What I've Learned from Training MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In Buffalo, NY

              Passion Not Self-Glory Will Drive Your Success 

        When I first began martial arts in Buffalo, NY over four years ago, I had little idea of  where martial arts would take me in life. I just remembered thinking that if you learned a few moves, a couple submissions, and gave a little effort than you would become a Jiu-Jitsu expert. Well yes and no. Within my first year of training, I quickly went from training two times a week to  five or more times a week, when I began training at my current gym Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
     Through all the aches and pain, mental frustration, self-doubt, one thing always continued  to drive my commitment towards Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. Passion.  The moment you began to view your training as a chore, the passion will fade. Passion has to manifested from within. Nobody can convince you to have it, but when you are able to cultivate it by whatever means nessecary, then it is yours to guide and carry you on the journey. You must fall in love with Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Wrestling, or MMA , if you wish to make serious progress. It can never be about satisfying the ego. The ego will only block you. You must carry on, because you love being on the path of discovery. To work through the puzzle of Jiu-Jitsu endlessly , revealing bits and pieces through study and mat time, without any crippling and inhibiting desire to race through it, is the way to make progress. Progress does not come over night.
          At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I learned that  cultivating passion will keep you on those mats. It allowed me to seek and drill the techniques that will fit into your game and defeat the competition. To be willing to commit all your free time and  entire days to training, not because you want to prove something to others, but because you crave it.

Take it One Day at a Time

  When  I was training for my first MMA fight, it became instantly clear that there was much I did not understand. My legs became black and blue, because I did not know how to check Muay Thai round kicks, my wrestling was weak when I was worried about defending my head from punches instead of takedowns, and my Jiu-Jitsu had to be modified to deal with strikes from the guard. When this happened I felt a sensation of being overwhelmed. "How could I possibly learn what I needed to learn within the time frame of a few weeks?" 

    The fights were in my own backyard just a few miles north of Buffalo and all my family and friends would be there. Backing out was not an option, so I did the only thing I knew that would give me a shot. I had to embrace the grind. MMA is tough. It is  among the toughest sports in the world and filled with athletes whose wills simply do not quit.  There is a whole galaxy of techniques and opponents to worry about . All the techniques can not be learned. It is impossible. A fighter must find his A game and force his opponent to the fight the fight that you want. Little by little my game improved and a strategy for the fight presented itself, revolving around getting take downs and avoiding a boxing match.

     I won , but the lessons of the training camp were the most important part of the experience. I learned MMA can look and feel brutal, but it is possible to win if you truly love what you do. To dive in heard first in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and blend it all together in the cage, is to make art. To embrace the sport completely is to be one with it.To be a fighter in a blue collar city like Buffalo, you must have the passion first. The rest will come naturally.

Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Wrestling, MMA in Buffalo, NY

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Building Your Jiu-Jitsu Confidence

Jiu-Jitsu is a Univese of Its Own

     For those who have experienced Jiu-Jitsu for an extended period of time, than you know Jiu-Jitsu is big. It is really big. The ever expanding vastness of applicable techniques are ever growing and sometime it feels like there are just not enough time for the average practitioner  to study the art of Jiu-Jitsu in its modern form. One position such as a stand half guard can have so many details within it that it can bog down a person's motivation and frustrate them. However, the good news is that no one can learn everything. In fact just like how only 10% of what you read will get absorbed to memory the first time, Jiu-Jitsu functions very similary. Most people do not remember the vast details of every technique they have been taught. What they do is often mix and match the techniques and tools that work for their body type and rep and drill them on the mat, until their weapons are sharp and applications for it well known.

      At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we take the time to drill and perfect our techniques. We do not rush   through ten techniques in a thirty minute span, so that the practitioner only retains 10% of what they have been shown. Concepts and theory are presented coherently so that everyone can understand and drill their technique multiple times until it is committed to muscle memory. That is how Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and other successful schools build solid foundations of martial artists

Confidence is Built on Repetition and Open-mindedness

   Confidence can not be taught in a book. It can not be summoned from within for a substantial period of time, and it can not be built on little effort. Confidence comes from repetition and self-motivation. The first time on a Jiu-Jitsu mat can feel like you have been left in open waters without any knowledge of how to swim. The good news is people at Buffalo BJJ are here to teach you how to float and then eventually how to swim effectively. Jiu-Jitsu requires diligent practice and open mindedness to build confidence. Like navigating the jungle with a machete, you must constantly clear the brush from in front of you. The more you go through the path the clearer things become. It is not always easy going, but when the path becomes clear, than you can begin to see Jiu-Jitsu for what it really is. So when your in the darkness of the canopy, keep on moving until you build your path. Confidence is knowing that you can handle yourself even in unfamiliar territory. However , you can not understand this until are willing to jump into open waters.

