Open Mat

I have learned probably half of my jiu jitsu during open mat. It is invaluable time at the academy. I encourage all to use it. Plus its free for all members.

We have been encouraged by a lot of our peers (owners of other academies) to get rid of it. Unstructured time can be dangerous, but we feel that the exchange of ideas that happens there is absolutely crucial to the advancement of jiu jitsu. I can also tell you that Friday advanced classes are more open mat then anything. Its like the ideas start flowing Friday night and extends through Saturday afternoon (it probably really would if we still had our overnight boarders, you know who you are.)

Just a couple of quick things though that I want to make everyone aware of:

1. The teenagers class may begin to start using the time for an open mat of their own too. They are allowed to roll with each other, brown and black belts for their safety and the safety of everyone. If someone turns you (re: adult white, blue, purple belt) down for a roll, this is probably why. If I pull you apart from a teenager, don't take it personally. We just want to keep everyone safe.

2. Regarding the higher ranks I see at open mat, I see them instructing and giving a lot of people pointers and showing technique. This is great and should continue. Lower ranks, however, should not come to expect this. Sometimes the higher rank just wants to get a sweat on and get out of there and go about their day. Trust me, you are learning if you are tapping.

If you are looking for additional instruction, I highly recommend our private lessons. You can get them really reasonably, just see the desk and you can have your own higher rank devoted to you for an hour at a time.