Henry Akins, "Invisible Jiu-Jitsu" Connection: Jiu-Jitsu Magazine, Issue #28.

[@jw_25]

Brown Belt: So...what did you do? Black Belt: I made a connection.... Brown Belt: Ok...

[@milkmanpj]

Henry is an amazing teacher. I've been doing BJJ for 20 years or so and learned more in 3 days with him than I could've possibly imagined.

[@MarkusLaumann]

It looks like the "connection" is active contact where you aren't just trying to hold/touch the gi but you're trying to connect to the muscle and bone structure of your opponent. I would say it's as small a difference as placing your hand over your heart during the pledge of allegiance and placing your hand over your heart to feel your heartbeat. When applying it, make connections where you need to apply force to reduce your opponent's reaction time. Make space in the places where your opponent needs to apply force so you have time to react when you feel them moving through your connection.

[@ernieskaggs]

Great video! The language he is using threw me off at first because you hear the word energy used in some of the less legitimate martial arts but after paying attention I understand what he is saying. When he says energy he's talking about actual kinetic energy or the potential energy created by gravity or a combination of the two. And when he says a connection he's basically saying that your body needs to have flush contact with his so that the energy actually gets transferred into the object you're trying to move and not lost through other effects. That's a powerful concept.

[@dreamnade]

+Grafton Skaggs Less legitimate martial arts or less legitimate practitioners?

[@danmurphy4194]

Both

[@littlerunningwolf]

He is essentially talking about concepts that are practiced in taijiquan. As the original Japanese word, jujutsu,, is about the soft art, it would not be unusual for it to share concepts with taijiquan. It seems to be trendy to call taijiquan a "less legitimate" martial art, but when the concepts are adapted, suddenly they are cool. "Energy" includes a number of concepts in Western science, many of which are being used. Potential energy, mechanical energy, kinetic energy--all of which are possible because nerves communicate with electrical energy. Everything that we do, even thinking, uses energy. Thinking in terms of energy, rather than force, changes the interaction, and allows someone to be softer, and waste less energy.

[@rogerwilco8835]

@@littlerunningwolf yes, that's immediately what I thought, when he asked brown belt to push him, henry "rooted" himself to the ground, created a structure, engaging his pelvis and shoulder blade, but he didn't mention any of this, and it's impossible to see if you don't know this stuff.

[@f18_]

IT so funny All these concepts also apply to partner dancing. AS a dance instructor this is exactly what we start teaching students specially the one initiating the move.. One leads the other follows in harmony because of connection.. Awesome.. 2 separate arts yet so similar in the way two bodies move in unison.

[@dlanceshort]

That's a great analogy. As a salsa dancer, I get it now how I might apply it to my jujitsu.

[@marclandry893]

Yes this is exactly what I was thinking, especially in argentine tango where partners are in close distance like bjj.

[@d.lharding2738]

I have been practising Aikido for 4 years and BJJ for about 8 months now. In Aikido you hear about this often. But only so much, or rather so little, of the puzzle was able to be put together in 4 years. Your demonstration and explanation has helped put a few more pieces of the puzzle together. Appreciate it very much. Thank you.

[@ericcoates640]

I'm not a BJJ practitioner but I do practice Yang Tai Chi Chuan and this concept is practiced in Tai Chi as well: During "push hands" (similar to Wing Chun Sticking Hands) Fantastic to see it practiced in BJJ as well. This is one of those concepts that needs to experienced first hand with a skilled practitioner (of any applicable background) to fully appreciate. Great video!

[@ericcoates640]

I'm familiar with transferring "force" (Agreed, in the physics sense, from the ground up in striking from both Tai Chi and Karate (Okinawan) ...Given your background in Wing Chun, it'll definitely be interesting to see how you can adapt those principles to the ground! I started training Japanese Ju Jutsu (Jiu Jitsu) and they do some groundwork (not as much as BJJ) and yeah I'm curious as well how to apply "energy transfer" on the ground.

[@ARKSN1PER]

Where do you think a lot of this comes from? Orlando Cani's system of movement has been heavily influenced by Hatha Yoga, Taijiquan, and Kalaripayate. Rickson took that connection and engine of movement and applied it to BJJ. However, they were at one time part of early Judo via Kano's training in Koryu Jujutsu. Where did the Japanese get it from? Hundreds of years of influence and cultural diffusion from China. Where did the Chinese get it from? India. So Rickson's invisible Jujutsu is actually the "goods" from old school samurai arts, old chinese neijin, and older forms of Yoga. The more you know...

[@danmurphy4194]

If you say so

[@erisd8452]

What's missing here is a biomechanical explanation of what is being grossly characterized as "energy" and "connection". The phenomena can be experienced and understood experientially, without either. An understanding of the basic physics involved will provide you with a conceptual understanding of the experience. Why not have both?

[@mortgagefinancing5558]

LOL NUT BAR

[@wingoreviewsboxingandmma3667]

Tomatoe, Tomato.

