What's the deal with BJJ Seminars?

**ojgsxr6** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 1:51pm

Who would you say does the best BJJ Seminars?

***jnp*** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 2:15pm

Must stop self from trolling purely subjective question...must stop...must...

That chick from Deep Throat.

**ojgsxr6** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 2:28pm

Originally Posted by jnp

1. Fairly common. The worth of the seminar will depend on the instructor, his teaching style and how appropriate the subject material is to your skill level.

According to your criteria who would you say gives the best BJJ Seminars.

***jnp*** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 3:05pm

Originally Posted by ojgsxr6

According to your criteria who would you say gives the best BJJ Seminars.

I've only gone to seminars taught by Rigan and Carlos Machado as well as my instructor, so IMO I don't have enough seminar experience to judge. Carlos and Rigan are both very talented and funny teachers that have a similar teaching style. I don't think I could pick a favorite as they are so close in style. At one seminar, I took a private from Carlos and I learned some very valuable techniques as well as the principles behind them. I learned more in that seminar than any other, big surprise. Personal attention=higher comprehension.

**infidel** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 3:34pm

what's the deal with big group promotions at seminars?

**Yrkoon9** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 4:20pm

The deal?

It is how a lot of guys cop out of actual training under a real instructor. They hope with all thier fiber that the instructor will have everyone spar at the end of the seminar, and catch his eye with his overwhelming technique (ie: creaming a worse white belt) and shockingly award them a belt on the spot!

I know it isn't always like that. But you would be suprised at the number of shitheads who go specifically for that reason.

***jnp*** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 4:30pm

Originally Posted by Yrkoon9

I know it isn't always like that. But you would be suprised at the number of shitheads who go specifically for that reason.

I'm sure they believe that, but how many instructors, or associates under them go to a seminar without having previously decided who was going to get promoted?

Also infidel, some associates that have their own dojos but are not black belts themselves are not permitted by their instructors to promote students. Thus promotions typically occur when the head instructor comes around for a seminar.

**Shuma-Gorath** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 4:40pm

Originally Posted by Yrkoon9

The deal?

It is how a lot of guys cop out of actual training under a real instructor. They hope with all thier fiber that the instructor will have everyone spar at the end of the seminar, and catch his eye with his overwhelming technique (ie: creaming a worse white belt) and shockingly award them a belt on the spot!

I know it isn't always like that. But you would be suprised at the number of shitheads who go specifically for that reason.

This is why our Professor always stays here for at least a week.

**Yrkoon9** · Posted On: 3/14/2006 5:06pm

Let me put it this way.

Amaury Bitteti came by my old school a couple years ago. Mostly for the guys at our gym. But Bitetti wanted to recoup some costs for his travelling, and was staying with my instructor for a week. I think he was doing 4 hour seminar for like 50 bucks. Something like that. I actually don't remember.

But I tell a few people, and then post on a message board someplace. Suddenly everyone is like....is he going to be doing belt promotions?!?!?!?!

I was like, .......

I had dry heaves at a Vitor Shaolin seminar once. It was kinda cool. His conditioning routine and excersizes were not for the feint of heart. And not for someone who didn't eat breakfast.

Oh...and make sure the instructor speaks English. Nothing worse than listening to some Brazilian try to correct you and you not speaking Portugese. Well..actually there is something worse. And that is signing up to be Uke for 2x 4 hour seminars so you can get in free and getting fucking pounded.