Interested in speeding up progression?

• Have you started Jiu-Jitsu in the past six months?
• Does the terminology, techniques, and concepts, still seem impossible to grasp?

IMMERSE yourself

Immerse : Involve oneself DEEPLY in a particular activity or interest.

This is a concept I preach to all frustrated students that are just starting out. It is the quickest way to get things moving along. Plus, the learning is nearly accidental and subconscious. You don't have to be studying, just enjoying and watching. Your brain is starting to make Jiu-Jitsu an habitual thought process.

​Don't take your time with progression. Hop right in, "Gulp" the information down and let your brain start to sort it all out. But, there are difficulties associated with trying to immerse yourself in Jiu-Jitsu.

Some things are easier to IMMERSE in. Pretend you have just seen Basketball for the first time in your life. Just like anything else, you start to learn and it is SUPER confusing.

HOWEVER...On your way home

• You pick up "Sports Illustrated".
• You see kids playing Basketball at a park.
• You turn on the TV and see Basketball on "Sportscenter".
• You change the channel to find an NBA game.

Do you see a theme? Do you think this access to your "new" sport will help you learn quicker?

You will learn your "new" sport of Basketball VERY quickly because of the mainstream and constant access to the sport. Although it seems slight, you are hearing terms, plays, concepts, players names. You are seeing visuals of movement and other technical aspects.

This is a learning paradise for your brain. This extra sight and sound sensory and visualziation is going to work wonders the next time you step onto the court.

​To IMMERSE in Jiu-Jitsu you have to actively seek out information

​With certain activities, you are basically surrounded by information regarding the subject. This is usually the case because of mainstream exposure and greater reaches of popularity.

With Jiu-Jitsu; you need to get the magazines, watch the videos, Google, go on YouTube, take classes, watch classes, subscribe to blogs. The information isn't as readily available, so it will take some searching, work, and motivation.

"Knowledge is best acquired and retained when effort is involved."
- Peter C. Brown "Make it Stick - The Psychology of Learning"

When you immerse yourself, you will hear foreign or abstract Jiu-Jitsu terms/techniques and start to recognize them by sound. Most likely, you have even seen the technique or situation if you have watched and read the right stuff. Your brain has an amazing way of sorting things out. You can try to slow down your learning and focus on little things and details one step at a time...this is good and will work, but it is going to be an arduous, slow process.

This is not necessary for learning anymore.

We live in an era and society of INSTANT information. We never had this before, and because we never had this, we HAD TO go slower and focus deeper because of a lack of resources. If I couldn't escape an arm bar, I might have had to wait SIX MONTHS to figure it out, 18 years ago when I started. Now you have access to the ability to look up and figure it out on your phone next to the mat.

There is so much to learn and the answers are at the tip of your fingertips. You now have the ability to Google your way through the ranks. But always remember, this is an ADDITION to your learning, nothing beats the time and experience on the mat. That almost goes without saying, or at least it should.

​But if you want to fast track your progression in the beginning, go out and start searching, start watching, start listening, all of a sudden, your grasp will be very deep and it will take half the time.

Your ability to execute may still be a ways away but your ability to LEARN and catch up on things will make that execution a much closer reality.
​
Eddie Fyvie - Immersed for life

White Belt --->Blue Belt

The estimated one - two year journey, from White Belt to Blue Belt is a whirlwind of new experiences, knowledge, and physical improvements. Finally, after all this time, things are beginning to make sense.

When you receive your Blue Belt, the instructor should feel confident in knowing that if you were to defend yourself against somebody unskilled, you should be able to stay safe. At this point, you should also notice that your movement, knowledge, and reflexes are surpassing students with less experience.

I believe the White Belt works in FOUR phases...

Acquisition : Receiving new information for the brain to process.

Making Sense : You are starting to grasp the basic principles and techniques/positions that make up the art of Jiu-Jitsu. You are beginning to drill smoother and can retrieve techniques you have learned.

Reflexes : You can drill the techniques and have the ability to flow through multiple positions from memory and feel. If you are put under stress (live), you may still struggle.

Street safe/Basic Rolling : On the cusp of Blue Belt, the instructor should start feeling confident if you were to defend yourself. Also, you are starting to feel semi-comfortable with Jiu-Jitsu vs. Jiu-Jitsu rolling/grappling.

The struggle from Blue --->Purple

Every new belt has a "growth" period.

It is like a kid whose parents got him new shoes that are too big... but THEY KNOW he is going to grow into them eventually. That is what a new belt is like.

You look down at your waist and don't always feel like you are ready for the next step. At Blue Belt this is even more evident because of the fact that other Blue's do really well against you and Purple Belt seems like a far off, distant, unreachable land. This belt is most likely where you will spend the longest time in your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

Here is the deal...

