Submission Arts Wrestling

I've been uploading a lot of YouTube short videos lately.
Please visit the MMA ITO DOJO YouTube channel sometimes to check out our new YouTube short videos.
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNZH_JKf49EHmzjm7I6Rh4Q

“Having Flexibility"

Hard tree branches may seem sturdy, but they can break easily.

Softer branches, like those of a willow tree, are much less likely to break.

The same applies to us humans.

For example, our bodies. A body rigid with muscle may seem strong, but without flexibility, it's prone to injury.

The same is true for our minds.

A rigid, inflexible way of thinking prevents us from adapting to unpredictable situations, whether in fighting or in daily life.

Furthermore, while stiff body movements can be caused by a lack of physical flexibility or poor overall body coordination, mental factors play a more significant role.

Extremely nervous, lack of confidence, panic, fear, and anger cause excessive tension in the body, resulting in stiff movements.

People who are always angry may appear strong and tough, but in reality, their minds are fragile and easily broken.

Lack of mental flexibility, lack of composure, and lack of confidence leads to quick anger.

People like this get bored or give up easily.

When I was still competing, I faced opponents like that several times.

I remember that as soon as they felt pain or fatigue, their angry expressions would quickly turn into a crying face, and they would give up the fight on their own.

To become flexible in both mind and body: first, maintain muscle flexibility by consistently stretching properly.

Make sure to keep your body relaxed not only when practicing martial arts techniques, but also in your daily life.

Always breathe slowly and deeply.

Always maintain a calm and flexible mindset.

And, in addition to fast, intense, and rigid training like fighting training and weight lifting, incorporate slow, soft, and gentle training, such as the “Tanden breathing exercise (丹田呼吸法)” that I advocate.

Finally, one important point to remember.

Just because flexibility is important doesn't mean you should forget to strengthen your muscles.

I remember my sensei, Shihan A*o, the founder of SAW. He was heavily muscled and incredibly powerful, but he was also incredibly flexible and could even do the splits.

The point is, a balance between strength and flexibility is essential.

Congratulations on your successful grading!!
Scott and Shae had a grading for the SAW 6th Kyu last night, and successfully graded.
Well done!! I’m very happy to see your improvement.

Congratulations Nick!!
He won his category at the ADCC 2026 World Championship Asian and Oceana trials held on Sunday in Gold Coast.

The memorial event for Shihan A*o, held in Japan on March 1st, was very meaningful and a great success not only for the attendees but also for everyone involved with Shihan A*o and SAW.
To ensure that we never forget this wonderful event, I have created a video.
As someone involved with SAW, I would be very happy if you would watch this video and remember Shihan A*o with us.

“SAW Fonder Shihan Hidetaka A*o’s Memorial Event”

SAW Fonder Shihan Hidetaka A*o’s Memorial Event The memorial event for Shihan A*o, held in Japan on March 1st, was ...

SAW has gained another official branch dojo.

Susumu Kamiya, who had been running his own dojo after training at the SAW Japan “So Hon Zan 総本山”, has returned to SAW as the branch chief of the SAW Tokyo Setagaya branch.

Therefore, his dojo has been officially recognised as a branch of the International Submission Arts Wrestling Federation, and a branch certification has been issued by SAW world headquarters in Australia.

I remember him coming to Australia and training with me and practicing diligently. Therefore, I believe he will train excellent SAW students in the future.

I have received a message from him:

"Inheriting the spirit of Shihan Hidetaka A*o, and under the guidance of Daihyo Shihan Ito, Sensei Yanai, and Sensei Kano, I will contribute to the global development of SAW.
In the near future, I hope to train fighters from the Tokyo Setagaya branch and visit the headquarters in Brisbane. Also, if you ever come to Japan, I would be delighted if you would visit the Tokyo Setagaya branch. Thank you for your continued support."

His dojo is located in Tokyo, and the instructor is Takamichi Kouda, a two-time winner of the SAW All Japan Tournament.

So, if you live in Tokyo and want to learn mixed martial arts and master the art of SAW, please join his dojo.

“SAW Tokyo Setagaya branch (S-Keep)”
Venue: 3-9-8-101 Oyamadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Branch Chief: Susumu Kamiya 神谷享
Instructor: Takamichi Kouda 国府田賢道(a two-time winner of the SAW All Japan Tournament)

Congratulations on your successful grading!!
Ieli had a grading for the SAW 6th Kyu last night, and successfully graded.
Good effort and good improvement Ieli!!

Congratulations on your successful grading!!
Nick, Brad and Austin have graded to senior green belt after the hard grading last night!!
Your techniques, competition points, and martial arts essays were all excellent.
Your “心技体 Mind, Technique, and Body" have definitely improved, and you are growing into excellent martial artists.
I sincerely congratulate you on your promotion!!

Legendary martial artists.