After a student has had a few of years experience in Jiu Jitsu, I believe it is important for them to learn that not all techniques / training methods are the same. For example, some techniques are more difficult – physically – to perform than others. And some techniques – while physically easier – are more complicated than others in that they have more moving components.

Also, not all techniques are designed to be used by everyone. For example, the mount escape training methods that I teach to law enforcement personnel have no use within the confines of the sport of Jiu Jitsu. These two methods are at opposite ends of the spectrum – even though the goal is the same for each instance of use!

Additionally, it is important to understand that some techniques are better suited for longer / thinner body types and other techniques are better suited for shorter / thicker body types.

Now, does a beginning level student need to be taught all of these variations? No. They simply need to be made aware of them somewhere along the journey.

Why should they be made aware of them, but not necessarily train all of them? Simple: They may have no use for certain variations. And, while it may be cool to learn all of these variations, the bottom line is this: A student only has so much time to train. If a student is going to commit 10 hours to training, their training should be focused on those techniques / training methods that best help them accomplish their goals.

Here are five (5) examples of what I mean:

EXAMPLE ONE:

Several years ago, I was teaching a group of law enforcement personnel. There were people there from the DEA, NTF, FBI and other federal agencies.

One of the guys in attendance was the head defensive tactics instructor from a local police academy. Long story short, this gentleman “challenged me” during one of the breaks. Here’s how it went down:

1. As we were coming back from a break, this defensive tactics instructor “loudly” proclaims, “MR. HARRIS, ISN’T IT TRUE THAT YOU’RE A BLACK BELT IN BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?” I replied, “Yes.” He continued, “ISN’T IS TRUE YOU HAVE A TON OF EXPERIENCE ESCAPING FROM VULNERABLE POSITIONS?” Again, I replied “Yes.”

2. This defensive tactics instructor then asks me to lie on my back while he mounts on top of me. I allowed him to mount on top of me while he hooks both of his feet at the bend of my knees, presses his belly into mine, put his head down close to the mat and then spreads his arms very wide for base.

3. He then asked me, “So, how would you escape from this position?”

4. I asked him if he was ready. He said, “Yes”, and so I performed my signature law enforcement mount escape – to his surprise.

5. After the laughter in the room had died down, I told him – and everyone else who was there – “Since I only have an hour or so to teach you how to escape from the mount position, I won’t bother teaching you anything sportive in nature. Instead, I will show you what works most of the time and in most circumstances on the street – and in most cultures. And, while there are a few circumstances in which this technique won’t work, there are a handful of variations to it for those “other” circumstances.” At the end of this hour, I had everyone’s attention. Most were glad they took the course!

Now, here’s a little background about this incident:

- The lead defensive tactics instructor who started this whole thing was experienced in Jiu Jitsu.

- While I had never met this instructor before, I had heard his name in DT circles.

- This defensive tactics instructor was familiar with the sportive aspects of Jiu Jitsu, but he had never been taught, nor had he thought outside the box of the sport of Jiu Jitsu. And while the sport does have a lot to offer people, it lacks in many areas.

EXAMPLE TWO:

Several years ago, I taught a seminar in the mid-west. After the seminar, I rolled (i.e. grappled) with a bunch of students. One of those students was a former high school and collegiate wrestler who stood 5’8″ tall and weighed in at 380 lbs. You read that right; three hundred and eighty pounds.

After sparring with several students for several rounds, he saw me triangle choke everyone, with my legs, from my guard. Then, after sparring him for several rounds, he asked me to teach him my game. He asked me to teach him how triangle choke everyone from his guard. I told him, “Bro, with legs like yours, you’re going to have a difficult time applying the triangle choke to a lot of people. How about I show you a game that will work for you; one where you never go onto your back; one where you smash through people’s guard and tap them out with an arm lock designed for your frame and personality?” He smiled and said, “Sure.”

Two lessons later, I had taught him how to use his size and weight to put people on their back, keep people there, smash through their guard and then pass to the side mount. Next, we went over how to control from the side mount and not be put back into the guard, as well as how to make one’s self heavy and how to force the opponent to give you his arm – even though he doesn’t want to. Long story short, he was a happy camper after our lesson.

A month later, I got an email from his coach. His message went something like this, “Tim is now putting all of us on our backs and crushing us thanks to you!” All I could do was SMILE.

EXAMPLE THREE:

When I first started training in Jiu Jitsu, I dated a girl who was also training in Jiu Jitsu. Her instructors were my instructors.

About a year into our training, she invited me over to her place for lunch one afternoon. After talking and jesting with her about a few things, I surprised her and tackled her to the ground, mounted on top of her and then held her wrists down on the carpet. I jested, “So what are you gonna do now, huh?” Believing she would try the bridge and roll escape or the basic elbow/knee escape, I braced myself for both techniques. She performed neither. Instead, she performed what I now call “The foot lift” escape. I was shocked. I was stunned.

I asked her to show me what she did and she obliged. I had never seen that technique before – and I had been training at this facility for much longer than she had.

I was even more stunned when I found out the head instructor at this facility taught the foot lift escape as “The First Technique” he taught to women – mainly because men try to hold down a woman’s arms in an effort to control them. I was equally stunned to find out he didn’t (at least at that time) teach this technique to men. The reason: Most men had enough arm and upper body strength to perform many of the other techniques in Jiu Jitsu. So, since this technique was more geared for women self-defense, he taught it to women exclusively.

EXAMPLE FOUR:

Several years ago, while I was teaching a group class, a gentleman joined our group and started training with us. He body size was normal in every aspect, except that he had very short arms – almost half the length of someone his size.

Well, since we were focusing our training on the Kimura technique from the side mount, he was unable to perform the technique like everyone else. So, right there, on the spot, I had to come up with a method that worked for him. I did, and it worked fantastically! Of course, the other students wanted to try it this new way, but I said, “No.” Go back to doing what I showed you before. They wanted to know why. I replied, “Because this new way is for him, not for you. Besides, you don’t really want to learn it. You’re just curious to see if you can do it this other way. So go back to doing it the way I originally showed you and stop wasting precious training time.”

EXAMPLE FIVE:

Several years ago, while teaching a Jiu Jitsu class at a local University, we were focusing our efforts on finishing the straight arm lock from the mount. There was a girl in the class who did not have the muscular strength in her back to raise her hips up and off of the ground to finish the technique (she could only lift her hips one inch off of the ground). So, I had to come up with a way for her to be able to finish the same straight arm lock as everyone else.

————
Now, I share these examples with you to help you to understand that there are many ways in Jiu JItsu to accomplish the same goals / tasks. So, just because I say the arm lock should be done this way doesn’t mean that this is the only way it can be done. Just because Rickson Gracie (or Marcelo Garcia, or Masahiko Kimura or Royce Gracie or anyone else) says the arm lock should be done that way doesn’t mean that his way is the only way – or even the best way – to do the arm lock. What matters is does it work for you?

