DEC 2016
ISSUE 003 “Mind Over Matter ”
CONTENTS
GET A GRIP On Jiu-Jitsu pg.6
TODD TANAKA Interview pg.12 HEALTHY RECIPEIS pg.20 IDENTIFYING A BAD TRAINING PARTNER pg.22 LIVING A JIU-JITSU LIFESTYLE pg.28 KRISTINA BARLAAN Interview pg.32
THE COVER “Mind Over Matter” Subject | Aubrey Keonig Photo | Eddie Rodrigues Location | Kapi’olani Park
Letter From The Publisher The year is coming to an end and it seems that for many of us, 2016 has been a whirlwind of frustrations, uncertainty, and personal struggles. Whether it be at home or abroad, you’re sure to find economic unease, social injustices, troubling policies, domestic disputes, polarizing ideals, and environmental issues to name a few. It’s times like these, when we find ourselves unsure and stressed out, that making time to decompress is important. If you’re as overwhelmed as I am trying to keep up with the world around us, then find some relief in knowing that there are ways to calm the storm within. Now you could go cold turkey and tune everything out. Going on a “media fast” and living “off the grid” is an option, but let’s face it, that’s probably not going to happen and if it does, chances are it won’t last very long. Besides, if you do that, how are you going to get your Freeroll content? Let me suggest something less radical and more achievable. Start by taking some time out of your day, every day, to sit back and reflect on the things that matter most to you. Quieting the mind, relaxing your body, and detaching yourself from external distractions for a few minutes a day will help you to refocus your thoughts and feelings. Concentrate on the things you can control, and let go of the things you can’t. Our cover photo this month is intended to represent this by depicting meditation as a means to rise above the chaos. Although you may not achieve actual levitation (but if you do please tell us about it), it definitely is uplifting to create peace and calm within yourself. For many, activities such as surfing, yoga, and jiu-jitsu have similar benefits. They allow you to unplug from the world around you and completely put you in the moment. Believe it or not, those are also types of mediation. What ever it is that helps you to refocus and find balance in your life is a good thing and you should continue to do the things that bring you peace. On behalf of the entire FREEROLL team, I’d like to extend our deepest gratitude for supporting this publication. There’s a lot of exciting things we have in store for you in the months to come so stay tuned. Happy Holidays and see you all in the New Year! Live, Laugh, & Roll! -Clinton “Sapinho” Dela Cruz
STAFF & EDITORIAL Clinton Dela Cruz Publisher / Designer E: clintondlc@freerollmag.com IG: @clintondlc Jason Walter Editor In Chief E: menamejmaw@gmail.com IG: @menamejmaw Eddie Rodrigues Lead Designer E: eddie@freerollmag.com IG: @roxt_eddie Romana Miah Sales & Media Coordinator E: mana@freerollmag.com IG @anamormiah
Ayesha Kamal Contributing Writer “Get a Grip - on Jiu-Jitsu” E: fiercefitfight@gmail.com IG: @plumpetalsfit Chloe Jordan Doña Fonacier Contributing Writer Todd Tanaka Interview E: cjdf210@gmail.com IG: @chloefonacier William Torres Contributing Nutrition Writer Fruits & Vegetables - Recipes E: williamtorres.spn@gmail.com IG: @willtorres.spn David Greer Contributing Writer “Identifying a Bad Training Partner”
E: dgreer13@gmail.com IG: @whitepinapple Jeffery Huang Contributing Writer “Living a Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle” E: Huang.JeffC@gmail.com IG: @ajmataz Glenn Calairo Contributing Writer Kristina Barlaan Interview E: calairo15@yahoo.com IG: @glenn.calairo To join our Contributor Network Email: info@freerollmag.com
Get a Grip on Jiu-Jitsu Mind. Body. Soul. by Ayesha Kamal
Get a Grip - to begin to understand a difficult situation and start to find a way of dealing with it; to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly The idea of getting a grip on jiu-jitsu is not just for first-timers or newcomers. I find myself sitting here, entering my 4th year of practice, still working to get a grip on my training. Like different grips in jiu-jitsu, it is not necessarily that one grip is better than another. Rather, the effectiveness of each grip depends on the position, the timing, and the purpose. Moreover, once that 6 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
grip is achieved, its impact and significance literally lies in your hands. Will you use it to your advantage? Will the grip allow your opponent to use it against you? Though you may have a grip, the outcome is not always in your control. Similarly, the path to accomplishment and success in jiu-jitsu is not a linear progression nor does it focus on physical techniques alone. Showing up to class is not enough. You have to work towards appropriating each move into your own game – and this involves getting a grip of your mind, body, and yes – even your soul.
