Feedback from our Students

"Raise the bar in your training sessions"

The Grappling Blueprint is by far the most comprehensive psychological breakdown of training I have yet come across. These easy to follow tips and lessons will, without a doubt, raise the bar in your training sessions. In addition to the fabulous lessons, Lloyd takes the time to share his personal "self talks" which are a fantastic addition to the lesson plans. I'm thankful to Lloyd Irvin for taking my grappling game to the next level!

Jason Hunt, Th.D.
6th Dan Modern Jiu Jitsu
Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
International Federation of Modern Jiu Jitsu
www.ifmjj.org

"I've been grappling for over 35 years and I thought that there was little that I could learn from a newsletter, I was wrong."

Hi,
Just a short note to let you know that I'm enjoying your emails. I've been grappling for over 35 years and I thought that there was little that I could learn from a newsletter,I was wrong. Just to let you know I am a two time NCAA national qualifier and a 6th dan in Judo. I've been messing with BJJ for about ten years. So as you can see I am experienced. My problem is and always has been ego, I don't like to lose. Your email has been a revelation to me.
Thank-you so much! I expect to get much more from my training just from this change of attitude.

Once again thank-you, Olegario (Gary) Martinez

"Your method of instruction has greatly increased the way I learn, teach and practice."

Hello Master Irvin,

My name is Dean Jones, I'm from Live in Manitoba, Canada. I hold the rank of 5th degree black in Taekwondo an no belt rank in the grappling arts. I am currently instructing the inner city youths at International Tae-Jitsu Club.

I have been learning from the grappling blueprint for a few weeks now and your method of instruction has greatly increased the way I learn, teach and practice. I am very impressed with the grappler blue print, it's very informative and easy to follow.

The Grappling Blueprint helped me realize how important some things I know and don't use are, that's only if you want to improve at a faster rate.

I have trained at many seminars and never thought of these things. Some things I wanted to remember are now gone forever unless I decided to spend hundred of $$$ to do it again.

The Grappling Blueprint has opened my eyes to a new way of learning. Some of the things I have learned are: taking note, assign new name for techniques and visualizing myself performing them.

What I mean by visualizing is I mentally see and feel myself performing a technique with or without a partner. (I can do this at home in my bed) To me its like doing repetition over and over again. This helps me develop instinctive response while mat time help me learn new techniques and develop a feel for the technique.

I would like to thank Master Irvin for giving me his free Grappling Blueprint course.

Regards,
Dean Jones
www.geocities.com/fncma/index.html

"I swear it works!"

I must admit I was skeptical at first, but after receiving the first 5 lessons, my mental game has improved tremendously. Those simple suggestions actually worked!

In addition, I tried concentrating on 1-2 things for this month as suggested. For me it is dominating from the mount and collar chokes.Well it took 2 weeks of rolling and practice, but I am getting it consistently now.

My favorite tip from Lloyd is the self motivation talk, by telling yourself that you are the best. I have applied this to everyday life and was able to beat my personal best 10km race time by a few seconds. I swear it works!

Lloyd personally answered all my emails and questions which convinced me he truly believes in this product.

Maybe this stuff is obvious for some people. It wasn't for me. I am glad I tried it. I think other skeptics should give it an honest shot, before knocking it.

Thanks Lloyd!!!!

Name: Gil Mesina
Club: Kombat Arts Training Academy
Rank: While Belt - Behring Jiu-Jitsu
Training: 6months
Country: Canada

" Lloyd Irvin is not a hoax"

Dear Coach:

Lloyd Irvin is not a hoax. Feel free to print this. I have been studding MMA and BJJ for over ten years. Mr. Irvin's advice is simple and straight. He explores the psychology of fighting and training. I have never investigated his credentials. I don't have to. I am a Psychologist. Many of my patients are talented upcoming sports figures with "issues" that keep them reaching their potential. The advice I give them is often the same advice I hear from Mr. Lloyd.

You can't learn BBJ by any manual. You need a good instructor and time. Along the way you will get a good tip or two that will stick in your mind that will help you win matches both on the mat as well as life in general.

Mt. Irvin's Blueprint in fill with such tips. Listen.

Dr. Joseph PHD.
PURPLE BELT BBJ
BROWN BELT JUDO
1975 PA COLLEGIATE CHAMP 148LBS. FREE STYLE WRESTLING

"I had a flash of your advice and began to coach myself."

Hi Lloyd,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that I truly appreciate the value of the lessons you have been sharing with us in the email format.

As a long serving black belt in a predominantly stand-up martial art I have greatly enjoyed making the transition, using BJJ, to becoming more complete exponent of these fascinating traditions.

The insights you have shared with us about "The EGO", which closely parallel many philosophies about comfort zones and challenging yourself to grow, have been particularly relevant for me. The simple distinction you have made about our purpose to learn rather than just show off - and how that leads into progress and a happier day to day training experience has charged me with enthusiasm!

During a recent roll with one of my more frustrating training partners I got caught with him on my back- hooks in and fighting for the choke- I hate that !! Normally in this situation I would find myself visualizing how many videotaped fights i've seen where this is the very end of the match... Then something very curious happened... I had a flash of your advice and began to coach myself. The positive self talk I started to recite internally seemed to give me permission to *try to escape* rather than just give it up. Lloyd, I'm honestly not a very skilled BJJ practitioner, however this time I wriggled and squirmed and *made* space for myself until I escaped the nightmare position !! This was a major success for me and I'm sure it'll stick as a defining moment in my short grappling career.

You've made mention that you enjoy receiving feedback on your lessons, so I thought i'd share this by way of saying Thankyou.

Here's to many more peak experiences !

Sincerely
Mike Hendrikse
Black Belt - KRMA Kenshokan
White Belt - BJJ
Auckland, New Zealand. (aka Middle Earth)

"I look forward to your emails daily now for motivating me
and my troops."

Just wanted to say that I appreciate you offering this service, I am in the Military at Ft.Bragg NC and am incorporating your techniques into our training. I look forward to your emails daily now for motivating me and my troops.

Thanks.

SFC Simon,
USAJFKSWCS

"I truly recommend to everyone in the Martial Arts world to check out his Web site and to get his e-mails which are full of great advice."

The advice from the Grappling Coach Lloyd Irvin has change the way I look at grappling and Martial Arts in general. Not only does he keeps me up-to-date with what's going on in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Circle, but also in Mixed Martial Arts and life in general. I truly recommend to everyone in the Martial Arts world to check out his Web site and to get his e-mails
which are full of great advice. As a member of the United States Coast Guard which is a full Military and Law Enforcement Service under the Homeland Defense...I have a very stressful job, and I have to admit that the Grappling Coach advices are one of my favorites ways to stay down to earth and relaxed while training in the Combative Martial Arts. Is just great advice every way you look at it. Thank you Grappling Coach Lloyd Irvin.

Juan Fontanez
Integrated Combatives Systems

"The Grappler's Blueprint is one of those works that will be a
turning point in the training of any martial artist"

I have practiced various martial arts for over twenty years. During
that time, I have also been prosecuting criminal cases as a prosecuting
attorney at both the State and Federal level. Obviously, there are many
parallels between preparation for physical conflict and preparation for
the adverserial system in criminal prosecution. My experience in the
martial arts has always enhanced my trial tactics.

