December 1, 2011 in News by Gumby

“What is Jiu Jitsu?” Introduction Video

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and what does it mean to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? In this video Gumby, head instructor at Heroes Martial Arts in San Jose explains what “BJJ” is, the mindset involved, and the reasons for training in the martial arts.

“What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?” is the first of a series of instructional videos designed to bring new students into the grappling martial arts. By explaining things in the most basic terms, it is hoped that anyone can learn to appreciate the gentle art. Experienced students will hopefully learn something valuable as well!

Interested?  Try one of our Fundamental classes to learn more, and ask about our free trial offer!  See you on the mat soon!

Download the video

November 7, 2011 in News by Gumby

Family Hour 9:00 AM Saturdays!

Saturdays at 9:00 AM is Family Hour

A Fun Filled Class of exercise and technique that whole families can participate in together!

We will cover fitness, fundamentals, self-defense techniques and games that entire family can get involved in, and offer some drills that parents can work with their kids at home.

Open to all enrolled students at Heroes Martial Arts.  Parents bring your children, kids bring your parents!*

*Only one student needs to be enrolled to participate.  So if the parent is enrolled, feel free to bring your kids who are not enrolled yet!

Also note that Fridays at 4:00 PM is now a fitness and games class for kids.  This class emphasizes fun and exercise and is open to all ages (although more geared for our younger students or students).

November 2, 2011 in News by Gumby

Revised Fundamentals Program

We’ve made some changes and additions to our Fundamentals program!

Fundamentals is an hour long class open to all levels, but specifically targeting beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on the basics of Jiu Jitsu.  These classes will be gi only and really work specifically on core positions, philosophies and technique.  Although there will be drilling to reinforce the technique and positions, there will be no sparring in the Fundamentals class.

The Fundamentals class is a rotation of 28 classes (plus one introduction class for new students) run over 13 weeks.

Fundamentals Master List

1.  *Introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
*Always run as a private or semi-private class.

2.  Posture
3.  Attacking from the Guard
4.  Mount Defense
5.  Controlling the Mount
6.  Basic Attacks from the Mount
7.  Armbar from the Mount
8.  Understanding Side Control
9.  Side Control Transitions
10.  Side Control Attacks
11.  Armbar from the Guard / Armbar Defense
12.  Introduction to the Back
13.  Taking the Back
14.  Turtle Position (Defensive)
15.  Turtle Position (Offensive)
16.  The “A” Frame
17.  On Underhook Passes
18.  The “Simple” Sweep
19.  Sweep tools
20.  Standing Pass
21.  Counters to Standing Pass
22.  Basic Open Guard
23.  Triangle Choke
24.  The Half Guard
25.  Passing the Half Guard
26.  The Guillotine Choke
27.  Protect Yo Neck
28.  Double Attacks
29.  Instructor’s Choice

November 1, 2011 in News by Gumby

New Blue Belts!

Although we haven’t updated our our webpage in awhile (followers of our Facebook and regular students are informed) that have been a few promotions around the academy.

Cindy Grimm earned her blue belt back on August 3rd.  It was a milestone for both Cindy and Gumby, as Cindy was the first female promoted to blue by Gumby!  Cindy has since returned home to St. Louis (where she is a college professor), and she’ll be sorely missed, but our women’s team is growing here at Heroes!

Christian Morsing earned his blue belt a few weeks later.  Danish in origin, Christian actually ran marathons before getting into Jiu Jitsu (although he is definitely not built like who you imagine a marathoner to be), and uses a dangerous combination of power and technique in his game.  Since we’re posting this after the fact, congratulations on your marriage Christian as well!

Rich Phillips has been one of our mainstays at the academy since near the beginning.  You see a bit less of him each time he comes in as well, meaning that he’s dropped a considerable amount of weight since starting out.  He’s emerging as one of the team leaders however, and is always quick to help out the new guy on the mat.  Congrats on the blue! 

Mikey Zacarias is the latest blue belt at Heroes Martial Arts.  Displaying stellar skills and work ethic (he frequently will attend morning and evening classes on the same day).  Mikey is never one to shy away from a challenge either. 

The Heroes Team just keeps getting stronger every day.  Congratulations to all!

November 1, 2011 in News by Gumby

US Open XVI Highlight Video!

Courtesy of our friends at WantvsNeed is a this Highlight video from US Open XVI, which includes many of the Heroes doing their thing.

The team really came together and it all the hard work showed as everyone competed well showcasing their talents and heart.  Both on the mat and off it, the Heroes Competition Team and Supporter really showed what we are all about and we couldn’t be more proud.

Enjoy!

September 15, 2011 in News by Gumby

Dollamur Mats visits Heroes Video!

Download the video

Dollamur Mats takes you on a tour of Heroes Martial Arts in San Jose. Heroes has a beautiful 4700 square foot facility in downtown San Jose with nearly 2500 square feet of mat space.

The space is open, with a 20 foot vaulted ceilings and skylights and two industrial strength heaters to warm on cold days.

September 1, 2011 in News by Gumby

Labor Day Hours and September Schedule

Heroes will have special hours for Labor Day:  Monday September 5th.  We will have Open Mat from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  There will be no evening classes on Labor Day.

Click here to download the September 2011 Schedule

The September Schedule is up!  Two competitions the Heroes are planning on attending:

Jiu Jitsu by the Sea September 17:  A good beginner level tournament held in Claudio Franca’s Santa Cruz location.

American Nationals September 24 and 25th:  IBJJF gi and no gi event in Southern California

The competition team is continuing to train hard and get ready for the US Open of BJJ in mid October, to be held in our literal back yard at the San Jose State event center.

In the meantime everyone is continuing to train and make great improvements!

See you on the mat!

July 15, 2011 in News by Gumby

Rafael Lovato Jr. Seminar + Lucky Gi Raffle

A very good friend and one of the top American BJJ Competitors ever, Rafael Lovato Jr. is coming to Heroes Martial Arts for a seminar!  In this seminar Rafael will cover some of the techniques and strategies that have made him a multiple time champion including only the second American to take gold in the prestigious Mundial world championships (having medaled in three different weight categories) and numerous submission grappling titles and accolades as well.  As a coach he is the first American to produce an Adult Black Belt champion in the No Gi Worlds as well!

Sponsored by Lucky Gi and having his own line of kimonos, this seminar will be with the gi and will be three hours of instruction for $75 pre-paid, or $90 at the door.

In addition, all paid seminar participants will be entered in a raffle for a FREE New Lucky Bamboo gi!  The new model is made made of bamboo and is unlike any other gi on the market, and one lucky seminar participant is going to get a Black Rafael Lovato Jr. Signature Lucky gi, which retails at $279.99!!!

Lucky Gi release party and seminar after party details coming soon!

Where:  Heroes Martial Arts 460 South Market St San Jose CA 95113 408-288-8857
When:  Sunday July 31st
How Much:  $75 prepaid, $90 at the door
Why:  It’s Rafael Lovato Jr, top AMERICAN BJJ competitor!  And you can win a FREE Lucky Gi!