The verdict is in! Position Impossible is the first MUST HAVE DVD of 2006! Endorsed by legends like BJ Penn and Mike Swain and our readers! Heres what people are saying about Dave Camarillo’s Position Impossible!
Review 1
Audio Review by Adisa Banjoko!
http://www.netweed.com/lyricalswords/
Review 2
Review from www.MMA.tv forum
My wife got me this as a Christmas gift and it came in the other day. I’ll try to post a more complete review in the future.
I skipped over the 1st dvd on judo for bjj’ers since I’ve been doing judo for around 20 years. I went straight to the flying attacks section. It’s a good thing I’ve got a couple of rolls of duct tape lying around because my head exploded shortly afterwards. So after I taped my head back together, I made it all the way through the flying attacks section and only had to re-tape my head a few times.
I only watched it once but just about everything on that section was new to me. Since I’m pushing 40, I’m not sure I want to be adding flying attacks to my game this late in my career. I remember seeing a guy completely fracture his clavicle doing a flying triangle at a submission tournament in KC years ago.
Dave does a great job, however, of showing how to practice flying attacks in a safe, progressive way. He also has some small details about how to avoid injury when doing the attacks. I’m going to try them out and see what happens. Even if I never decide to use them in randori/shiaii, they would still be fun to be able to do. It would be major cool so see the young guys in my club pull these off.
The production value is top notch and even though I don’t care about cool graphics, the intro w/ animation was just bad ass looking! I’ll try to watch some more this weekend and update the review.
Short story: This is a cool set.
Review 3
This dvd should be called David Camarillo’s Opus- Purely Amazing.This is a review for the first section of the new Camarillo set, Mission 1: Secrets of the Judoka. The following “missions” will be reviewed as I condense the material. There is a TON of information on these dvds, so bear with me as I try to process it all.
First of all, the dvd quality is amazing. The guys at onthemat definitely out did themselves. The camera work is solid, the picture is crisp, the background looks clean (no hanging drapes or anything distracting), and the white levels are good throughout. The sound is crisp and I think you guys will see the amount of work that went into this. Its obvious that this was a monumental project.
On to the guts of this dvd set. This first mission includes a lot of information and it is lengthy without being boring. This covers judo throws, breakfalls, uchikomi (repetitions), variations of throws, solo drills, gripping, and STRATEGY. As a judo dvd, this stands neck and neck with some of the best judo dvds produced (Koga, Jeon, and Swain Complete Judo). In my opinion, it probably edges out Swain, because the strategy makes this much more than a collection of moves. Every judoka will want this dvd. As a horrible brown belt in judo (pity belt from OCK), I was able to see why certain throws of mine were not working properly, especially my harai goshi (sweeping leg hip throw) and my entrances.
Another great thing about this dvd is the gripping, Camarillo shows how he sets up different strategies based on his grips or his opponents dominant grips. It is really an encyclopedia of options and variations.
Here is what is on this dvd. Each mission is broken down into Objectives and and each move is instructed clearly multiple times with different angles while discussing new options that can arise and the importance of proper technique. In fact, Dave often shows what not to do and defeats some of the poor habits that many bjjers and judoka have.
