General Chat & Info Board

Maria Hayes5 said:Since we're already diving into this topic, does anyone know someone who runs those private MT training sessions?

Leon Beneta

Barun Trenk, huh? Any chance you might happen to know the actual figure?

I don't know, but I have a feeling it's going to cost a fortune.

Yes, that is exactly what you thought... but alas, nothing. Perhaps one day... I wonder if he used to train that woman from the Dvornik family. I know there was some club associated with them, though I am not entirely certain which one.
I know it wasn't Tiger, nor was it HS.

That was a total lion out there with Danijel Dvornik.

My buddy runs this gym where there are only two or three people showing up to training at once, so it basically feels like getting private lessons instead.

Which club are we talking about? And where is it located?

At the Holy Spirit gym, this guy’s been training since his days back at Tiger during the Rudan and Eki era.

Trophy-grade, gold-plated knife handles paired with metal rods—all housed in custom scabbards. The metal itself is specifically chosen for connoisseurs—watermark-steel. As for the blade, it features a ripple pattern created by meticulous multi-layer folding, which provides those essential performance qualities you just can't fake.
I’ve certainly aged a bit more than I intended while perfecting the practice of using these—and frankly, I’m only looking for collectors who are ready to drop upwards of $1,300 for these gems, which, quite honestly, are true museum-quality showpieces.

electricorca11 said:These are trophy-grade pieces—gold-plated handles paired with knives and metal rods housed in custom sheaths. We're talking high-end Damascus steel here. The blade itself features that unmistakable wavy pattern from the folding process, which isn't just for show; it’s what gives them those specific functional properties.
I’ve put a lot of years into training with these, and frankly, I’m only looking for collectors who are prepared to drop upwards of $1,300 on these gems. They aren't just tools; they're museum-quality display pieces.

Any chance you could upload some photos?

Is there anyone actually doing Arnis here in the States? I can't find a single club. Does anyone have some actual intel on where to find training? If you know anything, drop it below. Thanks, everyone!

Fair enough. Zdunic teaches him through Urban, though he isn't quite pure. If you're genuinely interested in trying his methods, go see Mr. Kukulja in Chicago (the one who originally brought him to the States). As for the others he's trained, I don't think anyone is working with public figures or civilians just yet.

I’m not asking for myself, I’m asking for a buddy of mine. He was serving on a ship once and spent his time learning from some Filipino sailor and picking up various manuals. So, I figured I’d check in with the experts on here. Any ideas? Thanks.

Hey there... just making my first post here, haha

So, I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Saturdays for quite a while now... We run sessions from about 7 months out, then take a break until month 10. Since I won't be heading to the beach this year, I want to make the most of the downtime and level up my striking and overall strength. To be honest, some of the guys can't really push me because I'm only 17 and they're already 20, so I'm feeling a bit stagnant. I've noticed a real gap in my game during rolls, so I'm thinking about signing up for a Judo, Sambo, or maybe even a Muay Thai club over the summer... What would you guys suggest, and are there any specific gyms you'd recommend...

Generally speaking, I'm leaning toward Judo or Sambo because those takedowns would be huge for my entries. At my current club, we mostly stick to the basics—stuff like diving straight for the legs, which is easy to read and often ends up in a mount. On the other hand, Muay Thai would help with raw power and clinch work, plus it covers the striking aspect. Even though I don't strictly "need" striking for BJJ, I still want to sharpen that area; the ultimate goal is to become a complete martial artist one day...

So, what's your take? What should I go for?*

One more thing... Are there actually any BJJ competitions in the States for cadets or juniors (since that's where I'm at)? I know Judo has plenty of organized tournaments, but for BJJ, the only big thing I can think of is something like the IBJJF Opens, but the competition there feels way too advanced for my level. It reminds me of those high-level state championships where everyone is a beast...

Sarah Booth said:Hey there... this is actually my first post here, haha.

So, I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Saturdays for a while now... Classes run through July, then we take a break until October. Since I won't be heading to the beach, I want to use that downtime to level up my standing game and build some actual strength—because, frankly, half the crew can't even defend against me since I'm 17 and they're already 20, haha. I've noticed my lack of power is a huge hole in my game during rolls, so I was thinking about signing up for a Judo, Sambo, or maybe even a Muay Thai club over the summer... What do you guys recommend? Any specific gyms?

Generally speaking, I'd lean toward Judo or Sambo because those takedowns are vital for my entries. Right now at my club, we mostly stick to the basic stuff—you know, those predictable shots straight for the legs that get read easily and turned into a mount. On the other hand, Muay Thai would help with raw strength and striking (which isn't strictly "needed" for BJJ, but hey, I want to train that area too; the dream is to be a complete martial artist one day)...

So, what’s the move? What do you all suggest?*

One more thing... Are there any BJJ competitions in the US for cadets or juniors (whatever category I fall into)? Like how Judo has them. As far as I know, the only tournament I can realistically show up to for BJJ is the Vegas Open, but I feel like the competition there might be way too advanced for me. It reminds me of those heavy-duty state championships. Hehe.

What does it matter if they're 20 and you're 17? Absolutely nothing. It all comes down to the work you put in on the mats.
As far as I know, you can't find Sambo anywhere around here. So, if you don't have sessions over the summer, look for another BJJ gym further out—ask around, there are a few other solid clubs in the city. If not, go with Judo; it'll fix your takedowns.

Right now, there aren't really any BJJ tournaments around here besides the Vegas Open. And why on earth do you think the competition is too old for you? Two guys from my club competed in the last two tournaments, and both were just barely 17.

I'm not sure... I really need to settle this whole thing about training with the older guys, haha... When it comes to practice, I spar with them because, at the end of the day, it’s a student club and they’re all seniors—that kind of environment is actually great for me. I'm planning on signing up for the next US Open, then we'll see how I hold up in a real competition. I guess I won't know until I try, though... at least I can gain some experience, even if I just make it through the first round...

So, you're suggesting Judo. A friend suggested it to me just the other day, along with wrestling, which hadn't even crossed my mind 🙂... So, it's down to a choice between Judo and wrestling...

Does anyone know of a club that stays active through the summer, either for Judo or wrestling?

P.S
What weight class were your guys competing in, and what are you training in currently? I was actually at the last US Open just watching, but I clearly missed them in the crowd 🙂

He was weighing in at somewhere around 185 to 205 pounds, I think. They wiped him out in the first round—obviously, that’s why. Honestly, he played a bit dirty against a smaller opponent by catching a leg with a heel hook, and the guy refused to tap just because he was ahead on the scorecards. What a mess.

Sarah Booth said:So you're saying Judo... A buddy suggested wrestling to me today—something I hadn't even considered🙂... So it's down to Judo vs. Wrestling...
Does anyone know of a club running over the summer (either Judo or wrestling)?

If you're actually looking to get into submission wrestling, then wrestling is hands-down better than Judo—plain and simple. You'll pick up throws that are way more practical for sub wrestling because, let's face it, in both sub wrestling and MMA, nobody wears a gi—wearing one just gives your opponent an extra handle to work with.
Over the summer, you can hit up the wrestling program at the local community center over on Liberty Square.

Thanks, Robin Palmer3.

Jerry Thompson said:I'm not asking for myself, but for a buddy. He was stationed on a ship, learned from a Filipino instructor, and used to pick up some books. Just wanted to ask the experts here. Thanks.

Yeah, he was on a ship and spent time in the Philippines—he was actually the first Balintawak Arnis instructor in the country.
Have him try calling JJC at 01/4920383 to get the details...
They have some new setups there now; I believe the guy in question is even the new director and head instructor of the center.🙏
You can also check www.dojo.com