Yoga for BJJ with Sebastian Brosche (Yogaforbjj.net)

While being an ambassador within the BJJ community, some may not have realized much of Sebastian Brosche’s ability in the art of Jiu Jitsu (as well as his recovery) stems from the practice of Yoga – as he makes his mark within the ancient practice.

I had an opportunity to catch up with the BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and Judoka brown belt from Sweden >> You can skip to the interview here or visit his website at (www.yogaforbjj.net).

Yoga for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) with Sebastian Brosche (Yogaforbjj.net)

Sebastian’s achievements in recent years within BJJ have pitted him at the peak of Europe’s top practitioners; with victories in Abu Dhabi, invitational tournaments (such as the Toukon challenge), and placing at the 2015 IBJJF Europeans (second in the adult, brown-belt middle-weight division and third in absolute).

His appearances on social media (facebook, instagram, youtube) have further won fans over, posting latest match videos, and Yoga Flows while occasionally shedding light onto pressing issues (such as the treatment of animals for food); he is one of a growing number of BJJ practitioners/athletes following a vegetarian (or plant-based) diet.

Discussion with Sebastian Brosche:

How often do you drill BJJ technique, spar rounds, practice yoga, or lift weights/condition per week.

Sebastian: I train yoga 3-5 sessions, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) 2-3 sessions and weightlifting once a week. I am prioritizing work now, but am aiming to double everything next year.

There are many types of Yoga. Which type(s) in particular do you practice and why?

Sebastian: I practice Vinyasa Flow Yoga (moving with the breathe), since it is the most dynamic and strength building yoga I know. It gives me better fitness, isometric strength, improved balance, more flexibility and many other things.

For the young BJJ Practitioner, what age would you recommend practice of Yoga?

Sebastian: The earlier the better – absolutely. The problem with kids is that they are already flexible by nature, and recover from injuries very fast, so for them it is usually difficult to see the advantages of Yoga practice [in these early stages]. Also, the results you get from yoga are perhaps a bit more subtle than those you may get from weightlifting or drilling techniques, but if a young person practices yoga regularly it will benefit them immensely.

How and why do you feel Yoga translates over to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (or all sports for that matter).

Sebastian: My simple answer is that Yoga actually gives you more energy. Or rather, you eventually learn how to conserve energy and not waste it. For me, it is impossible to not gain benefits in strength, balance and flexibility, given the challenging sequences I [or one may] do; when you are completely present in your Yoga practice, your focus, concentration and the quality of movements also increase. It is impossible for me to describe how good this is for sports; it simply has to be experienced.

Have you been on any ventures to parts of India or Thailand or ‘other’?

No, I have not. For me Yoga is a compliment to my life and not my lifestyle. My fiancée and I are always staying a couple of weeks after the IBJJF Worlds in California to go to as many different yoga classes as possible, and that is always eye opening. If you find yourself in Santa Monica, go to a few classes. You will not regret it!

Do you believe Yoga allows us to obtain a more peaceful state of being?

Sebastian: Yes, I wholeheartedly believe that a conscious yoga practice allows us to remove fluctuations of the mind and find a more serene and harmonious state of existence. A world of peace and love is far from impossible, as long as we all start where we are, and avoid procrastination and fooling ourselves.

Do you believe in concepts such as the chakra, karma, spirit and the soul?

Sebastian: Belief is the right word, since esoteric questions (or rather, inquires) has no proof or definite answer. I believe that “karma” is our own conscience, and that we deep down always know if what we do is good or bad for others. If we do bad choices that hurt others, we will unconsciously find a way to punish ourselves. I do not know anything about the concepts of chakras, or energy centers. Regarding spirit and soul, I do believe that there is one part of our being that is beyond living and dying, and that when our body is finished, we in a way return to where we started. I am not anxiously afraid of dying, and I like to believe that death is the crescendo of life. At least that is a comforting thought for me.

What are your future plans in terms of Jiu Jitsu, your Yoga practice, and YogaForBJJ.net?

Sebastian: I am determined to win Abu Dhabi Pro and Worlds in brown. After that we will see if my Yoga is ready to be taken to the next level in terms of strength and challenges. Waking up early and going to bed early is for sure the biggest factor in this. As for yogaforbjj.net, my goal is post several videos every week, and to even work with it full time. Members of the website are constantly sending me good feedback, so it is definitely worth the work!