Mission 1: Secrets of the Judoka – A. Breakfalls – an overview of how to forward roll and a sidefall drill while on the mat. B. Footwork – Involves proper footwork for throwing. C. Seoi Nage- Dave teaches a ippon seoi nage (one armed shoulder throw) and his gripping strategy and kuszushi (off balancing tech) are perfect and carried out in all of the following throws as well. D. Harai Goshi – Great detail on how to enter the hip after the initial off balancing – I just learned why I could never pull off this throw. E. Kouchi Gari (small inner reap). F. Ouchi Gari (large outer reap) – A lot of important details on the hands and direction in E and F. G. Osoto Gari (major outer reaping throw). H. Side Breakfalls – this gets you ready for the foot sweeps section. I. Foot sweeps – This has great detail on the importance of timing and shows a nice drill. J. Variations – Dave shows some amazing variations on Ouchi Gari (ouchi to leg pick to ouchi), Osoto Gari (shows an osoto otoshi to beat a stiff arm defense – very important for bjjers),and Footsweep off an entry defense (this is on the Dave Against the Machine vid and he launches a guy by changing directions – you’ll love this move). These are some great combos and counters. K. Tomoenage – Dave shows the classic sacrifice throw, but flows into a beautiful open guard sweep when the opponent drops his weight down and back instead of getting swept over the head. His transition is perfect. L. HOW TO BEAT THE JIU-JITSU POSTURE – Very important section on entering, beating the distance, and changing directions to open up a beautiful foot sweep. M. Gripping for Judo and Armlocks – We get to see how Dave controls a grip (you know when you fight a good thrower and he feels like he is cutting off your circulation with his grip? This shows how) and uses it to set up his throws to armbar. Dave is always thinking throw and armbar with these grips. GREAT!! N. Redirecting Grips to Throw – Shows how to beat a dominant grip through redirection instead of an inefficient use of energy (i.e. fighting). The strategy has to be seen to believe, the step in harai is extraordinary. O. 2 on 1 Throw Sequence – SHows how to use a 2 on 1 grip to dominate the grip and set up a multitude of throws. This works wonders on an extreme right versus left stance.
The last section was mostly covering offensive moves and how to set up the throw and transition; each section is pretty long with a ton of detail. The next section of Mission 1 covers defenses to the above mentioned throws.
Defense A. Seoinage- this as well as the other defenses discusses the importance of blocking the hip, angles, and posture. B. Harai Goshi- Great detail on preventing and escaping from the over the shoulder (Russian) grip as well as escaping a deep throw C. Kouchi Gari D.Osoto Gari – shows how to posture and counter with a beautiful osoto gari (by circling back). E. Foot sweeps – shows how to circle your attacked foot to counter with your own sweep.
The next and final section of Mission 1 covers different drills.
Drill A. Forward Throws – Shows some static single man drills for forward throws and how to use the wall to practice your repetitions. Very nice. B. Uchikomi – This covers how to practice your repetitions to build familiarity and muscle memory for your throws. This is a great section and I think a lot of guys do not do proper uchikomi (often finishing too much of the throw and limiting their repetitions). Very important lesson on keeping momentum. All of the throws taught in the dvd are covered.
There is a ton of information in this part and this is only the first part of the dvd set; I think this part alone can stand alone as a dvd set. The strategy will blow your minds. Just wait until you hear about the section on flying attacks – mind blowing. I will review the next Mission (Secrets of Jiu-Jitsu for Newaza) later.
One last thing, we are lucky to see such a high level bjj and judoka teach regarding his style and strategy for integration. There are not many who integrate both arts at such a high level (Flavio Canto, Rhadi, and Leite are a few that come to mind) and not many who succeed with such a finishing style. Must be seen to believe.
This is a review for the first half of the second disc of the new Dave Camarillo set (Mission 1 took up all of the first disc in my promo copy). This disc is composed of Mission 2: Secrets of Jiu-jitsu for Newaza and Mission 3: Flying Attacks. So, with that said, here is the review for Mission 2: Secrets of Jiu-jitsu for Newaza.First off, I should let you all know that this review cannot do this section justice. There is a lot of material in these sections and I am just going to give a brief overview of each section. The aim of this section is to discuss how to use bjj in judo and is relevant to both bjjers and judoka. This section gets really deep into competitive strategy.
