is Joe Moreria reffing. 



Cheers
Jake

NWJJA Represents at RCJ Machado 5 Brothers Camp

L-R Top: Jake / Carlos / Rigan / Brian / John / Roger / Jean Jacques

Bottom: Rachel / Kelland / Dario / Ben / Denise / Rick

My brain was flooded with Rigan Trap details as is and then Jean Jacques came along and completely destroyed what little was left, so I apologize that this will be rather short, sweet, and not so articulate.  As I sit here exhausted from 15 hours on the mat with the Machado family at the 2013 RCJ Machado camp, the one thing I can put into written form is my appreciation for the only BJJ school I have ever known; the NW Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Our academy, along with our affiliates from Canada, brought a total of 12 people representing 10% of the total attendance of the camp, and I can only believe that those numbers will grow each subsequent year!  To share in an experience like this is priceless and we had a great crew to travel with.  A huge thanks to my training partner Denise Holcomb who is hands down one of the best partners to work with period let alone at a camp this size.  No one else I would rather watch the Stars with (again next year right?).  Denise, by the by, had the wonderful distinction of being the only female black belt present at the camp!

Also much thanks to Rick Monce, Kelland Lindsey, Ben Wendell, and Rachel Lin for their support, ridicule, and great times.  Also a shout out to our brothers to the north, Canada that is... though they clearly need better taste in hockey teams it seemed like everyone had a blast and worked really well together!  It was great sharing the mat with Perry Bateson and his boys.

Voted two sexiest camp attendees! 

A special shout out to my brother from another mother "Big" Mike Gates.  Though he is now a BLUE BELT under Marcos Santos, we at NWJJA consider him our adopted son as he has wiggled his way into every one's hearts!  We love you brother and you know you always have a home away from home with us.

I want to thank each and every one of you for the absolute joy you have brought our coach Brian "Mr. BJJ" Johnson.  Though he may never say it, your attendance and involvement with the RCJ Machado camp means the absolute world to him and each and every one of you made him proud this weekend.  So thank you for making this an amazing event for my friend and coach.  I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. 

On that note... to our coach Brian Johnson... bro, what can I say?!  Every moment I am around you, you make me a better person.  It has been too long for one of these road trips!  We differ in many ways, yet compliment each other like blood brothers.  You are an inspiration to me, a friend to me, and I am eternally grateful for your guidance.  I am not sure if your students understand how fortunate they really are, but I do and from the bottom of my heart I thank you.  Thank you for introducing me to a world that has become my lifestyle, literally my life.  Thank you for guiding me to multiple world championships.  Thank you for being there like no one else was when I needed someone most.  My loyalty to you shall never falter.

Before you sign off, if you could quickly fill out the survey to your right.  I am trying to get an idea of what kind of kimono's my readers like.  If you vote "other" please leave a comment on this post as to which ones you like. 

Can't wait for next years camp.  See you all on the mat tomorrow night!

Cheers,
Jake

Congrats "Big" Mike Gates... RCJ Machado Blue Belt

L-R: Sexiest Blogger / Big Mike / Brian Johnson / Marcos Santos

I want to send out a huge congrats to my long time friend "Big" Mike Gates on earning his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu today under the tutelage of Marcos Santos!  Mike has been training his butt off this past year rolling with guys literally half his age, not only holding his own but taking names as well from what I hear. 

Mike and I have been friends for nearly 13 years, meeting in the Chinese martial arts at first, and last year I talked Mike into coming to the 5 Brothers Camp to check it out.  After all I explained "You have five legends converging in your back yard, you gotta' come!"  So Big Mike said what the heck and bought a gi.  By the end of Jean Jacques' seminar on Sunday Mike had already signed up at the Ft. Worth RCJ branch ran by Marcos Santos.  He was bitten by the BJJ bug! 

I couldn't be more proud of you my friend.  You are a mentor to me and an example to all martial artists.  I can't express how joyous it makes me to share this path with you through the years and incarnations. 

