You can roll how you want to, as long as you are willing to live with the consequences. One of the things I love about Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is the diversity of styles and personalities I have found on the mats over the years. Even when all of the people in the room have the…
Author: Robert Van Valkenburgh
Co-Founder of Kogen Dojo of Severna Park and Taikyoku Mind & Body
Of Progress and Perfection
Strive for perfection, but settle for progress. Do not let yourself off the hook for your weaknesses and flaws, but do not be so hard on yourself when you fall off the path that it paralyzes you and prevents you from getting back on course. Be quick to admit your mistakes and adjust your bearing….
Universal Connection Through the Artist’s Eyes
You may not find what you are looking for, but, if you remain open, what you find may be more interesting. When I look at my daughter’s artwork, it often occurs to me that what I see is not what she intended to create. Like two people looking up at the clouds and describing what…
Chess and Collar Chokes
“If we are playing chess and I do two moves, but you only do one move, who is going to win? Jiu-jitsu is like chess. I do one move and you do one move, but if I do one move and then you let me do another move, game over.” – Relson Gracie In life,…
Enter First With Your Mind
“Always irimi, even when retreating.” – Budd Yuhasz There are a lot of valuable lessons beneath the surface of Japanese weapon training that translate to empty hand practice. With sword-work in particular, the principle of irmi* becomes especially evident. Irimi, meaning ‘entering body,’ is more than simply the act of entering into an opponent’s physical…