Mission 2: Objective A. Blending Judo and Jiu-jitsu: Dave discusses the importance of knowing your skills, developing fast transitions and throws, timing, practice, counter skills, and training in both judo and bjj. This is a very inspirational section. B. Points versus Attacks: Dave illustrates a great throw defense for both bjjers and judoka where the opponent gets the pick and is preparing the throw, Dave turns and turtles, and then transitions into an armbar from the guard. A lot of important strategy on always keeping yourself from being scored on in judo (by not immediately falling to the guard), preparing grips for the armbar during the transition, and recovering guard from the turtle. C. Armlocks for Judo: Dave shows a proper armbar from the guard and breaksdown why he grips the way he does opposed to others, and discusses his strategy for eliminating space. Every detail is expounded in detail. D. Gripping for Submission in Judo: Dave breaks down the transition from a failed throw to choke (seen in 101 subs vol. 2 where Chuck Jerfferson chokes Pedro); many important details on working the defense instead of going for matte (restart) and how to avoid entering a throw straight into a choke. E. Newaza Armlock Defense: Proper weight distribution, bicep trapping and timing, and thigh controlled are all covered here. F. Proper Newaza Development: Dave discusses how to avoid and defend Sankaku Jime (reverse triangle to roll over/submission) from the sprawl position. A ton of information here on the power of the guard as an easy defense to this as well as controlling points of the bjj guard.
This dvd has a lot to offer. The judoka will benefit the most, but the details on his positions and his transitions between defense and attack are valuable for all grapplers. His style is just incredibly technical. Once again, the strategy alone makes this a great value.
The next review will be on Mission 3: Flying Attacks. I think many of you will want to purchase this dvd for this section alone. Dave is a freak and he shows how to do all kinds of flying attacks. The funny thing is, I have seen these moves taught before, but Dave shows the best setups IMO.
This is a review for the second half of the second dvd, Mission 3: Flying Attacks!!!First of all, I need to state something about flying attacks, these moves are both fancy and functional. Dave shows how to get proper grips and shows why he feels his flying attacks are better than similar attacks. I have seen so much footage of these moves and I have always wished I had the balls to try them. This is great jiu-jitsu. Minimum force, maximum efficiency. THIS SECTION HAS SOME OF THE COOLEST MOVES I HAVE EVER SEEN. My jaw dropped multiple times – beautiful bjj.
Interestling enough, I talked to Feitosa tonight after we worked out and he was watching me try Camarillo’s flying armbar on the sitting guard and he said that he thought this move was VERY GOOD and that this was very good jiu-jitsu. I trust that Feitosa knows what works in bjj. Enough blabbering, on with the review of the moves…
Mission 3: Flying Attacks – Objective A. Crash Pad Safety: Dave does an amazing thing and advocates the practicing flying attacks and guard jumps on a crash pad with your partner until you get used to the motion. It is like skateboarding with a helmet before you hit vert, it is just a good idea. Also, he shows how you will learn how to fall right so you don’t bruise you back. This objective is a gem and also shows how Dave breakfalls on the hard tatame by using his elbow when doing these moves for real. Classic. B. Flying Armlock: First Dave shows how you will want to learn the motion from the guard while on the mat, then he shows how to do his jump (his move is more like a fling triangle that ends in armbar. He also shows how important it is to dominate the grip and avoid tying up with both grips. This section has a ton of info, Dave also shows other variations and why he does not do flying armbars these ways. C. Flying Armlock from Shoulder Grip: This is basically to avoid giving away the set up by not holding the elbow. Important detail on redirection. Brilliant. D. Flying Armbar versus Sit Up Guard: Pulled this one off in class tonight, I need some practice, but I’ve been trying it since I saw it in a Machado book and this was the first time I understood how to do it (I need a little practice, but I get it now). E. Flying to the Back over the Sit Up Guard: creative variation when the opponent is being more aggressive. F. Flying to the Guard: A lesson on jumping guard and how to break the opponents posture so that he comes down to the mat with you, very important details in the posture breaking. G. Flying the the Back Standing: This is an armdrag that results in jumping to the back and an instant choke, MAN… DAVE’S TRANSITIONS ARE SLICK. H. Flying Leglock – Beautiful move that looks like part uchimata, part scissor takedown (it isnt really though) and is a leg hugging takedown that results in a kneebar. I. Flying Armlock off the Collar Tie: Great move against those wrestler types. I have seen my friend Nam do this a bunch and it has always been an amazing move. J. Flying Omoplata- This is a crazy move and there are over 10 minutes of variations – flying omoplata to the back, to the sub, to the triangle, to the kneebar, etc. Crazy details. K. Flying Reverse Triangle: When opponents react to the flying armbar by coming down and you find yourself higher, this is a transition to one of the nutsiest moves you will ever see. L. Wizzer to Flying Triangle: Dave wizzers his opponent and jumps the triangle. M. Wizzer to Flying Armbar: THIS IS THE COOLEST MOVE I HAVE EVER SEEN – BAR NONE. This is when Dave is being wizzered, he jumps onto the back and rolls into a armbar (all before the opponent hits the ground). Even if you never pull this move off, you owe it to yourself if you are a fan of bjj to see this move.
