It's cool to hear about the difference in styles between different gyms/locations. What about submissions specifically? What were the most common subs in NJ, and what seem so far to be the most common subs at your new gym.
Basically any details as far as sweeps, positions, etc. I would love to read about. Thanks JewB.
Same, I'd love for you to elaborate on this.
Seems like a whole bunch of really good guys here, they're definitely going to push you and make you better.
And by the way, I had no idea this log was here. WTF.
Being a sport-BJJ focused gym, there are a lot of differences from my old gym.
Stand up: In the very short amount of time I've been here, the stand up work is very different from what I'm used to. At my old gym, the only stand up work we'd do is for real-life self-defense situations like bear hugs, head locks, being held against a wall etc. Here, we've done ankle picks, guard jumps and leg-takedowns.
Submissions: There haven't been too many differences here. We haven't learned many subs since I've been here because the theme of the month the instructors have said is escapes. Nothing too crazy, but I have seen a lot of high-percentage tournament subs being used here when rolling. Lots of ezekiel choke attempts for instance.
Positions/Movement: People here definitely roll for competition. They use the torreando pass a LOT, and exhibit a lot of standing open passes frequently. Or maybe it's because I pull open guard so much, idk. They're very methodical and go from side control to knee on belly a lot, I guess because of the points. From the top I've been subbed with developing arm bars mostly. At my old gym people 'hunted' less and were taught to conserve energy more. Consequently, I get mounted or whatever and often just lie there trying to stay safe. When I get top position on others, they buck and are very energetic trying to escape ASAP. Since a match is only 5-7 minutes it makes sense, just a departure from my old gym's style.
As I've said, the amount of talent here is huge by comparison. At my old gym we had 3 purple belts total. Here we have mostly blues, purples and at least one brown plus two black belt instructors. They are all encouraged to compete, and do often. It's just a more serious pace I'd say, a team-like atmosphere. Back in NJ the gym was more laid back and casual. There's also some bowing and lining-up here which is whatever to me. I just don't like gyms where you have to call people 'sir' and bow allll the time. This gym is not like that.
So yeah, quite a difference in training but I feel it'll only make me way better. Back in NJ I was a big fish in a small pond. Here I'm a small fish in a big pond. At least I can swim
