29 Apr 2011



I'm very proud to be a contributor to UK based magazine Jiu Jitsu Style. Get your copy by ordering online at the website here: www.bjjstyle.com. On the website you can order single print edition copies, or digital mobile phone app copies or yearly subscriptions.

Here is a sneak preview of some of the content, which I contributed to:



There is loads of other bits and bobs from me in there but more than that, the magazine is a collection of some of the best BJJ media talents around and I'm humbled by the awesome efforts from my friends: photographers James Oluoch-Olunya and Mark Corpe, plus the writing talents of Can Somnez, Meg Smitley and Carl Fisher among many others. We're talking quality, high level writing and photography. Go buy it now!

:D

Jiu Jitsu Style - Issue Two Out Now

I'm very proud to be a contributor to UK based magazine Jiu Jitsu Style. Get your copy by ordering online at the website here: www.bjj...

27 Apr 2011

Continuing on from Part One of Ed's story, here he discusses how jiu jitsu has helped shaped his path towards a clean life lifestyle...


PART TWO

Meerkatsu: Let’s talk about jiu jitsu. How has your dedication to the sport helped you in your recovery program and how has recovering from addiction helped your jiu jitsu?

Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life: Ed Brown - Part Two

Continuing on from Part One of Ed's story, here he discusses how jiu jitsu has helped shaped his path towards a clean life lifestyle......

26 Apr 2011

Meerkatsu HQ has been busy busy busy designing ever more devious and cunning academy logos. Here are some of my latest designs, enjoy!

Chinese BJJ Group
Our little band of Chinese BJJers is growing as word spreads. Last week we got together for our second open mat and dim sum get together - this time within the exquisite matted rooms of Imperial College, London. Among the many things we all chatted about was the topic of what patch design to wear. Initially folk quite liked my Panda logo, but then I drew a dragon and it all took off from there. Thanks to the excellent patch printing services of Tatami Fightwear, we'll soon be rocking these patches very soon!

Here is one of my earliest sketches of the dragon. This is an example where design by committee can work for the better. I showed the sketch to the group and everyone seemed to suggest the dragon should loop into a triangle shape to symbolise BJJ a bit better:

Raspberry dragons and Chinese spiders - more of my crazy BJJ logos!

Meerkatsu HQ has been busy busy busy designing ever more devious and cunning academy logos. Here are some of my latest designs, enjoy! Chi...

25 Apr 2011

My good buddy Liam from the Part Time Grappler blog is a clever statistician type person who can take data and make sense out of them. I asked him a simple question: how many BJJ practitioners are there in the UK right now?
He used some available data on the EFN forum, used a model based on a ratio of white belts to blue belts and to purple belts in each academy, plus he emailed over a hundred BJJ academies asking for some data.

Here is his conclusion: http://parttimegrappler.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-many-people-train-brazilian-jiu.html

Now this figure might seem low, but it is not far out from what I thought would be the estimated number of bona fide regular BJJ practitioners in the UK - which is around 3,000.

I base my figure on my google blogger stats - who logs on and from where, plus ad hoc info I pick up during conversions with BJJ folk from all over the UK during my normal day to day activities. Whatever the actual figure, BJJ is growing fast and BJJ people like to spend money on expensive gis and fightwear...so advertisers take note, BJJ is a magic number.


:)

3 (or rather 2,500) is a Magic Number

My good buddy Liam from the Part Time Grappler blog is a clever statistician type person who can take data and make sense out of them. I ask...


Ed Brown is a purple belt BJJ student under BJJ School’s Felipe Souza. I’ve known Ed for a couple years now and we’ve worked together closely on a number of media projects. Ed wanted to share his personal story with me on this blog.

PART ONE

Meerkatsu: Hi Ed, let’s start by introducing yourself and telling the readers how long have you been training BJJ?

Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life: Ed Brown - Part One

Ed Brown is a purple belt BJJ student under BJJ School’s Felipe Souza. I’ve known Ed for a couple years now and we’ve worked together clos...

23 Apr 2011

Shama has been a photographer for a long time on and off.  She began as a B&W film photographer back in the 90's working on weddings and a variety of other assignments.  However, as a BJJ nut, she soon found her calling as a BJJ and MMA photographer.  For the past year she has been shooting MMA events for an online MMA site called US Combat Sports. 

I asked Shama to send me some of her favourite snaps. She tells me:

"I am my biggest critic so finding my "favorite" photos is not an easy task.  I selected these images because of the varying styles of composition and lighting.  Most importantly,  I like how they demonstrate the movement of the sport and capture the raw emotions on the competitor's faces. "

I like Shama's selections. She's has gone for composition and the body as an athletic, sculptural art form. If you squint, the figures presented here could easily grace the artistry that decorates an ancient Greek Olympiad item of pottery.

Enjoy:







Shama's portfolio and contact details can be found by visiting her website here: www.skophoto.com


:) 

My Favourite Photos by Shama Ko

Shama has been a photographer for a long time on and off.  She began as a B&W film photographer back in the 90's working on wedding...

22 Apr 2011


Summary
A funky little lightweight training hoodie styled for street wear casualness and gym wear cool.

