
Originally Posted by
Chris Odell (Datsusara)
Well folks I've been working without Rubberguard and lockdown for a few months now. I've basically been told that I can't get my blue at this gym if I'm going to use those techniques. So I thought I'd try just going without it for awhile. It did help open me up to other parts of my game at first, like more open guard. But it fucking kills me when I have a guy broken down in guard and I can't use my RG to Oma or when I have someone in half guard and I really need that lockdown to keep them off me.
I think I'm about to just snap and drive a lot further to go train at another gym that won't be so ignorant. It's breaking my heart a little since this issue aside I like the gym, it's a few blocks away (which makes it easy to get in often) and the students are a good bunch of guys that I would miss. I have improved greatly in my short time there but I have also lost a big part of my game that I love.
It came to head today when I asked my coach if it would at least be ok if I used all my techniques in a tournament setting even if not at the gym. I could just feel the frustration and annoyance that I even asked the question. He more or less said he's rather have me compete then not but that if I use those techniques he'll be yelling at me to stop doing them. Oh yes and along with all the usual that shit doesn't work, why would you do that etc.
I feel like I'm betraying myself if I just give in and give up on things I love. Would you guys let it go?
Can you submit him with it?
He probably thinks its weak and is telling you not to use it because he thinks it will slow your progress and make you worse than his stuff.... but he is going about communicating that with you in an backwards manner. its hard to tell the intent that this guy brings to the table without hearing the tone of his voice.
you could do drop ins at the further gym and work rubber guard there and at this guys gym just work everything else then do what ever works best for you in tournaments. if he doesnt do rubberguard you wouldnt be listening to his advice in tournaments anyway what does it matter if he is yelling "stop that" or not knowing what to yell to advance you to the next rubber guard control position...
its a shitty position to be caught in, do you want to train under someone who makes you feel poorly?