SBG Coaches Analyze Aikido Masters
<a href="http://”>Aikido link
SBG has always grounded its teaching philosophy on martial arts fundamentals; that which is most important. Matt Thornton’s philosophy of Aliveness and training against resistance to test the effectiveness of what is being learned has given SBG students and coaches a firm understanding in what makes martial arts work, and also what is make believe. In the video above, to of SBG Portland’s coaches, Cane Prevost and John Mertlich, join Martial Arts Journey host and SBG student Rokas Leonavicius to breakdown an Aikido Grandmaster’s display and point out the flaws, but also the potential, in the techniques he uses.
SBG Spring Camp Registration Open
The New Year is here, and before long that new year will turn to spring, and spring can only mean one thing for SBG students… SBG Spring Camp! Registration for the 2019 SBG Spring Camp is now open and as always, it is filling up fast. Avoid disappointment and ensure huge savings on price by signing up soon. This year the Spring Camp will be heading to Buford, Georgia. SBG Coaches from around the world are already signing up to attend, so don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from and bond with the global SBG tribe. The 2019 SBG Spring Camp will take place between March 22nd and 24th, and is just $299 at the early registration price! Sign up today at www.sbgcamps.com!
SBG Video Podcast w/ Stephen Whittier
Hot of an awesome two day seminar at the SBG HQ in Portland, SBG East Coast Head Coach, Stephen Whittier sat down with Matt Thornton for a podcast. Coach Whittier is one of the most prominent SBG coaches, not to mention a legend outside the tribe. He is a BJJ black belt, elite MMA coach, as well as one of the most highly-esteemed Muay Thai coaches in the country.
In the podcast, Whittier talks about how he got started in martial arts, the challenges of finding his way to the SBG at a time when effective training was so sparse, building a welcoming community alongside a well-regarded gym and successful business, and the way BJJ has grown and changed over the decades. Check out this interview with one of SBG’s most influential coaches.
SBG At UFC 231
Early December saw both up-and-coming and seasoned SBG athletes return to the Octagon for UFC 231!
Brad Katona, winner of The Ultimate Fighter, made his first full UFC debut outside TUF and came away with a solid decision win. The SBG Ireland fighter extended his undefeated professional run to 8-0.
Meanwhile, things didn’t quite go as well for Eryk Anders. Anders, taking his fifth UFC fight in 12 months, missed out narrowly with a tough split decision loss at the hands of Elias Theodorou. Not only that, Anders had to deal with a broken hand as a result of the tough-fought bout! The whole tribe wishes you a speedy recovery, Eryk!
Finally, SBG favorite Gunnar Nelson made his highly anticipated return to the cage to fight Alex Oliviera. Nelson had been away for nearly 18 months after a tough first round loss back in 2017, this time though, Nelson returned to his ruthless, clinical best, securing a rear-naked choke in the second round after brutal ground-and-pound left his opponent a bloody mess! It’s Nelson’s seventh submission victory inside the Octagon, and brings him up to 12th in the UFC welterweight rankings.
John Frankl On Posture
“I can tell a lot about a practitioner by his or her posture–be that physical position or psychological attitude. Here we see two consummate coaches and practitioners in ideal postures. Matt Thornton on the bottom focusing on lower body connection and relaxation (notice the lack of concern for grips and the presence of attention for eventual and inevitable shifts in weight), and Travis Davison on the top focusing on base (notice the lack of weight and tension in his lead arm and the ideal angle of his gaze).
Even more important for me is the “audience.” These men (don’t worry, in SBG this could just as easily be Kisa Davison, Salóme Ás Thornton, Leah Taylor, Amanda Loewen, Stella Davison, or several other awesome women) are first and foremost coaches who are both entrusted and more concerned with making others better than themselves. When I see an audience that is at once composed of all genders, ages, body types, life goals, etc. and completely attentive to the material being shared I am relatively confident we are all on the right path.
Rock on.
P.S. Jiu jitsu itself is a physical and psychological position and attitude. If you are only comfortable with a gi on, reevaluate your jiu jitsu. If you are only comfortable without a gi on, reevaluate your jiu jitsu.”
Two New Brown Belts In SBG Reno
” So this happened today. Two browns a brown with two stripes. “
Big congratulations to Jason, Tom, and Mike. Coach Ray Price has been doing a great job with the tribe down in Reno and these three gentlemen are great examples f that.
