In this episode we chat with Rama Reddy, a mixed martial arts coach that has trained and taught around the world (US, Taiwan, Brazil, India) and currently lives in Germany. From Rama’s website: “I am a writer and educator based in Berlin, Germany. I believe education is civilization’s most vital tool.” Recorded early February 2022.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Met James in Taiwan in the mid/late 2000s.
Born in NY, moved to Houston, then lived in Seattle for most of his formative years.
Opened an MMA studio in Bangalore, India due to its growing population and his own family’s connection to the area. Lived there 7 years before moving to Germany.
India can be a tough place to live, particularly for an entrepreneur.
Discussion on race vs. nationality.
How he met his wife and what led him to live in Germany.
Rama traces his martial arts background: wresting, BJJ, boxing. Fighter/coach Eliot Corley helped shape his striking.
Building a group of dedicated martial arts students.
Differences in the student-teacher dynamic between the U.S., Germany, India.
Four Rs: Relevancy, Relationships, Rigor, Results
How his teaching philosophy has evolved: a focus on relationships.
Currently working on the Square Ring: a boxing board game: https://www.boxingboardgame.com/
LANGUAGE CORNER (01:13:38)
P.U.F.E.L: Stages of a Takedown by Rama Reddy https://www.instagram.com/p/CYEfStVovXZ/
Position: “tie” in wrestling, kumi-kata 組み方 in judo (grip fighting, lit. “assembly method”).
Unbalancing: “set-up” in wrestling, kuzushi 崩しin judo
Fitting-in: “shot” in wrestling, but tsurikomi 釣込 in judo closer in meaning.
Execution: “finish” in wrestling, kake 掛け in judo.
Landing: nage 投 in judo (throw).
Rama Reddy’s links
website: https://www.ramareddy.org
Berlin gym (Deutsch): https://www.ramareddy.org/berlin
Interview with Robert Drysdale, BJJ Rules: https://youtu.be/3cIcc1tTRBk
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