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INDEX
INTRODUCTION
0. What is the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Deluxe Forum?
1.1a What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
1.1b What's the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Gracie Jiu Jitsu (GJJ)?
1.1c So they like the ground, what do they do there? Just lay on them?
1.1 Who is Tim Mousel?
1.2 Who posts on Mousel's?
1.3 How old is the forum?
*1.4 Evolution of the posting board
ETIQUETTE
1.X
1.X
TECHNIQUES
2 Positions
2.1 Back Mount
2.2 Mount
2.3 Cross side/Cross mount/Side mount
2.4 Half mount/Half guard
2.5 All fours/Turtling
*3.1 Instructors
*4.1 Other Grappling styles
*5.1 Explanation of NHB, Pancrase etc rules.
*6.1 Major Players
0. What is the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Deluxe Forum?
This is a forum where Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (herein referred to as BJJ) can be discussed, as well as other grappling martial arts. We do not limit discussion to either of the above topics and we often include other aspects of training ranging from conditioning to strength training, as well as cross-training in various styles.
1.10 What's the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Gracie Jiu Jitsu (GJJ)?
The monikers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu started when Rorion Gracie first came to the United States. Back in Brazil, it was always known as Jiu Jitsu. So why the change? The answer is probably two-fold. When Rorion first came to the US, he trademarked Gracie Jiu Jitsu. First, this distinguishes his family's style of Jiu Jitsu from more traditional Japanese forms of Jiu Jitsu. Secondly, this gave Rorion a marketing advantage over other Brazilians, as he could control who used his family's name and stop "imposters" from trying to fake association with his family. This then spread to include other Brazilians Jiu Jitsu teachers that he did not endorse. This lead to the use of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by other people to describe what is essentially the same as GJJ. There isn't any documented example of a marked difference between GJJ and BJJ, except who controls the name.
1.11 a. So what is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that has applications in self-defense, as well as a sport side, much like Judo. What makes BJJ different from Judo is the specialization in working on the mat. Most, if not all, of BJJ's strong points are deeply rooted in highly modified techniques for use on the mat. This is not to say that BJJ doesn't encompass striking and takedowns-it does. But most people agree the groundwork makes BJJ so special and the desire and ease that most BJJ stylists go to the ground is a distinguishing characteristic.
1.1b So they like the ground, what do they do there? Just lay on them?
No, they don't just lay there (well, not most of the time
. The goal once the fight or match has proceeded to the ground is to control the opponent and apply a submission hold. There are many different types of submissions taught, of course with certain submissions barred from different tournaments-they include various joint locks (e.g. arms, legs, ankles, neck) and chokes. Pins are not emphasized as in Judo or Wrestling because, as the self defense aspect emphasizes, a fight is not necessarily over until you have made a person give up or until they are rendered unconscious, or a limb is broken. This is not to say that a friendly match or a fight, for that matter, will end in injury. Instead, it pushes BJJ for a more finite answer as to who is the winner of a confrontation or a sport match.
1.1 Who is Tim Mousel?
Tim is the webmaster of the forum as well as the first person to create a BJJ forum on the net. Often imitated and never out done. Tim is also a Martial Arts instructor based in Texas.
1.2 Who posts on Mousel's?
All sorts of people! You'll find people that practice a multitude of styles, including striking arts as well as grappling arts. There is a variety of people that post and read Mousel's, including, but not limited to: No Holds Barred competitors (from various circuits), sport jiu-jitsu competitors, BJJ blackbelts, NHB celebrities, judoka, sambo stylists, tape trainers, jokers, and the occasional asshole or two.
1.3 How old is the forum and what's the history?
The forum was created in 1994 and has gone through many different changes throughout its history. Many people have come and gone, but others are still "left over" from the beginning of time. The original format was not that good. It went through many different style changes, including a tree formation for posts up to it's current state. The current forum (Deluxe BJJ Forum) was originally created as a safer environment for celebrities and forum posters to post without people impersonating them or flaming them for no particular reason. The forum instituted a $5 registration fee to stop people from using multiple handles and as a way to control spamming. The normal, or free BJJ forum continued for a while. The forum traffic was then switched over to the Deluxe forum (Summer 1997), probably to save server space and reduce the problems seen on the old forum.
Old posters were given free access by virtue of past membership and because Tim decided to do away with the old format.
Then, around August of 2000, the forum went down for well over a month's time. This probably led to quite a few people abandoning the forum, thought to be forever lost.
So, what happened? I believe the old host received too much traffic from the forum and dropped it. Probably completely unfounded...those avatars didn't take up that much space.
