Mixed Martial Arts classes in Houston

Head Kicks in MMA

admin — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:07:01 +0000

Head Kicks in MMA

Head kicks in MMA are one of the most devastating, cool looking, high knockout ratio strikes there are in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. When you think about how much bigger the shin and foot is compared to a hand, it’s no wonder so many competitors fall to the head kick in MMA. I’ve always had a strong belief that you can get a lot out of watching videos or reading books for techniques, but to actually see the technique executed is a whole new ball game. Often times you’ll try to copy techniques that you’ve seen in an instructional video with a cooperating partner, but until you’ve seen it executed in a real match, you might not buy into it’s effectiveness. Such is the case with certain techniques, including the Head Kick in MMA.

Anthony Pettis executing a perfect Head Kick in MMA Competition.

Head Kicks in MMA in the Big Show

I recently watched a UFC event which had Yves Edwards fighting Tony Ferguson and repeatedly landing head kicks. Edwards was using a particular technique that seemed to work almost every time he would throw it. Each time the result was a thud of Edwards’ shin into the side of Ferguson’s head. Amazingly, Ferguson never fell down, but the kick was landing flush nonetheless. It took me a little while to realize exactly how Edwards was throwing the high kick, but once I figured out the mechanics of the technique, I couldn’t wait to use it in practice. This was going to be my new Head Kick in MMA.

Head Kicks in MMA During Sparring

My opportunity came that next week. I was having trouble setting up my Head Kick in MMA sparring from a southpaw stance (Edwards is a southpaw). Once I got into a bit of a rhythm, I decided it was time to try the move. So, I launched a hard jab followed by a straight left to the body, then came back to the head with my rear (left) leg. It’s safe to say the technique works, because after throwing that straight left to the body and coming back to the head with the same side leg, I had to hold back on the kick because it would’ve hit too hard. That would have been a fight ending Head Kick in MMA.

Practice the Best Head Kicks in MMA

Practice makes perfect and by practicing perfect head kicks, you will eventually have the best Head Kicks in MMA. Never underestimate the power of emulating someone who is where you want to be. Edwards is a top lightweight in the UFC and his technique is proof of that. I say take all of the best techniques from your favorite fighters and make them your own. Not only will you nail spectacular head kicks, but your overall game and openness to learning new moves will improve as well. Then you too will be dropping opponents with these Head Kicks in MMA.

Happy New Year from Team Tooke MMA

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:23:42 +0000

Well Team, I wanted to send out one last Email before 2011 makes its way into the history books and the New Year is upon us. I hope you all have had an amazing year and are motivated and excited as we move forward into 2012. As I reflect on the past 12 months I am amazed at what our team has accomplished together. A combination of Excitement, Determination and Uncertainty comes over me every time I ponder over what 2012 will bring. 2011 will undoubtedly be hard to beat as we accomplished more as a team than in all previous years combined. But, I’m up for the challenge and so is our team. All in all we managed to double our student base, add more classes to our program, amass an impressive winning record among our fighters (both Pro and Amateur), coached cage side at the UFC, add more instructors to the staff and at the time of this writing we are just finishing up with our very first Team Tooke Instructor Training Course.

Did we accomplish all that we set out to do? No, not everything. And we will certainly learn from where we did not succeed. But like always, we set the bar pretty damn high and 2012 we will set it even higher.

So what are our goals for the New Year? Well I’m not going to tell you everything, you’ll just have to wait and see. But here are a couple of them that I’m pretty excited about:

1. The Team Tooke Fighter House: Just like it sounds, this will be a house where Team Tooke Competitors will live, eat, sleep and train like crazy both day and night. The plan is to offer The Ultimate Martial Arts Lifestyle to a few special individuals who truly want to commit to becoming the absolute best Martial Arts Competitors possible. The goal is to create future UFC Fighters and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu World Champions. More details to come…

2. Team Tooke After School Kids Program: Our After School Program will be for kids ages 4-14 and will go above and beyond Great Technical Instruction. We will offer transportation from the local elementary schools and will run t he program from approximately 3pm to 6pm Monday through Friday. In our After School Program Kids will learn the importance of Respect, Discipline, Focus, Goal Setting and Team Work. I cannot wait to get this going.