Mind Making the decision to start training jiu-jitsu is a monumental one, particularly if you have no athletic background. From that first moment of stepping on the mats with your white belt tied around your waist, the battle with your mind begins. Having the right mindset during your jiu-jitsu training will have a great impact on your progression. Getting a grip on your mind is probably a lot harder than working out the specifics of the physical steps behind techniques. Starting with concentrating on the lesson you then move on to confronting any hesitations you might have about your ability to actually complete the technique. This is when
you have to push aside those doubts and trust yourself. When you undertake the task of learning jiu-jitsu you have to accept that it will be a long road. During that time span you, just like everybody else, will face ups and downs. You will find that your training will go through peaks and valleys as well as a few plateaus. It is during those times when you feel like you are not accomplishing anything or that you are actually doing worse than before that you really need to dig deep and stick to your practice. Do not let your mind outmaneuver you; get a grip on your thoughts and stay the course. It is this type of perseverance that will serve you well in the long-run.
photo : Adam Przybyl
DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 7
photo : Adam Przybyl
Body While having the right mindset serves as a great foundation for your practice, there is no escaping the physical component of jiu-jitsu. Seeing techniques in action is one thing; putting them into practice and implementing them in your own game is another. Not only do you have to get a grip on the steps of each technique, but you also have to understand how to adjust and manipulate the movement to suit your physical abilities as well as your objective. Getting a grip with the physical expectations is the first hurdle. You are teaching your body to do things it does not normally do. In our regular lives, how much time do we actually spend in an inverted position or with our legs triangled around someone’s neck? That all changes once you get on the mats. Regardless of what level you are at, there is always more to 8 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
learn and this means that your body is continuously advancing as you spend more time on the training floor. The next hurdle is dealing with any physical limitations you may think you have. While attributes such as being flexible and strong are beneficial, the beauty of jiu-jitsu is that it is designed for the smaller and weaker to defeat the bigger and stronger. Trust that getting your body in the right position and achieving the correct angles will help you complete your move, regardless of your physique. You may not get it on the first (or tenth) go, but with practice you will get there. At the very least, having to work with physical limitations – whatever they are – will force you to find more effective and efficient ways of completing your move. As you learn how to move yourself with technique and timing, you begin to get a grip of space and time and where your body falls along that continuum.
Soul So you do jiu-jitsu, but what does jiu-jitsu do for you? Grappling matches may look aggressive to the untrained eye, but once you gain an understanding of timing, technique, and the conviction needed to follow through with each move, you will see that it is not so. Rather, it is a beautiful symbiosis of two bodies working for and against each other. The mental and physical challenges of jiu-jitsu inevitably lead you to reflect not only on your practice but also your character. Although there is camaraderie on the mats and you are all part of one team, the tangible measures of ‘success’ are still there. When you know the success of your submission will be validated by your partner tapping, how do you balance having humility but also attacking with
conviction? When you have belt promotions at the back of your mind and are conscious of how much time is passing, how do you continue to tap into the intrinsic value of training versus focus on the extrinsic rewards? When you realize that your skill and practice means you can break someone’s arm or choke someone to death with your legs, how do appreciate your power and show restraint? The physical component of jiu-jitsu is obvious. The changes that happen inside are not as evident but are incredibly significant. The confidence you gain from overcoming fears, the patience you practice during drilling, and the inner calm you tap into when sparring all contribute to building your character. Just like jiu-jitsu grips, the impact and significance of the grips you have on your mind, body and soul lies in your control.
photo : Adam Przybyl
DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 9
10 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 11
LOYAL TO YOUR ROOTS Interview with 3rd Degree Black Belt Todd Tanaka by Chloe Fonacier
12 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
A
white belt student still feeling like an infant in this world of Jiu-Jitsu, this was my first time getting to know Todd Tanaka. As we sat down together, and as I started to gather his persona, all I could think was, here is a simple, humble man of the gentle art. Even before getting to see Todd run his Tuesday evening class, I got the clear perspective that he is a teacher who chooses to carry on a great responsibility rooted in tradition, with a more passive, less aggressive traditional style. One that he continues to wholly honor from his mentor, Relson Gracie, and to uphold the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu style of teaching, which emphasizes the foundation of self-defense before sport.
training, he found himself working tirelessly on the mats, not in a fancy gym, but in a humble garage with mats laid out all around. His teacher was and to this day is Grandmaster Relson Gracie. The second oldest son to Helio Gracie, who is credited for what would be called Gracie “Brazilian” Jiu-Jitsu.
With 26 years of jiu-jitsu experience under his 3rd Degree Black Belt, take a look at how Todd has been able to stay true to his upbringing on the mats; even as the sport has evolved over time.
Like every student graduating High School, the question that most parents, including his own, had asked was, “what are your future plans?”