Tim found a new host for the board, then tried to get it running. But it wouldn't be so easy for our fearless leader, oh no. He struggled. He toiled. He worked. Days went by....then more days....weeks...hell, over a month! Finally, Tim got this piece of crap running and stuck us with terrible colors.
Short of this synopsis: this brings us to the present time and etiquette.
ETIQUETTE
1.X Picking a Good Name
Well, maybe this should be how to pick a bad name. First, don't pick something derogatory to people or anything that's obscene, or something that is entirely in caps. (Bad name example: JIU JITSU KILLER-a great way to make enemies and non-friends on a BJJ forum-just ask him about it.) Try to pick something that is meaningful to you or describes something about yourself. It doesn't have to be your true name, but if it is, your credibility will instantly go up.
1.X First Posts and what to not post.
It might be wise to lurk for a little while before jumping in with comments that might be out of place or completely uncalled for. If you're reading this FAQ, you're way ahead of those that probably came before you. Remember that you're dealing with real people (in most cases) that can and sometimes do get upset over insults, personal attacks, and stupid comments. This is not to say we don't welcome comments that might seem stupid to ask, but don't join the forum and make your first post about the "myth" of BJJ and how eye gouging, fish hooking, small joint manipulation, and groin shots are all one needs to defeat a grappler. Comments like this are definite ways to make enemies and insure flames for many posts to come.
It is probably better to start off with a short introduction of yourself and what you've done. You don't have to do this, but it can let people know where you're coming from before you start to post seriously (but please don't include your life story and how your Uncle Jimbo was in Nam). If you're going to engage in questions about such techniques or any techniques (like what's the guard, a mount, etc), read the rest of the FAQ and your answer should be here. Or ask your nearest qualified BJJ/GJJ instructor, if you have one. If not or if you want to know other things relating to techniques fishing hooking, etc, ask sensibly. So don't tell everyone and their brother that groin shots are the wave of the future and we're all Lemmings here. Would you normally walk into another's house and rudely tell them their TV should always be exactly 72 inches from the nearest coach or else they're stupid and expect a warm welcome? I didn't think so.
1.X A good user profile can lead to a good start.
Filling out your user profile and listing specific information gives people a better idea who they're talking to without asking for a life story. If you add a valid email address and a city that you live in, you'll again increase your credibility. Why is this? This is because you're taking responsibility for your posts by giving people a way to contact you. (Note: there have been many fakes here that have used bogus Hotmail accounts. This doesn't mean that all Hotmail posters are bogus, but if you're new, you'll be viewed with a little suspicion at first; likewise if you don't post the above info in your profile.)
TECHNIQUES AND POSITIONS
1. Positions (in order of advantage?)
2.1 Back Mount
The back mount is a position in which the attacker is on the back of his opponent, often with his "hooks"(read: legs) placed in between the opponent's legs. This position can be achieved when either the opponent is: on all fours, when he is prone, or when the defender is "turtling."
2.2 Mount
The mount is a position in which the opponent is lying flat on their back while the attacker "straddles" their body anywhere between the chest and stomach. The attacker can be sitting up or crouching over the opponent.
2.3 Cross side/cross mount/side mount(all the same position)
This position is achieved when the opponent is lying flat on their back and the attacker is lying across their body, usually perpendicular to the opponent and most often, chest to chest. The legs can be in a variety of positions as well as the hands and arms (refer to Technical Section, Side Mount).
2.4 Half mount/half guard
This is a position in between a guard and a mount. Neither opponent has an apparent advantage, as the attacker has one leg entwined between the defender's legs and the other on "free" beside the opponent.
2.5 All fours/Turtling
The "all fours" position can be when an opponent is kneeling with their hands flat on the ground or with their elbows on the ground. Either way, the position usually implies the opponent is not/has not had the chance to either react or go into a "turtle" position. The "turtle" is a position were the defender tries to kneel and tighten up every possible space by bringing the elbows close to the knees and placing the hands on their own lapels and tucking the head to avoid chokes and to stop an opponent from back mounting.
3.0 Instructors
Please see www.bjj.org schools near you. If you do not find any there, feel free to ask the forum for help.
3.1 How do I pick an instructor in BJJ? What are training associations?
The most important variable in picking an instructor is location. There aren't too many instructors out there in comparison with your local McTKD schools. The majority of the black belt instructors are located either in major cities or on the East or West coast.
If you're looking for instructors, please go to www.bjj.org and look through there listings there.
Keep in mind that more and more qualified black belts are moving to the states all the time, so there's bound to be some more additions.
When trying to pick an instructor, it's best to decide what you're interested in training for. Are you more into Vale Tudo and MMA events training? Or are you interested in competing in local, regional, national, or international BJJ tournaments? Or maybe you're interested in mostly self-defense.