Here’s an advanced video compilation, displaying Sebastian’s abilities through the practice of Yoga:

YOGAFORBJJ.NET

As mentioned, Sebastian not only practices Yoga regularly, but operates a website called Yoga for BJJ (www.yogaforbjj.net), where he demo’s beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercises related to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – but suitable for any level of athlete. This is done using specific Yoga flows and vinyasa’s (the act of moving with the breathe) as well as teaching stretches for recovery, and injury prevention.

The videos for the premium membership ($14.00 (US) or $17.50 (CAN) / month) give you full access to videos: to further strength, movement and flexibility along with pre-competition and post training routines.

Yoga for BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) with Sebastian Brosche (Yogaforbjj.net)

————————————————————————————————————

MUNDIAL ABU DHABI 2013 – Kit James Dale x Sebastian Brosche by X-COMBAT

Rickson Gracie in particular, touted the effectiveness of Yoga throughout his career, in increasing ones Brazilian Jiu Jitsu capabilities – let alone, the importance of the breathe as a means of conserving energy, maintaining focus and managing stress levels. Eddie Bravo and many other BJJ practitioners further emphasize the importance of Yoga style stretching.

REFERENCE

Yoga For BJJ (www.yogaforbjj.net)

Training @ The Art Of Jiu Jitsu Academy (AOJ), Mendes Brothers Jiu Jitsu

During the course of my latest venture (to San Fransisco, then to Orange County, California), was a desire to train at one particular facility, under a particular set of instructors I’d been a fan of over recent years – and I felt it was time.

For me, the Mendes Brothers (Rafael and Guillerme) were a duo I’d follow closely through social media, via Youtube, Facebook and Online Training – which I highly recommend.

Photo: The Mendes Brothers (Gracie Mag)

———————————————————————————————————————————

I can say my 8 day training experience at AOJ (“Art of Jiu Jitsu”) delivered on point: confident, experienced instructors and competitors who knew what they were doing.

Classes are inspiring, structured, technical, and boast a high degree of challenge. In addition, the Mendes Brothers are always engineering new moves gaining somewhat of a name for being one of the contributors to ‘modern’ Jiu Jitsu, up there with the best of them. I knew this was something to be seen.

As for the facility, the gym carried that luminescent glow we’ve all come to know, marked by pristine white walls/mats – a decor further accentuated by the Mendes Bro’s, multiple-time major championship winning aura. I was in for a learning experience, and a royal butt-kicking.

I dove into deep waters, taking part in the advanced class, as well as the competition class. On the first day, I saw some of the most competitive gi grappling the academy had to offer and can say there’s more then enough challenge here to test your will.

If you are a beginner (white or blue belt), rest assured that AOJ has fundamental and beginner class’s in abundance let alone a top notch program for kids/teens. Click here for the up-to-date Class Schedule.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS:

I’d have my hands full from day one. Guillerme partnered me up with his young adults (blue and purple belt). As time went on, I’d get to experience higher level competitors, and I can say they are effective champions for good reason. They all seemed to have slick spider guards and knew the intricacies involved in De La Riva / Inverted De La Riva position(s) – including the Berimbolo… Kiss of the Dragon… and how to counter these positions. They also had strong top game with pressure passing from in close (knee-slide etc.), or from a distance (leg drag, long-step, x-pass), with a great understanding on weight distribution and movement that became difficult to contend with.

I did my bit and showed up regardless of any outcome – I promised myself I was there to train and experience as much high level competition/instruction as I could, and despite aches and pains, would continue training twice a day, taking the weekend off.

I had a sense that Guillerme and Rafa were gauging where I was at – in terms of skill-level – partnering me up with a degree of ‘opponents‘ who could take me to my limits, and then furthered that with those who could take me near-beyond breaking point. I realized this was a good thing: it was an opportunity to identify my weaknesses; good instructors such as Rafa and Guillerme know what this is all about – and I can say competition and advanced classes are no joke. Expect to work as hard as you have ever worked before, and there will always be thoroughbred Mendes Bro’s practitioners (Mason, Gustavo, Rick, Evan… etc. just to name a few) who will ensure you’re out of your comfort zone.

If you really feel the need to experience true mastery, Rafa and Guillerme are more then willing to show you the ropes – and I was lucky enough to get a roll or two in with Guillerme during sparring time. You can read an article I wrote about my experience rolling with Guillerme during his visit to Canada sometime a year ago. This time around, same story: Guillerme kept it playful, allowing me to work my game, to eventually take my back using a lightning fast step-over as I attempted to pop back off my back, with a single.

As great instructors would, Rafa and Guillerme were attentive to the students, providing tips during technique, and gauging energy level’s and ability during sparring.