Building Your Confidence in Martial Arts Begins Today

   If you or your kids have ever thought about training Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, self defense, Kids Martial Arts ,or MMA , than feel confident in knowing that at Buffalo BJJ Academy, we our dedicated to help you progress in your goals quickly, but with high regards towards the competency of your instruction. Try martial arts in Buffalo, NY for 30 Days Free at www.BuffaloMMAFitness.com !

Lessons I Have Learned From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts

Jiu-Jitsu As the Melody

    As a purple belt who has been training at Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past 3 1/2 years, I have already been on a wild ride due to  my commitment to  Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, and MMA. I have traveled to cities like New York, Miami, and San Fransisco to  train and learn from legends in the sport and have fought in various competitions.  Jiu-Jitsu offers many ups and downs and I like to compare it to an endless melody. Like the journey, the melody has many different particular characteristics, expressions, and changes within.
    Jiu-Jitsu seems so simple in the beginning of its melody. Learning the basic movements and concepts starts you off on your progression, but you have very little idea on how to perceive it, because you have only heard the first few notes of the melody. The known defines very little of what the unknown will become. Jiu-Jitsu can take on many different flavors or perceptions in this regard. The beginner may think of Jiu-Jitsu as simply a series of different moves. An armbar from close guard, an escape from mount, a sweep from closed guard. However, as the practitioner progresses they realize it is not enough to be successful by simply to knowing a few techniques. The practitioner's journey may become one of frustration, because he is not receiving instant results from a few months of training. If he or she sticks with it, the melody unveils itself and it can become motivating and satisfying, exceeding any former intuitions of what Jiu-Jitsu is. Jiu-Jitsu becomes much greater than a series of moves designed to end a confrontation, but rather it becomes a way of thinking that transcends into day to day life.

Lessons Learned from Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts

Trust that the melody will reveal itself as long as you keep listening.
 Their are many sudden awakenings in Jiu-Jitsu and it is not uncommon to see a practitioner break out in smile and delight when  a position he has been studying finally reveals itself to him/her. This occurs only when the practitioner  stays focused on the position or technique and does not leave it when they become frustrated at the puzzles they present. These moments of clarity make Jiu-Jitsu all the worth while.

Immersing yourself in the art is the key.
   Jiu-Jitsu is not a chore. It should not be something you have to force yourself to do like how one debates whether or not they should go run on the treadmill at the gym for an hour. To become good at Jiu-Jitsu one must love Jiu-Jitsu. If one is to become competent in Muay Thai, you must not think of training footwork as a "chore", but you must fully immerse yourself in it , learn the technique, and practice it without judgement. Kids don't think in terms of good and bad as much as adults do. They immerse themselves into their tasks and have less artificial distractions, which is why kids pick up techniques like sponges. Labels of good and bad must cease in order to fully immerse yourself into the practice.

The Road is unknown and that will never change

   The great thrill of being a martial artist in Buffalo, NY is that you never know where your journey will take you. Some days  are as simple as repeating the same technique for an hour and sparing with your teammates, while other days  might mean you are on the mats competing in front of a thousand spectators.  Either way you always end up in the unknown, but the unknown is what keeps everything interesting. Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts are full of unknowns, but once your on the path, the excitement of the journey keeps you on that path.

Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts in Buffalo, NY

   At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we want to show the experience of Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Kids martial arts, and MMA. We are offering a Free 30 Day Trial for all those who stop in and see what real martial arts are all about! Check us out www.BuffaloMMAFitness.com to sign up for your free trial!