Does this make sense?

So, what does this all mean? Well, here are two important questions to ask yourself (if you are a student):

1. Is what I am doing effective (i.e. does it work most of the time [51% or more])?

2. Is what I am doing efficient?

Here are two important questions to ask yourself (if you are an instructor):

1. Is what I am teaching effective for most of my students (51% or more)?

2. Is what I am teaching efficient for most of my students (51% or more)?

Now, there’s a lot more I could share on this topic (because I have only scratched the surface), but I will stop here and move on.

Please allow me share a truth with you that is important you understand:

It doesn’t matter if Carlos or Helio Gracie taught the technique, or if the technique is 100 years old. Tradition is not what matters most (at least not when it comes to performance). What matters most is:

Can you, the individual Jiu Jitsu practitioner, perform the technique effectively and efficiently?

So, at the beginning level, effectiveness is a student’s main concern. At the intermediate level, efficiency becomes the main concern. At the advanced level, there are “other”, higher level, concerns.

So, what is the best way to learn all of these? Through private lessons and personal training sessions. There is no way an instructor can teach all of these during a group class. Why? Because there are way too many personalities and body types (and other factors) to consider / address.

For those of you who are blue and purple belts, I encourage you to STOP learning new techniques. I encourage you to turn around and begin reviewing the techniques you think you already know – with the two questions I mentioned above as the mindset with which you are going to examine your techniques. By examining your techniques, you’ll make discoveries on your own that will surprise you.

I’ll finish with a story:

Several years ago, two of my blue belt came to me. They wanted to take a series of private lessons to help them prepare for the purple belt examination. They asked me what they should work on for their test. This is what I told them:

“Between now and our next lesson, I want you to work on these four techniques: 1. The basic bridge and roll escape from the bottom of the mount, 2. The basic elbow/knee escape from the bottom of the mount, 3. The basic spinning arm lock from the guard, and 4. The basic triangle choke with the legs from the guard.

“I want you to perform 500 repetitions of each technique on each side of your body, right side and left side.”

They both rolled their eyes, then looked at me like I was crazy. They agreed to do the reps. We shook hands and parted ways.

Three weeks later, they came in for their next lesson. They were very excited and had many questions. I told them, “No questions at first. First, I want to see you perform the techniques I asked you to train.”

They performed the techniques. Some looked really good, others looked OK.

I asked them, “So, did you complete the 500 reps on each side?” They replied, “No, but we do have questions.” I said, “Not now. How many reps did you do on each side?” They replied, “About 150.” I then said, “OK, you can ask your questions now.” Boy, did they have a ton of questions. Here was their first question:

“So, when I do the triangle choke with the legs, is it more effective with my foot this way or that way?” (NOTE: The guy asking the question was showing the technique with his foot in one position and his foot in a second position – which only moved his big toe about 10-15 degrees clockwise.)

I asked him, “Ah….so when did you discover this detail?”

He responded, “Oh, somewhere about 40 or 50 reps into the training!”

I replied, “So, what happened?”

He said, “On about the 40th rep, I was just beginning to apply the pressure to the triangle choke and my training partner was already tapping. I asked him why he was tapping because I had not applied any pressure yet. He told me he was tapping because there was so much pressure on his neck. That got me to thinking, ‘Wow, I must have put myself into a different position this time. I wonder what was different?’ So, we started to play around with the triangle choke and found out that there were two different foot positionings that worked really well. So we wanted to ask you which one was better.”

I replied, “Ah….so experience taught you something that you’ll never forget!”

They responded, “YES!”

I continued….”So, experience taught you that the other 39 repetitions SUCKED…..and your 40th rep was perfect?”

They both smiled and sheepishly replied, “Yeah…”

I continued….”Here’s the lesson in all of this: You guys thought I was being a hard on you by having you do all of those reps with basic techniques – techniques that you thought you already knew. I know because I saw you roll your eyes. However, personal experience just taught you that you didn’t know them as well as you thought. Now, you guys can pay me $200 an hour and I will teach you all these little details. Or, you can do what I ask of you and learn most of them on your own. So, do you want to make my wallet fat by learning all of the details from me in private lessons, or would you rather learn from experience and keep most of your money in your own wallet? It’s your choice. See, you thought I was being hard on you, but really, I was teaching you an important lesson about the value of focused training and purposeful repetitions.”

Food for thought!

Have a great day,

Roy Harris

I. Harris International Update
II. So Cal Martial Arts Center Update
III. Canadian Martial Arts Centre Update
IV. Roy Dean Academy Update
V. Harris Academy News
VI. A new Roy…

I. Harris International Update

A. Sale on Grip Fighting DVD May 9-13

B. New Articles

- Engaging the Teen Brain

- The Importance of the Bridge

- The Names of the 26 Styles I have Studied

- A Glimpse at the Level Two Instructor Course

- The Power of “WHY”

C. The 2012 Seminar Schedule has been updated AGAIN

D. Updated Promotions List

The following updates are from Harris International Instructors who wanted to be included in these monthly updates:

II. Southern California Martial Arts Center Update

• 4/24/12 Luis Ramirez Blue Belt, Devin Cornell Purple Belt Promotions by Professor Roy Harris at So Cal Martial Arts Center in Chula Vista, CA.

• 3/23/12 Blue Belt Andrew Lagdaan won his EPIC MMA Fight in round 1 with a Rear Naked Choke in San Diego.

So Cal Martial Arts Center
1020 Tierra Del Rey #D
Chula Vista, Ca 91910
619-993-5425
www.socalmac.net
Instructor: Don Partch, Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Black Belt in TaeKwon Do
619-427-6914
dpartch@cox.net

III. Canadian Martial Arts Centre Update

One of our fighters, Brandt Dewsbery, 170lbs., a professional record of 9-1-1, just fought in April and beat top Canadian fighter Nabil Khatib by a 3 round unanimous decision. Also, Jordan Mein, Strikeforce fighter, has a new website www.jordanmein.ca

Canadian Martial Arts Centre
3307 3rd Ave South
Lethbridge AB Canada
Leemein@gmail.com
www.canadianmartialartscentre.com
Instructor: Lee Mein, Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

IV. Roy Dean Academy Update

1. Purple Belt Requirements Released on Android Market

For all you Droid addicts out there, you can now download some of my most popular content directly to your device. Click to enter the gateway to the advanced game.

2. Roy Dean Seminar in the United Kingdom: SOLD OUT: 2012

I am thrilled to visit the UK for my third seminar, this time at Basingstoke School of Martial Arts. Tons of secrets on armlocks, triangles, and footlocks will be explained. A big thanks to all those who’ll be attending. I look forward to training with you all.