Back to Basics Todd began by reminiscing about his youth, as an intermediate school kid wanting to find something to do with his friends during the summer time. At that time in his life, martial arts such as karate and aikido were popular to practice, but Todd was offered to try this new form of self defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, that hadn’t really gained popularity and traction in the community yet. He was invited by a friend, whose dad had trained while working in the Secret Service. Todd recalls getting hooked to the sport, especially when doing it with his peers. As he became more serious about his
Little did Todd know at that point in time, that the beginning of those “garage days” (before the Ultimate Fighting Championship was birthed) he would be able to see just how this gentle art would transform before the world and his very eyes. Against the Odds
As Todd was going to college, he felt in his gut that school wasn’t for him. He did have a passion for jiu-jitsu as he continued to train, and with his growth in that, he said that many people had asked him to help teach them. In his own mind, he honestly believed that he could become a BJJ teacher one day, but the feedback he had gotten when he shared that dream wasn’t all that positive. In fact, not everyone encouraged that path as the best career to pursue, as they explained to young Todd “it wouldn’t pay the bills.” That did not stop Todd from letting go of the momentum and support that he did receive from those who did train with him. In 1996, he went on to pursue what his heart desired, and he started an instrucDEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 13
tive program, despite the mixed feelings all around him. Staying True to Your Roots Do you ever feel when the doors of success continue to open for you, that you become more vulnerable to outsiders telling you how to pave your mission? In Todd’s case he has had many outsiders tell him how to teach, or what is important to implement in his lessons. With a chuckle, he explains that he is open-minded to hearing what people have to say, but has always stayed firm to what he has learned through his journey. Repeatedly telling people who try to influence his teaching style, that he chooses to focus on certain things because he has seen how it has worked or how it has failed through a first hand account or what his mentor has gone through and shared with him. Todd is always looking for simple ways to make things happen during a match, 14 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
which means staying close to his foundation in order to avoid mistakes. He firmly believes that sticking to techniques that work in a curriculum will allow students to effectively grow, rather than just “winging it” and trying new things without first mastering the foundation. “If you understand the basics, then it can give way to shutting down new techniques.” When asked about what his personal philosophy has been and how it has contributed to this consistency of teaching, he mentions that it has changed over the years. Currently, he does believe in being strongly opinionated, but flexible in hearing what others have to say. He has developed this kind of mindset because after years of training, he has not taken what his teachers have taught him for granted. He remains open to learning and playing with new moves to give exposure to his students, but he feels it is his responsibility to keep the self-defense aspect alive and well from the day that they begin.
“Especially in this day and age, this younger generation faces a whole new world of experiences that the older adults today may not see on a daily basis.”
Todd thinks otherwise.
With a smile, he knows that as with all paths we choose to take, it will come back, to pave the way in how we individually approach the mats.
After that exposure, people from all walks of life wanted to train and teach, which is when BJJ culture started to take on a life of its own. As Todd describes, that is when the culture became “jiu-jitsu vs. jiu-jitsu, turning more into a sport.” Changes moved away from the foundations of self-defense, to more modern techniques to bring to competition (due to the influence of the UFC). Todd further explained that the background of the athletes on the
When he first began training, he definitely knew that jiu-jitsu was its own element that the whole world was not exposed to Todd trusts in teaching the basics that before, especially when the Gracie family can be applied to an actual fight. “BJJ will had the idea to showcase jiu-jitsu on a always be there for you. So after you learn world scale, with the creation of the Ultiself defense, then go ahead and have your mate Fighting Championship. Royce was fun and do the new things, especially while successful in using the UFC to introduce you are young and your body can. If you do the world to simple Gracie Jiu-Jitsu technot agree with how I teach, then maybe my niques; which proved to dominate matchschool may not be good for you. And that’s es over bigger, stronger, and well-versed totally okay.” martial arts athletes.
Evolving Before His Eyes You may have seen people sporting t-shirts or snapback hats with the phrase, “Jiu-Jitsu vs. The World” but do you truly believe that notion is true today?
DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 15
mats became very diverse. “You would need BJJ to do good in MMA. But now I’d have to train my students to go against boxers and Muay Thai athletes as well.” Of course as like any phenomena, many people wanted to not only taste, but also test the possibilities of jiu-jitsu, which is where technology became the easy avenue for teachers to spread techniques to the greater mass. Although being up to date with the latest and greatest is great to be aware of, Todd personally shares that over time he has seen the positive and negative impacts of media streaming platforms. He describes how it is good to spread information fast to everyone, but it definitely depends on what is being put out there. More importantly speaking, how it is being marketed. Todd has seen some road-blocks that would hinder well-rounded growth. For one, he has seen a lot of students get frustrated at their school – with the influence of social media they will go home and watch live videos on their own and then try it out on their own, hyped up to share it with their circle of friends because we all love to share knowledge 16 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
in jiu-jitsu. Sometimes what can occur is that overly confident people share modern techniques to “show off,” rather than help their peers in what needs to be improved upon first. Then their training partners may get frustrated with their teacher because they cannot apply the new techniques all the way to finish. Like a domino effect, the student stops listening to what their teacher is trying to help them with. “A lot of time we may take our own instructors opinions for granted… nothing is wrong with training and learning from other people. But then they tend to forget what their former teacher has taught them, and then it may be too late by the time they may realize they want to learn from them.” Todd further elaborates that unfortunately this kind of marketing is how some schools draw people through the door, and get them excited to join their gym. But after joining students may find themselves disappointed, that they aren’t quickly learning fancy moves. Which is where Todd has also seen older adults turned off from joining, because seeing fancy moves, may get them thinking that it is over their head, and physically impossible to execute at their current state.
