Private Lesson Ep. 6 || Sitting position, seat bouncing & more

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Join me as I teach a private session with James at Tomahawk Mx. This is episode 6 of a series I've created so that my riders have something to reference after class, and so all of you can learn a thing or two!
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For more information and to book a lesson, email [e-mail]
Instagram: @ajcatanzaro
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[@jerry-ii2pm]

I like how aj gets geared up an uses the students bike to demonstrate how to do it, it proves alot when he dose that!

[@AjCatanzaro]

And I love when a student says it’s not possible on their bike when I tell them to do something 😬 I’ve never been proven wrong when it comes to that!

[@jerry-ii2pm]

@@AjCatanzaro I no I bet u hear alot of that, especially on mini bikes

[@charlesleight5741]

@@AjCatanzaro darla do you have girlfriend from me

[@DonGH97]

It reminds me of my dad showing how it’s done on my 65cc when i was a kid. It showed me i could do much more on my bike than I thought. Funniest thing ever though to see a full grown man go wide open on a 65🤣🤣

[@NirHason]

I think those are the best tutorial vids on youtube (also The MX Factory).

[@brodyrichard263]

If anyone can teach how to save a crash its AJ after straight rythem that was so epic I still watch it all the time lol

[@EMan-ml8er]

I'm quite a new rider and i almost lost my rear wheel out from under me on a rut cause a 110 is squirrely for someone my size. And i somehow managed to save myself from crashing without thinking about it. It basically tipped me completely sideways, and then i somehow manage to correct myself. I hope this season i can get more experience from watching these videos considering i upgraded to a 125

[@brodyrichard263]

@@EMan-ml8er if you grip the bike with the knees and let it move underneath you you will be fine just let your body control the bike naturally dont try to man handle it of your body position is correct most small mistakes that people would crash on you will be able to save it...AJ has some great videos for entry level riders like yourself that will helpyou alot with the basic fundamentals...go check his channel out and see if you find something that will help you good luck! Welcome to the family of moto lol

[@bunnyman6321]

Facts

[@bunnyman6321]

@@brodyrichard263 You still ride?

[@joekulewicz8254]

VOGEL DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO BEAT ME NEXT SEASON!!!!! lol Love it brother, have fun! AJ I'll pay you more to teach him to slow down lol

[@AjCatanzaro]

Hahaha he’s not messing around!

[@joekulewicz8254]

Lampi, Catanzaro, who’s next, RC?!?! lol We’re gonna battle Jimmy!!! LOL ✊🏼🏁

[@ethanthomas6045]

Your lessons really teach me alot . Love it

[@dionpiazza4672]

Thank you for all your knowledge AJ. We all really appreciate you taking time to show us how it’s done.🤙

[@runninwithriver3537]

AJ! pls keep posting these videos more frequently these help me so so much and helps me improve by a mile!! thank you so much!

[@johnmikes2272]

Please keep these videos coming! I learn so much and it keeps things i have learned fresh

[@shawnbub9091]

Thanks for all the instructional training videos, I’m new to the sport and it’s helping greatly🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@johnpodesta4002]

You are an excellent teacher. I would love to take some lessons with you when I am in that part of the country. Maybe next spring or summer.

[@nope-ez3io]

Your videos are significantly more helpful than any of the others on KZbin because you don’t lecture so much as you guide.

[@benfairhall5331]

Thanks Aj very good at making things understandable and simple cheers!

[@danblekeberg2470]

Your videos are the best out there. Thanks a lot !

[@nickaylett1360]

Wow that was actually really helplul. Made sense to my brain. I'm going to focus on grabbing the bike with my knees.

[@SteelCityFilms]

Thanks for these lessons Aj, they help a lot. I ride at Gorman, CA. -Paul

[@midwestmuskysquad]

Must of had ur coffee this a.m lol good job man all usable content cant wait to open my sweater and see what's inside super excited keep em comin

[@mikehasten8640]

I really enjoy watching your private lessons, I’m not a racer and I’m just getting back on dirt bikes at 61 yrs. old and I learn very much from you, thanks. I ride a 2017 YZ250F and YZ426F, P.S. KUTO’s on the straight rather save

[@2stroke784]

So nice to pick up on the lesson that was before mine! Also interesting to see your smooth line choices in POV on his bike.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Wild Banshees your vid will be out in a day or two!!

[@ls1jeeper]

👍 you can definitely tell he was riding way better at the end of the video

[@Noble212]

I’ve learned a lot from these videos.Good content. Thanks.

