Source: http://streetsportsbjj.blogspot.com/2009/07/mike-chun-wins-at-grapplers-quest.html
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Review: 4Q2 Fight socks
Grappling or fight socks are a relatively new introduction to the grappler. They straddle the division between full on wrestling shoes and Totes. Guest reviewer James Fairclough kindly wrote a review of his purchase of one brand of fight socks. This is his review...
[Photos c/o 4QS Fightwear]
Anyone who was lucky enough to watch the recent ADCC competition in Nottingham will have witnessed that at times even some of the highest level grapplers out there suffer from a lack of foot grip and traction on the mat. The ADCC opted to use the Dolomur Mat and for some reason they looked like they were causing some of the competitors a bit of a problem ? demonstrated by Renzo Gracies ?belly slide? across them at the end of his super-fight bout.
Great! Well my instructor had just moved into a brand new training facility and had a delivery from Dolomur that very morning, it was going to be BJJ on ice! I?m probably being unfair to Dolomur, as all new mats are often very slippy until they are worn in a little.
The 1st training session confirmed this fact to be true and after a couple of hours of frustration I knew I needed a solution ? quick! So after a little internet research I made a semi informed decision and opted for the 4Q2 FIGHTSOCK.
The 4Q2 claims to be manufactured specifically for martial arts fighters needs and is touted as a direct replacement for martial arts shoes and wrestling boots. The use of the sock is supposed to reduce the risk of infection contamination on the mat that can be caused by other forms of footwear. The sock is designed to be:
- Easily worn with all foot and shin guard
- Comfortable and Lightweight
- Easy slip on and off
- Washable
The sock is available in 3 colours: black, half black (basically black with a white heel), and white (which funnily enough meets the half black description better). I opted for the all black, for some reason the others reminded me of school gym socks.
Performance:
The sock is manufactured mainly from a stretchy lycra type material, it claims to be ?memory stretch?, I can?t really comment on noticing that but they did fit very snugly and comfortably. I was worried about them falling down or slipping off (perhaps in footlock battles) but due to the form fitted cuff they stayed in position very well, with only a few adjustments required throughout the session. Also the heel is made from a flexi fit neoprene which helps to mould to the foot assisting in keeping it in position.
I?ve got to say I was extremely impressed with the grip generated, which is achieved through a series of small, round traction dots which cover right from the back of the heel to the toe. During sparring though I found that the socks could benefit for the grip to extend slightly up the side of the outer metatarsus as the Lycra material itself has not much grip and there were some situations, e.g. technical lift and some open guard positions where the side of the foot is used for stability. If I was being really picky an extra enhancement could be perhaps a few dots on the top of the metatarsus area to assist when in mounted positions.
After only the second wear I found that some of the dots were coming off the sock in the areas were the grip pressure had been required the most, the ball of the foot and the big toe. I guess each person will apply pressure in a different manner but these areas of the foot would be commonly used to gain traction, so I started to have some doubts about the products durability. This was confirmed after a couple of washes @ 300 and a few more sessions large areas of the traction dots were starting to peel off.
I think the claim of making wrestling/martial arts shoes obsolete is perhaps a little bit premature due to the fairly rapid deterioration of the traction dot structure. If they can solve this, they will have one heck of a product!
Ratings:
Grip....5/5 Fantastic!!
Grip Coverage....4/5 Perhaps more coverage around the outside of the foot.
Comfort....5/5 Extremely comfortable due to the Lycra fabric
Fit....4/5 Slight adjustments needed
Durability....1/5 Traction dots came off after second wear
About the author
James Fairclough is a BJJ purple belt training out of Gracie Barra Sheffield Academy. This is an independent and unbiased review based on the author's own opinions.
4Q2 Fightwear fight socks can be purchased online here: http://www.4q2fightsocks.com/
:)
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Meerkatsu/~3/CFUbEL0W5oI/review-4q2-fight-socks.html
Friday, December 30, 2011
Jeff Rockwell no gi choke serie part 1
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjjtech/~3/YnlKhnlGH7g/
Thursday, December 29, 2011
How to Defeat the Bigger, Stronger Opponent by Emily Kwok and Stephan Kesting ? Bonus DVD 1: Q & A Session
Over the past week, we’ve been reviewing How to Defeat the Bigger, Stronger Opponent, the latest BJJ instructional release by Stephan Kesting and Emily Kwok. If you missed them, here are reviews 1-3:
Today we’ll look at the first bonus DVD, which is a Q&A with Emily. It is edited together from footage taken of a semi-private class that Emily gave to…
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aesopian/~3/kb1EqCvAxeY/
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Justin Flores teaching Yoko tomoe nage + Paulo Sergio in action
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjjtech/~3/Avw3vK44VaQ/
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Kani basami (flying scissors) in a grappling match
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjjtech/~3/R5X3aNCpCXo/
Monday, December 26, 2011
Loop choke from turtle top with Kurt Osiander
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjjtech/~3/SgodHjX_3As/
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-04-23
Post from: my BJJ blog
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-04-23
Source: http://mybjjblog.com/2010/04/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-04-23/
Takedown & half guard pass with Jacare
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjjtech/~3/KcS4Vr80I1c/
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Xmas Present Ideas - Part One
Here are my suggestions, based purely on the fact that I have personally owned or reviewed the item and liked the item a lot. I guess it's biased towards UK readers but all the products featured here are shipped internationally or available through other retail outlets around the world.
