Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Martial Arts, Reality Versus Fallacy

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness · Mar 8, 2018 ·

Jim Carrey humorously demonstrates the problem with some martial arts and self defense… the lack of a reality basis.

At Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness, we only train what works against a resisting opponent that is trying to beat you.

We don’t train based on tradition being passed down since the days of feudal Japan. A lot has changed since that time!

The advantage of this approach is that it works when you use it… but probably more interesting is that it requires the practitioner to challenge themselves mentally and physically to overcome the obstacles that will be placed in front of you.

Developing yourself physically and mentally, developing grit and perseverance that allows each person to become more successful both on and off the mats.

Interested in trying out a first Free Class for yourself or your child in Texarkana?

Send us an email or call us and we’ll set it up for you!

No experience necessary and all fitness levels welcome. You do not have to be in shape to start, we’ll help you take care of that!

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness

903-793-1085

Adults – We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Cardio Kickboxing, and Yoga classes.

Kids – We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids age 4 and up.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Self Defense?

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness · Feb 16, 2018 ·

“Can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu work in a street fight?”

It depends. Great answer, I know!

What does it depend upon?

It depends on the situation and the practitioner.

The best approach is to not fight and leave if at all possible.

Unfortunately, in some cases this won’t be possible.

It might be that the person is cornered or in a situation where they need to protect others like friends or family.

In this case, you have to fight.

It also might be that the other person(s) grab you.

In this case, you no longer have the ability to leave/run… so you’ll have to engage to some degree.

In this case, you may be able to use grappling/BJJ to disengage and then leave the situation.

Stuck in the grappling range without this ability means you are in very serious trouble.

This is part of the problem with the ‘BJJ is useless against multiple opponents’ idea.

Anyone against multiple opponents is in greater trouble.

It doesn’t matter what art you train.

Yes I know there’s a youtube video showing a boxer taking out multiple opponents.

It can happen.

It also might go really wrong if one of the opponents grabs the boxer (or non-boxer).

See Art Jimmerson, a skilled boxer, against Royce Gracie in UFC 1.

Art was helpless against Royce in the grappling range… so were his other opponents who had no significant grappling ability.

No one should want to be too entangled on the ground in a fight, especially if there is a possibility of someone else jumping in.

Here’s an interesting question…

Why is it always assumed that BJJ practitioners have no friends around, but the street fighting guy is part of some gang of brothers or something?

I don’t think that training BJJ means you’re always alone and friendless.

Anyway, it’s not really relevant to the question.

Most opponents will be completely lost in the grappling range.

They will be out of position and essentially drowning on land.

They will be very frightened as they realize this.

They will also become tired very, very quickly.

This is due to several things…

⦁ they have no idea what is going on,
⦁ they get a massive brief adrenaline dump,
⦁ they are very likely way out of shape playing the averages,
⦁ if if they are not out of shape for general society – they will be out of grappling shape if they have not been training regularly. They will very likely have no sport specific endurance/conditioning…
⦁ and if they do because they train BJJ, you had better know what you’re doing.

**I can assure you this is true.**

I have trained for 22+ years and own a school. I have seen this countless times.

The people coming in to train experience this the first time they ‘spar‘ even in a very safe and friendly situation on mats.

In a situation where they will be taken down to the ground quickly landing on very likely a bad surface and not know how to fall – it will be much worse.

Virtually everyone has some sense of throwing a strike.

Even a pure sport BJJ guy/girl.

As mentioned above, virtually no one knows what to do in a grappling situation.

As soon as someone is taken down (with the landing possibly ending the fight right there), the BJJ practitioned does not have to have great striking skills to strike from a superior position controlling an opponent who is very likely completely helpless.

A few strikes to the head which is against the ground and no where to go is likely to end the fight.

You don’t have to mount, take an opponent’s back, or play guard in the vast majority of situations.

A very common position in BJJ is knee on belly.

This allows an excellent, high pressure control which allows you to strike very, very well and to get back to your feet immediately in a fraction of a second.

What if you end up on the bottom?

You had better know what you’re doing or again you are in big trouble

If possible, use BJJ to get up and leave the situation OR at least protect yourself and get to a better situation.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives you the ability to control of another opponent.