3. Dave Camarillo Seminar at the Main Academy: July 21, 2012

Join us at the main Academy in beautiful Bend, Oregon for an inspiring day with Dave Camarillo, BJJ and Judo black belt, and author of Submit Everyone. We are honored to have him on the mat

Seminar fee is $150 per person. All active members and affiliate members receive a $50 discount. Registration will open Monday, May 15. Be sure to act fast, since space is limited. Please contact my manager, Dana Bartus, with the subject line Dave Camarillo Seminar at dana.rdabjj@gmail.com to reserve your spot on the mat.

4. 20% OFF Thank You Sale! Ends this Sunday, May 13th, 2012

As a thank you for all of your support this year, I would like to offer 20% off all RDA DVDs . Simply enter the promotion code when checking out with UltraCart: thankyou2012

Strength in Training,

Roy Dean

V. Harris Academy News

Jeff Baldwin, lead instructor at the Harris Academy, was in the news recently!

http://www.10news.com/news/31024821/detail.html

VI. A New Roy…

Well, a lot has been going on behind the scenes. Here’s a glimpse:

1. I’ve been working out recently and have lost eight pounds. I’m on my way down to 218 lbs. (from 234 lbs.).

2. I’ve taken up a new hobby: Mountain biking…and I’m loving it!

3. My golf game has made good improvements: Increased flexibility, a new putter, a new training regiment and an “out of this world fitting experience” in San Francisco Bay area.

4. I’m hoping to meet Dr. Ravi Zacharias this summer.

5. My spiritual journey with Christ has taken a fascinating turn!

I could talk at length about each of these. However, without making this update too long, I’d like to tell you about my fitting experience in the San Francisco Bay area. I spent two full days testing out all kinds of clubs and shafts at The New Golf Lab. It was a great experience! I learned a lot about new technologies and new thoughts on clubs, shafts and grips. It was very eye opening. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to finish my fitting. So, I will have to go back up there for another two days to finish the testing – but just so you get an idea of what it was like, here’s some details:

A. The test iron for the first day was the 6 iron.
B. Typically, I hit my 6 iron around 172 yards.
C. By the half way point of day one, we’d found a shaft that not only increased my distance to 191 yards, but my accuracy also increased from a 14 yard radius to a 7 yard radius.
D. During the test, we found one shaft that increased my distance to 213 yards. Unfortunately, I couldn’t control that shaft or be consistent with it…..but it was nice to see that my distances could be increased by 40 yards – just with a shaft!
E. Next, we tried some clubheads – Obscure Japanese Custom clubheads that felt great. While we were out on the golf course, they had me try a 5 iron from 192 yards. I normal hit my 5 iron around 180 yards. My first hit with the 5 iron (which didn’t have solid contact) put my ball just three feet from the cup. My second hit with the 5 iron put my ball 12 yards over the green. Wow!
F. The highlight of the day came when the tester told me my swing speeds were equal to those on the PGA Tour. Boy, talk about my head swelling up like a pumpkin :-/

Then, there was the driving fitting…..Whoa! I’l save that for another update – especially since there ae over 700 driver shafts to choose from!

Well, that about wraps things up for May. I’ll have another update for you in June. This was should be LARGE – with lots of new content (videos and articles!)

I gotta go practice. Talk to ya later,

Roy

1. It is needed for most of your positional escapes.

2. It is needed when the shrimping / snaky move escapes won’t work.

3. It is needed to create space.

4. It is sometimes needed to set up your shrimping movements.

5. It is one of three unstoppable movements.

6. It is needed for most of your submissions.

7. It is the most important movement for the health and development of your posterior chain.

8. When it is taught correctly, it develops the proper mindset.

Now, I know there are a handful of students / instructor who have thrown out the Upa / bridge and roll escape technique from the bottom of the mount. Hopefully, you’re not one of them. Here’s why I hope you’re not one of them:

1. This technique lays a “mental foundation” for the most important movement in all of grappling.

2. This technique sets the tone for many of your “other” bridging techniques (i.e. the sprawl, the arm lock, the guillotine choke, the footlocker, etc…)

3. This technique will strengthen your posterior chain, if it is taught properly.

So, since many of you know HOW to perform the bridge and roll technique, allow me shed some light on WHEN you perform it. Let me tell it to you in a story:

Some time ago, in a far far away land, one of the brown belts in my association got the notion that the bridge and roll technique was no longer needed. He believed what others were telling him about this particular technique and he decided to teach this mindset to his students. I caught wind of this and decided to give this instructor an experience he would never forget.

At the end of one of the instruction, I decided to roll with a bunch of students. When it was this instructor’s turn to roll with me, I made sure to let him pass my guard, side mount and then mount on top of me. As soon as he mounted, I positioned myself precisely where I needed to be and then waited for the specific position and pressure needed to execute the bridge and roll technique. When they presented themselves, I bridged and roll this instructor off of me. He was disappointed with his performance.

We kept rolling. I allowed him to mount on top of me again. Again, I waited until the position and pressure presented itself, and then I rolled him off of me with ease. The instructor was now “frustrated.”

We kept rolling. I allowed him to mount on top of me again and again. I bridged and rolled him six times in a row. I wanted him to get the message. At first, he didn’t get the message – because he thought the bridge and roll technique was a worthless  escaping technique. I could tell because on the last bridge and roll escape I performed, he punched the mat in frustration.

When we finished rolling, I shook his hand firmly and told him, “Don’t forget to train your basics. Neither you nor I are above the basics. Keep practicing your basics!”

I am proud to say he finally got the message  :-)

So, WHEN is the appropriate time to bridge and roll someone? Here are the conditions that you need to make this simple technique work:

1. Their knees need to be touching, preferably squeezing against, your ribs.

2. Their weight needs to be driving forward just a little bit.

3. One of their arms needs to be fully committed to your head, neck, shoulder or arm.

WHEN all three conditions are met, you can easily bridge and roll someone off of you who is unsuspecting.

Of course, this is not something a beginning level student can do against an experienced level practitioner – because it requires a higher level of awareness and timing (something most beginning level students don’t possess). However, it is something an experienced level practitioner can do against another experienced level practitioner – I know because I have used this technique against a ton of experienced people, on three different continents.

Now, I can hear some of you saying, “Yeah, but what if I don’t commit my weight or my arms. How will you escape then?”

My response: “I will use a different, and more appropriate technique. For you see, knowing HOW to do a technique is the stuff of beginning level students. Knowing WHEN to perform a technique is the stuff of intermediate level students. And, since I have been an intermediate level student for a little over a decade now, I know a little about the topic of WHEN. So, if your arm is not committed and your weight is held back, there are two “other” more appropriate techniques

So, for all you intermediate level students, I hope I have given you some food for thought. I hope you run with this and make it your own!