[@nicolasmowery3644]

Love your videos! Just getting back into racing after 14 years off and these videos have been amazing and super helpful. One of biggest things, besides arm pump, is cornering speed and positioning so I’ve been trying to soak up all of your tips. Would love to get you out to Indiana!

[@psychoslingers8732]

Also in Indiana, we need to get a few others and all pitch in some money and have him come for a weekend and give lessons.

[@250txc]

Lots of good tips and points here... THXS!

[@ThePBSamuel]

Thank you very insightful!! Learning much.

[@KycVex]

Love the lessons. Keep it up

[@warrenlewis100]

This channel and these lessons are fantastic and I like how the age groups of the riders vary , keep up the great work mate :)

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks!

[@horvathpeti8117]

Awesome video as always, you are helping me a lot with these videos too, keep it up!😁 How can i practice the leaning, because i can't lean properly, and i feel it on myself. Thanks!

[@MXUnion]

Love this ! ❤️

[@cookiemonster2308]

Great insight AJ, Ty

[@AjCatanzaro]

👍

[@jeremybraswell6858]

U r awsome AJ thank u for taking time 2 reply 2 my comment the other day!! Up most respect.

[@xnspx9501]

Thanks AJ again I hope to meet you one day and teach me somethings you ever in Oklahoma

[@MrFreeforall222]

Do you have a video that kinda focuses on reducing arm pump/ how you're holding the bars and throttle manipulation? I'm a brand new rider and I get arm pump pretty bad/ dont have smooth or consistent throttle control. Thanks in advance!

[@craftyshotz5211]

I road my quad on this track this past summer and it was difficult to ride

[@thomasvaughan6846]

American practice tracks look absolutely insane fun so straight away distance before most of your jumps and nice wide open tracks. I appreciate the tighter tracks we have in the UK for skill building but So jealous of how fun they look

[@AjCatanzaro]

I like tight tracks so much more! A lot of tracks are dangerously high speed here!

[@alainsoekhlal3653]

When is your next academy camp going to be!!??

[@bradleyhetherington2145]

Can you give a lesson in Glendale at the Arizona MX park after the Supercross race just askin

[@techdeckfun12345]

Really enjoy these videos, they get me so motivated to get out and improve my riding! One thing that would be helpful is maybe do a lap of POV and put on the screen when you are standing and sitting? I think this would really help show where to transition and where not to. Keep up the videos dude!

[@AjCatanzaro]

Good idea. I can definitely do that

[@techdeckfun12345]

Wish I could come out for a lesson with you, a little far away from the UK though! 🇬🇧

[@hamblinshogs]

Aj I noticed a turn you hit with major confidence @ 14:56. Coming in hot to a right turn; are you at your slowest point braking before the turn or do you count on the rut to slow you down a bit more before you clutch out of the hole? Front brake/shifting down a no go? since the right foot is up early in the turn and off the back brake I’m curious how you attack these. Thanks

[@AdamGbl95]

That is a sick jacket

[@nch-wf3tu]

Love the vids since it's a local track. Rad seeing instruction of parts of the track I know well. Details on instruction? Any lessons not taped? Cheers

[@AjCatanzaro]

You can email [e-mail]. Of course lessons are only recorded if you’d like them to be

[@busybeans87]

Keep kicking ass man! I'm working on moving from a decent-ish Beginner to C class this season

[@runninwithriver3537]

Mystique Bike R6 me too man

[@brycencunningham8682]

Same here

[@busybeans87]

Where are y'all from?

[@ogasi1798]

nice one AJ

[@terrybible1545]

So I finally figured out what my big problem ir riding. I'm bow legged and have a hard time keeping my knees tight.

[@dinodude1690]

Idk if you will get this but by gripping with your knees, do you mean like fully so you can baisicly hold on with your legs or like enough that your hands can hold on and be fairly stable?

[@MrXiztence]

Awesome video again :) Def like these alot more than the you on that little sx track in the woods in the mud :) But for someone that isn't from the states, what is casing the jump?

[@katelynpaczkowski7262]

Rinzler casing the jump means coming up short of the landing on the jump

[@MrXiztence]

Katelyn Paczkowski ah Thanks for clearifying. :)

[@derekd4349]

These videos are awesome Aj. I live in OR, do lots of trail riding, and haven't had a bike that transfers to track riding too much (2000 Husqvarna WR360). Currently trying to sell it for a bike that is comfortable in both. What do you think of a 150xc or 250fx? Also, I'm learning a lot from you so thank you. Perhaps for future content after the private lessons you can look into some basic bike maintenance or trail specific tips and tricks. The private lessons are too good to stop doing though!