[@IAmWingChun]

This teacher has a very deep insight on the truth in martial arts. We consider Sticky Hands a skill valuable that works best in clinching range as he mentioned. Under no circumstance one should believe Chi Sau or sticky hands play any role in Long Range fighting. Also the concept on aligning muscles and bones as one unity to align and generate more power is something every art should focus on and master.

[@carpejkdiem]

What an excellent job!!!!- Thank you so much for sharing!

[@ZodDamn1t]

Most eye opening. Great stuff. Can't wait to start applying this.

[@gusnagel]

He talks all the time in terms of connection with the oponnent, but whoever has an aikido background knows that the real challenge is to connect all the parts of your own body together, as one, in order to allow the ininterrupt flow of your energy, before the connection with the other person. Very intersting to watch it applied in jiu-jitsu.

[@elel2608]

Amazing how this guy is sharing all the secrets here. Speaks of his desire to improve the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Back in the days you wouldn't release secrets like this for fear that your opponent can use it against you.

[@investigacionccp107]

It helps to keep understanding Rickson Gracie´s gospel, in a good sense. Sensitive believe. Now I undestand why Rickson needed to press constantly and give the minimun space to the oponent. The movement develop almost according to the oponent tentative because Rickson was engaged. The thing is also to see things before happend. I apreciate this explantion from Henry Akins, good profesor it seems.

[@hnolsoe]

At the basic level the connection is about engaging the whole of your body to your opponent, in a relaxed manner but without there being any slack. Some times it is done via the arms, some times the legs and some times a combination of body parts. However the important point being that most people have a mental disconnect between the center (core) of the body and the outer extremities (arms and legs), which makes them work in isolation instead as one unit. Making a connection in this way makes it possible to apply power and movement from the strongest part of the body (the core) to the opponent in a swift and immediate way - also feeling their every move, as if mind reading.

[@KazakhLezginka]

Omg it is absolutely awesome stuff! Henry is great!

[@mrt445]

What exactly does he mean by not taking up the slack, I'm still confused,

[@JJGFED]

Great Work Jiu-Jitsu Magazine!

[@edwinserrano1070]

"Don't think, Feel!" ....Bruce Lee

[@sybmundy6223]

He has the best fundamentals on the net hidden jiu jitsu is amazing

[@bambooseragardenista8329]

This is the difference between creating force by using a chain of sequential muscle movements in the arm/shoulder with no connection to the body core, and a more unified movement in which the arm becomes the vehicle for force coming from the body mass. In this latter situation, the arm itself is not "muscling," it is serving as a conduit and can remain relaxed while also being aligned and without slack. This is the tip of a sophisticated iceberg in what is known as the Internal Martial Arts, but it is a start. Good insights, Gracies.

[@JiuJitsuMag]

Christian, Take up the slack before you attempt to affect your opponent. If you begin a movement before you have a sound connection with your opponent you're giving them more opportunity to counter. Is there a particular part in the video you're not getting? Or is there a common technique that's frustrating you? If so let us know, maybe we can suggest changes that might remove that slack and create a better connection.

[@v1bez502]

Hey. I'm guessing you mean that it takes a certain amount of movement for every submission,sweep, etc. to be done. I think what your saying is see how much movement it takes to have an effect on your opponent, then move to that same spot where he felt the pain of the submission. if I'm wrong let me know. and does it require any tensing of the muscles or no?

[@ThomasKjeldahlNilsson]

I'm a white-belt BJJ student, after spending years in Aikido when I was younger. This video is a bit like coming home again. :) Cool.

[@Jtravelvlogg]

Image just waking up out of bed learning connection from Henry rubbing your eyes nodding lol

[@TheProdigy260592]

Some Rickson Gracie stuff i love it

[@JamesGraydon]

It would be awesome if he did a DVD where he went position by position and pointed out connection points.

[@MrSupertwo]

Sounds like a good idea but it would not have the right feeling of connection

[@tomfletcher1735]

Awesome for the chokes but I really dont understand the standing example. Can anyone explain plssss? thanks!

[@Chase1297]

If you make a weak connection, there's still slack in the joints and muscles and the same in your opponents body. If you make a solid and rigid connection, when you move your body forward, there is no slack in the connection. It's tight. Your entire body weight can be effectively used to transfer force becuase the connection is so solid. No energy is lost from a weak connection.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

so its like , instead of releasing the clutch when the light turns green where there is a lag, its more like me half clutching and waiting for the lights to turn green, so there is much less lag ?

[@ColoradoBengal]

+Jeff Chen Feathering the clutch is a pretty good analogy.

[@iFlowWithTheGo]

I think that's the idea..but rather than just the connection being at one point in the body the connection is everywhere...I think.

[@guam58]

Wow! Talk about a simplistic concept that is actually very complicated. But, then the aha moment comes into play. I go over moves in my head on what can I do to make my offense or my defense efficient. I am newly promoted blue belt that has become infatuated withI details. For example, arm in guillotines I have been struggling to get it to be a blood choke versus neck crank and to get a faster tap. There was an aha moment about connection, one is the neck being under the armpit, two connection of hand to wrist, third connection of overhook arm by pinching opponents arm in with your elbow (this is the connection I was missing and it made the choke a 2 second tap), of course there is uppercutting choking arm to opposite hip (key detail for very tight choke especially with regular guillotine) then there is also the connection of your inside leg at opponents hips and your outside leg over opponents back. You can tell if the choke will be strong when the outside leg is putting a lot of pressure on opponents back because you got to your side at the optimal point.

