Video for earning blue belt online

[John Hickman]

I earned my blue belt in the gi a few months ago. Been hearing different opinions on earning belts in gi and nogi. I'd prefer to earn both. But anyhow, my training partner is a purple belt in the gi, and wasn't being that perfect training partner for the video, so it is a little sloppy. I had a lot more that I wanted to put in the video, but 17mins flew by QUICK. Anyhow, throw out your honest opinions. Eddie B, see you in Sherman in November!!

[Wade Hamilton]

Did you paint your toe tails?

[Aaron Gustaveson]

You can get a belt with a video?

[John Hickman]

Wade, yup lol.

Aaron, there is an online process, yes.

[Aaron Gustaveson]

Did you paint your toe tails?

looks like the stuff that makes your nails tougher.

[John Hickman]

I figure it my jitz don't work, I can always cut a motherfucker with my toe nails, you know :P

[HerbChao]

looks good so far, I'll leave it to the higher ranks to critique. Hoping to eventually make mine one day!

[John Hickman]

looks good so far, I'll leave it to the higher ranks to critique. Hoping to eventually make mine one day!

Thanks, man. Hoping some of those higher ranks will critique. Can always use that to better myself!

[Compella]

That looked pretty good, seemed like you had a diverse set of moves for several different positions and understood the main paths for the RG and lockdown, which is pretty much the bread & butter for blue belt level stuff. I'd say that for just the knowledge alone, the terminology, you're a blue 1/2 way to purple. Some competition footage would be cool, to see the practical use of your techniques, but ultimately it's up to Eddie, maybe that's enough, who knows...whoooo knooooowss

[John Hickman]

Thanks, Compella. I've began learning about 3.5yrs ago when MTRG. I've known the invisible collar for that long, but was nervous when I made the video. For the life of me, I couldn't remember what it was called. As soon as the camera shut off, it popped into my head. Damn stage fright, I guess. I usually posted my competition videos on the forums. If need be, I suppose I can always throw up the links for Eddie. I've also noticed that the "getting on your elbow" from the lockdown in no more, and guys are now using the S-grip and staying tight. I will start working that asap. Thanks again for your input, homie.