Philosophy as a verb.
Originally published in 2012:
There are more than a few ways the word ‘philosophy’ can be defined. For the purposes of this article I am going to use the following:
1. the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
Most dictionaries would place that description under the category of noun. I am about to argue that we view it instead as a verb, as an action, as something we ‘do’.
Five questions.
Originally published November 28, 2007
Being an excellent Coach in BJJ requires proficiency in three different areas.
The first is of course, your own personal performance. To receive a black belt in BJJ you should have the performance ability of a black belt. However, being able to perform or even compete well as a black belt is no guarantee you can teach others the Art. In fact, some of the worst Coaches I have seen also happen to be great competitors.
About belts.
An essay on the belt system of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ originally published in Sunday, March 12, 2006
One of the more controversial aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the colored belt system.
For those less familiar with BJJ, let me explain that the BJJ belt system remains (especially within the SBGi Association), performance based. What that means is that if someone has a purple belt, then they should be able to roll with other purple belts of the same age and similar weight, and be competitive. The belt itself is simply a visual reminder of this skillset.
Honoring the process.
An essay originally published in January 09, 2006
A few Months ago I was watching the mat during one of my BJJ classes at the Portland Gym. We were now towards the later end of the class where we roll with each other. As I was standing on the mat, watching that everyone rolling was safe, and coaching periodically, I noticed one of the newer students off on the edge.
Coaching 201 an introduction.
I am on my way to Florida in a few hours. I am really looking forward to seeing all my friends again, and having a great time training, and sharing.Much of the material I have been writing about in this blog will be taught in our C4P101 class which will be held on Friday for all SBGi staff.A couple brief notes before I go. .
Coaching the SBGi way.
An essay on the coaching done by SBGi coaches originally published in September 11, 2005
There are three main principles which I feel define the curriculum, methodology, and mission of SBGi. The first is Aliveness, and we covered that in depth in the last entry. The second is Adaptability. And I will write in detail about that on this BLOG. The third is Coaching, and that is the topic we will talk about now.
Exploring the map.
An essay on the journey through the belt system of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ originally published in 2004:
One of the most common questions I am asked when I travel and teach is this. . .”what do I need to work on?” As a coach you will need to get used to being asked this, it is part of the job.
Notes on drilling.
Originally published in 2004:
Some of the questions I get asked about the most are related to Alive drilling methods. So I decided I would devote this article to some details on that subject.
As most of you who follow SBGi to some degree know, my main message is that of Aliveness. If Aliveness doesn’t come first, then everything else unravels to some degree and what we are left with isn’t even the same animal. So in order to be on the same page when teaching somewhere new, I always start with that vital principle.