New zealand BJJ competition Sunday 09 May 2004

[Aristeia]

I trained with John Will once, and he mocked me for being female.
.

I find this odd. I've been to a number of John's seminars and hosted one myself. All had females presence and John was nothing but friendly encouraging and helpful to them as he is to everyone. Maybe he was mocking you for something altogether different.

[Aristeia]

Ok allow me to jump in here if I may.
Wardancer, as you know I train a bit out at Strikeforce which is now under Pedro - whch is great.
I am also increasingly involved with John Will and his organisation.
I know to your mind it seems odd that anyone would choose to study under a remote coach when there are blackbelts in town. But there are extremely good reasons for doing so.
John is out and out the best instructor of any martial art I've ever seen. Until you've been to one of his sessions you really do not grasp the level of detail which he imparts, and the structured logical syllabus he can deliver. I have not seen this from the brazillians in NZ. I've seen them teach some cool stuff, but without evidence of a structured plan from newbie to advanced in a step by step manner. Sometimes even within a single class techniques don't necessarily build on each other.

Because of the level of detail John provides, and the regularity with which he comes over, you have plenty to work on and perfect between visits. You may not be learning 25 guard passes this month, but the 2 you are working on, you will own. Some of us like this approach.
As to the competition side of things. To be fair BJJNZ said they went to a open comp a couple of years ago, not "the bjj nz open". I think I know the one he was referring to, I went along to watch and yes it was a fairly small affair (matburn or some such). Although I didn't know BJJNZ back then, I did hear rumours that the wellingtoniains were disappointed that they'd come up expecting something they had been led to beleive would be alot bigger, and I don't blame them.
As for the current ones, rather than asking why the Machado clubs weren't there on the internet, maybe you should check with your coach on when/if he invited them. When the first one was held last year I remember it being touted as the first comp with the support of the brazillians in the country. Which is a good start. But wouldn't it be nice if it were first to have the support of all the major clubs in the country, whoever is teaching them? The club in wellington is from what I can gather the largest in the country. One of their guys has just done very well in a comp in the US which tells me that their standard is high (which I already knew, knowing they are led by one of John's top NZ students).
My understanding is they were contacted when the brazillians arrived, but once it was clear they weren't going to switch allegience from John, that was all they heard.

BJJ in NZ is still small. The major clubs can still be easily counted and tracked. That being the case there is really no excuse for running a compitition and not notifiying and inviting all the major clubs in good time, unless it is by intentional omission. If you really want to see the Machado affiliates attend, talk to your coach about how the communication can be improved.

In Summary.
You like your school and your coach. Great. There are good reasons why people prefer a different approach. Get over it.
All this crap about competition is just that crap. If we all step up right now, at this crucial stage of BJJ development in NZ, as it's just starting to grow wings, and make an effort to be a community of friends not rivals, we'll all benefit. If not, we'll be like every other bullshit fractured petty squabbling martial art in the world. Our call.

[wardancer]

Sorry, to read that you got upset.
You choosed your organisation.

BJJ in NZ is doing fine.
3 rd BJJ OPEN competiton was a success.
Gracia Barra from Sydney came over and did really good.
For people that do not know: Sydney is in Australia.
We are the only organisation in New Zealand that promote BJJ by offering an open BJJ tournament.

We had 12 rep. versus the combined guests of 40.
The idea is to promote BJJ and we are against closing doors on outsiders:
our competition is open to any MA styles as long you agree with BJJ rules.

You only organise BJJ competition to affiliate clubs: not open to others.
Why is the question?

Do you have a competition team that do participate to other events apart your own?
If not, why?

How can you come this thread and talk about your input in NZ?
What have you done so far?
Sorry a google search and a website as BJJNZ does not convince me.

The fact that I choose to promote BJJ by writing about my experience of BJJ in NZ is my right. My Brazilian instructor does not speak good in english (so do I!) and struggle with money. But he is a BB in BJJ and he is in NZ to promote what I love.

There is a good purple belt from Tauranga, maybe you will like to meet him for next BJJ competition? How much notice would you need?
We need the support of all BJJ clubs.
Ok white belts is difficult to travel: going from Wellington to Aussie might be cheaper than going to Auckland.
We have 2 weight categories for Blue belts and open.
The purple section is open.