Source: Mendesbros.com – training at the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, Costa Mesa, Mendes Brothers

———————————————————————————————————————————

CLASS STRUCTURE AT AOJ – COMPETITION SESSIONS:

In competition class, we would begin with a 5 minute run for warm-up, followed up with positional drills, by which you are to apply a technique of your choice to deal with the situation – as adapted from that weeks lessons. Examples include the following: (1) We were instructed to hit a take down of choice from standing (2) Another example would be to hit any take down followed up by a submission of your choice (3) Another example [from a different position] would be to pass your partners spider guard and go for a submission, or (4) use the spider guard (on bottom) and hit a sweep followed up by submission. You get the idea.

After two to three positional drills, we’d lineup and be assigned groups (4 per group), by which 2-3 minute rounds would ensue (1 v 1) – position or submission. We would then cycle through each other for 4 rounds.

After (what I believed to be) 12 exhausting rounds, the class of 25 – 40 students would once again line-up, and be assigned one opponent, by which the entire class would observe a 2 minute match unfold. Not all competition classes ended this way: on some occasions, class would finish off with 1 or 2 rounds of 5 minute sparring – you pick your opponent.

Sounds exhausting eh? 🙂

CLASS STRUCTURE AT AOJ – ADVANCED SESSIONS:

As for the advanced class, more focus was placed on drills/repetition. Rafa or Guillerme would begin class with a discussion on the technique(s) being focused on for the week, and would follow this with demonstration and detailed instruction on the techniques for the day, emphasizing what to avoid while executing each step. The focus for the week I was there was spider guard from bottom, and passing the spider guard on top.

After 3 to 4 (2 minute) rounds of drilling technique with differing partners each time, Rafa/Guillerme would take questions. They would spend up to 20 minutes answering 3 to 4 concerns and announce that it’s sparring time shortly after. We would work first point sparring (if there were too many students present), or simply pick a partner and go 5 minute rounds for a period of 3 to 4 rounds.

Rafa and Guillerme always set time aside to answer concerns/questions and their answers were re-assuring – as if we were getting invaluable information on how to really deal with situations. I had some concerns of my own when getting tied up in the leg lasso, and when to execute the ‘windshield wiper’ to finalize a pass; Rafa would provide some awesome tips on how to deal with these situations.

BACK TO CANADA:

I learned a lot (identified a number of weaknesses), and had an awesome time being in the presence of the Mendes Brothers and their advanced competitors. I also made another realization: and that is developing a true appreciation for the Mendes Bro’s Online Training Program. I now find this to be indispensable and have re-activated my account. The techniques we learned in class are available here and are updated near-daily; not to mention, you’re getting some of the best instruction out there, with an emphasis on the fundamentals and advanced-level techniques.

I believe any practitioner looking to advance their game would do well to sign up for an online account – any at that… and there are many out there. I believe it’s best to register for one that stays true to the fundamentals, applies to your style of game, and is in alignment with how you intuitively feel about where it could take you 1, 2, 3, 5 years down the road.

Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, Mendes Bro’s – Team Training Photo

Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, Mendes Bro’s

Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, Mendes Bro’s – Team Training Photo

Sebastian Brosche on BJJ, Judo, and Yoga – PODCAST: Take It Uneasy, Episode #16

He’s humble, he’s bright, has a good sense of humor, and he’s not Brazilian – but his Jiu Jitsu is world class – not to mention, he is an outstanding Yoga practitioner.

His latest Yoga videos may be seen by Googling “Yoga for Bjj” or directly visiting his website: www.yogaforbrazilianjiujitsu.com. Check out this video in particular: Sebastian shows high-level movements/techniques in this advanced Yoga Flow.

Back to Martial Arts, this Swedish-born Judo black-belt, world-class BJJ competitor, packs a punch when it comes to competing at the highest levels of Brazililan Jiu Jitsu competition.

His latest pod-cast interview, put together by the good folks over at “Take it Uneasy,” is worth a listen – as you get a sense of a real humble, hard-working, well-rounded professional; do take a listen:

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

In episode 16, I talk to Sebastian Brosche, a jiu jitsu competitor, judo black belt, and yoga instructor. He won double gold at Worlds in purple belt, and gold at Abu Dhabi World Pro at brown belt. We talk about his early years in judo, the support of his mom, Olympic gold, street fights, MMA, adopting his judo for jiu jitsu, training at Frontline in Oslo Norway, improvising, exploring, failing, breathing, ego, yoga, guard passing, open guard vs inverted guard, stabilizing position, dealing with negative energy, Jackson Souza, Paulo Miyao, Kit Dale, Abu Dhabi World Pro, IBJJF Worlds double gold, and much more.