Love you brother,
Jake

RCJ Machado 5 Brothers Camp: Day 1

As we close in on the waning hours of a cool Texas night my head is awash with all sorts of guard passing strategies and principles. Already participants are reaching maximum grappling capacity knowledge wise, yet all we could talk about all dinner was how much we anticipated the next two days!  Over 95 participants from as far away as British Columbia, South Carolina, Michigan, Ontario, California, and Washington converged on Dallas / Ft. Worth for the fifth straight RCJ Machado 5 Brothers Camp, and judging from the smiles and back slaps... everyone had a blast! 

Day one of the RCJ Machado 5 Brothers camp started off with a bang as Carlos took the reins and focused his 3 hours on building the fundamental movements we would need the rest of the camp.  This seminar set the pace for the remainder of the weekend as the elder Machado brother guided us through a number of fundamental movements that we will use the rest of the weekend.  This approach is nothing short of genius, as many times instructors have a limited time for a seminar so it is common to brush over minute details of any given technique or movement.  Not the Machados!

Machado Black Belts

Carlos was followed by three hours of the youngest Machado, John who spent the afternoon talking about passing the guard.  The movements and fundamentals Carlos taught meshed perfectly with John's curriculum and made for a seamless transition.  As with all lessons with the Machado brothers we were blessed with some stories and good natured ribbing from the brothers along with their senior most black belts.  It is this mat-mosphere that makes any event with the Machado brothers feel much  more then just a seminar... you truly feel a part of something greater, a member of a larger family.



I cannot wait until tomorrow and on that note I will be signing off.  Not sure if I will get the opportunity to post anything tomorrow, but I will catch up no matter what.  Thank you so much to the Machado family, all our training partners on the mat, and to my brethren from NWJJA: B / Denise / Kelland / Rick / Rachel! 

RCJ Machado Five Brothers Camp: Touchdown

Caught the red eye into DFW and arrived without a hiccup (and with our luggage this time!).  Going to start a weekend of amazing training by checking out the Stars taking on the Flames tonight, then a fresh breakfast and off to the seminar tomorrow morning!  I am going to do my best to update the blog with fresh reports on the camp, but between the 6+ hours of training coupled with ensuring Kelland does not run off and poke an eye out (his or someone else's) I am not sure how much time I will have to log on. 

If you are not within the borders of Texas by now you are approaching the absolute cutoff for making it to 2013's camp. 

The General, Fabio Gurgel, Promoted to 6th Degree

Fresh off his fight against Ze Mario Sperry at ADCC in Beijing this past weekend, Allianace's Fabio Gurgel was promoted to 6th degree Wednesday night.  Affectionately known as "The General" Fabio has been a black belt for 24 years now!  Truly a living legend in our art, I look forward to training with him one day. 


“I received the sixth degree in my black belt tonight from the hands of my friend Gigi. Thanks Master Romero Jacaré for the touching speech and for all the teachings. Also thanks to all that were present tonight. I have no words to say how thankful I am” - Gurgel

"Every Move Works. Every Move Sucks" - A Weekend With Rener Gracie in Seattle, WA.

95 Strong Friday Night

At first I glazed over the comment just like everyone else; "Every move works.  Every move sucks."  It is not Rener Gracie's style to pause and wait for effect so he continued explaining the technique, but as the days pass I cannot shake this simply profound statement that has greater context.  He was paving the road of self discovery via the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and most of us just laughed it off.  The greatest technique one takes away from a Rener Gracie seminar is not a "technique" at all, but rather a philosophy on how to approach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and ultimately life!

Our great friend Craig Hanaumi once again hosted Rener Gracie, grandson of Helio Gracie (founder of modern day BJJ) at Interlake HS in Bellevue, WA. The workshops included a Bullyproofing for the kiddos, Triple Threat Mastery, Arm Bar Mastery, and Foot Lock Mastery.  I attended all except for the kids seminar, and by Saturday evening my cup raneth over!  Rener forewarned everyone that one of his seminars is equivalent to months in a regular class.  No truer of a statement has been made as the information, while congruent, came at a steady flow.

