Success 5 out of 5 So our second chance to get a shodan rolled around at Osaka Castle Martial arts hall on the 7th of September. This grading Shiai has been very good to the Auckland University club as in 2012 Khan, Wayne, Lucas and Andrew successfully got there black belts here. In Osaka adults only need 3 shiai wins to get a black belt so as we only had one chance at it Chris, Henry, Igor and Vladimir needed to win 3 in a row (I only needed 2 as I had wins from 2012). We all succeeded. Thanks to Matsuura Sensei of Daishen club for enrolling us and Brian Shaw for helping us out on the day. I won one fight by Wazari (taking it easy after I knew I was up) and one fight by ippon Tomonage. Result Caption The rewards of success.

This was our first grading competition in Tokyo. The aim was to win 3 fights in a row to directly grade to Judo Black Belt. So we were put on the list and Henry was at 11, Chris was at 12 and I was 15 out of 15 (which meant I could only win one fight :-( ) Henry beat two Japanese and then lost to Chris with a Harai Makakomi. Chris then fought a Frenchman living in Thailand to a draw. I then fought the Frenchman, tried a flying armbar and then pinned him for the win.

We did Tomoe nage for the throw of the day. It is also known as the sacrifice throw.  You can also do it from closed guard and is known as the balloon sweep.  It is very effective option to a guard pull.   If Uke defends, you can set up the tripod sweep.   The ground techniques were arm bar defence for the beginners.   We also covered berimbolo for the more advanced students.   Training concluded with 30 minutes rolling from stand up. 2 minutes stand up and 3 minutes rounds.   Stu will be flying to Japan for the Judo Masters on Thursday. We hope that he improves his knowledge of drinking sake while getting thrown around by ex Judo Olympians. Best of luck. Do not break a leg!                                         News of the week   ...

BJJ scout has some fantastic videos where he breaks down the specific games and techniques of famous BJJ competititors. I suggested you become familiar with his youtube account. See below link for more information on Rodolfo http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/rodolfo-vieira-bjj-wiki In the following video, he breaks down Rodolfo Vieira throws. Rodolfo is re known for his throws and how he applies them successfully of BJJ competitions. In this video, BJJ scout covers: Morote Seoinage Kouchi Gari Ouchi Gari. If you want to read more info on throws from BJJ scout. https://bjjscout.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/rodolfo-vieira-takedown-study-part-1-a-study-of-planes/

According to a poster in NZ Grappling Forum Face book group, I do not qualify for the list of New Zealanders who hold the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I did all my BJJ training since white belt in Auckland for the past ten years. Why? I have a NZ citizenship but I was not born here. Since I am not a Kiwi black belt, I will claim my heritage as I was born in Pirae, Papeete, Tahiti about 40 years ago. I believe I am the first Tahitian who hold the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I usually travel to Tahiti once a year to see my parents in Punaauia. So if anyone in Tahiti wants a seminar or would welcome me for a class or two, please contact me. Also, if someone in Tahiti already got a legit BJJ BB, I will happily retract my self claim of being the first Tahitian who hold the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Maruru