SBGi Puerto Vallarta Camp success!

The 10th annual SBGi Fall Camp, which took place this Year at a deluxe resort in Puerto Vallarta Mexico was by all accounts . . fantastic. The Camp included three BJJ black belts, five SBGi Coaches, and took place over a 5 day training period.

*(note these sections did not occur in this exact order, and details are subject to change upon recollection)

Section #1: Started with a free roll with all the members, and the preceded into a Q and A section with all the Coaches. Topics included the definitions of a fundamental, things to look for when evaluating material (core principles, details on fundamentals, and something that directly affects your game), as well as many specific questions asked by Camp participants.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, pool volleyball, and a large dinner banquet followed.

Section #2: Featured SBGi Coach & BJJ black belt John Kavanagh's new "spider web" Guard material. This is a call out drill that acts as a counter to the well known SBGi "guard surfing" passing drill. This drill became an instant classic, and is sure to be passed on at all the various SBGi locations.

Swimming, lizard hikes, tequila bingo, and a large dinner banquet followed.

Section #3: Was taught by SBGi President Matt Thornton, and featured the breaking the line drill. Followed by a sweep, and the counter to the sweep which involved a very careful method of opening up the closed guard. Followed by rolling and another Q & A section.

Lounging by the pool, shopping in downtown PV, spider hunts, and a large dinner banquet followed.


Section # 4: Featured SBGi Coach & BJJ black belt Karl Tanswell teaching his latest innovations as they relate to BJJ and MMA. These included a comprehensive section on finishing from back control, as well as the new move known only as "pelican bay".

Laying in the pool, pina coladas, and a large dinner banquet followed.

Section #5: Was taught by Portland SBGi Boxing Coach Brian Walsh. Brian brought his creative and fun training methods to the camp, with some very unique drills that helped the athletes in development of proper position, footwork, balance, power, shifting weight, getting into the clinch, sparring safely, and "golf strokes".

Brian brings a lighter and more enjoyable vibe to the stand up game, which allows the athletes an environment where they can explore and learn in a fast, fun and effective manner. As Brian stated, "It's all about cutting angles, and getting the leverage to punch to hurt. . . .it's about movement and distance . . . good stand up is about lay ups, not free throws."

Dancing, scuba in the pool, a night time pirate raid, and a large dinner banquet followed.

Section #6: Was taught by SBGi Coach & BJJ brown belt Travis Davison. Travis focused on clinch with cloth, and covered some great competition set ups for starting matches. These included grip fighting, sleeve control, using the overhook and collar, and attacking from the guard.

Activities that followed to remain confidential, due to National Security.

Extra training session #7: On the last day of the Camp an extra training and rolling session occurred outdoors, and provided an additional opportunity for some final questions of the Coaches.

All in all a great time was had. . .look for the Spring camp to be held at the newly re-modeled SBGi Headquarters in Portland OR, sometime around March. Exact dates and sign up info should be available in the coming weeks. See you there!