The Grappler's Blueprint is one of those works that will be a turning
point in the training of any martial artist or trial attorney that sees
clearly enough to understand the principles expounded. If you read the
great works by famous trial attorney like Dershowitz or Spence, you
realize that the same principles that guide their trial methods are
followed in the grappling blueprint. Although success comes in many
fields, it always comes in the same form. The ability to concentrate on
changing the points of conflict that we can effect and to learn from
one's mistakes is the essence of greatness and wisdom. Greatness and
wisdom is what is found in the Grappling Blueprint.

Joe Hoffer
Assistant District Attorney General
10th Judicial District, Tennessee
Purple Belt - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Kaiden - Hakko Denshin Ryu.

"I am sold on the Grappling Blueprint"

I have ben getting your tips since the beginning and I couldn't be happier with what I have seen. You have taken BJJ instructionals to the next level. Since taking your advice I have seen positive results in my training. I used to be the type of BJJ student that believed, like most people, that the secret to improving your game is to learn a lot of new techniques and then train them a lot. I never realized how important the mental aspect of training is. Now I enter each training session with a clear mind, and a plan on what I want to work on that night. I am sold on the Grappling Blueprint and look forward to anything that Lloyd Irvin has to offer in the future.

Andy Stock
Blue Belt in BJJ
Harmony Martial Arts

"Thank Lloyd, I owe you one. I'm a different fighter now, and everyone at my gym is noticing the difference."

Dear Lloyd,

My name is Chris Horton, I have been doing various martial arts since i was 11 years old. I train in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu jitsu in Australia. I am a white belt in bjj. I train at Vipers Martial Arts, in a small country town named Bundaberg.

Now, lets just say I was a very average BJJ student. I had only entered one comp, and I lost both matches in that comp. I found your lessons while i was resting from the comp (i was researching how to improve my game). Let me just say, I've never seen such a turnaround overnight as this one. I know it takes more than overnight to make a great grappler, but your emails got my mind in the right frame.

I usually don't like giving testimonials. But this one was different. It helped me. Almost overnight. Suddenly I found no matter what happened to me, I was still in control. Instead of panicking when someone gained the mount, or side control, like i usually did, I found that I had a clear head, and was actually getting out of these situations more and more.

Lloyd, this might not be the greatest testimonial, or the biggest success story, but I personally thank you for the effect you have had on my ground game, it's been absolutely unbelievable. And I have even tried your tips on my standup game. Thank Lloyd, I owe
you one. I'm a different fighter now, and everyone at my gym is noticing the difference.

Chris Horton

"You have rekindled the kind of excitement I felt during my first
month of training."

This is Andreh Anderson. I have been training for eight years.

I have been reading and saving your email since you began sending them out. I try to incorporate your advice every time I hit the mats to train, and it is giving me a "purpose" for each training session. Prior to your email, I would simply train without having a short term goal in mind. No extra drills, no attention to the psychological aspect of what I was doing, just training as defined by the class structure.

You have rekindled the kind of excitement I felt during my first month of training. THANKS!!!!!!!

Yours truly,

Andreh Anderson
BJJ Purple Belt
Carlson Gracie Team

"After reading Lloyd's e-mail lessons I had a realization"

After reading Lloyd's e-mail lessons I had a realization, most of us intuitively already "know" of what Lloyd is speaking, and some of us sporadically "practice" the mindset and concepts he refers to. However, how many of us truly reflect on what is really takes to become a champion in any endeavor we pursue? Lloyd's advice not only gives insight into efficient
training, it also confirms that which we intuitively know, that the road to achievement is largely a mental battle with ourselves. Why not learn from someone who has successfully driven that same road?

Vivek Nath
Western Combat Jiu-Jitsu
Coloured belt instructor (Green in Judo)
London, Ontario, Canada

"Master Lloyd Irvin knows exactly how to get inside your head"

Whether you fight in the ring, on the mat, or in the armour. The lead up to any fight all starts in your head, and it really depends on your mental discipline, focus and attitude, this is what will give you the leading edge over your opponents in any competition.

The visualization that you project for yourself in your own mind is what really makes a difference to becoming a real winner or champion in what ever combat discipline that you wish to compete in.

Master Lloyd Irvin knows exactly how to get inside your head, and to show you the right tools that you need to motivate and prepare yourself mentally, so as to be able to function to your fullest ability and potential as an athlete and competitor for any up and coming competitions.

"IT ALL BEGINS AND ENDS INSIDE YOUR HEAD!"

Yours Faithfully,

Master Vincent Palumbo(Australia)
8th Degree Black Belt Doce Pares Eskrima, Filipino Pangamot Jujitsu, Arjukanpo Karate.

*Training since 1974!

*Winner of numerous titles in boxing,kickboxing,karate,grappling and
full contact stickfighting!

I.C.M.A. Academy
96a Grange road Welland,
South Australia 5007.

"I read your lessons before i go into spar it keeps me calm"

Lloyd,
My name is Vaughn Vernon. I have taken a good look at your system that you have been developing. It has helped me in several different areas in my jiu-jitsu training. I have been training for about 1 1/2 years i just got my blue belt. After i got my blue belt I got into a horrible dirt bike accident to the tune of 75 stitches & 8 staples in my head with a cracked knee cap & a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder. This happened about 5 weeks ago. I am going through some physical therapy but it is taking a lot of time to mend my wounds. I was searching the internet & i saw your link for the grappling blueprint i have really enjoyed the lessons & mental attitude that you describe in your emails. Now i have been back training for like two weeks & i read your lessons before i go into spar it keeps me calm & i seem to execute my moves with more accuracy. I am going down to Brazil for two weeks in december i am looking forward to that experience. I will look forward to your reply on this email lloyd.

Best Regards,
Vaughn T. Vernon

"Lloyd's suggestions really help me out."

Lloyd: I just started receiving your Grappling Blueprint, and it is
great. The advice on mind set is right on. You advised me to write down
things I was doing wrong, and then pick one to concentrate on. I had
several things I did wrong (I am a harsh self critic!), but did pick out
one thing to work on. I noticed I was getting lazy from the bottom, and
often using strength instead of technique to escape or sweep. Especially
when grappling against partners of lower skill levels.

I focused on technique from the bottom at my next 2 sessions. I felt
a big difference. I am realizing that at my work outs, there are so many
things going on, that it is hard to focus on specific areas sometimes.
Lloyd's suggestions really help me out. I wholeheartedly recommend the
Grappling Blueprint to anyone who wants to take their grappling to the
next level.

Thank you -
Deputy Victor J. Cleere
Kitsap Arrestling group (www.arrestling.com)
Master Defensive Tactics instructor/Firerarms instructor
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, Wa., USA
Training for over 20 years, including karate, boxing, wrestling, Judo,
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Filipino martial arts; as well as
police arrest and control techniques.

"I would like to thank you for taking the time and effort to do
what so many of us are going to benefit from."