It also provides an excellent platform from which you can strike, use a submission, or get up as necessary.

It also generally promotes a healthier lifestyle including getting the practitioner in shape. *Again some limited variance here from practitioner to practitioner – but generally very true.

This alone could save you in a self defense situation OR may save you from serious health problems / death from an unhealthy lifestyle.

**Most people will not be in a fight, ever, once they’re an adult.**

If they are it’s likely because of their occupation (a police officer or a bouncer for example)… or they’re in a place that they probably shouldn’t be in.

Avoiding these types of places is excellent self defense.

If you are otherwise forced to defend yourself, being proficient at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be very, very valuable for the reasons I posted above and so many others.

Coach Marc

Why Texarkana Kids Love Martial Arts

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness · Feb 11, 2018 ·

Kids Love Training Martial Arts In Texarkana

You might think that kids want to learn martial arts because of the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie or Lego’s Ninjago show they’ve watched… or maybe you have spent some time watching some of the ‘old’ classics you watched growing up… Karate Kid, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, or Jean Claude Van Damme.

The truth is that kids have always loved the martial arts and maybe even more so now.

They see a martial artist doing some cool move and they want to learn how to do it.

Kids also want to move and get some exercise. It’s just part of our innate blueprint, our DNA.

Kids have a lot of extra energy because they are designed to move… a lot!

Kids also want to train for many of the same reasons that their parents want them to train in martial arts… to develop confidence, focus, self control, and better social relationships… of course it helps that the training is a blast for them.

This is critically important.

As parents, one of the greatest things we want for our kids is to see them happy.

If they can have fun while improving their health, fitness, and mental outlook… all the better!

The environment that children face today is very different from what the last generation experienced.

The kids are spending a lot of time on electronic media.

The schools have been forced to cut their PE fitness programs to save money.

These are big problems for physical and mental development.

Times and technology are moving very fast.

These environmental changes have caused kids to mature a little faster and often at the expense of just being a kid.

They’re under more stress and don’t have as many physical outlets as we did in school growing up.

It is easy to see why martial arts benefits, like self discipline and confidence are so important to our children.

They also develop self defense skills that not only really boost their confidence, also gives them a sense of security and insulates them from bullying.

While it isn’t the only benefit of training, the ability to protect oneself from harm is critical to the child’s development.

Dr. Abraham Maslow was a renowned psychologist that studied motivation and needs.

He created the hierarchy of needs that had 5 levels.

His theory states that we must satisfy the lower levels before we can move on to achieve higher level needs.

Maslow’s theory put security at the 2nd level, just after physiological needs like breathing, eating, and water.

This means that security is the foundation that all people required before moving to achieve the higher levels of humanity like love, confidence (he called self esteem), and self actualization.

The martial arts provide our kids with self defense techniques which enable them to concentrate on other areas of their lives.

Martial arts training like Jiu Jitsu offer so many benefits to kids from improving their fitness to self defense, confidence, and all the mental benefits that have traditionally been associated with martial arts.

Even better, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers kids the ability to defend themselves without ever having to hurt the other child.

Other arts teach predominately striking based solutions to self defense.

Many parents would prefer that their child doesn’t have to solve every conflict with a punch or kick to the face of another child.

In Jiu Jitsu, the kids learn how to control their opponent so that they are no longer a threat which is safer for both kids in most altercations.

If you’re interested in trying a first Free Class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for your child, just contact us and we’ll get it set up for you!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts and Fitness Classes for Kids (Age 4 and Up), Teens, Men and Women.

We Help Texarkana Area Kids, Men, and Women Live Healthier, More Active Lives.

Martial Arts Classes for Fitness, Self Defense, Confidence, Competition, and a More Active, Positive Lifestyle!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Kids Martial Arts. Cardio Kickboxing. Yoga. Beginners and All Fitness Levels Are Always Welcome!

Call Us: (903) 793-1085 Email Us: TexarkanaJiuJitsu@gmail.com

The Clinch Position and Judo for Self Defense

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness · Feb 8, 2018 ·

Stand Up Grappling For Self Defense… The Clinch

The Arts That Focus On This Range To Varying Degrees Includes Judo, Wrestling, Sambo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing.

