For the longest time I've always felt my clinch/takedown work was my weakest skill set. About 8 years ago I earned a black belt in aiki jujitsu where I was required to demonstrate all the throws of judo;but I've never felt comfortable in actually using them. About a year after that, I began studying BJJ. For the past 7 years now I've continued working on my throws and takedowns. I've studied with Judo BBs, D1 and D2 all-american wrestlers. Still, I've never felt comfortable with my skill set in this area. I know the moves and the set-ups, just never felt comfortable giving in to them.

Fast forward to the present. At the beginning of the summer I began teaching BJJ 2 days a week out of a local TKD school. I have made it a priority to teach one or two throws per month and to drill them at the start of every class. The other night my students asked me to do some sparring that focuses on the feet. So we did eight 2 minute rounds of takedowns. I have a few tall guys and some bigger strong guys. Being a little uncomfortable, I decided, "ok Bill, just go out there and flow. It's just BJJ on the feet." This is when the biggest surprise hit me. I easily threw and took down everyone in the class.

Of course it was a class of beginners. So don't go calling me Kramer just yet. What amazed me is that all I did differently was flow. Despite their pushing and pulling and shoving, they were taken down; and anyone who was overly aggressive, I just let them grab my leg and they were in a sub by the time we hit the ground. This makes me happy because it gives me even more confidence in what I do. These are guys who are expecting a throw and trying to set their base to avoid it. I just imagine what would happen in self defense when they aren't expecting those movements and aren't likely to know how to avoid them.

To anyone who is already good at takedowns or throws this may seem like some obvious stuff. But to me, it was a personal triumph, one that will take me to another level, and I just wanted to share it.

IMO, limited to teaching only one or two throws per month substantially improved your technical skills & muscle memory on those throws to the point where it's automatic.

IMO, limited to teaching only one or two throws per month substantially improved your technical skills & muscle memory on those throws to the point where it's automatic.

Yeah...I agree. I think it's helped tremendously.

Very nice story, one I enjoyed a lot.

Isn't it amazing how easy it is to "see" through the forest when one removes all of the tree?! It had been staring at you all of these years, but in you being uncomfortable with your skill set, this caused you to not have neither Mizu No Kokoro and Tsuki No Kokoro all at the same time.

Then, for no special reason, came your AHA moment as you started to just flow. "How did that feel to you?"..."Don't think, FEEL!" "It is like a finger pointing away to the moon!"..."Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all of that heavenly glory!" Every martial artist experiences their AHA moment from time to time...it's all good!

Congratulations to you on your personal triumph, and I agree with you...this will take you to the next level.

I sincerely bow to you!!

Very nice story, one I enjoyed a lot.

Isn't it amazing how easy it is to "see" through the forest when one removes all of the tree?! It had been staring at you all of these years, but in you being uncomfortable with your skill set, this caused you to not have neither Mizu No Kokoro and Tsuki No Kokoro all at the same time.

Then, for no special reason, came your AHA moment as you started to just flow. "How did that feel to you?"..."Don't think, FEEL!" "It is like a finger pointing away to the moon!"..."Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all of that heavenly glory!" Every martial artist experiences their AHA moment from time to time...it's all good!

Congratulations to you on your personal triumph, and I agree with you...this will take you to the next level.

I sincerely bow to you!!

"Please forgive, too many mind.

Too many mind?

Hai. Mind the sword, mind the people watch, mind the enemy, too many mind... [pause] No mind"

That's cool to hear. Congrats on your moment.

Yaayyy ps1!!! Confidence in that area has brought your game together and closed a gap that appears to have brought you some anxiety in the past. I am familiar. Congratulations on evolving.