You are basically still "new" to Jiu-Jitsu and the problem with most practitioners is, they place emphasis ONLY on their PERFORMANCE in live training! At this point, this is a small piece of the puzzle. The most difficult part of Jiu-Jitsu is, the ability to execute techniques, live, against knowledgeable training partners.

Being able to "roll" well is something that starts to happen on its own through persistence. It is hard to evaluate the big picture like this and it is IMPOSSIBLE and pointless to evaluate yourself as there are lots of factors that go into sparring success.

Instead of looking at "Did I tap vs. Did I tap someone", start setting micro goals in your sparring sessions. These will help you evaluate things much better. They can be as simple as...

1. I don't want to get submitted by other Blue Belts.
2. I want to work on my mount escapes.
3. I want to see if I can stop my guard from being passed.

Setting MICRO goals will help you precisely determine how you are progressing!

​Being Persistent - Finding a Schedule

If you have made it to Purple Belt, you have figured out how to fit Jiu-Jitsu into your personal life, family world, and work schedule. At Blue Belt, you are still facing the struggle of balancing life and training. It is a tough battle and it takes some creativity in figuring out how to make it happen.

Jiu-Jitsu is WAY MORE than just a workout and people will generally do almost whatever it takes to make sure they get the Jiu-Jitsu therapy!

Stay the course, it is worth it. There is not a "disappointed" Black Belt on earth. They all know that when you can conquer an activity like Jiu-Jitsu, life starts to appear like a walk in the park.

FOUR common issues that sabotage the journey to Black Belt

Work: Your profession will be better when you do Jiu-Jitsu. If you can't afford Jiu-Jitsu because you lost your job, BRING IT UP to the instructor. It can usually be figured out.

The ultimate quote from someone who stopped Jiu-Jitsu because of work... "I wish I never stopped, I am so miserable." Ok then don't stop..."I need the money."
You need to be happy and if your happiness doesn't add up to your bank account, your bank account won't make you happy.

Kid's : Bring your kid's to do Jiu-Jitsu. If it's a newborn, take all the time you need, and make your return to the mats when you are ready. When the baby is born, make sure you create an action plan to facilitate a smoother return.

Personal relationships : COMMUNICATE. Sell them on why you "need" Jiu-Jitsu, not why you "want" Jiu-Jitsu. Also, involve them in Jiu-Jitsu. Perhaps through classes, social events, or bring them to meet everyone. He/She will be absolutely blown away by the camaraderie and friendships established in Jiu-Jitsu. If you keep them separate from it, they will NEVER understand.

Laziness : Step ONE > Stand Up ---- Step TWO > Grab your gear ---- Step THREE > Get in your car ---- Step Four > Drive to class. What is so difficult : ) ???
​
Eddie Fyvie

SUMMARY

• In this article we are going to talk about THREE different types of PRESSURE.
• Some common misconceptions on PRESSURE.
• How to induce panic using 50% submission threats. At the end of this article, I will give you insight to finishing your advanced partners.

The THREE Types of Pressure

1. Weight distribution pressure.
2. Pain compliance pressure.
3. Panic pressure. (THE ULTIMATE)

Being able to create "PRESSURE" is something all Jiu-Jitsu practitioners search for. It is the one thing that you always hear about when someone trains with a HIGH LEVEL Jiu-Jitsu artist. But what is it that they are actually doing? Sometimes the idea of "pressure" gets lumped into one category that equates to only a piece of "pressure."

Close your eyes...
Try and picture "pressure"...what do you envision? I guarantee most of you pictured WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION pressure or being crushed. This type of pressure is massively important and quite common, but I do not believe it to be the main factor in the pressure equation. Defining all pressures and being unable to describe their meanings will bring a lot of students to a plateau.

Big guys distribute their weight technically, but sometimes lack angles to really demonstrate technical efficacy.
Small guys will eventually figure out how to distribute their weight, but, they may be too small to make that weight extremely worrisome to the bigger, high-ranking individuals. So they must add other elements.

Weight Distribution Pressure
Weight distribution is arguably one of the most important concepts or elements of Jiu-Jitsu. Speed will go away with age, strength will go away with age, but your ability to use your weight will not. Using your body weight correctly will allow you to use less energy while your opponent exerts more. It will force lower belts to fatigue very quickly and force higher belts to become frustrated faster. Against higher belts, using your weight will sometimes take longer to achieve the desired result, but the odds are in your favor!
Henry Akins || Death Below Side Mount Check out this example of WEIGHT!

If you are going to become effective with your weight, you must understand the following...