Two New Black Belts In PDX
December saw the addition of two brand new black belts at the SBG HQ in Portland, OR. Over 80 people from the PDX tribe came together to celebrate Chris Stearns and Eddie Zeigler receiving their much deserved promotions from brown belt, by way of the traditional SBG ironman. Each of the two new black belts rolled with every member in attendance, from white belts all the way through to black, in an event that took over three hours. Congratulations to Chris and Eddie on this astounding achievement! SBG Head Coach Matt Thornton shared his thoughts on social media:
“Tonight, after an almost 3 hour/ 80 person Ironman (SBG style) I had the honor of awarding my 25th & 26th black belts. 🦍💥
Black belts around the world breathed a sigh of relief as Eddie Ziegler received his well earned promotion.
Anyone’s who has trained with, or competed against Eddie in the last few years knows how good he is. What you may not know, is he’s also an excellent coach. His recent trip with me to Coach Whittier’s, showed me that.
Chris Stearns was competing at Worlds as purple belt before many of our members ever started BJJ. His game’s always been solid, but he’s also proven himself to be one of the most talented teachers I have.
Chris can effectively command a class of children, or adults, no matter their level. And for the last few years Chris, along with coach Mertlich, have run my coaches training programs – which shows you the level of confidence I have in his ability to pass information on.
SBG standards never change. They remain very high, worldwide. All of our black belts are technical and tough. But I also want to make sure my black belts understand how to teach, how to award belts, and how to help others grow through this process – all the while showing the kind of character that represents all of us in SBG well.
Chris and Eddie exemplify that. “
White-On-White Belt Coaching Is Dangerous!
Upgrades At SBG Western Australia
The newest members of the tribe down in Western Australia are putting the final touches on their gym. The famous SBG gorilla logo now proudly adorns the brand new facility. SBG Western Australia joined the tribe at the end of last year, and are already the envy of SBG gyms the world over with their impressive new exterior. The SBG logo can now be seen on academies on every continent!
Does BJJ Work In The Street?
<a href="http://”>Does BJJ Work
Rokas Leonavicius sat down with SBG Head Coach to discuss one of the most common questions that arises in the martial arts community. A question that, despite plenty of evidence, still arises constantly; does BJJ work in the street. It’s a question that Matt Thornton has had to answer for over 25 years. Check out the video above for Matt’s answer. Matt describes in detail not only why, but how he came to this conclusion over the course of two decades of Aliveness!
Paul Sharp’s MDOC Coming To SBGU
Production is wrapping up on Paul Sharps Multiple Disciplinary defensive curriculum. Keep an eye out for the full course set to be released around February!
Brian Walsh on Martial Arts Journey
SBG Portland MMA and stand up coach Brian Walsh sat down with Rokas Leonavicius in December to talk about all things martial arts. In this conversation, the pair discuss Brian’s background, how he got started in martials arts and how he found SBG. Brian then discusses his philosophy for training and coaching, and the importance of always trying to leave your comfort zone when it comes to improving your martial arts.
Ella Prevost At No-Gi Worlds
Congratulations to SBG Portland Coach Ella Prevost on her amazing performance at last month’s IBJJF No-Gi World Championships. Coach Ella competed in both her weigh class and the absolute division for her age group at blue belt, and came away with an incredible silver and bronze medal! Even at a young age, Ella proves to be an inspiration to everyone around her at SBG Portland with great coaching, teamwork and amazing competitive spirit! Father and SBG black belt coach, Cane Prevost shared this:
“Super proud of Ella. She had a rough couple of months and didn’t get the training she wanted but decided to show up and do her best. I know all 3 of my SBG teammates competing here have had a rough time of late and it’s inspiring to see them rise to the occasion and leave it all on the mat. They are my heroes. Heart and character for days..”
The First Podcast of 2019!
<a href="http://”>SBG Podcast Jan 2019
The New Year is here, and with that, a new monthly podcast has arrived and is ready for your viewing pleasure. This month, SBG founder Matt Thornton sits down and fields questions from members of the tribe that he’s received. Matt covers an enormous amount, discussing his views on what makes a good coach, his opinion on strength and conditioning,
the real story behind the anarchist’s A on the original SBG gorilla, his feelings about the Gracies, how SBG has evolved over the years, how he handles kicking someone out of SBG, what is and what is not a fundamental, and shares his single toughest challenge regarding SBG.
We Hope You Had As Good A Holiday As SBG Did. Winter Is Almost Over Stay Warm And We Will See You Next Month!