Hi Lloyd,
I myself haven't been lucky enough to have an instructor guide me
through my training. Unfortunately there wasn't been any qualified
instructors in my area when I started training. So most of my training
has been done with a friend here, a friend there, the occasional
seminar, and basically anyone who could spare five minutes at a time.

The cool thing is, a lot of the things you mention I have already
experienced. Most of my training has been trial and error. You tip on
not toughing it out to much and just tapping when you needed too. Man,
that could have save me about six months of shoulder pain. But I'm sure
others in the same boat as me have made the same mistakes.

It's nice to see that the messages you send are easy to relate to.
Everything thing you say I have gone through or it is easy for me to
understand. The best thing is that I am thinking more about all of this
in the last few weeks. I have been grappling for 4 years now and
sometimes I forget about certain things. Now that I have a little more
focus I have been performing much better. Everyone says that I am on
top of my game, but I know that I haven't learned any new tricks. It's
just how I apply what I already know.

I would say the biggest improvement has been in my mental preparation.
I always try to grapple with a goal in mind. If I meet my goal for a
couple minutes I'll pick a new one... ie, Okay I'll let him attempt a
submission then work on timing my escape, or, I'm just going to stay in
this position until he gives me the armbar (or whatever). I have never
felt sharper. By having goals while I wrestle that change my opponents
can't get a good feel for my energy, I keep switching from passive to
aggressive to stalemating etc.

Anyways before this gets too long I would like to thank you for taking
the time and effort to do what so many of us are going to benefit from.
I really look forward to seeing the Blueprint.. can't wait, when is it
coming out???

Thanks
Mike Yackulic
Arashi-Do Martial Arts
4 Years training in grappling
Canada.

"The Blueprint helped me put things into perspective"

My name is Tim Lee and I've gotten no less than five blueprint lessons. I recently received my Blue Belt in BJJ in less than 3 months via Eduardo De Lima out of Clearwater, FL.

Nevertheless, I've enjoyed my Blueprint lessons exclusively for the reason that following an arduous pace of rolling, I always had a Blueprint lesson to reflect on, perhaps right after going through a series of moves during practice, I was able to return home and read my anticipated Blueprint email. The Blueprint helped me put things into perspective, they, at least, gave me something in my mind to ponder, like inward questionings which, helped me to assess my objectives and frame of mind, where, I believe BJJ to begin.
I even went so far as to inconspicuously start taking notes as time allowed, with reference to the moves I had learned or correction I unavoidably had to formulate after having given up a dominant position, in so doing, keeping me attune, so that subsequent practice sessions, I was more cognizant not to make the same slip-up.

I associate the Blueprint lessons to a proverb; not quite spelled out for you, it's a statement, riddle, or verbal query that evokes the mind of a "thinking" person to assess his (her)- self so that wise action can follow, it motivates desire so-to-speak that transform into accomplishment.

I've enjoyed the Blueprint lessons since they help "me" work on "me" inwardly, where it all starts. If I can't win the battle waged internally and solve my own inward discord respecting my objectives, how could I possibly presume to figure out someone else's game? The Blueprint may not make a podium monument, but it will certainly keep me on the mat trying my ass off, therefore, I'm always a winner.

Sincerely,

Timothy Vaughn Lee
Blue Belt-Gracie Barra

"Grappling Coach e-mails have
helped me focus on what was important to me"

Lloyd;
I have been reading your Grappling Coach e-mails. They have helped me focus on what was important to me. I had lost some motivation and wasn't training hard. I won the Silver medal at this years Pan Ams, then really slowed down and seemed to lose my enthusiasm. Your unique approach to training, your mental approach and willingness to freely share all of your knowledge have re-energized me and made me want to train again.

Thank Lloyd

Todd Gerrish
Blue Belt under Jerry Laurita (Joe Moriera affiliate)

"I would recommend the Grappling Blue Print to anyone
in a heart beat"

Hello,

My Name is Jay Pages. I've been receiving your Grappling Coach
newsletters for quite some time now. I have to say that the improvement
is has made in my game has, been tremendous. They say that most of
martial arts is mentally oriented. Meaning the majority is all mental.
In the past I have always had problems with nervousness in competitions
and just rolling in practice. After getting the newsletter, slowly but
surely I've been getting better. I get on the mat in competition like
it's a walk in the park. I am that comfortable now. The stories, tips,
and help have been gratefully inspirational. I would recommend the
Grappling Blue Print to anyone in a heart beat.

Jay Pages

"Thank you for the best and easiest leap I've ever had
in my game."

I applied one of Mr. Irvin's first lessons, " focus on one thing you have problems with and don't let it happen".

For me this is right at the hand slap. You see I was always getting put in a bad position right off the hand slap. Especially with a certain purple belt who also is a black belt in judo. So I decided to start at the start< the hand slap. I focused on the point and made a point of not letting him or anyone else control me from the start. It opened a lot of doors for me. I was able to get him in my guard (a strong position for me and one he never plays with me since he always gets side control off the hand slap). I was amazed at how it thru him off. I got a lot of solid submission attempts. Although I didn't tap him, he didn't tap me, like he usually does. when the clock ran out he was sucking air BAD and I was fresh as a daisy. He even said "what got into you?" I said "nothing" but I thought "Master Irvin got into me."
Thank you for the best and easiest leap I've ever had in my game.

Randy Lehnhardt
7th year student of BJJ
Blue belt under Pedro Sauer/Jeff Curran
10640 Rushmore Lane
Huntley, IL. 60142

"I know that if I stick to your lessons that my game
will keep on improving"

I wanted to let you know that your lessons have helped my game dramatically in the few weeks that I've been receiving your emails. I had a knee injury last year which resulted in surgery in December. Although the doctor said that I would be back to 100% within a couple months, I was still having problems with my knee by April. My knee problems changed my game completely. I used to play the open guard game and try to be quick and using sweeps and transitions. After my return to BJJ I neglected my guard game and focused on fighting from the top, mainly using side control.

Being 185lbs I was able control others quite easily from the top but when I faced anyone of higher rank I would come into problems. My guard and bottom game were now pretty pitiful to say the least. I dreaded facing anyone who I knew would be able to beat me from these positions and I tried to avoid teammates by taking more breaks than usual. After reading your lessons I decided that I had to change my game plan if I was ever going to get any better. The first class after reading your emails I would let my opponent start by having me mounted or side control. It didn't matter the size of my wrestling partner. I also began spreading this knowledge to others in my class about working their weaker positions instead of avoiding them. Without sounding "cocky" I now feel that with your lessons my game has come back to my prior knee surgery days and I know feel my game has evolved to a more complete game. I no longer fear any positions because in my head I know that I can escape. I also have scoring more points on higher belts in my class (even my instructor). My good friend who I also got into BJJ has also noticed the change in my game and he is always excited to watch my matches from the sidelines giving me the play by play after class. I know that if I stick to your lessons that my game will keep on improving. Thanks for all the lessons and I hope they keep coming.

John Tompkins
Blue Belt BJJ (Team Megaton Vancouver, BC, Canada)
I have been training for approximately 2 years. (Not including time off due to injuries)

"Your emails have filled a void and been a source
of inspiration and comfort."

Hello Lloyd!

