Blog o' the Jimmy

My reasoning for building a grappling dummy is simple;  I need more time to practice techniques on a partner that is only available for practicing techniques.

I train at a great place with a bunch of  technically minded people.  But more often than not, even on open mat days, most everyone wants to roll in order to practice their technique and my opportunities for mat time are limited. I am learning of course, but it feels at times that I’m only developing scattered bits of techniques.  I don’t expect a rock solid understanding of a technique from using a grappling dummy, human feedback is critical, but I do expect a much stronger foundation I’ll be able to tweak when I do get mat/class time.

My goal is to drill 1 to 3 techniques a week, 3 to 5 times a week, for 30 min or more.

To simplify things, I could just purchase a Submission Master or some other grappling dummy online.  My buddy Jason over at Jiu Jitsu Map got a Submission Master and really digs it.  But for me the price is a limiting factor.  I also want to be able to vary the weight and modify it’s height and width in the torso.

Here are the sites/links that I’ve used for reference -

http://www.thelivingexample.com/eljefe.html

http://mattwilsonmd.blogspot.com/2008/11/lamont-you-big-dummy.html

http://wtfe.net/dummy/

http://justinsrefuge.com/2009/09/28/how-to-build-a-grappling-dumm/

http://www.medfordtools.com/dummy/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxFNPNiGK40

And here is a picture of the beginning of my dummy -

My building materials so far have been simple -

• 2 10′ length of 3/4″ PVC pipe I’ve cut down based on my own body measurements. Yup, I got long legs.  If you’ve got a hack saw or even better a mechanical cutting device you’ll save a lot of money buying the long PVC lengths and cutting them down vs. precut lengths.  I like the way PVC holds the shape and feels more like actual bone.
• One PVC T section for the pelvis area and one 4 way intersection for the arm, neck, upper body connection.
• 2 lengths of 1/4″ electrical cable; one 7′ for the arms, one 9′ for the legs.
• Foam insulation thingys for covering the arms and legs
• 3 rolls cheap duct tape for finishing, and one roll packaging tape to get everything started
• I’ve spent $50 and some change so far. I don’t have a head yet.

Last night was for me my official return to BJJ and WestSide.  Since I’ve been absent a number of things have changed in my life.  But the biggest change I saw after last night was in myself.  I’ve spent a lot of time, since quitting in March, directing my thoughts more toward the journey and not so much the goal.  Granted, I do have dreams of how I’d like my future to be, but I’m spending less time focusing on the long term and instead enjoying more the short term.  I’m learning how to be more in the moment.

I still task myself with quite a bit.  But I’m not freaking out if I miss one or two or more things on my list that day (ie. studying French, mastering a new programming language, exercising, working on my motorcycle rebuild, etc.).  It also makes for a happier home because I’m also easier to be around and I’m enjoying and appreciating time with my family.

So as for class last night I can honestly say that I loved every minuet of it.  And I’m doing it because I enjoy it, and not because I feel that I’m missing out on something if I don’t.

After about 8 months, and $1800 worth of dental work finally paid off, I’m gett’n back into BJJ.  I’ve had some hesitation.  I’m no spring chicken, and I haven’t been real excited about the regular aches and pains I always came home with.  Fortunately West Side has got brand new mats. I went back on a Tuesday night, a week before Thanksgiving, and decided to test the waters.  See how I felt afterwards.  This was the first time I could remember that my back didn’t ache after class, which I attribute to the bad ass new mats, but Mark has changed things as well.  At least for this class he’s really refined his methods, focusing more on technique and drilling that technique.  I liked his classes and teaching style before, but even more so now.

I want to re-approach my study of this art.  I really want to not only put time in on the mat at West Side, but I want to make my study a daily habit.  I’ve decided a grappling dummy is a necessary tool.  Professor Pedro Sauer (who Mark Johnson is affiliated with) has outlined 88 techniques that he believes are essential for building a strong foundation, and which lead to receiving a Blue Belt.  I intend to practice at least one of these every night.

As for a grappling dummy, you’re typically looking around $500 for a ready made one.  My budget can’t accommodate that right now.  So instead I’m going to build my own.  I’ve invested about $50 for most of the materials I’ll need, and I’ve found a number of good links for reference on-line.  I’ll be doing a series of posts on this.

I’ve been hitting CrossFit now here 2-3 times a week since the beginning of January ’11.  It took about a month before I didn’t feel totally spent and worthless after my workout. I also began the Whole30 diet plan on January 31st. Beginning in February I was able to resume my BJJ practice after a month and a half hiatus due to family concerns.

So, the first thing I noticed was that my recovery time after my BJJ class has dramatically improved.  So much so, that now by the time I make it home I feel like I’ve only done some light exercise.  Before, I’d come home and my wife would make comment as to how red my face would be.  Not anymore.  I’m not drag-assing into bed either.

The biggest difference though was this past Monday and Tuesday I actually took my huge volleyball knee pads off during my BJJ class and my knees weren’t killing me during or afterward.

MY KNEES DON’T HURT ANYMORE!!!!!!

For anyone who has had chronic knees issues I’m sure you get how big a deal this is.

I’ve talked to a number of other people at Wasatch CrossFit who have similar success stories.  I’m so thankful for the opportunity to do this.  If you haven’t tried CrossFit yet I suggest you give it a go.  It’ll change you in ways you will never expect.

Yesterday saw the passing of one of WestSide’s finest, Miles Vigil.

What I liked about Miles was that I always felt safe around him.  Kind of a funny thing to say when I think about how many times he had me folded up, suffocating, and struggling to tap with one of the only available limbs I had, which was usually not an arm.

I liked that whenever I had the chance to train with him I always knew that I was going to walk away okay and have learned something.

I liked watching Miles reaction when he got excited over something, like a kid in a candy store.  You couldn’t help getting caught up in his enthusiasm.

I wish there was something I could have said or done to help.  I didn’t know him well enough really to see that something was wrong.  Kinda hard when the only side you ever saw was that of a happy, cool guy.

I’m glad I got to meet you Miles. You will be missed.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for me is more of an obsession than a hobby.  I can honestly say that not a waking hour goes by without something related to BJJ coming to mind. It has changed my life.  My athletic ability has improved, my flexibility has increased, and I’m a lot more confident. This shows every day now in my interactions with others.

I recently received some license plate frames from Submission Fight Company which I think sums this up all up.  Check ‘em out:

Wanna save some money on their already low priced gear and accessories?

Submission Fight Company is now offering 10% OFF everything store wide for readers of Blog o’ the Jimmy.

Use coupon code:  JimmyDean101

Just bad ass!!!

WestSide Vs. Foley’s – Some name help please from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

WestSide vs. Foley’s – Jason Miller vs. Brad from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

WestSide vs. Foley’s – Justin Eyre vs. Brian from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

Again, if I get your name wrong let me know.

WestSide vs. Foley’s – Killer vs. ?? from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

WestSide vs. Foley’s Scrap for the Skull – Miles vs. ?? from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

WestSide vs. Foley’s – Justin Eyre vs. Pat ‘Punisher’ Reeves from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

WestSide BJJ and Foley’s MMA of Ogden, Utah had their annual ‘Scrap for the Skull’ no-Gi competition today at Foley’s.  I screwed up my shoulder the week before and decided to not push it and compete.  I did however take the opportunity to play camera man and got some great matches on video.  Each part will have 4 vids that I’ve uploaded to either YouTube and Vimeo.  I didn’t get most people’s names, so please let me know who is who if I haven’t made mention.