I have been very fortunate over the years to have found a number of people who share the same passion as I - brazilian jiu-jitsu.  It makes these encounters even more special when you find someone who is talented, compassionate, and willing to share their experiences.  I count among these, Matt Thornton, Chris Haueter, Dave Camarillo, Paul Schreiner, Garth Taylor, and now, Roy Dean.

We met in Monterey, CA.  About an hour and forty minute drive for me, but well worth the trip.  After brief introductions, we began our training.  I didn’t bring any specific problem areas to work, but instead opted to roll to let Roy get a feel for my game and its shortcomings.  The roll was technical, fluid, and he definitely let me have a lot of play.  I can only imagine how tough he’d be when he locks his game down.

After about 15 minutes, we started to work on details like leg position when going for guard sweeps, some specifics on baiting the triangle, and even spent some time working on armbar and kimura variations.  In each position he provided some small details that I can immediately add to my game.  As I progress along this journey, it is the seemingly invisible that makes all the difference, so I appreciate the detail.  

After a quick lunch at the airport, we returned to the dojo when Roy was to teach a 2hr seminar to the local crowd - as for me, I was filming.  The content ranged from footlocks to standard armlocks, to triangle combinations.  Towards the end Roy even spent some time on the anaconda and D’arce chokes (looks like a good class for Wednesday!!).  I was first shown these by Jeff Glover in Vegas, but had already forgot the details.  Ironically, Roy picked up these choke techniques from Jeff as well, via the Paragon Secrets DVD.

The seminar highlighted a few things for me:
The participants, without exception, were all great training partners to each other.  They were respectful and attentive.  I find that in bjj there is typically an atmosphere of complete informality.  While freeing, I think a balance should be struck.  I do not think that the traditional model is right mind you - it’s too rigid.  My personal preference is towards the unstructured, but I was impressed by how the students addressed Roy (and me, undeservedly as Sensei) and how they hurried back to form a line after each technique.  Excellent students, eager to learn and appreciative of what was offered.

It’s so easy to forget where you have been.  As I watched this group of newbies to bjj, I was reminded how foreign everything is when you begin.  Things that seem so obvious and natural now once were not at all.  The fundamentals are your core, but they are not easy to implement at the start - especially in an alive environment.

Branch out - I find that in bjj circles, students develop (oddly) a single dimension.  Most have abandoned traditional martial arts because they “don’t work in the street”.  While that may be true, and perhaps something like an Aikido may not suit your style, get into some wrestling, judo, muay thai, boxing, etc.  There are other arts that are as functional as bjj that we should spend some time with.  Personally, I think clinch work is my next area of focus as I continue this journey

I really want to thank Roy for letting me be a part of that day and that experience.  If you have the opportunity to train with Roy - jump on it.  If you aren’t in the area, he has a dvd that you should pick up, with more on the way.

Have a great day on the mat!

UPDATE: Roy posted the video from the entire seminar.  Great stuff!