Our Shared Responsibility Time continues to tick on and even amongst the culture changes, Todd stays anchored in what he is passionate about teaching to the younger generation. As someone who has trained on many mats and enjoyed the days of competing on a national scale, he has grown into living out that, “as instructors and students... we should take self-defense seriously. Don’t just use it as marketing tool, and then only teach sport. One day someone will need to use it. There are a lot of black belts these days opening schools, but they should remember that they have a responsibility to teach these younger kids how to do self-defense.” That’s not to say that the talent he sees across the competition mats doesn’t impress him. “I love watching the kids and how they move, and wished that some of my students would move that way. But I know that I am dedicated to teaching a certain way, and am happy for all the other schools and how they are learning.”
After spending time with Todd, I see that he has many reasons to be proud when looking back at his BJJ career. I start to wonder which of his acheivemets does he favor more, the competition medals that he has won all over the world, the success of the school he has opened up in the heart of Honolulu, or just being able to stay grounded to tradition after 26 years of BJJ evolution? He simply shares that everyday being able to teach is what he is most proud of. “You see how people progress. Help the ones that need it the most and then teach them something they never thought they could do before. And if they stick around long enough, I as well as my assistant instructors can watch that growth. That is what’s worth it.” As a white belt just starting out, I cannot help but genuinely soak that in. To know that instructors like Todd are here for us all. Whatever corner of the world we come from, and no matter what our belt color may be. If we are willing to show up everyday to train with an open mind, then we will find greater significance in our BJJ journey. Our instructors will plant the foundation. Then with a mind ready to be filled, and a heart of patience and humbleness, our roots will get watered with knowledge. Like Todd, no matter how the winds may try to sway and break us, we should always identify the grounds we stand for in the art we practice. That is something no one can ever take away. DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 17
Healthy Holiday Helpings by William Torres
W
ith the holiday season in full swing, it’s hard to keep up with your daily healthy lifestyle because of all the parties and get-togethers you’re attending. But there are still delicious and nutritious options you can incorporate that won’t make you feel so guilty for having an extra piece or serving. To keep in the spirit of the holidays, here are some simple recipes to consider for your next holiday party or get-together.
PUMPKIN OAT BARS Available during the Fall and Winter time, pumpkin is one of the most iconic ingredients to cook with during the holidays. Pumpkins are a good source of vitamin C and an excellent source of vitamin A. How to select a pumpkin? Select those that are firm & heavy for their size. Storage: Cool, dark place Ingredients ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
1 ½ c Quick cooking oats 1/4 c Packed dark brown sugar 1 tsp. Baking powder 1 tsp Ground cinnamon ½ tsp Nutmeg ½ tsp Pumpkin pie spice ½ tsp Kosher salt ½ c Half-and-half 1 Large egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1 ½ c Pumpkin puree
*Optional ingredient: Adding plain protein powder to your recipe can give you an excuse to eat an extra piece. Ingredient quantities will change when adding protein powder. Searching on how to bake with protein powder will help ensure a perfect product. 20 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan 2. Stir all dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, etc.) in a bowl and form a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour half-and-half, eggs, and vanilla extract into the well and stir the mixture to combine them. Add the pumpkin puree last and mix thoroughly. 3. Pour the mixture into the baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To make sure the batter is fully cooked, poke a toothpick in the center and see if it comes out clean.
CURRIED PARSNIP MASH Parsnips, available in the Fall and Winter, are a great substitute for carrots in your dishes. With very low, naturally containing, sodium and as a good source of vitamin C, folate and fiber, using parsnips in your dishes will be sure to pique the interest of your family and friends. This recipe is also a great substitute for mash potatoes. How to select? Choose parsnips that are firm and dry without any pits. Smaller parsnips are known to be more flavorful and tender. Storage: Unwashed parsnips can be kept in the refrigerator in an unsealed bag for three weeks or more.
Directions 1. In a large saucepan and on medium heat, melt the butter and then add the cut parsnips into the pan to cook for 5 minutes, or until it starts to caramelize. Add the curry and honey and cook for another two minutes. 2. Add the milk and bring it to a boil. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 15 minutes or until the parsnips become very tender. Mash with a potato masher and season to taste.