Tauranga Gracie Barra is organising a vale tudo in a cage on the 16 June 05.
Do you have a rep for the event?
I heard one participating guy is from Wellington. Is he representing your club?

[wardancer]

Ok allow me to jump in here if I may.
Wardancer, as you know I train a bit out at Strikeforce which is now under Pedro - whch is great.
I am also increasingly involved with John Will and his organisation.
I know to your mind it seems odd that anyone would choose to study under a remote coach when there are blackbelts in town. But there are extremely good reasons for doing so.
John is out and out the best instructor of any martial art I've ever seen. Until you've been to one of his sessions you really do not grasp the level of detail which he imparts, and the structured logical syllabus he can deliver. I have not seen this from the brazillians in NZ. I've seen them teach some cool stuff, but without evidence of a structured plan from newbie to advanced in a step by step manner. Sometimes even within a single class techniques don't necessarily build on each other.

Because of the level of detail John provides, and the regularity with which he comes over, you have plenty to work on and perfect between visits. You may not be learning 25 guard passes this month, but the 2 you are working on, you will own. Some of us like this approach.
As to the competition side of things. To be fair BJJNZ said they went to a open comp a couple of years ago, not "the bjj nz open". I think I know the one he was referring to, I went along to watch and yes it was a fairly small affair (matburn or some such). Although I didn't know BJJNZ back then, I did hear rumours that the wellingtoniains were disappointed that they'd come up expecting something they had been led to beleive would be alot bigger, and I don't blame them.
As for the current ones, rather than asking why the Machado clubs weren't there on the internet, maybe you should check with your coach on when/if he invited them. When the first one was held last year I remember it being touted as the first comp with the support of the brazillians in the country. Which is a good start. But wouldn't it be nice if it were first to have the support of all the major clubs in the country, whoever is teaching them? The club in wellington is from what I can gather the largest in the country. One of their guys has just done very well in a comp in the US which tells me that their standard is high (which I already knew, knowing they are led by one of John's top NZ students).
My understanding is they were contacted when the brazillians arrived, but once it was clear they weren't going to switch allegience from John, that was all they heard.

BJJ in NZ is still small. The major clubs can still be easily counted and tracked. That being the case there is really no excuse for running a compitition and not notifiying and inviting all the major clubs in good time, unless it is by intentional omission. If you really want to see the Machado affiliates attend, talk to your coach about how the communication can be improved.

In Summary.
You like your school and your coach. Great. There are good reasons why people prefer a different approach. Get over it.
All this crap about competition is just that crap. If we all step up right now, at this crucial stage of BJJ development in NZ, as it's just starting to grow wings, and make an effort to be a community of friends not rivals, we'll all benefit. If not, we'll be like every other bullshit fractured petty squabbling martial art in the world. Our call.

Thank for your reply.
Which Pedro are you talking about?
Strike Force is well respected in Thai Box and will be in BJJ.

This is a thread about My BJJ open tournament to promote BJJ in NZ.
I cannot do much if they confused about the date.

I will keep writing about my experience.
Actually, I would stop bother mention their affiliations anyway.
I am promoting my own sport, not my business $$$

[BJJNZ]

Sorry, to read that you got upset.
You choosed your organisation.

Correct, although I'm not upset with that.

BJJ in NZ is doing fine.

Correct again

3 rd BJJ OPEN competiton was a success.
Gracia Barra from Sydney came over and did really good.
For people that do not know: Sydney is in Australia.
We are the only organisation in New Zealand that promote BJJ by offering an open BJJ tournament.

Fantastic, I hope we will one day be invited to participate.

We had 12 rep. versus the combined guests of 40.
The idea is to promote BJJ and we are against closing doors on outsiders:
our competition is open to any MA styles as long you agree with BJJ rules.

Cool, well done.

You only organise BJJ competition to affiliate clubs: not open to others.
Why is the question?

And the answer is... As a non BJJ Black Belt I would never presume to run an open competition. Also I have no experience of running competitions or reffing either. Can you imagine the upset if I made a mistake in my competition?!?

