Well where do I start? What an amazing day. I got a message from Braulio saying he was coming to Dartford via train from Birmingham, so offered to collect him with Professor Marc.
Braulio has a great sense of humour and you cannot but help to warm to him immediately. He was genuinely happy to catch up with Marc and Black Belt Shane whom trained with him when he was a Brown Belt assisting Mestre Mauricio back in the day!
Anyway's on to the Seminar. Side Control! We were all issued numbers (1-4) and with the 1's on the mat first, they sparred with all the others starting in side control, Once you had escaped, you got a new partner. I often do this type of training (we called it "The Slaughter House" back in our MMA Academy days)..but, my first two Partners were Black Belts Marc & Shane so had to fight hard from the off! lol.
Braulio wanted to see how we initially worked before sharing his knowledge..a kind of "before picture" if you like.
Nicely warmed, up Braulio then spent 2hrs teaching his strategies from the top position. Rather than focus solely on passing the guard as a single mindset, "checkpoints" were flagged incrementally as we controlled the hips and nearside leg. Braulio always took time to answer any questions, often causing much laughter with his funny responses.
We drilled a simple counter to the Lockdown, before Sparring again. This time "the after picture" was very interesting with even the white belts causing a few problems for the higher grades.
The time flew as it often does at Dartford BJJ. Braulio kindly posed for pictures and autographs before we headed back to the Station. Great to have an informal chat in the car and further discuss our views on Martial Arts. I have always believed Martial Arts are about Love, Gratitude, and extending ones "Family"..on Saturday i further realised i am in great Company.
Many thanks to Braulio, to Marc & Shane and all the attending Students - Awesome!
