So the great thing about Coach Ghazaros Grigoryan is that he pretty much knows any grappling technique you wish to learn. Armlocks, chokes, leg locks, Ghazar knows, and can teach you these things. I can't tell you the number of times I'd bring up the name of a technique I had seen online or found in a book (Omoplata, Gogoplata) only for Ghazar to smile and say "I'll show you." Never once have had I had him try to pass the buck on to someone else with a "Go ask so and so." He really knows his stuff, and I just think that's so cool.
Also, Coach Ghazar also continues to teach throws that are banned in competition due to sport rules (No leg grabs) but are still a vital part of the art of Judo. So if you are interested in a full grappling experience, you don't have to worry about just learning "sport."
Next, Coach Ghazar insists on training well rounded Judoka. You will do just as much, sometimes it seems like more, Ne-waza as you do Tachi-waza. None of that "Oh, this isn't important for Judo competition." that you'll hear from other clubs.
Finally, Coach Ghazar has two things going for him that I feel are vital to a good Coach. 1: He is a very, very good Judoka. 2: He is open and friendly. You respect him because he is good, and treats you with respect, rather then because he is a strict and harsh taskmaster who yells a lot. He is very encouraging, and encompasses what I feel is a very important part of being a coach. You want to do well, to perform your techniques, to make him proud of you. He's always free with the compliments and the advice. When you do well, he'll tell you. When you need help, he'll help you. I can't say that about every Coach I've ever had.
I consider Ghazar a friend, and I'd happily recommend him and his club to anyone looking to learn solid grappling skills.
Good physical trainer too.
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Posted 7 years ago