Ingredients ● ● ● ● ●
3 tbsp. Butter 2.2 lb. Parsnips, cut into chunks 1 tbsp. Curry powder 3 tbsp. Honey 1 c Whole milk
POMEGRANATE SALAD Pomegranates are exclusive to the winter months and are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and a good source of potassium, folate, and copper. Take advantage of this winter exclusive fruit with this spinach pomegranate salad recipe. Ingredients 3/4 c Unsweetened pomegranate juice 1 tbsp. Fresh lemon juice 2 tsp. Roasted hazelnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt 1/4 tsp. Minced fresh thyme leaves 1/8 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper 5 oz. Spinach leaves (about 2 lightly packed qts.) 3/4 c Finely shredded radicchio (1head) 1/2 c Pomegranate seeds* 1/2 c Coarsely chopped toasted hazel nuts 1 Large firm-ripe Bartlett pear
Directions 1. In a small saucepan, boil pomegranate juice until reduced to 1/4 cup, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool. Whisk in lemon juice, oil, salt, thyme, and pepper. 2. In a salad bowl, gently mix spinach, radicchio, pomegranate seeds, and hazelnuts with dressing. Divide among 6 plates. 3. Quarter pear and core. Thinly slice crosswise, then stack slices and cut in matchsticks. Arrange pear on salads. *Splatter-free seeding: Cut a pomegranate into chunks. Put chunks in a bowl of water, and, working under water, use your hands to break seeds free from pith.
DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 21
Identifying a Bad Training Partner By David Greer
O
ne of the first rules of jiu-jitsu is to take care of your training partner, and while most of us follow it, there are a few who do not. How do we quickly tell the difference between a good training partner and bad a one when it comes to sparring? Here are few things to think about and look for. Taking care of your training partner, in the most basic sense, means don’t hurt them. 22 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
It means being aware of how both of you are positioned to make sure an ankle or elbow doesn’t get accidentally twisted or sprained. It means not going too aggressive with a submission and causing a joint to pop. It also means not cranking a choke super hard, especially when the choke is being applied incorrectly to somebody’s face instead of their neck. A good training partner can greatly boost the quality of our training. A good partner is challenging and attentive. Sparring sessions will feel fluid. It doesn’t matter
who taps out who, or if one dominates the other, or if they are evenly matched. There will be a certain flow to sparring and we will walk away with a better understanding of our jiu-jitsu game. On the other side is the bad training partner. Sparring with a bad training partner feels resistant, and there’s usually some pain involved. A bad training partner is stubborn and consistently focused on going for the win above everything else. There’s little attention given to what their partner is doing or what the rest of the class is doing. The primary goal of a bad training partner is to do whatever it takes to get the win.
When I was a new blue belt, I sparred with a purple belt during the beginner-level class. The purple belt put me in an armbar but I was able to defend and work toward escaping it. Just as I was about to get free, the purple belt switched to a wrist lock and cranked it so hard I heard a pop before I could tap out. Although a wrist lock is technically legal at the blue belt level, I was a new at that level and had never learned anything about them before. I told the guy it was the first time I experienced a wrist lock and I asked how he did it. His answer was, “go for the wrist.” Not very helpful. I realized the purple belt didn’t like that I was about to escape his armbar and DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 23
aggressively attacked a wrist lock to get the win without regard for my safety. On a different occasion I watched a blue belt who received combat training from the military put a white belt in a bicep slicer. For those who don’t know, a bicep slicer is a painful submission that can literally slice the bicep muscle off of the humerus bone while breaking apart the elbow joint. It’s an advanced technique that is only legal for brown and black belts. The blue belt knew the technique through military training and was basically using the white belt as a practice dummy, cranking out as many submissions as possible using any technique regardless of how dangerous it could be. Another time, when I was a more experienced blue belt, I sparred a white belt who was too stubborn tap out. I put the guy in an armbar, slowly applied pressure, and then I heard his elbow pop. I let go and saw he was cringing in pain. I asked why he didn’t tap out and he said he could take the pain and escape. I explained that if he’s caught in a submission and feels pressure against a joint that he needs to tap out before getting hurt. We were just sparring and if I wasn’t paying attention I may have accidentally hurt the guy simply because he refused to tap. When we restarted, I got him in an armbar again, and he still refused to tap. I had to let go before his elbow popped again. The white belt was so focused on not losing he ignored advice and put 24 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
himself in danger. Bad training partners can come in all skill levels but they have some things in common. The bad training partner is stubborn and is willing to use advanced, sometimes dangerous, techniques to get a submission, especially when things don’t go their way. The bad training partner doesn’t listen to advice very well nor do they like to give useful advice. Giving useful advice means taking the time to help somebody and a bad partner is not interested in helping others, they just want to get back to sparring to go for what they perceive as another win. Watch out for these traits the next time you’re partnered up to spar with somebody. You can even do a quick test by asking a simple question about a technique and see how well your partner listens and responds. Do they address your question and help out, or is their response short and not very useful? Once we are able to identify somebody as a bad training partner, the question becomes what do we do about it? The obvious answer is to avoid sparring with them but that’s not always possible because we do not always get to pick our partner. What we can do is control the situation as best we can. How does one control the situation? When I have bad partners that are of equal or higher skill than me, like the
purple belt that wrist locked me, I offer less resistance. I let them pass my guard before they smash me into the mat. I give up my arm so they go for an armbar and I’m ready to tap out early. I expose my neck to make sure they choke my neck and not my face. By offering less resistance and tapping early I greatly limit the amount of pain and discomfort I go through. And the bad training partner never notices that I essentially threw the match because they’re too involved in themselves to notice. With a bad partner who is less skilled than me, I simply control the position. Take the white belt I described above who was too stubborn to tap out. Once I realized he wouldn’t tap to photo | Bret Thompsett anything, I no longer went for submissions. Another time I was partnered with a different white belt who had the habit of wildly flailing their arms. This person would often punch and elbow people in the face despite the coaching efforts of instructors and teammates. When we sparred, I simply controlled the top position and practiced transitioning between full mount and side control. I stayed close so those flailing arms couldn’t do any damage.
