London Shootfighters Seminar August 2001 : SFUK Mixed Martial Art event report

London Shootfighters Seminar

In association with SFUK - 12-6pm, Leicester 19 August 2001

london shootfighters

Paul getting the underhook on Alexis

Paul Ivens & Alexis Demetriades, the instructors at London Shootfighters have steadily built up an awesome reputation for their own talents and the quality of MMA teaching at their school in north London.

The seminar was organised by SFUK Staffer, Nathan 'Brainchild' Leverton in his home town of Leicester. The seminar was a sell out, with people coming from all over the UK, Ireland and even a Machado BJJ purple belt from Australia.

Alexis & Paul explained the seminar was to be split up into two halves. The first was submission wrestling and the second half would be dedicated to Vale Tudo.

london shootfighters paul and alexis

Alexis demo's an entry technique on Paul

From the start, SFUKers got off easy, with Paul & Alexis taking everybody through a cut down version of the infamous London Shoot warmup. Alexis had been reluctant to go easy on the warmup, as he believes that people that come to a LS seminar should get the full "London Shootfighters Experience". Conditioning is a vital part of the LS regime, as is the skill to be able to perform techniques when physically tired.

I won't go through all the techniques taught, because 1. I can't and 2. you can get the video :) Needless to say if you want to get the sneakiest reverse heelhook from side control then you'll want the vid.

Anyway the Submission Wrestling section started with pummeling, the clinch, throws and takedowns. See SFUK Vision for pics. Each move was taught in detail, usually with Alexis demonstrating the technique on Paul. After each technique, everyone paired off to drill it - Paul and Alexis would go around making corrections and elaborating if anyone had questions like "what if I countered with this...". The answer was usually, you get tied up like a pretzel by Alexis LOL. Frank Shamrock Invitational winner, as long time London Shoot member, Rob Sulski was also on hand to add to the coaching.

Dexter Casey calls their style unique, and it's true, they have their own little details that improve each move.

After a short break, another warmup and on to the Vale Tudo. They covered a few strikes that are easy to get if striking isn't your strongest point and guard work. Again loads of techniques, loads of detail and plenty of drilling.

The last 10 minutes or so was time to have a free roll and get to try out the stuff 'live'. Alexis was suffering from a toe injury but Paul and Rob got to roll with many of the SFUKers.

From the feedback we've had everyone was very happy. People were blown away by Paul & Alexis's knowledge, athletic prowess and humility.

london Shootfighters seminar

Seminar attendees

Paul & Alexis are available for private instruction (recommended) and seminars. If you are interested in hosting a London Shootfighters seminar please email: Paul@LondonShootfighters.com

For the seminar video email Levo for details.

Most of all thanks to you SFUKers who travelled down and made it a great day.

Seminar Video Review, 8 September :

Received my copy this morning and it's great stuff. Having never trained with Alexis and Paul (have only watched them at wrestling down at the Tokei) I see now why everyone raves about them. Great techniques and great instruction. All the techniques are demonstrated and explained very clearly, and the tape includes Paul and Alexis going over points with indidviduals and explaining 'what ifs'. Even if you're only a gi person like myself you'll still find everything on there relevant to your game. Personally, the best thing for me was the reverse entry into the kneebar from half-guard, as Leigh Remedios caught me with that at the Renzo seminar in June, and I could never figure out how he pulled it off.

The Open Mat footage is cool as well, there's usually 2 or 3 partners rolling on screen, so as you focus on one something else catches your eye.

All you guys who've yet to receive your copies won't be dissappointed, and those who haven't ordered one, do it. It's the best £12 I've spent in a long while. It's worth it just for the LS seminar alone. I guarantee you'll see stuff that you can add to your game. Great work by Levo to put the tape together and for sending them out so quickly. Your VCRs will be knackered by the end of doing all this!

James Carey