05/31/2026
Today at SMAA, I taught two private lessons and one group class, covering a combination of American Kenpo and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
During the first private lesson, Brennan Weatherhead worked on American Kenpo freestyle and self-defense techniques. His training included Blue Belt freestyle techniques (R/L): B1aPHrk, B1bPHrk, B2aPHrk, B2bPHrk, B3aPHrk, B3bPHrk, B4aPHrk, B4bPHrk, B5aPHrk, B5bPHrk, B6ahKbkls, B6bhKbkls, B1arKsrK, B1brKsrK, B3asKrKsrK, B3bsKrKsrK, B5atsKrK, B5btsKrK, B6arsK6hK, and B6brsK6hK. He also reviewed Green Belt freestyle techniques (R-R), including Green/Orange (R-R): B1a, B1b, B2a, B2b, B3a, B3b, B4a, B4b, as well as the Green Belt extensions Detour from Doom, Squatting Sacrifice, and Escape from Death.
In the group class, Dave Wolfe, Scott Wolfe, and Darren Wynes worked on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense techniques from a standing position, focusing on defenses from a distance as well as responses to grips and holds. The class covered a body fold takedown against haymaker punches, a half-nelson takedown against straight punches, a single-leg takedown off a fake front kick, single- and double-leg takedowns in response to an attempted grab, single- and double-leg takedowns from a collar-and-elbow clinch, a leg hook takedown, and a deep cross-collar lapel grab escape. They also reviewed three wrist grab escapes, including same-side, cross-wrist, and two-on-one variations, along with a push defense that transitioned into a wrist lock.
During the final private lesson, Darren Wynes worked on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu defenses against front and rear grips and holds. His training included two defenses against a two-hand push (high and low), two shoulder grab defenses (straight and bent), three single lapel grab defenses (hammerlock, chop and wrist lock, and wrist throw), and two defenses against a two-hand lapel grab (narrow grip and wide grip). He also practiced a shoulder push defense from behind, two rear choke defenses featuring an Americana shoulder lock takedown and a hip toss, and three wall-defense counters covering push counters, a single-hand choke, and a two-hand choke.
