Selecting a school

[cronin]

Kioto Sayville

G:

I haven't trained at Kioto Sayville since my job has changed my commute to NYC several times a week. Since I live out in the sticks, I can't make it out to train any longer.

However, it's good that you're looking into BJJ- as far as the Sayville Kioto: the club is right next to the Dairy Barn on Main St. Professor Milton Regis is top-notch 3rd black. His classes are regimented and his students range from newbies with families and responsibilities to ranked competitors- No egos. (This is probably par for the course with other BJJ schools). Check out the site for fees and schedules:

http://kiotobjj.com/index1.html

The cons, as I've stated: contract; kind of pricey; the belt promotion at the end of the year with a belt promotion fee whereas other clubs promote by merit or time in training or both.

Anyway, try it out for yourself- check out an intro and let me know how it goes.

Good luck.

[Glelas]

Is Kioto mostly "sport" heavy or real world? Is it mostly floor work?

[cronin]

Kioto

Is Kioto mostly "sport" heavy or real world? Is it mostly floor work?

It is mostly sport. They go into several self-defense moves as well, but the emphasis is sport bjj: techniques, submissions and their applications on the mat. Also, I'm not sure what you mean by real world, but I assume you mean street situations? If so, that's a whole other discussion/thread which I won't even touch. Do a search on this forum and I'm sure you'll find plenty.

By floor work, I assume you mean groundwork (?). If so, yes. No striking involved. As for up-fighting, they work on takedowns and throws as well.

[Glelas]

Cronin, what is a typical class at Kioto like? I know you don't attend that school anymore, but from what you remember how was it? I went down there last week and caught the end of a session and spoke with Milton - a class act. I only got the last 15 minutes so it was all sparring. My fear is being spent before I even get to sparring (assuming I will even spar my first few classes). I am completely out of shape, not fat or obese just slothy if that makes sense, never did any kind of MA in my life but I want the challenge...Will "warm-ups" or calistenics immediately put me behind the 8 ball? Can you remember in detail a typical class for a beginner?

Thanks in advance.

[cronin]

typical class

Cronin, what is a typical class at Kioto like? I know you don't attend that school anymore, but from what you remember how was it? I went down there last week and caught the end of a session and spoke with Milton - a class act. I only got the last 15 minutes so it was all sparring. My fear is being spent before I even get to sparring (assuming I will even spar my first few classes). I am completely out of shape, not fat or obese just slothy if that makes sense, never did any kind of MA in my life but I want the challenge...Will "warm-ups" or calistenics immediately put me behind the 8 ball? Can you remember in detail a typical class for a beginner?

Thanks in advance.

Hey Glelas,

A typical class is warm-up*, technical drills and/or new technique reps and sparring or randori for the last 20 minutes. Sometimes it goes over a little, but no one is complaining, unless of course you have somewhere to go after class.

*The warm-up from what I recall are: jumping jacks, front and back jumping jacks (swinging arms in front of you and jumping), body squats, then onto hip escapes (back and forth the length of the mat- like shrimping) reverse hip escapes (same distance), then drills of bridging (two variations of a movement to bridge out of side control) 5-10 times left and right, break-dance (weight on your chest and you move your legs around your body like you’re ‘break dancing’) 10 times, sit-ups, push-ups, neck strengthening exercises and wall splits then you go stretch for 10 minutes before pairing off to go over techniques. I’m not sure of the order and I’m positive I’m missing something but I’m confident Milton will go through them with you so you’ll ease into them (each drill) slowly. Once you get the idea, you’ll be off to do them on your own.

I won’t lie, these drills/warm-ups are hard, so pace yourself. Milton is right there like a drill instructor to push you when you need it. Believe me, it’s not a race, everyone wants just wants to get through the warm-up like you. I know before going in I was in OK shape- I was at the gym 5-6 times a week and each of those times I ran 3 miles before lifting. And let me tell you, I was huffing after the first class. These exercises are sport-specific. They benefit not only your strength, agility, muscular endurance and flexibility, but also help in muscle memory with techniques you need for bjj.

Rest assured, I don’t think he’ll let you spar until he thinks you’re ready, which typically takes a few classes, or at least, when you learn falling, a throw, a couple escapes and chokes. And when he does, he’ll let your partner know it’s your first sparring session, so they’ll work with you. You spar with someone in a 5-min round, take a water break, then another round for 5-min. Break, then once more. Let me tell you how sweet the sound of that timer is some days when a round is over. Some days, like Friday, is all randori, so people have a chance to go 6 or more rounds. Of course, if Milton sees you’re struggling, he’ll ask you if you want to sit out or not. Do NOT be afraid to sit out. It’s about training, not killing yourself or your partner. But once you start sparring, I guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.

Hope this helps.

Good luck and train safe.

[cronin]

typical class

whoops double posting is a terrible thing