Sep 2011
September Newsletter - What's New at MAGIC BJJ
09/11/11 15:51
September 2011
Magic BJJ is 1½ years old this month, and in anticipation of the new students coming to MSU (and hopefully to Magic BJJ as well) a number of changes and improvements are coming to our school. One of the most obvious changes will be the introduction of a more traditional martial arts feel to the beginning and end of classes. However, we hope to maintain the same open, supportive, and flexible atmosphere that has attracted so many of us to Magic BJJ.
One important change will be an enhanced effort to keep everyone informed on all the different activities involving both our school and our individual members. This is our first newsletter, so I am just trying out some ideas. I am open to any suggestions (within reason) on layout, content, stories … whatever. The plan is to have something that keeps people updated on what is happening at Magic BJJ, and the events and tournaments that we are looking ahead to as a school. I encourage everyone to regularly send me information and updates that can be included in the next newsletter.
Promotions
Following Mark Kelland’s strong showing at the Jackson tournament, with Tyrone Gooden as referee for all 3 matches, Tyrone suggested that Mark was ready for his blue belt. After a sneaky surprise testing, complete with running the gauntlet during a regular class, Mark received his blue belt from Matt and Corey. If you don’t know, Tyrone is the black belt we train under, and he discusses all promotions with Matt before they are approved.
Friendly Local Competition
As many of you know, we have now had several open rolls on Sunday evenings with Lansing Jiu Jitsu. They have joined us twice, and we have visited their school twice. They are a great group of BJJ competitors, and the “competition” has been fun and offered a wonderful opportunity to learn. Lansing Jiu Jitsu is a Gracie school, so their style is a little different. It’s a great way to prepare for a tournament, since you get to roll with people whose style and personal game isn’t something you’re used to seeing. It’s also a great way to simply improve all aspects of your BJJ game. Please try to join us the next time we roll with them. Keep an eye on the Magic BJJ Facebook page for updates and scheduling.
Recent Tournaments
Buckeye Border – We had six competitors in Ohio (Matt, Nick, Brad, Bill, Javier, and Mark), several competing in both BJJ and submission wrestling. One match featured two of our own students against each other. The result was a 0-0 draw, but Javier pulled out the victory on an advantage point. It was a great venue, and a well-run tournament, so definitely keep this one in mind for next year. It was Brad’s first competition with the Magic BJJ team, Mark’s first competition since getting his blue belt, and Bill won a gold medal. Congratulations to everyone who competed for a good showing at this tournament by the Magic BJJ team.
Target Martial Arts Tournament – At a friendly, training meet between Machado schools in the region we had five competitors (Matt, Amy J., Javier, Eric, Mark). The meet was round-robin, open adult, and after taking gold in the women’s group Amy Jentz also competed in the men’s group. It was an awesome day for her. Mark went the distance but lost on points to two young guns (one of them less than half his age), and then won 3rd place with his first submission win (eater choke).
Injuries
Yes, they are inevitable, but we do all we can to minimize them. The Machado credo, “Leave your ego at the door,” goes both ways. If you are in danger, don’t hesitate to tap. If you are putting your opponent in danger, approach the submission slowly and with control. We all want to feel good and be ready to go in our next class. So, when someone is hurting, or coming back carefully from an injury, go as easy as they ask you to. And always feel free to ask your opponent in the gym to go easy with you. Remember, sooner or later, you’ll be the one who is hurting, and you will want the same consideration from them. That said… Tracy has been rolling again following her knee injury, and it’s great to have her back. Amy L. has been cleared to return as soon as she gets her knee brace, and we certainly look forward to her return. Robert is back teaching Yoga following his knee surgery. If you haven’t tried his Yoga class, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Things Our Students and Instructors are Doing
Mike Mahaffey is preparing the Kid’s Karate class for testing in September. Some of the kids will be receiving their yellow belts in Pukang Tang Soo Do.
Mark Kelland taught cane and wheelchair self-defense this summer for the Capital Area Center for Independent Living (at Peckham, where Mike happens to work).
Corey Ottgen has been guest teaching wrestling and no-gi in Brighton and Coldwater.
Upcoming Tournaments
E.F..G. – Sept. 17th – Warren, MI (www.freewebs.com/elitefederationofgrapplers)
Michigan Open – Oct. 1st – Waterford, MI (www.usabjjtournaments.com)
August Thoughts – Private Lessons (by Mark Kelland)
When might you consider taking a private lesson? The first question you need to ask yourself is, “What do I want to get out of my private lesson?” This can be a tricky question. If you are new to BJJ, you may not have enough experience to know what you need to work on. Consider factors such as these: am I getting ready for a tournament, is there a bad position I keep finding myself in, is there a good position I get to but I can’t finish my opponents from there…? As just one example of approaching the decision on when and why one might benefit from a private lesson, I would like to share my experiences.
