Dojo Discernments

Hi all! Welcome to this week's edition of Dojo Discernments where I share nuggets of thought earned on the mats!

Simplicity

Simplicity is the goal, but how do we achieve it?

In the muck and confusion, we can lose our grip on it. One practice I return to often is this: name what you're talking about.

Before teaching a class or technique, I define the parameters. For example:

“Today, we’re covering the four ways to displace our partner’s weight when they sprawl on us from cross ashi.”

Even if the subject is complex, defining the theme keeps it simple for your brain and for your students’ minds, too.

Simplicity isn’t about dumbing things down, it’s about organizing complexity so it can be understood and applied.

Name the theme. Define it. Then speak on it.

Mind Recall

When your mind wants to quit, wander, or veer off course, even in an altered state from cutting weight, you can always recall it back.

The mind is like an untrained dog. It will try to run.
Build the muscle of recall. Bring it back. Tell it what to do.
You are not your mind, you are what controls it.

Weight Cut Notes

It’s that time again.
I’m cutting from 155 to 135 for EBI this weekend, 20 pounds. Here’s one key I’d pass along to anyone in the process:

Understand the difference between metabolic and catabolic.

• Metabolic: Your body is rebuilding. You're in recovery and strength mode.

• Catabolic: Your body is depleting. You're in weight-loss mode.

You don’t need to go full-send. Just spend enough time in a catabolic state, and your body will let go of the excess.
It’s not crazy, it’s biology. 

What’s Happening

• EBI / Combat Jiu-Jitsu: this Sunday in Monterrey, Mexico at 5 p.m. local time
  → Tune in on UFC Fight Pass and watch me deal with striking in jiu-jitsu.

• Range Day: the weekend after I return from Mexico
  If you signed up, I’m stoked to train with you. If not, don’t worry we’ll be hosting these sessions regularly.

Coming Soon

I’m planning to film a North/South Instructional in August, with a release in September.
If there’s anything you’d like covered, drop a comment or shoot me a message.

Send your prayers and spirit bombs my way this weekend, they’re needed and appreciated.

God bless,
– Isaac