Do you have a competition team that do participate to other events apart your own?
If not, why?

Team, no not really. But I encourage my guy's and girls to participate and leave it up to them. Not everyone is into competitions.

How can you come this thread and talk about your input in NZ?
What have you done so far?

Haven't really talked about my input into BJJ in NZ, just my input into my club and Will-Machado in NZ.

Sorry a google search and a website as BJJNZ does not convince me.

You completely missed the point. The google example was to show you how VERY EASY it is to make contact with us, so that we can be informed of the competitions.

The fact that I choose to promote BJJ by writing about my experience of BJJ in NZ is my right. My Brazilian instructor does not speak good in english (so do I!) and struggle with money. But he is a BB in BJJ and he is in NZ to promote what I love.

Totally understand that and fully agree. My issue is the digs at Non participation in your competition, and Machado schools in general! We love BJJ as much as you, if not more! BJJ is fantastic!

There is a good purple belt from Tauranga, maybe you will like to meet him for next BJJ competition? How much notice would you need?

Yep, met him, he trained at our cub for a few times but it was too cold for him and he left. he’s a nice guy. He was supposed to be fighting someone from Auckland I think?!

We need the support of all BJJ clubs.

Agree.

Ok white belts is difficult to travel: going from Wellington to Aussie might be cheaper than going to Auckland.
We have 2 weight categories for Blue belts and open.
The purple section is open.

Cool, when is the next one? What are the rules? Can I get a copy online? Is there a website with the information and results of the latest one???

Tauranga Gracie Barra is organising a vale tudo in a cage on the 16 June 05.
Do you have a rep for the event?
I heard one participating guy is from Wellington. Is he representing your club?

We had 4, some of their opponents have pulled out I think? It sounds a bit disorganised and I cannot find any information about details, do you know of a website with rules or information about it.

One of the Blue Belts that trains with us is organising our fighters, as he knows the BB in Tauranga very well. And also I do not have the time to dedicate to the fighters.

I hope that answered some of your questions? And I hope you will take the time to READ my posts and answer some of my questions.

Thanks.

[wardancer]

BJJ in NZ is still small. The major clubs can still be easily counted and tracked. That being the case there is really no excuse for running a compitition and not notifiying and inviting all the major clubs in good time, unless it is by intentional omission.

Gracie Barra Sydney answered the call!
I think they were the best competition by far!
They had white, blue and purple rep.
They were awesome!
Taranaki GB also answered the call so did Tauranga.
You are suggesting you did not give enough notice to other clubs.
I also think so.

How much notice should be given to them while they did not bother to invite you?
Sorry but the other teams answered the call!

[Aristeia]

Ok, it looks like we're getting somewhere. Wardancer, the point for you to take back to your club is this. People are not delberately shunning the competition. Don't confuse non participation with disinterest. Douglas JJ has taken it upon themselves to organise what they are calling the NZ BJJ open, and are to be applauded for their efforts. But to really be worthy of that name, the effort has to be made to get all clubs involved. Which means going to them early, notifiying them of the details, dates, rules etc. Maybe even organising a network of billets for those out of town. When people in Australia were better informed about the tournament than those in NZ somethings gone amiss.
And it appears that the Machado clubs are the ones who have been missed off the invite list, despite the fact that they are far and away the largest group of affiliates in the country. Did invites go out early to the likes of Michael Gent, Glen Tarrant, Geoff Aitken, Geoff Grant, Shayne Cox? Not all of those clubs would have sent people, but I know some would have.

So you asked why they don't participate in other tournaments. Now you know - they weren't invited and didn't hear about it until late (in fact no doubt some of the people in the list above still are none the wiser). Not everyone spends enough time trawling the net to pick up these things. So now you know the answer to your question, the next question is what are you going to do about it? Can you take it back to your club and find out why this was the case and report back? If it was an oversite, lets find a way to avoid it happening next time. Instead of squabbling with each other on the net we could be rolling on the mat and drinking beers at the bar.