Good training to you,

Roy Harris

My Initial Response: Jimmy, you asked, “Do you try to learn every thing you can about that style or do you focus specifically on certain core stuff you want to learn that you feel is the meat of the system?”

Because I have been involved in twenty-six (26) different styles of martial art since 1981, I have a different perspective than many other people. While some have falsely accused me of “dabbling” in so many styles, I have actually done the opposite. I have delved quite DEEP into each art. How long a person studies a style has little to do with their comprehension or performance of the style. What matters most is where they dig and how long they stay focused on the “basics” of a particular style!

If you look at many of the martial art styles available to the general public, the core of their system boils down to less than ten (10) techniques! It doesn’t what style you mention, I believe it can be broken down into roughly ten techniques (or movement patterns) or less. So, instead of trying to learn every technique within the style, I look for “other” clues that tell me more about the style. These clues have helped my progress (as an instructor AND as practitioner) over the years. They have also helped me to “discover”, “adapt” and “personalize”. I know a lot of people say they do this, but if you pin them down on what the core principles and concepts are of a chosen art, many will look at you with a blank stare. They do what they do, and they do it very well, but when it comes to transferring that information to others, they haven’t taken the information down a very important path that will help them transfer the information in vivid and memorable detail.

So, because of my analytical mind (that doesn’t stop analyzing), I have chosen to focus on just a handful of principles and concepts that I have gleaned from each art I have studied.

What I have learned about teaching / learning, I have organized and structured for my instructors. For the past twelve years, I have passed on much of what I’ve learned onto them. In my upcoming DVD series, I will be passing this information (and more of what I have learned / discovered in recent years) on to everyone.

Good training to you,

Roy Harris

His Response:  Mr. Harris, thank you for taking the time to in writing your reply.  I appreciate you sharing your experience with me.

“How long a person studies a style has little to do with their comprehension or performance of the style.”

I definelty agree with you on that.  I like how you phrased it.  I seen those who have gotten good at a particular style in a short amount of time.  They are both understand it and are able to perform.

Also seen others who claim to have been practicing for many years and don’t seem to “get it” both conceptionally and in application.

I like how you mentiond about 10 core movements or less for any style for the most part. I find it interesting.  I definetly believe that though.

Will you take the time to list the 26 styles?  I am only aware of your FMA experience, Jeet Kune Do, and BJJ training, and  I believe you menionted you did Karate before but I am not sure of the exact style(s).

I look forward to your DVD’s expounding on this.  Thank you Mr. Harris.

My Follow-Up Response: Jimmy, here is a list of the styles I was fortunate to study:

1. Shoot Wrestling
2. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
3. Sambo
4. Bando
5. Wing Chun
6. Pekiti Tirsia
7. Pentjak Silat Bukti Negara
8. Boxe Francaise Savate
9. Western boxing
10. Greco-Roman Wrestling
11. Freestyle Wrestling
12. Pankration
13. Thai Boxing
14. Balintawak
15. Le Canne et Baton
16. Wing Chun
17. Sho Shin Ti Karate
18. Judo
19. Inosanto Blend of Kali
20. Chin Na
21. Aikido
22. Aiki Ju Jutsu
23. Panantuken / Pananjakman / Dumog
24. Sugar ryu Jiu Jitsu
25. Chausson
26. Kalis Ilustrisimo

Also, there were a bunch of styles I wanted to study along the way, but I just never made the time for them. Here are their names:

1. Capoeira
2. Cornish and Devon Style
3. Glima
4. Hisardut
5. Hwarang-do
6. Iaido
7. Kalari
8. Krabi-Krabong
9. Krav Maga
10. Kuk Sul Won
11. Lua
12. Ninjitsu
13. Ringen
14. Schwingen
15. Shuai Chiao
16. Tai Chi
17. Spanish Fencing

Good training to you,

Roy Harris

Here is the Harris International seminar schedule for the rest of 2012:

• May 14-18, Carpentersville, IL – JKD Level Two Instructor Certification
Contact info: Nik Farooqui, ballisticfighting@comcast.net

• May 15, Carpentersville, IL – FREE JKD/KALI workshop
Contact info: Nik Farooqui, ballisticfighting@comcast.net

• May 16, Carpentersville, IL – BJJ workshop on securing the arm lock
Contact info: Nik Farooqui, ballisticfighting@comcast.net

• May 20, San Diego, CA - FREE BJJ workshop at the Harris Academy (1:00-3:00pm)
Contact info: Roy Harris, royharris@runbox.com

• June 4-7, Lethbridge, AB, Canada – MMA seminar
Contact info: Lee Mein, leemein@gmail.com

• June 9, Bend, Oregon – FREE BJJ workshop
Contact info: Roy Dean, roy@roydeanacademy.com

• June 15-30, Vietnam – Private BJJ Training
Contact info: None

• July 7-8, Middletown, CT – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Jose Pacheco, jopach889@sbcglobal.net

• July 14, Naples, Florida – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Trent Lewis, keeley_samantha@yahoo.com

• July 18-22, San Diego, CA – JKD Level One Instructor Certification
Contact info: Roy Harris, royharris@runbox.com

• July 28-29, San Diego, CA – BJJ Level Two Instructor Certification
Contact info: Roy Harris, royharris@runbox.com

• August 4-5, Jakarta, Indonesia – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Martin Hartono, martin.b.hartono@gmail.com

• August 11-12, Melbourne, Australia – BJJ / JKD / FMA seminar
Contact info: Rob Parmakovski, info@rpiacademy.com.au

• August 18, St. Johnsbury, Vermont – BJJ seminar
Contact info: John Shanks, jshankscscs@gmail.com

• September 1, Bend, Oregon – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Roy Dean, roy@roydeanacademy.com

• September 22-23, San Diego, CA – JKD Level Two Instructor Certification
Contact info: Roy Harris, royharris@runbox.com

• September 28, Mexico City, Mexico – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Israel Camacho, israel_camacho@hotmail.com

• October 13-14, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Rich Martens, rich.martens@gmail.com

• October 20-21, Erie, PA – BJJ seminar
Contact info: John Bruno, jbruno@mercyhurst.edu

• Oct. 28 – Nov. 2, Trondheim, Norway – Apprentice Grappling Instructor Certification
Contact info: Per Christian Andresen, perca@broadpark.no

• November 3-4, Trondheim, Norway – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Per Christian Andresen, perca@broadpark.no

• November 5-6, Trondheim, Norway – Instructor only training
Contact info: Per Christian Andresen, perca@broadpark.no

• November 10, Edmonton, AB, Canada – BJJ seminar
Contact info: Steve Bergeron, steve.bergeron5@hotmail.com

• December 1-2, San Diego, CA – H.I. BJJ and Grappling instructor only training
Contact info: Roy Harris, royharris@runbox.com

• December 5-9, San Diego, CA – Associate, Level 2, Grappling Instructor Certification
Contact info: Roy Harris, royharris@runbox.com

I hope to see you at one of these seminars!