Making the Most Out of Learning Jiu-Jitsu When Training with Any Belt Rank

Every Jiu-Jitsu Rank Has Something to Offer In Training

    For the laymen out there , the Jiu-Jitsu belt system runs from top to bottom in the order of black,b browm ,purple , blue , and finally beginners at white belt. Many instructors and students have different philosophies on how each rank should best utilize their time on the mat. For example, some believe that at white belt it is best to focus on defense and basic movements, purple belt is the best time to develop your guard, and black belt is the time to focus on submissions. At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we understand that individuals learn best at different rates and teaching styles. It is important in Jiu-Jitsu to learn how to best train with people of a variety of skill levels. Whether your learning martial arts such as Judo, Muay Thai, MMA, or Jiu-Jitsu, both kids and adults must recognize that  it is important to know how to utilize your opponents skill level, so that both people can leave the gym better martial artists than when they arrived. Understanding why we need to "learn" how to train is just as important as drilling technique. By understanding this concept , we have been able to produce highly technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners right here in Buffalo, New York.

Train to Learn, Not to Win

     One of the biggest mistakes a higher belt could make, is not utilizing every opportunity with is training partners to improve his game. When training with a lower belt, a higher belt must make sure he is not simply trying to "smash" his partner. There is no winning in the Academy and it is vital that you check your ego at the door. Jiu-Jitsu greats like Favricio Werdum, Xandre Ribero, and Cyborg Abreu, have been successful at the highest level even when they only had limited training partners of lower belt ranks. They understood how to make the most out of there mat time.
      At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we teach our students that it is important to work with the white belts, so that they can learn proper defense and movements. Not just beating them in sparring session so  the upper belt can pad his ego. For the more experienced belt, there is a lot he can do to maximize his time with a lower belt. He can give  his partner room to escape and then practice transitions in order to maintain top position. He can put himself in unfavorable positions, where he must learn to escape from deep waters. The lower belt gets to practice an offensive technique that he would of never had the opportunity to, if the upper belt simply wanted to "win". This works excellently in a self defense situation where the element of surprise might mean that you must stay relaxed to get your self out of a trouble some situation. Kids can learn the proper mechanics to escape bad positions and thus building confidence in the idea that hard work and paying attention to detail helps in understanding. Learning and training Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Self-Defense, and MMA is a two way street in partner drills. Both sides must recognize that they must understand how to learn how to train, so that they can improve at a faster rate.

Begin Your Training at Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    We work our hardest to ensure that beginners are in an environment where they feel comfortable with their training partners. When you join our school , you become our teammate. It is our goal to make you improve as quickly as possible using trusted technique and instruction

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Thinking About Trying Jiu-Jitsu at Buffalo BJJ? Then Read this!

First and Foremost: Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts is for Everyone!

     Jiu-Jitsu was specifically designed for the weaker man to use technique and leverage to overcome his opponent. It does not require large muscles, an aggressive mindset, or vast amounts of energy to learn. In fact most people that I have experienced that train martial arts in Buffalo are generally very soft spoken and people, who seek to express them selves on the mat and get a great workout while doing it. A big misconception when beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ,is that you need to be in great shape first in order to do Jiu-Jitsu. Nothing could be further from the truth and at best it is a poor excuse to not do something great. Training Jiu-Jitsu gets you into Jiu-Jitsu shape. Learning the fundamentals of  footwork in Muay Thai develops your muscles for future Muay Thai training.  Kids who try Jiu-Jitsu don't make these kinds of  excuses before they go on the mat. They simply immerse themselves into the training and enjoy themselves while doing it. At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it is our promise to you that your fundamental training is the most important concern for us when you step on the mat. We construct solid foundations in Muay Thai ,Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and MMA. Safety and a solid foundation is the name of the game whether for women, kids, students, and adults.

Go at Your Own Pace at Buffalo BJJ

 To be proficient in martial arts, there is always the recommendation that you spar in order to gain insight on what it feels like to try your techniques on a resisting opponent.  Only then can you understand what it is like to use an opponent's energy against them. If someone is pushing into you in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, or Muay Thai, then you can use their energy ,using proper technique, to sweep them of their feet and gain an advantageous position. However, we do not require sparing . New students at Buffalo BJJ never have to worry about being "thrown to the wolves." We go at everyone's own pace and will adjust our instruction to make sure you are comfortable and learning the technique properly.  Martial arts are about knowledge, honesty, and humbleness, and at Buffalo BJJ we use these morals to build a noble  kind of warrior. Rome wasn't built in a day, but overtime great things happen with persistence.

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We are dedicated to help you achieve your fitness and martial art's goals
 and we will give you 30 Free Days to see if it is right for you. We think that you will be pleasantly surprised at what Buffalo Martial arts have to offer you,
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How Competition Improves Your Martial Arts Game!

