WOCS 25, Weekly Training Review, and 8 Tips For Rio

WOCS 25 in Lagoa. Photo by Michael Patryn

This week was another great week of training down here. As always I learned a lot of great new techniques and worked hard at progressing and getting better. Also this week Nicole and I, along with other CR members, went to Watch Out Combat Show 25, a phenomenal MMA event here in Rio. Also this week I decided to include a couple of things to keep in mind for making the most out of a trip to Rio,  These included things I have learned from personal experiences plus experiences from others whom have made the trip down.

Week in Training 

Post sparring photo at ATT

Mondays wrestling was a great class, and we further worked on developing chain wrestling. We finished off with positional sparring working from tough positions. I like doing positional work because it forces you to work out of some of the worst positions possible (say your opponent is in deep on a double leg). This not only builds your defense and scrambling, but it makes you comfortable from fighting off attacks when you are in a bad position instead of just giving up a takedown. Tuesdays striking brought a new twist . There is a new guy training with us who is a very good muay thai fighter and he will be working with us on our stand up. He moves incredibly light on his feet, has good hands and chopping kicks (he dropped a guy on leg kicks alone during sparring). Wednesdays sparring was intense. I was able to get work against several different styles. The first guy I sparred was Emiliano, a CR guest from Uruguay. He is short, stocky, and a good muay thai fighter. The second guy I sparred against was Paulo, an experienced MMA fighter who is strong and tough with good takedowns. The third guy was Leonardo, a younger kid who is lanky and unorthodox in his striking and fearless when it comes to who he is sparring. Being able to work against the various body types and fighting styles forces me to adapt my style and work hard to impose my game on them. After the mma sparring I did several additional rounds of submission grappling matches against Leozada who is getting ready for the ADCC Brazilian Trials later this month. I had some hard fought rounds with him, and it was nice starting from our feet so I could blend my takedowns and wrestling with my grappling game. Afterwards I was asked by several of the guys if I was going to compete in the trials because they thought I would do well, but unfortunately the trials down here are for Brazilian citizens only. I will say though, to be asked by some top level blackbelts if I was competing because they think I would do good is a great compliment. Thursday brought another good day of wrestling; working on different leg attacks, such as swing singles and knee taps, plus striking to shots. For live we did takedown rotations, winner stays in. The rotations with fresh guys coming in keeps the pace and intensity high, forcing everyone to work hard.  On Friday I had a great opportunity to meet Fabricio “Predador”, owner of Pride Fight Wear, and was able to pick up some great training gear. I can't wait to wear my new gear this coming week.  Friday night several of us went to WOCS 25 in Lagoa. It was an awesome MMA event and had fights rivaling WEC and Strikeforce shows I had been to in the U.S. One of the cool things is that there were several guys I met at the RFT academy visit a few weeks ago who were fighting on the card. One of them Vitor Oristanio, only 18 years old, made his professional debut in an exciting back-in-forth fight in a classic luta livre vs. BJJ match up. Although he came up short he fought an awesome fight. It will be interesting to see where his career goes. Also there was a fighter from Gracie Barra in the Co-Main event, which won in what I would consider the fight of the night. The crowd's enthusiasm heightened the atmosphere as supporters of each fighter chanted loudly trying to drowned out the other. The fights were amazing and we can’t wait to attend another MMA event here in Rio.

Just one of the great fights to take place at WOCS 25. Photo by bjjpix.com

8 Tips for Staying and Training in Rio


1. Do your research- Rio is likely a much different place than home. As such it’s always good to get some info not only on the training but on customs, travel, daily life, climate, and attractions. You don’t want to come down here totally a miss from what there is to see and do.

2. Realize that in the end research doesn't matter- I’m sure your saying “Wait, what?!?” Listen, for all your best laid plans and research there are going to be a great many things the travel guides and websites have not alluded to. You will be surprised by things you didn't expect, and there will be opportunities that you never imagined. Do yourself a favor and just go with the flow, and enjoy the ride.

3. There is an adjustment period- Most likely your flying to Rio from some far off land, and after a huge trip it will take a couple of days to catch up on sleep, get your bearings, and to get used to the heat and humidity. Which leads me to my next point……

4. DRINK TONS OF WATER- The heat and humidity down here can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Even just sitting at the beach and catching a tan can leave you a bit low on H2O. Make sure you drink more water than you think you need, and when given the chance to grab a drink during training do it. You are here to have a good time and get the most out of you’re training and staying hydrated will help you on your way.

5. Go on CR Academy Visits and Outings- Here in Rio there is top level training in every nook and cranny of the city. Each place has its own personal twist on technique and theory. While on your stay make an effort to expose yourself to these concepts and ideas. I guarantee it will add flavor to your training and give you once and a lifetime stories. In the last four months here I have trained with Bellator Fighters, former ADCC competitors, BJJ World Champs, Red Belt Grandmasters, witnessed youth and social BJJ programs, gone surfing with a Coral Belt, Met UFC fighters, and got a tour and look inside the training of the BOPE. If you want to make the most out of your trip get out and visit the academies.

6. Ask questions- There are people who have been staying at CR for several months and as such they know the lay of the land fairly well, don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have. Remember at one point they were just as green to Rio as you, so no matter how little the question may be just ask and they will be more than happy to help.

7. Get out and see things- The training is phenomenal here, and if you wanted you could step onto the mat 2-3 times a day 6 days a week. Even though that is a ton of mat time, there is still a lot of down time. Use this time to rest up, but also to experience Brazil. Getting off of your computer and out of your room can be more relaxing and recharging for your next session than watching an episode of ‘Two and a Half Men’.

8. HAVE FUN! Brazil is an amazing place and who knows, your trip here might be a once in a lifetime deal (hopefully not) so remember the key here is to have fun. Hang out, go to the beach, BBQ, and enjoy yourself. Having fun on and off the mat, in combination of hard training is really what will help raise your game to the next level and give you the trip of a lifetime.