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks! I think the 150 is a great bike, assuming you don’t weight over 200 pounds then it might be too slow.

[@windshieldrepair5961]

Videos inspire me to ride....my bike got stolen....and I havent had one since.....

[@masonmims5544]

At 4:45 what about a whip to like a big one that leaves you kinda?

[@tjsquib8359]

How do u 'stay loose at the hips'

[@TheSiliconeslick]

What do you mean by landing on the throttle?

[@tylerzesiger7648]

I noticed James does something I’m bad for, he doesn’t commit to entering the rut/berm like you do. I do the same, I enter the corner on flat ground inside of the rut and let the bike move into the line before exit. I don’t know why but I feel if I hit the line coming into the corner I’m going to high side and go out of the line. Is that caused by not turning/leaning the bike early enough? Like I’m waiting to get into the line before really commuting to changing direction? I will be looking for you to come to NC, you are one of few pros who can explain and evaluate proper Riding technique.

[@DanielsLucidTV]

Man the thing that I just cant seem to get is shifting while standing. If you ever get time to throw some tips in about that, that would be awesome!

[@AjCatanzaro]

Daniel Livingston a lot of people struggle with that. Shift position is important. I run mine just about level with the top of the footpeg. Honesty it’s not often that I shift while standing down a straight away. More often than not I’m getting my upshift while I’m still sitting while exiting the turn, or I’m getting up shifts in the air over over jumps

[@derekd4349]

I have the privilege of having a small circle track at my house. I did laps where I was only standing and forced myself to shift while standing. Even after an our or two of this I felt much more comfortable. Hope this helps!

[@DanielsLucidTV]

Thanks guys!

[@taikmetic1322]

Is seat position the same on the 85?

[@matthewdarnell6286]

I almost crashed Sunday on that jump carving the jump and not being straight with the jump and ended up kicking me sideways

[@AjCatanzaro]

Yep that thing will snag you if you aren’t careful

[@nicholasdelcher4532]

Hey AJ I am a vet B Rider living in Maryland, I have been to Tomahawk many times.I was just wondering how I can sign up for lessons?

[@AjCatanzaro]

You can email me catanzaroracing@gmail. com

[@mondi8990]

can someone help me? every time i try to seat bounce im flynig off the bike do u have any tips how to prevent it?

[@sendit1924]

Keep it High and Tight! Just like Tom and Christina

[@steveziemba1013]

How often do you host classes/lessons at tomahawk? I'm a new rider and that track is right down the road from me

[@AjCatanzaro]

I offer private lessons there Monday through Fridays. Larger group classes are maybe once every couple of months. If you’d like to schedule a private session, please email [e-mail]

[@riccardochica8677]

Hey Aj o was wondering if I could get a training session with you sometime

[@AjCatanzaro]

Of course. You can email [e-mail]

[@aeroe2144]

Great videos bro , really helps now that ive added a bike to the stable (been riding 3 wheelers for the last 18 or so years)

[@Dkflying1]

Aj is it possible that I’m getting kicked because my sag is too stiff? (95-100mm) Or does the rebound effect mostly how fast the rear unloads when seat bouncing

[@AjCatanzaro]

Dante unless your bike setup is ridiculously far off it shouldn’t be enough to really kick you that much. I would always try and work on body position/technique rather than making a bunch of random clicker adjustments on bike

[@ataiken8406]

I love these videos, I am a vet 40 + been riding for 10 years and i am learing more with videos then i have by watching other people ride. Ever thought about doing online lessons for folks? Maybe review a gopro of a person and giving quick feedback? just a thought.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Glad you like them. I have given that thought, it’s just hard because I’m a one man show and trying to juggle so many things at the moment. With how much momentum these videos are getting, I may need to do something like that in the near future

[@ataiken8406]

@@AjCatanzaro I understand that, no problem and thank you for the response, you didn't have too but you did and "we" appreciate that; keep up the good work and will be pulling for you at the races

[@thepatternforms859]

When riding trails and single track keep knees OPEN and UNLOCKED….

[@dustingotshall3405]

You ride great on that Yamaha 🤔

[@ballou1777]

Every time I try to seat bounce, I stand up too soon. How do I get the timing down perfect?

[@tjsquib8359]

Don't stand till ur in the air

[@AjCatanzaro]

ballou1777 good question. You shouldn’t try to stand at all. Let the natural momentum from the bike compressing & rebounding pop your butt off the seat

[@LikeAPetrol]

I thought that everyone in America rides as cool as AMA Supercross stars, haha!

