Invictus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Academy

Happy Monday Invictus team!

Hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to get the week started right!

On the menu for this week:

Muay Thai Kickboxing - We will be making a small shift in our training, and focusing more on boxing, head movement and centerlines to get our hands better.

BJJ - It's escapes week! With our conclusion of mount last week It's time to shift positions from attacker to defender and work our way out of bad positions.

Join us tonight for Virtual classes and in-person.

To change things up... as promised.

we wanted to not only bring you all gym tips and tutorials but also thought it was a great opportunity to meet some of our team.

Rather than getting all of the technique tutorials from me (Rick).

I wanted you all to see some of the successful techniques other members of our academy use on the mats.

So here we have two BJJ technique demos,

brought to you by two of our BJJ practitioners,

Beau and Felipe,

Hope you find these helpful, we will be continuing to bring you more helpful techniques, tips and things you can use even if you're training from home!

See you all on the mats!

"𝗗𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲, 𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗸, 𝗱𝗶𝗽, 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲..."

One of the principle elements to Kickboxing and boxing is simply this:

move your head out of the way of the fist trying to collide with it.

Seems straightforward...

But it's not always that easy.

You want to avoid the punch, sure...

but you don't want to pull your body out of range for your own counter.

So, you have to do it while staying in the dangerous range of your opponent.

How we teach students to do this is typically a 3-step process.

1. Practice the movements without a partner.

2. Add in a partner to throw predictable, and controlled punches you can move around and counter.

3. Practice it LIVE but with a partner only throwing less than 50% power.

These steps will build the framework, allowing you to start getting comfortable with the required positions and movements.

Warning ⚠️: skip steps 1 and 2 and you're gonna have a bad time...

See you on the mats!
TEAM INVICTUS!

I have made this mistake many times...

working out hard every day sometimes twice a day like a maniac.

It wasn't long before I was feeling run down and getting injured all the time.

I realized I was doing too much.

My performance in the gym was lacking... I was feeling weak and slow.

My focus and motivation was diminishing, I felt Like I basically needed a caffeine IV drip...

It wasn't until I started taking my rest and recovery seriously that I really saw a huge change in my performance, muscle growth, speed and focus.

Now, I give myself 2 full days a week of rest from strenuous exercise.... sometimes more.

By doing this, I have been able to maintain effective workouts and progress for years. I no longer feel run down, unmotivated, and injured.

If you're not resting your body regularly...YOU NEED TO!

Hope this helps you all, if you have any questions or suggestions of topics you want me to make videos out of, let me know in the comments or DM us!

See you on the mats!

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴?

Taking a step back from posting our normal photos of athletes in our academy,

I saw this as too Important to not talk about.

When I look at this photo, I see two people conquering the limiting beliefs common to their age group.

And honestly, it's inspiring.

As a head coach, and more specifically, the individual that answers all the phone call inquiries coming into our academy...

There are things I hear ALL THE TIME:...

"...I'm not as young as I used to" be...

"I can't keep up with the young people "

"Im not in good enough shape to do that"

"I don't think I can join a young person's sport/art..."

Etc, etc, etc

Almost all of these, surprisingly, come from people right around the age of 40/50 ish...

(Younger than those pictured above...)

REMEMBER, YOUR THOUGHTS DICTATE YOUR REALITY.

When you place a limitation on yourself due to some perceived inadequacy or disadvantage...

You make that limitation REAL!

Let me repeat:

You...make...that...limitation...
REAL!!

Each individual is on their own journey... and life doesn't end at age 40, nor does it at 50 or 60+.

You're only on this planet for a finite amount of years... so don't waste them holding yourself back with misconceptions of what you CAN or CANNOT DO!
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TL;DR - your thoughts determine your reality...age is a number, don't let it hold you back.

See you on the mats!!
TEAM INVICTUS

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴... 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀.

This may sound crazy...

I get it.

Sparring, by definition is a mock-fight... designed to prepare you for the real thing.

So how is this in any way relaxing?

The answer to that question, doesn't lie in the actual act of sparring, but rather the individual you do it with.

Sparring with someone you trust, like an EXPERIENCED teammate, removes a lot of the inherent danger the process would normally bring.

The act of sparring then becomes a fun, focused process that can make the troubles of the world seem far away and distant.

In that moment, all that matters is you and your partner.

For me, and so many others this provides a therapeutic mental escape that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.

But, again, it requires a trusted partner to achieve.

In the picture posted, Pete and Logan may look as though they are throwing hard punches.

But in actuality, neither individual is throwing to hurt the other.

It's a technical game of touch to simulate the real thing but allow eachother to focus on moving without the consequences of getting hurt.

