Brotherly Love

Hey everyone! So I'm doing a post that to everyone might seem like something simple, but every brother sibling knows. Its brother fights and in my family it's a fight on the next level.

Now if you didn't know, my brother and I both learned martial arts when I was around 10, and ever since then our normal brother on brother fights have never been quite...simple. We both learned Kajukenbo, which became my transition art to Jiu-Jitsu, and now our brawls have evolved into body shot and grappling on brotherly love level. Its starts like a regular moment, but then (for example) when my brother asks me for a pen...and I chuck it to him...It's ON!

 So the first picture is a classic example as to what happens when I fail a double leg takedown. He grabs my legs flips me and trows me on the floor. The Second picture shows my back given to him and there he has a figure four leg formation on my waist to constrict my breathing he tried to get a rear naked choke, but he failed...I think. The third picture is of i successful rear naked choke on me. I asked him two things here, is it better to tuck in your chin in that position or is it better to turn left (in my case)(away from the elbow).

These fights aren't serious melees, but to use its a way to show each other what we've learned from the East and West Coast. My Brother trained in his own dojo in New York near Chinatown with his instructor who actually trained with Grandmaster Helio Gracie. From there he's fought blue belts and purple belts and been actively used as an example for his class. Likewise for me, I train in a Gracie Certified training center in which my main instructor, Jorge Balares, goes and trains in Torrance every weekend with now Grandmaster Rorion Gracie.

These brawls are what we long for and its rare for a day to go by without any Jiu-Jitsu practiced in on choke or another. Later on either tonight or tomorrow morning i'll try and post a video of us rolling from some time ago.

Now, I leave you with a pic I found on Pinterest....Get it? :D


Happy New Year Guys : )

Blog 9: EQ

1.   Review this.

• Provide a framework for studies (It calls for breadth and depth of research, Is not a yes/no question)
• Takes a stance (Allows you to argue some point, Cannot be a recitation of facts or a list)
•  Format (It is specific, The wording makes sense)

-"I have reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ"

2.  Review the following EQs and

• Tell us if it meets the rule of 3 criteria.
• Tell why it does or why it doesn't

a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

-I believe this is a good EQ, it allows the student to revolve his research around the idea of weight loss and only on that. It does give him freedom to research possible answers to which he can develop his own arguable answer but the wording of the question limits him to only one, very detailed answer.Also the wording is much like all the other Senior project and Senior team EQ's ive seen before.

b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

- I feel that this has the potential to do well, and i see where it's trying to go but, the problem i see is that criminal proceedings are already done in a certain format; they cannot be changed for certain people. Also i dont know what the question is asking, is it asking what is most important to the suspect, or for the team of the prosecution? I think this is too specific of an EQ and limits the students ability to research more items to make a stand.

c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

- Im perplexed because it seems like a good EQ but i don't know if it is, The wording seems nice, and i am able to see what the question is asking. It does ask for a specific answer at the end of the whole question, but i guess the problem i see would be the framework for studies. There aren't really a set book or source on how to please customers in hair dressing. The problem i see is that the research will be too vague on variations of hairstyles instead of the physcology of how a customer gets pleased after getting a service done (in this case, the hair-do).

 d.  How can an Anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

- I don't think this is a good EQ, With today's medicine, there is already a norm of pain relief (Advil Tylenol) and for many, this is already considered great for them because it does what everyone wants and does so with convenience. Also i feel that their research will be limited too much with few amounts of variables in their question to define. Also the wording isn't asking for the best remedy, but he is asking for what is the best way to administer that remedy.

3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.

-Well my current EQ,"What are the best ways to "Not Lose" in a controlled environment" and upon reviewing these criteria i will slightly change the wording because that is what i feel weakens my EQ....My topic and idea of focus is there but it isn't as clear as it could be. "What is the most important factor to "Not Lose" in a controlled environment" will be my somewhat edited EQ.

Positional Control. What I wanted to explain...but couldn't.

Hey Everyone! Yes its that time for the extra blog post so tonight I thought that i would explain what I failed to go in detail about in my 10 minute lesson plan. If you weren't at my presentation, I covered history using the difference in philosophies of different martial arts. Using that, I explained Jiu-Jitsu's creation, effect in modern day, and my mentorship. After that slide I had information about positional control, but it was there where I only had one minute to wrap up my presentation so...tonight for this post I will teach you the positional control that are most essential and even show you a new advanced positional control that I learned last week called the Delajiva Guard.

