Archives for October 2013

The Rousimar Palhares Situation

By Ruben Avila · October 14, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

In case you live under a rock, or you don’t follow UFC (which is worse). A man was banned from the UFC for not letting go during tap out. Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares, a very gifted grappler and leg lock specialist, has been banned from the UFC for unsportsmanlike conduct. Dana White, UFC President, has decided that Rousimar Palhares has held on to submissions beyond the “tap” for too long and too often. Before we get into the meat and bones of my opinion, let’s look at his submission victories in chronological order.

ChocoButta: My New Favorite Chocolate Shake

By Ruben Avila · October 11, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

A quick fat loss protein shake recipe that's delicious. — Chocolate? Peanut Butter? Coconut Oil? YES!

This chocolate fat loss protein shake recipe is AMAZING!

A couple of weeks ago, I had a shake that was prepared by the guys at the gym I go to. They have a shake bar; it is pretty cool. I had a chocolate peanut butter shake, and I loved the taste. It was very good. I have been trying to come up with something to rival that shake since then. I think I succeeded with this recipe. I call it ChocoButta.

This shake is pretty low in carbs, but not completely devoid in carbs. Carbs are necessary, dudes. The fat from both the peanut butter and coconut oil work together to make this a shake that is suitable for fat loss. Check out this article which links to a peer reviewed study on coconut oil and its effects on fat loss. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Jiu-Jitsu Recovery Recipe: Paleo Turkey Chili

By Ruben Avila · October 9, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

Check out this Paleo Turkey Chili Recipe. Damn delicious and good for you. It’s got a pretty good kick to it spice wise, which is pretty helpful for me right now as I am fighting a cold/flu. I think there aren’t enough turkey recipes out there. I don’t get why though.

Turkey offers the following health benefits:

Protects against cancer formation
Provides energy and regulates the body’s blood sugar
Helps maintain cardiovascular health
Is very effective in stimulating metabolism and function of thyroid hormone
Stimulates the body’s immune system and provides antioxidants
Help lower bad blood cholesterol and increase good cholesterol
Helps to stimulate energy production, mood, increase testosterone levels and regulates blood pressure

If you don’t know, now you know. So, get on with the turkey eating y’all. Oh, also, you may want to educate yourself on paleo lifestyle if you haven’t already. It’s an interesting theory that’s given many people great results.

Don’t be scared homie.

– Nick Diaz

As it Turns Out, Martial Arts Improve Confidence, Like For Real

By Ruben Avila · October 4, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

martial arts improves confidence

How I finally experienced the theory that martial arts improves confidence:

A couple of weeks ago, I went to go fill up my car before training. As I was filling up, I couldn’t help but notice a man wandering around approaching people in a very aggressive manner. As this man approached me, I could smell the alcohol on his breath from no less than 15 feet away. It was THAT bad. Although his body language was certainly aggressive as was the volume of speech, it turns out he was just trying to be friendly (from his perspective, at least).

“Heyyyyyyyyyy!! HAHAHAHA! Yeah, man! WHAT’S UP!!!? SPRIIIIINNNNNGGG BREAAAAAAK WOOOOOOOOOO!”

I had my shirt off because it was incredibly hot that day. And, I’m a SoCal kid. That’s how we roll.

“DID YOU JUST COME BACK FROM SPRING BREAK MAN!!!??”

“Uh, no. It’s just really hot today.”

“OH YEAH MAN! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Techniques to Defeat Bigger and Stronger Opponents

By Ruben Avila · October 3, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

bjj techniques to defeat bigger and stronger opponents — “I always try to attack. While I’m on the offensive, my opponent can think of nothing but defending.” – Marcelo Garcia

A book to point out the keys to beat bigger guys, plain & simple.

This doesn’t happen often for me, but when I finished this book, it was as if Dan came to talk to me after getting smashed by someone bigger than me. I could all but picture him sitting down next to me, while I have my head down trying to figure out why I could not express my techniques well, putting his hand on my shoulder and giving me the 411.

This book does more than just suggest certain techniques to use, it gives you, as a small grappler, a set of principles and concepts to add to your overall Jiu-Jitsu philosophy in regards to fighting.

Sometimes, especially for me now that I am at purple belt, you don’t need to learn new techniques. Sometimes, it’s about organizing your game plan to use techniques you already know in a strategic manner to help you excel. I am a huge fan of systemized approaches because it just works well with my OCD tendencies. I also need to see the big picture before I can truly buy in.

I read the book and I pondered it for some time. I looked for some evidence that these tactics work via YouTube. It made a lot of sense, and, empirically speaking, it worked. But, would it work for me?

I have read this book twice now, and I can tell you that the big picture presented in this book has helped me a lot already.

There’s no way I could write about this book, without trying it out on the mats. I owe myself that, and frankly, I owe it to you, too. So, after a week of training and trying these principles out, I can flat out say that it just works. The ideas and concepts in this book helped me level the playing bar against my bigger teammates and gave me an edge and extra dimension.

Pull Ups for Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling

By Ruben Avila · October 3, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

Doing pull ups reinforce muscles often used in grappling and fighting. Doing pull ups on a very thick bar increases the difficulty and therefore improves your grip strength.

Homemade Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss Without Using Protein Powder

By Ruben Avila · October 2, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

I like this homemade meal replacement shake for weight loss recipe because it is packed with Vitamin C, Calcium, and Fiber. I just had it this morning. Shakes are perfect for quick meals. Duh. But, don’t make the mistake of going to Jamba Juice and paying ten dollars for a sugary cup of crap that will actually make you gain weight. Make your shakes yourself! Don’t be lazy.

Since I like making homemade meals, I figure I might as well share them with you. Who knows, it just may be helpful right?

Check Out the Recipe