Fightwear Review: Nogi chevron Hooded Top

Summary A funky little lightweight training hoodie styled for street wear casualness and gym wear cool.

20 Apr 2011


Summary
Ultra comfortable, effective sweat wicking rash guard to use as undergi apparel or for nogi training.

Introduction
Continuing my theme this week of reviewing an entire set of Nogi Industries fightwear, this rash guard is nice compliment to the HD shorts I reviewed previously. I like long sleeve rash guards much better than short sleeves, even in summer. I'm not sure why the preference but it may be the internal thought that more of my skin is covered by a potential barrier against skin-contact infections. Or it may be just because I think they look better on me.


Style and Design
The Velox is dye sublimated printed - which means the dye molecules are locked in to the fabric and will not fade, peel or crack compared to screen printed rash guards. It also means designers can print the rash guard in any colour combination. Here, the Velox opts for the simpler combination of Nogi logo and contrasting linear elements, very similar in style to the HD shorts.



Construction and reinforcements
The panels that make up the rash guard components are stitched together with big fat contrast red stitching. It is an impressive level of reinforcement perhaps not seen on a lot of rash guards. Similar stitching is also incorporated along the sleeve cuffs and base fold.


The collar is a simple round neck that is reasonably wide. some rash guards I have experienced in the past are a bit tight around the neck and can feel restrictive. Not the Nogi Velox however.

The armpit panels are perforated - presumably to aid the wicking away of sweat and allow some ventilation.


Comfort and fit
I must confess I don't have a lot to say about rash guards. I use them all the time under the gi and for this purpose, I'm as happy to wear these branded high tech rashies as I am the cheap sports store-bought version. For actual no gi training however, it is nice to wear something that is as ultra comfortable as this model. It reminded me a lot of the comfort of the Masaru rashguard (reviewed here.)


Summary
A nicely style,  comfortable and well constructed rash guard that complements other items from the Nogi range, especially the HD shorts.





:)

Gear Review: Nogi Long Sleeve Velox Rashguard

Summary Ultra comfortable, effective sweat wicking rash guard to use as undergi apparel or for nogi training. Introduction Continuing m...

18 Apr 2011



Summary
A tough and incredibly well-thought out pair of fight shorts designed for both grappling action and on street cool. I was very impressed with the incredibly high quality or production and added functionality of these shorts.


Nogi contacted me a while back asking me to review a bunch of products from their new line up - this review is part one of three Nogi branded items that I will be reviewing over the coming week.

Introduction
HD is all the  rage these days. You cannot flick on a TV or watch a movie without having everything HD blasted into your face. So I suppose calling your fightwear brand HD - presumably to imply the term High Definition - is to keep the marketing on message with the kids of today! Regardless, the first thing I noticed when picking up these shorts was how solid it was. It is a hell of a lot heavier and thicker than all my other MMA shorts. These babies are obviously designed to take a pounding.

Design and Style
I must confess I really dig the nogi logo. It nods strongly to the gothic fonts typical of most MMA brands but is much smoother and less aggressive. The only criticism I would add is that the umlaut above the 'O' can make it look like the letter 'a', so the word reads 'Nagi'. Which in itself is a cool word I suppose.

Nagi? Nah, Nogi.

The overall look of these shorts is sophisticated black with white embroidered accents. It is minimal compared to a lot of fight shorts but in a way, that's what makes these stand out more. A really really cute touch are the branded drawstring tips.

Cute laces!




Good fit
The HD fight shorts are held up by a plethora of features. There is of course the frontal velcro, then there is the aforementioned branded drawstrings. To the sides along the inside hem are some rubberised strips that grip the hips and to the rear is an elasticated section. Combined together, these features ensure that these shorts WILL NOT COME UNDONE!!!

Tip - all this velcro will ruin your wife's bras in the wash


You want secure? We give you quadruple secure!

Stretchiness
Of course no company in their right mind would release fight shorts without the obligatory split side vents and stretchy lycra bits around the groin. It means you can Thai kick to the moon and back and not suffer one iota of a wardrobe malfunction. It's been years since I could kick above my own knee height and, as I do not train MMA, it's a feature that is lost on me sadly. And in any case, for no go grappling, I don't think side vents are that important. But it is nice to know that these shorts will easily stretch and pull during the ebb and flow of a typical grapple.

Stretchy lycra along the gusset

Side splits - not too big, which I prefer

Cool extra bits
I wore these shorts and completely did not know that tucked inside is a large pocket. I guess for keeping hold of a gumshield. But for me, I'm thinking, ooh, nice place to hold my wallet and keys!

Big sack
Speaking of the insides, I really like the idea of double lining the shorts with more shiny lycra type material. It's like wearing a rash guard for your bum :D

Inside lining, cool!

Rolling performance and summary
I rolled some nogi wearing these shorts and they felt superb to train in. I guess as I am mainly a gi player, I really prefer the feel of a good solid pair of shorts on my legs, rather than the thinner types. I will post photos of me rolling in the shorts in the next Nogi Review Post, where I review the Nogi long sleeve rash guard.