All photos courtesy of Craig Hanuami

Rener is a charmer and guides his charges with a sharp wit and stearn voice, weaving through the crowd (which peaked at 95 on Friday night!!) ensuring that each group got a once over by him.  If someone had a question or was not getting it, Rener would patiently walk them through the technique, and then make sure they repeated it correctly.  Principle based in his teaching made instructions easier to follow.

For example in the Triple Threat Seminar the overall theme was posture control, emphasizing breaking down your opponent and forcing them to expose their arm(s) inside of your guard.  This was the basis of the entire seminar and from this foundational principle we worked arm bars, triangles, and gi chokes.  The idea behind the "Triple Threat" being that one sequentially sets up the next, or in other words make the threat so real he offers an easier option attack wise.  

"The degree to which he (your opponent) blocks the choke is the degree he accepts the arm bar."  - Rener Gracie

This gives us insight into how Rener Gracie works.  Sure... we can go to a seminar and mimic the movements he does and teaches us, but to truly understand how he thinks / how he approaches training / his strategic game plan.  These are the aspects you start looking for as you progress higher in rank in BJJ, and for those who are ready to receive those lessons they are ripe for the picking at a Rener Gracie seminar!  It was at this point in the seminar someone asked about finishing the arm bar with the feet crossed or uncrosssed.  Rener answered with utmost honesty..."I have learned both ways.  Every move works, every move sucks."   His point is that we are set on the path of mastery by our teachers, but we must walk it alone.  I mean what do you say to Rener Gracie whom was taught by his father Rorion to cross the ankles, yet training with Rickson Gracie last year got him scolded for the same action.  No one man is right nor wrong.  We must find what works for us and more importantly WHY it works for us!

Rener is a hands on teacher who not only makes the rounds and answers questions, but will also suddenly test you and see if you can work the progression he just taught.  His philosophy is always geared towards learning, growing, improving, and really focusing on the positive of any bad situation.  This is where his teachings supercede the mat.  On the surface his comment after pinning an attendee in side control, "If you cannot escape its because you have not failed as much as I have" seems rather obvious.  But applying it to the no time limit, submission only match called life their seems to be a whole new connotation conveyed. 

Technically the information was top notch.  Again Rener gave us key points that were pivotal for the remainder of the seminar.  Such as the case with attaining the far side underhook during the arm attacks seminar.  Relying on predictable human behavior Rener guided us through a series of attacks that were essentially trouble shooting for how our opponent reacted to the far side underhook.  Combo's are key.  Always attacking with combinations!

Tightening up the footlock brought in the same amount of detail to such a misunderstood submission.  Rener talked about how to anatomically destroy the foot, and I will be honest the details he shared are game changers!  And again the strategy and minute details he offers... referring to not looking at the appendage you are about to attack, "If you look at it, you don't deserve it."  But also touching upon the deeper aspects of the gentle art where he addressed failure, and he said something very telling about the emotional aspect of BJJ.  "We often miss submissions because we are too invested emotionally!"  Let that marinade in your caffeinated infused brain this morn and apply it to the mat tonight. Think of the tension you cue off to your partner when attempting a submission.  We all get eager, impatient, and this energy is conveyed to those whom are sensitive enough to read it. 

What can I say that hasn't been said a thousand times about Rener Gracie and the amazing seminars he puts on all over the world year in and year out!?  I can honestly say there is not a single thing missing from one of his seminars and the only thing I am left desiring is merely a selfish desire of more one on one time to ask more detailed questions about my specific game.  I even learned a new term over the weekend... "perpindiculates."  That's right, as in "My opponent perpindiculates his hips to match mine."

