What is Jiu-Jitsu, and How do I do it?

The is Kyra Gracie. The daughter of the original founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The is Kyra Gracie. The daughter of the original founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Anyone can do jiu-jitsu and even if you think you cant, well show you that you can. Here I will give you the ins and outs of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and when you have finished reading, you’ll want to give it a shot too.

 

What is Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling and How do I do it?

 

  1. What is Jiu-Jitsu?

Jiu-Jitsu is a ground art, meant to teach the student how to grapple and maneuver in the tightest of quarters.

Grappling is a term used in martial arts to describe maneuvers, combinations, and ground work. It does not include striking of any sort or weapons control. Now some martial arts will include striking along side with grappling, but this does not mean it is the same thing. It is mainly just a term for grabbing each other. Jiu-Jitsu is a specific combination of moves that consists of pins, locks and gaining control over your opponent while on the ground. It is a sport that will make you a patient person. It takes years to get to a high rank. There is a reason for this. Technique is not the only thing Jits counts on; it also counts on maturity and age. It is one of the more political sports.

 

 

  1. What does grappling consist of?

Grappling has many different styles and techniques.

 

 

 

 

  • Throws: A throw is a technique in which one grappler lifts or off-balances the opponent and throws that opponent off of him. The purpose of throws varies, must mostly emphasizes throws with the potential to make the next move, position ones self in a standing position or to gain the pin.

 

  • Sprawling: When being taken down, one can sometimes counter act that take down with sprawling. Sprawling is done by shifting the legs backwards and spread out in one fast motion. If you do it correctly you will land on the opponent’s back and gain control.

 

 

  • Submissions holds: Submission holds consist of chokes and locks. Chokes can strangle or suffocate someone. Locks are more to trap the opponent and possibly cause injury or breakage to body part. This is one effective way to get your opponent to tap out or give up.
    • Securing or controlling techniques: securing is basically exactly how it sounds. You are attempting to hold down the opponent and secure them for a win, or until help arrives depending on your situation.
  • Escapes: This too is exactly how it sounds. This is the act of getting out or away from danger/opponent.

 

  • Turnovers: The point of a turn over is to get someone on their back. This is more used in competition style for point’s advantages.

 

 

  • Reversals or Sweeps: Think of a sweep as you are sweeping yourself off the rug. In most cases you are on the bottom sweeping yourself on top of the opponent to gain the control.

 

  1. Where in the world did Jiu-Jitsu come from?

Jiu-Jitsu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. It is know to be founded in ancient time, although no one certain on what time exactly. It was founded in Japan, China, Persia, Germany Egypt and India. There is a weaponless form of wrestling that has similarities to Jiu-Jitsu. During Alexander the Great’s times (356 b.c. -323 b.c.) he brought this Greek culture of wrestling to many other areas such as India, were Jiu-Jitsu is likely to be born. Now although founded most likely in India, there is proof of the Shaolin Temple, built in the center of China, hosting Dharma as the creature of Buddhism and Boxing.

 

Later in history, the samurai warriors took this and created jiu-jitsu in its original form. Buddhist monks perfected it through their knowledge of the body’s law of physics, leverage, momentum, balance, center of gravity, and weight transmission of the body parts. They had it down to an exact science.

 

From 1860-1938 a man names Jigoro Kano, a practioner of Jiu-Jitsu, and a man of many talents not only created Judo, but took his arts to other countries and began teaching. During WWII we even got the knowledge of Judo and took it back to America. But the real story is how Kano taught in Brazil.

 

Helio Gracie trained his first student in 1929 and realized that he knew the technique of Jiu-Jitsu, but couldn’t execute it as effectively. He began constructing many experiments and many eventually mastered what is now called Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This is the most common form of Jiu-Jitsu taught today.