Well there you have it. Just a preview of what’s coming. No Questions please, the details are not ready. Just the dream

So, did you accomplish your resolutions from 2011? I hope you were all successful in much, if not all of what you set out to change or improve upon in 2011. And if not, then now is the perfect time to get things going again. So I would like to hear from you all. What are some of your 2012 Goals and how do you plan to accomplish them? Please share. And if you don’t want to share them with me I completely understand. However, I hope you do share them with someone. By making your goals known, you will be much more likely to follow through with them.

PLEASE READ THIS NEXT PART

A few days ago I had the opportunity to go Duck Hunting for the first time in my life at my Uncle’s Ranch in La Grange, TX. Well, not really “hunting”. Only Coach Andrew and my brother, Coach JP had guns so I was just left to watch as neither of them shot a friggin thing. Apparently 7 ducks swimming around in the pond directly in front of them was not enough to convince the duo to try to shoot even once. They either have a real soft spot for Ducks or they just really suck at hunting them. Either way, the ducks in La Grange, Texas are completely safe from these two bird watchers.

So as I sat there freezing my butt off and occasionally whispering to them, “why don’t you shoot that one”?, I began to think about just how lucky I have been this year and all the amazing people in my life(I know, a weird place to get sentimental).

I feel that it wouldn’t be right not to recognize those who have made the success of Team Tooke Martial Arts Academy possible. So I would like to do that now…

First off I would like to thank my beautiful wife, Ingrid. This is a woman who took a chance on a guy who was living at his dads house and sleeping on the floor with no money to his name
(that’s me, by the way)when she moved to America in November, 2005. At that time she had no Local friends, Family or Fluency of the English Language. Now she has all three and actually helps out a ton in our Kids Jiu jitsu Program. Your wonderful support, enormous heart and high tolerance of my often idiotic personality make you an incredible person and I absolutely love you.Thank you baby.

To my Parents, who, no matter what else was going on in their lives always encouraged and supported me. Thank you for everything, I don’t know where I would be without you guys.

To my Awesome and Amazing brother, Coach John “JP” Tooke. Where do I begin? From the moment he joined the Team he has continued to impress me. He is, by far, one of the main reasons that we have had such a successful year and he brings a new level of Character and Passion to the team. I am truly in awe at what he has become as a person, a brother and he is someone that I honest to God admire. Through good times and bad (some really bad) we have become closer than ever as family and I couldn’t imagine a better friend or brother than him. Thanks for all that you have done for me and for making me laugh more than anyone on Earth

To my cousin and future UFC Champion Coach Andrew Craig. As cousins we have always had a great bond based on a common sense of humor and on who was the bigger smart ass. As coaches we share a common goal to help our students to the fullest of our abilities. And as Team Mates we work together to reach new highs both as Martial Artists and Coaches. While many business owners would be advised not to work with a Family Member, I have been blessed enough to work with Three who all help make this team extraordinary. Thanks for all that you do Coach Andrew, I am forever Grateful for the knowledge and leadership that you bring to this team.

To Coach Jose Llanas (Mr. Facebook), head instructor of our Spring location. Both a dedicate and successful competitor as well as an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Coach(for both Academies), Coach Jose Llanas is one of the most valuable members of our Team. Without his Passion and Dedication our Spring Academy would not even exist and our Jiu-jitsu Program as a whole would be nowhere near where it is today. Thanks for your continued help and dedication to this School

To my great friend and Coach/Owner of Team Tooke- Cypress and Future Black Belt, Miguel Castro. Coach Miguel started with our Academy several years ago and has since opened a Team Tooke Affiliate School Owner (moving in to brand new location at the time of this writing). Coach Mike, as many of his students call him is an inspiring and dedicated Jiu-jitsu and Martial Arts Instructor and one of my absolute best friends. He has built an Amazing Martial Arts Program with both the kids and adults that he teaches on a daily basis. He has helped me tremendously with new ideas when we meet every Monday morning along with Coach Jose, Coach Andrew and Coach JP. Thanks for all the laughs Miguel and I look forward to another memorable year working together.

To Team Tooke MMA Coach Jace Pitre, who has had an enormous impact on the success of our Mixed Martial Arts Fight Team. Coach Jace always brings a high level of intensity every time he comes to the gym. His knowledge of the fight game coupled with his passion for helping others makes him an extremely effective Coach. Coach Jace is a great friend, a gifted instructor and, believe it or not, one hell of an actor. If you don’t believe me just click here
(sorry Jace, I couldn’t resist). Thanks again my friend for everything you have done for this team.