SOURCE: Take it Uneasy: Episode 16, with Sebastian Brosche. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Yoga, Judo

Yoga For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ): Sebastian Brosche

If you haven’t heard of Sebastian Brosche’s new Yoga website – Yoga for BJJ players (“Yoga Hytta”) – I urge you to take a look.

YOGA FOR BJJ – Sebastian Brosche

Sebastian himself, is a top BJJ player, having taken on, and beaten the likes of Kit Dale (Sebastian in Abu Dhabi 2013, BJJ Trials), and Joao Miyao (Sebastian in Worlds 2013 Absolute) to name a few.

His top game features pressure passing, while his guard game is robust – both of which, are a testament to his hard work > awareness and athletic ability.

After watching his Yoga videos, you can see why he is such an effective practitioner – in a sport such as Jiu Jitsu – the body requires attention/maintenance to continue on at a high level.

Here’s a video (teaser), displaying a more advanced Yoga flow, by Sebastian himself – released recently:

Membership/registration opens up access to roughly 22 videos and counting – of which contain a plethora of information on opening up the hips, hamstrings, ankles, shoulders, warm-ups for competition, cool-down after training… you name it.

As noted on www.yogahytta.com…

Benefits of a regular Yoga practice include:

• Greatly Improved guard game
• Lesser or no injuries
• Mental calmness in tournaments
• Better stamina and deeper breath
• Move smoother with less effort
• Higher awareness of your body
• Longer endurance in submission attempts
• Sharper focus and presence in a match
• Stronger Core muscles
• Increase your training-amount
• Faster restoration and less fatigue
• Better submission resistance
• Better Balance, sweep-defense & Base

I’ve got my membership ($14.00 (CAN) / Month) and to help deal with hip and shoulder problems, have taken away some great stretch’s from Sebastian’s teachings.

If practiced daily, the benefits are resounding – and do not require a $100 membership at your nearest Yoga studio. You can practice in the luxury of your own home, or even in the sauna – once you’ve gotten the flow of content Sebastian presents.

The “Spirit of Jiu Jitsu” – With Nic Gregoriades (Roger Gracie Black Belt)

Here is a very unique and introspective video into the “Spirit of Jiu Jitsu” – a production made by Jiu Jitsu filmmaker Stuart Cooper and Roger Gracie black belt, Nic Gregoriades.

In this short documentary, Nic shares his philosophies on life and Jiu Jitsu, discusses the ‘Soul Rolling’ sparring method (play vs. war), and how his discovery of yoga has revolutionized his training.

Interestingly enough, Nic has had experiences with Ayuascha – a well known, ancient and divine psychedelic taken notably in the jungles of the Amazon; he discusses his vision’s while on the sacred plant (around 3:05 of the video), one which has rekindled his passion to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu today.

Nic also discusses the importance of maintaining mind and body: “Jiu Jitsu always comes second to improving the vehicle” – furthermore, emphasizing the importance of Yoga, a practice he has acquired by observing and learning from the great Rickson Gracie.

Robson Moura – “The Evolution of Jiu Jitsu”

A great video produced recently by AllThingsBJJ.com entitled “The Evolution of Jiu Jitsu” features none other then 6 x World Jiu Jitsu Champion (the ‘Mundials’) Robson Moura.

Robson began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the young age of 10, and would soon hallmark the Super Featherweight division, going on to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s, 5 years running (1996 as a purple belt, 1997 as a black-belt, 1998, 1999, and 2000). Robson then went on to win this same tournament 7 years later (in 2007), showing his grit and will to continue as a top-class competitor.

Today, Robson teaches out of the United States where he is a prized member of Team Nova União: one of the most respected grappling affiliations in the US today.

Further to the short film – ‘Evolution of Jiu Jitsu’ (posted below) – at a recent seminar in Toronto, Robson leads a discussion on “How to Prepare for Jiu Jitsu Competition.” You can visit BJJ Eastern Europe for the article/video.

Clark Gracie @ Pan Ams 2013 + Is Clark Hailed as the David Beckham of BJJ?

What do Clark Gracie and David Beckham have in common? Talent, composure and a pose that can put the likes of GQ Magazine to shame.