First a little about myself. I've been doing BJJ for approximately ten years. Most of that time I averaged about 1 or 2 times per week. I recently received my purple belt in June. My BJJ/Judo tape and book collection is frankly, enormous. I've got well over hundred tapes and and dozens of books. Yet despite this collection I realize now that my training has been lacking something fundamental. The mental aspect of BJJ. Your emails have filled a void and been a source of inspiration and comfort. It's like you've anticipated through your experience what I as a reader am feeling when at practice or competition. I'm surprised that no one has thought of this aspect of BJJ more. In all sports one's attitude is often the deciding factor in the productiveness of practice and the outcome of competition. You emails are like having a BJJ coach talking to me on the side of the mat. You seem to have an innate ability to know what I'm thinking and or feeling. I've begun to use your ideas in earnest. I'm a big guy and have usually fought from my strength using takedowns and guard passes, etc. Consequently, my guard work, in particular my open guard, leaves a lot to be desired. Well now when I "roll" in practice I make a point to work from my areas of weakness, i.e., I purposely will bring my opponent into my guard. Another idea which comes to mind is the self talk: " I am the best in the world from this position..." and the latest one about tapping: " I'm not going to die" This really works and I've used it in other ventures and sports throughout my life but never in BJJ. Just never knew how until your emails started "The Grappling Blueprint". Will this be a book or tape series? I think it's a terrific idea whose time has come. By the way,! when I was in basic training (USMC) a long time ago, I employed "They're not going to kill me" mantra to help me get through the fear and doubt associated with the mental and physical challenges associated with military training.

So keep the emails coming. You've become somewhat of my BJJ "Big Brother"and I really appreciate your counsel and advice.

Sincerely,

Tom Casey

"And then lloyd Irvin came along what a breath of fresh air.
your articles are very inspiring"

Hello Lloyd, i recently started your blueprint and to tell you the truth at first i wasn't sure ill tell you why.im 42 yrs old been a wrestler and grappler forever we were doing submission s mixed with wrestling before 1980. old school kosen judo wasn't popular but we new about it and studied it hard .the gracies came along and they popularized everything we had been doing in our own basements and garages and took undo credit .so we got over the initial shock and keep training harder and harder and decided to join gracies and train with them .after the first yr they told us it would be 10 yrs until we received bb.after countless behind the door matches were we came out on top we left wondering why if we are doing so well why would you hold anyone back from promotion the five letter word MONEY.there is no honor or loyalty with those guys so we left. ive trained with al lot of brazilians over the yrs still the same thing all we ever wanted was a fair shake.so for the last 2 yrs we haven't trained with any of them and then Lloyd Irvin came along what a breath of fresh air.your comments and articles are very inspiring especially the one on tapping out that was me all the way i found out that its so bad to tap thanks for everything keep up a great job maybe some day we can roll.

mike ballance

"I can't wait for more tips and notes especially BLUEPRINT"

Well to tell you the truth I've just got the first couple of lesson of
the blueprint, but so far the mental note and the learning note help out
tremendous. First I would like to say that I was the type that would
roll with anyone, just cause I was taught early in life that your only
as good as your competition. I did notice that if I wasn't in the right
mind set that it would take me twice as long to get a tap if not a draw.
Also found out that not looking for the tap and learning the opponents
moves and mine that taps came faster. I recently ran into my match the
other day on the mat, he was about 50lbs smaller than me but was smooth
and was like a slippery snake, even when I muscled him around he went
with it and tapped me out every time. I never had someone tap me out so
much in 3 minutes. That was a big ego check, so instead of giving up or
just sparing to get tapped out, I dropped my ego and asked him that when
we spare when I make a mistake let me know teach me and show me what to
do to prevent it or escape, I must say even though I got tapped out who
knows how many times, it was the best sparing I've ever received. I
can't wait for more tips and notes especially BLUEPRINT.

Dominic Ahnee

"Thanks a lot. I had everything to gain from your tips"

My name is Karl Heinz Medina from the Philippines. i am a 3rd kyu Judo brownbelt form the University of Santo Tomas Judo Varsity.

the 1st and 2nd lesson helped me a lot, not only with my grappling but also with my throwing skills. There are times that i play inconsistently, sacrificing control and technique for speed and power. Now i can utilize all of them confidently... all at the same time.

i followed your advice and corrected every mistake that i made one step at a time.
i avoided only one mistake every time we had randori and continued to correct the other remaining mistakes one after another randori, until i finished the whole list of mistakes that i'm correcting.

As i was correcting those mistakes, it helped that i avoided the jeers from my fellow practitioners. instead, i used those as a form of motivation. Even if it appeared that my opponent is the one in control, i knew that i'm the best in the world from that position. I will be out of there soon. indeed i was because i was able to execute my game plan smoothly.


Now i am as confident with my stand-up game as i am with my ground game. i feel i'm prepared and all psyched up for an upcoming open-belt tournament which will be held next month in Quezon city. thanks a lot. i had everything to gain from your tips.

"You can damn well guarantee I will put Lloyd's blueprint
into action"

You know some of the many stigmas going along with BJJ is how long it takes to reach a high level of ability and that it takes at MINIMUM 10 years. To me that always seemed a bit on the side of BS. And from hearing the training experiences of guys in judo and bjj, it confirmed it to the max. I always thought that the first generation of American BJJ BBs would change the game. Just to explain my position, what I mean is this ! ; (and this goes for ALL martial arts, not just bjj or judo). Alot of people want to be spoonfed technique in martial arts. They want to learn the moves and don't think about the practical theory/application behind them. Thus for years they will find themselves being thrown all around the place in judo or getting submitted left and right by the blues and up in class. Sometimes this technique - only mindset is inherit in the student, at times its inherent in the way the instructor teaches. As everyone should know, just because a person has the rank of black belt and is a good competitor does NOT mean that they can impart their knowledge on others and make them into better martial artists. Now with bjj comes a even bigger dilemma, as we have MANY schools here in the US that are being run by blues and purples at max. Unlike Brazil, there isn't a sea of black belts who can smooth over the technique of a school. SO it is left to the American practitioners to develop their own game from a limited amount of knowledge and bring in BB from Brazil (who may or may not be good teachers) to show them the supposed "newest" moves. Thank God we have American BBs now who discovered what the key ingredient that was missing in most of our training : screw the "newest" moves and work on the theoretical approach more. If you cannot grasp the theory and how it applies, your "newest" techniques will never work.

This is the main beauty of Lloyd's system that I have now started using to success in the dojo. When I came in (started in Judo, a green belt) I had decent rolling experience as my judo club did about a 65 -35 % split, at times 50 - 50. When I came in and rolled, I had a submission only mindset and this caused more stalemates and had me tapping more and more to the other whites and the blues of the class. After one completely frustrating session with the main ! ; instructor (a judo bb with no rank in bjj but who holds his own with blues and purples), I knew something HAD to change. After corresponding with Lloyd I decided to break down individual elements of the game and focus on those with precision. As the weeks have went by, my positional dominance I learned from Judo has increased dramatically (I've had many of my gym mates tell me this, how they have to REALLY work on escapes now) and I have now been able to put up a better challenge to the guys at the gym. I definitely attribute this to Lloyd. Breaking down the elements, relaxing and treating each roll as a new experiment to tweek things in your game has really opened my eyes to alot of possibilities. Heck, I am prob competing in my first bjj gi and no gi competition this week and if I do you can damn well guarantee I will put Lloyd's blueprint into action. Win, lose, or draw it'll make me better and any mistakes I do make in the! tourney I will def NOT make again thanks to my new understanding of the game. Guys, the conceptual things are what get you over the hump. Lloyd did this, as did BJ Penn and others and that's why they got their BBs in under 4 years. It isn't that they are mythical (even though both of these guys are def phenoms), its that they understand the THEORY along with the technique.