1. Weight on Top : Guard Passing, Side Control, Mount, Back Mount, etc.
2. Weight While on Bottom :Closed Guard - Using the weight of your legs consistently on the opponents back with angles to assist. Use your legs more.
3. Shifting Weight : Rotating, dropping hips, lifting hips.
4. Angling Weight : Understanding that sometimes it is an angle to your opponent or space that allows you to either be heavier or scarier due to the consistent discomfort.

Proper Weight Distribution = Less squeezing & holding.
Proper Weight Distribution = Less energy by you & More energy used by them.

To develop the effective ability to utilize your weight, you must focus less on moving and more on using gravity to feel like your opponent is drowning in cement or under a thousand pound wet blanket.

When you begin experimenting with pressure, add in more weight to positions and movements, you will get swept and tipped due to an over commitment of weight. This will subside through practice. As it subsides, your training partners will begin to HATE YOU because of the weighted pressure they are under.

Frustration causes faster failure.
Being stuck under body weight for lengths of time will sap your adversaries will power and make them feel like they were being crushed by a truck.
***To deal with defending the weight, try the following ***

• Focus on breathing. Most of the crushing pressure will come when you are on your back.
• In open guard, make more distance to keep weight off and prevent stacks.
• When the monster is landing in side or knee to belly, pick your head up to contract your abdomen and protect your ribs/sternum from injuries and make sure to draw your limbs in close to avoid shoulder/wrist/elbow injuries.
• Try to keep your knees below your waist line for better postural alignment and if the knee is above your waist, be on your hip, so the weight doesn't crush a rib or rotate your leg inward, allowing ligament injuries on the knee.

Pain Compliance Pressure
You see this type of pressure quite often in Catch Wrestling and random spots in regular grappling and Jiu-Jitsu practice. They will utilize Pain Compliance to force quick reactions and openings for the "Catch" or submission.
Fujiwara || Catch Legend || Pain Master Check out this video!

This type of pressure elicits quick and sharp responses from the receiving opponent. They will feel the pain and flinch/jump/freak out in response, is usually giving you what you want. It is not as effective when applied against higher ranks because they have developed the "comfort in discomfort concept by the time they are advanced.

1. Sawing : Using the elbow into pressure points, predominantly the jaw or front deltoid.
2. Shoulder Pressure : From side control, people will use this to crush the jaw or sometimes choke. It will usually cause a quick reaction.
3. Knee to Belly/Knee to Neck : This could fall in the weight category, but I usually see people react sharply from discomfort of the knee on stomach or neck.
4. Muffler : Although this involves airway restriction, it falls into this category because of the reaction it solicits.

I will say this...If you use "Sawing, Knee to Neck, or Muffler" you will be having fun doing BJJ by yourself. Nobody will feel like rolling with you while having elbows dug in, filthy hands covering mouths, and bony kneecaps digging into the neck.
However; these tactics can be useful and you should prepare for them and learn to use them for tournaments, fights, or to lay down the law!

The Ultimate Pressure = PANIC
In the beginning stage of Jiu-Jitsu you feel panicked in bad positions constantly. You don't breathe properly, you don't think straight, you think you are always on the brink of submission...
Suddenly, after hours of practice and knowledge acquisition, things become a lot more clear and less stressful for you offensively and defensively . It is easy for a higher level BJJ practitioner against a lower belt to induce PANIC. Finding your way into a dominant position will award you the response you are looking for.
The hard part begins when your techniques that worked when they DIDN'T KNOW stop working when THEY KNOW.

Let's look at ways to get people to open up and give you submissions even when they are ready to defend. This is the ultimate level. Instead of firing the gun and hoping it hits its target...Aim it, control it, get point-blank and BOOM!

1. Position Control : It starts with positional dominance and control.
2. Kill Their Escape : If your submissions aren't immediately available and the person has a full gas tank, kill their escapes. Focus only on countering their escapes. They will become frustrated once they feel that they have nowhere to go.
3. Sub. Attempts : Once position is controlled, start to threaten their arm/neck/leg, they MUST respond.

In steps ONE and TWO, you are inducing panic by making them feel as if there is no escape. You are backing them into a corner and they feel like they have no other choice. They must do something desperate to get out. The dominance of position can create submission opening through anxiousness.
Step THREE is the almighty. It is the ONE pressure that creates the submission finish nearly every time or at the very least will lead you into a more dominant position. When the threat of a potential submission is happening, they HAVE TO respond. The effective way to attack a submission against someone who isn't giving one is to..

1. Dominate position and counter escapes.
2. Start to attack a submission at 50%. Let's use the arm as an example.
3. When they block the arm, go for the neck. Only at 50%.
4. Finish the neck or go back to the arm at 80%, the finish should be there.

