Recently, black belt instructor, Eddie Fyvie, hosted the largest Brazilian jiu-jitsu seminar in American history with none other than Rickson Gracie.
310 participants from more than 20 states attended the epic event!
Have you ever seen so many people at a seminar before?!
Jiu-jitsu Times spoke to Eddie about the EPIC event.
“I am working hard to help create events that enhance the development of jiu-jitsu. By creating seminars such as this one and focusing on the roots and core of jiu-jitsu we can develop it in the right direction.
I hope to be an integral part of Jiu-Jitsu’s next wave of evolution and will work day an night for the art!”
– Eddie Fyvie
Jiu-jitsu Times: Eddie, can you tell us about the Rickson Gracie seminar that was recently held in New York state? What was the purpose behind organizing the huge seminar?
Eddie Fyvie: This seminar was an unbelievable event that united individuals and teams from around the country. It was my dream to showcase Rickson on a HIGH CLASS platform and to a massive amount of people.
The purpose was to give those a true understanding of what jiu-jitsu can be and to remind them of elements they are missing that can enhance their perspective, technique, and philosophies of jiu-jitsu.
It was also to bring students together to communicate a direction for the future. We need to organize and unite in order to grow positively.
Jiu-jitsu Times: What techniques did Master Rickson teach at the seminar? How is Master Rickson’s approach to teaching jiu-jitsu different than other seminars you may have attended?
Eddie Fyvie: Rickson has created a formula of techniques that best showcase the following:
1) Concepts and principles that you can apply to all of your jiu-jitsu in your regular practice.
2) Basic techniques with “invisible” or missing elements that have either not been seen, overlooked, or put under a microscope – i.e. Arm Bar, Scissor Sweep, Upa Escape, among others.
Jiu-jitsu Times: What single thing stood out in your mind from the seminar? What do you understand about jiu-jitsu now that you didn’t before the seminar (a single tip, principle, or piece of advice)?
Eddie Fyvie: What stood out most in my mind was Rickson’s unique ability to captivate and educate EVERYONE, from white belt to black belt and examine the “elements or mechanisms” of the techniques more. Instead of looking for something new or for more steps, he evaluated the techniques and looked for for:
• Proper weight distribution.
• Maximizing leverage points.
• Finding Connection.
• “Feeling” instead of “doing”
Jiu-jitsu Times: Can you talk about the “Self-Defense Mindset” to enhance your entire jiu-jitsu game. How is this different than how many BJJ students train?
Eddie Fyvie: The “Self-Defense Mindset” is a psychological and strategic way to approach training and competition that will increase effectiveness and efficiency.
When most people hear “self-defense” they only envision a series of street applicable maneuvers. This mindset involves utilizing more weight/pressure, controlling distance and space a little more urgently, fighting for the finish, and moves and movements that work against all sizes and do not require you to put yourself in a compromising/injury-prone position.
I feel that BJJ students have a misconception that self-defense is getting punched in the head and doing static, standing techniques. Those things could be part of it, but it is also a way of training that keeps “reality” in mind.
You will find it interesting that the best concepts of jiu-jitsu parallel the core fundamentals of jiu-jitsu that were originally meant for fighting. For instance:
• The posture to pass guard is also a punching position. Should you allow posture?
• A person upright in the mount can collar choke and attack. Should you just tuck your arms in and let them sit up?
• When you are grappling with someone bigger or higher skilled, do you change strategy and approach?
• How do you deal with wrestlers, judoka, karate, boxers, etc?
• What do you teach women and children who have confidence issues and who need techniques that require no strength?
• When a person is in half guard top, do you aimlessly go under their legs to sweep? Would you agree they could punch you and if they have good pressure, can they also crush you and pass?
I could go on all day.
Jiu-jitsu Times: This seminar was held under the JJGF – Jiu-jitsu Global Federation. What is the philosophy and purpose behind the JJGF? What is on the horizon for the JJGF and where can interested BJJ students find out more information about upcoming events?
Eddie Fyvie: The JJGF is a federation started by Rickson that plans to “Make jiu-jitsu the largest martial art in the world”.
It is also to generate human development through jiu-jitsu, and create educational programs and competitive events. It is really going to make waves and the vision is more clear than ever.
Go to JJGF.com to become a member so that you can have access to and be a part of the movement.
Please find me on Facebook “Eddie Fyvie” or SpaCityBJJ.com, where I will stay current and up-to-date with anything I am planning (always something!)
Please visit JJGF.com for information
Find “Rickson Gracie produtos” on Instagram to order some AMAZING Rickson gear!
Eddie Fyvie
Spa City Jiu-Jitsu – Owner
518-487-9162
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