 

 

 

  1. What types of Jiu-Jitsu are there?

There are many types of Jiu-Jitsu. All types can be practiced in real life situations and in competition setting. The whole point of Jits is ending a fight quickly. Compared to UFC fighting which is older than Jits competing, no one knows how to handle a fight on the ground or if they do, they cant finish the fight. Now a days things have come a long way and people tend to practice more Jits in any sport of fighting they take. To compete in Jits, You tend to win by point or by submissions. The more locks and submissions, equals more points. Just because you think you got the last pin, doesn’t mean you win. It has to be about technique and point value.

 

  1. I want learn what the samurai warriors did, that sounds awesome!

Whether you want to learn how to defend and escape a scary situation, or compete in a sport, Dragon Within Martial Arts will teach you. Our founder combines the combinations that Gracie came up with in BJJ and the combinations that Kano came up with in Judo. He gives you the best of both worlds and keeps the history alive! There is no other place to get a calm and soothing culture and atmosphere, as well as a family friendly, judgment free zone! Even planet fitness can’t give you all that.

 This is Kyrs Gracie, the daughter of the

 Now I could on and on about the art and history of BJJ, but the fact is you need to see it yourself. So what are you waiting for….

Don’t wait, Schedule your FREE, that’s right, FREE private lesson. What do you have to loose, besides weight and laziness. You have everything to gain, including technique, style, control, and much more. So act now and get in here with us

 

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Dragon Within

11 Franklin st. Salem MA 01970

click: www.dwmma.com

call: 978.745.8511

or email: dragonwithin@gmail.com

 

How To: Prove you’re a hard working & motivated martial artist.

 

15 of our most fabulous students showing their skills in a demo at the Culture Fest in Downtown Salem.
15 of our most fabulous students showing their skills in a demo at the Culture Fest in Downtown Salem.

 

How To:

Prove you’re a hard working & motivated martial artist.

 

*We put together a team of hard working students. They worked after class to prepare for a demo at the 8th annual Culture fest. These martial artists are truly inspirational.*

 

  1. Establish a team of highly motivated students.

So at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, We could have basically taken all of our students and made a fantastic demo team. We have approximately 100 child students in 3 different age groups. These age groups make up our 3 classes; Little Dragons, Juniors, and finally Young Adults. Our little Dragons are 4-6 years old. Our Juniors are ages 7-10 years old and our Young Adults are ages 11-14. We gathered as a team and hand picked 15 kids from all three classes to perform in the demonstration.

 

 

We pair up all our students carefully with each other to avoid any size or strength issues. No child is set up for failure!

 

 

  1. Teach them the moves.

Each of these students may take one or more classes per week. In addition they now added a new practice with our staff and coaches to prepare for this demo. During this hour they took their energy, discipline and confidence and brought it to life. Also bringing ones own offensive and defensive techniques in a full-blown skit. They have different variations of punches, kicks, covers, space and combinations performed in unison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We keep them motivated with rewards and special attention and praise all the time. We even offered a snack in between classes because they get hungry after all that exercise.

 

  1. The Situations

-Baylie walks down the street and yet again, runs into that mean ol’ bully of her, Autumn. Autumn puts her hands on her one more and time and Baylie has had enough She defends herself with a crazy monkey in 50/50 then a take down. But she doesn’t stop there, no she mounts and pins that mean bully. She takes total control of the situation and then calls for help. This is great way to assert yourself against a bully with our hurting them. Remember our intention is not to hurt anyone, but do defend and evade the situation.

 

-Michelle, a tiny little thing, is walking alone and nasty looking stranger (played by our child instructor Mr. Mark) comes at her. He tries to lure her in with some money and grabs her wrist. Michelle doesn’t panic, nope, instead she takes control and grabs his arm and gives him a couple upper cuts. But when that isn’t enough she does a double leg take down get into side control mount and gives him one heck of an arm bar. This nasty bum is in some serious pain and is yelling for help, but she doesn’t give in. She takes his money and runs away yelling for help.

 

-Caleb stands on stage with Isabella showing their best boxing feed and pad work skills. They truly know the true meaning of striking, ducking and evading a strike to away from an opponent.