(Blue) Standard closed Guard

My first primary positional control I believe is most important is The Guard. With variations of Rubber-Guard, Spider-Guard and High-Guard this position is very much adaptable to any situation or advantage you've been given. Now this I believe because like I said in my presentation, Jiu-Jitsu's main focus is ground fighting, with that said the most probable spot you will land your body in will be The Guard; on your back with your legs either open, closed around his body or feet planted on your opponent's hips. This is considered a defensive position as your leg's control over his body and hands are your only protection between his full body control and the punches he may throw over you. From here the defender has many options, he may elbow escape through the fish hook technique or if he's daring he may even bypass the risk and go straight into attack from guard which include the dangerous triangle choke from Guard and arm-bar from the Guard. Either route, this technique is most ideal for me, since I have long and flexible legs, this is my main position. I feel in control of my opponents body and is useful for me to stay strong to the philosophy of "not lose".

(Blue) Standard Mount

My next Position of interest in The Mount a position of total dominance over an opponent and weakness of the victim. With other sects of the position that include high mount, half-mount and side mount generally every sect displays a prominent dominance over the other. Here the victim is at a loss of control. In a street fight, an attack in mount would relentlessly punch and without any hip or arm control the person under has no defense but his hands to defend his face and exposed body parts. The only way to get out of this is to somehow get out though his knee control by elbow escape and achieve the guard control like stated up top. From here, if the attacker, you are, at this point, BLESSED with dominating options. Armbars, Americanas, Kimuras, Ankle Locks, Chokes, and direct access to punch the face is at hand leading a almost solidified victory. I for one do not like mounting an opponent, i feel uncomfortable as i am lightweight and don't feel i have a solid base to keep my opponent in mounted control. Mount is ideal for heavier practitioners to make this their "go to" position because their weight adds to the force of their attacks and also adds extra resistance to the ability of the mounted to escape.

With both the Guard and mount providing an offensive and defensive background, you can probably find out which one is good and which one is bad. These positions were the first i learned in order to even think about doing anything else and even with my 5 years of knowledge with these basic positions, i haven't mastered them...not even close man...Besides the fact that these are the most basic, i showed you all these tonight because i feel that these two are the base of Jiu-Jitsu the base of positional control and in order to learn what i learned last week, the Delajiva Guard, i needed to have an adept understanding of how to use both positional control to my advantage.

Without Further ado i want to show you the Delajiva Guard, an advanced positional control that i learned last week from my mentor that varies much from two positions, butterfly and combative guard. the idea for the Delajiva guard was rooted in neutrality and power given to the user to flip the fight in their favor. Its a sneaky position, where the users left left hooks under the opponents right leg and then uses their right leg and posts it on the opponent's hip. I tried using it and didn't get an understanding of the move at all. In fact i thought wow this is a stupid move why not just go into regular guard? While this control does require more energy and a more complex position, i found that i guarantees positional control in your favor...whether you lose that given position is up to you but for the moment it will take you where you want to be. From here, i took the leg hook and leg post concept and played around with the idea while standing up and to my surprise, is an actual sweep the my instructor showed me a day later. Over all this is what I've been playing with and is a position i will be using a lot.

Check in again soon as within the next two weeks i will be sparring with another one of my friends who does Jiu-Jitsu as his senior project as well and we will be providing both sides of our roll against each other...Thanks!

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?
-My current working EQ would be, "In what ways can one prepare themselves, physically and mentally, for a combative Jiu-Jitsu fight?"

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ? Please write the answer in thesis format.
-Having the maximum understanding of your Jiu-Jitsu arsenal; Being proficient in maintaining the current of the fight on your side in all positional controls (Guard, Mount, Side Control etc.) and building submission combos as a reflex with fall back techniques in case of failure.
-Building your body to peak fitness level; Train yourself with cardio workouts-controlling your heart rate and breathing means harnessing one factor, that if uncontrolled, can add another element of stress to the fight. Also focus on fueling your body with the best diet, it will keep your body energized at a maximum level.

-Prepare your mind for the haze of combat, Ex. practicing with your eyes closed: It forces your body to concentrate on it's limited senses without factoring the uselessness of obscured vision also it forces you to build a more nimble coordination. On top of this it trains your mind against the psychological effects of being in the middle of a fight.

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ? 

