Catchwrestling

[HITJKD]

Hi Guys,

First time posting here, just wanted to say hello and ask a question. Have any of you heard of Tony Cecchine and what he does?
Talk to you later.

[Burton]

I have heard great things about him and his teaching. I did some catchwrestling many years ago, and it is good. One thing to watch for is that some techniques are based upon pain (rubbing nerve points, etc.) and these don't affect a person who is on drugs or off in the head. Check it out if you can. Aloha!

[HITJKD]

Perhaps it was the way in which I worded my question that I gave the impression that I was unfamiliar with Mr. Cecchine's works, however, this is not the case as I have been working with his materials for about three years now and can wholeheartedly attest to their effectiveness. The intent of my question was to ascertain the knowledge level of him and his materials within the JKDU community. To those unfamiliar with his works I encourage further investigation as Catchwrestling (as taught by him) will do much to improve your ground game. I think Catch is the next great addition to the mix of JKD but (99% of people don't know it yet.) Catch is not just another 'style' of BJJ so to speak, it is substantially different and has much to add to the ground and takedown games. I know that there are other people out there claiming to teach Catch but when I have looked at their materials I quickly realized that it is like asking a BJJ Blue belt to teach you versus Rigan Machado(or someone of equal ability).
In terms of their using of "pain compliance methods" it is no more or less than the pain involved in armbars, heelhooks, omoplatas etc. of BJJ. There is a dimension of Catch known as 'Ripping' which uses pain to set up submissions but there is in no way a reliance upon these methods. Additionally, despite claims by uneducated commentators Catch does not rely upon strength, brute force - or whatever is sometimes claimed, it is a scientifically based art of skill and the proper application of leverage - exactly as is BJJ!
I came to Catchwrestling after already attaining a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu so you can in no way say I am simply a detractor of Jiu-Jitsu, I simply see value in Catch and have gained much from my exposure.
Greco has greatly added to our clinch game and BJJ gave us (JKD Guys) a ground game. I think Catch will be the next big thing once more people are exposed to it and understand what it can bring to the table.

Thanks for your attention.

[Burton]

As I said, from what I've seen Catch is a great thing. I will look into it further. Armbars, omoplatas, etc are pain compliance techniques, which is why we use them as a secondary means of ending a confrontation. Primary is the choke, as it takes anyone out when properly applied. I do not look at grappling as BJJ or Wrestling, but as a range where we wish to use whatever will make us better. Hopefully, Catch can help us in that regards. Aloha!

[HITJKD]

Well I will definitely have to agree with you Burt that chokes are primary! I think it was Gene LeBell who said "When in doubt - choke'm out". I would add another category of opponent to the list of drugged, drunk or crazies who needs to be choked out - powerlifters and strong bodybuilders! I weigh in at 240# and can deadlift 530 X 8 (I'm another Mentzerite) but in rolling with very strong guys have sometimes had a very hard time straightening out a leg for a kneebar or the arm of a guy who benches 400+. With these type of opponents I generally move towards the choke as their neck although stronger is not capable of benching 400!!

P.S. Catch has some very unique and interesting chokes.

[Burton]

Good point about the strong guys. I will purchase Tony's tapes. Are there any in particular that you suggest?

[HITJKD]

If expense is not too much of an object I would definitely go with the Lost Art of Hooking 10 tape series. I have everything he has put out so far and I like thatr series the best of all. Others have their favorites but I like the general overview of this series. You will in particular enjoy the two Ground Domination tapes as he really makes you think about how you control a man on the ground. I found in my Jiu-Jitsu only days I tended to "hover" over my opponent somewhat whereas Tony shows you how to 'Steamroller' your opponent and when you get it - man what a difference; both of your hands are now free to either strike or work on a submission.

You also are going to see some submissions that look quite unnatural, kind like looking at a broken leg going the "wrong way" giving you that queasy feeling.

Enjoy

PS. You can find him @ Catchwrestle.com

[Burton]

Thanks for the info. Enjoy your training!