 

-Austin and Braeden show a more competitive style to MMA. They rock the stage with roundhouse kicks, catching, and takedowns. They even simulate a knockout. This demonstrates the more competitive edge of martial arts and the real sport imbedded in it.

 

-Sarah and Steph (one of our adult students) demonstrate a little competition mixed with some real life skill. The show walking teep kicks into roundhouse kicks. This shows a more traditional Thai Kickboxing and what its all about.

 

 

Each student looks absolutely adorable up on stage, and not one student got stage fright. They were all excited and pumped to perform!

 

 

  1. About Dragon Within

The Dragon’s at Dragon Within have been involved in martial arts training for over 50 years combined. This school has been alive for more than 10 years and is  constantly growing. Our philosophy is to teach students self defense within the Art.  The staff and students show compassion when training in the Dojo.

We believe that within the structured class our students develop self-confidence, motivation to set and reach goals, respect, discipline, and self control.  Our class is taught at a pace, which allows students to advance in their belt over time.  The time and work it takes to stay in class and earn a higher rank is what grows character, self-discipline, and patience.  We understand that it is a difficult thing to stay motivated towards, which is why it is such a great achievement when they receive that belt.  We stay focused on the Art and the way our curriculum is designed helps develop positive characteristics in our students over time.  

Our kickboxing class has the same mentality. The curriculum is designed to keep you focused and motivated. You will feel like you have accomplished something new after each class whether it be physically or mentally. 

We also offer private ART classes if you want a little refresher or missed a few days during the week. This is our way of keeping you on track and not letting you fall of the wagon. 

If you have a Facebook and would like to see a recent album or see the flow of the way we operate please find us at facebook.com/dwmma .  We also post schedule changes and member notifications there as well so definitely a good idea anyways! 

 

 

 

We have experience with students of all backgrounds and maturity levels. Even children with social disorders and anxieties tend to thrive at Dragon Within

 

 

  1. Dragon Mission Statement

Dragon Within Martial Arts provides our members with an environment where people of any background, experience and fitness level can learn and    train. Our classes are taught in a fun ego-free environment.

 

Our goal is to help our members to develop, grow, and improve both physically and mentally through their progression in Mixed Martial Arts, Krav Maga, Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Self defense and Fitness Training. We accomplish this by offering the most functional, realistic, innovative, and enjoyable martial arts and fitness training available.

 **We would also like to give a special thanks to Miss Jess, kids program coordinator and lead instructor, for putting together such an amazing show. And huge thanks to the A3D for hosting the 8th Annual Culture Fest in downtown Salem and inviting us to be a part of it.**   

  1. Come see what we are all about.

Now I can’t possibly tell you everything Dragon Within has to offer, but what    I can tell you is that we are a dedicated school. We take pride in teaching kids of all ages and all backgrounds, the ability to have confidence, self-respect, discipline, and motivation. To find out more please call 978-745-8511 or click www.dwmma.com . You can even visit us at 11 Franklin st. Salem MA 01970. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have any time. Don’t forget to schedule your free private lesson or class today!

 

Krav maga, Thai kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, BJJ, MMA, Kids martial arts, adult classes,Self defense, karate, grappling, muai thai,  

 

Learning the Critical Skill of Guard Passing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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Guard passing remains one of the most important skills to develop in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The guard is a significant part of the Jiu Jitsu world since it offers both offense and defense on the ground even while situated on your back. The ability to pass the guard gives a Jiu Jitsu student an edge as well. Through being able to consistently pass the guard, the offensive and defensive capabilities of an opposing Jiu Jitsu student become less effective.

Becoming talented at guard passing does not refer to learning a ton of different guard passes and merely memorizing them. At dragon within, good guard passing skill is based on understanding a number of basic principles and being able to effectively execute them.

In order to pass the guard, you must go over or under the legs. This is not always safe. Without decent control of an opponent and good posture on your part, a weak guard pass leaves you vulnerable for sweeps and submissions. Dragon Within teaches you the proper technique for passing guard safely and while having control over your opponent.