Whether a bad partner is more skilled or less skilled, I still have a level of control. Whether I’m controlling the position or offering less resistance, I’m dictating my actions in order to keep myself safe when sparring with a bad partner. When the sparring session ends, I can move on without injury and continue training. It doesn’t matter who gets the “win” because the point of training is to get better, which could mean practicing a position we’re not very good at or even putting ourselves in a submission in order to practice an escape. Training is about growing and improving, not about racking up submissions at the expense of another person’s safety. By and large, bad training partners are rare. Over time less and less people want to train with this type of person and they either disappear or change how they train with others. That purple belt who wrist locked me no longer trains at my school, and the white belt who didn’t want to tap out eventually learned to tap out. But in times when we do get a bad partner, it’s good to remember that we still have control of the situation and can get through it safely. DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 25
Living a Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle by Jeffery Huang
I truly believe that I live a “jiu-jitsu lifestyle”. I emphasize a jiu-jitsu lifestyle and not the jiu-jitsu lifestyle because in my mind, they are not one and the same. Most who have put in significant time on the mats embrace this phrase in one way or another. However, too often you see people judge each other on how they personally embody this notion. That is what personally bothers me the most. What do I mean by “jiu-jitsu lifestyle”? If you have consistently trained for over 6 months, I would say you are already living this lifestyle, whether you are conscious of it or not. On any given day, we may spend just a few hours on the mat during actual training, but I am sure a significant portion of the day is spent either preparing (or recovering) from these 28 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
sessions. And as months of training turns into years, as that white belt gets traded for blue and you begin to eye the coveted purple belt, I guarantee more and more of your life plans will begin to revolve around jiu-jitsu. What Makes Jiu-Jitsu Unique? The bonds that are created on the mat are unlike any other sport, hobby, or activity. If you are reading this article, you already understand what I mean. The best training comes from an unspoken trust, a connection between you and your sparring partner. At no other time are we put in such precarious situations, at risk of broken limbs, torn ligaments, even being choked unconscious, as we are in jiu-jitsu.
This is every training day. Some days, you trust your partner to flow roll with you, drill, or work technique. If you are recovering from an injury, you expect them to be conscious of their movements so as to prevent further injury. Other days, like during competition training, your partner motivates you to dig in deep, to push that extra limit to help raise your game come tournament day. “Don’t stop!” my teammate Cesar Casamajo yelled while leading the competition team. You beat the s**t out of each other during these rolls, then immediately smile and shake hands after the rigorous rounds. All the same, our normal social barriers vanish during these times. Police officers spar against students, businessmen roll with teachers, and physicians fist-bump and slap-hands with chefs. When we bow and step onto the mats, we leave our egos behind and become equals, with the one common goal: to grind day in and day out to continue our personal jiu-jitsu journey. Herd Mentality in Jiu-Jitsu There are several sides to the importance of the bonds we create from our jiu-jitsu training – the good, the truth, and the ugly. For the good, I’ve already described them: barriers are broken down, relationships are built, bonds are created, and trust is established. My closest friends have come from jiu-jitsu. The groomsmen for my wedding next year are almost entirely made up of jiu-jitsu
competitors. Even my fiancée actively competes, and the first time we ever met was at the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Pan-Ams tournament. Now Here is the Truth. Naturally, the jiu-jitsu academy is lead by the head instructor (Professor or Master). With how close the students become and, undoubtedly, following his or her lead, every academy becomes unique with a certain focus. The most obvious (and controversial) labels of academies would be self-defense versus sport jiu-jitsu. But we also see academies that are a mixture of both examples, and may also incorporate mixed martial arts, judo, wrestling, striking, and even conditioning classes with jiu-jitsu. On top of the style of training, there is also a distinct atmosphere and energy that can be seen in every academy. Some are extremely warm and welcoming to new and visiting students. Others, you feel a distinct wall that is put up by students to newcomers. Through school, work, and love for traveling, I’ve visited close to 50 academies so far in my jiu-jitsu lifetime. I’ve been to some places where the students would say, “welcome to the family!” In other schools, students stare, size me up, waiting for their chance to try to put me in place - an act of alpha male dominance, no doubt. While some schools were structured, respectful, and reserved, others seemed like a fraternity. Regardless, this energy originates with DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 29