[@jwillard911]

Yes I did Wing Chun for a few years and we called the connection Forward Intent. With Forward Intent the energy is felt not seen. I think it is what has helped me come as far as I have in a short time. Wing Chun sticky hand Bjj sticky body.

[@MrSupertwo]

Just amazing...

[@agonypain400]

He’s removing slack! But the wording making sound profound. But they do mention the word slack during the video.

[@MrMmafan111]

It's similar to Professor Wally J's, 'Small Circle ⭕ Jui-jitsu'. I believe he's is,(Or was as unfortunately he was an older man already when i bought and read his book 📖 with the same name as his Art in around 1990) From Hawaii. That was traditional jui-jitsu with his 'Small Circle ⭕' twist to it,whereby he to would make a connection then apply a 'Small Circle ⭕' wrist technique which would tighten all chokes and Sub's and there for making them moreeffective. Believe me, it work's and even though Gjj hadn't showed the people what it was all about it is a similar concept to what ur talkingabout. In my eye's,if to concepts are close and one work's, then inevitably the second will workalso. I'll definitely have to look into using both as tool's that can be taken out the box to Compliment and make the basic Ju-jitsu of Gjj or Bjj variety's more effective.....

[@christophergrant5705]

Anything to do with transferring body weight to your cross grips? Maybe using body mass, body alignment and opposing forces? #MysticismvsPhysics

[@TheGraciefighter101]

I have never heard him referred to as the jiu jitsu super computer

[@OrganicGonzalez]

i train at Connect Jiu Jitsu in Downey CA

[@scottmarker-treasurevalley7244]

I have taught that for years about the cross-choke. An easier way to understand/explain the move, pull his head to you, up off the mat, then drop your head down to the mat That's taking up the slack or his words, connecting to you.

[@v1bez502]

Im soooo confused. can anyone explain to me what he means. Im so confused. can someone explain in clear detail what has doing so I can start doing this immediately

[@jawz2005]

Still wanna know?

[@danmurphy4194]

Yes

[@holierthan]

Gold at @07:00 and onwards

[@jeffjacob105]

i have been doing the guillotine choke without connection for 3 years now...

[@Seegie16]

Coulnt it just be said that you are seeking to have control of every single situation? Connection is so vague. For instance some very well respected bb have meant it to mean chaining techniques

[@danielvalluzzi1024]

This is like Jedi training

[@TheAppleOfEve]

I loved the video... but it was a long way of saying to tighten up your game. :)

[@Sylum94]

Fernando the Great yeah.. my thoughts exactly. Maybe im just not understanding.

[@Sylum94]

looked at the video again. I understand it now. it's more of a concept that you can use everywhere. its not just "tightening" your game.

[@vw5233]

15:47

[@rearnakedgogo]

sweet, bjj got around to incorporating chi and mysticism

[@somelivesdontmattersldm8776]

learn anatomy and physiology and you will see the slack being taken up exceeds to bone on bone trapping the blood vessels and windpipe between.... also the body is 90% water and water molecules are spherical dictating the shape of your choke to be always circular as the cervical spine dictates.... Flexing and cramping your arms particular ways can create a very circular structure with the figure 4 through the triangle ... The Squeeze is compression circular unless you are attacking the trachea

[@danmurphy4194]

Nothing that you said here makes any sense. Water molecules are NOT spherical, they are v-shaped, and even if they were spherical that would not dictate the "shape of your choke to be circular" ... that makes no sense at all. The shape of the choke is circular because the NECK is cylindrical, you fucking moron. Stop trying to sound so smart when you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

[@jbelt00000]

"the body is 90% water and water molecules are spherical dictating the shape of your choke is always circular" Hahaha... WTF? Your whole comment is a word salad, but that part was funny

[@LucasNguyen1980]

I started off with kung fu as a kid and they speak about something similar to this and being gullible I fell fall all the mumble jumble. Doing Bjj for 7 years now I have practically have no beliefs in the mystics of energy (chi). Are we going backwards or is this a cycle where we go back towards the mystics? Or perhaps Energy was always there and but we didn’t know enough about it? Idk I’m kind of skeptical about this and not sure what to think since I’m no where close to a black belt. Guess I’ll just listen and try to be open minded and let’s see how this works out

[@jbelt00000]

There is no chi or magic being discussed here. Just straight up physics. It's legit

[@scarred10]

henrys explanation of the concept is very poor,he should be able to communicate it in a much shorter timewithout repeatedly using the same ambigous phrases like energy and connection,those are meaningless biomechanically

[@The124804]

Xupen me la piha

[@Combatinho]

snake oil nothing new this is how i was taught and have taught this for years.

[@reznet2]

Poorly explained bullshido

[@monstergrip674]

😂😂😂😂😂 wtf??? 😂😂😂