If the submission progression strategy doesn't work, a different positional opportunity will surely open up!
Kron Gracie || Dominating Position || Always Finishing Check out this example!

Pressure in BJJ is like pressure in life.
By inducing panic on your opponents the pressure will cause them to crack. Just like in life, the best and most experienced, are much better at dealing with pressure. But luckily in BJJ, you can choke their neck and make them submit to the pressure :)
​
Eddie Fyvie - Email me, edfyvie@hotmail.com let me know how this is working.

>>> This blog is meant to give perspective on the reality of the world we live in <<<

Scenario
You have your two kid's in the car. They are arguing and making a mess in the back seat.
Suddenly, you cut someone off in traffic. They are ANGRY. They shout insults and follow you into a parking lot.

They get out enraged and have nothing but violence on their mind. You immediately attempt to de-escalate the situation, but there is no hope. They are twice your size and they do not care about your kid's being in the car.

What do you do? How would you make out?
In this moment, your children are either going to be enlightened with trust, confidence, and pride for their dad.
OR...For the rest of their life, they will live with a subconscious fear of the unknown and will not look at you the same. If you think that isn't true, you are mistaken, I have seen it many times over the years and have had countless student's sign up because of similar situations.
The fear & consequence of violence
This fear is present in all of us. Every action that you make has a primitive element hidden within it. The threat of physical violence is the ultimate consequence to any action you make.

*By the way, having a gun will help you minimally. What if some big DRUNK football player walks up to you and slaps you in front of your wife. Will shots be fired?*

This threat is what ALLOWS someone to speak their mind or PREVENTS them from speaking their mind.

• You walk through the hallways as a child and keep your mouth shut around the "Big Kid" because you are terrified of becoming the target.
• A temperamental customer at work, flips out and you must give in, not because of right vs. wrong, but the fear of the potential escalation.

I was bullied at a young age and was forced onto a quest for realistic Self-Defense. When I saw Jiu-Jitsu, I NEEDED it and I made a conscious decision that I would never allow myself to walk around scared ever again. It was the best decision I ever made and it allowed me to conquer every goal I set forth in my life. I could talk with confidence and walk with confidence. The fear, hopelessness and bullying went away forever.

Lead by example
Quick story...
My father always had a quick switch. He wasn't the most level-headed individual. I remember a time as a child when a parent shouted an extremely disrespectful insult toward me during a children's basketball game.
I saw my father walk up to the person, the person stood up to scare my father and suddenly pushed my dad. I was TERRIFIED! Within two seconds, my father had the other parents shirt pulled over his head and was blasting him with "Uppercuts".

As people jumped in to break it apart, the other guy fixed his clothing and wiped his bloody lip and nose. He walked out of the gymnasium, embarrassed, and came back the next day with a gift for me and an apology letter for my dad.

Watching my father stand up for me and stand up for himself, made me feel a sense of pride that was indescribable. He explained to me after that you "have to stand up for yourself and never back down." He also reminded me that he did not want to fight, but felt threatened and had to defend himself.

I felt protected as a child and felt invincible walking around with my father. Of course we weren't invincible, but my confidence and belief system came from the example set forth. My father had no formal training and was a unique exception. He grew up in poverty and was abandoned, and left without parents. He had to fight for clean bed sheets while living in an orphanage. This isn't the case for most.
Why not give Jiu-Jitsu a shot. I'm telling you now, that if you tried it, you would be hooked.

• Anyone proficient at Jiu-Jitsu, is proficient at life.
• Anyone that has mastered Jiu-Jitsu, has mastered life.

You need it for your own safety and mental sake. Your family needs you to have it for their sake.
​
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was developed through real fights.
The concepts and techniques are based off ACTUAL FIGHT analysis. No theories, just reality and truth.
You cannot protect your family if you cannot protect YOURSELF.Walk into business meeting with confidence. Walk into a social event with your head held high. Be prepared when the fight chooses you. You will survive and your kid's will thrive.

Eddie Fyvie - Try Jiu-Jitsu NOW CLICK to schedule a free class <<<<<<

Read below to learn about “problems” new students and life long students run into. 

LEARN how to CURE these situations!

We are all on a similar journeyPeople from all walks of life practice Jiu-Jitsu and people at different points in their life enter into Jiu-Jitsu for different reasons. In the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of observing and guiding individuals and families in their Jiu-Jitsu experience.

Although we are vastly different when we start Jiu-Jitsu, we form into a similar mold over time and wind up becoming something comparable to a “family.”
The training and personal connections created in a BJJ Academy, ignite a fire inside of our students. A fire that is driving them to become the best versions of themselves.
But for some, the journey becomes difficult over time because of a disconnect between the practitioner and their family. If you do not focus on certain steps and understand some important procedures, your passion for Jiu-Jitsu will start to fade and it will become very difficult for you to do what you want.