the instructor, carried on and exemplified by the upper belts, and trickles down to the remainder of the class. If you are a new student, you will naturally fall in place, or end up feeling like an outsider at the academy. The feeling may be subtle, or regrettably strong enough that you’ll want to switch schools (but now you’re a creonte - a traitor). Remember, we’re a close group of training partners and friends; if you do not have the same mentality as us, you’re gonna have a hard time fitting in. An Ugly Truth I admit, I am guilty: I have compared myself to other students, and definitely students in other schools, when measuring my success in jiu-jitsu. I think it’s a natural reaction, especially being an active competitor, but it’s an aspect of jiu-jitsu that I do my best to try and shed this kind of ego. That’s what that really is: arrogance and ego. And the ugly truth? You will sometimes see entire academies believing they are better than others. You’ll read about it on your Facebook News Feed, highlighted in various online forums, or even featured in jiu-jitsu magazines. Every academy is doing their best to find their own niche and market themselves to potential new students. I get it. At the same time, this separation is creating a toxic divide in the jiu-jitsu community and can potentially suppress, rather than encourage, the opportunities students may discover in their path. 30 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
Agents of Change If you are a new student, keep an open mind as you do your best to absorb the art. Remember, jiu-jitsu doesn’t just end when you bow and step off the mat. It will ultimately spread into your everyday life, daily activities, and even influence your family and loved ones. If you are a veteran, try to realize the proverbial barriers that have formed between academies, and how we can break down those walls. Encourage that paradigm shift in the way we interact with other academies. We’ve already begun seeing this movement in the jiu-jitsu community. Brands such as Kekoa Collective have a “Rev-Share Program” intended to help various academies and studios provide sponsorships, gear, or financial support for its students. Studio 540 is one of the first academies whose primary mission is to have no club or team affiliations, and welcomes practitioners from any school with no judgments or biases. We also have movements like Grapplethon that encourage the BJJ community to come together for a marathon training session to raise money for charity. We all started jiu-jitsu for different reasons. Our journey through the years have been molded and guided by our instructors and teammates. Continue to grow and expand your connections beyond your academy walls. When you can embrace your own jiu-jitsu lifestyle, I truly believe you will always find success.
Getting to know
Rank: Black Belt Height: 5’5” Weight: 120lbs Age: 30 Gym: Caio Terra Academy Favorite Movie: Leon: The Professional Favorite Cartoon: Sailor Moon Favorite Food: Dessert Spirit Animal: Lion Worst Fear: Being Alone Kryptonite: Disney Sing-a-Longs
Q. Why BJJ, and not a B-Girl, or professional tinikling dancer (traditional Filipino dance, yes she is a kababayan)? KB: Jiu-Jitsu allows me to not only be in my truest form, but has been the vehicle that has helped me to find my calling and purpose. Dancing will always be my first love, but Jiu-Jitsu is marriage material. Q. What is your biggest accomplishment, or what are you most proud of in the art, or in life? KB: I would have to say that the accomplishment I am most proud of is the Inspire Women’s Open Mat project I started when I was a purple belt. I haven’t been able to promote events in a while, but starting that movement gave me the ability to work more with the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community and help empower women in the sport & in life. Q. What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success? KB: In training, I like to give myself goals to work towards, particularly when I’m prepping for a tournament. I also write a lot. For me, the physical training is challenging, but essentially the easiest. You just need to show up. The mental training aspect of Jiu-Jitsu is always the most difficult, so I make sure to spend time strengthening my mind to get through the tough training and the mental & emotional hardships that come with that training.
