Warrior Way Martial Arts | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Muay Thai – (248) 960-4884
Load moreThe Big Blue Wall
I recently had a brief conversation with Bryan Harper, an old training partner, about the importance of wall work in modern day MMA. We talked about the early days of MMA at Warrior Way and the grueling sessions that took place in our little matted room upstairs. Warrior Way, which is now more than 6500 square feet, was much smaller during the early days and we found it necessary to convert an old loft into an additional training space. A student prepared the space upstairs and the build out began to create cage fencing and a padded wall. That was over 20 years ago, and as our facility has expanded, the space is not used as often as it once was. Yesterday, I had a private lesson and we had just finished mopping the mats downstairs. The mats were still damp when we began the lesson, so the student and I ended up training in this space upstairs. I got a chuckle as we began our lesson because earlier that morning I read two different people on social media referring to the ‘old days’ of Michigan MMA as the years 2012 and 2013. I thought about what I considered the ‘old days’ of MMA and the numerous people who prepared themselves against the big blue wall upstairs at Warrior Way. When I stop to reflect, the list of champions that run through my head is truly astonishing. I can remember the many Saturday afternoons being squished against that wall for what seemed like forever. Now, as we approach an upcoming MMA event in November, and prepare another generation of warriors, I’m looking forward to some hard training upstairs against the big blue wall. Who else remembers the real old days?
Some great lessons were learned on that wall!
Man o man the memories lol miss the old days and my brothers ♥️♥️
One of my favorite memories on that wall was when Seguin taught the “Wolfman” a humbling lesson. Not only was it fun to watch but the room was full of real fighters. Brandon, Harper, Popofski, James, Hunt, Don, John M just to name a few. I still laugh about that till this day.
Yes, I remember that old blue wall! It was the only solid wall (not drywall or a garage door) that we could do MMA wall work against! No other gym had a solid, padded wall to train against! We used to have a bunch of us up there training at the same time! I don't know how we never fell on each other & broke something! LOL! I also remember sending Bear, Alex, Caine & Elliot up there to keep them out of the way of classes that were in progress! Now they are all over 6'1" & would probably feel like they were gonna hit their head's on the low ceiling...they would send US up there to train in the "smaller area" now a days!😂 And as far as the "old days of Michigan MMA" goes, I'd like to think of myself as one of the late bloomers of that era! I first fought in '98, but started competing regularly in 2000! In 2008 I won my 1st KOTC belt, so how is 2012-2013 considered the "old days of Michigan MMA"? Regardless of what year(s) someone considers the "old days", I'm glad I was able to be part of it with ALL OF THE WARRIORS that I've trained with & fought! I'm just as excited about being a part of & witnessing what this New Era will do in & for Michigan MMA!
The thought of getting stuck between Angelo and that wall still gives me nightmares
B4 class began in the mid 2000's myself and a few other guys and girls would roll up there.
I remember the old location lol
Wow, I remember lending a hand in assembling the framing with I believe Don Richard back in 99? ( I could be off by a year) It’s been a while.
Mr. Brandon’s Homework: Little Warriors, Warrior Way Kids, and Youth Students.
As the first couple of weeks of school come to a close, I hope your child has told you about their homework assignment from me. I have been fortunate enough to teach martial arts for nearly 20 years and have also taught high school at the secondary level for nine years. There are a multitude of things that help students succeed in school and any other activity. In my experience, students who feel ‘included’ and a part of the overall group have a greater chance of being successful. As martial artists, I regularly teach the students to be kind and reach out to those students who look like they don’t feel included. Specifically, I ask the students to think of their first days at Warrior Way and how they may have felt as the “new kid” in class. I ask the students to keep an eye out for students who don’t have someone to sit with at lunch, or someone to play with at recess, or a partner in the group project in class. I ask our martial artists to take a minute to extend themselves and ask others if they want to have a seat at lunch, or play at recess, or be part of their group in class. It seems like such a small task but as an educator I can tell you a small gesture like this can help a student to have a much more successful, and enjoyable, school year. I hope your child has shared my challenge and assignment with you. I encourage you to ask them to share with your how they made someone’s day a little better!DID YOU KNOW?
Warrior Way has added TWO NoGi classes to the schedule.
Tue 6-7pm &
Fri 10-11amI recently talked with Mike the Cop about common excuses he has heard from police officers who don’t train BJJ. I feel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is THE best thing a police officer can invest in. Mike the Cop is doing an excellent job of spreading the word about the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mike the Cop
Professor Angelo from Warrior Way was kind enough to respond to three common excuses I hear from cops as to why they won't or quit training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Spoiler: we think it should be MANDATORYExcited to announce that my new book, Undying Will, will be launching on September 10. The book is a powerful, personal recounting of how the Berman family survived the Holocaust, and is a reminder of how real the horror of the Holocaust was, how it was resisted, and why it must always be remembered. ~ Harvy Berman
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