The THREE following disconnections can make for a “bumpy ride”.

1. Spousal disconnect.
2. Children disconnect.
3. Family disconnect.

The spousal disconnect

Adults enter our school on a regular basis and quickly become “hooked” on Jiu-Jitsu. This can be a weird time for the spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend at home.

We must realize…
YOU before Jiu-Jitsu, is different from the NEW YOU after Jiu-Jitsu. This is tough for them to grasp. Now they have to get used to you being away at night, being focused on something else, developing new friends, and creating new lifestyle patterns. These are all positive things, but to someone who isn’t completely involved, it can be alarming and shocking.
As a BJJ student, don’t be arrogant to the fact that the spouse at home doesn’t understand everything Jiu-Jitsu is.
They aren’t doing it, they aren’t around it, and they don’t get it. At best, they are completely annoyed and frustrated with this new “crazy” adventure and probably equate it to a mid-life crisis.
I don’t blame them. I used to get frustrated until I took a step back and put myself in their shoes.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a progress. Working together is a SUCCESS!” – Unknown

<<THE CURE>>

1. Introduce them to BJJ classes. This way they can FEEL the effects themselves.
2. If they don’t want to do or don’t like Jiu-Jitsu, bring them around social functions that involve your teammates. They will befriend them and also understand what amazing people Jiu-Jitsu students are. The art BREEDS humility and respect. Two pillars of social effectiveness.

DO NOT push Jiu-Jitsu on them. DO NOT force them to watch every UFC or every YouTube video that you enjoy.

Connect them with the art or connect them with the people. I guarantee it will turn the bumpy ride into a smooth one. They will understand WHY you are always training!
The children disconnect How come Dad/Mom aren’t home EVERY NIGHT anymore? All of a sudden, you aren’t there. They wonder why. They are confused. It creates an imbalance and will most likely put your training to a halt. They are engrossed in their youth activities and are used to YOU being engrossed in their activities, now you have your own activity that takes focus off of them.

Obviously, you are doing your best to not let your new hobby interfere with your home life, but your spouse will be frustrated with the increased workload with the kids and your kids are upset that Dad/Mom isn’t home. It’s a tough change. Humans do not generally like change.

<<THE CURE>>

1. Bring your kids to the gym to hangout.
2. Bring them to Jiu-Jitsu classes.
3. Play Jiu-Jitsu at home with them. (Notice I didn’t say “train”, make it a game.)
4. Tell them stories of Jiu-Jitsu history that make the arts founders out to be like superheroes.
5. Do not allow it to be an activity that YOU do alone. It needs to be something that you tell people “WE do.”

If you allow this disconnect to manifest for too long, your path through the art will be a tumultuous journey. It is a part of your life, make it a part of theirs.
I am sadder me when I see a student quit because of family. I have realized that it is more likely a lack of family involvement.

“That which a man willingly shares, he keeps. That which a man selfishly keeps, he loses.”– Unknown

The family disconnect 
” Are you still doing that Karate stuff? ” 
Most BJJ practitioners have heard this question on more than one occasion from more than one family member. The question isn’t annoying, it’s the tone that they undertake while saying it. Almost saying it in a way that makes you seem like you are engaging in a childlike, immature activity.
But…

How are they supposed to know better? They don’t know what Jiu-Jitsu is and they suddenly see their mature, adult, relative, starting up something that they relate to kids.
The disconnect grows stronger as you get frustrated by their lack of understanding with what you love. It eventually turns into you shutting them out from conversation regarding Jiu-Jitsu and avoiding the topic at all cost.

<<THE CURE>>

1. When they ask you about your “board breaking.” Laugh. Explain and educate them on the difference. If they ask more questions, give more answers. If they aren’t interested, don’t be interested in getting them interested.
2. Teach them something that showcases the “Magic.” Do this in private or bring them to a class. Don’t make it too painful, make them feel powerful.
3. Bring Jiu-Jitsu people around. Let them see the good nature for themselves.

The conclusion
Involve them. In some way shape or form. Them getting involved with classes is only one way. Involve them on it physically, socially, and emotionally. All parents, all spouses, and all relatives would be in THEIR GLORY if their loved ones participated in similar activities. Don’t let the opportunity slip away.
Get them connected to the art. If that doesn’t work, connect them with the people.
If you want to do Jiu-Jitsu forever, remember, your family and friends do not understand what you are doing. Just like you are taught. Teach them. Don’t give up. They will love it and that will make your life much easier, stress free, and happy.