Different schools have different foci and it is up to the trainee to ask about the ciriculum. It's safe to say that there are different schools out there devoted to each of the different areas of training and it's not unusual for instructors to offer different classes on different nights to cover these topics.
Now, if a black belt instructor is not available in your area, there still may be a local training association out there for you to go to.
A training association is a group of people that train together without any real teacher per se. Instead, they have someone in the group that leads classes on techniques, often given to them by the specific group they're training under.
Training associations often have special guest teachers come around a couple times a year to help with the training and to teach seminars. Is this the best way to train? Probably not, but instructor availability is a limited resource, as is their time. I wouldn't go as far as saying you're not going to learn, as you will probably learn a lot of stuff. Basically, the more everyone puts into the association and into their techniques and training, the more everyone reaps the benefits.
3.2 I don't have any associations or teachers near me, how about tape training?
Tape training is something that is hotly debated on our forum, as well as others, and in different training circles.
Some believe that people can only learn grappling with a qualified instructor there to correct errors, while others believe you really don't need anything more than a tape in the VCR. Who's right on this issue?
Well, it really depends on who you ask and your type of learning style. Some people can pick up moves from a tape easily, while others need to be constantly corrected until they get it right. So it's going to vary from person to person. I personally don't have too much of a problem learning from a tape and here's two interesting facts to point out. First, watching something performed 3-4 times is the same as doing it (according to studies). Second, Helio learned how to grapple initially by only watching his brother teach classes-he put in no mat time as he was too sickly and frail to do so. I'd say Helio did pretty well from just watching, wouldn't you?
4.0 Other Grappling Styles
There are many other grappling styles out there. Some fit better with BJJ than others, but most will probably have something useful for overall BJJ training. Judo offers excellent stand-up throws, while something like sombo will offer throws as well as leg locks. From there, there's even catch wrestling, which is taught by two different camps, Tony Cecchine and Matt Furey.
4.1 What is Catch Wrestling, or Hooking?
It's a long story. If you're looking for more info on catch wrestling, I suggest you look up Matt Furey and Tony Cecchine. Both have much to offer in this area, even though Matt doesn't believe so since their falling out a few years back.
I'll add links for catch in the following days....
[Edited by Atomic on 11-16-2000 at 11:23 PM]
INTRODUCTION
0. What is the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Deluxe Forum?
1.1a What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
1.1b What's the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Gracie Jiu Jitsu (GJJ)?
1.1c So they like the ground, what do they do there? Just lay on them?
1.1 Who is Tim Mousel?
1.2 Who posts on Mousel's?
1.3 How old is the forum?
*1.4 Evolution of the posting board
ETIQUETTE
1.X
1.X
TECHNIQUES
2 Positions
2.1 Back Mount
2.2 Mount
2.3 Cross side/Cross mount/Side mount
2.4 Half mount/Half guard
2.5 All fours/Turtling
*3.1 Instructors
*4.1 Other Grappling styles
*5.1 Explanation of NHB, Pancrase etc rules.
*6.1 Major Players
0. What is the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Deluxe Forum?
This is a forum where Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (herein referred to as BJJ) can be discussed, as well as other grappling martial arts. We do not limit discussion to either of the above topics and we often include other aspects of training ranging from conditioning to strength training, as well as cross-training in various styles.
1.10 What's the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Gracie Jiu Jitsu (GJJ)?
The monikers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu started when Rorion Gracie first came to the United States. Back in Brazil, it was always known as Jiu Jitsu. So why the change? The answer is probably two-fold. When Rorion first came to the US, he trademarked Gracie Jiu Jitsu. First, this distinguishes his family's style of Jiu Jitsu from more traditional Japanese forms of Jiu Jitsu. Secondly, this gave Rorion a marketing advantage over other Brazilians, as he could control who used his family's name and stop "imposters" from trying to fake association with his family. This then spread to include other Brazilians Jiu Jitsu teachers that he did not endorse. This lead to the use of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by other people to describe what is essentially the same as GJJ. There isn't any documented example of a marked difference between GJJ and BJJ, except who controls the name.
1.11 a. So what is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that has applications in self-defense, as well as a sport side, much like Judo. What makes BJJ different from Judo is the specialization in working on the mat. Most, if not all, of BJJ's strong points are deeply rooted in highly modified techniques for use on the mat. This is not to say that BJJ doesn't encompass striking and takedowns-it does. But most people agree the groundwork makes BJJ so special and the desire and ease that most BJJ stylists go to the ground is a distinguishing characteristic.
1.1b So they like the ground, what do they do there? Just lay on them?
