Anderson Silva Seminar

Today I got to train with a legend in the UFC. Anderson "The Spider" Silva taught a seminar at ATOS. He taught a sequence that started from standing to a submission in guard. Here's what I remember.

1. Distance Management
2. Clinching to intercepting a punch. (The key is to clinch behind their head at their ears.)
3. "Wrapping" their arms while in a clinch to throw forward or trip backwards. (The key is to grab their wrist while it's above your arm.)
4. Dodging their punches behind the elbow then finish with a triangle or armbar.

Guest instructor move: picking up heels then jumping to armbar. 

Vince K. was my training partner. I have known Vince since I was a white belt.

This was a screenshot taken from the video posted on ATOS Jiu Jitsu Facebook page: video link 1 & video link 2.

JT Torres' Farewell Celebration

ATOS had a farewell celebration for JT Torres. He is moving back to the east coast and opening his own school. The celebration consisted of an open mat with free street tacos. I hope I get the chance to train at his new school one day. Best of luck JT!

Got my gi ATOS Heat Patched!

I got my gi heat patched to comply with ATOS' white gi with large patch on back and small patch on front policy. I must say it looks great! Carlos tells me that it will eventually fall off though. Not bad for the price.

ATOS HQ (Re-)Grand Opening

ATOS HQ had a Grand Opening ceremony with open mat, food, and fun for the whole family. There was a live band, jumping castle, free acai bowls and tacos.

For more photos of the celebration, check out ATOS HQ's official blog.

ATOS BJJ HQ School Location Moving

ATOS BJJ HQ is moving locations. The last day to train at the old school location was Tuesday, October 27, 2015. The new location opens up November 1, 2015. Here are a couple pictures of the old school.

I think this is called "Mat #1". This mat is where the beginners (white belts) train. No-gi also happens on these mats. I have never trained on Mat #1 because when I switched over to ATOS, I was already a purple belt. I also don't do much no-gi at the moment. :/

This is "Mat #2" (not sure if I switched the numbering). I basically attend the Advanced Gi class and have only trained on these mats. When people from the restaurants near by took cigarette breaks, smoke would come in here and make the quality of air crappy. I hope we don't have that experience at the new school.

Goodbye old ATOS HQ location!

Demian Maia at ATOS

One of the perks of training at ATOS is sometimes we have someone famous drop in and teach a seminar.  Today's guest is UFC's Demain Maia.  His style of jiu jitsu is very old school compared to what's being taught at ATOS, which more of a modern jiu jitsu.  Demian Maia's style reminds me of the non-fancy GB stuff with a touch of fancy and self-defense.

I should really fix and re-tie my gi before photos, this picture makes me look fat.

Class photo taken from atosjiujitsuhq's instagram, I'm in the 2nd row.

A Transitional Period in my Life

I had to switch BJJ schools because GBSD closed down.  I really loved training with the people at GBSD: Alby, Brian, Justin, Ryan, and Thuy just to name a few.  I will truly miss my GB family.

Today, Nov. 7, 2014, I officially signed up at ATOS, one of the best and most competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the world.  The cost is more than I would like, but being able to train with some of the best in the world really appeals to me. Iron sharpens iron.