To Sensei Ernesto Perez-Lobo. Your 1996 Olympic Silver Medal alone gives you credit above the majority of Martial Artists in the world. However, it is your dedication to coaching and helping others that is most impressive. You are one of the only Coaches who is willing to come in and train/teach on just about any holiday. Thank you for bringing a new level of Instruction and Knowledge to our Program, I am forever grateful

To our Phenomenal Boxing Coach, Lewis Wood. Your incredible knowledge of the Boxing Game along with your willingness to put in extra time with our student base is one of the reasons our Academy is what it is today. I am so honored to have you on the coaching staff and I truly appreciate all the time and energy you put into this team.

To Dr. Minh Luu, the Fitness Guru and Evil Genius of Plex Fitness. Dr. Luu is one of the top fitness experts here in Texas and he is the reason why our fighters and competitors always go into competition in peak condition. Dr. Luu is one of the most technical grapplers on the team and a Fitness and Rehab Genius. In fact, I don’t think I would be able to function with all my injuries were it not for him putting me back together on a weekly basis. Thank you for keeping me in shape, being a great friend and role model for myself and the team. You are the MAN!

To Team Tooke Affiliate-Midtown MMA Head Coach Chris Martinez. This Brand New Purple Belt is a Technical Jiu-jitsu Fighter and an accomplished Coach. He has developed an incredible Team Culture among his students and has only had his school for a short while. I can only imagine what will come in the years ahead. Thanks for all the support Coach Chris and I look forward to wrapping a Black Belt around your waist one day.

To Coach Jesse Soto, one of our Top Muay Thai Instructors, New Brazilian Jiu jitsu Blue Belt and one of the most dedicated students on the Team. Coach Jesse is probably the biggest advocate of our Program and brings an unmatched level of energy to the School every time he comes to class. Both a technical Instructor, a dedicated Martial Artist and a Great Friend, Jesse Soto is the Poster Child for Team Tooke MMA. Thanks for being such a great representative for the Academy. And just like we learned in the Instructor Training Course…”You’re Awesome, Jesse”!

To our Team Tooke Spring Muay Thai Coach Jimmy Bills. Coach Jimmy has been coaching for the school for years and is one of the most reliable people that I know. He is respected as a Coach, a Mentor and a Friend. Like any great Leader, Jimmy is always searching for new ways to improve the quality of his classes and that is why his students are so great. Thank you for everything you do for us Coach Jimmy. Much Respect

To Gilbert and Sheila Godbold for running the best damn Judo Competition in Texas year after year. Thank you for all your support of the Academy and for continuing to help the sport of Judo grow here in Texas. Be sure to check out their website at www.houstonopenjudo.com

To Coaches Cameron Graves and DJ Torres for dedicating their time and knowledge to the Kids in our Kids Program. These guys are two of the top Blue Belt Competitors in the Country, training hard every day and yet, they are still here every week helping our Kids reach their Martial Arts Goals. Keep up the great work guys.Thank you for being two of the coolest teens in the world and for kicking butt on the mat. Now get back to training!

To Patrick Saul and Charlie Pineda. Without your help in recent months our staff would be running around like chickens with their heads cut off. You two have brought some order back to the administrative side of the school. Charlie, you continue to kick but and are one of the most technical Blue Belts around. Coach Patrick, your help with the Team Tooke Spring Kids class has helped out monumentally. Our entire staff owes you both much appreciation. Thank you guys

To Professor Robby Rabadi, owner of Rabadi Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai in Round Rock, TX. Professor Robby has become a great friend and coach to our Team. He has sat alongside me as we coached Andrew Craig to victory on several occasions and is always willing to share his knowledge with our guys. Your teaching skills are only rivaled by your amazing Character. Thanks for all the help over the years and I look forward to many more to come.

To Kristin Suzette who has recently taken over the Women Only Fitness Boot Camp. I want to thank you for your enthusiasm and positive attitude toward this program. I have some big plans for this class in 2012 and I know you will be a great leader.

