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Jiu-jitsu Sensei
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This blog is to record my many training and teaching experiences in the martial arts. I run my own Can-ryu Jiu-jitsu dojo, but I also do extra curricular training in other martial arts to keep my skills sharp and to add to my knowledge of the arts. M
Recent Posts Tagged With 'Technique'
Kiai: What It's For & How to Do It
The kiai is used on our dojo fairly regularly. We use it during breakfalls, in Jiu-jitsu circles, during tests, etc. Students are often confused about how to do a kiai so hopefully this blog will cl...
How to Use a Speed Bag Properly
Before I started using the speed bag, I didn't really get what it was for. Since I started doing more boxing training, I've discovered that it's a fascinating little piece of equipment with a variety...
Picky, Picky: My Approach to Teaching Novice Students
When I get new students, I pay very close attention to their form and technique for the first few months. I constantly make corrections to the point where it can be frustrating for them. There are a...
Martial Arts Training While Mute
Today, I did an interesting little experiment with my class. When we came to practice our hold escapes, I told everyone that for tonight's class, talking would not be allowed amongst the students. I...
Let Us Not Forget Our Roots
Yesterday I participated in the Jiu-jitsu BC Society's quarterly technical seminar, led by Shihan Michael Seamark from Sadhana Dojo in Vancouver and Sensei Ari Bolden from the Victoria Jiu-jitsu Acade...
Learning by Teaching
I've often heard people complain about being required to teach as a part of their training towards black belt. Many dojos require a year of service as an apprentice instructor before a student will b...
5 Tips for Your Next Belt Test
Some of my students are currently preparing for their upcoming belt tests. They are coming in to class early and diligently preparing so they'll do their best when the time comes.Here are a few tips ...
Defending Yourself When Your Hands are Tied
Having learned a few funky moves from the Shorinjikan guys over the past couple of weeks, last night I was feeling experimental and decided to do a class entirely devoted to defending yourself when yo...
Thoughts on Curriculum
Back when I was a colour belt going through the ranks, it used to frustrate me when the curriculum was changed. It would be set in my mind what I needed to learn then all of a sudden things change an...
How a Blindfold Can Help Solidify Your Jiu-jitsu Technique
A former student of mine drifted in and out of town recently, finding his way back on to my mats for a couple of weeks. Because he is a brown belt in another style of Jiu-jitsu, I took the opportunit...
Going Off the Beaten Track of Curriculum Training
I am a firm believer in having a set curriculum to guide students through their development in a martial art. A good curriculum is well-rounded and strategically builds a student’s skills in the lo...
Improving Throws and Takedowns Using the Triangle of Balance
Oftentimes, students have trouble getting a throw or takedown to work. Ninety percent of the time, the problem they're having can be worked out using a teaching tool I use called, "The Triangle of Bal...
Jiu-jitsu in High Heels and a Skirt
Ok. This video really impresses me. Not only was this woman (Miss May Whitley) a pioneer in that she was learning a martial art in the 30s, she also performs this self-defense technique demonstratio...
Playing Without a Queen: Bridging the Size Advantage Gap
There's no doubt about it. I'm small. I stand 5'4" tall and weigh about 130 lbs. With the martial arts being a male-dominated realm, I've had to deal with numerous difficulties related to my lack o...
The Truth about Board Breaking
John, one of my old training buddies who has a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo, used to tell me that the trick of breaking a 1" pine board with a strike is one of biggest secrets of the martial art...
Martial Arts Training with an Injury
Oftentimes when a martial arts student gets an injury, whether it’s as a result of training or from some other activity, they stop training entirely while they recover. When one of my Jiu-jitsu stu...