To illustrate, you may go to a seminar where the focus is on escapes. You may be shown 14 escapes. Well how many do you REALLY think you are going to remember really? In all honesty, prob 4 at the max. Well instead of trying to get all 14 down, why not break down what are the common elements that make them work (free hips, ability to bridge/shrimp, shifting weight of opponent to right/left, etc) and then concentrate on your favorite two for each side of the body. This would then allow you to drill for both sides of the body, link the escapes, and give you a MUCH HIGHER success rate for escaping. The other 10 escapes you will figure out on your own later as you have the necessary PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS down that will make them work. But in the meantime you will have bread and butter moves that you will be able to hit at will. Why? Because you learned them in the right context. These are the things that Lloyd preaches and lives by, and this is why those who train with him only have PRAISE for his teaching ability.

In closing, no I don't personally know Lloyd nor do I attend his academy, but based off his advice he would def be a instructor I would love to train under. All training involves hitting plateaus and suffering pitfalls, but I do know as of now that me hitting those pitfalls/plateaus will be just small bumps in the road instead of the major cataclysms they once seemed to be thanks to Lloyd's teaching methodology.

-David
-Green belt Judo, White Belt BJJ, BB kyokushin karate, BB Han Mu Do
-Southern Judo and BJJ, Starkville Martial Arts Academy

"Once again your lessons have helped me to improve my game
and mind set"

Mr. Irvin,

I wanted to re-send my story about Wake Forest Grapplemania to you and add to it some new info.

My name Is Joe Agrippa and I train out of the Linxx Academy in Richmond. The only reason I signed up for your on-line lessons is because my instructor, Joe Gray, spoke highly of you. I have been trying to incorporate what you've suggested into my training so far, but I received the greatest help yesterday(July 12) at the Grapplemania event in Wake Forest, NC. As I have only been training for 3 months, this was my first tournament. I was signed up for the beginners seniors division(over 30, I am 34) and my classmates all kidded me and told me to sign up for the open age division as well. After hearing comments like "We don't teach techniques that only work on old people" and the like, I went ahead and entered that division as well. My first match was the seniors one and there was only one other person in my weight class(150-159). After being tied 0-0 for the entire match, he scored a take down in the final seconds to win. I received a Silver medal for losing. Well, it was quite some time until the other division started, and I had almost talked myself into leaving without competing at all. My biggest fear was the stand-up part of the game, while I seem to have pretty good defense against take-downs, I'm am not very good at taking down. Well, your words came back to me about overcoming your fears and leaving your ego at home so you can learn, and decided to stay and participate. Well, I dominated my first match being up 16-0 on points before winning by submission(rear naked choke), and won my second match after a 0-0 tie with a guilliatine in the closing seconds. My teammate was in the other bracket and we both advanced to the finals. Our school's policy in this event is to bow out to the senior student, and as he is a blue belt he took gold and I took silver. But, instead of losing to get it as I did the first one, I was undefeated to get this one. I truly appreciate your lessons and now am going to work on my stand up to improve for the next tournament. By the way, I met your student Ken who was fighting in the pro division. He knew some of my teammates and my instructor and was a very nice guy.

Last week I took to heart Lesson 4 and 5. After tapping out several lesser skilled people in class, I found myself avoiding someone who has been training about as long as I have. Well, your lessons came to mind and I went over to him. Sure enough he caught me in a scarf hold and tapped me. But I picked up on a weakness in his game by concentrating on "LEARNING" instead of winning. In subsequent rolls I tapped him out twice and dominated him position wise 3 times. Once again your lessons have helped me to improve my game and mind set. I have referred you to my classmates and I know some have signed up as well. Thank you for your help and your personal replies.

Joe Agrippa
White Belt 3 1/2 months training
Linxx Academy of Richmond, VA
Joe Gray- Instructor

"I noticed a big difference after just a few e-mails"

My name is John. I have been getting your e-mails on my girlfriend's address. Her name is Kasi. I work seven days a week and never have time to get on the computer. I had her put me on your list under her name and print out everything you send. Everything you say has helped me. Just the other day I had a friend come over to roll with me after work. I'm 160 pounds and he's 240. I have never tapped him out and have only gained position on him a couple times,but only for a second. He smashes me. Knee on stomach is awful. And he does that a lot. Everything you've said has been about me rolling with him. I have tapped just because I was smothered or smashed under my friend. I figured there was nothing I could do so I just tapped so we could start again. But after your first few e-mails I pictured myself rolling with my friend using your self-talk idea and working on just one thing I needed work on. By the end of the hour I'd tapped him ! for the first time,gained position on him several times(knee on stomach mostly),and survived all the smashing he could give me. One simple self-talk I used was:"I'm not smashed. I'm not smashed. I'm not smashed." I also used :"Stay calm" a lot. I know for sure that one worked because my friend told me that he noticed that I was way calmer than usual. I told him about you and your Grappling Blueprint and he just laughed. He said something about somebody just trying to make some money. Well if that's the case, then sign me up. I'll pay anything. I noticed a big difference after just a few e-mails. I can only imagine having your complete system. Give me a few more work outs with my friend and you'll be hearing from him. I am just a low level white belt and haven't rolled in over three months. My friend goes to class at least once a week. And like I said, I work seven days a week. So for me to have done as well as I did against my 240 pound nemesis says a lot about your advise.! Thank you very much!
John

p.s. The one thing I worked on was surviving being on the receiving end of knee on stomach and getting my friend in what he always gets me in. It worked!

"I would recommend you to anyone who wants to jump start
their training to a new level."

My name is James Speight, I Own the Extreme Gym in Greenville NC, and I have had the opportunity to train National and World Champion Grapplers over the last few years at my gym. We do Gi and No-Gi. I hold no rank in BJJ (though I have been training, and coaching, for three years) I also coach Blue and Purple belts from various schools, that live here in Greenville. We get this opportunity because in this Region grappling is still really dry.

I have been using the little tips from you, and have made a great difference just in the focus on improving what you are doing now.

One tip in particular. I encouraged all of my students to get a note book, to make notes, after classes, on what you need to improve. At first only a couple of new students did it. But after a few weeks the older students, started to see the newer students getting better and better really quick. And the only thing the new students were doing different than the old students, or they thought, was the Notebook.

I would recommend you to anyone who wants to jump start their training to a new level.

Thanks Lloyd

James Speight
Team Extreme
www.groundgrappling.com/extremegym.htm

"How Lloyd Irvin’s “e-mails” helped my Jiu-jitsu……. "

Desiree Liang (13 years old)
Yamasaki Academy, Rockville, Maryland
Yellow belt
Training in BJJ for 5 months (but have taken a total of 120 BJJ classes)
U.S.A.