The process of passing the guard the properly begins with establishing good base and posture. Base refers to maintaining both stability and a low center of gravity, two traits critical to prevent from being off balanced or swept. Posture means your positioning protects the neck, arms, and legs from attacks.

Once your posture and base are solid, the time comes to control the legs and, if the guard is closed, uncross the ankles.

Opening up the closed guard required putting some level of pressure on the legs to force the ankles to uncross. Again, without good base and posture, this is not going to be easy at all. Once you have opened up the legs, you must control them along with the hips. With the open guard, you do not have to uncross the ankles. You simply go right into controlling the hips and legs, although this can sometimes be difficult based on the positioning certain open guard present.

Whether you choose to go over or under the legs, you positively must put pressure on your opponent. Controlling the hips is important to prevent an opponent from putting you back in the guard, although focusing solely on the hips while ignoring the importance of pinning him can make a guard pass weaker. The finishing positions of a guard pass is a pin be it side control, the scarf hold, or even the North/South position. To make a pin work effectively, you have to really anchor your weight down. This process has to start during the guard pass because, quite simply, a loose guard pass is not going to help keep anyone in place for a pin.

Developing these skills can take timeAt Dragon Within, we believe among the best ways to become better at guard passing is to drill. Your training partner can put you in a number of different guards. While the partner offers moderate resistance, you work on guard passing and pinning. Correct your flaws and mistakes and try to improve with each training session. Your guard passing skills might increase immensely as a result.

And great improvement could come far quicker than you ever imagined.

Elbows In! Protecting Yourself When Pinned

No one likes to be pinned down in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Pinning and holding is a large part of the problem The second problems is the arms lose a great deal of strength since supporting muscle groups cease to be involved. As a result, forcing the arm down to execute a bent shoulder lock is not all that tough. An opponent on top has a lot of leverage. Having weak arm posture further reduces the ability to defend the arms. Pulling the arms and elbows in towards the body makes attacking them dramatically more difficult.

In order to escape from the bottom, your elbows must press into points on the opponent’s body in order to create space. This is very difficult to achieve when the elbows are even slightly out of position. When they are too far from the body, they can offer no effective leverage at all.

Does this mean all hope is lost when your elbows are out of position. No, it just means you must make it a priority to bring them back in. Performing a simple short bridge to bump an opponent up can create enough space for just enough time to return the elbows to their correct position.

All of this takes practice and experience, but that is what training is for. As long as you continue to focus on good posture on the bottom, the chances are likely you will improve in no time.

 

Don’t wait, Come in for your FREE private lesson!

Dragon Within

11 Franklin st. Salem MA 01970

978-745-8511

www.dwmma.com

dragonwithin@gmail.com

Brajilian Jiu-Jitsu, Guard, Guard passing, Martial arts, Bjj, Salem MA, Marblehead MA, Swampscott MA, Danvers MA, North Shore, Beverly MA, Gloucester MA, Lynn MA, MMA, Dragon WIthin, DWMMA,

Is the dragon within you

Sexual assault on college campus

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It is normal for a senior in high school to start thinking about college and where they want to go, or what they want to do. As that day reaches, it is also normal for students to have many fears. All the “what ifs” that run through a students head about grades, friends, and campus life are normal, but should sexual assault be one of them? At Dragon Within, we take a stand against sexual assault on college. It has become a known fact that students found responsible for sexual assaults on campus, don’t have any consequences. This is not fare seeing as how the victim is often scarred for life. These victims tend to suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). There have even been documented suicides from such behavior.

 

USA TODAY WASHINGTON says “More than 40% of U.S. colleges and universities have conducted no investigations of alleged sexual assaults over the last five years, according to an explosive survey of more than 300 schools by a congressional subcommittee.

