Category: DWMMA

The Art of Gripping in BJJ/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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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.

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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

Progression To Black Belt: What does it mean?

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There is a lot of questions regarding our newest saying written up above on the beam giving sturdy foundation to our building:  WE ARE A BLACK BELT SCHOOL.  What does that mean?  It means that it’s our mission, as martial arts instructors, and as leaders, to help you EARN that black belt.  It doesn’t mean that everybody who walks through that door will get a black belt.  It means that once you put that clean, bright, white belt on and step onto the mat–it is the beginning of a fantastic journey in the progression towards earning your black belt.

Now,  a black belt itself is nothing more than fabric placed upon your waste.  You wear your belt with pride and respect for martial arts, but the value of BEING a black belt is much more.  It is about knowledge, dedication, discipline, respect, commitment to martial arts and humbleness to know that even once you’ve reached that coveted black belt, your journey has just begun.

The lot of people who come in looking to take Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ, or even Krav Maga, don’t necessarily have earning their black belt as their driving force behind taking martial arts.  Some do it for fitness, self-defense or even just for fun.  Somewhere along the way, something clicks within them– that on top of all the great benefits of martial arts, there is a solemn driving force of transforming as a human being, intellectually and spiritually being in tune.   Of not getting your black belt but BEING a Black Belt.

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

Call Today For your FREE PRIVATE LESSON
($65 Value)

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CALL TODAY!
978-745-8511
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Mixed Martial Arts and It’s Benefits for Kids

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The list of benefits for children who practice mixed martial arts is incredible!    There are a lot of people who speculate that MMA/Mixed Martial Arts isn’t for kids based solely on what they see on UFC; however, the reality of mixed martial arts and children isn’t one geared towards fighting–but more of a way to give your child confidence.  There are a lot of strong positive applications for mixed martial arts that reaches far beyond learning self-defense or keeping your child physically active.

Here are a few examples of how Mixed Martial Arts/MMA has helped a few of our students….

One main value gained from children taking Mixed Martial Arts/MMA is the level on confidence that it instills within them.   At Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, we don’t force children to compete.  We do (however) have a few who like to compete and it’s a great confidence builder!  We have these four kids (ages ranging from 10-16)  who love to compete in NAGA (North American Grappling Association).  They have been written up in our local paper and it makes them feel good about their accomplishments.  It also teaches them that, win or lose, if they gave it their all–they should be proud of what they have achieved.  Being a sore loser isn’t an attribute in any of these kids.  They are humble in their achievements and gracious in the lesson learned from their defeats which makes them work even harder next time.  They set goals and work to achieve them.  Which is a huge thing for kid’s to learn:  goal setting.

There is a simple benefit from kid’s enrolled in mixed martial arts; it can improve the results in almost anything that you do in conjunction with their Mixed Martial Arts/MMA classes.  We have one teen, 15 years old, who is flourishing in school with A’s and B’s and this all started when he began his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ.

The Most IMPORTANT thing to stress is that our programs at DWMMA, Salem MA,  instills confidence in Children!  Whether it is performance in school or sports they have the confidence to perform to their fullest potential.   Or, if they were to encounter bullying or peer pressure–they have the confidence to make the best decisions to make you proud as a parent.

DON’T WAIT
CALL TODAY!
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

Why Train Krav Maga?/@DWMMA Salem MA

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Krav Maga (Massachusetts) is a system; some would argue a philosophy; that was born out of necessity.  After Israel gained it’s independence in 1948, Krav Maga’s founder Imi Lichtenfeld was asked to develop an unarmed combat system for the state’s new army.  He had a problem though–this army wasn’t like most armies…Instead of physically fit, gung ho, 18 year old recruits–the Israeli Army was comprised of recruits ages 15-55. Imi had to come up with a realistic defense system that would work for everybody. The system, now known as, Krav Maga, had to be:

  • Easy to learn
  •  Easy to perform
  • Easy to remember under stress
  • Must work from an unprepared position.

Lucky for us, these same prerequisites apply to teaching self-defense in Salem Ma today.  At Dragon Within Martial Arts, you’ll learn  that the system is:

  • Instinctual – rather than fighting your natural instincts, we’ll show you how Krav Maga Salem Mass, uses those instincts to your advantage.
  • It is an integrated system – ideas like “redirect” the “pluck, which you’ll see in almost every class, are a few basic tools that are used over and over again. With fewer tools, it’s easier to remember.
  • Krav Maga teaches you to defend and attack simultaneously, switching the balance of power to your favor.  It’s faster and it also prevents us from mentally falling into a “victim mentality”.
  • You’ll see that Krav Maga teaches aggressiveness – this brings our training alive and in a real self-defense situation will neutralize the attacker more quickly.
  • You’ll also see that we test our responses under stress – multiple attackers, from multiple directions.  You fight how you train.   How you respond in the gym is how you respond in the street.

While these are principles that were used to construct the system, there is only one “rule” in Krav maga: rules create limitations.  A street fight is not sport fighting.  The one rule… go home safely.

But enough reading about Krav Maga, come down to the academy to try it out!

