BJJ LIFE

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Tuna time!!!! Martial Arts...The Art, The Defense and The Sport of it all

As I sit on the job this weekend I have decided to speak a little about the fascinating world that is Martial Arts. We all know Martial Arts is ancient fighting styles and systems that have helped many protect themselves, gain fame and status, and even get into shape. I intend to break down the Martial Arts into 3 areas, 1.The Art (The Forms/Katas, the sequences scene in film and television) 2.The Defense (Protection for personal safety) 3.The Sport (Boxing, Kickboxing, Karate/Tae Kwon Do, wrestling, Judo/JIu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts).

Let us begin with the "Art" of Martial Arts. We see it all the time in theatre sequences of a fight broken down to entertain and promote martial arts. Several styles and systems have what are known as Katas/Forms depending on the origin of the system. These forms are used to perfect ones skill and string along attacks into combinations Can these forms be effective in a fight, possibly but nothing ever goes according to a plan in a fight. Are These forms entertaining and fun to watch? Yes, when perfected they are amazing and beautiful.

The Defense part probably the most important part of The Way, Defending yourself, your family, and your freedom and rights. Defense is the part of martial arts that work and are practical most often nothing fancy, Eye gouges, hair pulling, biting, groin shots, scratching, disarmorment. When I think of defense one person above all the rest comes to mind. Bruce Lee, Bruce developed a philosophy that combined all real life practical elements of the martial arts, Basically taking what works from all systems and combing them together, this Philosophy is known as "Jeet Kune Do" or "The Way of the Intercepting fist". Defense is also probably the most improtant for women as it can help them in situations of rape. Men and women alike should be trained in some form of Defense early on in their lives, especialy as the world grows more and more violent, we are being threaten but why should we play the victim, why not make the predator the prey. One Final word, the Defense part of Martial Arts is in my opinion the Disciplined side as well above all others, you are not going to eye gouge your wife, son, best friend unless they are trying to harm you, so its used for life and death only.

Now the most popular part of Martial Arts is the Sport side. WIth the rise of MIxed Martial Arts and the UFC, now more then ever people are learning about this wonderful way of life and all the benefits of it. YOu can train technique, and stay healthy while doing so. Many make a living off of Martial Arts as a sport, and its still dangerous and still a combative tool. you can use most techniques in sports fighting in real life situations.

I have no idea what you will take from this but hopefully you enjoyed this rant, lol its late and I am tired.
Dueces magooses

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Interview with Tuna...The reason behind the Grappler!!!!!!!!!

Ok, Let me start this post out by saying "Training for the big day is not as easy as lifting some weights and running a few miles". I am currently in Training for Two BJJ tournaments and as we all know Training makes or breaks the match. The Technique has to be rounded out and practiced into perfection, body has to be ready for those small victory pushes. The Mind has to be at ease and ready to guide the body into the battle and back. With that being said lets get this Q and A started.

Q: How does your day start out?
A: Since I am not a full time fighter and I do have a regular job and other responsibilities, I wake up about 9am and get ready for work, I have either a egg sandwhich or a protein shake, or if i really have to hurry a piece of bread with peanut butter and a banana. I then Drink lots of water with a squirt of lemon juice throughout the day. Lately I havent been able to run in the mornings but when I do I go for about a 6 mile jog to get the body going.

Q:What do you do to prepare for a tournament that is different from a regular day of training?
A:This is only my 2nd tournament so I have not really worked all of the bugs out of my training sessions but as far as a difference I work alot more on defense and perfecting the moves, and timing, also work alot more standup takedown defense and takedowns. I do more cardio and I try to eat better and cut the weight. I have been working alot more on explosiveness lately.

Q: Is winning important or is this just for fun and to push yourself?
A: Winning is always important if you want to make a career out of a sport. To me the first tourney i did I had hopes of winning but I told myself win, lose, or draw I will come out the victor because I will have gained knowledge and expierence.

Q:Do you listen to music while training, If so what?
A:Well music has always been a big part of my life and I love music it sets the mood. as a far as when I am on the mats I don't listent o actual music but i do have songs that play in my head, I normally listen to "Enter Sandman" by Metalica before I do something Intense, Do not ask why that song just gets me pumped for some reason.

Q:Any Prefight Rituals?
A: Well for me I think A good massage is important a few days before the matches just to get you loose and relaxed. also drink alot of water to stay hydrated. I personally like to stretch before and after I get to the venue, Just so I know my body is warm and ready. I do not really eat much the day of the tournament because i want to be a little hungry lol. I feel if I am angry because I am starving it will give me extra aggression to pull through in times of need.

