Amongst the peace or the chaos there is always a rhythm, a pattern, or more importantly a lesson that can be revealed. For the aware, there is an ease and a mastery of the self that allows for an illumination in what can sometimes be a dark place. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practice is similar.
The approach to jiu-jitsu is much like the approach to life. Without a good teacher, it can all be overwhelming and scary. You must learn the fundamentals, understand the patterns and remain calm amongst the turbulence. In time, you develop your own unique interpretation of the movements and learn to command your body into a unique style of your own. It is only then that you are truly practicing the ART of jiu-jitsu.
Each movement from your opponent is asking you for a physical response. The answers can be direct and simple like the swift blow from a samurai sword. Other times it can be a collection of moves that intertwine into a complex answer. The placement of hands, the movement of your hips, and the kinetic chess-like tactics can be a blur or a beautiful ballet of free-flowing intuition. As the practitioner you have the choice of making it a struggle or a gentle flow.
It is on the ground where an experienced jiu-jitsu practitioner is most comfortable. Fighting on the ground limits the space with which to work so only those capable and knowledgeable on the ground will survive. Systematic movements using leverage leads to positional control which eventually leads to authority over the neck, ankle, arm or any limb that is limited in its movement.
Joints like elbows and knees can only bend a certain way before they are locked out and liable to break or dislocate. A neck can only take so much pressure before the blood is cut off and automatic shut down of the body takes place. It is in those areas of the body where jiu-jitsu takes full command of our physical limitations and the opposing practitioner is forced to give up with a hand tap on the mat. Strangulation, joint locks of the knees, ankles, arms, wrists and shoulders are all fair game.
There are at least two paths to anything. The hard and the soft. Sometimes you meet the harshness of the dam and other times the powerful gentle flow of the water. Jiu-jitsu is a meditative practice where the self is revealed and the practitioner must be feeling and listening at all times.
The energetic connection to the self and to the unwilling partner is essential to the deep understanding of the art. It is the most elegant of dances between the invisible energy within and the physical body you inherited.
Amongst the peace or the chaos however, there is always a rhythm, a pattern, or more importantly a lesson that can be revealed.
For the aware, there is an ease and a mastery of the self that allows for an illumination in what can sometimes be a dark place. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practice is similar.
The approach to jiu-jitsu is much like the approach to life. Without a good teacher, it can all be overwhelming and scary. You must learn the fundamentals, understand the patterns and remain calm amongst the turbulence.
In time, you develop your own unique interpretation of the movements and learn to command your body into a unique style of your own. It is only then that you are truly practicing the ART of jiu-jitsu.
Each movement from your opponent is asking you for a physical response. The answers can be direct and simple like the swift blow from a samurai sword. Other times it can be a collection of moves that intertwine into a complex answer.
The placement of hands, the movement of your hips, and the kinetic chess-like tactics can be a blur or a beautiful ballet of free-flowing intuition. As the practitioner you have the choice of making it a struggle or a gentle flow.
It is on the ground where an experienced jiu-jitsu practitioner is most comfortable. Fighting on the ground limits the space with which to work so only those capable and knowledgeable on the ground will survive.
Systematic movements using leverage leads to positional control which eventually leads to authority over the neck, ankle, arm or any limb that is limited in its movement.
Joints like elbows and knees can only bend a certain way before they are locked out and liable to break or dislocate. A neck can only take so much pressure before the blood is cut off and automatic shut down of the body takes place.
It is in those areas of the body where jiu-jitsu takes full command of our physical limitations and the opposing practitioner is forced to give up with a hand tap on the mat. Strangulation, joint locks of the knees, ankles, arms, wrists and shoulders are all fair game.
There are at least two paths to anything. The hard and the soft. Sometimes you meet the harshness of the dam and other times the powerful gentle flow of the water. Jiu-jitsu is a meditative practice where the self is revealed and the practitioner must be feeling and listening at all times.
The energetic connection to the self and to the unwilling partner is essential to the deep understanding of the art. It is the most elegant of dances between the invisible energy within and the physical body you inherited.
Why Teaching Martial Arts Is A Privilege
There are multiple benefits to learning and practicing Jiu-Jitsu. It has changed my life and continues to change my life for the better. Doing difficult things well and instructing in those capacities takes experience, knowledge and it is an art in and of itself.
Teaching is my way of sharing that and helping to facilitate that process for others. Not only is it a way to bring out the best in others, the practice of teaching helps me bring out the best in me and brings me closer to the truth as well.
Sharing what I am passionate about and helping others pursue their interest is truly rewarding and satisfying.
“Kenny’s Jiu-Jitsu have has been proven on the world stage against the best fighters in the world time and time again. He is one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu minds on earth.
Kenny is a master of the thinking mans Jiu-Jitsu. So if your not on steroids his moves will still work.”
Firas Zahabi
Tristar Gym Leader, BJJ Blackbelt and one of the top MMA coaches in the world
“Kenny Florian can see grappling positions that the blind eye can’t catch. I remember bringing him into my camp for championship fights to pick his brain and learn positions that helped me win and retain titles.
“Kenny is a jiu-jitsu wizard and anyone that’s learned from him is better for it.”
Daniel Cormier
(2 division UFC world champion, UFC Commentator and US wrestling Olympian.
“I have had the privilege of learning jiu jitsu from Professor Kenny. He is beloved by his students and teaches with grace and supreme expertise. I am honored to know him and to learn from him.”
Jonah Hill
actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and comedian
“Kenny’s patient and thoughtful approach to jiu jitsu makes it easily understandable for anyone. His ability to break down complex concepts while providing the logic behind moves is invaluable!”
“When I started training with him years ago, I had zero knowledge of jiu jitsu. I’m so grateful for the incredible foundation and confidence he’s helped me build in this sport!”
Justine Ezarik aka iJustine
YouTuber, host, author, actress and the winner of the 7000th show of the Price is Right.
“Kenny Florian is an MMA legend and American BJJ pioneer whose skills in the ring and on the mat, though world class, manage to be surpassed by his ability as an instructor.
“I have been beyond fortunate to have Kenny as a coach and guide during my career and know that he can make a positive impact for you, as well.”
Ryan Hall
black belt and instructor in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and a professional mixed martial artist
“We will inevitably experience both failure and success in the practice of difficult things like martial arts. The hope is that in our honest attempts towards improvement, no matter the result, we find more beautiful truths about our technique, our approach, the art, ourselves and even life in general. Chase truth. Recalibrate. Repeat. This is never ending.”
