Checkmate Self Defense » Steve

Joe Earns Shodan

Steve — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 02:17:07 +0000

Everyone,

Saturday’s events at Checkmate were exciting to put it lightly. We began with our normal adult Jujitsu class at 0730 and got in a lot of reps. Around 0830 everyone began to arrive for the days main event, Joe’s test for black. It was great to have Joe Sullivan, Sensei Leigh’s long time friend, training partner, and extended Checkmate family member on the mat. In the audience were a few Checkmate members and it was great to have them present as well. Last but not least, Sensei Bill Chestnut joined us on the mat to provide his many years of experience.

I would like to first recognize the sacrifices of the students that gave up several hours of their day for Checkmate and Joe. Your commitment to the dojo and your fellow training partners is beyond words. With that said, I must thank the family members of the students that support their loved ones and allow them to train. Without the support of the family members, the support of the students would break down. I thank you not only for the support on Saturday but for the continued support throughout the years. This support allows us to support each other and help each other learn live saving skills that will hopefully never be tested but are ready to protect you if ever needed.

In typical fashion, Sensei Leigh began the test by putting Joe right into the fire. Well, more like he pushed Joe into an active volcano. Sensei Leigh wanted to begin the test by using drills specific to testing Joe’s weaker areas. In the first 15 minutes of the test Joe was physically and mentally pushed to his breaking point. It was clear to everyone and no one more than Joe that he was in for war to earn his black belt. Joe demonstrated a true warrior spirit and battled for the next 3 hours with little time for recovery. Joe gave it his all and did not let his warrior spirit break.

Joe, you demonstrated great Jujitsu. You should be proud of the performance you gave on Saturday. You are an example for anyone to follow in the dojo and certainly made Sensei very proud. Success in a dojo is won or lost with your training partners. The success I enjoy is in a large part do to you and your years of commitment. I appreciate your kind words but truly believe it is a partnership to grow and advance in the dojo. I feel honored to have contributed to your success. Yet, as I have stated before; to walk the same path with you is far more valuable and rewarding.

Lastly, I must thank my wife for the years of love and support. I enjoy many successes in both my personal and professional endeavors do to her support, encouragement, and more importantly sacrifices. I must continuously keep myself in check regarding the sacrifices she makes. To all my fellow dojo mates, please take a moment to thank your loved ones and thank them from us (Sensei Leigh and I).

Respectfully,

Senpai Steve.

Joe’s Blackbelt test on 11-20-10

Steve — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:30:04 +0000

Please make every effort possible to either participate or observe Joe as he tests. I personally can not wait for the date. Over the years at Checkmate, Joe has been a great training partner, student, teacher and always brings a great attitude. His presence on the mat always makes for an enjoyable training session. Joe made my journey to black possible and continues to contribute to my learning. To witness, Uki, contribute, and participate in Joe’s blackbelt test will be a tremendous honor. To walk this path side by side with Joe is a privilege I do not take lightly. I know it will be greatly appreciated by Joe and Sensei Leigh to have as many people on the mat as possible. I look forward to seeing you on 11-20-10.

Senpai Steve

Thank you Uki’s

Steve — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:23:40 +0000

A special thank you to everyone that was in class this evening (3-29-10) for being an Uki. My journey in martial arts can not be made alone and I can not fully express in words my appreciation for all your help. There is certain to be other days in which you will be asked to sacrifice yourselves again. Le me assure you I appreciate your efforts and consider it an honor to Uki for each of you.

Focus to the smallest point possible (Proper direction of force)

Steve — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:43:19 +0000

In transmitting the maximum amount of force and producing maximum pain, focus plays a vital part. Try to pinpoint pain to the smallest base possible. Transmission of energy to a wide base means that the energy is distributed over a larger area and less energy is directed to the point where the pain should be felt.

Be accurate with the direction of force. All small-circle techniques employ dual action of the wrists, pulling in with the fingers and pushing with the thumbs. Learn to use the extended arm movement in conjunction with this wrist action. With locks such as the bent elbow wrist lock, use the centerline (from throat to solar plexus) as the target of application.