I will be trying to learn all of these moves, but I will be using a crash pad. Some moves may be difficult for some, but seriously, this is amazing bjj and you will want to see some of this stuff. I really think there is something for everyone here (guard jumping, flying attacks against sit up guard, and defenses against other flying attacks are all applicable to different body types). I think the crash pad drills are just plain fun.
This dvd is incredible, great judo, great theory, and new funky moves. It really is astonishing.
I will be reviewing the first and final part of the third (and final dvd) tomorrow. This dvd includes Mission 4: Submissions and Mission 5: Transitions to Attack. It’s about time we have a dvd regarding standup to ground transitions.
This is a review for the first half of the final dvd in the set; covering Mission 4: Submissions.
Dave shows his style of attacking and there are a lot of arm and triangle attacks. Each move consists of multiple variations and angles just as the previous moves. I don’t know whether to call moves beginning or advanced, but some of the moves require little for everyone to pull off and some require a certain degree of coordination and balls (jumping triangle & rolling kneebar). The style is oriented towards the finish (I guess it should be seeing that it is the subs section).
Mission 4: Submissions. Objective A. Uchimata to Kneebar: This is a counter to your opponent posturing up and pushing his hips into you when you go for the uchimata throw. When Dave feels the resistance he immediately drops all the way down, controls the leg, and forward rolls into a kneebar. B. Armdrag to Triangle – From the open sitting guard, Dave armdrags (using the same side arm instead of Marcelo’s cross armdrag), gets to his feet (opponent is still forward in a turtle like position from the drag) and does a jumping triangle as the opponent comes up to recover. C. Double Attack from the Top: I really liked this move, Dave starts in his opponents sitting guard with the opponent hugging your forward leg (you are standing) and shows how to clear your legs and land in a S mount. From here Dave shows how to attack different armbars and triangles. I like this because it is a complete game of moves from start to finish. Great details on controlling the arms during the pass to set up the desired attack.Side Control to Leglock: Dave shows how to control the near side knee and step over for a kneebar attack. E. Single Leg to Triangle: Dave shows how to defend the single (the proper side to put your foot), grip, and then jump the triangle. F. Step Around Armlock: From the same starting position as Objective C., Dave shows how to use the opponents grip to armbar him as you step backwards, then step onto his hip and fall into the armbar.
One thing I like about the Camarillo bjj instruction is that he does a good job of covering something that he is exceptionally good at… the armbar. His armbar and triangle attacks are very nice and I think you will all start to pick up on the pattern of how Dave uses his foot on the hip to set up a lot of his flying and passing armbars. It is such a basic move and I feel a lot of people can benefit from seeing this important detail.
This is a solid section with a little of something for everyone (IMO). I’d love to see a match up between Garcia and Camarillo, both appear to be finishers that don’t hold back for points.
This is a review for the final part of the new Dave Camarillo series, Mission 5: Transitioning to Attack.All of the moves in this section link a throw, defense to a throw, or sacrifice to a throw to a submission attack. This is a unique section, because there are not a lot of dvds that cover this linkage (the only one that comes to mind are the first disc in the Mike Swain newaza series and this part has much more detail and includes subs from being thrown and the first DVD in the new Jacare set). In fact, I think the subs off the defense and being thrown are really good and I haven’t seen many of these before.