I wasn't always a jiu-jitsu "fighter", but it all began when I started this as my first martial art. I was succeeding and learning a lot, and was having a lot of fun. When I was suddenly promoted to the yellow belt rank in Yamasaki academy that I attended three times a week, I really got into the sport- and that’s just where Lloyd’s e-mailing came around.

I always was inspired by the elder belts and how good they were at techniques and such. I found it so tempting to ask my dad “How long does it take to get ‘whatever’ belt……” He told me the record- and that was Lloyd Irvin- who trained for 3and ½ yr. to earn the black belt position. I realized I was into the martial art all the way, so my father continued to tell me how Lloyd Irvin was going to let every one know how he got it in such a short period of time. That’s how I started getting e-mails full of awesome advice... and wisdom that I guess was what practically saved me from going down the wrong path. Especially that mind preparation thing. He had said:

“Desiree lets get your mind right. Let me start off by saying that you may or may not be affected by this at all. But it is one of the most important factors that influence an athlete’s performance.

Mental preparation is one of if not the most important aspects of training. Of course we are talking about outside of conditioning, which is a whole different topic.”
“Why is this? Because if your mind is not right, the chances of you winning the big game are VERY slim.”

I was always either too nervous, or too tired. After reading these parts of the letter I was given, my mind opened up completely; I felt more calm and confident.

Besides my self- esteem boosting up to a high level, everything just immediately clicked in my mind and heat. Not only did I realize how valuable these aspects of my participation in jiu-jitsu were. I also saw how really helpful they were the minute I stepped onto the blue mat (which I’d trained on for months). I was faster, stronger, and my will-power was to my own eyes even unbelievable!

Of course I had to watch out for what Irvin called “ego”. I kept my ego, well (I really tried hard to.) as far from me as possible, but if Irvin had never given me the warning about it earlier- I would have been plain suffering- the whole time. You see, I almost always felt like I was competing against the other yellow and orange belts for position in higher ranks. Now all I cared about was to do my best and learn what I can. Nothing though should be too easy or impossible.

Positive self-talk did not always get me to win anything, but it definitely got me to keep my cool when I was caught in a bad position. Like the time that someone had me in the knee- on- stomach or what is known to be in Portuguese: Jhoelo Na Barriga [Zhoelo Na Bahhiga]. I just could not get myself extricated from the tight grasp; even though I was “loosing it” and panicking, I still kept thinking good thoughts. Finally I managed to slightly get out and! have space to flip the whole pose over. Then I eventually passed the guard and got into the mount position. See how it worked? I was and am very happy, and resume the same ways I am constantly taught- thanks to Irvin. I even take notes on the advice given to me! Since I am still young and in training, I take Lloyd’s words very seriously, because it’s not like I can truly make it on my very own. He wants to help us all, and when he explains to me the results of the right- and- wrong choices I should use or avoid, I defiantly believe what he says. It is not every minute you get such help, because usually, and esp. in tournaments- you’re on your own!

I understand that technique isn’t all that makes the fighter- it’s the proper mindset, and attitude you have. So for me, I continuously have a lot to gain from this, with each day a more “up-graded” and more educated self that I can be proud of. I think Irvin really is an awesome person, because I don’t believe anyone else would “want to” let out such valuable knowledge, and such.

Yours,

Desiree Liang, 13 years old
Yamasaki Academy, Rockville, Maryland
Yellow belt
Training in BJJ for 5 months (but have taken a total of 120 BJJ classes)
U.S.A.

"YOUR COMMON SENSE LIFE EXPERIENCE WILL BUILD US UP AND KEEP US GOING."

THIS E-MAIL IS WRITTEN WITH THE DEEPEST APPRECIATION and TO EXPRESS MY THANKSGIVING IN ALL HUMILITY.

MY NAME IS KELBY RILEY. I'M 36 YEARS OLD. I HAVE A WIFE, WHO IS HEAVEN SENT, AND FIVE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN-AGES 14, 13, 5, 3, AND 18 MONTHS OLD. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND ENJOY A JOB WORKING WITH CHILDREN.

MY TRAINING EXPERIENCE BEGINS BACK IN CHRISTMAS OF 2001. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE GRAPPLING STYLE AND DECIDED TO SPEND ALMOST 300.00
TO PURCHASE JOE MOREIRA'S WHITE TO BLACK BELT TAPE SERIES. I KNOW THAT HERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, ONE HAS MANY CHOICES AND PLACES TO TRAIN WITH LEGIT AND WELL ESTABLISHED SCHOOLS. HOWEVER, THEY ARE ALL OUT OF MY PRICE REACH AND WAY OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE. SO, WHEN I FOUND THIS TAPE SERIES, IT WAS MY ANSWER TO ALL MY PRAYERS.

I AM SELF TAUGHT AND ENJOY TRAINING WITH MY 14 YEAR OLD SON-HE IS QUITE GOOD. THIS LAST MARCH, WE DECIDED TO ENTER THE COPA PACIFICA. WE LOST OUR FIRST MATCH, VIA TRIANGLE CHOKE, BUT THE EXPERIENCE WAS PRETTY COOL. I KNOW THAT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE JOE MOREIRA'S TAPE SERIES, BUT I FIND HIS PROGRAM WELL LAID OUT, ESPECIALLY FOR US BEGINNERS. ONE THING THAT IS MISSING HOWEVER, IS THAT PERSONAL TOUCH AND ENCOURAGEMENT WHICH YOUR BLUEPRINT DEFINITELY DELIVERS. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR BLUEPRINT AND IT'S ORGANIZED TRAINING METHOD. MAYBE NEXT YEAR WE CAN WIN. IF NOT, YOUR COMMON SENSE LIFE EXPERIENCE WILL BUILD US UP AND KEEP US GOING.

THANKS VERY MUCH, KELBY.

"The tips that I think are the most important that I have gotten so far
are about using positive self talk"

Master Irvin,

My name is Ashley Green Dimond and I am 10 years old. I have an orange
belt and train with Jared at BJJ United. (I trained with him at his old
gym also; I have been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since I was 5 (almost 6).

I just started getting the Grappling Blueprint tips when I found out
about it from my Dad. (He studies Jiu Jitsu with Jared as well.) The
tips that I think are the most important that I have gotten so far are
about using positive self talk and realizing that every time you are
sparring with someone is a chance to learn! I mean you can't get better
if you never roll with someone who is better then you... you can't
always expect to win. (Not if you want to learn anyway.)

Sometimes I watch the grown-up classes when I am finished mine and it is
interesting to watch. The guys who get angry and visibly upset when
they have to tap don't improve as fast. (They also seem to get injured
a lot more and some just stop coming.)

I have not competed in a lot of competitions yet... but, I am going to
compete in one in August in King of Prussia! I am going to try to use
the positive self talk. I am shy and do get very nervous sometimes.

The first competition that I was in was scary. I was 7 and there were
so many people... I lost my first match and was very upset. I told my
parents that I didn't want to compete anymore. Then I watched Jared
fight... he won some... but, then he lost. While he was disappointed he
was OK and talking about what he could do better next time. It made me
want to try again! I mean if it is OK for Jared to lose then why should
I feel bad.