To Coach Joel Sturgeon, who continues to challenge me with “who can come up with the funniest text message to the other” (I would share some but they are, not exactly, appropriate. They are, however very funny). Coach Joel is a very savvy and technical Brazilian Jiu jitsu Brown Belt and someone who is always teaching me new things. I am completely honored to have someone of his knowledge and skill level sharing what he knows with all the students here. Thank you Joel for bringing a higher technical level to our team and for keeping me on my toes with the continuous Battle of Wits. You Rock Buddy!

To Eric Mota. Or, Coach Eric Mota I should say. Eric has stood in to teach the No Gi Class every week while I have been teaching the Instructor Training Course. He is one of just a few people that I know has the technical ability to teach a really great and technical class. Thanks for stepping up when I needed your help. You have been a life saver.

And finally to YOU, our incredible students. Without you none of this would even exist. I hope that we have succeeded in helping you reach your goals throughout this past year and I look forward to working with your for another 12 months in 2012. With the utmost sincerity I want to say Thank You for Everything and for making the Team Tooke Mixed Martial Arts Academy one of the top Martial Arts Schools in Texas

While I would like to include everyone who made the success of 2011 possible, the list would just be way too long. For anyone that I missed, I apologize.

Almost done, I promise

As we move into 2012 many People, the News and Media and about 21 million Websites are speculating over the potential global cataclysm, New Era and/or End of the World Countdown predicted by many(most notably the Ancient Mayan Civilization) to happen next December.

Well, honestly I am not very well educated on the subject so all I can say really is…

“I hope everything’s gonna be all right”

The truth is that no one knows for sure what the future holds but I hope this Doomsday Prophecy won’t deter you from living your life to the fullest over the next 365 (or so) days. I really don’t know what will happen in 2012. However, if we really are facing the end of the world, I plan on going out with a bang and fully intend to make this year my best year.
I hope you will join me.

Happy New Year Everyone

Strength and Conditioning for MMA

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:43:12 +0000

Strength and Conditioning for MMA is Vital

Georges St Pierre working on his strength and conditioning for MMA

Strength and Conditioning for MMA is one of the most vital training aspects from beginning amateurs to seasoned pros. Take an average athlete who is training in MMA and has a decent skill set and compare them to someone with that same skill set except this second person is faster, stronger, more explosive, and has better endurance. Who’s going to win? The athlete who is incorporating Strength and Conditioning for MMA.

Strength and Conditioning for MMA Should be Year Round

Strength and Conditioning for MMA training should always be ongoing. Often times, mixed martial artists take breaks from training in between fights which is understandable, but the successful ones are always doing something. One of the best times to focus on strength and conditioning for mma is when you aren’t focused on training for an actual fight. Then when your 8 week fight camp finally does begin, you are already an athletically improved version of yourself. So, same as the martial arts, you should never fully stop strength and conditioning for MMA.

Where Can I Do Strength and Conditioning for MMA

Strength and Conditioning for MMA can be done at specialty facilities, a regular gym, or at your home base MMA gym. There are several high profile strength and conditioning for mma coaches around the US, but by doing a little bit of research, someone can design their own regimen and do it with their coaches at their own gym. Most good MMA gyms are going to have their own section of weights, kettle bells, medicine balls, tractor tires, heavy ropes, etc. Team Tooke Mixed Martial Arts does an excellent job of providing it’s athletes with top notch strength and conditioning for MMA.

Strength and Conditioning for MMA Wins Fights!

Many fighters are unaware of the importance that strength and conditioning for mma plays in the success of their careers. Have you ever watched a fight where one fighter looks to be years ahead of the other fighter in terms of technique? They execute flawless takedowns, crisp striking, and beautiful near submission attempts. BUT, then the 3rd round rolls around and that fighter is gassed. They’ve got nothing left. Their arms and legs are full of lactic acid and their breathing is extremely labored. We’ve all seen it before, and this is where the fighter with the greater cardio due to strength and conditioning for MMA takes the fight over and comes out with the win/win bonus.

30 Days FREE Strength and Conditioning for MMA in Houston TX

So, if you’d like to take your MMA game to the next level by incorporating strength and conditioning for MMA then come take advantage of Team Tooke’s 30 days free! Please call today at

281-955-7300 or visit our website to get started on your strength and conditioning for MMA today!