Roy Harris

I hope that 2012 is a year of growth, health, and prosperity for you and your families. I thought I’d start the year talking about the power of ‘WHY’ in my newsletter.

When I do coaching training, I often suggest to coaches that when generating questions in reflective conversations it is a good idea to avoid questions that begin with the word WHY.

Why? Why questions tend to put others on the defensive. We can get to the same information by using questions that begin with the words what or how, such as, How did you reach that conclusion? or, What led you to that choice? and What was your thinking behind…? (of course how we ask the question, our intonation, and our expressions highly influence the way the question is perceived).

We also try to avoid WHY questions when addressing students’ behavior, and academic performance:

-Why did you do that?
-Why didn’t you do your work?
-Why did you hit her?

Instead try:

-What were you thinking of when you said (or did) that?
-What were your thoughts?
-How could you have responded differently?

Ask the WHAT and HOW questions in a curious tone, not in a sarcastic or degrading tone. Substituting these what and how questions (instead of the why questions) increases self-awareness, an important first step in self-management.

Now let’s look at some good places to use the word WHY.

Use WHY as a door to higher-order-thinking

When discussing any academic content with students, use WHY as a door to higher-order-thinking:

-Why do you think that character responded in that way?
-Why are we solving for the x variable first?

Use why questions, along with comparing and contrasting, to encourage deeper thinking about both the subject matter and the processes.

Use WHY as a way to assess locus of control.

After grading a major paper, project, or exam and returning it to your students, have them write a paragraph to you on a separate sheet of paper answering the question: why do you think you received that grade?

Their answer to that question will help you assess whether they have an internal or external locus of control (especially if you repeat this exercise several times to determine patterns). Their reasons will usually fall into one of two themes:

I didn’t study hard enough; I procrastinated; I didn’t do my homework; I didn’t get extra help; or I did do these things . . . I studied hard; I got extra help. These kinds of responses indicate an internal locus of control (LOC).

You made the test too hard; You didn’t give us enough time; You didn’t tell us when it was due; My parents didn’t remind me; My sister didn’t let me use her computer. These kinds of responses indicate an external LOC.

This is an ideal time to teach them my S + R = E model. The situaiton plus my response to it creates my experience. How did the student create their own experience of earning an A or a C grade? They need to learn that they can always control their effort and their attitude. (See my Engage 4 Learning book for more details on the S + R = E model.)

Use WHY to boost motivation

For the new year, you might be making a list of goals. Goals are important. Defining what you want is critical. But most important is why do you want to achieve that goal? Why do you do what you do? The what and how come out of understanding why you want the goal.

For example, if you are passionate about helping children/adolescents develop because you know the potential struggles they can encounter and the powerful impact they will have in this world . . . that is the why. How will you influence them? Perhaps you will help them through teaching, coaching, or counseling. That choice will lead you to the what. You might become a teacher, a counselor, a principal, or a coach. Understanding the reason (the why) behind our goals, gives more passion to our actions.

Many of you have heard me begin my keynotes or trainings by defining what a teacher does for a living. When someone asks an educator what they do for a living, many people respond: I teach 6th grade, or I teach high school, or I’m a resource teacher. But what if you had a prepared mission statement to respond to the question of what you do, and it sounded something like this: I help to develop the brains of children and adolescents, cultivate lifelong learners and influence the future of our society. Everyday. What do you do?

Use WHY to boost student goals

When you have students write down personal learning goals for the lesson, or have them create a goals book for motivation, make sure you have them answer the question, Why is that important? (see Engage 4 Learning for ideas on how to do this). When I have students create goals books, I like to give them directions using the following 3-step format:

1-Identify 3 goals in each area of life (home, school, and then a third that could be sports or music or pursuing job interests, etc.).

2-Choose the most important goal from the list.

3-Write a paragraph describing why it is absolutely imperative that they achieve this goal. What would it mean to them, their family, and their friends if they achieve this goal? If they can not think of enough salient reasons to write an entire paragraph, I suggest they choose a different goal. Why? Because we need strong reasons to pursue a goal–reasons to sustain effort through good times and bad. The reasons (the WHY) will perk emotions and fuel passion to take the necessary actions. If the reasons are not substantive, pursuing the goal will stop when things get tough. As you can see, this is an important step!

As you begin another calendar year, and set your own goals or resolutions, make sure you are clear on why you are doing what you do.

—

For more info about Mr. Mendes, please visit his highly informative website:

www.erniemendes.com/about_ernie

Here is a list of people three-hundred and eighty-six (386) people I have promoted to blue belt, purple belt, brown belt and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

This list was last updated on Wednesday, May 9, 2012:

Black Belts (20 total)

Kyle Saunders (New York) – 2nd degree black belt
Roy Dean (Oregon) – 2nd degree black belt
Brian Bird (Canada) – 2nd degree black belt
Jeff Clark (California) – 2nd degree black belt

Chris Wright-Martell (Connecticut) - 1st degree black belt
Michael Rooney (Pennsylvania) - 1st degree black belt
Trent Lewis (Florida) – 1st degree black belt
Darin Goo (Hawaii) – 1st degree black belt
Louie Cercedez (California) – 1st degree black belt
Michael Rooney (Pennsylvania) – 1st degree black belt
Kevin Jones (Arizona) – 1st degree black belt
Jeff Baldwin (California) – 1st degree black belt
Darby Darrow (California) – 1st degree black belt
Matt Stansell (California)  – 1st degree black belt
Sheila Bird (Canada) – 1st degree black belt
Richard Martens (Canada) – 1st degree black belt
Karol Matuszczak (Poland) – 1st degree black belt
Slawomir Barczak (Poland) – 1st degree black belt
August Wallén (Sweden) – 1st degree black belt
Michael Cusi (California) – 1st degree black belt (*NLA)
Eric Cady (New York) - 1st degree black belt (*NLA)

*NLA – No Longer Affiliated

Brown Belts (22 total)

Keith Blackburn (California)
Justin Thomas (California)
Anthony Libo-on (California)
Don Partch  (California)
Phil Palmejar (California)
PJ Raagas (California)
John Le (California)
Brad Hirakawa (California)
Jason Lambert (California)
Richard North (California)
Chuck Brenkus (California)
Brian Whitaker  (California)
Kent McIntyre (California)
Luke Pomerantz (California)
Dan Buchwald (Canada)
Brad Cardinal (Canada)
Lee Mein (Canada)
Nick Ring (Canada)
Chris Wright-Martell (Connecticut)
Per Christian Andresen (Norway)
Rafal Skymanski (Poland)