Eddie Fyvie Friend me on Facebook || Instagram

" One of the greatest tragedies in life is being good at the WRONG THING." - Joel Salatin

Originally...

When I started training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, I had a dream that one day I would be good enough to represent Jiu-Jitsu in the "War" on Martial Arts. Jiu-Jitsu changed my life and I wanted to be on the front lines doing battle for the art. I had visions of fighting in Rorion Gracie's, UFC and walking down the aisle with the Gracie train...

Unfortunately, by the time I was old enough, The UFC had been moved in a completely different direction. It turned into a different company with a different vision and now the term "MMA" was coined. My focus then switched to becoming an MMA fighter (accidentally, as time went on). Reflecting back on this, this forced my values to change. I started conforming to the sport and training how everyone else was training. I went from trying to be the best FOR ME to being the best FOR THEM.

"The opposite of Courage is Conformity." - Rickson Gracie

I wanted to fight for the art and when the shift occurred I started fighting for money, visions of fame, and misguided rewards. What amazed me was the fact that I was tougher, hungrier, and more focused when I wasn't making any money fighting or even thought about making money.

The Vision Was Blurred

As I grew up I found myself dreaming of representing Jiu-Jitsu, dreaming of overcoming obstacles from my childhood. I would've fought for Jiu-Jitsu in any conditions, against anybody. I wanted to live and breathe Jiu-Jitsu forever. This didn't have much to do with PPV or hype up interviews.

Half way through my MMA career I was complaining about not making $250 extra dollars on a contract. I was worried about what fight I was on the fight card. How many tickets I sold and what type of shorts I was wearing. What did I turn into? What does this tell us?

Your personal values and your WHY must be bigger than the goals. You must stick to these values and ALWAYS remember WHY you started. WHY you continued and then finally WHAT you want to be said when it is all over...

A few fights before I halted my professional career, I started to find IMMENSE joy in teaching Jiu-Jitsu. I had been teaching Jiu-Jitsu side by side competing my whole career. I always "liked" teaching, but didn't realize the true accomplishment and happiness I would feel from teaching. I thought fighting, winning, and smashing rivals was everything. But as I taught more, I found joy, as I taught more, I saw IMPACT, I saw my future. I saw my past help my future become clear and I saw people impacted like I was. This reminded me of the "WHY."

I realized that I could change THOUSANDS of people's lives by spreading and teaching art.

The fight for Jiu-Jitsu had been fought by the Gracie Family, my job was to be a MESSENGER of the art!

Professional MMA taught me some amazing life lessons, gave me great stories to tell...but I was "good at the wrong thing." MMA gave me empty victories, I never truly FELT like a champion because I was always trying to one up myself. Teaching gave me an insight on how I could give back through knowledge, how I could help people, and how I could change the world.

My GOALS originally, were and always had been for Jiu-Jitsu, for the art, the thirst for knowledge and empowerment. I believe MMA helped with that, but it also got me off track from reaching out to people that need Jiu-Jitsu just like I needed Jiu-Jitsu. Some people were made to compete and are competitors in the truest sense. It has nothing to do with some analogy of a wolf to a sheep. It has to do with doing what you need in life to give yourself the path to purpose and happiness. If fighting and competing provides the ultimate satisfaction...DO IT and be the best at it, settle for nothing less.

• If you are doing something for reasons that don't involve personal happiness, true purpose, and a LOVE for the craft...the bus is going in the wrong direction, get off!

• I am a messenger of the art, I fought to test myself. I competed to improve myself everyday. I learned what not to do and learned the hard way.

• My job now is to relate my experiences to the future generation so that they will be better versions and will continue evolution, leading by example, which is the only way!

Eddie Fyvie - Jiu-Jitsu was my guide to finding the meaning of life.

What Jiu-Jitsu IS vs. What It IS NOT

​In 1993, the first UFC took place in Denver, Colorado. The whole event was structured and designed to showcase Martial Arts on a global platform and to find out what the MOST EFFECTIVE and REALISTIC form of Self-Defense/Martial Arts was. Jiu-Jitsu won quite easily and shed light on a certain “reality” that other Martial Arts were missing.

Jiu-Jitsu Is Reality

The purpose and principles of Jiu-Jitsu involve having a fundamental physical and psychological perspective of a real Self-Defense encounter. The art is based around the concept of “A smaller person being able to survive an attack by a MUCH larger individual.” This philosophy and approach created by the Gracie Family, after a century of fighting, analyzing and honest reflection, laid the foundation for GRACIE JIU-JITSU.

The core and the root of Jiu-Jitsu

• Starts with Self-Defense
• Continues with Jiu-Jitsu vs. Jiu-Jitsu training.
• Self-Defense training & JJ vs. JJ training combine to become ONE.
• There is no end. You evolve and learn more, with “New Eyes”. Things are finally clear!