Q: What is the Match like in your words?
A: My first match was nothing like I expected it, Everyone kept telling me my grips would be the first thing to go and that I would be a big ball of nerves, but I actually felt pretty relaxed and calm, I did feel a certain ammount of pressure to get the match going and down to the ground, so as we began I tried to push the pace and stay on the guy but he was not giving up and I made a mistake and paid the price. I pulled guard and got away from my plan and ended up in a bad posistion. I worked through it but in the end I got caught with an Armbar.

Q:Do you feel your better prepared for this next set of matches?
A:Yes, I feel a hundred times better, I have improved my defense and I feel confident that Things will go my way, I wont be looking to rush anything and I will make the opponent make a mistake. I really feel that in the 2 months since my last tournament that I have dramatically improved, I feel like I would destroy the grappler i was 2 months ago.

Q:What do you feel has been most responsible for your imporvements?
A: Well to start, My Instructors and training partners at the Academy, everyday we try to elevate to the next level and help each other out and I feel i have hit a pretty good stride in the training. The instructors must be reading my mind because i leave class with questions and the next day they come in with moves that help me out and I dont even say a word to them lol. I was really blessed to find the Academy I train at. Also rolling with my buddy Mikevarick.com helps me to work holes in my game.

Q: Do you roll with people in your weight class to prepare?
A: I like to roll with all different sized guys, The bigger guys, I try to work more strength and technique, and with the smaller guys Since they are alot quicker it helps me to stay sharp and defend better.

I feel like that was a pretty good Q&A I am back to training, so I will keep you all updated on the crazy world that is Grappling and my quest to submit someone with "The Jake"(bow and Arrow choke).
Tuna in next time Same Tuna time same TUna Channel.

Friday, August 13, 2010

BJJ Legion

After a few months of training BJJ at the academy a friend invited me to check out a company know as BJJ LIFE or BJJ LEGION. they are a company all about promoting BJJ and spreading the word to the masses about real MMA and BJJ. Below I have included the Mission statement from their page as well as other perks for joining the Legion it is at no Cost so do not worry.

The BJJ LEGION Mission



Grab your GI's and belts and prepare for battle!


We all put blood, sweat, and tears into our Jiu Jitsu training and now we BAND TOGETHER in the BJJ LEGION, the exclusive underground group for people who share the passion of Jiu Jitsu. Only people who eat, breath, sleep Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are allowed to be in the LEGION.


The BJJ LEGION has two goals in mind:


1.To band together practitioners who are looking to share their passion, network, and train together.


2.Be the saving force that battles against the chains & barbwire clothing wearing douchebags to help save the world from total bro-a-lation!


BJJ LEGION Members Enjoy:


•15% off all products sold in the BJJLIFE online store


•Score 10% "StreetCred" points on all purchases for store credit!


•Become a sponsored Legion Member and get CASH for competing!*


•Top secret BJJ training videos and blogs


•Exclusive - LEGION Only - Badges, Awards and Media


•And more!


We hook up our LEGION members with some badass stuff just for supporting Jiu Jitsu and BJJ LEGION.


It's free to join and will lead to years of happiness and possibly even help you win the lottery!


WE NEED YOUR HELP to win the battle against the BRO douchebags!

so check it out..

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Champions...The battle for life not just a 1st place award...Tunavision

Champion: is the victor in a challenge, contest or competition.

Everyone has goals and dreams, Lets be honest if we didnt we wouldn't have the world we live in. Someone had to dream this stuff up. Martial Artist are no different, some dream of opening their own schools, some dream of being world champions, others just want to protect the ones they love.

My vision of a Champion does not only mean a victor in sports, Champions to me are people who overcome the odds, face their fears and give their best 100% of the time. Champions can be born from every situation no matter how small. Nobody can hold you back but yourself, Remember that Man does not fail, he quits while trying.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

TUNA the CopyKat....my Martial Arts Inspirations..Used Originals

As I was sitting at my desk an all to familiar question burried itself into my brain, where it proceeded to spread until I was overwhelmed with answers. "Who are your inspirations for the Martial way?" Everytime someone ask this question I never have a clear answer because there are multiple reasons why I study Martial Arts.

