REVIEW: SUBMISSION FC HEMP SENSATION RASHGUARD.

 

Recently we were lucky enough to receive a package from Submission FC containing their new Hemp Sensation rashguard. This rashguard goes hand in hand with the 2012 Hemp Sensation Kimono, and we were lucky enough to take for a spin last year.

Now some background- Hemp has slowly been making it's way into our fashion as well as into grappling equipment over the past few years. Hemp was a long forgotten commodity that has some incredible nutritional, building and fabric applications. It can used for anything from building a house to kimonos and rashguards. As we have said before hemp seems to be an incredible resource and it's green (no pun intended,) antibacterial, breathable and is 4 times softer and stronger than cotton. So whats the rub you might ask? It's expensive, despite the fact that it has a fast life cycle, is cheap to process, and can grow almost anywhere. Growing it in the US is almost nonexistent, so most hemp comes to us from Canada or abroad.

Now, that would discurage most manufactures, especially those in niche markets like martial arts - well it didn't for Submission FC.

The Hemp Sensation is the first ever Hemp BJJ Rashguard with a 80/20 Blend of Hemp and Lycra. The rashguard is fully sublimated with green accents and the Submission FC logo on the center chest, top back and Hemp Sensation script on the sleeves. The rashy is currently only available in white, but the green sublimation and green stitching give a hint of flare.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Hemp Sensation is that it looks, feels, and stretches just like other rashguards. You would never know it used a hemp blend that not only is stronger and softer than lycra/spandex, but it is naturally antibacterial. As usual I ran it through my gauntlet of training and washing which included both gi and nogi training. After a month of hard use and many, many washes (including a span of 3 days where I left it wet in my car) the rashguard had no horrible odor, no pilling, tearing, ripping shrinking or loose threads. The Hemp Sensation looks exactly the same way it did when I recieved it, and I can't say enough good things about this product. Now as far as fit, which most of you know, I don't like speaking about- I had an XL to test out which I found was snug but not to tight. The fabric was stretchy, but not so much where to you get a snap mark on your chest after putting it on. On thing I liked was the extra length to the body, which some companies neglect. To top off all the good points of this rashy, it also is SPF 50+ so all you fat grapplers can hop in the pool with it on and look tough - as opposed to fat, embarrassed and sunburned.

And, the results:

• Quality: Black belt (Comfort, style, durability and good hygiene at the same time.)
• Price: Brown Belt ($60 - About average for a good rashguard.) 
• Appearance: 4 Stripe Brown Belt (White with Hemp green contrast stitching and sublimation, subtle yet flashy.) 
• Durability: Black Belt (No Shrinking, pilling, or loose threads) 
• Features: Black Belt (Sublimated graphics, Environmentally friendly, soft and strong, antibacterial and SPF 50+) 
• Sizing: Black Belt (My XL fit snug but not to tight, and the added length on the body was a great feature).

Check out the Hemp Sensation over and Submision FC and tell us what you think!

CHAIN DRILLS, EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION, "GRAPPLE KATAS" AND LEGOS: IT'S ALL PART OF NIC GREGORIADES' BJJ THEORY AND IT'S VERY SMART.

That's Higgs Boson, I think.  I'm just a BJJ scientist.

Probably, too smart for the likes of me.  In the beginning of this very well done short film by DSTRYR buddy, Stuart Cooper, Nic mentions the folly and time waste of training just to "fuck up your friend or beat the shit our of your opponent."  He essentially describes and dismantles my 14 year journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a brief and passing statement.  Maybe it's for the best.

For years, BJJ academies have taught the art/sport in similar ways: you warm up, learn a technique, drill that technique and then spar/free train (maybe some positional/specific sparring smattered in there as well).  It's tried and true, but, as with anything, there are certainly ways it can be improved upon.  Nic Gregoriades, the man behind Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood, aims to to that.  He's developed some very high concept, but seemingly effective and approachable, methods of teaching/training BJJ. 

Stuart and Nic have done a great job synthesizing Nic's big concepts and principles, which I imagine could take a good amount of effort and time to truly absorb and utilize, into a killer 18 minute mini seminar.  Is it worth watching during your work day or in lieu of spending time with your spouse/significant other?  Definitely!!