-Honestly, mostly all of my sources have been equally as helpful developing an equally important answer per source, "The Gracie Diet" book showed me the importance of diet in bodily performance and its effect it can have in a fight and personally i have started this diet just this week. "Mastering Ju-Jitsu" enlightened me to Grandmaster Helio's principle theories of Jiu-Jitsu and because of that i have been able to use principles of patience actively and better myself in training. And "Gracie Submission Essentials" opened my eyes to selected moves by the grandmaster and his son that they considered essential, some moves which i haven't even learned through my mentor and has resulted in some victories during training. However, if i was to choose only one i would have to go with my first source, "Mastering Ju-Jitsu." It was a source that showed me not only theory but also included some visual breakdowns of techniques and even inferred to some outside source ideas to which even led me to "The Gracie Diet." It also holds key information that i look back at.

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you volunteering, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

-My Mentor is George Balares, a Gracie certified Jiu-Jitsu instructor and avid practitioner of many martial arts mainly focusing on Jiu-Jitsu. For mentorship, i learn as a student in his class and as a student of jiu-jitsu, what other way is there to get better than to actually practice...and that's what i do; train. It relates to my working EQ because i mirrored my EQ to what i focus on everyday in training; becoming a better Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Not only can i apply theory that i learn from my research but i can also practice any technique introduced in there as well and during "Open Mat", a time designated for sparring and practicing with all you know. Jiu-Jitsu allows me to reflect on what my focus is as a practitioner and translate any experience into knowledge for my senior project.

Independent Component 1 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.
-Well, as i am doing covering the topic of Jiu-Jitsu for my senior project, my only form of applying my skill is to actually practice in my class. This includes learning my daily lesson my mentor gives and actually applying it by sparring/rolling on my friday "Open Mat" class where the whole class is dedicated to fighting each other. I will be doing this as both my mentorship and Independent, switching off on hours.

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.
-Photographs will be my main source of evidence. Also, every day i go into class, there are attendance cards the instructor signs which basically prove i was practicing on those certain days. A copy of course would be shown as evidence. Videos can also be a source, as in December i will be eligible for promotion in which i must send in a video to the Torrance academy showing my growth in the practice.

3.  And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.
-Jiu-Jitsu isnt a topic that can only be studied in factual and literal books. The art is an applied art and thus in order to better yourself, you must practice. Thinking about it i think that my independent component will help me as a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner more than any research i can view or book i can read. The plus side to this component is that through my application of techniques i can look up research on the Grandmaster's theory regarding that technique or general tips from that position.

My First Experience To Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

In the Academy, many family heirlooms and records
are showcased....i just couldn't help myself there.

Come on in! Today I'll show you my first experience to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and how I got to learn from the masters of the US in GJJ; My tour of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California from my Sophomore year summer vacation.

Immediate bloodline of the Gracie Family
 in display at the Torrance museum.

My exposure to the art began much before this, something I'll explain in another blog post through my training in Kajukenbo, but as a summer trip, my brother decided to surprise me and take me to the US headquarters of the GJJ Academy in Torrance, a mere 40 minute drive from West Covina. There we were astounded. As we we walked in, we felt like we were in the house of Gods, Jiu-Jitsu Gods. We tour the family museum, which held archives of the art's roots, relics like the first UFC championship trophy, which was won by the Grandmaster's son, Royce Gracie and much much more. The family timeline, which was too grand to fit in the proper honor it should is confined to a tiny frame. In fact here it is to the right. Then after having our historic minds boggled, as we leave we get confronted by two men, older men that looked like Jiu-Jitsu fanatics, little did we know that these two men were 3rd generation GJJ masters, Ryron and Ralek Gracie. In disarry, we were taken aback even more when an invitation to get lessons from them followed after quick small talk about where we train and our martial art background. We then followed in amazement, we were about to get a one hour lesson from masters, all in a day we only expected to take a couple of pictures and buy some souvenirs in...The lesson began, every moment a blur for us as we were amazed at this opportunity and when the lesson was over the memory was even more a blur... Afterwards both the brothers and us stood in the lobby, talking, enjoying our presence with them and asking them questions that our instructor at home couldn't answer with such a perspective. It was a good day, and a day I will never forget.