Also, look out for the discount codes below. In no particular order:
1. Scramble 'OSU' Hoodie
Price �39.99 from www.scramblestuff.com
I bought this hoodie because I instantly fell in love with the design the moment I saw it. It seems to come in a size smaller than average so order a size up what you normally do with a hoodie. For me, I'm normally a medium, but in this case, I bought a Large and it fits just right. It's nice and thick with a double lined hood portion. The OSU words are made from pearlweave gi fabric and the pockets are generous. Definitely a must buy in my opinion. Oh there's two colour choices - the grey above and a navy coloured one too.
2. Marcelo Garcia - Advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Techniques Book
Price from around �15 from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk
I've only just got this book myself so I can't comment yet on how awesome it is, but judging from other reviews - such as this one from Aesopian - it sounds incredibly good. I'll post up a more in depth look in a couple of weeks time.
3. Strike Fightwear - Tatico BJJ Gi
Price �65.99 from Strike Fightwear - DISCOUNT CODE 'MEERKATSU15' FOR 15% OFF
I've rolled in a pre-production version of this gi and I have to say it is very good value for money. I love the orange and white contrast colouring and the gi is pretty light and tough. Full review to come soon.
4. Gameness Elite gi
Price �149.99 from BJJGiShop - DISCOUNT CODE 'MEERKATSU' FOR 5% OFF ALL GAMENESS GIS.(Valid 1st Dec - 24th Dec 2011)
Looking back at all my gi reviews, I must say I really liked the Elite, it's a classy uniform and if you are willing to spend the money, I think you get what you pay for. Here's my original review.
5. Raptor Gi - by Predator BJJ/Black Eagle
Price �99.99 from Black Eagle.
How could I not feature my very gorgeous Raptor Gi? It's available now in limited supply and is obviously the very best gi money can buy (possibly biased opinion).
6. Estilo 3.0 by Tatami Fightwear
Price �80 from Tatami Fightwear
DISCOUNT CODE: 'MEERKATSU10' FOR 10% OFF ALL PRODUCTS
Earlier this year I reviewed the Estilo 2.0 in navy and proclaimed it "still maintains the same cut and strength as the first generation (Estilo) - aspects that make the new Estilo an even more outstanding gi." I've been rolling in the new Estilo 3.0 and can basically say, ditto the previous. It's even better than the 2.0! Full review coming soon.
7. Bull Terrier Gis
Price �tbc from Grapplers Delight
DISCOUNT CODE: 'MEERKATSU10' FOR 10% OFF (ends 23rd Dec)
I've owned two Bull Terrier gis in the past and I can honestly say they are the most beautiful gis ever made. Sadly the cut just doesn't fit me right, the A1 is too small and the A2 too large. But most others who wear the gi say it fits them perfect, so just me again :(
Anyway, Grapplers Delight are ordering some in (the Flare models), so have a word with them about it or use the code on any of their many other gi brands.
8. Cliff Keen'Twister' Earguards
Price �39.99 from Made4Fighters.
DISCOUNT CODE: 'SALE10' for10% off all products.
Back when I reviewed my Cliff Keen Earguard selection, I never expected to actually fall in love with a pair. I mean earguards to me were simply functional and they stopped my ears cauliflowering up. But the Twisters were something else. I loved how they fitted, comfortable and soft yet tough enough to withstand head running. I simply cannot train without them.
...more Xmas discounts coming soon.
:)
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Meerkatsu/~3/Etsg4gtva_w/xmas-present-ideas-part-one.html
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
CONTEST: UFC 138 TICKETS
Hey guys, awesome new apparel company Strike Fightwear (who recently just opened up their webstore and just so happen to have commissioned a number of art designs from me) are giving away two tickets for UFC 138 and a Strike Fightwear T-shirt!!!
UFC 138 is being held in Birmingham NEC, UK, on Saturday November 5th - that's ONE WEEK AWAY!!! So because of the short notice, this comp is only available to UK residents only. Sorry!
To enter, post a comment on here with your answer to this question:
Who is your favourite UFC fighter?
TERMS:
The contest ends on TUESDAY 6pm BST and a winner will be announced that evening (chosen at random). Please include your email address in the answer so we can contact you asap as we'll need your mailing address to post the tickets to you. I will erase all the comments after 24 hours. Anyone not responding within 24hours of my email will lose their chance and a second choice winner will be picked. No cash prize alternative.
Good luck!
:)
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Meerkatsu/~3/179TCVOPGKo/contest-ufc-138-tickets.html
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A Guide to BJJ Books for White Belts
Years ago, your choices for a basic BJJ book were limited to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Renzo and Royler Gracie and? that’s about it. Kid Peligro’s work on that book was groundbreaking, and he created the blueprint for the big, modern BJJ books we enjoy today. In the decade since then, dozens of instructional books were published—some better, some worse—and now beginners have a dizzying array of books available to them.
This guide was made to help beginners pick…
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aesopian/~3/qt1h8tHdO1Y/