Category: Self Defense

The Unique Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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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!

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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 MA, Swampscott MA, Nahant MA

The Martial Arts Child… Back to School!

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Having children in Martial Arts programs helps them in many less obvious ways. They are learning social mores and goal setting, in some cases before they even step into elementary school. Here at Dragon Within Martial Arts we believe one of the that the most central aspects of martial arts is Self-Discipline. Children engage in both mind and body during class. They learn listening, self esteem, and teamwork skills. Helping them to develop in these areas, has a direct effect on their confidence, fitness, and they are able to navigate though other parts of their world.  Their behavior in school improves, their concentration, respect and ability to cooperate improves, making for a happier, healthier academic experience. 

The best part is, ITS FUN! They are learning and growing all the while absolutely engaged and enjoying themselves. Some of the topics that we tackle throughout the year include, Handling Bully situations, Respecting others, having a positive attitude and being assertive. 

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

Or Visit our Website
www.DWMMA.com

Knowing self-defense empowers your child 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:
Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA, Swampscott MA, Nahant MA

Is Your Child Bully Proof?

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Martial Arts Benefits Adults

Teach your child the skills they need to effectively handle a bully situation, or what they can do if they witness bullying activity. At this workshop, we will be teaching children real life situations that occur, and broaden their awareness of what bullying actually is. We will be helping your child understand the 5 basic rules of engagement with a Bully, so they can become Bully Proof kids!

1) Try to AVOID the situation or conflict all together.

2) If being verbally assulted, Try to TALK it through and go and TELL an authority figure, like a teacher or parent

3) If being physically assaulted, DEFEND yourself

4) DO NOT strike a Bully back

5) Establish CONTROL, and NEGOTIATE

Don’t Wait!
Call Today to sign up!
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:
Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

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

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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

The 5 Cornerstones of Krav Maga

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ImageLearning the Krav Maga technique requires total physical commitment as well as mental toughness that can carry you through challenges of all kinds. In the past 75 years, much has changed since Imi Lichtenfeld first fought for his neighborhood in Slovakia. However, several cornerstones of the technique have held firm. Every Krav Maga fighter of the past and present has learned to approach each of these elements with complete focus.

  1. Self-defense. The key is not meeting strength with strength in Krav Maga. Instead, you are taught to look for weaknesses in a typically larger opponent. Trading blows is inadvisable and dangerous under the circumstances. Try to hit in the throat, the groin or the eyes to put an aggressor on the defensive. You need to be precise when going after these targets or you will be faced with a secondary attack.
  1. Offense. Defense stops the attack of an assailant. You block a punch; stop a kick; deflect a tackle; or avoid a chase. Once you are in the clear, you need to make sure your attacker can’t lodge another assault. React swiftly and pummel your opponent into submission. Unless you move quickly and inflict damage, you are putting yourself in further danger. In Krav Maga, the best defense is a good offense.
  1. Disarming assailants. Taking weapons from opponents is essential to preservation. You might be threatened with knives, guns, bats, chains, sticks, swords or any number of terrifying objects in the course of your defense. Devise a technique with teachers to respond to the deployment of any weapon imaginable. While military operations require this skill, it is useful for civilian defense as well.
  1. Fighting with supreme confidence. Stepping into a sea of enemies and emerging in sound health is a feat that requires the ultimate concentration and supreme confidence. Krav Maga black belts are known for fearlessness and power in the face of high danger. Prepare mentally for the greatest challenges a human being can face and you will be ready to confront the most fearsome challenges that come your way.
  1. Achieving the highest level of stamina. In a fight to the death or during flight from menacing forces, the utmost in stamina is required of Krav Maga masters. As you progress through the different levels of skill, push yourself to train at levels of strength and endurance you never thought possible. Becoming a master at this self-defense technique requires a total physical commitment. There is no telling what type of endurance may be required of a fighter with his back against the wall.

The locations and the type of fighting have changed since Lichtenfeld honed his warrior technique in Bratislava. What hasn’t changed is the fearlessness with which a Krav Maga fighter must approach combat on a daily basis. Keeping your cool and moving from defense to decisive offense is the only way to make a foe submit. Learn from your masters how to become the state-of-the-art fighter you can be with Krav Maga.

Strength in One Workshop

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Hey Everybody

I just wanted to thank everybody who participated in our Strength in One Women’s Self-defense workshop.  We had a great turn out!  Everybody can benefit from knowing how to properly defend themselves from an attacker, and I’m glad you chose us to help you learn these vital techniques!  All the proceeds from this workshop went to HAWC in Salem so I also wanted to thank you all for your support of such a great cause!

Strength in One – Women’s Self Defense Workshop

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DWMMA will be holding its first Strength in One – Women’s Self Defense Workshop Sunday, February 13th 10am to 12.

 

Women ages 13 yrs old and older are invited for $30 a person.  All proceeds will be donated to HAWK in Salem MA.

 

Reserve your space TODAY at DWMMA located at 11 Franklin Street, Salem MA

Space is reserved when payment is collected. Payments can be made at the front desk of DWMMA.

 

DWMMA is also accepting donations for HAWK.

Happy Holidays

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Have you brought in your  toys for the Toys for Tots Drive?

Please help DWMMA bring a smile to a child’s face this Holiday season.  Toys for Tots Drive will be ending this Friday, Dec.17th.

Just a reminder about closings for DWMMA:

CLOSED Thursday, Dec.23rd until Saturday, Dec.25th. Classes will resume as schuduled Monday, Dec.27th

CLOSED Thursday, Dec.30th until Saturday, Jan.1st. Classes will resume as scheduled Monday, Jan.3rd