[BJJNZ]

This is a thread about My BJJ open tournament to promote BJJ in NZ. I cannot do much if they confused about the date. This is a thread about My BJJ open tournament to promote BJJ in NZ.

I've covered this one. I know what the thread was about but hey; threads evolve and grow a life of their own.

I will keep writing about my experience.

Cool please do, I'm always interested in reading about BJJ and hearing about other clubs.

Actually, I would stop bother mention their affiliations anyway.
I am promoting my own sport, not my business $$$

Now you've lost me. We do the same sport. BJJ. When was business and money mentioned??????
Oh ok I found it.

My Brazilian instructor does not speak good in english (so do I!) and struggle with money.

[Aristeia]

Gracie Barra Sydney answered the call!
I think they were the best competition by far!
They had white, blue and purple rep.
They were awesome!
Taranaki GB also answered the call so did Tauranga.

Thats because they got the call. The Machado clubs in NZ didn't.

[BJJNZ]

Ok, it looks like we're getting somewhere. Wardancer, the point for you to take back to your club is this. People are not delberately shunning the competition. Don't confuse non participation with disinterest. Douglas JJ has taken it upon themselves to organise what they are calling the NZ BJJ open, and are to be applauded for their efforts. But to really be worthy of that name, the effort has to be made to get all clubs involved. Which means going to them early, notifiying them of the details, dates, rules etc. Maybe even organising a network of billets for those out of town. When people in Australia were better informed about the tournament than those in NZ somethings gone amiss.
And it appears that the Machado clubs are the ones who have been missed off the invite list, despite the fact that they are far and away the largest group of affiliates in the country. Did invites go out early to the likes of Michael Gent, Glen Tarrant, Geoff Aitken, Geoff Grant, Shayne Cox? Not all of those clubs would have sent people, but I know some would have.

So you asked why they don't participate in other tournaments. Now you know - they weren't invited and didn't hear about it until late (in fact no doubt some of the people in the list above still are none the wiser). Not everyone spends enough time trawling the net to pick up these things. So now you know the answer to your question, the next question is what are you going to do about it? Can you take it back to your club and find out why this was the case and report back? If it was an oversite, lets find a way to avoid it happening next time. Instead of squabbling with each other on the net we could be rolling on the mat and drinking beers at the bar.

Thank you Aristeia. Exactly! I'm really not good at this. My sarcasm gets in the way. Sorry.

Wardancer, here's one for you.

One of my guy's is training with Renzo Gracie at the moment. Last night Renzo awarded him his Blue Belt!!

[Aristeia]

I was just going to mention that. Understand this isn't a guy that used to train under BJJNZ ages ago who's now training full time in the US. As I understand it it's one of BJJNZ's white belts who's temporarily in the US and taking the opportunity to clean up in one of their comps, train a bit with Renzo who's said "hell this guy should be a blue" (not a direct quote).
Which should go a long way to answering any questions about how well BJJNZ can impart BJJ knowledge despite the lack of Black Belt, and what level his students are. I think everyone would be keen to see more cross pollination on the mats.

So let me make this easy. I'll PM you my email address. As I've got a foot in both camps I'm happy to act as a go between. Pass my address onto whoever is in charge of promoting these comps. Have them add me to their mailing list and I'll make sure all of the Machado affiliates know about the competitions as soon as I do. How's that?

[wardancer]

Thats because they got the call. The Machado clubs in NZ didn't.

I suspect it too!

[Aristeia]

I suspect it too!

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

[wardancer]

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

You will have to ask them.
But he said 2 weeks notice were not good enough!

[wardancer]

I was just going to mention that. Understand this isn't a guy that used to train under BJJNZ ages ago who's now training full time in the US. As I understand it it's one of BJJNZ's white belts who's temporarily in the US and taking the opportunity to clean up in one of their comps, train a bit with Renzo who's said "hell this guy should be a blue" (not a direct quote).
Which should go a long way to answering any questions about how well BJJNZ can impart BJJ knowledge despite the lack of Black Belt, and what level his st

When is BJJNZ going to promote BJJ and offer an open BJJ tournament?
I am going to Smackdown 4 (sub fight/no gi) organised by a AKl Judo Club.
what is happening in the capital?