Staff Portraits

Rise Up Martial Arts Academy

Late Summer Ride
"One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things." ~ Henry Miller
Elite Sparring
Today I had a rare treat. I go to go do a little casual photography of my BJJ coach Thales Blaso and Jeff Lee training together. It was great to be able to watch two very skilled martial artists. No egos. No prideful boasting. No fluff. Just technical skill, patience and guile in a display of friendly sparring. It was truly inspiring.
A Game of Throws
Relaxing while being thrown. It's an art in and of itself. #bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts #judo #judoka #judolife #judomotivation
Warmup Throws
Here's another photo from this past Sunday of my BJJ instructor Thales Blaso warming up for sparring with his Judo partner Jeff Lee. After an hour of watching them I had to head home. My kid was with me and she'd spent the night at a friend's so was very tired and hungry. As I went to leave I mentioned to them that I'd really like to learn Judo. Jeff then invited me to come out on the mats, with me in my street clothes, and he'd begin right then. So on one hand I had a hungry kid ready to go home, on the other a chance to learn from an expert. (In other words; a chance to get tossed around while wearing jeans.) As I stepped onto the mat I was still trying to decide if this was a "good idea." Thankfully Thales kept me on track and pointed out I had to leave and there'd be another time for me to get slammed around.The next time I go photograph him training I'm leaving the kid at home and taking my gi! #bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts #judo #judoka #judolife #judomotivation
Dane County Sheriff’s Annual Awards Ceremony
RL2_5750_2017_05_10

Dane County Sheriff’s Annual Awards Ceremony
RL2_5749_2017_05_10
Dane County Sheriff’s Annual Awards Ceremony
RL2_5748_2017_05_10
Dane County Sheriff’s Annual Awards Ceremony
RL2_5745_2017_05_10
Dane County Sheriff’s Annual Awards Ceremony
RL2_5744_2017_05_10
Counter Punch Scenario
Self Defense from Closed Guard: Avoid the punch by using your hips to swing to the attacking side while using legs to bring opponent forward. Catch & trap the attacking arm against your neck, hand grabbing the back of their armpit. Lock the position by grabbing the biceps. The other hand raises to your head and... TAP! TAP! TAP! We also covered variations of this...