No, they don't just lay there (well, not most of the time
. The goal once the fight or match has proceeded to the ground is to control the opponent and apply a submission hold. There are many different types of submissions taught, of course with certain submissions barred from different tournaments-they include various joint locks (e.g. arms, legs, ankles, neck) and chokes. Pins are not emphasized as in Judo or Wrestling because, as the self defense aspect emphasizes, a fight is not necessarily over until you have made a person give up or until they are rendered unconscious, or a limb is broken. This is not to say that a friendly match or a fight, for that matter, will end in injury. Instead, it pushes BJJ for a more finite answer as to who is the winner of a confrontation or a sport match. 1.1 Who is Tim Mousel?
Tim is the webmaster of the forum as well as the first person to create a BJJ forum on the net. Often imitated and never out done. Tim is also a Martial Arts instructor based in Texas.
1.2 Who posts on Mousel's?
All sorts of people! You'll find people that practice a multitude of styles, including striking arts as well as grappling arts. There is a variety of people that post and read Mousel's, including, but not limited to: No Holds Barred competitors (from various circuits), sport jiu-jitsu competitors, BJJ blackbelts, NHB celebrities, judoka, sambo stylists, tape trainers, jokers, and the occasional asshole or two.
1.3 How old is the forum and what's the history?
The forum was created in 1994 and has gone through many different changes throughout its history. Many people have come and gone, but others are still "left over" from the beginning of time. The original format was not that good. It went through many different style changes, including a tree formation for posts up to it's current state. The current forum (Deluxe BJJ Forum) was originally created as a safer environment for celebrities and forum posters to post without people impersonating them or flaming them for no particular reason. The forum instituted a $5 registration fee to stop people from using multiple handles and as a way to control spamming. The normal, or free BJJ forum continued for a while. The forum traffic was then switched over to the Deluxe forum (Summer 1997), probably to save server space and reduce the problems seen on the old forum.
Old posters were given free access by virtue of past membership and because Tim decided to do away with the old format.
Then, around August of 2000, the forum went down for well over a month's time. This probably led to quite a few people abandoning the forum, thought to be forever lost.
So, what happened? I believe the old host received too much traffic from the forum and dropped it. Probably completely unfounded...those avatars didn't take up that much space.
Tim found a new host for the board, then tried to get it running. But it wouldn't be so easy for our fearless leader, oh no. He struggled. He toiled. He worked. Days went by....then more days....weeks...hell, over a month! Finally, Tim got this piece of crap running and stuck us with terrible colors.
Short of this synopsis: this brings us to the present time and etiquette.
ETIQUETTE
1.X Picking a Good Name
Well, maybe this should be how to pick a bad name. First, don't pick something derogatory to people or anything that's obscene, or something that is entirely in caps. (Bad name example: JIU JITSU KILLER-a great way to make enemies and non-friends on a BJJ forum-just ask him about it.) Try to pick something that is meaningful to you or describes something about yourself. It doesn't have to be your true name, but if it is, your credibility will instantly go up.
1.X First Posts and what to not post.
It might be wise to lurk for a little while before jumping in with comments that might be out of place or completely uncalled for. If you're reading this FAQ, you're way ahead of those that probably came before you. Remember that you're dealing with real people (in most cases) that can and sometimes do get upset over insults, personal attacks, and stupid comments. This is not to say we don't welcome comments that might seem stupid to ask, but don't join the forum and make your first post about the "myth" of BJJ and how eye gouging, fish hooking, small joint manipulation, and groin shots are all one needs to defeat a grappler. Comments like this are definite ways to make enemies and insure flames for many posts to come.
It is probably better to start off with a short introduction of yourself and what you've done. You don't have to do this, but it can let people know where you're coming from before you start to post seriously (but please don't include your life story and how your Uncle Jimbo was in Nam). If you're going to engage in questions about such techniques or any techniques (like what's the guard, a mount, etc), read the rest of the FAQ and your answer should be here. Or ask your nearest qualified BJJ/GJJ instructor, if you have one. If not or if you want to know other things relating to techniques fishing hooking, etc, ask sensibly. So don't tell everyone and their brother that groin shots are the wave of the future and we're all Lemmings here. Would you normally walk into another's house and rudely tell them their TV should always be exactly 72 inches from the nearest coach or else they're stupid and expect a warm welcome? I didn't think so.
1.X A good user profile can lead to a good start.
Filling out your user profile and listing specific information gives people a better idea who they're talking to without asking for a life story. If you add a valid email address and a city that you live in, you'll again increase your credibility. Why is this? This is because you're taking responsibility for your posts by giving people a way to contact you. (Note: there have been many fakes here that have used bogus Hotmail accounts. This doesn't mean that all Hotmail posters are bogus, but if you're new, you'll be viewed with a little suspicion at first; likewise if you don't post the above info in your profile.)