Purple Belts (65 total)

Jerome Gage (Arizona)
Paul Vunak (California)
Matt Alin (California)
Devon Cornell (California)
Ernie Mendes (California)
Aaron Stine (California)
Dustin Bortin (California)
Matt Peters (California)
Jaime Reynoso (California)
Ernie Kwok (California)
Preston Rawlings (California)
Quinn Deveraux (California)
Manny Rodriguez (California)
Mark Wilhelm (California)
Robert Joe (California)
Tim Brennan (California)
Mars Cheung  (California)
Susan Gross (California)
Alicia Anthony (California)
Sean Inniss (California)
Jim Perondi (California)
Michael Landis (California)
Richard North Jr. (California)
Steve Bergeron (Canada)
Cedric Cobban (Canada)
Gyno deBaat (Canada)
Grant Guenther (Canada)
Chris Lemky (Canada)
Dean Meyers (Canada)
Blair Svoboda (Canada)
John Louro (Canada)
Justin Tavernini (Canada)
Troy Thompson (Canada)
Gonzalo Moral (Chile)
Josh Souza (Connecticut)
Jose Pacheco (Connecticut)
Jordan Lawrence (Connecticut)
Marcel Hütte (Germany)
Israel Camacho (Mexico)
Erlend Hunstad (Norway)
Jomel Engtrø (Norway)
Jørgen Ørevik (Norway)
Ingrid Lian (Norway)

Rick Ellis (Oregon)
Anthony Treas (Oregon)
Jimmy DaSilva (Oregon)
Scott McCausland (Pennsylvania)
John Bruno (Pennsylvania)
Nola Hessom (Pennsylvania)
Michal Zulkowski (Poland)
Mariusz Andler (Poland)
Jakub Borkowski (Poland)
Michal Adamczak (Poland)
Lukasz Bartosz (Poland)
Wojciech Janc (Poland)
Grzegorz Jarzabek (Poland)
Piotr Kowalewski (Poland)
Andrzej Stolzmann (Poland)
Maciej Studzinski (Poland)
Rafal Szymanski  (Poland)
Wojciech Zaradzki (Poland)
Pawel Grzadzielski (Poland)
Joachim Lundgren (Sweden)
Joakim Engberg (Sweden)
Mike Gunlaggasson (Texas)

Blue Belts (279 total)

Dr. Mark Cheng (California)
Luiz Ramirez (California)
Ricardo Ramirez (California)
Daniel Maryanovsky (California)
Shaun Thiesen (California)
Brett Garrett (California)
John Urrea (California)
Mr. Kris Adams (California)
Steve Michael (California)
Paul De Guzman (California)
John Laird (California)
Alex Chen (California)
Joshua Baria (California)
Vincent Colcol (California)
Craig Bell (California)
Jason Bell (California)
Robert Mathurin (California)
Randy Younis (California)
Raquel Regno (California)
Rene Raagas (California)
Roger Cristobal (California)
Daniel Birch (California)
Craig Macdonald (California)
Al Lowrimore (California)
Tom Moon (California)
Larry Hogueisson (California)
Alan Beck (California)
Rafael Huerta (California)
Taryn Loveman (California)
Jesse Lopez (California)
Mike Moeller (California)
Robert Landis  (California)
Brent Spooner  (California)
Mike Regala (California)
David McKinnon (California)
Mike Rhoten (California)
Danny Jo (California)
Kellen Harris (California)
Charles Grant (California)
Doug Tran (California)
Eddie Sanchez (California)
James Dutkowski (California)
James Brown (California)
Jeff Clancy (California)
Marlon Gallimore (California)
Mike Caputto (California)
Pat Compton (California)
Eric Rivard (California)
Johnny Hughes (California)
Christie Phillips (California)
Ryan Grandon (California)
David Bonney (California)
Russ Whitaker (California)
Alex Stanich (California)
Heather Fox (California)
Angel Carbajal (California)
Luis Manzo (California)
Charles Zepeda (California)
Brett Garrett (California)
Jeremy Bruins (Canada)
David Couturier (Canada)
Julius Litorco (Canada)
Shantel Beach (Canada)
Brice Willis (Canada)
Chi Luu (Canada)
John Nguyen (Canada)
Adrien Clapa (Canada)
Jeremy McGee (Canada)
Sergio Pichardo (Canada)
Jay Yaskiw (Canada)
Charles Bureau (Canada)
Benoit Sinave (Canada)
Justin Glavish (Canada)
Kelly Sigethy (Canada)
Mark Young (Canada)
Matt Klassen (Canada)
Bart Ludwig (Canada)
Dave Clark (Canada)
Brian Hamm (Canada)
Frank Machl (Canada)
Kyle Coleman (Canada)
Alex Yuen (Canada)
Michael Hwang (Canada)
Rob Mehra (Canada)
Vincent Lemaire-Dugre (Canada)
Noah Yepes (Canada)
Szymon “RAMBO” Rusnak (Canada)
Matt “ZAP” Felczak (Canada)
Connor Healy (Canada)
Adrian Hook (Canada)
Jody “WILD” Wadsworth (Canada)
Michael “SLICK” Richardson (Canada)
Daryl “STORM” Bonar (Canada)
Tim “Shady” Smith (Canada)
Christian Lebeau Jacob (Canada)
Audré Kieffer (Canada)
Sebastian Alberts (Canada)
Neil Berry (Canada)
Andre Crop Eared Wolf (Canada)
Paul Sukys (Canada)
Fabian Cortez (Canada)
Jason Celik (Canada)
Ryan Iwasiw (Canada)
Marsha Burnett (Canada)
Chris Bray (Canada)
Les Selvon (Canada)
Doug McComb (Canada)
Lee Allen (Canada)
Lynn Villiger (Canada)
Willie Elman (Canada)
Deen Meyers (Canada)
Shane Landstrom (Canada)
Troy Thompson (Canada)
Jeff Moberg (Canada)
Matt Relf (Canada)
Lesley Buckton (Canada)
Kendall Buckton (Canada)
Ron Weibe (Canada)
Marion Weibe (Canada)
Kayla Weibe (Canada)
Braydon Reinbold (Canada)
Kyle Simpson (Connecticut)
Clint Galamgam (Connecticut)
Drew Violette (Connecticut)
Simon Davis-Millis (Connecticut)
Scott Hoffman (Connecticut)
Eric Roy (Connecticut)
Ralph Purificato Jr. (Connecticut)
Ian McMahon (Connecticut)
Mr. Jamie Papciak (Connecticut)
Mr. Aaron Diamond (Connecticut)
Meagin Sheehan  (Connecticut)
Zack Betta  (Connecticut)
John Raba (Connecticut)
Ryan Fennessy (Connecticut)
Jeremy Hamel (Connecticut)
Ed Hart (Florida)
Joshua Frye (Florida)
Wayne Leinen Jr. (Florida)
Ron Lazarto (Florida)
Philipp Krieger (Germany)
Andreas Biedermann (Germany)
Franco DeLeonardis (Germany)
Christian Dietz (Germany)
Sezai Senel (Germany)
Johannes Wiet (Germany)
Joachim Deeken (Germany)
Michael Zaternini (Germany)
Kai Demel (Germany)
Alexander Stock (Germany)
Marc Molzberg (Germany)
Kai Schröder (Germany)
Shane Geary (Ireland)
Damien Walker (Ireland)
Lee Hyung-Keun (Korea)
Kevin Emmons (Maine)
Seamus Walsh (Maine)
Jorge Lopez (Mexico)
Roberto Macias (Mexico)
Gerardo Perez (Mexico)
Alonso Perez (Mexico)
Edgar Millan (Mexico)
Mr. Anthony Patalano (New York)
Kevin Sincerbox (New York)
Ola Niklas Strømshoved (Norway)
Martin Nordaas (Norway)
Simen Woldseth (Norway)
Amund Botillen (Norway)
Ole K Landfald (Norway)
Jon O Thingnes (Norway)
Jan Andre Hennes (Norway)
Sigurd Rosenvinge (Norway)
Jonas Helø (Norway)
Marius Stenersen (Norway)
Andreas Bjørgulv Nore (Norway)