As I approached my first tournament, I was particularly concerned about getting from the standing position down to the mat without simply getting hammered by a superior opponent. I had the added concern of my two artificial hips. I asked Matt for a private lesson, and told him about my concerns. Matt prepared for our private lesson by asking for advice from one of the black belts he was training with at the time. Matt and I then worked on several options for handling the beginning of a competition match on the feet. I survived my first tournament, and I was able to implement some of the techniques we had worked on.
Shortly before my second tournament Corey taught a very interesting class on half-guard techniques. I was often finding myself in half-guard since I’m not that quick, so I took my second private with Corey to work on my half-guard game. We also worked on some more stand-up skills, which Corey does a lot of in his wrestling/no-gi classes. Once again, to the best of my ability I was able to use some of what he taught me in the tournament.
As my third tournament approached I realized that I was often being taken down by quicker, stronger opponents. I wanted to review my previous private lesson with Corey, so I split a private lesson between reviewing what we had done previously and adding some special techniques for defense when on the bottom under small package. That lesson has proved to be one of the most valuable classes I have taken.
So, along comes the next tournament, and I wanted to keep the trend going. However, I also wanted to go back to Matt out of respect for the head of the school. But…lessons with Corey were really clicking for me. So, I asked if I could split a private between Corey and Matt, which thankfully they were willing to do for me. I reviewed material with Corey, but tried something new with Matt. I told Matt that he had known me long enough, so this time I wanted him to decide what my game was lacking and then work with me on those techniques he felt I needed to emphasize when rolling. One of the key techniques that Matt emphasized in that lesson was using the gi as a tool when rolling. I don’t do it often, but it has provided amazing results when I have used the gi against my opponent successfully.
For my most recent private lesson I asked Mike Mahaffey to review the blue belt list for my anticipated blue belt test, and I needed to work on knee and ankle submissions. I thought I would be doing Mike a small favor, since he is approaching his purple belt test in the not too distant future and it would be to his benefit to review that material as well.
So during my year and a half of BJJ I have used private lessons to prepare for tournaments, to further develop techniques which I like to use, to strengthen my defensive game where I need it most, and to provide our purple belts, both Matt and Corey, to tell me what they think I need to develop. Yes, it gets a little expensive to do it on a whim. But when you consider the effort and cost of a tournament, and the challenge of achieving major promotions, the added expense of an occasional private lesson is a good investment in your BJJ future.
Leave your ego at the door!
©2011 by Magic BJJ
Newsletter written by Mark Kelland
Magic BJJ is 1½ years old this month, and in anticipation of the new students coming to MSU (and hopefully to Magic BJJ as well) a number of changes and improvements are coming to our school. One of the most obvious changes will be the introduction of a more traditional martial arts feel to the beginning and end of classes. However, we hope to maintain the same open, supportive, and flexible atmosphere that has attracted so many of us to Magic BJJ.
One important change will be an enhanced effort to keep everyone informed on all the different activities involving both our school and our individual members. This is our first newsletter, so I am just trying out some ideas. I am open to any suggestions (within reason) on layout, content, stories … whatever. The plan is to have something that keeps people updated on what is happening at Magic BJJ, and the events and tournaments that we are looking ahead to as a school. I encourage everyone to regularly send me information and updates that can be included in the next newsletter.
Promotions
Following Mark Kelland’s strong showing at the Jackson tournament, with Tyrone Gooden as referee for all 3 matches, Tyrone suggested that Mark was ready for his blue belt. After a sneaky surprise testing, complete with running the gauntlet during a regular class, Mark received his blue belt from Matt and Corey. If you don’t know, Tyrone is the black belt we train under, and he discusses all promotions with Matt before they are approved.
Friendly Local Competition
As many of you know, we have now had several open rolls on Sunday evenings with Lansing Jiu Jitsu. They have joined us twice, and we have visited their school twice. They are a great group of BJJ competitors, and the “competition” has been fun and offered a wonderful opportunity to learn. Lansing Jiu Jitsu is a Gracie school, so their style is a little different. It’s a great way to prepare for a tournament, since you get to roll with people whose style and personal game isn’t something you’re used to seeing. It’s also a great way to simply improve all aspects of your BJJ game. Please try to join us the next time we roll with them. Keep an eye on the Magic BJJ Facebook page for updates and scheduling.
Recent Tournaments
Buckeye Border – We had six competitors in Ohio (Matt, Nick, Brad, Bill, Javier, and Mark), several competing in both BJJ and submission wrestling. One match featured two of our own students against each other. The result was a 0-0 draw, but Javier pulled out the victory on an advantage point. It was a great venue, and a well-run tournament, so definitely keep this one in mind for next year. It was Brad’s first competition with the Magic BJJ team, Mark’s first competition since getting his blue belt, and Bill won a gold medal. Congratulations to everyone who competed for a good showing at this tournament by the Magic BJJ team.