Q. What would be your ultimate achievement? KB: WORLD DOMINATION! Just kidding. Like most black belts, I would like to have my own program and academy one day. But more than that, I want to be a lasting voice in the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community. Q. When you first started training, who did you idolized (or look up to) in the art? Who do you hold in high regard today and why? KB: As a white belt, I really admired my then, and now, professor, Caio Terra. His Jiu-Jitsu really proved to me that all you needed was good technique to overcome obstacles. I also looked up to my then teammate and now best friend Bryant Pangelinan. He was a blue belt when I first started, but his work ethic and approach to training really inspired me to want to pursue being a competitive athlete. I receive a lot of guidance from the both of them in my present, daily life. Q. What is your biggest challenge or hurdle when preparing for a match (when teaching / when training) and what do your do to manage it? KB: The biggest challenge I struggle with in my daily life is my constant battle with anxiety & depression. It manifests in many ways and in all aspects of my life, but Jiu-Jitsu has really given me the strength to get through each day. From reminding myself to stay present, managing my breathing,
to being sure to communicate my needs, and writing down my thoughts & feelings. I have to take each day one at a time to keep myself centered and balanced so I can function properly. Q. Do you have any recommended resources to share e.g., books, seminars, websites, coaches? KB: I would definitely recommend the BJJ Mental Coach for one. Gustavo Dantas was not only my former Jiu-Jitsu professor, but he really helped me understand the mental aspect of training and competition and a lot of the improvements I made with myself would not have been possible without him. The Confident Athlete is a great 14day program that has helped me get in the right mind set to achieve in competition. It’s an audio and workbook program that I believe can be found on Amazon. I would also suggest either reading or listening to Psycho-Cybernetics. There is a lot of really insightful information on how we view ourselves and allow people to treat us based on those views. It was a real eye opener and life changing read for me. Q. What point did you realize this was going to be your life? KB: I can’t remember a specific moment, but I knew that when I started Jiu-Jitsu, I KNEW that it needed to be part of my life. As far as when I realized that I could actually do more with Jiu-Jitsu than compete, I would
say I felt I had that moment after hosting my first Inspire Open Mat. I guess I really started to believe in my potential to not only help people, but be the kind of person I have always wanted to be, but was afraid to admit to. Q. What was the best advice you were ever given? KB: “No one is going to come to the rescue. It is up to you to save yourself, but if you put yourself out in the world, the right people will eventually find you and help you on your way.” -Gustavo Dantas Q. Do You have a saying or motto that you live your life by? KB: It’s not a saying, but I live my life to one word: perseverance. Through everything, always persevere. Q. Submit the Stigma, why does it mean so much to you? KB: As I have mentioned before, I struggle with depression & anxiety. I have attempted taking my own life in the past and have lost friends to suicide. Jiu-Jitsu literally saved my life. I feel it very important to be open and share my experiences to not only bring light to the issue, but to show solidarity & support for those like me in the Jiu-Jitsu community. By openly speaking of mental illness and our struggles, we not only lessen the power that mental illness holds in our lives, but we also create a forum in which healing can occur. DEC 2016 | ISSUE 003 | 35
Q. You’re walking down a dark alley, and what seems to be a mugger approaches you, and they’re about to attack, take down or pull guard, and why? KB: Run away! I don’t like confrontation so if I am given an opportunity to take myself out of a dangerous situation beforehand, I will. If I absolutely have no choice, I would jump guard or go for a flying submission for sure, “haha.” Q. If the IBJJF allowed entrance songs, what would yours be? KB: I absolutely have zero idea, but I have a feeling it would most likely be a Disney song. Q. If you could spar or choke anyone in the world that doesn’t train jiu-jitsu, who would that be? KB: Dan Luvisi. He’s one of my favorite artists and for whatever reason, I think he would really enjoy Jiu-Jitsu. Q. Hidden talent? I feel I’m pretty open with sharing my talents, but I have spent a lifetime learning how to do all sorts of random things that I guess could be considered talents. I can dance while balancing things on my head, cook up a storm, and teach myself how to do anything I put my mind to. Q. One thing no one knows or very few people know about you. KB: It’s no secret that I’m a major tomboy, but deep down, 36 | ISSUE 003 | DEC 2016
I am also a Disney princess. I feel like I’m a multi-faceted person and rarely do people get to know/see all of me. Those who know me as a dancer are in disbelief about my Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. Those who see me as a tough competitor often don’t see that I am afraid of a lot of things at all times. I am a human being who seeks to share myself with the world and find love in all aspects of my life. Q. Black belt Kristina is coaching White belt Kristina in her first ever BJJ competition, what advice are you giving her as she steps on the mat? Remember to breathe and you are here to shine! Q. Being a CTRL industries sponsored athlete, just how many gis do you own? 31 and counting!
Q. Little girl walks up to you and ask, why BJJ and not taekwondo or Kung fu (Bruce Lee is kind of big deal)? KB: Because in Jiu-Jitsu, I can be the smallest person on the mat, but I can also be the most dangerous. Q. Any plans to visit the Philippines for a seminar? KB: Absolutely! I’m hoping to have something set up for next year around the Asian Open. Q. Any shout outs? THANK YOU to my professor Caio Terra, my sponsors CTRL Industries, Digitsu, How Healthy Wellness Center, Savage Three Cryotherapy, Gi Soap, Leao Optics, all my CTA team mates, my extended Jiu-Jitsu family at Sabre Jiu-Jitsu, and my friends and family for all the support.
Q. RAPID FIREQuickly say the first thing that comes to mind when you hear these words or phrases: Cake Birthday Psssst (someone calling you) Hoy! Crossfit Diablo Girls can’t do what guys can Defiance Beauty Me. All through hard fought confidence.
If you’re interested in hosting Kristina Barlaan for seminars, you can reachher at:
kristina@kbjiujitsu.com Thank You Kristina! #SUBMITtheSTIGMA
Advertisement Inquiries Sales & Marketing Team 619-356-8006 contact@freerollmag.com General Inquiries Publication Representatives 503-298-5191 202-930-2789 info@freerollmag.com
THANK YOU!
& ROLL ON FRIENDS!