A few months latter I competed again and won the gi and no-gi for my
division. It was amazing! But, I was only able to win that time because
of what I had learned the time I lost! The first time I kept looking
out at everyone watching me and it distracted me and made me kind of
scared... I realized that I had to pretend I was in the gym training and
just have fun no matter what and it worked.

Since then I have not been able to compete again because it has been
hard for my parents to schedule it; they both work and I have a two year
old brother... I am looking forward to getting a chance compete again as
a member of your team! I will let you know if the positive thinking
helps!

Jared really teaches us to focus on learning and not winning. I am glad
I met him and I am glad that he teamed up with you.

Thanks, Ashley

"I see more improvement after I use Lloyd Irvin theory of self talk."

My name is Yuri Amadin from Indonesia. I have been training BJJ for 6
years already. Currently, I am a blue belt under Renato Verissimo of
Nova Uniao. Because I am a Jeet Kune Do stylist; therefore I train more
in No Gi grappling and Vale Tudo in addition to weaponry training. I
started BJJ under Claudio Franca, then Cassio Werneck when I was in the
US. After I live in Indonesia, I took several trips to Hawaii and
Australia to train under Egan Inoue, Charuto and John Will.

I see much improvement in my ground game after I do many isolation
sparring and even see more improvement after I use Lloyd Irvin theory of
self talk.

Because there are no BJJ academies here in Indonesia. I have to rely on
my experience, videos and as well as my efforts to travel and train with
better people overseas. I started my training with sharpening my escape
skills. Where now I am starting to sharpen my offensive skills. I also
has been putting so much emphasis on my guard game and sometimes due to
this, I start to lose my bottom game (escapes) because almost all of my
training partners are getting better fast.

For example, whenever we do all out grappling or even isolation
sparring, there are times when I can pull of any escapes easily from
any positions. But now, because my training partners are getting better
fast. Most of them know when to switch from side mount to 69, to knee on
the belly, mount and even pulling off some submissions.

Therefore; it's not easy for me to execute my escapes as before and
sometimes when they tap me out. It bothers me for a week. What LLoyd
suggested on losing the ego is very true. Because I taught and trained
these guys, my ego starts to disappear very quickly and I am starting to
feel proud that these guys start to give me good legitimate game. These
guys are now just making me a better fighter by resisting 100%!

Self talks such as "I am the best fighter from this posit ion..." has
also helped me a lot in escaping many inferior positions and has helped
my game because I am addicted to asking my partners to put me in the
worst positions for me to escape. Also, I have been saying" I am the
best guard fighter in the world and that I am submitting him very soon"
has also helped me. I have been able to pull of many triangle chokes
from closed guard as well as armbars, kimura and taking the back.

I remember I have sharpening my skills in pulling triangle choke from
closed guard. It started from giving a lame triangle to very solid ones.
I self talk, visualize them in my sleep, while taking a shower, while
driving, while eating, etc and it has been working wonderfully. Now, I
do the same for armbars and Kimura. It has been starting to improve as
well.

Thanks Lloyd.

Yuri

"Working from top position. This is something I picked up from the second email you sent me"

Hi Lloyd,

i am portuguese, i train with robin gracie in barcelona, i have also trained with rolker and royce a few times, but have never been in Brazil. so i am trying to get some money to stay about 3 or 4 weeks in rio in september. when i get this ok , maybe i will email you to get
some useful information about the questions, following you tips, lately i have been trying some of the stuff, i concentrated on fighting from the top position or killing everybody with triangle chokes from the guard. why? because i am only 63kilos, and i usually fight from the bottom, and i have trouble using triangles. at start it was more difficult, but i focused on working from top position. this is something i picked up from the second email you sent me, although that was not the point of the email i got that idea. well, it worked. about ego, i don't have one, it was choked unconscious long time ago...

next time i will work on that "i am very good at escaping the mount" thing, but with other positions/situations. i have done that before, when grappling with robin gracie, he gets me in something and i go "no,no,no,no! its not gonna work! its not gonna work! no,no,no,no,no!..." but he usually gets me. next time!

ok, in august i will start training every day, i haven't been doing that, as i am also an acupuncturist , and have been spending some time studying.

jose joao alves da costa santos
robin gracie academy barcelona
blue belt
i train there when i have money, that means 3 to 6 times a year for 1 week
every time, since 2000
portugal

"The Grappling blueprint really instilled in me a quiet, calm confidence that a lot of people have noticed"

I've been receiving the grappling blueprint for a while now and have read through each one religiously. I am a very dedicated practitioner of BJJ and have been for 3 years now, and throughout my time in BJJ I have always competed. Many times I would come in 3rd or 4th and well, i realized that there was always something holding me back. I guess I just didn't want to admit it to myself, but alot of the things you mentioned and went over in the Blueprint was what was affecting me. It really opened a whole new door for me after checking it out and giving it a try. My game has been on a different level since then and the blueprint really instilled in me a quiet, calm confidence that alot of people have noticed. I am competing in a few days in the Can-Americans here in michigan and I am very calm and relaxed (but a bit nervous ....naturally. ;) ) and know that i have the tools, mentally and physically to do my best. ! I am by no means a great or complete fighter, but with the right instructors and the grappling blueprint, i know i am well on my way to getting there.


Carlo Lamagna
White belt
Warrior Way/ Caique Jiu-Jitsu

"I must truly admit that your lessons have enabled me to surpass
many other white belts in three short weeks."

Coach,

I must admit that I've just started with the blueprint program and it has been quite helpful. I think the first lesson I learned and actually followed through with what you said dealt with the my mindset when I went to practice. Just the other day I had feared this blue belt that came to class. I've seen him in action and he was good. My first day of class he put a clinic on me. But after reading your lesson plans, not only did I just tell myself that I could beat him, but I set out a plan in my head before we starting rolling around. My plan was simple, don't let him get any submissions on me, pass the guard, and attempt to submit. I planned all this out in my head. When it came time for us to play I set my plan into motion. It was a 5 minute long session of escapes, passes, mounting, and submission attempts. I think in those five minutes I earned a lot of peoples respect.

All of this and it was only my third week of class, and a month long of blueprint lessons. I must truly admit that your lessons, dealing with a lot of mental mindset and techniques have enabled me to surpass many other white belts in three short weeks.

Thanks Again, Coach.

Crail Chris
New Breed Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ Revolution Team

"I was reluctant to reply until I read how many students have
felt the same way I have."

Hello Lloyd,

I've been reading your e-mails since you started and have enjoyed them very much. I was reluctant to reply until I read how many students have felt the same way I have. I've only been coming to class for a few months and at times it can be quite humbling. I am not a small guy and have played various sports and done well over the years. I was also an Army Ranger and considered myself to be pretty tough. Checking my ego at the door is a definite must and
is getting in my way. It is hard to get tapped by much younger, smaller guys and keep my sanity in check, but I am working on it. Thanks for making me understand that their are others out there that share the same pain.

