Heading to Chicago (April 25 to 28)

I confirmed my trip to Chicago today. I'll be heading there on April 25 to visit my brother, Mark, and conduct a seminar for New Breed Chicago students. I haven't been in Chicago for about two years, so it will be nice to see how things are going over there. Since the last time I was there, New Breed Chicago changed locations and has grown. For New Breed Chicago members who read this blog, check with my brother Mark for more details. The exact subject matter has not been decided yet, but will be soon.

I did some MMA training today and helped prepare a team mate who's fighting in May. The event uses a cage so we got inside the octagon and sparred several rounds. For those of you who train in the Philippines, you might only have access to traditional boxing rings. So, if you are going to be fighting in a cage event, make sure you consider the differences. There are a number of pros and cons that you should be aware of. If you don't have access to a training cage, a good substitute would be a padded wall (although a cage would have some "give," unlike a wall).

The past few days, I've been thinking about power and intensity in training and competition. Training in BJJ since the 90s, I've observed how many Brazilian jiu jitsu stylists frown upon people who use too much strength. Some instructors would even say, "He isn't good. He uses too much power." In MMA, I think power, strength, speed and overall intensity are necessary, and are great to have and use. Why limit yourself to just using "technique" when you have physical attributes that can make your technique so much more effective. Doesn't it generally make sense that a technique that is properly executed faster, is more effective? It makes perfect sense to me. Yet, why do so many grapplers think this is bad? Okay. If a person solely relies on physical attributes and has no technique, relying on intensity is probably going to end badly. And yes, one can use too much power and get tired; but on a professional level, fighters are smart and experienced enough to control their intensity and adjust throughout a match. Also, world class fighters recognize that power, speed, and technique are the ideal combination.

Intensity is so important because not only does it allow you to physically dominate your opponent, but it also helps you break down your opponent's will--you want your opponent to think that he/she made a big mistake by stepping in the ring with you. So, don't forget about improving your physical attributes. Make sure you incorporate strength and conditioning programs to your regimen. "100% pure technique" no longer rings true. If you want to be at the top, you need to execute your techniques with as much intensity and speed as you can.

Tags: chicago, new breed, brazilian jiu jitsu, mixed martial arts, power, strength