Eivind Kjønsvik (Norway)
Jon Fredrik Andresen (Norway)
Mikael Olsen (Norway)
Sondre Sklett (Norway)
Bjørn Hummelsund (Norway)
Lasse Karlsen (Norway)
Andreas Espetvedt (Norway)
Per Eklund (Norway)
Jørgen Ørevik (Norway)
Markus Jagersten (Norway)
Georg Knutsen (Norway)
Jørgen Tronsmed (Norway)
Ole Martin Asak (Norway)
Magnus Berg Johnsen (Norway)
Tor Erik Leistad (Norway)
Knut Auganes (Norway)
Reiel Pedersen (Norway)
Even Lund (Norway)
Morten Iversen (Norway)
Jomel Engtrø (Norway)
Håkon Svendsen (Norway)
Joachim Vilhelmsson (Norway)
Lasse Henriksen (Norway)
Stig Strøm (Norway)
Magnus Lyngbakken (Norway)
Thomas Johannessen (Norway)
Tom Dukefoss (Norway)
Christopher Nødseth (Norway)
Anders Wiggen (Norway)
Jeff Schauland (Oregon)
Nathan Pietsch (Oregon)
Cosmo Bowie (Oregon)
Ron Smyth (Oregon)
Donald Bowerman (Oregon)
TJ Brodeur (Oregon)
Kristen Pepe (Pennsylvania)
Steve Schutta (Pennsylvania)
Len Lombardo (Pennsylvania)
Ron Dombkowski (Pennsylvania)
Kevin Komisarski (Pennsylvania)
Sean O’Reilly (Pennsylvania)
Chris Seaman (Pennsylvania)
Mr. Shawn Gray (Pennsylvania)
Scott McCausland (Pennsylvania)
Michal Wisniewski (Poland)
Vibysztot Piechota (Poland)
Piotr Witkowski (Poland)
Pawel Procaj (Poland)
Lukasz Sajewski (Poland)
Maciej Krol (Poland)
Marcin Pionke (Poland)
Adam Krupowicz (Poland)
Szymon Antoniewicz (Poland)
Lukasz Baginski (Poland)
Bartosz Bielinski (Poland)
Robert Bledowski (Poland)
Przemyslaw Budny (Poland)
Leszek Chybowski (Poland)
Radoslaw Cilski (Poland)
Boguslaw Dawiec (Poland)
Tomasz Fiuk (Poland)
Jaroslaw Frankowski (Poland)
Maciej Glabus (Poland)
Adam Górny (Poland)
Maciej Grobelny (Poland)
Pawel Grzadzielski (Poland)
Piotr Ignaczak (Poland)
Grzegorz Jakubek (Poland)
Patryk Jankiewicz (Poland)
Pawel Kudlinski (Poland)
Krzysztof Kulak (Poland)
Agnieszka Koczur (Poland)
Robert Kosmider (Poland)
Marcin Kowacki (Poland)
Marcin Leszczyna (Poland)
Bartosz Ludwiczak (Poland)
Krzysztof Macionczyk (Poland)
Krzysztof Mila (Poland)
Joanna Matusiak (Poland)
Andrzej Nawrocki (Poland)
Sebastian Olchawa (Poland)
Marcin Polonius (Poland)
Jacek Przygocki (Poland)
Jakub Rutkowski (Poland)
Jakub Sluszczak (Poland)
Slawomir Szamota (Poland)
Grzegorz Szymanski (Poland)
Pawel Szymanski (Poland)
Robert Trzcionka  (Poland)
Dariusz Urbanczyk (Poland)
Maksymilian Wisniewski (Poland)
Pawel Witek (Poland)
Kamil Wtorkowski (Poland)
Leszek Zielinski (Poland)
Marcin Zwolinski (Poland)
Marko Ervasti (Sweden)
Martin Janson (Sweden)
Anders Heydorn (Sweden)
Mr. John Shanks (Vermont)
Darren O’Meara (Vermont)
Dave Parker (Vermont)
John Fox (Vermont)
Ryan McCue (Vermont)
Katie Gudmundsen (Vermont)
Adam LaClair (Vermont)

If you have questions, comments or would like to be added to this list (because I have not yet added your name), please email me

Roy

1. Our new “Counters to the JKD R.A.T Program” app is now available on iTunes. For more info, please take a look here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/r.a.t.-rapid-assault-tactics/id510559303?ls=1&mt=8

2. Unfortunately, there has been a hold up on our two other apps (The Montreal BJJ seminar and The Erie BJJ seminar). I hope to resolve the problems with them within a week.

3. This Sunday, March 25, I teach a Leg Lock and Guard Passing Seminar at the Harris Academy. I’m looking forward to teaching this seminar because these are two of my favorite subjects – and they work so well together! There are still a handful of spaces available.

Sign up here:

4. On Tuesday, March 27, I head to Middletown, CT to teach a week long Apprentice Grappling Instructor Course, give a couple of blue belt exams, a black belt exam and some dinner & hang out time. I’m looking forward to this week

5. On April 7-8, I go on a filming binge for three new iPad apps & DVDs.

6. On April 13th, I leave for Trondheim, Norway to teach a BJJ seminar & give a few belt exams. I hope the weather is nice to me. I’m looking forward to seeing my Norwegian brothers and sisters!