Head Kicks in MMA

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:50:42 +0000

Head Kicks in MMA can end a fight in a split second

Yves Edwards made Head Kicks in MMA Famous

Head Kicks in MMA have proven effective time and time again in numerous Mixed Martial Arts Competitions, most notably the UFC. There are numerous examples of Head Kicks in MMA matches from numerous different fighters. One of the best examples can be seen from UFC Veteran Yves Edwards. The 35 year old MMA fighter has some of the most devastating Head Kicks in MMA. Just do a youtube search for an “Yves Edwards Head kicks in MMA” and you will see some pretty impressive highlight reels.

Defending Head Kicks in MMA is crucial if you hope to win in the sport

As mentioned before Yves Edwards has some of the most impressive head kicks in MMA Competition. However, he has also been the victim of this devastating technique which actually caused him to lose by TKO to MMA whiz Jorge Masvidal. During a great battle at Bodog Fights, the 2 fighters showcased great skill. However, it was Masvidal who came out on top when he landed a beautiful kick to the head of Edwards followed by a barrage of punches forcing the ref to stop the match. This fight demonstrated the importance of defending head kicks in MMA.

Should Head Kicks in MMA be illegal. Many protesters of Mixed Martial Arts have stated that Head Kicks in MMA should be banned because of how dangerous they are. However, unlike boxing or kickboxing where a fighter gets a chance to recover from Head Kicks in MMA, in Mixed Martial Arts Competition the fighter must defend themselves or the ref will stop the fight to ensure the safety of the fighter. For this reason, even with Head kicks in MMA permitted, MMA Competition still remains a much safer sport than Boxing

Learn Head Kicks in MMA in Houston TX wit 30 Days FREE MMA classes

Team Tooke Mixed Martial Arts Academy offers a 30 day free trial in Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Judo, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Boxing. For more information on getting started on your 30 day free Trial and learning how to do Head Kicks in MMA please call 281-955-7300 today.

11-Year-Old jiu jitsu Hero Attacks Kidnapping Suspect, Protects His Younger Sister | 30 Days Free Jiu jitsu classes

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:23:09 +0000

11-Year-Old jiu jitsu Hero Attacks Kidnapping Suspect, Protects His Younger Sister | 30 Days Free Jiu jitsu classes

11 year old Brazilian jiu jitsu student protects his sister from kidnapping suspect.

Jay Yano was not off the day after Thanksgiving, so he took his two young children to work with him.As his children (9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son) who train Brazilian jiu jitsu waited inside his truck, parked just outside their home in McCully, Yano left the vehicle running as he walked toward the truck’s rear. “That’s when I noticed the guy walking from across the street, coming over,” said Jay Yano. Yano said that within a split second, his truck started to pull forward, with his 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son still inside. He rushed over to the driver’s side door. “(When) I opened the car (door), I saw my son holding the guy down with his left hand,” said Yano. Kidnapping suspect is STOPPED by 11 year old jiu jitsu kid! “I grabbed his shoulder and started punching his face, yelling at him to get out of my truck,” said Jonah Yano. Jonah

11 year old Jiu jitsu student Yano, stated he wasn’t scared –

His younger sister was in danger and he had to help her. “If my son didn’t jump in, he would have just taken off with her down the street,” said Jonah Yano. Jonah Yano’s parents later stated that their son’s years of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practice really played a big role but beyond that, it was also lots of brotherly love, which can’t be taught “I’m proud of him,” said Jay Yano.

11-Year-Old jiu jitsu Hero Attacks Kidnapping Suspect, Protects His Younger Sister

Learn how your child can learn jiu jitsu today and develop the kind of confidence and jiu jitsu techniques that could potentially save their life or someone elses.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most effective Martial Art and Self Defense system. Come in and find out how a smaller, weaker opponent can overcome a much larger and stronger adversary opponent! Discover how your child can train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 30 DAYS FREE If you want jiu jitsu in Houston, TX or surrounding areas such as Tomball, Magnolia, Kingwood, Humble, Midtown, Cypress CLICK HEREto start yourFREE 30 DAY TRIAL

11-Year-Old jiu jitsu Hero Attacks Kidnapping Suspect, Protects His Younger Sister

Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:48:46 +0000

Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu Black Belt teaching in Houston, TX

Professor Travis Tooke is one of the only Americans to have lived in Brazil and Trained in Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu in Brazil! At the age of 23 Travis Tooke took his savings, sold his car and made the life changing decision to move to Brazil and train at the Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu Academy for over one year.

