A recap of our Sunday Gi class  Sunday we had a snow day and I had less students than normal, so we put on the gi's and went through a more traditional class, like the way I was taught with calisthenics, breakfalls, uchi-komi, technique lessons, newaza and randori. Some of the techniques we worked are highlighted in the videos below, however; some of the unique grips and techniques we practiced do not have videos available on youtube for study. Somethings you must learn in person.   Osoto Gari- Outside Reap  There aren't too many videos that feature a hopping Osoto gari, even though it is the most common version used in competition. This is a good example explaining why we hop and how it works.  Ouchi Gari-Inside Reap  to Ko-Uchi Gari  We trained these attacks done form a rear belt grip. With a rear grip this becomes a great setup for hip throws and it also makes it very hard for your opponent to step off your attacking leg.  Hip Throw   Japa...

 My friend and grappling master Vlad Koulikov invites you into his gym and shares a masterclass on the single leg takedown. 

Front Headlock Attacks  The majority of this class is focused on attacks, both standing and on the ground, originating from the front headlock. The front headlock (FHL) is one of the most controlling and adaptable grips. Anytime we can get within hand fighting range and we find our head above our opponents we should secure the FHL and immediately knockdown, takedown or look to submit our opponent.   Zangief  A classic Sambo throw. Best hit from the Russian arm tie. Like all sacrifice throws requires very little energy.    Python A very high percentage take down requiring little strength. Lands in the ideal position to attack with several chokes including the Darce, reverse arm triangle and the Guillotine.  Kandaly/100% A reverse full nelson, the Kandaly (shackles) technique is a flexible addition to the arsenals of all grapplers.  The Kandaly can be used as: defense from shots and the fireman's carry, as a reversal from the bottom or in combinatio...

Knowing what to Train in a Sea of Technique A Sports Science, Continuous Improvement, and Sambo based approach to martial arts training.  Other posts on this topic you may find useful: The 'Go and See' Coach   https://silavoli.substack.com/p/gemba-the-go-and-see-coach Athlete's and Coaches Fitness Guide   https://silavoli.substack.com/p/combat-sports-fitness-guidelines Ten Tips to Accelerate Your Black Belt   https://silavoli.substack.com/p/ten-tips-to-accelerate-your-black 'Coaches Only Practice' New England Combat 2013, A time and place to share our best techniques We are training for real: either for competition or for self-defense, so we must train with the proper attitude and mindset: we must remain determined and focused and we must train the way we want to perform! . Most athletes and coaches put average effort into too many things. To achieve the most you must ruthlessly eliminate: time, technique and protocol waste from your training. What's left, whe...

 Rolling Kimura  Today's newaza portion of class focused on a deep dive of the rolling Kimura. The rolling Kimura is an attack I have been using and teaching for over twenty years. Originally I learned to do it from the mount: get the mount, lock in a figure four grip, step over the head and roll over your shoulder to finish the lock from the guard position. I don't remember where I first learned that....or from whom (I can narrow it down to sometime in the late 1990's and from a Sambist, but I'm unsure who), but it was an unusual attack from the mount and a bit flashy, although I found it awkward to set up.  I didn't use it much, but I had had some success with it during live rolls when I was able to lock it up because the finishing mechanics are VERY strong; but mostly I saved it to teach at seminars.  Flash forward about ten years to 2011. The fight was the rematch between Frank Mir and Big Nog Antonio Nogueira, at UFC 140. I had met Big Nog in 1999 while he was ...

This weeks class does not feature any new throwing techniques; instead it   features some unique wrestling inspired Sambo techniques which truly it's hybrid nature by seamlessly blending gymnastic movements, attacks, defense and submission skills.  Sprawl and Drag  Single Leg to Straight Ankle Lock    Counter the Chest Wrap  Somersault Elbow Knot vs Low Shot  Class Syllabus    Round 1.  Boxing Warmup: Shuffling footwork and basic combos/defensive moves. 3:00 min  Round 2 . Boxing Warmup: Shuffling and Circling Footwork 3:00 min Round 3.  Defense Drill: Patty Cake Parry and Blocks  Round 4  Boxing Vectors and Dipping out Partner Drill: Alternate getting off-line and throwing combo at partner, dip out behind a long guard and defend. 3:00 min Round 5  Hand fighting. 3:00 min  Round 6.   Low High Low Drill. Single leg shot/Clinch/Single leg chain drill 3:00 min (1/4 Nelson Defense)  Drill: Knock ...