This Is How We Roll

During this time of social distancing, I'm trying to make sure the kids don't lose any ground in their jiu-jitsu class.  Not to mention, I want their skills sharp, because these are uncertain times.  Thankfully they can still roll, which means using their skills in a competitive way and working on their form and technique.  To the untrained eye, it appears to be an all out brawl, but that's not the case.    I thought I'd show you a little of their training session from this week.

Please disregard the clutter in the background of these photos.  This is our basement and is in a constant state of disarray, especially since Lindsey uses that area as her child care headquarters.   Several of her regular kids set up their own "houses" and "offices" and she leaves it for them for their next visit.

The girls do have fun, as you can tell by the smiles.  However, a disclaimer that due to the fact they are on a concrete floor with only yoga mats under them, they were not allowed to fully execute any throws.  They were also cautioned to not be too aggressive (ok, ONE in specific) as we're not in a position to seek medical care for a careless injury during the current pandemic.

In the photo below, Lindsey is in the process of executing a triangle choke on her sister.  This is a submission/choke hold and when executed quickly and correctly you can render your opponent unconscious within seconds.

In the photo below, Olivia has locked in a rear naked choke and Lindsey has seconds to escape or tap before losing consciousness.

One of the most fun things to do is a hip toss, unless you're the one being tossed.  Olivia has incredible upper body strength, and is quite good at driving the opponent through the ground, so again I had to reiterate "DON'T BREAK YOUR SISTER!"

Lindsey is also good at hip tosses, and can confidently handle grown men who weigh between 225-250 pounds.  Not bad for young lady of 110 pounds.  She doesn't have the force and power of her sister, but the average man would not expect her to be able to manhandle them.

One thing that serves Olivia well is her flexibility.  She's often able to withstand and escape submission holds simply because her body can contort and her joints are so limber.

 So, there's just a little peek into some of the ways we've been passing our time.