7. The following weekend, April 21-22, I’ll be in Erie, PA for a weekend BJJ seminar.

8. On Friday, April 27, I leave for Naples, FL to teach a BJJ seminar on Saturday, April 28. I plan on bringing my golf clubs & getting in a round of golf on Sunday. Maybe a couple of you might want to join me?

9. On Tuesday, May 1st, I’m driving to the San Francisco Bay area for TWO DAYS (16 hours) of golf testing. Woo-hoo! I am excited to go through this process & find a new set of clubs for my new swing.

10. On Sunday, May 6, I head to Chicago, IL for two weeks. May 7-11, I teach a level one JKD instructor course. Then on Saturday, May 12, I teach a one day BJJ workshop. Then, I’ll teach a level two JKD instructor course May 14-18. So, if you’re interested in attending the level one JKD instructor course, there are two spots left.

11. On Sunday, May 19, I head to Vietnam for two weeks to teach a series of private lessons. I’m very excited to see this land for the first time!

12. I will have a sale on our “Grip Fighting” DVD this week ($24.99 and no shipping charges). Please keep your eyes on this web page:

http://www.royharris.com/store/dvds/new-grip-fight-dvd

Well, that wraps things up for this month!

Have a great day!

Roy Harris

Here is a glimpse of the: Harris International JKD Level One Instructor Course

I. THEORY: Building a foundation

A. Five ways of attack: Five methods

B. Simplicity and directness: An in-depth explanation / demonstration of these guiding principles

C. Footwork and body articulations: Eleven methods

D. Development of physical and mental attributes: 12 physical attributes and 6 mental attributes

E. Developing the ability to adapt (as a student and as an instructor): The Harris Method

F. Progressive training methods: Seven methods

II. HANDS-ON TRAINING: Laying a foundation

A. Structure and mechanics of punching: The good stuff – Seven punches

B. Structure and mechanics of kicking: More good stuff – Twelve kicks

C. Footwork and body articulation: Seven fundamental methods

D. Head movement: Four fundamental methods

E. Arm defenses: Five fundamental methods

F. Leg defenses: Five fundamental methods

G. Explaining, demonstrating and training timing: Aw yeah…THIS is truly what separates JKD from other martial art styles

H. Two-technique combinations (with a partner):  Eight basic combos to illustrate a specific point

I. 339 Boxing Combinations (by yourself): Spelled out for the instructors

J. Focus pad / Thai pad / Kicking shield training: How to use them correctly

K. Development of attributes specific to striking: More good stuff

L. Hitting with Power in Motion vs. Hitting with Power Stationary: More good stuff – the difference is explained and shown

M. Loading and feints: The foundation for all of the intermediate and advanced stuff

N. Teaching and presenting:  The Harris Method – why itʼs different and why it works

II. EXTRAS: Building something personal for the instructor, for the student

A. Extra stuff part one: You have to take the course to get this stuff

The next Jeet Kune Do Level One Instructor Course will be held in San Diego, California at the Harris Academy, Wednesday thru Sunday, July 18-22, 2012. Instruction will begin at 9am each day and last until somewhere between 4-5pm. The cost is $500.

If you would like to attend this course, you will need to accomplish all three of these requirements by Saturday afternoon, June 16, 2012:

1. Write a letter of intent to join Harris International. Please let us know why you want to become a part of our team, as well as what skill sets you bring to the table.

2. Three letters of recommendation from members of your community (e.g coaches, instructors, co-workers, employers, etc…). These letters should talk about the qualities you possess as a person, as well as your character.

3. A $50, non-refundable, deposit. This deposit will be good for up to one year from the date of instruction. You can send a deposit by check or money order to: Roy Harris, 2260 El Cajon Blvd. #196, San Diego, CA 92104, or, you can use the Paypal button below:

Please send the letter of intent and the three letter of recommendation to:

Roy Harris
2260 El Cajon Blvd. #196
San Diego, CA 92104

Or, if you wish to do everything digitally, you can email the letter of intent and letters of recommendation to me here.

If six (6) people sign up for the course by Saturday, June 16, 2012, the course will go on as advertised. If less than six people sign up for the course, it will be rescheduled. If it is rescheduled, everyone who signed up for the course will be notified and asked about tentative future dates within the next week.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Roy Harris

App name: Erie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2011
Description: Belt Level: Mid-level white to low-level purple belt
Emphasis: Grips, Off-balancing, Sweeps, Set-ups, Training methods
Chapters: Twenty-four (24)

The focus of this two-day, seven hour, seminar was on sweeps and collar chokes when an opponent is inside of your guard.

From the beginning of the instructional, the focus is placed on the use of proper grips, positioning of the arms and body, and the mechanics of the sweeps and collar choke. As the instructional progresses, Mr. Harris teaches you the proper mindset as well as some unique training methods to help the students develop and mature their sweeps and collar chokes over time.

App name: Montreal BJJ Seminar 2011
Description: Belt Level: Mid-level white to low-level purple belt
Emphasis: Mechanics, Important Details, Dealing with Resistance, Training methods
Chapters: Seventeen (17)

The focus of this two-day, seven-hour, seminar was on the use of the triangle choke with the legs when an opponent is inside your guard, as well as, the use of the closed guard to control an opponent and set him up for a finish.

This instructional will teach you a lot of important details that are not found in other instructionals. These details make the difference between being able to FINISH the submission and having your opponent escape from the submission; from being able to stay in control of the opponent who’s in your guard to having him escape with ease. In short, the details shown in this instruction make your techniques more efficient and effective because you will not have to rely upon brute strength to control or finish the opponent!

App name: R.A.T. (Rapid Assault Tactics) Counters Seminar 2011
Description: Experience Level: JKD Practitioners with three, or more, years of experience
Emphasis: Counters to the most common techniques of the R.A.T. program
Chapters: Ten (10)

The focus of this one-day, two-hour, seminar was on counters to the most commonly used techniques for the “Rapid Assault Tactics” program.

Some of the techniques shown are: Savate counters to the basic destructions, counters to the straight blast, counters to the headbutts, knees and elbows, details of the clinch, counters to the clinch and counters to the most basic form of Sumbrada.

While the information covered in this instructional is very precise and detailed, it must be remembered that there was a time constraint of two hours placed upon the seminar. So, the topic was not covered in depth. However, there is enough information on this instructional to keep an intermediate level student busy for several months! There are also a handful of useful concepts that will allow the advanced level student to experiment and develop his or her own methods for accomplishing the same goals.

—

I look forward to presenting these new apps to you!

Roy Harris