GroundControl BJJ & MMA

This was one of those nights that reminded me why I love martial arts so deeply. Only a few dedicated folks on the net, but what a great night. From introducing kokyu ho,kite gaeshi nikkyo and sankyo (with a focus on third pont) to guard passing to kimuras. Throw in some discussion on martial arts, history and philosophy in the contagious enthusiasm of a dedicated beginner and you couldn’t ask for a better night on the mats. Love this place 

Any grade in BJJ is an accomplishment to be proud of. But Black Belt is a singular achievement that signals someone who is truly out of the ordinary. It takes 10 years or more of hard work, persistence and discipline - and the willingness to face up to your own limitations and self doubt.

I was stoked to award Dan Stewart this grade today. Dan is a core part of what GC offers - running the juniors program, mentoring our adult students and challenging our senior grades. He measures up to the bar required of a Black Belt in every facet and I could't be prouder to have GC associated with him.

A great story on how BJJ can benefit our kids. BJJ breeds confidence and confidence breeds happier more focused and grounded human beings. And as a side-plug - this was filmed by our own Ashley Pitman - who having just achieved his third stripe on his white belt is terrorising beginners everywhere :-)

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kea-kids-kiwi-jiu-jitsu-champs-take-down-bullying/LLWO37OFXEOBOOGWQUS6NJ5CPA/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOIdZRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFJRGljR3pFVDhNZ3pSVndnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MghjYWxsc2l0ZQIzMAABHlWCvB1A9Dg1mzKKaCkyoI0pFK9AT5hrP9ATAZioxLEcn7XMBbqz4k9kbSqA_aem_dE3yuh-4s_2QetYc6fp-gw

Kea Kids: Kiwi Jiu-Jitsu champs take down bullying! Reporter Emme meets the fighters who went from being pushed off the playground to winning big on the world stage - using Jiu-Jitsu to build confidence and beat bullying.

Was very pleased today to have the opportunity to award two black belts at our sister club Resolve BJJ. After teaching a short session on rolling escapes I was privileged to tie the black belt on Dave Cork and Nathan Craven on behalf of their coach the awesome Harvey Skinner.

Harvey runs a brilliant school in Cambridge with the most welcoming culture you could ask for. And look no further for evidence of his excellent coaching than the quality of these two gentleman. Congrats to all.

Great discussion with the boss

From Bullied Kid to BJJ Legend: The Untold Story of John Will | Ep. 02 Welcome to Episode 2 of our podcast, featuring an in-depth conversation between host David Meyer and his mentor, the legendary martial artist and instructor ...

An absolute privilige last night to make three well deserved promotions.

Anyone around marital arts in East Auckland knows that Dwayne Wooliams has been a significant figure as a dedicated teacher of Judo over the years. Not many martial artists are prepared to take off their black belt and start something new with a white belt mindset - Dwayne has been an exceptional addition to the GC mat and is now a BJJ blue belt.

Tanveer's dedication over the last two years has been outstanding. He's had a significant physical transformation as well as becoming incredibly technical and a handful to roll with. Another BJJ blue belt.

And last but definitely not least Mitch - wielder of the dad jokes and the terrible puns - no can defend. In all seriousness Mitch is a Lynch pin of the club, assisting with classes in Juniors, running MMA bringing his wealth of kickboxing knowledge as well as covering BJJ classes as required. And amongst all that has been diligently and impressively expanding his own game to purple belt level.

In one sense these are grades that I "awarded" but in a much more real sense - these gents have become those grades through focused effort - and last night I just got to recognise.

Congrats - proud to be associated with you all.

I was genuinely moved last night when I came to class to find a gift from some of our students in the office. I've had my old black belt for close to a decade and the wear is starting to show (and I can't get the damn stripes to stay on). So I was touched to see they had clubbed together to get me a new, personalised black belt.

It's a Kataaro brand - the same one I have always used when awarding senior grades - the quality is unmatched - and I am also aware of the investment involved!

I never thought a belt could mean more to me than the one tied on by my coach - until last night. Thanks not just to those who were involved in this gesture, but all our students who demonstrate every night on the mat that the incredible culture we have is a communal endeavour. I'm not the "leader" of the culture, I'm a beneficiary of it, just like everyone else.

But seriously - stop with the oss :)

Outstanding kick off to the year yesterday with our black belt seminar! So good to see so many of you, and thanks to my fellow GC BBs - I picked up a tonne of tips.

And special congrats to Jake on his blue belt. Jake is very technical in his approach manages to walk that fine line between immediately adapting to changes in the situation without being scrambly. A very easy grade to award.

That’s on my mind Facebook? Well armbar- thanks for asking

1 more sleep until the 2025 GC Black Belt seminar! Time to get your butt back on the mat!

Calling all Ex-Members!
Make 2025 the year you get back into it!
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