Thank you so much to Craig for all your hard work and enthusiasm in the art of BJJ!  Also a big thanks to Andre my crazy Canadian friend and Jordan for partnering up with me.  And of course mucho gracias to Rener Gracie for more amazing lessons both on and off the mat. 

Keep It Playful, and Real! 
Jake

NWJJA Successful at US Open

Wanted to take a quick moment to congratulate our crew from NWJJA on their collective success at the US Open in Santa Cruz over the weekend.  Ray took bronze.  Spider took bronze.  Perry took it to his only opponent 13-0 winning gold!  And Matt fought his ass off in his first major tournament.  Congrats gents we are all proud to share the mat with you here at the BEST BJJ academy in the Pacific NW.... Northwest Jiu Jitsu Academy under Brian Johnson! 

ADCC Opening Brackets

ADCC will be starting at about 4pm PST today.  It is held in Beijing China this go round and I must admit it looks like one of the most exciting lineups we have ever seen.  I will do my best to keep you all updated on the results.  Check out the opening brackets below:

NWJJA Representing at US Open This Weekend

Wanted to take a moment and acknowledge my teammates Chris "Spider" Webb, Matt Walsh, Perry Bateson, and Ray Luiggi as they represent NWJJA at the 18th annual US Open in Santa Cruz, CA. this weekend.  They have all been training their asses off and it has been showing in our free rolling. 
Hit the mat, impose your will, play your game, and most of all... have fun! 

West Coast Glima Presents a Loose Grip Glima Tournament January 18-19 2014

. 

WCG Presents The Winter Open

A Loose Grip Glima Tournament

(Viking era Wrestling)

@ All American Jiu Jitsu

 5031 La Palma Ave La Palma CA 90623

 

Saturday January 18^th Kids Tournament 10:30am

8-15 Years old

Sunday January 19^th Adult Tournament 10:30am

16 years old and UP

 

All Weigh Ins will be at All American Jiu Jitsu

Kids Weigh In Friday Jan 17^th 6:30pm or Saturday Jan 18^th 10am

Adults Weigh In Friday Jan 17^th 6:30pm or Sunday Jan 19^th 10am  

Registration for Kids: $30 
Registration for Adults: $40

No Spectator Fee! However space is limited.

Custom Drinking Horns will be given to the tournament champions!                                            

Contact Briston Lowry for Payment 714-615-5163 or visit us at All American Jiu Jitsu.

West Coast Glima Rules

(Sport Loose Grip Glima)

1.      Clean Takedown Win (any takedown including a snap down)

Fighter A throws Fighter B down to the ground and Fighter A remains standing.  Fighter A wins.

2.      Takedown Control and Escape Win

Fighter A throws Fighter B and both fighters go to the ground.  Fighter A is then able to stand up and get out of arms reach of Fighter B while Fighter B is still on the ground.  Fighter A wins. 

3.      Takedown Reversal and Escape Win

Fighter A throws Fighter B and both fighters go to the ground.  Fighter B is then able get to a dominant position, Stand up, and get out of arms reach, while Fighter A is still on the ground.  Fighter B wins.

4.      Stay connected and the match continues (A downed fighter may take one lunge at opponent to recover a grip) Fighter A throws Fighter B to the ground.  Fighter B then grabs ahold of Fighter A’s limb.  Fighter B is scrambles to his feet while holding on to Fighter A’s limb.  No one has won.    

5.      When both fighters simultaneously stand up the match continues

Both Fighters fall to the ground and are not connected.  Both Fighters then stand up at the same time.  No one has won.

6.      The swift escape rule (must be facing the downed opponent to win)

Both Fighters fall to the ground and are not connected.  Fighter A stands up faster than Fighter B, 

Fighter A wins.

 

Disqualifying Actions

 

1.      Turning your back to your opponent while not connected

 

2.      Excessive Fleeing of your opponent

 

3.      Intentionally spiking your opponent on his/her head

 

4.      Biting, Pinching, Hair Pulling, Striking, Fish hooking, Eye Gouging, Attacking the fingers (Fighters may grab all of the fingers to break a grip), Joint locks, and Chokes.  