Federal law requires colleges to follow up on reports of sexual assault, yet dozens of schools have failed to provide basic training on how to do that, the survey found. Nearly 73% do not have protocols for how campus authorities and local law enforcement should work together when cases arise. And some schools have no designated coordinator to handle such efforts even though federal law requires it.”

 

Why not prepare now for what may or may not happen in the future. Why let yourself become a statistic. Don’t end up letting anyone take advantage of you. Learn how to use a bigger aslant’ body weight against them. At dragon Within, we teach specific combinations of moves to help any person defend themselves in an altercation.

 

So why wait for something to happen. Don’t be that person walking home from a party or study session, that gets abducted. There had been too many cases of people getting hurt or taken. Be prepared, and be aware of your surroundings.

Change Your Life, Take Martial Arts

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There is so much more to gain from Martial Arts classes than you could ever gain from a typical gym. Instead of mindlessly picking things up and putting them down, Martial Arts increases your physical fitness by stimulating your brain and coordination to target, and work muscles. Martial Arts classes will keep your muscles constantly learning new moves which ultimately burns body fat faster than ever.  Our instructors provide the motivation and new self defense tactics to keep your mind active while your body works hard towards your goal weight.  This mind and body combination alleviates stress, and helps provide a mental space for you to vacate your problems and focus on Martial Arts.   The benefits you gain from Martial Arts class could change your life forever.  Plus it looks great on a resume!

Martial Arts is significantly more valuable than a generic gym routine. It looks great on college and career applications.  It provides an organized hobby that directly shows employers and colleges that you are a disciplined, hard working, and dedicated individual.  Employers understand the time and commitment it takes to earn a black belt in Martial Arts.  This hobby also reflects a solid sense of mental wellness, and in the work force today, that is exactly what they are looking for.   The belt progression and ranking systems reflect the amount of time and commitment you have put into the hobby.   By saying that you are a black belt in Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or Thai Kickboxing, essentially you are telling your employers and colleges that you are goal orientated and you can stay focused and committed to working hard to reaching your goals.  Ultimately your belt provides proof that you can put down on paper that you are not mindlessly spending your time goofing off but you are voluntarily learning and even exercising in a productive environment. Colleges and employers really are impressed to see that Art under your Skills or Activities section of your resume or applications.  If you cant get the career you have always wanted,  start by taking Martial Arts for a few months, and then see how you feel about going after that position.

Not happy with your current job or lifestyle? The self confidence you gain from class will allow you to step up to the plate and make those risky decisions it takes to move up in the world.   Martial Arts will bring you to a higher level of awareness and wellness so that you can see the changes in your life you need to make.  The confidence you gain from the classes may provide that boost it takes to make those transitions in life much easier for you to control and manage.  After taking a Martial Arts class you simply know your self better.  Wether you are kicking higher in Thai Kickboxing, or throwing a bigger jab hook combination, the classes show you exactly what you are physically and mentally capable of.  You will be surprised how much you can grow in a single month of taking Martial Arts classes. You become more flexible and as you see the changes in your body; you may then begin to see the changes you need to make in all aspects of your life to continue growing in a productive, happy, and energetic environment.

Your entire life can turn around when you consistently show up to Martial Arts class.  Wether you have a good day or a bad day, by simply showing up to class you are getting that much closer to another belt, and a better body.  The fact that you continue going to class even on days you don’t feel up to it, you are positioning yourself to build character and self discipline.  The good effects Martial Arts has your mental wellness are endless.

If you just can’t stick to a diet or exercise plan, call Dragon Within today.  Our instructors take the time to motivate you to stay committed to reach your goal weight.  If you don’t feel like you are getting the recognition you deserve at your current job, take Martial Arts classes.  The confidence you could gain from Krav Maga classes will make you stand out from the crowd.  The mental efficiency you gain may send you soaring above your fellow coworkers and into that new position you have been working so hard for.  It will give you self discipline it takes to wait for the opportunity.  It will give you the self control it takes to make decision to make the change you really need.  Your life could completely change for the better by consistently coming to Martial Arts class.  From exercising, to learning self defense, you are expanding your mind for greatness.  If you need a change in your life now is the time to start.  Make this year one for the books, and try a class today!