ROLLIN WITH ROLI DELGADO AND HIS XGUARD ANKLE LOCK.

You don't hear much about Roli these days. He is living the quiet life in Arkansas with fellow phenom, Hillary, and legendary catch wrestler, Billy Robinson. No f*cking wonder we don't hear from him.  Hell, if I had those two to train with all the time I would literally live at the gym.

Now, Roli always seems to take a unique approach to his grappling and it is most likely due to his open mind and cross training. His creativity is on display in today's video as he executes a one legged X Guard ankle lock.

HEY, ELBOW GRINDERS. YOU SUCK.

At the risk of sounding like a BJJ cruster, I actually remember when the ol' double elbow grind was the tried and true standard for opening a dude's stubborn closed guard.  Mind you, this was back in the late '90's and in to the early 2000's, when the open guard was considered the new school fancy sh^t (and a berimbolo was still a sandwich or whatever).

Back then, the closed guard was much more prominent, even among the higher ranking belts.  Now, in 2013, I'd dare say it's rare to see a match go the distance with both players employing mostly closed guard.  Advancements in open guard techniques, passing techniques and submission defense from closed guard have made the closed guard less and less popular to work from (and to maintain, if you choose to employ it). 

Still, for beginning and intermediate grapplers, the game of closed guard versus closed guard passer lives on.  And, when you want to work techniques from closed guard, you still need to defend that loathsome elbow grind offensive attack from an opponent.  So, thanks Stephan Kesting.  Let's do this.

ATTACK THAT TURTLE WITH IMPUNITY.

Taking the back is almost an art form for some of us grapplers. Often this position is associated with being one of the most dominant places you could achieve and is often times just a step away from ending the fight. As dominant as this position is, people are not to creative with their finishes from here. Typically you will find your standard RNC or variation using the lapel, and unfortunately BJJ lacks the turnovers utilized in Judo, Sambo and Wrestling.

Well don't fret grapplers, Mark and Roberta of Flow Rollers are here to teach us how. Mark is a BJJ black belt under Robson Moura and he owns Flow Rollers Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today they attack the back and show us some great alternatives to your standard and boring finishes. Mark starts out with a reversal often found in wrestling which leads seamlessly into some choke variations. Watch the video and take them for a test drive tonight.

DSTRYR/SG AND BJJ HACKS EXCLUSIVE: "BJJ HACKS BRAZILIAN BLOG"/VOLUME 8

Clark Gracie X BJJ Hacks

Grapplers, here's the latest from BJJ Hacks' "Brazilian Blog," exclusive here at DSTRYR/SG (by Hywel Teague):

Training Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Rio de Janeiro isn't just an endless series of tough training sessions punctuated by trips to the beach and feasts of açaí. It could be, if that's what you want, but for me it's something different.

My time in Rio has exposed me to many, many masters of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, from people my own age who are at the pinnacle of the competition scene, to senior citizens who were training jiu-jitsu when my father was still a child.

Each and every one of these guys has provided me with some kind of insight, be it physical, technical, philosophical or what have you. From tips on 'live' feet versus 'dead' feet when passing guard, to maintaining a positive attitude when times are tough, to the mystical Rickson-esque concept of 'connection'… There is something to be gleaned from everyone.

Royler Gracie X BJJ Hacks

If there's one thing I've picked up while training jiu-jitsu in Rio - it's that I've learned how to learn jiu-jitsu.

I've heard many black belts talk about the day the faixa preta is tied around their waist. They say they don't feel like they've arrived somewhere - in fact, it's like their journey is only just beginning. This used to scare the hell out of me and left me wondering if 10+ years in jiu-jitsu is a price worth paying to feel like you're starting out again, but what they were saying is that the black belt brings an understanding of just how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Terere X BJJ Hacks

I'm fortunate in that I'm in regular contact with literal masters of the art of jiu-jitsu, grapplers whose understanding and application of their skill is sometimes difficult to communicate. however, this approach of finding specialists and then mining them for information on their area of interest shouldn't be limited to only the grand masters, the world champions or the top black belts – it's something that can be done with almost anyone. From picking the brain of that one guy in your gym who's really good at deep half or asking the right questions at a seminar.

