Teaching a no-gi class

I'm a high school history teacher and I'm taking a break from the norm to teach a no-gi introductory class at a high school as part of a three day winterim class schedule. This is my "course description" if you will. I will be giving this as a handout to my class tomorrow. Comments are much appreciated.

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Name : ____________________________________________

Winterim 2012

“Submission Grappling 101”

What exactly did I sign up for this Winterim, anyway?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective and intriguing forms of combat sports on the planet. It was originally developed as a self-defense system for smaller people dealing with larger, stronger assailants. Whether you want to improve your self-defense, get a good workout, or participate in some healthy competition, this class is for you. Students will receive a brief introductory class into the sport of Submission Grappling/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires a gi top and bottom; for this class, a similar style of the sport will be taught without the gi – or by the name it is normally referred to – No Gi.

What do I bring to class each day?

Each day for winterim you can show up in school spirit dress just like everyone else taking winterim classes. Once homeroom ends, you will change your clothes and head to the Old Gym. For our class you will need the following every day:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->- <!--[endif]-->athletic or board shorts (with a drawstring) - mouth guard (recommended)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->- <!--[endif]-->t-shirt or compression shirt - presentable hygiene (showered,

<!--[if !supportLists]-->- <!--[endif]-->athletic cup (strongly recommended) clipped toe and finger nails, etc)

How is this going to work?

Each day we will do some light conditioning and stretching before we begin. Then there will be time for instruction, situational drills, and live sparring. There may be homework assigned that will require internet access. If there is an issue with internet access, please speak to the teacher.

This is a class where I get to punch people in the face, right?

Wrong. Submission Grappling deals solely with positional advancements, submission holds, and self-defense on the ground. There is no striking whatsoever in this class. Failure to obey the preceding statement will result in an immediate failing grade for your winterim class.

If there are any issues regarding student behavior or aggression, the instructor may address these issues using his discretion (ex. sitting out of drills, being sent to the administrator’s office, failing the class). Understand this: Submission Grappling is not “fight club”; it can be more accurately described as “human chess.”

Please sign below if you understand the behavioral guidelines for this class:

_______________________________________________ Date _________________

(Signature)

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Name _______________________________________ Homework: (Due first day of class)

- You must watch “UFC on FOX 2” this Saturday night, January 28th, airing 8pm to 10pm on FOX. While watching, you must fill out the following form. If you already have plans for Saturday night, you can either tape/DVR the show or attempt to find the programming online later on. Regardless, the show must be watched before the first day of winterim.

- UFC on FOX 2 will feature at least three Mixed Martial Arts fights featuring several well-rounded fighters. Obviously MMA includes striking, but I want you to pay particular attention to any grappling or submissions on the ground. We may try to break down and learn some of the techniques used in these fights if they are relevant to submission grappling.

Fight #1 – Chris Weidman vs. Demian Maia

Winner: ________________________ Method of victory: __________________

Observations of the grappling technique used in this fight: __________________________

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Fight #2 – Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping

Winner: ________________________ Method of victory: __________________

Observations of the grappling technique used in this fight: __________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fight #3 – Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis

Winner: ________________________ Method of victory: __________________

Observations of the grappling technique used in this fight: __________________________

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