Archives for 2013

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

Beat Down

By Ruben Avila · September 27, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

This is me three-five times a week.

#bjj #jiujitsu #bjjproblems #makeitstop

Are We There Yet?

By Ruben Avila · September 24, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

All of my California jiu-Jitsu people can relate to this feeling. SoCal to NorCal drive. #I5 #bjjproblems #jitsproblems #arewethereyet

Marcelo Garcia Rolling with Marcos “Yemaso” Torregrosa

By Ruben Avila · September 14, 2013 · @RubenEAvila

Marcos provides, an in depth analysis and breakdown of a roll between two great black belt competitors at the request of some fans via social media.

My instructor, Marcos, asked me to help him narrate this video since he had some requests the last time he posted a video of himself rolling with Marcelo Garcia. I helped him and this was the result. There is a lot of value in this for you all, but it was so cool helping him create this and watching him break the roll down in his mind and share interesting tid bits about training with Marcelo. Cool stuff indeed! For those of you working up to your black belt, I highly suggest you watch this. As a purple belt, myself, I found this very helpful and will be working some of this against training partners who like the X-Guard game.