Learn Self-Defense, Gain Confidence and Get in Great Shape. Discover how anyone can Train and Enjoy Krav Maga Salem MA,  regardless of your Age, Fitness level or Experience.

Check out our Website
www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your
FREE PRIVATE LESSON!
($65 Value)
978-745-8511

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

Learn to KICK ASS, With Krav Maga, Salem MA

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There are many benefits to training in Krav Maga, Salem Massachusetts.  You learn real-life self-defense techniques, and get in great shape at the same time.  The experience of a krav maga class is different from any other style.

What makes Krav Maga Massachusetts different from other styles in the intensity of the training.  It is non-stop action that gets your adrenaline pumping, and challenges you both physically and mentally.  so, you will not only build muscle and strength, you will also sharpen you mind and senses.

The classes are designed this way not just for the excitement and entertainment value.  The philosophy behind the training methods is that in order to really be able to perform in a street fight, self-defense, situation–you have to train yourself to deal with the adrenaline and stress that comes with it.

Krav Maga trains you to deal with stress, fight under pressure, and deal with even the most unexpected attack. There is not other style that can duplicate the skills that you develop in Krav Maga MA.  So, if you would like to REALLY learn how to defend yourself in any situation, get yourself into Krav Maga ASAP!

Learn Self-Defense, Gain Confidence and Get in Great Shape. Discover how anyone can Train and Enjoy Krav Maga Salem MA,  regardless of your Age, Fitness level or Experience.

Check out our Website
www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your
FREE PRIVATE LESSON!
($65 Value)
978-745-8511

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

Krav Maga And Fitness

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Is Krav Maga just for self-defense?

Although Krav Maga was designed for street self-defense and hand-to-hand combat, today it is becoming a popular way to stay in shape. Krav Maga, the  martial art of the Israeli army, has been used for the training regimen of choice of many of Hollywood’s top stars such as: Ashton Kutcher, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez— and now, it’s coming to Salem Mass, so it’s available for you too.

People who train in Krav Maga aren’t just learning practical self-defense skills to be able to protect themselves in any situation–they are losing weight, they are gaining confidence and they are getting healthy in a fun way.

So what about Krav Maga?

Krav Maga is an incredibly functional, realistic form of self-defense, however its added benefits are beneficial for anybody looking to get in shape with an awesome cardio workout and toned functional muscles.  It will help build your mental health with personal empowerment, balance and confidence that you will be able to stay safe in virtually any situation.  Although, the art of Krav Maga isn’t necessarily designed for these benefits alone; they are by products.  The principals behind Krav Maga is to be able to fight while fatigued during combat or a street altercation.   You must be able to push yourself to your limits and beyond.  With that as a building block to Krav Maga; needless to say,  the class will be intense exercise.

Krav Maga is:

Simplicity– It is designed for people to learn the techniques quickly because they are based on natural body movements.  This makes it simple for anybody to learn and enjoy the benefits.

Aggressiveness– In a real life self-defense situation; you need explosive power, and aggressiveness!  The curriculum of Krav Maga, the intensity and aggressiveness of the martial art alone translates into burning lots of calories fast.

Fun- With regular exercises, it’s easy to get bored with your same old work out regime.  Krav Maga is a fast-paced, fun and interesting way to stay in shape and alter your body and mind for the better.

For more Information on Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts or Krav Maga North Shore MA
Check out our Website
www.DWMMA.com

30-DAYs FREE!!!

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978-745-8511

Dragon Within Mixed 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

Why Train Mixed Martial Arts/MMA at DWMMA

On By Forged Bjj Krav MagaIn DWMMA, Fitness, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA1 Comment

Why Mixed Martial Arts?  What are the benefits of MMA/Mixed Martial Arts training and why is it more effective than traditional martial arts?  Success in Mixed Martial Arts/MMA lies in adapting many styles.  While each martial art has its attributes– it has its gaps as well.  By cross training in different arts, as you do with MMA/Mixed Martial Arts, you fill yourself with more knowledge of different self-defense skills that make for a more well-rounded defense system.

Cross training in different arts that compliment each other can be extremely beneficial to the practitioner by making your self-defense techniques more realistic and practical by filling the gaps that you encounter in each art.  This is why Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) is such an effective “fighting style”.  The definition of Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) isn’t the training of particular martial arts, or even necessarily to become a UFC fighter, like our former BJJ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA Mixed Martial Arts mentor, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian–it’s a combination of many arts such as: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate, Judo, Wrestling, and Western Boxing.  Our goal, at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, is to offer you the most realistic, and functional self-defense training around and with cross training in different martial arts, you will be confident that you will be able to defend yourself in virtually ANY situation.

Check out UFC 136 This Saturday October 8th to see our Former BJJ/MMA Mentor Kenny Florian vs Jose Aldo

Want to train Mixed Martial Arts/MMA  or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ Like Kenny Florian?

DWMMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Salem Mass– we take the most effective combat techniques from styles such as Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Judo, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Western Boxing. The blending of all these arts is what creates a unique fighting system. Most MMA/Mixed Martial Arts  gyms and programs are geared toward the fighters. Our unique approach makes this high-level training safe and fun for students of all ages and interest levels!