Call Today!

978-745-8511

Or Visit our Website
www.DWMMA.com

Knowing self-defense empowers you with powerful techniques, strategies and confidence for life-long success!
CALL NOW TO SET UP YOUR  FREE INTRO LESSON

Dragon Within Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:
MMA Peabody MAMMA Salem MAMMA Beverly MAMMA Lynn MAMMA Marblehead MAMMA Danvers MAMMA Swampscott MAMMA Nahant MA

The Unique Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Refining Your BJJ Game

Training in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) is a lot of fun because there is so much variety to it. There are many different ways in which you can develop your self-defense and fitness program into the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jistu. This variety of BJJ beginnings help create a unique competitive edge as you progress within the art.  For example, depending on how you start BJJ, you may naturally be good at a specific element of it.  Some competitors may become known for their guard, while others will have a fantastic top game.  From there, different styles of practicing the art may arise.  For example, you may prefer grappling with Gi practitioners, or even with no Gi specialists, or you may even join in with all those who just have a talent for the world of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Every BJJ artist holds a different journey and therefore becomes their own unique BJJ competitor.

Again, there is a lot of choice available to you within the art and you can develop as a BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) competitor in many different ways. This is definitely a good thing but there is a drawback that can sneak up on you if you are not careful. That drawback would be falling into the trap of accumulation.

What is accumulation? It is the art of being a technique collector. As the name suggests, being a technique collector refers to learning an enormous amount of moves on a superficial level. Refining the material and learning about the fine points never occurs. The nature of trying to learn something new all the time makes it next to impossible to refine material. Basically, “refining” means performing the same material over and over again to know, and understand it on a deeper level.

Why do so many beginners wish to accumulate so much? It is just the exciting nature of being a beginner. Everyone that starts out in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) wants to see more and more of the art.

There is also a lot of peer pressure that comes from wanting to buy the top new DVDs offering the classic moves of a top BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). Certainly, viewing such material is a smart move. However, trying to memorize it in a week and then moving on to new material a week later just simply is not be the best strategy to follow.

Since refinement requires a lot of repetition, many will wonder if it is a boring process. The answer is no because the deeper your understanding grows of the art, you will find the deeper the power grows within your take downs and submissions.  You will learn there is always something new to learn about a particular move, and refining that move you will create an entirely new power within yourself. An arm-bar could take a lifetime to study and still only the surface of the art will be scratched.

If you want a little motivation for refining your BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) game, all you need to do is accept the fact that all the top players do this to be at the top. This is why you don’t see sloppy fighters throwing everything at an opponent. Rather, you will see fighters with solid, tight games that are focused and their performances are very controlled and specific. All that comes from refinement. So, refine your BJJ game and become a top fighter!

Don’t Wait

Call Today!

978-745-8511

How Many Days a Week Should You Train BJJ?

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Brazilian  Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is an enormously popular martial art. This is why you see so many BJJ schools are opening all over the world. Of course, the presence of a school is not the main indication of its value. The number of students enrolled in the school is. When you look closer at these students, you will see many training as frequently as possible and others train when their schedule permits. Since BJJ schools often offer unlimited training per month, there is a lot of flexibility available in terms of how often a student can train.

But, how many days a week should a student train? This is an important question that needs to be asked and answered. There are active and athletic students that train virtually every day of the week and there are also those that have to train far less because training too often leads to them becoming sore and somewhat broken down.

Really, you do not want to become sore or too beat up to train. That does no one any good. When you are over-trained, you end up missing days of class. Does that help your ability to progress in BJJ? Absolutely not!

Again, different people’s bodies will react in a completely different manner to their training regimen. There is, however, a safe medium that you can follow in order to be sure that you avoid over-training. That medium would be playing it safe and training about three days a week.

