Testimonial from Guro Bob Breen

When students ask me which style is best or what system. I always say to them ‘more important is the teacher’. Whichever style you choose, getting the right teacher is the essential part. A great teacher will show you how to learn everything not just the techniques of your style. They will train you hard and rigorously but also show you how to ask the right questions and how to look with a knowing eye and understand concepts. Dave Birkett is such a teacher. Dave has huge passion for whatever he does, be it music or martial arts. He’s a man who shares his love and passion and who communicates that to his students and in consequence he produces highly skilled martial artists. Added to this passion Dave has a methodical approach that means that you get all of the knowledge he has in doses that won’t overwhelm you but will encourage growth. Dave has taught at my school for many years. He’s a close friend, someone I wished I saw more often and I’m sure you’ll feel that too. Good teachers are rare-Dave is a great one. What are you waiting for? Bob Breen Sept 08

Ed Margot receives his Blue Belt from Felipe Alves de Souza

Congratulations to former Student Ed Margot whom recently received his BJJ Blue Belt from Felipe Alves de Souza. Ed moved to West London and i recommend Felipe's School in Battersea. Felipe is a former Instructor at the Roger Gracie Academy and Gracie Barra Black Belt

Terry Hall Ltd edition Fred Perry

Fred Perry have just released the limited edition Terry Hall V-neck sweater. A classic sweater based on a classic image - the one of Terry in the very first issue of The Face. Indeed, this late 70s-style sweater has been made to the original specification of the day, complete with deeper 'V', oversized laurel, original cut and from pure British lambs wool. Just 500 are being made, with a choice of classic black or maroon on offer, sold in a collector's limited edition box. These aren't going to be around long (due to sizeable overseas demand), so if you want one, get one asap.... they sell for £85. Got mine today in black!!...a few still available in Fred Perry Store (Covent Garden and Carnaby Street)

Top Deck Ska 45's Box

This weeks killa choons are from the Jamaican Top Deck Label. Now re-released and available in a ltd edition box set as 8 x 7inch singles (inc covers) Featuring Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Jackie Opel amongst other Ska legends! Essential!!!!

Age is just a number!

After weeks of cardio preperation and a strict press-up routine My Dad (Alan) 70th Birthday, racing this week on the Grand Prix Circuit Donnington! Go Pops Go!!

Kettlebell Basics Workshop

Steve Wright (RKC) will be hosting another Kettlebell workshop at Bob Breens Academy London N1 Saturday 20th Sept 2:00 -5:00 £35 Learn core exercises and training routines of this high-yield, hard-core training method! Notes will be provided Call Steve on 07760391315 to book your place

October BJJ Competition - Essex

I've just spoken with Marc and he is hosting an In-House BJJ Competition last Saturday of October (25th). The event is open only to Marc Walder BJJ Affiliates. This will also give fighters a chance to warm up before the Kent Open the following weekend. Another positive is that it will give an oppourtunity to the Stick Fighters whom wish to compete as the Kent open clashes with the WEKAF British round in Luton. More details as I get them.... Training starts tomorrow!! http://www.ibjjf.org/rules.htm for rules

The Specials Reunion!

As mentioned on this Blog a few months back, The Specials were rumoured to reform this year. Last weekends Bestival on the Isle of Wight saw all the guys minus Jerry Dammers (and Rico of course) get together and play a full set! Heres a link (quality is a bit poor)from the gig: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OVvt5tw2HB4&feature=related Lets hope Jerry and the guys can sort out their differences and get together for a Tour, that some of us have been waiting over 25 years for!! P.S Bad Manners are playing Ilford East London at the end of the month...see you there!

Time Flys - Renzo Gracie Seminar

Cant believe its nearly 8 yrs ago that both Wayne and I attended Renzo Gracies first UK BJJ Seminar!

UFC 88

Id been predicting it all week, but it was still an amazing Knockout by Rashad Evens over The Iceman Chuck Lidell. Once he got the timing of Chucks right hand, he was happy to stand and trade. As Chuck launched an uppercut, Rashad dropped the overhand right on the money...phew..chuck was OUT! Rich Franklin was back on form...stepping up a weight to fight friend and awesome Wrestler Matt Hamill....Keeping the fight standing Rich, hacked at Matts legs before a devestating Liver shot dropped his former sparring partner.... he tapped as he landed... Dan Henderson fought the tough Brazilian BJJ specialist Rousimar Palhares. The fight went the distance but Dan clearly the winner. World class sprawling, some great leg/heel lock defence and of course his famed right hand ensured Henderson was back to winning ways!

WEKAF Results just in!

Hot off the press! Just spoken to John (competion still going on at 19:00...) Brandon has taken Silver in the Mens Lightweight Single Stick and Bronze in the Double Stick!!! Brandon only 14yrs fought in the Mens after there not being enough Cadets!!! Another awesome display from the Academy Junior! Mike got to the Semi finals in the Light Heavyweights...narrowly missing out on a medal afer getting some nice disarms! Hopes for the Team Event were dashed as it was cancelled due to the Competition over running....

WEKAF BRITISH NOVICE & OPEN INVITATIONAL

If you wish to support the Team on Sunday at this Full Contact Competiton, heres the address: Daventry Leisure Centre Lodge Road Daventry NN11 4FP (off junction 16 of the M1) Fighters: John (Capt) Danny Terri Brandon Ricky Mike Good Luck to all in The Team!!!!

Randy Couture returns to fight Brock Lesnar at UFC 91 in Las Vegas!

WOW!!! Been talking about this one for a few weeks now!! Randys gonna need to be on top form, but if anyone can takedown the big guy and work from the top position he can. The clinch is gonna be an essential part of this and countering Brock's insane double leg takedown.....then again if the big guy gets on top, Randy could be in trouble....he doesnt have the tools of say Frank Mir from the bottom.... "The winner of the bout will be recognized as the heavyweight champion and fight the winner of the bout between UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira and Frank Mir to unify the title sometime after their bout on December 27." Then maybe Fedor???? Cant wait!!

A Gracie Family Pictorial

Great find on the web. For anyone wishing to know more about the history of Brazil's first BJJ family, click on the link: http://www.onzuka.com/graciepix.html Can you spot Mauricio in the pic?

The Rubber Guard

Im often asked my opinion on or to teach areas of the Rubber Guard. It has its detractors but I personally think it essential to study this area of the ground game. Whilst it does require a great deal of flexibilty, with practise it has many advantages over the "standard guard". The main one for MMA is that you control your opponents posture in an offensive way whilst negating his option for striking you. In addition once you have reached "New York" (see pic), several submission options immediately present themselves. One can flow between the Triangle/Armbar/Gogo Plata/Loco Plata/Uma Plata/Bicep Crush/Sweep or indeed Strike your Opponent. Alternatley it can buy you a little time in the heat of battle. Ill be working the Rubber Guard and its transistions in more detail in this weeks MMA Classes (also at Bob Breens Academy this Tues).... See ya on the Mats!