[@diogoleitao9848]

Sand riding would be a good idea

[@troymason3098]

As he was explaining about the knees and doing the movements I couldn't help thinking that he got nice dance moves no homo lls

[@AjCatanzaro]

90s boyT surprisingly, I’m one of the worst dancers this side of the Mississippi

[@troymason3098]

Wish you good success in Supercross this year coming

[@AjCatanzaro]

90s boyT thanks!

[@DinoAungpe]

Knees connected toes pointed in Roger that

[@ludvig8812]

When I'm seatbouncing I usually sit way more back than that, but I also trag/pull my bars backwards as im going up the face of the jump. Is this wrong?

[@AjCatanzaro]

extreme sports for life yes, if you were attempting to do a front flip that would be a good way to do it 😂. Even on a bicycle, you ever try and pull like crazy on the bars while taking off? First thing that happens is you go into an endo

[@ludvig8812]

@@AjCatanzaro but like I've never gone in to an endo when doing so tho.

[@AjCatanzaro]

extreme sports for life you could also be describing what you’re doing a little bit off, I would have to see a video of you doing to tell you what’s going on, and what you should alter

[@ludvig8812]

@@AjCatanzaro ok dude, if i got a video of me seatbouncing where would i be able to send it to?

[@AjCatanzaro]

extreme sports for life email it to me [e-mail] and I’ll help you

[@tiiimbow]

First like 🤟🏼

[@ronaldmiller8036]

Just wondering was he on a 250f or 450f....im similar weight and age torn between a 250 or 450..thanks

[@AjCatanzaro]

250f. How much do you weigh?

[@ronaldmiller8036]

@@AjCatanzaro 270 and im doing good to put 2 to 3 laps at speed before taking a break..51 yrs old akso

[@ronaldmiller8036]

Also..thanks

[@AjCatanzaro]

At 270 I would say you would be ok on a 450. Anyone 210 or less I would almost always recommend a 250f

[@ronaldmiller8036]

@@AjCatanzaro thanks for taking the time to answer....

[@tylermilanese1894]

You should find a way to invent some sort of elastic work out band that goes around your thights to keep students from breaking knee contact with the bike. Also 8lbs ankle weights will deter students from wanting to take there feet off the pegs. Also come next lesson keeping that leg high and tight will seem like a breeze. Haha jus a dumb idea.

[@AjCatanzaro]

Haha kind of like that idea!

[@motojake65]

I went to school with a David Catanzaro...any relation??

[@AjCatanzaro]

Possibly. What state?

[@motojake65]

Clinton Connecticut

[@AaronMartinCOOLVIDEO]

just send it that is how I ride.

[@CommieHunter7]

Hey man! I appreciated the reply on the other video and I liked the description you gave here with holding on with your knees yet still letting the bike lean underneath you. That's something I was doing wrong, and your description of 'letting the bike move by having mobile hips' instead of loose knees makes sense. A perfect display of the technique I was thinking of is here, about 15 seconds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGbLiImMdreHoZI That's Graham Jarvis, one of the best Hard Enduro riders. Now, it took me like 2 weeks to catch a clip of someone doing that, cause for sure, in almost all situations they are holding on with their knees. But that's what I was thinking of when I made that comment.

[@AjCatanzaro]

👍🏼 Guys doing hard enduros like that would definitely be the exception, because they are riding over some terrain that dirt bikes aren’t even meant to go over.

[@braydengallagher1013]

I really want a lesson from you but you don't life near me 😢

[@timetter7062]

should be a no talking rule for students

[@JonesCrew576]

Is it harder to train younger or older ppl? Younger= I know, I know, I know Older= I know, I know, I know😂😂😂

[@AjCatanzaro]

Bubba good question. I would say older people usually listen better, but a lot of times have 20+ years of bad habits. Younger guys are sometimes guilty of trying to impress me by going fast. But I will say, in a 1-on-1 setting almost everyone I’ve worked with has listened/engaged/attempted what I tell them to try

[@davidpuddy8023]

Unlock the hips, keep your knee's tight and allow them to wiggle with the bike. Think Elvis and you'll be good! :)

[@windshieldrepair5961]

Looks like he's sitting to close to front

[@36surferjoe]

Yea ok yea ok, guy just keeps cutting you off before he can even complete a sentence. It’s like shut your mouth and learn something.😂

[@artvasquez3113]

Get a clue

[@AjCatanzaro]

Thanks for the view