Ron

From Croatia: "Your Lessons are good because they are for Grappling"

mr.coach,

my name is zvonimir jerbic and I am from croatia,small town call Osijek.
we were unlucky and had a war for about 4.5 years.consequences are that
our economy is ruin and that reflected on sport so you have situation
that only major sports,like football,basketball...have money. in that
situation is very hard to train. we train in large basement. in one part
is school for kick-boxing and in the other one is judo club. the guys
are training eider one or another but in last year with popularity of
cro-cop and ultimate fight we manage to find guys who are interested in
stand up fight and ground fight. I was in special forces of croatian
army and I know how to fight. I have blue belt in judo and train
kick-box for about 6 years. I am also a coach,study on university of
kinesiology,orientation in strength and conditioning. you can look at
my pages at www.geocities.com/zvonimirjerbic and see what I do for a
living. so far the lesson you sent to me is familiar to me because I pass
that exam(psyshic),but they are good because they are for grappling. we
have problem because in croatia there's no coach for grappling or
jiu-jitsu. only man is mike bencic who work with cro-cop filipovic so we
find articles on internet and watch matches on the tape and trained. I
be grateful if you can recommended some pages or if you have any old
books to send us. next week I will make pictures of my crew and send to
you that you can see what we doing. best wishes.

zvonimir

"I know that if I hadn't recognized and dealt with those feelings of doubt I wouldn't have won that match. "

One training session comes to mind:

Yesterday I was rolling with this guy Paul, he's quick and strong as a bull. I mean rolling with him is like having a house come down on you. Somewhere usually in the middle of rolling with him I mentally give up, I just want to get it over with. I feel weak, and have no strength. This time I kept myself cool, and caught myself having those thoughts of giving up. I silenced them and hung in there. I kept on fighting and I finally caught him when he tried for a guard pass. I caught him with a classic triangle from my guard. I know that if I hadn't recognized and dealt with those feelings of doubt I wouldn't have won that match.

"When i saw your thing on the net i thought it would be cool to try it and see if it would help my bjj game"

I've been training for about 2 years now in bjj and mauy thai,I've done
bjj tournaments and some vale tudo fights.when i go to train with my
coach in brazilian jiu-jitsu im always trying to tap out people and bet
the guy.im 19 120 pounds so when i roll with some body im always the
small one.like when i roll with the big guys im always on the bottom
getting in bad tough positions that are hard to get out of.and i always
get mad because they always throw me around and get control of me.
when i saw your thing on the net i thought it would be cool to try it
and see if it would help my bjj game.know that you started emailing me
the lessions.after the second on when i get back from class i write
down what i want to improve and make better.then when i go back to class
i work on what i wrote down i try to work on just that,that night in
class.when you send me the thing about going to class to learn and not
to make people tap i never really thought about it like that.and know
when i roll with some on bigger,and i get caught in a bad position i
been saying the im a master of this position i'll be out of here soon
" bye the way i love saying that when im rolling know".i even made up
some of mine own now i say them the whole time when im grappling.
my team mates been noticing that ive been grappling a little better
and not trying to tap everbody.i told my class about it too,they all
like it and use it to when they are rolling know.

thanks for the lessons,

shaun ciferri
blue belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu
and soon to be a pan american champ now that i got all these new tools
from your lessons karte and brazilian jiu-jitsu center

"Thanks for the inspiration, the training and teaching of the mental aspect of game. I have an awesome instructor on the mat, now I have a great instructor off the mat as well. The combination shall be lethal!"

Hello Mr. Irvin

First off, it's been extremely helpful to receive your emails. It has changed my mindset and my approach to learning the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I will admit, I have my own approaches to accomplishing my dreams and goals. However, I deeply praise your profession. Teachers/Instructors/Coaches/etc... is the most respectable people I can think of. They are ones that donate their time to making others succeed. It is one thing to know something but its another thing to be able to make others know what you know. However, I believe that a coach/trainer can only point you in a direction. The individual must achieve his/her goal themselves. By giving me examples and an approach to kick bad habits (ego), I have influenced the way I train and have adopted my own philosophy for my success.

First off, I have started writing down just about everything I know about the sport. I am not concerned with the fancy stuff at this point. What I am concerned with is what works.... Granted I am only a white belt and at the beginning of my journey, but I have written down just about every solid move that I know from each position. This way, I can study and perfect my
game off the mat. I am hoping that your book even further enhances my skills off the mat.

Well this method of self training is great but it does not accomplish one aspect of the game. I refer to this as situational awareness. It is great to learn every move in the book. But it simply doesn't work unless you know when to apply them.

Here's my example of me applying these moves and avoiding the infamous ego tap....
I am fortunate to be a part of a great school. John, who is one of the guys in my class is a much better grappler then me. I enjoy rolling with him. I can almost guaranteed that he will tap me out within the 10 minute time period. However, this is great for me. Some people probably wonder why I think this is great....Well I'll tell you, I can see what he used to succeed against me. I try to figure out how he got me there. I'll even ask him how he got me to that position. The funny thing is he'll actually tell me.

This is GREAT!!! I can now use it on someone else. The bottom line is I am not remotely upset when I get tapped. I actually am excited because I know I just learned something new. I also know how to get someone into that position because I put myself in it and most of all I
now know how to get out of that position. Who better to learn from then yourself, right?

Thanks for the inspiration, the training and teaching of the mental aspect of game. I have an awesome instructor on the mat, now I have a great instructor off the mat as well. The combination shall be lethal!

A little about myself...Well I am a Combat Systems Engineer working on the Next Generation of Navy Ships. I work a lot of hours and travel a lot for work. I have a masters in Software Engineering and will be going back to school for a law degree. As you can see my time is limited. However, with proper time management I have integrated my BJJ training into my schedule. I feel it gives my life proper balance. Good exercise, good health, and the
great people that are attached to the sport are priceless.

Thanks Again,

Aaron Jacobson
White Belt
Chad Lebrun "The Lab"
Fredericksburg VA

"I find your POSITIVE encouragement talks to be very helpful"

hello Mr IRVIN. my name is kaygo haga im currently training out of
CAIQUE JIU JITSU in Carson CA. ive been training for roughly 6 months
and i am currently white belt 2 stripe. i find your POSITIVE
encouragement talks to be very helpful. before i found out about your
methods i found myself giving up once i was in a bad position like when
someone has my back or when someone is working for the armbar. NOW that
i do the self talks in my head i find myself being more relaxed and
waiting for my opponent to make the mistake so i can counter it. one
rolling session in particular worked very well for me. i was rolling
with a blue belt that has about 4 years experience and about 20 lbs
advantage on me(im 155) and i was rolling with him he went to pass my
guard, but i counted with a double leg sweep and mounted him. i caught
his arm before he could get into proper position (at this time my master
was coaching the guy i was rolling with) "protect your arm" i see his
arm in a bad position so i go to armbar, but he counters by slipping his
arm in just enough so i couldn't finish him. He then proceeded to stack
me hard. i thought to myself "its ok ill get him next time!" i then
immediately switch my target from his arm to his neck and caught him in
a triangle! it was the best feeling. what made it more amazing was that
my master was coaching the other guy and i still submitted him

thanks alot for all your help

kaygo

"All of the B