Target Martial Arts Tournament – At a friendly, training meet between Machado schools in the region we had five competitors (Matt, Amy J., Javier, Eric, Mark). The meet was round-robin, open adult, and after taking gold in the women’s group Amy Jentz also competed in the men’s group. It was an awesome day for her. Mark went the distance but lost on points to two young guns (one of them less than half his age), and then won 3rd place with his first submission win (eater choke).
Injuries
Yes, they are inevitable, but we do all we can to minimize them. The Machado credo, “Leave your ego at the door,” goes both ways. If you are in danger, don’t hesitate to tap. If you are putting your opponent in danger, approach the submission slowly and with control. We all want to feel good and be ready to go in our next class. So, when someone is hurting, or coming back carefully from an injury, go as easy as they ask you to. And always feel free to ask your opponent in the gym to go easy with you. Remember, sooner or later, you’ll be the one who is hurting, and you will want the same consideration from them. That said… Tracy has been rolling again following her knee injury, and it’s great to have her back. Amy L. has been cleared to return as soon as she gets her knee brace, and we certainly look forward to her return. Robert is back teaching Yoga following his knee surgery. If you haven’t tried his Yoga class, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Things Our Students and Instructors are Doing
Mike Mahaffey is preparing the Kid’s Karate class for testing in September. Some of the kids will be receiving their yellow belts in Pukang Tang Soo Do.
Mark Kelland taught cane and wheelchair self-defense this summer for the Capital Area Center for Independent Living (at Peckham, where Mike happens to work).
Corey Ottgen has been guest teaching wrestling and no-gi in Brighton and Coldwater.
Upcoming Tournaments
E.F..G. – Sept. 17th – Warren, MI (www.freewebs.com/elitefederationofgrapplers)
Michigan Open – Oct. 1st – Waterford, MI (www.usabjjtournaments.com)
August Thoughts – Private Lessons (by Mark Kelland)
When might you consider taking a private lesson? The first question you need to ask yourself is, “What do I want to get out of my private lesson?” This can be a tricky question. If you are new to BJJ, you may not have enough experience to know what you need to work on. Consider factors such as these: am I getting ready for a tournament, is there a bad position I keep finding myself in, is there a good position I get to but I can’t finish my opponents from there…? As just one example of approaching the decision on when and why one might benefit from a private lesson, I would like to share my experiences.
As I approached my first tournament, I was particularly concerned about getting from the standing position down to the mat without simply getting hammered by a superior opponent. I had the added concern of my two artificial hips. I asked Matt for a private lesson, and told him about my concerns. Matt prepared for our private lesson by asking for advice from one of the black belts he was training with at the time. Matt and I then worked on several options for handling the beginning of a competition match on the feet. I survived my first tournament, and I was able to implement some of the techniques we had worked on.
Shortly before my second tournament Corey taught a very interesting class on half-guard techniques. I was often finding myself in half-guard since I’m not that quick, so I took my second private with Corey to work on my half-guard game. We also worked on some more stand-up skills, which Corey does a lot of in his wrestling/no-gi classes. Once again, to the best of my ability I was able to use some of what he taught me in the tournament.
As my third tournament approached I realized that I was often being taken down by quicker, stronger opponents. I wanted to review my previous private lesson with Corey, so I split a private lesson between reviewing what we had done previously and adding some special techniques for defense when on the bottom under small package. That lesson has proved to be one of the most valuable classes I have taken.
So, along comes the next tournament, and I wanted to keep the trend going. However, I also wanted to go back to Matt out of respect for the head of the school. But…lessons with Corey were really clicking for me. So, I asked if I could split a private between Corey and Matt, which thankfully they were willing to do for me. I reviewed material with Corey, but tried something new with Matt. I told Matt that he had known me long enough, so this time I wanted him to decide what my game was lacking and then work with me on those techniques he felt I needed to emphasize when rolling. One of the key techniques that Matt emphasized in that lesson was using the gi as a tool when rolling. I don’t do it often, but it has provided amazing results when I have used the gi against my opponent successfully.
For my most recent private lesson I asked Mike Mahaffey to review the blue belt list for my anticipated blue belt test, and I needed to work on knee and ankle submissions. I thought I would be doing Mike a small favor, since he is approaching his purple belt test in the not too distant future and it would be to his benefit to review that material as well.
So during my year and a half of BJJ I have used private lessons to prepare for tournaments, to further develop techniques which I like to use, to strengthen my defensive game where I need it most, and to provide our purple belts, both Matt and Corey, to tell me what they think I need to develop. Yes, it gets a little expensive to do it on a whim. But when you consider the effort and cost of a tournament, and the challenge of achieving major promotions, the added expense of an occasional private lesson is a good investment in your BJJ future.
Leave your ego at the door!
©2011 by Magic BJJ
Newsletter written by Mark Kelland