My brother, Ryron Gracie, and 10th grade me

My brother, Ralek Gracie and 10th grade me

Now the reason for this blog post wasn't to reminisce on a past adventure but grow from it. From that trip, I have advanced to a 3rd stripe white belt only one stripe away to become a Blue belt and be able to learn through the Master Cycle, and advanced GJJ training program. I have learned through experience and continue, everyday I train, roll with my peers and try and learn from every sparring session. I know that I can't achieve perfection in a year, but through the research I am doing, my understanding of Grandmaster Helio's theories, and my continual growth of Jiu-Jitsu through my Senior Project, I will be, in all, a better fighter than with any year I could've dedicated without this project. I was to go to the Torrance Academy again with peers from my Center in La Puente but I unfortunately wasn't able to go thus I shared with you my story of when I last went.

One last thing I will say...When my brother and i left the Academy that day, the Gracie brothers gave us both car stickers bearing the GJJ insignia, a symbol of brotherhood and family in our system. This week we put it on our family car and it looks great but besides that fact, I will leave you with a video posted from the Gracie Academy featuring Rener Gracie, the brother of the other brothers we met, showing how to place this decal on the window of your car. We used this to properly place ours, but, this isn't just a tutorial on placing a window sticker. Instead i show this to you because i found this comical, if you analyze the video you'll find a lot of what I say on my project to reflect his mindset, it's all the Gracie way and overall this video is one I find to give of Jiu-Jitsu humor. Again, if you don't get the humor...Do some Jiu-Jitsu you'll get it then. Enjoy.

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?
-My mentor's name is Jorge Balares, He is actually a Chiropractor and has had much background in the works of Kinesiology. He is a private Chiropractor but as a side job, or what he likes to refer to it as a "hobby with benefits," he owns his own Gracie Certified Training Center in La Puente where there, he teaches what he knows to his students below him.

2.  What five questions will ask them about their background?
1)-In your childhood or young adulthood, whether it involves you or someone else, what physical altercation has made a direct impact on your life?

2)-What martial arts do you have as background?
2a)-How many years?
2b)-Why those arts?

3)Who are your mentors? And what do you see in them to follow in their footsteps?

4)What is your goal from being an instructor? Of all activities on your spare time, why teach GJJ?

5)What about Jiu-Jitsu has captivated you to dedicate so many years to the practice and also be an instructor of the art?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

The Pentagon: 
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?
-In reflection of my mentorship, my progress has been great. Personally, i have excelled to the highest point  have been with in Jiu-Jitsu technique and performance as i can roll with blue belts and hold my own. My instructor constantly uses me as an example and has even sneaked me into the advanced class which is only restricted to blue belt or higher ranks, considering i am a 2 stripe white belt, i say that's progress. I am  on track with my goal which is to be promoted to a blue belt by December as i am consistent with classes and always try to learn from everyone and through trial and error. Overall, my progress is consistent, every week i learn something new and as i apply those teachings i get better in training.

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?

-The piece of research i am evaluating is my first book source, "Mastering Ju-Jitsu,"overall it underlined the main points and theory of modern Jiu-Jitsu emphasizing past influences and modern innovations that have made the art more effective in modern day fights and mma sportive tournaments. In specifics, i have used 4 15-20 page chapters that just expand on primary sources and accounts of grand masters and other great fighters that witnessed and firsthandedly change modern Jiu-Jitsu. I have been able to use these reads and apply the raw theory and/or techniques to my training and generally it only helps me more by understanding what actually makes Jiu-Jitsu such an effective martial art.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

-So far, in my sortie of the senior project, all has been good for me. Many of my friends all complain about research checks or an unreliable mentor but honestly for me, i am stable. There are limitless ways to research my topic, as i can view Jiu-Jitsu from a medical standpoint on injuries, Scientific way through physics of a sport, or just through the entire sport of martial art fighting. I learned that the worst thing that can happen in an interview is "no" so i am not held back to email and schedule interviews with Gracie family black belts or even mma fighters as i am already trying to do so.  In regards to mentorship, mine is stable. My mentor is an instructor of Jiu-Jitsu and has class everyday so for that reason, applying my knowledge and being able to have my mentor available to me everyday is a huge advantage to me. Overall, my senior project seems to be on par and i aim to only make it better.

(4) What hasn't worked so far? 

-Not much has gone against me in my senior project, my interview is ready for Monday and research has been easy to find for me. The only thing that has been somewhat cumbersome is just keeping up with my blog. I want to make it better as that is the only direct way to display my senior project and that is my only way to the AE.

5) Finding Value:  

•  What is a potential question you would like to study this year?  (working EQ)
•  What do you plan to do for mentorship?  If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to to find it.