It can be very, mentally relaxing.
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TL;DR - sparring is relaxing when done with a trusted partner you know isn't trying to hurt you. Allows you to be in the moment without the consequences of injury.
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Join us tonight for more fun virtual and in-person classes!

Link to the website and schedule is in the bio!

See you soon!
TEAM INVICTUS!

The relaxing nature of sparring... how it helps with mental stress.

This may sound crazy...

I get it.

Sparring, by definition is a mock-fight... designed to prepare you for the real thing.

So how is this in any way relaxing?

The answer to that question, doesn't lie in the actual act of sparring, but rather the individual you do it with.

Sparring with someone you trust, like an EXPERIENCED teammate, removes a lot of the inherent danger the process would normally bring.

The act of sparring then becomes a fun, focused process that can make the troubles of the world seem far away and distant.

In that moment, all that matters is you and your partner.

For me, and so many others this provides a therapeutic mental escape that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.

But, again, it requires a trusted partner to achieve.

In the picture posted, Pete and Logan may look as though they are throwing hard punches,

but in actuality, neither individual is throwing to hurt the other.

It's a technical game of touch to simulate the real thing but allow eachother to focus on moving without the consequences of getting hurt.

It can be very, mentally relaxing.
.
.
.
.
TL;DR - sparring is relaxing when done with a trusted partner you know isn't trying to hurt you. Allows you to be in the moment without the consequences of injury.
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Join us tonight for more fun virtual and in-person classes!

Link to the website and schedule is in the bio!

See you soon!
TEAM INVICTUS!

Happy Monday!!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend and are ready to get back on the mats!!

We have a great line-up of techniques and classes scheduled for you all.

Our Goal in Muay Thai this week is adding in more footwork and head- movements to the counter-striking we have been focused on.

Followed by BJJ, focused on refining our attacks and position control from the mount.

We look forward to seeing you all virtually and in-person Tonight!

Let's keep our progress going forward!

Team Invictus!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞... 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬.

I personally hate...and I mean HATE treadmills.

They're boring, tedious and lack full body effectiveness.

Yet, I know so many people who begrudgingly, drag themselves to the gym a few times a week to torture themselves on these devices.

Then, like clockwork, a month or two passes and they've stopped working out all together...

Leaving them disappointed and waiting for the next 'New years resolution' to get back to it...

This is the definition of insanity!

...and life is too short to live like this.

The fix?

Find something you enjoy that simultaneously gives you the health benefits you're looking for.

For us, that thing is Kickboxing and BJJ.

When we leave, body exhausted and muscles burning... all we can think about is doing it again!

That's how it should be.

Join us tonight for more awesome classes both Online and in-person!

We'll see you on the mats!
TEAM INVICTUS!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆...

As the great stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, wrote:
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"𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴

𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘵

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺"
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This in essence is the foundation of martial arts.

Through obstacles and problems we find clarity in not only our skills but also ourselves.

A problem invites us to find a solution.

In creating that solution we build new skills and grow in confidence and understanding.

So don't just practice things you do well already.

Challenge yourself with new problems, and find solutions that will help you grow.

Doing this, your skills, confidence and understanding will grow immensely.
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See you tonight!!
TEAM INVICTUS!

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀...

Admit it, your goal when you first started sparring was just to win...

But should it have been?

Realistically, what do you gain by beating our teammates?

Respect?

Clout? Fame? Or bragging rights?

Simply seeking those things will not only hold you back from your ultimate goal, but will also turn your training partners against you...

The goal of sparring is... and should always be just sharpening your tools.

You're there to improve yourself, your craft and your understanding.

Leave the winning to the ring, cage or tournament mat.

Focus on finding the holes in your skillset and closing them.

Then... (Pro-Tip)

Help your teammates do the same.

In helping others strengthen their weaknesses, you further clarify your understanding of your own.
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Join us tonight for more awesome virtual and in-person classes!

See you on the mats and online!

TEAM INVICTUS!

Happy Monday!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

We're excited to start another great week of training and improving.

Join us online or in-person for classes this week.

Kid's bjj - 4:30 PM

Muay-Thai Kickboxing- 5:30 PM

BJJ - 6:30 PM

See you on the mats!
TEAM INVICTUS!

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴...

Sparring can be a scary prospect for new individuals trying out a gym... and rightly so.

Some "fight gyms" get a bad rap when it comes to sparring due to the nature and intensity of some of their athletes.

This issue, when unchecked by leadership can result in new individuals not wanting to attempt sparring and therefore losing out on a HUGE facet of their growth.

After all, whats the point of training and dedicating yourself to learning a skill if you can't test its effectiveness against a resistive opponent without getting hurt?

Truth be told... most professional fighters don't spar hard very often at all.

