SBG Spring Camp Mini Review

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Straight Blast Gym held their annual Spring camp this past weekend in Portland, Oregon. The camp was awesome! The theme of this years camp was Jits with Hits. We worked heavily on Jits techniques that worked well with no gi and with striking involved. What makes SBG camps and seminars so good is that the SBG teaching methodologies are used throughout the camp. Anything you learn in camp you will practice against resistance the same day. This means that you won't see as many techniques, but you will actually have something you can use right away. I have been to far too many seminars where the instructors give you 1000 techniques that you only get to try a few times without resistance before going on to the next technique. I usually get brain overload quickly and feel lost the rest of the time. This doesn't happen at a SBG seminar. They really take the time to make sure everyone gets a chance to work the techniques correctly and can apply them against resistance.
New SBGI instructor John Frankl (sp?) worked some great half guard techniques. He really does a great job of explaining the why as well as the how of techniques. Karl Tanniswell from the UK showed why he is SBG's go to guy when it comes to the clinch. He showed some great pummeling and hand fighting techniques from various tie up positions. My favorite part of the seminar was Matt's fundamental 5 for passing the guard. It was a great no-nonsence explination of the fundamentals of the guard pass. It was presented in a way that everyone from beginner to advanced BJJ players got some good info that will definately improve their guard passing.

You know, the SBG guys focuss on improving your game and not on giving you alot of techniques. This is obvious from the start. The techniques that they show are all high percentage techniques that the instructors all have battle tested. You won't see alot of "cool" secret or advanced moves at a SBG seminar, but you will improve your game. Everyone was very friendly. It always amazes me when I'm around people from any of the SBG locations that everyone has game. Even the students who have been around only a few weeks have some game already. It really is impossible to be around SBG guys for any length of time and not develop some good skills. It's inherent in the training methodologies.

A new BJJ black belt was awardes as well as several purple belts. All well deserved. Matt talked a bit about the future of SBGI. Look for some great things ahead!