I think the rules are absolutely on point and the resulting matches were really exciting to watch. Now im sure there are arguments BJJ is supposed to be effective, not exciting... But that's fundamentally flawed IMO. I also thought the platform proved to be a great way to expose some of the b level younger no GI grapplers. Great job Eddie & team! 
Really enjoyed it myself. I'm watching all the other ones this entire weekend. I only watched EBI 2 bantamweight so far. 
On an analytical note, I thought it was interesting to see how little the open guard game changed even with so many reaping 'specialists' in the tournament. The most common reaping position seemed to be the '411'/Lister style reverse heel hook (originating mostly from the kneebar entry), while the 'sambo leg knot' outside HH positions were pretty much nonexistent IIRC. It seems the 'modern guards stop working when reaping is allowed' mantra is mostly BS – not that we didn't know that from ADCC already.
It was still a breath of fresh air to see these leg positions in use, though. IBJJF should take note of the fact that nobody's knee exploded.
Freaking love it. Surprised it didn't have more hype behind it. Love seeing the guys who haven't broken out yet mixing it up with some higher level guys. Would love to get in there one day
Most entertaining show around in my opinion. Once EBI starts gaining some traction I would love to see Eddie hold a few events each year outside of Los Angeles such as New York, Atlanta, etc.
I'm sure many people would welcome regional EBI's as a breath of fresh air in comparison to the current regional tournament formatting.
juanderlei - Most entertaining show around in my opinion. Once EBI starts gaining some traction I would love to see Eddie hold a few events each year outside of Los Angeles such as New York, Atlanta, etc.Yes that would be amazing! Eddie is always innovating so I think he could be the one to change the face of the Bjj tournament scene
I'm sure many people would welcome regional EBI's as a breath of fresh air in comparison to the current regional tournament formatting.
It's a pretty dope event. I think EBI benefits from using up-and-comers rather than established stars like Metamoris. Although there is still some occasional stalling, overall EBI has way more action per match. I think the big names in Metamoris like Vinnie have more to lose by getting tapped than to gain by submitting their guy and unfortunately their Budo mentality is lacking. Also, by having legit weight-classes Eddie ensures a much better chance at seeing a submission. Something like EBI with gi matches would be my jam.
I enjoyed it. Some of the commentating I thought could have been better. Other than that I found it very good. I think I still enjoyed the EBI 1 matches a little more, but there were some fun matches here.
EBI 3 will be in spring of 2015. One division, 170 (same day weigh in), the WELTERWEIGHTS. Garry Tonon will defend his title versus 15 of the best submission artists we can find including Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez and Nathan Orchard. Thank you very much for the support :)
EddieBravo - EBI 3 will be in spring of 2015. One division, 170 (same day weigh in), the WELTERWEIGHTS. Garry Tonon will defend his title versus 15 of the best submission artists we can find including Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez and Nathan Orchard. Thank you very much for the support :)Looks like I need to cut down ;)
EddieBravo - EBI 3 will be in spring of 2015. One division, 170 (same day weigh in), the WELTERWEIGHTS. Garry Tonon will defend his title versus 15 of the best submission artists we can find including Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez and Nathan Orchard. Thank you very much for the support :)Eddie - any chance of taking EBI on the road and doing a few regional shows every year?
Both EBIs were awesomely entertaining... Good job Eddie I hope you get some good funding behind this and take it to the next level
Shemhazai - On an analytical note, I thought it was interesting to see how little the open guard game changed even with so many reaping 'specialists' in the tournament. The most common reaping position seemed to be the '411'/Lister style reverse heel hook (originating mostly from the kneebar entry), while the 'sambo leg knot' outside HH positions were pretty much nonexistent IIRC. It seems the 'modern guards stop working when reaping is allowed' mantra is mostly BS – not that we didn't know that from ADCC already.
It was still a breath of fresh air to see these leg positions in use, though. IBJJF should take note of the fact that nobody's knee exploded.
Both of Russ's wins were by outside heel hook.
Stupidnewbie -Shemhazai - On an analytical note, I thought it was interesting to see how little the open guard game changed even with so many reaping 'specialists' in the tournament. The most common reaping position seemed to be the '411'/Lister style reverse heel hook (originating mostly from the kneebar entry), while the 'sambo leg knot' outside HH positions were pretty much nonexistent IIRC. It seems the 'modern guards stop working when reaping is allowed' mantra is mostly BS – not that we didn't know that from ADCC already.
It was still a breath of fresh air to see these leg positions in use, though. IBJJF should take note of the fact that nobody's knee exploded.
Both of Russ's wins were by outside heel hook.
Russ had a really good showing (I thought he looked better than nearly everyone there), and beautiful heel hooks, but neither of his outside heel hooks was from a full-blown IBJJF illegal reap IIRC – more of a 1LXG position. My point is just that getting the full reap on the outside heel hook is not as easy as some make it out to be. The reverse heel hook, on the other hand, is pretty easy to get to.
Ah, I see what you are saying.
I think rules against reaping exist to protect spazzes. On the IBJJF rules video here:
Watch at 0:40. That is TERRIBLE footlock positioning, in my humble opinion. I'd equate it to an armbar without pinching your knees. If you spazz out and start alligator rolling, you'll probably get out.
Watch at 1:50. IBJJF thinks bending your opponent's knee is dangerous. I agree, proper technique is far more dangerous than bad technique. A straight footlock from that position is not going to do damage before allowing a tap (ala the heelhook argument). However, if the person caught tries their spazz-roll escape they may cause injury to themselves. Whose fault is that?
Ugh, this is why I stick to no-gi.