In Thailand, Thai-boxers spar very lightly just to refine skills before fights.

There is very little reason besides personal ego to spar hard with your teammates... especially those who are new.

For this reason, we are very strict on our sparring culture.

We are ONE TEAM! We are not here to hurt eachother or collect wins, but rather to help eachother grow.

It's this team culture that allows new people to spar and improve without the fear of being injured.

Join us tonight for more great training classes, both Online and in-person.

See you on the mats!
TEAM INVICTUS!

Grinding our way through the week!

Happy to see so many people working hard both at home and on the mats.

But most of all...

Having fun and helping teammates.

With many new people trying out the classes both Virtually and in-person, it's very encouraging as a coach to see students becoming leaders on the mats.

It's important to always keep in mind, every new person today has the potential of turning into a challenging training partner to help us grow in the future.

So lets keep up the hard work and positivity!

See you on the mats tonight!
TEAM INVICTUS!

"TRAIN UNTIL YOUR IDOLS BECOME YOUR RIVALS"

Im sure you hear it all the time...

"The difference between an expert and a newbie is time..."

But it's actually more than that.

A taxi driver spends more time in a car than a racecar driver, yet how many Taxi drivers can win Indy or Daytona?

The truth is, it's not how often you train, but rather HOW you train.

Are you consistently challenging your limits?

Are you consistently trying to fix holes in your technique?

Are you coming in even on days you don't feel like it?

MOST IMPORTANTLY...

Are you asking questions of your coaches?

Your coaches are here to help you grow, not just teach you for an hour and kick you out...

Take advantage of this and ask questions that will help you succeed.

How to fix __________?
How to do __________?
Tips for fighting _______?
Etc.

Remember, at Invictus you're not in just a cardio class, we're here to learn, improve and evolve.

So let us support your journey!

See you tonight!!

This last week we had the pleasure of recognizing (through belt ranks) the hard work of two individuals.

I couldn't be more proud of the heart and dedication both of these individuals have shown... win or lose they both keep driving to learn more.

That is truly what martial arts should be about.

It's not about clout, or who you can beat or even what color of a belt you wear...

Its about YOUR JOURNEY...

YOUR HEART

YOUR DEDICATION

YOUR GROWTH

YOUR EVOLUTION

and Finally...

HOW YOU CAN HELP OTHERS ACHIEVE THE SAME.

Both of these individuals represent all of these elements.

Great Job @ethan_p.s
And @christian_mac2004

Great job to the entire Invictus Team, nobody can do this alone.

It takes a team to truly grow in this art, and i couldn't be more proud of the solid team we have!

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙅𝙅 - 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣

White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black

The order of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu belts.

When I was first starting out I believed that each belt meant a higher level of prowess on the mats.

A blue belt should be able to beat every white, a purple every Blue etc.

I wanted that hierarchy to exist to validate my position... a status so to speak.

It wasn't until later... after training, competing and eventually teaching that I really understood how shallow and egotistical I was in thinking that.

Since then ive learned every person is on their own, unique journey in this art form.

Belts represent time, dedication and knowledge... not who you can beat.

To say otherwise is to try and argue that every person should fit the exact same mold... which even children know not to be true.

My only advice to my former self on this would be: "monitor your own journey and just make sure you're helping others on theirs... stop competing for validation and just focus on being fulfilled in your journey."
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Join us tonight for more awesome classes and Belt testing!

Muay-Thai Kickboxing - 5:30 PM

BJJ belt test starts at 6:30 PM

See you on the mats and Online!
TEAM INVICTUS!

Guard's high - Ready to finish this week strong!
(Pictured Fin and Matt starting a sparring session)

Happy Wednesday Team Invictus.

We hope your week has been as great and productive as ours.

If not, then make sure you make it to class and we'll change that for you.

Kids bjj - 4:30 PM

Muay-Thai Kickboxing- 5:30 PM

BJJ - 6:30 PM

See you there!
TEAM INVICTUS!

"𝗔 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆"

When looking at the many benefits of Kickboxing, it's often easy to miss the psychological effects it can have on you.

Having just worked a 8-10 hour work day, or just finished helping your kids navigate a day of virtual schooling...

The amount of stress we place on our bodies (and minds) can leave us exhausted and in mental "zombie-mode" for the rest of the evening

But, thankfully there is a solution.

Kickboxing may not seem like the first thing you want to do when you're in "zombie-mode"

But, I can tell you from personal experience, it's like taking a shot of pure, brain cleansing energy.

Afterwards, you'll be leaving feeling refreshed, accomplished and invigorated.

See for yourself!

Join us tonight:
Muay-Thai Kickboxing- 5:30 PM

NoGi BJJ - 6:30 PM

See you on the mats and Online!