Proper gripping when executing the technique is also very important. Learn where the fulcrum is and pull in toward your body to keep the opponent in maximum pain.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Mental Resistance and Distraction

Steve — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:44:27 +0000

Everyone has the ability to mentally resist pain. Try this with the bent elbow wrist lock applied on you by a partner. As the hold is applied, concentrate on the spot where the pain is felt. Imagine that there is a flywheel spinning at high speed at the spot, going in the opposite direction, which is counterclockwise. Do not use physical resistance, but remain calm and relaxed as you give your total concentration. If you are able to go into deep concentration, you will be surprised to find that you will feel no pain. If however, someone were to slap you on your wrist, causing you to lose your concentration, you will feel immediate pain. This also points up the vital part that the element of distraction play in self-defense.

Distraction of the opponent’s concentration is important when executing a counterattack. During application of a technique when resistance is met, distract your opponent by attacking the weak areas of the body. This leaves him with less power and a split second loss of concentration. An unexpected shout or grunt may also allow you sufficient time to escape or counter. A sternum strike while simultaneously executing a wrist lock hold, for instance, or a kick to the shin while escaping a lapel grab, or a pinch to the inner thigh of someone using a bear hug on you may enable you to gain control of the fight more readily.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Checkmate Martial Arts on Facebook

Steve — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:33:14 +0000

I established a Checkmate Martial Arts group on Facebook. The group will have limited access to the Checkmate family only. It will not be open to the public. In addition to the posts on the website, join and check the group for Dojo info, updates, events, and to just communicate with your extended Dojo family. We’ll see you on the mat and remember; It’s Your Move!!!

Avoid the head-on collision of forces

Steve — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:02:12 +0000

To avoid the full power of your opponent’s attack, avoid the head-on collision of force by evading, deflecting, blending, or redirecting. Unlike other systems of martial arts training where you pivot in toward the opponent, this principle is just the opposite. As in all small-circle moves, always pivot away from the opponent when blending, redirecting, or evading. Try to evade the opponent’s striking force by stepping back. Move 45 to 90 degrees to the left or right, or move laterally left or right.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Mobility and Stability

Steve — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:29:56 +0000

Your center of gravity plays an important part in the principle of mobility and stability. Lower your center of gravity and you will achieve stability; raise your center of gravity and you will gain mobility. The hub of your action is at you midsection. When your center of gravity rises, you lesson your stability and increase you mobility and vice versa.

Your mind can also control your center of gravity. Try these exercises for example. Lift your partner up slowly holding him around the waist. If your partner thinks of riding an elevator going upward with high speed, his body will be easier to lift. Lift your partner again. If h concentrates he is riding an elevator goin downward, his body will be more difficult to lift.

For mobility move on the balls of your feet, and when pivoting, your knees should be either above or beyond your toes, and not directly over your heels. For stability, lower your body slightly. Stability is essential in punching and throwing.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Understanding “Balance”

Steve — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:17:25 +0000

BALANCE:

Balance is perhaps the most important principle in any sport. The basic strategy of Judo, for instance, is to keep your opponent off balance while maintaining your own. By keeping your own balance, you will have use of your maximum power while your opponent uses part of his energy trying to regain his balance. The more off balance he is, the more strength he will need to recover.

Jay, Wally. small-circle jujitsu. United States: Ohara Publication, Inc, 2007.

Ten Principles of Small Circle Jujitsu

Steve — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:02:27 +0000

The following principles form the basis of Professor Wally Jays Small Circle Jujitsu and an important part of Sensei Leigh’s style. During this weeks class we focused on transitional flow and rotational momentum. Continue to refer back to these ten principles and understand how we apply them.

Balance
Mobility and Stability
Avoid the Head On Collision of Forces
Mental Resistance and Distraction
Focus to the Smallest Point Possible
Energy Transfer
Create a Base
Sticking Control and Sensitivity
Rotational Momentum
Transitional Flow
1. Exert Continual Pain During Transitions
2. Create Maximum Pain Without Dislocating Joint
3. Mobility During Transition Rather than Stability