A recent question was asked, “Is Judo effective for self Defense?”

Of course anything can happen in a fight.

It’s best not to fight and to do your best to avoid situations where fights are more likely to occur when possible.

An unarmed fight can be broken down into 3 ranges…

Unattached stand up where striking, takedown shots, and running away can be used.
Attached stand up where grappling and striking can occur. This is the clinch range.
The ground where an opponent can better be immobilized and submitted.

Judo can be exceptionally effective in a street fight.

Judo is generally best in the clinch range.

Judo is excellent for developing good throws from the clinch position. Some of the grips are clothing based, but most are easily adapted for less clothing self defense situations.

The average person in a fight knows nothing about this range. They will not understand control positions or balance.

Judo practitioners develop some skills on the ground, some develop more than others.

Regardless, Judo practitioners will generally know much more than what the average person knows on the ground (which is basically nothing).

Throws for Self Defense.

A good throw will generally end a fight and could possibly cause very serious injury to the person thrown depending on the throw, it’s execution, and how/what they land on.

Throws are often very fast as well. This means that the fight can end quickly with a throw.

The Judo practitioner can use a throw and remain standing if they choose where they can strike, negotiate with the person (if they are still conscious), or leave .

The thrower can also choose/may land on the opponent adding to the force of the throw.

Spending time learning the clinch range is a critical part of self defense and Judo is very good for this range.

At Texarkana Jiu Jitsu, we spend a considerable amount of time on developing the clinch range, takedowns, and throws because they are very important for any martial artist and especially useful in a fight.

Coach Marc started training in Judo in 1993 under the late 9th degree Judo black belt Vince Tamura in Dallas. He has continued training over the years and incorporates Judo into his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program.

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts and Fitness Classes for Kids (Age 4 and Up), Teens, Men and Women. We Help Texarkana Area Kids, Men, and Women Live Healthier, More Active Lives.

Martial Arts Classes for Fitness, Self Defense, Confidence, Competition, and a More Active, Positive Lifestyle!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Kids Martial Arts. Cardio Kickboxing. Yoga. Beginners and All Fitness Levels Are Always Welcome!

Want To Try A FREE First Class In One Of Our Programs?

Call Us or Email Us

Are You Concerned About Your Child’s Lack Of Exercise?

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness · Jan 30, 2018 ·

Is Your Son or Daughter Getting Enough Exercise?

Too many of our kids in Texarkana don’t get enough physical exercise.

The schools have cut way back on PE and even the amount of exercise that they get in the classes that still exist. The standards of fitness continue to degrade over time.

Kids find themselves on computers, phones, and video games more and more.

They’re not nearly as active as kids once were…

This inactivity leads to so many problems.

The most obvious is obesity and becoming overweight, but there are many more.

Being overweight dramatically effects their self esteem and their confidence.

This results in them giving up on themselves easier and often not even attempting to do challenging things.

Kids are developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems.

These problems will cause them huge issues as they grow up.

They don’t develop normal muscular strength and postural muscles that keep them upright.

This dramatically increases their risks of injury, both now and later in life.

They’ll be more likely to develop pain and have difficulty doing physical tasks.

The lack of physical activity results in a loss of normal brain development because movement is it’s primary driver of a child’s brain development… and one that’s far more important than most realize.

This leads to developmental delays, problems with focus (like what you may see in ADD/ADHD), social awkwardness, depression, and anxiety.

Too many kids are not realizing their full potential, just because of inactivity and/or reduced activity… and it’s probably going to get worse.

It’s so important to get your child active and keep them active.

It helps to find an activity like Jiu Jitsu that they really enjoy and can do year round so that they don’t have months of inactivity between seasons.

If you are a Texarkana parent that is concerned about any of these issues, we can help.

Give us a call at 903-793-1085 or email us at TexarkanaJiuJitsu@gmail.com to set up a time to try a no risk, free class.

We really look forward to hearing from you and helping your child get more active and achieve more both on and off the mat.

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu and Fitness

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids (ages 4 and up), teens, and adults
Fitness Kickboxing
Yoga

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