Why Compete in Martial Arts?

Competition is what drives human nature as we are competitive by nature. Sometimes our ego gets the better of us though and we loose meaning in why we desire to win for the sake of seeking the shiny object. In martial arts like Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA, we have a saying which is "Leave your ego at the door." Why do we leave it at the door? For many reasons, but mainly because the desire to defeat a training partner  inhibits the learning process. The methodical practice  and repetition of a technique in a  martial art is  vital to reach your destinations on your journey. At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, our technique and performance on the mat is credited to our mindset that we check our ego before we walk onto the mat, in order to exchange our knowledge of martial arts to one another. Adults and Kids at  Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been successful in many styles of martial arts. While we do not compete against each other in the Academy, we use competition outside of it to motivate us to reach our pinnacle in training.

Martial Arts Competition Training Moves You Past Plateaus

In BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai, and MMA, training can become stagnant with a regular routine. The martial artist may become reliant on what he already knows and sooner or later his teammates will figure out his style and counter it. This happens often at Buffalo BJJ and it is how personal styles reach deep waters. The progression plateaus as he or she seeks to improve their game and add new elements to it. Competition is an amazing motivator to overcome this. With a set deadline for a time to compete, the martial artist will set a tight schedule to ensure he practices his techniques efficiently, increases his cardiovascular fitness, and commits his time to his training. The result is a new incline in his game that will continue into the event. If he or she wins, then that person will know there techniques are working and will continue to polish them. If that person looses that they are given insight on what there game might need to make it more complete. An MMA competitor that was taken down during the fight several time will know that he has to improve his Judo and wrestling. A kid competing in Jiu-Jitsu that was swept , may need to learn how to pass the guard more effectively. Competition does not lie. It offers true insight into ones strengths and weaknesses into one's martial art
. 

Competition Training at Buffalo BJJ Academy

No matter whether your goals are purely for fitness, hobby, or competition in Judo ,BJJ, Muay Thai, or MMA, we at Buffalo BJJ Academy want to help your achieve your goals. We are offering a 30 Day Free Trial. Please Visit www.BuffaloMMAFitness.com for more!

Cross-Training Judo and Jiu-Jitsu

Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: One in the Same

            Both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu share the same ancestral tree, going all the way back to the Samurai who trained for deadly combat in the world of feudal Japan. The two arts share many similarities and continue to blend together as practitioners all over the world, including here at Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combine to make a formidable style . The philosophy of the gentle art is the same for both styles of combativeness. Give way to your opponents energy and use it against them.  When they are are on the ground, use the principles of leverage and gravity to attack the structurally weak and vulnerable areas of the human body. In Judo the principle goal is to throw, submit or pin your opponent for the win. In Jiu-Jitsu it is to accumulate points by achieving dominant positions  and go for the submission. Both styles our remarkably similar, but divided by a rule set that  creates a standup vs ground game scenario. At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we understand the importance of having an unbeatable standup and ground game. Sensei Eric is a 6th degree dan in the art of Judo and has an extraordinary wealth of knowledge. The instruction is precise , simple, and effective. Professor Chuck is a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who's lineage leaves no question on why great Jiu-Jitsu exists here in Buffalo, New York!.

Why Cross Train Judo and Jiu-Jitsu?

     Judo provides an effective way to take the confrontation to the ground assuming that you are more well rounded in Jiu-Jitsu. Getting underneath an opponents center of mass allows for the opponent to  become light and vulnerable for a throw. In a Jiu-Jitsu or MMA tournament, if the opponent recognizes that you are capable of throwing him, then he will pull guard, thus limiting the options  that you have must worry about. It is important for Kids to learn take downs, so that they could defend themselves against a bigger attacker that would be more immune to strikes. Great competitors like Rodger Gracie and Rodolfo Viera hold dual black belts in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo and their game is overwhelming because of it. At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we seek to be well rounded like this so we can be effective no matter where the fight takes place. Judo adds to your wrestling, no-gi, Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA game, while footsweeps offer a different dynamic to your Muay Thai style.

Try Judo and Jiu-Jitsu at Buffalo BJJ

Whether your an adult, college student, or have kids of your own, martial arts in Buffalo, New York reaches its pinnacle at Buffalo Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu! Try it now for FREE 30 DAYS at www.BuffaloMMAFitness.com