To summarise - these shorts are absolutely loaded with features and are probably the toughest fight shorts I have ever had the pleasure of wearing. I also like the fact they the design is subtle enough that you can wear it out and about without feeling like a dorky UFC fanatic (apologies to dorks).

I know, I should eat more!


Credits, disclosure and further information
My thanks to Nogi Industries for sending me these shorts for review. You can buy their stuff online here:
http://www.nogi.com/home.php

This review represents my own opinions. I am not an expert in textiles or clothing etc, just a regular BJJ student who likes to review stuff. I consider myself independent and impartial - I am not sponsored by any one company nor do I endorse any one brand. I have a close dialogue with a large number of gi makers and sellers, some of whom I collaborate with on various projects that are unconnected with this review. If you have any questions about this review, please feel free to email me (see About Me) or post a comment below. I hope this review was helpful. Join my Meerkatsu Facebook page for further feedback on this review and the chance to win prizes in my regular contests.

:)

Gear Review: Nogi HD MMA Fight Shorts

Summary A tough and incredibly well-thought out pair of fight shorts designed for both grappling action and on street cool. I was very im...

16 Apr 2011



I've been looking into charities recently. I'm probably like a lot of people, I donate occasionally, usually in response to big telefon campaigns such as the recent Red Nose Comic Relief Day and other large events. I'll also buy stuff such as Scramble's Red Cross Japanese Relief aid t-shirt. It's satisfying to know that I can help  but with limited personal funds I have to pick and choose my donations carefully.

The poster above is a campaign run by British BJJer Clinton O'Shea. I'll let Clinton describe in his own words why he's doing what he is doing:

Charity in a hot pink gi!

I've been looking into charities recently. I'm probably like a lot of people, I donate occasionally, usually in response to big te...

10 Apr 2011

9th April 2011: Ricardo de la Riva at Mill Hill BJJ, London


It's not an exaggeration to state that Ricardo de la Riva Goded is an absolute legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The list of his achievements in the sport are too numerous to mention but I think it's sufficient to say that his stature is immense. So it was particularly interesting to witness how very few of the 40 people gathered here at his seminar actually noticed the diminutive 6 degree black belt walk into the dojo. One person who I was chatting to actually said: so where is he then? To which I replied: er, he's standing right next to you! Yup, the man who invented the techniques that bears his name has no airs or graces, he's completely and utterly humble, friendly, warm and loves to teach jiu jitsu. Which was good cos we wanted to learn!

Seminar Review: Ricardo de la Riva, Mill Hill, London

9th April 2011: Ricardo de la Riva at Mill Hill BJJ, London It's not an exaggeration to state that Ricardo de la Riva Goded is an abs...

8 Apr 2011



Summary
An affordable light weight uniform with a number of high quality features that helps it punch well above its weight. I like the bold yet balanced use of patchwork and found this gi to be light and comfortable during rolling. My sample fell slightly short along the sleeve length but full final production version will have longer arms. I rate this gi as very good value for money!

I was sent this gi directly from Submission Fight Company but they can also be purchased from BudoVideos.


Gi Review: Submission Fight Company Light Gi

Summary An affordable light weight uniform with a number of high quality features that helps it punch well above its weight. I like the b...

6 Apr 2011

People, there are moments in our jiu jitsu journey when you have to stop and say to yourself, woah! did that just happen???
Such a moment happened to me tonight when Prof Ricardo De la Riva arrived at our humble little academy in north London and took the class. It was superb. Every tiny detail he showed was immense and of course, rolling with him afterwards was a huge honour. I'm still buzzing from the high!

This whole week is De la Riva week at Mill Hill. I'll be spending all day under his tutelage on Friday and Saturday and I hope to sneak in a little training on Sunday and hopefully Monday too. Naturally I'll be doing some photography as well and my good buddy Can (Slidey) will be interviewing him for a future issue of Jiu Jitsu Style magazine.

I have to give thanks to my instructor Nick Brooks who talks about De la riva with the hugest respect. Nick visits Brazil every year and trains for a month or more at De la Riva's academy. Then he comes back and teaches us all the good stuff he picked up. And boy what good stuff there is!

Expect more about my time with Ricardo De la Riva in future posts. For now, some photos:

Me being smashed by De la Riva

Ditto picture #1 lol!

My instructor Nick Brooks with Ricardo De la Riva

Awesome to watch these two roll


:)

Professor De la Riva in the house!!

People, there are moments in our jiu jitsu journey when you have to stop and say to yourself, woah! did that just happen??? Such a moment h...

1 Apr 2011

While most of you were enjoying the live stream from the Pans last weekend, a bunch of others were competing at the UK trials for the World Pro Jiu Jitsu tournament. Here is a fave clip from newly promoted BJJ black belt (under Roger Gracie) Andy Roberts. You may want teeth grindingly slow tactical 50/50 matches with only one advantage between competitors, but you ain't gonna get it. Andy shows us how to win in ten seconds or less...






:)

The Flying Mr Roberts

While most of you were enjoying the live stream from the Pans last weekend, a bunch of others were competing at the UK trials for the World ...

 

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