The most influential Martial Artist/films in my life would probably start with The Karate Kid. Lets travel back to the early 90's, I was probably watching  WWF/WWE Matches or playing with Ninja Turtle actions figures around this time. I was introduced to the Film "The Karate Kid" so being a fan of Ninja Turtles and seeing Karate Kid I had to do all the cool flips, and chops and Kicks so I joined A local Karate School here in Indy. Soon after I achieved my Gold Belt for the first time (yes sadly enough I had two failed attempts at Karate both times ending with my gold belt) I would no longer continue my training. During this time i was introduced to many great films that contained martial arts. 3 Ninjas, Hard Target, Bloodsport, Kickboxer,(ok so I like Cheesy Van Dame Films give me a break). Mortal Kombat(first film only). It wasnt until my preteen years when I would discover the single greatest Influence in my Martial Arts Fetish.

Bruce Lee. I believe I was visiting my father in Quantico, VA on summer vacation. I was down at the PX looking through some Cds and Dvds and Dad approached me with one of the greatest Items I think I ever recieved. though I was unaware of how Awesome this Item was at the Time. Dad knew I loved Martial arts and Asian culture for that matter, and so he handed me a boxset of a guy named Bruce Lee. Who the Hell is this, I thought to myself as I we approached the check out counter. Dad always one to find something the two of us could share and enjoy as father and son, Bought the boxset and when we got home, Sat me down to watch "Return of The Dragon" as I sit bored twiddle twaddling my thumbs wondering why the hell i was watching some film about a chinese man in rome, Unaware of what was about to smack me upside my mind. I gave the chance to watch the film even though i was bored becuase, hey I was spending time with my dad. And thats when It happened. The Man the legend . Bruce Lee in all his glory was on screen beating the hell out of people whole groups of guys were falling left and right as Bruce did his famous Wahahahahaaooaohaohoaho (Little noise he makes) I was instantly Hooked, and finished out the entire boxset before Midnight, I have to say I probably watched every Bruce film about 100 times each.

Between my love for Japanese Anime(more specific DragonBall Z) and Bruce Lee, I don't think there was much more to my life at that point (women would come later in High School) Let see, So after I graduated and had a failed run at becoming the Greatest Emcee to ever breathe on a Mic (Believe I still Got skills) I was introduced To Mixed Martial Arts, It was Everything I loved about WWE except that it was freaking real, No long ass chit chats between arch enemies about how they were going to beat each other with chairs and tables for a belt. this was pure action very little talk time for the fighters, just straight up ass whoopings, I loved it. I was hooked Dana white and Zuffa were getting my money as i would spend the cash to buy Dvds, Although I remember my first UFC DVD I ever bout was ufc Liddell vs Ortiz 2. I saw the prefight video of liddell saying he was going to KO Tito and Tito talking his talk. I was hooked I was a Ortiz fan, I can not tell you why just something about Tito, Maybe its because hes Half Mexican american like myself, or maybe it was the constant talk about Tito and his work ethic, how he punished himself to punish the enemy .his heart. I dont know what ever it was about Ortiz i was drawn to it.

Now a few years Later I am Training Jiu Jitsu (my favorite Martial art I have ever Studied) I am also Training Muay thai, as well as a student of the Bruce Lee Philosophy "Jeet Kune DO". Everything happens for a reason and I guess if these movies and people hadnt been brought into my life i would probably be picking my nose sitting at a computer doing some work (oh shit I am sitting at a computer) anyways if you just read that whole thing and feel like you are more cornfused now then before you read it.You should try having a conversation with me in person, Until Next Time...... Dueces Magooses.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

How BJJ is shaping my life....The Mystical Adventure of TUNA

It has been just over a year and a half since I started toying with the positions and locks of Brasilian Jiu Jitsu. I started out training on the blades of grass in my back yard on hot summer days with a friend, who at the time was a 4 stripe white belt. As my love and fascination grew for this Martial Arts style, I knew I had to get into a real gym and start training with a Master. I found Marcello C. Monteiro BJJ Academy about 2 blocks from my house. I have been training there since and just recently received my 3rd stripe.

Through BJJ I have Learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of, I have learned leadership skills, discipline and patience as well as my limits and that I can move beyond them. I have also met a lot of great people and formed new friendships with alot of my Training partners something I never once had while practicing Karate.

All day long I sit and wait for 7 o'clock roll around. It is probably the happiest moment of my day as I know the pounds are about to start leaking out of my body, the chess games begin as my training partners and I start trying to out play each other and gain control. We all put in work, blood, sweat, and tears to continually grow and become the best we can be.

I am having a hell of a time and I encourage anyone, Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Sons, Grandchildren, Grandparents, get involved today.  Until Next time Dueces Magooses lol.