-My question for me has been pretty solid for my studies. I believe it was somewhere along the lines of, "What is the most effective way to use GJJ to get out of a street fight?" However the only worry is that it is too complicated, so to simplify it i am changing it to, "What components of GJJ are most effective in a street fight?"

-Currently for mentorship i am just studying daily at my instructors Gracie Academy. In it i practice my personal skills and learn new techniques of GJJ.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?
Answer: I was planning on interviewing one of my secondary instructors, Han, Paul, or Alex. They are Gracie blue belts that have many years practicing and have much more knowledge in what to do in a fight than me. I could have interviewed my mentor, George, but i felt that i should save him for later in case if i needed even more information for a later interview. Either way i am leaning to interview Han, he was a Navy enlist who used Jiu Jitsu to survive basic training and he was also exposed to other martial art styles overseas. He is constantly at my class teaching when George cannot which means he is accessible too.

 2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?  Ask open-ended questions.
Answer: 
1) What is most important to remember when practicing Jiu Jitsu?
2) What should people new to GJJ expect as a difference in workout or training?
3) What is most demanding from this art?
4) How can you train your body to be ready for a fight?
5) What products has Jiu Jitsu brought to the martial art world?

Working Bibliography:  WB

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1.  List your topic here:
-My topic will be Jiu-Jitsu but to be specific, i will be training in Gracie(Brazilian) Jiu-Jitsu.

2.  What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?  Be specific and use an example.  Examples can come from senior project, model assembly, core, and/or participation in senior class ASB or other organizations on campus (clubs etc).

Effective iPoly Citizen:
-Awareness: In terms of Awareness i am doing well in my eyes. Last year i was rarely tardy and the days i were absent were excused due to sickness, and senior year is no exception for me. In terms of community service, i have already started to serve my community whether it be in church events, my own middle school; where i went on my last days of summer break and whenever i have a school day off, or even The Red Cross. I not only plan to reach my 200 hour requirement but i also aim to exceed it. Finally, just being a good student by following rules is common sense for me.
-Responsibility: When it comes to taking responsibility i will hold account to my own actions, however, i will not hold responsibility i did not do or did not have some part in it. For me responsibility means i had a direct affect in that action, and if i fail that action, then i will be responsible. Blatantly, I will be the best student i could be. I will respect my teachers by having everything that they have assigned to me done for their class and participate willingly. I will have an open mind to ideas and to anything my classmates may present to me.
-Involvement: I already consider myself involved in iPoly and its community by being editor in yearbook and an active volunteer whenever iPoly has any community events. However, there is always room for improvement so despite my schedule plan to be active in senior committees and if possible with my time, H.O.P.E. club. I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and meet new underclassmen. I tend to keep respectful relationships with my past teachers and will still give them the respect they deserve.
-Interdependence: I realize that integrity is something earned not given, and for that i am always trying to commit when i say something and do my best when i am given a task. When i tell others what high school i come from i do so with pride as they know the challenges we face and in doing so have an image of responsibility and i do not fail that image. For example i went to an SAT prep class and the director saw my dedication and my amount of responsibility and time management, from there she grew in amazement in iPoly and what it molds it students to become. As always, when i volunteer and say i'm from iPoly i carry myself responsibly knowing that my actions reflect my school.

Effective iPoly Learner:
-Consistency:I am aiming to be more organized this year, i have a white board in my room noting all my responsibilities and have bought a planner for class. the past years i have occasionally relied on fellow class mates for the homework and i noticed the irresponsibility and wanted a change.
-Creative and Active: This year i want to step up in my leadership role and help those that need my assistance; we are a class together, its something i can improve on in iPoly and in my community.
-Academic Performance: I not only aim to be proficient in all my classes but also approaching exemplary in some of them. Especially in my math based courses.
-Autonomy: This year i hope to better myself with my own learning by organization. Lacking it was my downfall for not studying and for whenever i missed assignments.

Effective User Of Technology:
-Access: During iPoly i realized much of the AE works had outstanding visual aesthetics and considering that much of my senior year are presentations and independent work it dawned that i can no longer rely on that tech savvy group member. With that said i will learn to use any form of design or aesthetic studies.
-Skills: This is again mmy goal to learn. Digital aesthetics are my weakness so i hope to improve on that by practice and occasional practice from yearbook.
-Application: This is modern age and basically anything you think can be done on a computer. It's is up to me this year to learn to make what i visualize in my head onto my computer or board. I will learn to apply my ideas in my projects to give myself that AE edge.
-Integration: Not much to improve her besides DOING it. the more i add and more effort the more my project can only be better.