Learn Self-Defense, Gain Confidence and Get in Great Shape. Discover how anyone can Train and Enjoy (MMA) Mixed Martial Arts Salem MA,  regardless of your Age, Fitness level or Experience.

Check out our Website
www.DWMMA.com

30-DAYs FREE!!!

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your 30 DAYS FREE!
978-745-8511

Dragon Within Mixed 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

Serious Self-Defense, Serious Fitness — Krav Maga Comes to Salem Mass

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What do Hilary Swank, Ashton Kutcher and Angelina Jolie have in common? Why, they all study Krav Maga (pronounced krahv muh-GAH), of course. Celebrities and serious fitness enthusiasts alike have embraced Krav Maga, an Israeli style of self-defense, as a fun, safe and effective alternative to fitness classes and gym routines. Starting on November 7th, 2011, you won’t have to go to Hollywood (or Israel) to learn it – Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts (DWMMA) in Salem Massachusetts, the Northshore’s premier martial arts academy is bringing Krav Maga to Salem Ma. Dennis Cregier, Owner and Head Instructor of DWMMA, is pleased to offer this opportunity to Northshore residents: “whether it’s self-defense or fitness, we strive to offer the best quality martial arts training to help our student’s achieve their personal goals.” Developed by the Israeli Defense Forces and translated as “contact combat”, Krav Maga has long been renowned as a complete, extremely effective, self-defense system. Emphasizing, both offensive and defense techniques, Krav Maga teaches students both self-defense techniques as well as situational awareness – that is, recognizing and avoiding a potentially dangerous situation before it turns violent. In addition to the no-nonsense approach to self-defense, Krav Maga is a fun way to get seriously fit. Using rigorous calisthenics, punching bags and other boxing equipment, Krav Maga works different muscle groups every training session. With a varied workout, students will build muscle and shed pounds quickly, but remain challenged and engaged as they progress.

To learn more about Krav Maga or any of our Other programs we offer here at DWMMA; we are hosting a FREE Krav Maga workshop for those who preregister and Open House on
November 4th from 5-9pm.
 ALL ARE WELCOME!
If you are not sure if Krav Maga is for you, Cregier invites you to try it out for yourself: “through this workshop, we want to give the community an opportunity to really see what Krav Maga and DWMMA is all about. We’ll have live demonstrations, an hour-long hands-on workshop and personal consultations with instructors… not to mention free food and drinks as well.*” Krav Maga classes begin on November 7th and will be offered on Monday through Thursday at DWMMA’s 11 Franklin Street location.

For more information
visit our website www.dwmma.com
978-745-8511

30-DAYs FREE!!!

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your 30 DAYS FREE!
978-745-8511
 Dragon Within Mixed 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

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and It’s Relevence to the Street

On By Forged Bjj Krav MagaIn BJJ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, DWMMA, DWMMA - Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, FitnessLeave a comment

There are many different reasons for training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any type of martial arts–whether it’s for fitness, confidence, self-defense, competition or self-expression; each individual starts for his or her own reason.  Whatever it may be the motivates you to practice martial arts; I believe that deep down inside, everybody would like to feel that they could defend themselves if they had to.  Self-defense is one of the deepest roots and traditions of martial arts. 

So, how could practicing an art like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where no strikes are involved, teach you how to defend yourself in a situation where there are no rules?
The benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ, lie in the nature of the training and the aliveness of the art.  A skilled practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ, is used to feeling the pressure of an opponent, comfortable in physically stressful situations and can manipulate somebody else’s energy.

The sheer adrenaline and stress of a street altercation can be very shocking to your system as you undergo the “fight or flight” response.   I belive that after training and understanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ, you will be able to maintain your composure and quick thinking in the high stress situation of a street fight, because it sharpens the body and the mind a very unique way.

 

Learn Self-Defense, Gain Confidence and Get in Great Shape. Discover how anyone can Train and Enjoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ,  regardless of your Age, Fitness level or Experience Level.

Coming Soon To DWMMA
Krav MAGA!
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Check out our Website
www.DWMMA.com

30-DAYs FREE!!!

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your 30 DAYS FREE!
978-745-8511     

Dragon Within Mixed 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

Balancing Life with Martial Arts Training/@DWMMA

On By Forged Bjj Krav MagaIn BJJ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, DWMMA, DWMMA - Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Events, Fitness, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, Uncategorized2 Comments

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

When you start training in martial arts such as: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/BJJ, Thai Kickboxing, Filipino Jiu-Jitsu or Mixed Martial Arts/MMA; two very important things are commitment and dedication. You have to be committed to putting the time in to earn your black belt, and stay dedicated to your training week after week.
With the hectic pace of life today, many practitioners run into problems when “life gets in the way”. In order to reap the most benefits from your training, one must have balance of the responsibilities of everyday life and a healthy training regimen.
When day-to-day affairs feel overwhelming; remember that your martial arts training is very important because it gives you the strength to deal with your problems and also alleviates the stress and tension created from life.  So, when life seems too busy, the last thing you want to do is let your training go wayside.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

30-DAYs FREE!!!

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your 30 DAYS FREE!

978-745-8511

Dragon Within Mixed 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