"Jitz". Did he just say that???

The term "Jitz" is quickly taking over the Jiu Jitsu world. Whether your watching an MMA broadcast, reading facebook updates, trolling forums, or talking amongst friends, the term is THERE! Sure Americans are known for making things their own and for making things as simple as possible, but is this a good thing?

I can see both sides of the coin. Its a lot easier to text or type "Jitz" than "Jiu-Jitsu". The abbreviation "BJJ" could mean something different (or nothing) to lots of others we interact with as well. Side Note: The term "Jitz" originated from the italian word "gitoni" which meant foosball or table soccer. People called it gitz for short and spelled it "jitz" for style (to add even more confusion).
On the other hand Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and something that is held in high respect to thousands of people. Why would anyone want to cheapen the art/sport with a cleaver nickname?

The jury is still out on this one. If I had to guess I would say that people newer to the art would be more accepting of the term "Jitz" (Especially Americans). Those who have been around the art longer and who treasure its deep history would be more likely to take offense to the term. I'm not gonna get caught caught up in the debate but wanted to bring the subject to light.

We have too much in common as people and a love for Jiu Jitsu that runs deeper than any term could destroy. But don't be surprised if someone is reading or hearing you use the term "Jitz" and are rolling their eyes as you do. ;)

Now if we could just agree on the term Guillotine...is it Gilla or Guia?

"The Art of Learning" - By Josh Waitzkin

I just picked up "The Art of Learning" by Marcelo Garcia brown belt Josh Waitzkin. Josh seems like a really cool guy and runs my obsession www.mginaction.com. Im really excited to dive into this book and see what Josh has to say about the art of learning. As a world champion in chess and martial arts Im sure he has at least something to say that I would benefit from hearing. Understanding Josh and his way of learning should aide me in life and on the mat. READ!

hmmmmm??

Lots of stuff running through my head at the current time. Gonna stay focused on the big picture, train when I can, and slowly grow at my own pace. Its not about trophies, medals, or belts to me. There is no race. There should be no ego. Lots of outside things and or people try to make it seem as if I should put some type of importance on these things. I will not! No one will ever be like me. Learning everyday. Taking it all in and filtering out the negative and or bullshit. Till next time...train Jiu Jitsu!

Random MGINACTION Forum Advice.

Getting your Closed Guard broken is something you must accept.

Opening the Closed Guard before the break will give you the advantage of choosing the next offensive move for a split second. (Because the opponent is focusing on breaking your guard.)

Continuing to force your guard closed after a break leads to the opponent having the influence of the next offensive move. ( Because you are focusing only on continuing a Closed Guard.)

www.mginaction.com