Oh, boy! Where do I start? Last night’s BJJ seminar at Dartford BJJ with Gracie Barra black belt Marc Walder was supreme and absolutely jam-packed with technical know-how. Our club is privileged to be associated with Marc and we benefit immensely from his quarterly seminars.
Marc demonstrated core principles through a progression of techniques, unified by key themes:
1) balance, posture and grips are integral to successful positioning
2) hip movement and pressure is fundamental to moving between positions
3) positioning should allow for 50% offence and 50% defence
We worked through these concepts using variations of the standing guard pass (passing closed and spider guards) to end at side control or taking the back.
Not only did we enjoy a seminar of intermediate level guard-tastic delights, we were also lucky enough to enjoy Marc’s tuition during our regular Wednesday night self-defence. I, personally, was proud to see Marc practicing one-on-one with the juniors with whom we share the self-defence class; that is exactly the attitude and sense of inclusion and love that keeps me coming back for more at Dartford BJJ and has me so chuffed to be part of the Marc Walder BJJ Team. A bit gushing, yes, but the cooperative nature of BJJ is a big part of its attraction for me, and I like that this component is emphasised in our club.
The seminar ended with a few exciting promotions and I am very pleased for the Academy’s new blue belts, well deserved as they are, and for the whites, blues, purples and browns who received fresh stripes. Well done people!
4 Mar 2010 @ 2:44 pm
Sounded like a great technical session and an awesome turn out! well done guys!
4 Mar 2010 @ 2:47 pm
It was very in depth, Sooz. Marc's big on that 50/50 offence/defence concept, but I always neglect it. Perhaps I can try to keep it in mind a bit better going forward.
4 Mar 2010 @ 3:42 pm
Great seminar Meg and you looked fantastic. It was great to see someone looking so genuinely happy with what they were doing. Paul H
4 Mar 2010 @ 3:50 pm
Thanks, Paul, that's kind. What can I say, I honestly love it! 😀
1 Apr 2010 @ 4:20 pm
Grips and hips is all BJJ is about =]
1 Apr 2010 @ 4:27 pm
Hi, Rome Za! Not sure I'd entirely agree, but they are certainly essential 😀
Marc Walder BJJ June 2011 seminar: review | A BJJ Blog by Meg Smitley | Women in BJJ | BJJ Women | BJJ Gi Reviews
9 Jun 2011 @ 8:34 am
[…] and then seeking to impose one’s own game or style on the situation. This reflects the half for offence, half for defence approach that guides Marc’s practice and […]