 

 

 

 

Weight Classes

 

Ultra Heavy 221 pounds and UP

Heavyweight 201-220 pounds

Light Heavy 181-200 pounds

Middleweight 161-180 pounds

Lightweight 160 pounds and BELOW

 

 

Tournament Uniform

 

 

Fighters must wear shorts with a draw string or Judo/Jiu Jitsu pants.

Fighters must wear a T shirt or Rash-guard.  (Female fighters who decide to wear a T shirt must wear a Sports Bra underneath)

Fighters must wear wrestling shoes on the mat or go barefoot.

Fighters may NOT wear jewelry or have anything in their pockets.

Optional gear:  (Soft) Knee Pads or Knee Braces, Mouthpiece, and Cup.

RCJ 5 Brothers Camp

We are a measly 10 days out from the epic RCJ 5 Brothers Camp in Dallas, TX.  Come train with all five (three of which are red-black belts) of the Machado brothers Roger / Carlos / Rigan / Jean Jacques / John in one setting amongst some of the warmest and most open practitioners in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!  Do not miss this opportunity to train with one of the founding families of BJJ in N. America.

For more information or to register click here!

San Shou Lei Tai Fights From Taiwan Circa 1986

Thanks to my broski William for sharing this clip of San Shou Lei Tai fights from Taiwan circa 1986.  San Shou is not a style per se of Chinese martial arts, but rather a rule set of full contact kickboxing.  Different organizations have varying rules but in general all strikes are allowed (minus head buts) as well as takedowns and throws with no ground fighting.  Many traditional artists will train San Shou as well as their respective art.

So enjoy this video and if you are interested I wrote down some basic observations after it:

• The round kick is absent from the traditional Chinese Martial Arts, yet it is one of the most prevalent attacks used in this video.
• Those with straight strikes scored faster and in general hit harder.
• Those with wild swinging strikes still hit really, really hard!  You must respect the strike even if it is sloppy.
• Notice the clinch is absent here.  This may be due to some governing bodies restricting clinch time (limited to 3 seconds), or banning the clinch position all together.
• Because the clinch is restricted, the majority of throws we see are quick sweeps and fast knockdowns (kao die).
• Dropping your hands doing some crazy Bruce Lee type shit gets you hit! 

Attn: Three Harmonies Students

Apologies for any inconvenience but there is no class on October 15th & October 24-26.  Train hard, train smart.  Thank you. 

Jammin' BJJ Kids Seminar

Come show your support for Jammin' BJJ and Carly Stowell, as instructors Kris Shaw, Michelle Wagner, and Cindy Hales teach kids 4-16 years old! 

Team Senility Strikes Silver at the World Master & Senior Tournament

NW Jiu Jitsu Academy was proudly represented by a core cadre of master and senior ranked fighters affectionately known as "Team Senility" this past weekend at UC Long Beach, CA.

  A huge congrats to Perry Bateson who decisively took to the purple belt senior 3 division racking up 20 points on his poor unsuspecting first victim before finishing the match with an armbar in the waning seconds!  Perry epitomizes taking his game to his opponent.  In the finals Perry's opponent got the edge with a few more points to squeeze out the gold.  This was Perry's first major IBJJF tournament and I have to hand it to my friend... you did an amazing job mi amigo!  Congrats on silver!

The absolute standout this weekend was without a doubt Denise Holcomb who took double silver in both her division and the absolute.  Both times fighting a girl 16+ years younger representing Nova Unaio with none other then Robson Moura coaching her.  Yes my friends you heard correctly... THE Robson Mora was shouting instructions in Portuguese to his first degree black belt right next to Brian and I coaching Denise!  It was awesome, as Denise showed the months of training and hard work she has put into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Again this was Denise's first major tournament, and the first time she has fought since purple belt.