Learn Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu techniques right here in houston

At Team Tooke Brazilian Jiu jitsu Academy students get to learn hands on technique from a Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu Black Belt. Our academy offer a 30 day FREE trial taught by Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu Black Belt Travis Tooke. we are also one of the only Brazilian Jiu jitsu academies in the world that offers a 60 day Money Back Guarantee in every program. Programs offered include Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Boxing and Submission wrestling for men, women and Kids.

Learn the secrets of Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu right here in Houston

If you have been searching for Gracie barra Jiu jitsu Black Belt level instruction look no further. At Team Tooke Brazilian Jiu jitsu academy you can learn hands on skill from one of the only Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu Black Belt instructors in Texas. Take advantage of our free 30 day trial today by calling 281-955-7300 or you can visit us on our main website at www.teamtooke.com

Come learn the secrets of a Gracie Barra Jiu jitsu Black Belt.

Houston MMA Classes

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:14:18 +0000

Houston MMA Classes Free Trial 30 Days

Team Tooke Houston MMA classes offers all new Martial Arts students a 30 day FREE test drive of all of our programs. We are also one of the only academies in the world that offers a free one-on-one martial arts consultation. and, we back it up with our 60 day money back guarantee. Our MMA classes specializes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Judo, MMA classes, kids martial arts and more.

How can you receive Houston MMA classes for free?

It’s simple. All you have to do is call 281-955-7300 to get started on you 30 day free trial of Houston MMA classes today! You can also visit us on our main MMA website at www.teamtooke.com Whether it’s for yourself or a child we have an amazing program that will help you reach your goals.

Do you offer Houston MMA classes for Kids and adults?

Unlike many Houston MMA classes that only offer programs for Men, Women OR children, Team Tooke MMA classes offers programs for men, women AND children from ages 4-84. Just call 281-955-7300 to speak to one of our Professional Martial Arts instructors and we will set you up on a free consultation right away

30 days FREE Houston MMA classes is just one call away!

Houston Jujitsu Training with a Champion

admin — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:47:44 +0000

Houston Jujitsu Training with a Champion

On Saturday, April 30th our Team Tooke MMA Academy in Houston, TX had the incredible opportunity to train with one of the all time greats of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and no-gi grappling, Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro. Xande gave a 2 part seminar (both gi and no-gi) where he taught some of his favorite grappling techniques. What a amazing day of jujitsu training.

Xande Jujitsu Training Seminar at Team Tooke MMA

Xande Ribeiro’s Jujitsu Training Career

I have followed Xande’s jujitsu training career for several years and even had the pleasure of meeting him while living in Brazil. However, I had no idea what kind of a teacher he was. The fact is that many Brazilian Jujitsu training champions are great athletes and competitors but very few can pass their knowledge onto others effectively. Well, we were all in for a jujitsu training treat on Saturday as the 6 time World Champion effectively broke down the core elements of each technique, explained the concepts and everyone is a much better grappler because of it. For those of you who didn’t make it all I can say is, you truly missed out on an amazing jujitsu training experience. You also missed out on him kicking my butt and tapping me out with some of the same basic jujitsu training moves that I teach in class all the time.

Jujitsu Training Techniques from a Multiple Time World and Abu Dhabi Champion

Not only did Xande teach techniques that helped to make him a Multiple Time World and Abu Dhabi champion, but he also shared his philosophy about jujitsu training in Martial Arts to everyone in class. In my opinion, this part of the seminar was just as, or even more valuable than the awesome Jujitsu training techniques. Xande spoke about the difference between competition Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as a whole. He told stories about his own challenges growing up and how he progressed from a white belt(getting tapped out every day) to a World Champion Black Belt. He spoke about the passion and determination required to progress in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Inspiring Jujitsu Training

The jujitsu training seminar was just as inspiring as it was informative and I look forward to training with Xande in the future. Thanks again to all the students who came out to support and I can’t wait to see everyone at Team Tooke Brazilian Jiu jitsu class put these new jujitsu training techniques and methods to use.

