Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is an individual sport and its obvious why. But what is not is how the whole team gathers around an individual to make that person better, grow. Whether it be preparation for a tournament, grading, or a simple sparring match; everyone makes sure that everyone is working harder, moving faster, and thinking more. We have world-class athletes training in the gym, we have doctors, nurses, teachers, students, retirees, managers, and even lawyers and we adjust according to his or her physical limitations, but that does not stop the team from trying to push the envelope every time we step on the mats. Everyone works hard and they expect teammates to be exactly the same way.

Deftac-Cebu is exactly that! Every time someone starts falling behind, the rest of the team picks up the slack. Every time we start making excuses, we are reminded not to. And every time we start to doubt ourselves, everyone else encourages us to do better.

Source: http://www.cebujiujitsu.com/blog/article/defining-teamwork

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is known as more than just a system of fighting. Since its inception in 1882, its parent art of judo was separated from older systems of Japanese jujutsu by an important difference that was passed on to BJJ: it is not solely a martial art: it is also a sport; a method for promoting physical fitness and building character in young people; and, ultimately, a way of life.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes getting an opponent to the ground in order to utilize ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and choke holds. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground. A more precise way of describing this would be to say that on the ground, physical strength can be offset or enhanced by an experienced grappler who knows how to maximize force using mechanical strength instead of pure physical strength.

Videos:

• Jiu-Jitsu (Royler Gracie) vs Kenpo Karate
• Jiu-Jitsu (Royce Gracie) vs Kung Fu

BJJ permits a wide variety of techniques to take the fight to the ground after taking a grip. While other combat sports, such as Judo and Wrestling almost always use a takedown to bring an opponent to the ground, in BJJ one option is to “pull guard” [when a larger attacker is “in your guard”, you are safe] from This entails obtaining some grip on the opponent and then bringing the fight or match onto the mat by sitting straight down or by jumping and wrapping the legs around the opponent.

Source: Dominion MMA–BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Sambo, Kickboxing With No Contracts.

Maybe you’ve seen the “Like a Girl” video? We try to make room for and encourage Girls to Play at OTA. Obstacles like lack of confidence, a small field, no fancy facilities or equipment are always there but we don’t give up!

Watch the original, “Like a Girl” video.

To view Slideshow…

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April 18: OTA Short-handed but Won 6-0! • April 25 Game is 4PM at Mission Valley YMCA

Calling all younger* OTA Soccer Players! If you would like to sign up for the ymca’s soccer league and play for OTA, please return the medical waiver with your child’s age at the top right corner. Please return form by Friday or bring it to the game Saturday.

•  YMCA 2015 Medical form – ALL Sports
• To get all the latest updates on schedules, practice times, etc. please visit and subscribe to the Old Town Academy Outdoor Ed blog!
• Looking for: 2 Parent Volunteer Coaches! Spend quality time with your children!

(*Students in Upper Elementary & Middle School* can play in San Diego Middle School Athletic League)

• Season Dates: April 6^th –Jun 13^th
• 1^st game: Saturday, April 18^th
• Pictures day: Saturday, May 9^th  
• Includes: 8 games
• Fee: $50 per child

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), developed by the Gracie family and made famous in events like The Ultimate Fighting Championship, is one of the most respected and effective martial arts in the world today.  Its real-world effectiveness has led to its acceptance and implementation by all branches of the US Military, local and national law enforcement, Air Marshals and military forces from around the world.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not based on strength or athleticism; its effectiveness comes from the use of an opponent’s strength, force and aggression against themselves.  The student learns how to use leverage and body positioning to defend themselves in virtually any close quarters attack or assault.  Since most real-world confrontations end up on the ground,  BJJ concentrates on grappling positions including the “Guard”, “Mount” and “Side Control”.  These positions allow the student to apply a variety of strikes, chokes, joint locks, pins and escapes with the most effective leverage-based techniques possible.

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Blue Ribbon!

• Thank you to all OTA students who competed and parents who cheered!
• Thank you Coach Curry & Mrs Curry for making it all possible!
• Slideshow with more highlights coming soon!

First Place Boys 4×100 relay (back to back victories 2014, 2015)

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First Place “Boys 4×100 relay” team… and friends!

“Because we had two girls we had to run with the all boys division! Lyndon, Aiyana, Shyla, Spencer. They were magnificent. The ONLY coed team.” — Coach Curry

Q3 2015 Outdoor Ed Pyramid-Track and Field

Great game today at Presidio Recreation Center for the 7th-8th Grade Boys. Tomorrow they play The Rock Academy (also at Presidio at 4:00).

Thanks to OTA Athletic Director Rich Curry for setting up a brand new basketball league and Coach Dan Pasternack for coaching!