#JiuJitsuTeachesYouHowToFaceLife

MMA Is A Sport Developed Based Off Of American Culture

With the success of the first UFC, more UFC events began to follow. With the financial success of the first UFC, more opportunistic business men created other events and businesses to follow. This heightened exposure and this combined with our societies new found understanding of “Reality Based Martial Arts”, it forced all other disciplines to LEARN Jiu-Jitsu and evolve with the times. This combination of Jiu-Jitsu and other “traditional” Martial Arts created MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.

American culture is fascinated and addicted to “sport.” Our society is also obsessed with violence and at the same time totally against it (I know, doesn't make sense #Life). I always viewed the ORIGINAL UFC's, in it's purest form, as the most advanced case study for Self-Defense and Protection. I wanted to know what worked, what was real, and what made sense to my life. I did not see it as a bloodsport because I was trying to understand the technique. This was mostly due to the fact that I was in a SEVERE NEED for REAL Self-Defense due to the bad area I lived in.

We must remember, it was only meant for ONE NIGHT!

Over time the bloodsport turned people away, ushered it into a “dark age” and revived with ZUFFA to create “sport with blood... sometimes” that now has a lot more rules and safety precautions. Now Jiu-Jitsu is the most integral part of the sport and is combined with other disciplines, but we need to remember Jiu-Jitsu's, reality based concepts for LIFE!

Jiu-Jitsu vs. Other Martial Arts

GRACIE Jiu-Jitsu was developed through real fights. It was developed through the most intensive “case study” ever done for the Martial Arts. They were not creators, they were INNOVATORS. They re-modeled the Japanese Art they learned through intensive study and HONEST results of their combat encounters.

Most other Martial Arts are generally based upon principles of “THEORY” and have not been practiced without limitations and restrictions. This is usually done unknowingly or because the culture and society they live in frowns upon the use of violence. All of these restrictive training practices, conformed thought patterns, and untested training methodologies allowed a manifestation of incomplete Self-Defense systems.

All Martial Arts strengths and weaknesses, Jiu-Jitsu created a neutrality that allowed it to become complete. Below are some ideas of what certain Martial Arts are more applicable for...

• Krav Maga = War
• Judo = Sport
• Tae Kwon Do = Sport
• Boxing = Sport
• Wrestling = Sport
• Kung Fu = Fun
• Aikido = Science
• Jiu-Jitsu = ART - STREET - SPORT

Jiu-Jitsu Is FOR ALL

This amazing art is more of a lifestyle than an activity. More of a way to face life, than face opponents. When you learn this, you learn why Jiu-Jitsu helps you in every area of your life and will be the only thing that never plateaus and evolves as you do. For the life we live, there is nothing better than a Martial Art that is...

• Strengthening the weak.
• Humbling the strong.
• Giving hope to those hopeless.
• Proving a hobby/passion for those seeking fulfilment.
• A sport for indivduals that want to become a champion.

Eddie Fyvie
www.EFJJA.com
Saratoga Springs , NY – Malta, NY – Ballston Spa, NY

Definition of "Quarterlife Crisis" : A period of life ranging from twenties to thirties, in which a person begins to feel doubtful of their own lives, brought on by the stress of becoming an adult.

The "Quarterlife Crisis" is a new age term being thrown around. It’s a relative to the well known, "Midlife Crisis." Each segment of your life represents a transition and crossroads into your future and these two crises can start to formulate very quickly, bringing on lots of stress, reflection, and irrational decisions.

I firmly believe that the immediate decrease in the pursuit of knowledge and lack of continued mental stimulation following the "end"of your traditional schooling, allows this crisis to develop.

Sometimes we are struck with a feeling of uncertainty; we are unsure of what we truly desire for our future. This is when the QLC manifests. It could be so many things. You may not have a firm grip on employment, finances, and relationships. It is hard to pinpoint an exact cause. We are complex creatures.

I have not been immune to this crisis and have only come out less scathed due to the principles learned through Jiu-Jitsu that taught me how to face life and difficult situations.

How will Jiu-Jitsu cure this "ailment"?

Jiu-Jitsu is the most proven and effective Martial Art for Self-Defense. However, the training that goes on within your subconsciously, will be the prescription of medicine you receive that leads to Jiu-Jitsu curing the crisis. It will require your ability to problem solve and provide you with a new set of eyes and 20/20 vision of the world around you.

As you train and practice Jiu-Jitsu you begin to progress through techniques and become skilled. However; along the way, you will start to see MUCH GREATER effects!

Here are FOUR reasons Jiu-Jitsu helps...