The latest Pan’s 2013 in L.A. featured some extraordinary bouts; Clark Gracie pulled off his signature omoplata, down 2-0 in the finals, to win with seconds remaining. All the talk thereafter, didn’t revolve around Clark’s recent gold medal; it revolved around a photo gone viral, where Clark is seen to omoplata his opponent, some tournaments ago…

Omoplata Pose from Clark Gracie.

Source: DeadSpin. http://deadspin.com/tag/clark-gracie.

CLARK GRACIE – “RIDICULOUSLY PHOTOGENIC JIU JITSU GUY”:

Reddit and Quick Meme were first to jump on the photo. After releasing 1 or 2 takes on what they have titled the “Ridiculously Photogenic Jiu Jitsu Guy”, we were sold.

Clark’s photogenic, “how do I look?” pose has been a box-office hit, and beckons for endorsements from shampoo legends; not to mention his hair appears buoyant and ‘volumizing’; the pose has instantly captured our hearts (fortunately, not our limbs).

Meme Adaptations:

Clark Gracie – Ridiculously Photogenic Jiu Jitsu Guy

Source: Quick Meme & Cage Potato.

CLARK GRACIE ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA:

Good Morning America caught on, and have joined in on the fun; Clark was featured on the Good Morning show, just days after the photo gone viral.

Is Clark photogenic or what?

PAN AMS 2013: Clark Gracie vs Marcelo “Lapela” Mafra

One of the featured matches in this years Pan Ams 2013, was in fact, Clark Gracie vs Marcelo “Lapela” Mafra in the middleweight finals.

Marcelo played a very conservative game as he earned 2 points for a sweep, and attempted to hold onto a Clark Gracie onslaught for the rest of the match.

Marcelo was nearly cautioned for staling, as Clark vigorously attempted every attack/sweep in the book, to get Marcelo off his game.

As time ticked near the end of the match, with Marcelo up 2-0, Clark switched gears and pulled off an incredible scramble, to hit his signature omoplata.

As Clark dives for the omoplata (literally), Marcelo scrambles in desperation. Clark solidifies his lock on the arm, and brilliantly switches grips to a lapel choke. Right before the choke is applied, Clark hides his leg for leverage, and begins to apply the final touches by swinging his arm behind Marcelo’s head.

The choke gets tighter, Clark gives a thumbs up while applying it; Marcelo attempts to tap, but soon falls unconscious, and the match is over.

Clark wins, via a signature omoplata finish, with only 25 seconds remaining, while down 2-0 in the middleweight finals.

A true testament to Clark’s ability to stay composed, while remaining ‘fashionable’. Clark is seen here: thumbs up to the coach and team; a thumbs up to the fans; David Beckham, eat your heart out!

The match video can be seen here:

Science of Skill: Rafa and Gui Mendes on: Innovation

“Be Like Water” – Bruce Lee [as re-posted by Rafa / Gui Mendes]

I came across an insightful article from the Science of Skill who had interviewed the Rafa and Guillerme Mendes back in March of 2012.

Essentially, they’re committed to finding a better way, an easier way, to do anything, or to beat anyone. They (Rafa/Gui Mendes) don’t like the idea of grinding away at a method just for the sake of hard work. What sets them apart is their overall orientation towards training – which tends to be:

Maximum Physical Training + Maximum Strategic Planning + Maximum Feedback Intake

What I found interesting in the above formula was the element of Maximum Feedback Intake.

From what I could grasp, this is referring to the ability to obtain FEEDBACK through the methods available at ones disposal within the realm of BJJ: this includes feedback from training partners, and your peers/coaches when drilling or sparring.

Feedback can also be derived from your opponents, ala competition; it is a great idea to video tape sparring/competition sessions and review with those who are knowledgeable.

The other 2 aspects of the formula are fairly self-explanatory, and justifiable in terms of requisites for success: (1) Maximum Physical Training is an integral aspect of the sport; (2) Strategic Planning can’t be avoided at higher levels of the game.

Where one is weak, pay close attention; ask yourself the following: What is impeding you from being successful? What are your obstacles? What sort of action or mental ‘shifts’ do you need to take to ensure a greater degree of success?

What is success? In BJJ, success can be attributed to how well you can control your opponent, to the point where a submission can be applied, and successfully finished, while efficiently managing your endurance/cardiovascular, and risk for being controlled or submitted throughout. The level at which you can ‘flow’ and ‘dominate’ (so to speak), requires a sharp mind, and well-rounded skill-set.

The rest of the interview is insightful and a true testament to how well Rafa/Gui have managed to become cutting edge practitioners, and competitors, using the resources available at their disposal.

For the full article, visit the Science of Skill.