Houston Mixed Martial Arts – MMA Has Revolutionized The Way We See Martial Arts

admin — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:34:46 +0000

Houston Mixed Martial Arts – MMA Has Revolutionized The Way We See Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA as it’s often called has revolutionized the way the public views Martial Arts. For decades, we have been taught by Hollywood that Martial Arts was all about quick, flashy movements. These movie fight scenes often involve two fighters throwing a barrage of punches and kicks at one another while almost simultaneously defending the strikes being thrown toward him. This visually impressive action was so convincing that Karate and Tae Kwon Do academies began to flourish all throughout America over the past 50 years. So while some schools were teaching realistic self defense skills, many were simply cashing in on the popularity of the Martial Arts media.

Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC

Thanks to Mixed Martial Arts events like the UFC and Pride, the public finally got a chance to see what would happen if one style of fighter fought another completely different style. The result: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu killed everyone…at least for a while. When Royce Gracie, a relatively skinny Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert made easy work of his opponents from UFC 1 through 4, the world was forced to accept the fact that Martial Arts was not all flash but rather, good fundamental technique which included grappling, a concept not familiar to most people.

Mixed Martial Arts Evolves

As Mixed Martial Arts evolved in both the United States and worldwide, high level strikers in the disciplines of Muay Thai, Savate and Kickboxing began to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This new era showed a turn in the tide as Kickboxers began to win MMA fights by learning some of the fundamentals on the ground while being able to dominate the stand up game.

Ground and Pound

Another big change would come from fighters like Mark Coleman, a wrestler who popularized the term “ground and pound”. High level wrestlers had the ability to take nearly any fight to the ground and get on top. The aggressive style of Greco Roman and Freestyle wrestling gave wrestlers a huge advantage in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. It wouldn’t be long now before MMA fighters would start to see the big picture. And that is, if you want to be a champion in Mixed Martial Arts, you need to learn how to strike, wrestle and grapple.

The MMA Champions of Today

The champions of today; guys like Randy Couture, George St, Pierre, B J Penn and Matt Hughes understand this concept completely and can be found cross training in Muay Thai kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and more. The champions of the UFC and other high level MMA events are also in phenomenal physical shape as they have come to recognize the importance of coming to the fight in top physical condition.

Bruce Lee once said something along the lines of “If you can learn boxing and wrestling, you can beat 95% of the Martial Artists in the world.” The concept of learning both grappling and striking was evident to the great Bruce Lee but only recently has the public seen the proof. With the continuous evolution of Mixed Martial Arts, and the expansion of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling worldwide, I can only wonder for how long that statement will remain true.

Mixed Martial Arts Classes in Houston

Houston Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:39:12 +0000

Houston Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning

Houston Mixed Martial Art athletes are some of the most well conditioned athletes in the world. the primary reason is that their training is never predictable. The movements required for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Grappling, Boxing and wrestling incorporate your entire body. Unlike most sports where you are limited in the movements and stress you put on your body (such as in sports like football, baseball, track, weight lifting) Mixed Martial Arts training requires you to move in various unpredictable movements. There are also several different levels of Cardiovascular conditioning required. You must have short term, explosive stamina as well as long term endurance. You must develop strong core and abdominal muscles as well as power in your arms and legs. Most importantly, you must be able to remain focused during a MMA or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu match. If you panic or fatigue too quickly you will lose your ability to focus and will soon find yourself tapping out. Yes, the conditioning levels of people who train in Mixed Martial Arts is higher than just about any sport imaginable. Champion athletes must be versed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and Wrestling; all sports that require high levels of cardio. If you are interested in becoming a proficient Mixed Martial Artist either for competition purposes or just for fun, a high level of stamina is definitely important. In fact, it’s only second to great technique. Be sure that any school that you are considering choosing to train with places a strong emphasis on cardiovascular conditioning in every class.

Train Houston Mixed Martial Arts for 30 Days Free

If you would like to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing and Houston Mixed Martial Arts for 30 days FREE then be sure to check out Team Tooke Mixed Martial Arts Academy. We offer a 1 month free trial in all classes for both kids and adults. Whether you are just looking for a fun and exciting way to get into great shape and learn some legit skills or you want to become the next MMA champion, Team Tooke Houston Mixed Martial Arts Academy will help you reach your goals. Give us a call today at 281-955-7300 to schedule your free intro lesson and 30 day FREE trial.