TECHNIQUES AND POSITIONS
1. Positions (in order of advantage?)
2.1 Back Mount
The back mount is a position in which the attacker is on the back of his opponent, often with his "hooks"(read: legs) placed in between the opponent's legs. This position can be achieved when either the opponent is: on all fours, when he is prone, or when the defender is "turtling."
2.2 Mount
The mount is a position in which the opponent is lying flat on their back while the attacker "straddles" their body anywhere between the chest and stomach. The attacker can be sitting up or crouching over the opponent.
2.3 Cross side/cross mount/side mount(all the same position)
This position is achieved when the opponent is lying flat on their back and the attacker is lying across their body, usually perpendicular to the opponent and most often, chest to chest. The legs can be in a variety of positions as well as the hands and arms (refer to Technical Section, Side Mount).
2.4 Half mount/half guard
This is a position in between a guard and a mount. Neither opponent has an apparent advantage, as the attacker has one leg entwined between the defender's legs and the other on "free" beside the opponent.
2.5 All fours/Turtling
The "all fours" position can be when an opponent is kneeling with their hands flat on the ground or with their elbows on the ground. Either way, the position usually implies the opponent is not/has not had the chance to either react or go into a "turtle" position. The "turtle" is a position were the defender tries to kneel and tighten up every possible space by bringing the elbows close to the knees and placing the hands on their own lapels and tucking the head to avoid chokes and to stop an opponent from back mounting.
3.0 Instructors
Please see www.bjj.org schools near you. If you do not find any there, feel free to ask the forum for help.
3.1 How do I pick an instructor in BJJ? What are training associations?
The most important variable in picking an instructor is location. There aren't too many instructors out there in comparison with your local McTKD schools. The majority of the black belt instructors are located either in major cities or on the East or West coast.
If you're looking for instructors, please go to www.bjj.org and look through there listings there.
Keep in mind that more and more qualified black belts are moving to the states all the time, so there's bound to be some more additions.
When trying to pick an instructor, it's best to decide what you're interested in training for. Are you more into Vale Tudo and MMA events training? Or are you interested in competing in local, regional, national, or international BJJ tournaments? Or maybe you're interested in mostly self-defense.
Different schools have different foci and it is up to the trainee to ask about the ciriculum. It's safe to say that there are different schools out there devoted to each of the different areas of training and it's not unusual for instructors to offer different classes on different nights to cover these topics.
Now, if a black belt instructor is not available in your area, there still may be a local training association out there for you to go to.
A training association is a group of people that train together without any real teacher per se. Instead, they have someone in the group that leads classes on techniques, often given to them by the specific group they're training under.
Training associations often have special guest teachers come around a couple times a year to help with the training and to teach seminars. Is this the best way to train? Probably not, but instructor availability is a limited resource, as is their time. I wouldn't go as far as saying you're not going to learn, as you will probably learn a lot of stuff. Basically, the more everyone puts into the association and into their techniques and training, the more everyone reaps the benefits.
3.2 I don't have any associations or teachers near me, how about tape training?
Tape training is something that is hotly debated on our forum, as well as others, and in different training circles.
Some believe that people can only learn grappling with a qualified instructor there to correct errors, while others believe you really don't need anything more than a tape in the VCR. Who's right on this issue?
Well, it really depends on who you ask and your type of learning style. Some people can pick up moves from a tape easily, while others need to be constantly corrected until they get it right. So it's going to vary from person to person. I personally don't have too much of a problem learning from a tape and here's two interesting facts to point out. First, watching something performed 3-4 times is the same as doing it (according to studies). Second, Helio learned how to grapple initially by only watching his brother teach classes-he put in no mat time as he was too sickly and frail to do so. I'd say Helio did pretty well from just watching, wouldn't you?
4.0 Other Grappling Styles
There are many other grappling styles out there. Some fit better with BJJ than others, but most will probably have something useful for overall BJJ training. Judo offers excellent stand-up throws, while something like sombo will offer throws as well as leg locks. From there, there's even catch wrestling, which is taught by two different camps, Tony Cecchine and Matt Furey.
4.1 What is Catch Wrestling, or Hooking?
It's a long story. If you're looking for more info on catch wrestling, I suggest you look up Matt Furey and Tony Cecchine. Both have much to offer in this area, even though Matt doesn't believe so since their falling out a few years back.
I'll add links for catch in the following days....
[Edited by Atomic on 11-16-2000 at 11:23 PM]