Mission 5: Transitioning to Attack, Objective A. Seoi Nage to the Back: In this move Dave takes the back when the opponent tries a standing ippon seoi. Like in all of the following parts, Dave breaks down the defense and the reasoning behind where he puts his hands and prepares his hooks. In this case, Dave postures his hips into the defense, but jumps to the back (a strong thrower may be able to force the throw), Dave then ducks his head as his brother commits forward and both roll over into Dave’s choke (which is set up by the seoi action). B. Low Seoi Nage to the Choke: This is very valuable to bjjers because it is a move that I see judoka trying and for some reason I do not see it often in bjj class. Dave defends the drop seoi by circling towards a clock choke/perpendicular position. From this position, Dave steps across the back with his leg closest to his opponents legs and hooks across the back, Dave then rolls towards the hook, securing the leg as he transitions, he finishes in a very tight choke. C. Low Seoi Nage to the Arm: This time, Dave does not go to the side because his opponent may be able to get the drop seoi if he transitions there. Instead, he gets a hook and transitions onto the back to attack the armbar. D. Osoto Gari to Armlock: This is the classic move where you osoto gari your opponent and finish with an armbar as he is still recovering from the impact. Great move if you have a strong osoto. E. Osoto Gari Defense to Armlock: In this throw, Dave is thrown for Osoto Gari, but transitions to an armlock before his opponent can. There is a very important detail here that is applicable to many different armbars against upright or standng opponents regarding stiffening your arms to prevent the opponent from stacking into you or posturing out. F. Leg Pick Defense to Armlock: Dave concedes the 2 points for the throw here, but sets up the armbar by putting his foot on the hip as he gets thrown. Dave discusses his strategy and indicates that his objective is to always win the fight and not fight for points. He finishes by showing the defense to the leg pick for those who do not wish to sacrifice the score. He says it is risky to go for the subs, but that is just how he chooses to fight. G. Single Leg to Triangle: In this move, Dave turns away from the throw similarly to Obj F, but he circles his leg to the outside and then turns back in to transition to the triangle. Very nice move. H. Kataguruma to Armlock: This is a cool move that incorporates the same roll move from Obj B, this time the opponent gets the Fireman’s Carry Throw and Dave shows the proper angle to setup the roll and how to roll into the throw to end in a great armlock (or choking position). You guys will like this. I. Uchimata to Armlock: This is another classic judo transition and is completed similarly to the osoto gari variation. Great details on getting the uchimata. J. Kouchi Gari: In this final move, Dave does a star guard pass the instant he pulls the Kouchi Gari to get out of the guard before his opponent can set up. This move ends in a kimura, and there are some good details on where to position your arm and grip.
This dvd (as well as dvd 1 of the new Jacare set) show me that there are a lot of transitions and throws that are becoming a part of the jiujitsu gameplan. I really think judo and bjj crossovers are showing a new evolution in the sport. There are technical setups and positions with fast attacks based on practice. For the gi, I think this judo/bjj melting pot is just as important as the wrestling/bjj one is for no-gi.
Finally, I think this dvd is well worth it. Personally, I enjoy any dvd that crosses sports and shows me how to utilize differing perspectives. Whether it is Sambo for Bjj (Yakimov’s leglocks), Judo for Bjj, Russian Judo for Judo (Yakimov Russian), Wrestling for Nogi, or Bjj for any of the others, there is a lot to learn out there. This dvd shows some great attacks, defensive work, and sound theory behind how Dave plays bjj/judo. As a judo dvd, this one stands with limited company at the top and as a judo dvd I feel it does the same. The flying attacks and armbar setups really have to be seen. I really think Dave has one of those styles of grappling and finishing (similarly to a Garcia or Jacare) that many of us wish we had.