Quote:
Robert John wrote:
Thought I'd chime in here,
Er, about that,
a) Kevin and I didn't have time to really roll, and I have no illusions that the guy could turn me in a pretzel if we were going at it for real.
Hopefully I'll get a chance in the near future when we head back to DC for another round.
b) I was showing an example of how the "connection" could be used to reverse a submission attempt, in this case a Kimura. It was a demo, nothing more, neither of us were going all out.
c) He asked me how I could use the same stuff to get out from under side mount using these skills.
Other than shrimping/controlling the hips, or other "techs" I know for getting out of a side control, I don't have a direct answer as of yet (still working on that one). :-p (Dan H, you wanna spill some tips?  )
d) I did roll with one other person, but again, it was a demo, not a sparring match.
Not that he needs me to back him up, but Kevin sucked it up and sweat just as hard, both physically and mentally.
Knowing how hard his training ethos probably is definitely gave me a kick in the rear to keep up my own training...I'm only sorry we didn't get the time to pick each other's brain on the mat for ground work.
FWIW |
Thank Rob, I was going to say the same thing. I could see how some might interpret what we were doing as "rolling" but, as you say we were only discussing specific points concerning connection. Which I found interesting and got a better understanding of how Rob applies it in this context.
Keep in mind that "Rolling" implies a much more forceful and deliberate event in which two people or trying their best to submit the other within the constraint of a few agreed upon rules. Rob and I never even came close to doing that.
Also, as Rob discusses, I asked him about side control which I thought would be difficult to work as it is hard to establish a connection from because of the spines are perpendicular and the top person's hips are not connected in that case.
Again, a quick question and discussion right before lunch, nothing more than that. My impression is that it is still important to have and establish basic structure before you can do anything else. In this case it required Rob to create space and shrimp to either half guard or side control to create space and better structure to move from.
I don't believe Mike, Ark, or Rob would disagree with this, it is implied and common sense to me.
I do want to point out that the purpose of the seminar was the basics of developing and conditioning the body so that you could make better use of it martially...internally if you will. Along those lines, it was not the purpose to establish the martial effectiveness of Internal training, nor was it why I was there.
To me it is sort of like saying that running improves your martial ability....it is a true statement as stamina and cardio are important to being martially effective I think. However, no one would challenge a runner to a fight or even think that running in anyway would allow you to beat a MMAer. Yet we will do it with this training because it looks like it just might be martial..yea I could see how you make this association.
My impression of my short experience with both Mike Sigman's and Ark/Rob's training is that these are some very good methodologies for improving your martial body.
How effective will it be martially? Well I think that depends on the individual to apply it as they see fit.
For the two days I spent with Rob I would make this assessment. Impressive for someone that has only studied for 4 years. He has a good understanding of his body and has conditioned it to move in some very connected and effecient ways.
I would think that if Rob decided to walk into a big name MMA Gym, or even a BJJ dojo, he'd advance very rapidly and be very successful, same with aikido, or whatever sport, or kinetic activity he decided to pursue. That said, simply because he has developed this potential doesn't mean that he is immediately an expert in that game.
So take that for what it is worth. I didn't roll with him, so I can't vouch for his level of technical jiujistu skill, linked with the timing and speed etc...but I think it doesn't matter as he has developed a good base to learn those things if he ever decided that is what he wanted to do..that much I could tell.
So is this training worthwile. Yes it is. But I'd be careful to say that it will directly make you a better fighter, there is more to training than doing body work. This any more than it would make you a NBA basketball draftee contender!
I would point out that Ark and Rob do seem to be putting in the time to link it to these skills, so that needs to be considered...but body work in and of itself won't do it. Bottom line is that if you want to be a fighter with this stuff you are going to have to go out there and tap out alot, get hit, and try it over and over.
I think there are tradeoffs. You can spend 80 percent of your time doing this stuff and 20 percent of your time "rolling" and you will grow very slowly as a grappler. Or you can spend 20 percent of your time doing this stuff and 80 percent of your time "rolling' and grow very slowly internally. There is a balance.
Of course you could always just practice this for the sake that you enjoy it and for the benefits that connectedness and a strong core gives you when you consider quality of life as you age.
The thing that Ark, Rob, and Mike have made abundantly clear is this:
1. It is hard work
2. You must do it frequently.
3. Quality is more important than quality.
4. It is hard work.
5. but it can be done and there are proven ways.
6. It is up to you to apply it.
7. It is hard work, you must do it frequently.
Yes, I must say I was slightly embarrassed at how out of shape I am in this manner. I am in shape in other ways and can roll hard for several hours and wake up the next morning work out, and drive on without being sore. This training had me moving in ways that I normally don't move in, so I can only imagine if I do develop these weak areas they would only benefit me.
Thanks again, I appreciate the willingness to share this stuff fully as they do.
Yea hopefully we can roll next time Rob, I think it would be fun!