Braulio Estima X BJJ Hacks

You're the only person who is responsible for your own development, so spare a thought to how you can 'hack' your own jiu-jitsu to make it better. If you listen carefully you'll come across many parcels of wisdom and insight in my videos. And if you can get anything from our films that will help your game grow, then we've succeeded in out mission. Good luck.

KEEP YOUR GAME ON THE REGULAR AND DROP THE SPLADLE.

As fun as grappling is, once you have mastered the basics, you can even make it more fun for yourself. Some of you may ask, how could this be any more fun that what it already is? Well if you apply some simple wrestling principles - for example making your opponent carry all of your weight, or punishing him in every position possible, it becomes way more fun. Now there is a fine line between being a shitty grappler and using "dirty moves" compared to being well rounded grappler with "punishing moves." That fine line can often be crossed accidentally or on purpose, especially if you frequent other gyms on frequent occasions. Also, BJJ has taken more a lax approach in it's style, and your efforts could be looked at as crude. But then again just a few years ago, leg locks, paisley leggings, and 98 degress were also considered crude - those silly millennials.

A few weeks back we featured some slick wrestling escapes that you could easily integrate into your submission grappling or MMA game, and today Andrew "the Squid" Montañez is back to show us entries into the spladle.

If you don't know what the spladle is, it's ok, just watch the video. And for the rest of the doubters on the innernets who think this can't be pulled off, just look at this.

So, shut up, watch the video and take notes on why your shouldn't grapple on cardboard or wear paisley leggings.

ARE YOU READY FOR METAMORIS II, GRAPPLER?

The Metamoris Pro Jiu Jitsu Invitational II (aka Metamoris II), the second installment of Ralek Gracie's submission only professional Jiu Jitsu event, is just around the corner (June 9, 2013, UCLA Pauly Pavilion - go buy a ticket now).  And, as with the 1st event, we're psyched for it.  The match-ups are equally as solid and we're ready to see some seriously badass, go-for-broke battles between the world's best.

Let's keep the banter to a minimum, grapplers.  You're here for the meat n' potatoes, so have at it.  The just released 2nd promo vid for Metamoris II, focusing on the big boys - Brauilio Estima X Rodolfo Vieira. 

LO AND BEHOLD, HE JUST SHUT DOWN YOUR DE LA RIVA.

"But, that's so cliché and cheesy, DSTRYR," you say, grappler.  To which we respond, "Get your own relatively popular Jiu Jitsu website if you think you can do better."  [Actually, please don't do that.]

If you are not already a Leandro Lo (multi-world champion) fan/supporter, then you're behind the curve.  You need to pay better attention.  Lo is, without any doubt, the "sh^t." Unless you're Rickson Gracie or something, he's everything most of us want to and should be in in a grappler.  Leandro is a gifted athlete with an amazingly fluid guard and world class passing skills.

Check out this killer little video created by BJJ Scout (a pretty cool blog, we should say), breaking down Leandro's impeccable anti-De La Riva guard game.  This is great stuff - it illustrates really well the techniques that top level guys are adapting and developing and employing in big time competition.   Good job, Scout!

TWO WORDS TO SHUT DOWN YOUR EXCUSE MAKING: HELVECIO PENNA

That doesn't really make a lot of sense.

Here's the thing about Helvecio Penna.  Yeah, he's 52 and, yeah, he kicks people's asses.  And, we love to make a big deal out of that.  But, when it all comes down to it, he's just another grappler putting in the work and getting the results he seeks.  It's unique to see a guy his age training and competing at the pace and level he does.  But, I get the sense, if asked about it, he would not find that so unique or special.  The bottom line - effort and the results thereof don't care how old you are or what kinds limitations you start out with.  Helvecio is a perfect and shining of example of what the body and mind are capable of when maximum effort is fully employed.  If there ever was a time for it, "Oss."

Now, watch Jits Mag's very kickass documentary on Prof. Penna.