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This week I learned a new Japanese word, Kuzushi, from Professor Gui.  Kuzushi means to unbalance. This has everything to do with getting a good throw.  We as Jiu Jitsu students should learn about Kuzushi.    A throw doesn’t seem like much; especially, if it is done on a mat or soft ground; however, if done on concrete, it could cause a lot of damage, or even kill an attacker.

How does one execute Kuzushi?  Experts say there is more than two ways, but I only know of two, dragging them off-center balance or pushing.   So, if your practicing Jiu Jitsu, a throw, you have to work on getting your opponent off-balance before executing the throw.  In the meantime, I found some articles on Kuzushi which I haven’t fully read yet.  If you want me to follow-up, let me know.

I learned that The Open Double Collar Grab is really a defense against a headbutt attack.  In the United States, we don’t attack like that.   I was told they do a lot of headbutt attacks in Brazil and the UK.   As soon as the headbutt is successful, it is usually followed by a knock out hook. This week, a Jiu Jitsu student, a police officer, by the name of Peter, taught me the importance of the prayer hands shooting up with the hip motion on the Open Double Collar Grab.  The prayer hands are ultra important to stop the headbutt from striking your face.   Peter said that his friend was an expert in this move and that it could take down anyone if they weren’t prepared.

White Belt to Blue Belt

To be honest, as a white belt, I found the first few months going into Valente’s Brothers Jiu Jitsu studios difficult.  I felt uneasy.  There seemed to be a lot of tough fighters ready to roll.  Once I got to know some of the students, it became a lot easier.  I noticed the higher belts are very willing to answer any question you have or help you improve since everyone there was once a white belt.   So, as a blue belt, I see the higher level students as mentors.

As a white belt, you don’t communicate well with your class partner.   I walked away from many classes worried I may have broken something.  I was relieved to find out it was a minor bruise. With each injury, I would analyze how it happened and what I could do to prevent it which was better communication and awareness of myself limitations.   As a blue belt, I communicate much better.   I tap immediately. I almost never get injured in a fundamentals class.

As a white belt, I didn’t have a stretch routine; thus, I was more open to injuries. As a blue belt, I immediately do 20 push up and 20 situps to get the blood flowing. Then, I stretch all my joints. When I don’t stretch, I get there late, I find that I get injured more often. It is important to get there early.

As a white belt, it was hard to learn the fundamentals, which is around 100 moves or more and a lot of small details. As a white belt, there is a  lack of fluidity in execution.  As a blue belt, the fundamental lessons are becoming more fluid.

As a white belt, you’re not ready to use your  Jiu Jitsu skills in the real world.  The results would not be good.  As a blue belt, you know that you can hold your own in a conflict, but it may not be pretty.

As a white belt, I was afraid to fall.  As a blue belt, I make it a point to practice how to land from a throw by being loose and confident.   I wouldn’t recommend any throwing classes until your professor tests your falling ability and gives you a nod of approval.

As a white belt, I was strictly a student.  As a blue belt, I am still a student, but now I am able to give tips to white belts and blue belts.

Jiu Jitsu is a way of life.

Please feel free to write a comment or add any experience you had.

JIU JITSU Noun \jü-ˈjit-(ˌ)sü\

: an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent.

Variants of JUJITSU

ju·jit·su also ju·jut·su or jiu·jit·su

Origin of JUJITSU

Japanese jūjutsu, from jū weakness, gentleness + jutsu art, skill
First Known Use: 1875

When I was a kid, I learned of Judo’s flaws for self-defense from personal experience. I had studied Judo for a few years under Norm Miller in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1979, I placed third in the Mid West Judo tournament in Chicago. A few months after, I had a fight with the neighborhood bully. The bully had some knowledge of boxing and wrestling. I was 10 years old and the bully was almost 13 years old. During the fight, the bully repeatedly punched me in the face. In Judo, you’re not taught to guard the face because there are no strikes in competition. Also, I didn’t throw a single punch. I didn’t know how. I was able to grab the bullies hands, he was only wearing a t-shirt and not a judo uniform, and I tried a throw which failed. It all ended when the bully struck me on the nose, the blood started flowing. It was over.

Judo is a sport. The object is to completely throw your opponent in the air. You can win by submission or a 30 second pin. It is true a good throw can cause a lot of damage; however, I wasn’t able to throw the bully. I had trouble just grappling since he wasn’t wearing a Judo uniform. In Judo, you aren’t taught to protect your face from strikes. Also, in Judo, you’re not taught to strike.

Combat Jiu Jitsu, the one I am learning, is far better for self-defense. In Combat Jiu Jitsu, you are taught the following which Judo does not teach: 1) use of hands for blocking punches 2) strikes with fore arms, slaps, palm, and elbow 3) The Pizon, a side kick 4) how to fight a opponent that is wearing a t-shirt or no shirt at all, and 5) how to safely clinch. As far as my knowledge, the above five are not a part of the sport of Judo

Last night, I received my Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt.  First and foremost, all the praise and glory goes to God.  From the human side, it was an honor to be in the presence of Dr. Pedro Valente, 9th level red belt, and Royce Grace, jiu jitsu legend, Gui Valente, Pedro Valente, Jaquim Valente, and Jimmy. It was a special night. It was the perfect way to start the new blue belt journey.

Leaving white belt behind, I have personal gain.  Now, I can do twenty  push ups and twenty situps immediately.  Before I started, I couldn’t do three.  In eight months, I lost 12 pounds but not from exercise.  I started eating home-made soups with five fresh or frozen  organic vegetables and miso paste.  I would blend it in an industrial sized blender.  I was stiff, still a little bit now , but my flexibility is returning.  I feel like I have slowed down the aging process.  I am less aggressive. I am much more willing to talk.  I really don’t like violence.

I will give you all my game plan for my blue belt training in a few days.  My blog will be like a living diary in how Jiu Jitsu influence my daily life.