Effective Communicator:
-Respect: I admit, i do at times try and voice myself louder than others and it goes horrible when i am wrong, therefore this year i plan to be as open as i can to hear and respect everyone's say before collaborating to decide.
-Collaboration: With group work i tend to be lenient with other members and do the work myself to have it my way, but i realize that it is group work and they might have had a certain possibly better idea so for collaboration i could work on visualizing both ideas and if possible merge the two for both our satisfaction or if needed just exercise an open mind to choose the best for the group.
-Proffesionalism: When presenting i tend to become monotone and complicate and provide more details than necessary, in doing so it makes my presentation worse so what i can improve on is public speaking. this year i am managing the writers from yearbook so i am developing my people to people skills, it will make me a better speaker and even better communicator.
-Demonstration: I will perform everything i am practicing to my fullest potential. The whole world is full of people so how else to practice than to interact and actually demonstrate.

Working Bibiography
       -

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship Component

1. (Know) Using google doc (drive) link a log of specific hours and a description of your duties
Answer: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0Au-2II2D7WyddE9pLVJDNjFRbFNkT3o1LWxVSlY2MHc&usp=drive_web
Overall my role in my studio is to learn as a student of Gracie Jiu Jitsu it is expected of me to help others in focusing on their technique and on whatever questions they may have. I observe those that rank higher than me and i learn from their actions and most of all mistakes as they most likely my own as well. My duty is to be a student but also be a teacher to everyone else

2. What is the contact name & number of where you volunteered?
Answer: I study at the Gracie Certified Training Center run by George Balares. He can be reached at his studios number, (855) 455-2454.

3. (Need to know) What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience?  List them.
-My only question asks what i should focus on while mentoring. Should i focus on learning from people more knowledgable? or do i try and be mentors to those that are less experienced as me? Is it a culmination of both?

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?
Answer: The most significant outcome from my summer mentorship was probably the ideas that i created for my senior project. Granted that this idea is completely susceptible to change due to my EQ but if it goes along the line, hey, it works! My idea is to take many action still photos or possibly even video of myself performing escapes, controls, or submissions all after a certain descriptive situation. The audience would then look at the scenario (prior to a lesson of basic GJJ) and decide which one was the best choice. It would be an activity for my component that i find appealing to the audience and interactive as well. Having such an activity will force the listeners to dissect the moves like real GJJ fighters do. I consider this my achievement because even if this activity fails i am looking at what GJJ asks from a fighter and also why every move has its own time to use. the more observant i am the more i see the details that could eventually help i. the year.

5. How did what you did help you choose a topic?  Please explain.
Answer: Luckily for me i already had an idea that i wanted to make GJJ be my senior project. This summer mentorship has helped me because i have started to see what i missed two years ago and now i see the various sub topics of GJJ from the family history of the art to the effect on UFC and the modern world of martial arts, to even the mental and physical toll it takes for your body to use jiu jitsu properly. It helped me solidify my topic choice and reassure my choice in pursuing this all senior year round.

Blog 1:

1)here are the presentations i viewed:
SalvadorG-Soccer Playing
JacobR-Teaching History
JDP-Pastry Art
KendallD-Coping with Cancer
RachelW-Teaching Chemistry
AnaS-Event Planning
ReannB-Wildlife Conservation
JadaH-Autism
RaulS-Remote control car racing
JosephG-Intregate Native species
AndreaR-Painting
RonannaC-Daycare Centers
and finally JaimeP-Navy Basic Training
2)One question that I did consider during the senior presentations were the point of the sponge activities. I kind of felt that they were pointless in a way and that they were not that informative. Also I wondered if you have to present product presentations? My friend who graduated told me we did.
3) For myself I believed that the most significant part of the senior project were your answers. Scince you spend our whole senior project around you're EQ, it can be expected that those answers must be perfection and if they aren't good quality my grade will go down due to the whole year being wasted.
4)The senior project i am considering is jiujitsu, i have been in martial arts since i was 10 years old and i have always enjoyed doing it.  Also i would cover history of jiujitsu because i know much about it and enjoy researching it. I am already enrolled in jiujitsu classes and because of this i dont have to worry about metorship.