These three days should not be consecutive. The reason for this is you want to at least one rest day in between the three workout days because your body will need time to recuperate and heal. When you do not get the proper amount of rest, the body will start to break down. This is where all those aches and pains come from. Those that are older BJJ practitioners will be more than familiar with such pains which is why they might be more willing to take such breaks than younger BJJ’ers. However, just because you are young does not mean you are invulnerable. Over-training can affect anyone at any age.

There are going to be those serious minded BJJ players that want to train each and every single day. They reason they wish to do so is not all that difficult to figure out. They just want to become very good at the art of BJJ. Here is a little news for those that have such desires in mind: frequency does not always equate with quality.

The true value of the class will be in the quality of the instruction combined with a good attitude for learning. In short, you need to enroll in a good class and then make the most out of it when you are in the class. This means you should py very close attention and ask pertinent questions when they arise. (Of course, you should ask them at the appropriate time) Follow these very simple steps and you will find it is a lot easier to get the most out of your three day a week training plan.

Don’t Wait!
Call Today!
978-745-8511

Or Visit our Website
www.DWMMA.com

Knowing self-defense empowers youwith powerful techniques, strategies and confidence for life-long success!
CALL NOW TO SET UP YOUR  FREE INTRO LESSON

Dragon Within Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:
Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MASwampscott MA, Nahant MA

Martial Arts, Top 10 best Styles to Get Fit while learning to defend yourself!

Reference: FLAMEHORSE MAY 15, 2010

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Martial arts are great as spectator sports and a good way to get fit, but they really come into their own when they are used in self-defense – undoubtedly the ultimate result for many of them. This list looks at ten of the best martial arts for if you are especially interested in defending yourself against attackers.

10. Kickboxing

9. Karate

8. Aikido

7. Wing Chun

6. Jiu Jitsu

5. Jeet Kune Do

4. Western Boxing

 This hybrid mixes Jiu-jitsu’s standing throws and strikes with ground fighting, which emphasizes joint manipulation and overall control of the opponent, effectively ending a fight very quickly. The larger the attacker, the more easily he can be grappled off his feet, using his center of gravity against him.

2. Keysi Fighting Method

 It is Israel’s national martial art, developed largely by Imi Lichtenfeld,  for the purpose of street survival. It incorporates Western boxing punches, Karate kicks and knees, Greco-Roman wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu ground fighting, Jiu-jitsu throws and grappling, and most importantly, “bursting,” adapted from Wing Chun. This is a simultaneous defense/attack: instead of blocking an attack and then delivering a response, you block the attack and deliver a response at the same time, i. e., block with the left arm and push forward with the legs, striking with the right fist to the throat, all simultaneously.

Also stressed are attacks to vulnerable body parts: the eyes, throat, and groin.  Emphasis is also placed on disarming attackers with both knives and handguns, and turning these weapons on the attacker. It also exclusively trains hand-eye coordination, until defense becomes second nature and does not require thought. And a good Krav Maga instructor can teach all of this to anyone, regardless of athletic prowess.

Don’t Wait!
Call Today to sign up!
978-745-8511

Or Visit our Website
www.DWMMA.com

Knowing self-defense empowers children with powerful techniques, strategies and confidence for life-long success!
For more information on how Dragon Within  Martial Arts, Salem MA,  takes a stance on bullying and peer pressure:

CALL NOW TO SET UP YOUR CHILD’S FREE INTRO LESSON

Dragon Within Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:
Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

To Compete or To Not Compete: That is The Eternal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Question



Can you become good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu if you do not compete in tournaments?

That question sometimes brings forth a lot of controversy and it really should not be considered controversial at all.  All you have to do is look at the many different people of all belt ranks that are not active competitors and it becomes obvious they have solid skill levels.

 That said, competing in BJJ Tournaments does bring your skill level to a much higher level much quicker.While you do not need to compete to be a great BJJ practitioner, there is great value in competing in tournaments. This is why it is definitely worth the time and effort to give the tournament scene a try.

  And besides, competing in tournaments is a lot of fun and nothing to be concerned or worried about.