1. You are continuing the pursuit of knowledge after our standard, classical "Schooling" ends.
2. You are acquiring better ways to problem solve, focus, relax, and discipline yourself through the lessons and situations you face in practice. This is the "invisible" tool that starts to stimulate the areas of brain that are now starving for attention!
3. You will develop a camaraderie with individuals that are driven, disciplined, focused, and life healthy lifestyles. This positive social connection is unparalleled.
4. Jiu-Jitsu is an activity that forces you to continually improve yourself and move towards self mastery. The work and the effort that you put into this will start to bleed over into every aspect of your life.

"You are only as successful as the FIVE people you hang around." - Jim Rohn
​
Five transformations I have witnessed

1. Shy teenagers with no social skills become popular and get girlfriends/boyfriends.
2. Adults gain job promotions or start new businesses/careers.
3. Individuals become champions that may have never in another area.
4. Kid's getting better grades and social skills.
5. Women overcoming previous life obstacles and becoming empowered.

These are not coincidences and they are the WHY and HOW to how you and others can avoid or breakthrough the "Quarterlife Crisis" plateau. Never stop experimenting, trying, playing, and always look for better ways.

If you are someone that has used Jiu-Jitsu to enhance your life, I would love to hear. If you know someone that needs Jiu-Jitsu to help them reach a breakthrough in their life, make sure you introduce them to Jiu-Jitsu. It will be more than a favor, it will be a way to change and shape their life forever!

Eddie Fyvie
www.EFJJA.com
Saratoga Springs, NY - Malta, NY - Ballston Spa, NY

For the past TEN years, I have had the opportunity to teach thousands of kid's Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and have tried my best to empower them all to be successful in their lives. Through trial and error, training with Early Childhood Teachers, and working side by side with Jason Spector and Tom Murphy of Sweethearts & Heroes, I truly believe that our Children's Program has rounded out and become what I always envisioned.

However; over the years, as I have worked to combat and conquer all levels of Bullying and Social Issues our kid's face, I have realized that there is a sometimes MISSING ELEMENT...

Reforming The Bullies!

Jason Spector (Phys. Ed Teacher, Real Life Superhero) was the first person to bring this to my attention and it forced some deep thought on my part. It forced me to re-evaluate and change perspectives on how I viewed the Bullying Epidemic. Kid's are not born Bullies! There are TWO things we must come to understand in regards to "Reforming The Bullies."

1. I believe that there are LESS Bullies than there are targeted students. This can be argued, but it is usually the case.
2. These Bullies are usually misguided children that have terrible home lives or have not been given the proper educational life lessons kid's should receive.

Part One above, made me REVERSE most of my Anti-Bullying strategy. When I would ask children how many Bullies they know, the answer was ALWAYS one or two. There is simply a smaller percentage of Bullies. When Tom Murphy (SweetheartsAndHeroes.org) presents to school's all over the nation, he asks teachers to raise their hands if they can think of kid's that are Bullies. The hands always fly up in a matter of seconds! Are we all doing our best to REFORM the kid's that have accidentally become BULLIES?


When a student comes in who displays the character traits related to that of a Bully, my focus turns intently to them and I try my hardest to give them perspective on life, respect, and compassion and also see if I can get to the source of their problems and Self-Esteem issues. When I developed this focus, I noticed that these particular children had ZERO education in those life areas! I also, realized that a lot of the Bullies, in a positive light, were generally children that had greater physical attributes and verbal skills. Finding this, my idea was to try and nurture those gifts to help reverse their character "flaws" and turn them from villains into SUPERHEROES! They now will have the wisdom and awareness to go on and make other children on the cusp of being targeted feel IMPORTANT and SIGNIFICANT all while they increase their insecurities and Self-Esteem!

It is easy to overlook the Bully, but we must realize that these are children that were not born this way, they have simply had improper guidance, abuse, and limited life perspective.

This BULLY REFORM is a part of The Eddie Fyvie Jiu-Jitsu Academy's
THREE STEP action plan...

1. Bully-proof EVERYONE : Teach physical Self-Defense skills for protection & confidence.
2. Bully-proof BYSTANDERS : Learn effective ways to remove targeted students while bullying is occuring and support students we WITNESS being bullied.
3. Reform the BULLIES : Teach perspective, provide mentoring, and boost Self-Esteem to create Superheroes that were on the WRONG PATH.

We must focus on leading by example in a modern world where Bullying has now become a 24 hour personal nightmare for kid's. If we can be more vigilant and if we can practice the THREE STEP action plan, there is HOPE that our society and future generations will be destined for success.

- Eddie Fyvie
www.EFJJA.com
​Self-Defense, Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ, jujitsu) in Malta, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, and Saratoga Springs