Outstanding job both of you!  Brian, myself, and all your team mates could not be prouder of the two of you!  Both Perry and Denise are exemplary role models for any and all students of the martial arts. 

Also wanted to take this moment to thank our coach Brian J. Johnson.  I am not sure if most of you understand what it is like to have a teacher, a true teacher.... guide you through an art with nothing but pure love for you and the art itself... I am not sure if many of you have experienced this.  But I have, and I wanted to say from the bottom of my heart "Thank you" to my coach, my friend, my training partner, and very much my mentor, Brian Johnson.  Without you... none of this is possible.  We will never be able to repay you for all you have given us!

Train Hard.  Train Smart.
Jake 

Jean Jacques Machado Seminar: Ohio - November 23 & 24th 2013

After you spend the weekend of November 16-17th up here in the Emerald City training with Jean Jacques Machado in both gi and no gi seminars, do what I plan on doing and head east... Ohio way.  Drop in on Professor Jean Jacques Machado teaching in Cincinnati the following weekend and get your hours on the mat with a living legend.  Hosted by the Reed Academy in Cincinnati, this promises to be a great seminar and Tri State Tournament. 

Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar: Nov. 16-17th - Seattle, WA.

The one and only red-black belt Jean Jacques Machado will make his inaugural visit to the Pacific NW November 16-17th 2013 for a weekend of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Jean Jacques is one of the infamous five Machado brothers, one of the founding families of BJJ in North America, and is considered by many to be one of the most technical grapplers of all time!

This seminar WILL BE capped at 50 participants, so make sure to register today!  Open to any and all ranks and affiliates, you do not want to miss this opportunity to train with a living legend on the mats!  

And just in case you have been living under a rock for all your grappling past here is a great highlight reel of JJM:

Brian "Mr. BJJ" Johnson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar

My coach and friend Brian (Mr. BJJ) Johnson will be teaching a seminar at SIMA over in West Seattle October 12, 2013 at 1pm.  It is only $40 and I assure you it will be the best $40 you spend on training.  Brian brings over 20 years of grappling experience to the mat, and as a second degree black belt in BJJ he is one of the most articulate and organized instructors I have ever shared the mat with in any style. 

SIMA Martial Arts 4159 Faunterloy Way SW.
$40

Sit Up Sweep Scouting Report: BJJ Scout

From the sounds of it BJJ Scout is so busy he/she will most likely only post this one breakdown for the month of October.  So sit down with Caio Terra, grab your Twizzlers and study this guide on three of the best in the world as they execute slight variations on the sit up sweep.  No tricks, just treats!   

For the complete report click here. 

Mike Martello Babu Tanglang (Eight Step Mantis)

A short clip of Mike Martello training Babu Tanglang (Eight Step Mantis):

What can I say mi amigo... seems like yesterday you were locking me up in the living room.  You left too early yet somehow I feel you may have been late to the party.  God damn I miss you!

Rigan Machado - RCJ 5 Brothers Camp Preview

Speaking of Rigan Machado, here is a little preview he put together of some of the things he will be teaching at the 5 Brothers Camp October 25-27th in Dallas, TX.  If you are serious about grappling you should NOT miss this camp where all five of the Machado brothers (Rigan / Roger / Jean Jacques / John / Carlos) will be teaching a three hour seminar.  Rigan has been working on what he calls the Z guard for quite sometime so I am curious to see what he has been working over the past year or so!

Samurai Armor Exhibit: The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Collection at the Portland Art Museum

Both connoisseurs of classic Asian art and martial artists alike will not want to miss this rare opportunity to view the rarely seen private collection of Samurai armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller collection.  With pieces spanning from the 14 - 19th centuries you will get a glimpse of the beautifully intricate designs and dressings that would be considered by many as functional art.

The Samurai exhibit opens at the Portland Art Museum this Saturday Oct 5th through January 12, 2014 and this will be the ONLY west coast showing for this amazing collection.

For more information including directions and viewing times please click here!