Many people will be seriously worried about getting injured which is, honestly, a wise concern to have. However, a great deal of effort is put into ensuring that the safety of the competitors is maintained. As a result, serious injuries are not common in BJJ events.

 You also do not need to be a national or world champion to say your tournament experience was worth the effort. You do not really even have to win. Getting out there and just doing things is enough to get some value out of the process.

 Actually, that statement needs to be amended somewhat.

The tournament itself is not always where you learn the most. It is the training and preparation for the event that delivers the most value. When you invest in training for a tournament, you will work on your conditioning, your timing, and many other facets of your game. This helps you make tremendous strides in improvement that would not be the case had you solely trained to roll around in the gym.Training for competition brings forth a higher level of focus that will play a major role in enhancing the development of your abilities.

 Focus can also take on greater value when it is combined with a definitive time frame for achieving an outcome. When you must compete at a tournament on a specific date, you will focus all your energies during a 8 week period where you will go into training mode. (Some may even extend this to 12 weeks) This leads you to concentrating on improving your skills within a definitive time period as opposed to slowly dragging out your improvements over a lengthier period of time. You may very well improve over time and, quite honestly, you could even be perfectly happy with the time that it takes you to improve. This is perfectly fine a many people are perfectly happy with such an approach to improvements. However, there are those that do wish they can improve much quicker and training for a tournament could provide the previously elusive answer to acquiring such results.

In short, take advantage of the opportunity to compete. There are only pros and no real cons.

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Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA , provides the most realistic andpractical fitness & self-defense programs for Massachusettsand North Shore Area including:
Peabody MA, Salem MA,Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

The Art of Gripping in BJJ/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

There are many important aspects to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/BJJ that are somewhat overlooked by beginners. They are definitely not overlooked by those that reach a high-level of skill because such BJJ‘ers clearly display all these little nuances. One area many top players excel in would be the art of gripping.

Gripping is basically what it sounds like. It refers to how your hands grip and grasp your opponent. With the Gi, a large amount of your gripping will involve grasping the collar and the sleeves.  The pants legs are also grabbed and, to a lesser extent, you can grab the belt. (Beware – the belt moves around a lot so belt grips are somewhat unreliable)



Why is gripping important?

There are a few reasons why you would employ grips. Mainly, you do so to control and opponents and execute offensive and defensive maneuvers. Obviously, performing offensive and defensive maneuvers is a major part of the game.

 In a sense, the reasons for gripping on the ground in BJJ/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is the same as gripping standing in Judo.  In Judo though, a greater emphasis is placed on grips very early at the beginner level. Gripping definitely is not something to be overlooked on the ground because of the many benefits to using it.

A few of the gripping techniques are about as simple. If someone is in your guard you can grip the sleeve and pull their arm forward to execute an armbar or a triangle. You could grip the collar and sleeve to pull someone down to prevent them from getting the posture to pass the guard. If you are trying to pass the guard, gripping the sleeve can be employed to press the arm down and hold it in place so it cannot defend the guard pass.  

To repeat, gripping can be used to apply any offensive or defensive tactic.

There is a bit of controversy regarding the use of grips. Namely, there are those that say gripping is another form of stalling. This can be true if the person gripping his/her opponent is not doing anything and only trying to kill the clock. If the person is being active then it would be impossible to say what he is doing is stalling.

It is advised that if you wish to employ gripping techniques you should perform conditioning exercises that can help improve your grip. Squeezing an isometric rubber ball would be one example of an easy way you can develop your grip abilities. Even a few minutes per day can lead to a great improvement. 

Don’t allow gripping to be an overlooked component of your game. Putting the proper effort into developing your grip game could lead to many improvements in how you actually perform.  And you definitely want to improve. That is why you are training in the first place.

DON’T WAIT
CALL TODAY!

For Your FREE PRIVATE LESSON!
($65 Value)
978-745-8511
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.DWMMA.com

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA , provides the most realistic and practical fitness & self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:
Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA