I've been on an interesting journey this past few weeks and I have had some very wise people give me some very good advice and reassurances. I hurt my neck training last week and was unable to compete on Saturday, but was very happy to see my teammates work their asses off and compete so well. I'm very proud of each of you.
Getting hurt was somewhat of a blessing in disguise and a wakeup call for me. Sure, it cost me $40, but in the end I know I was not mentally prepared to compete. The pressure I felt to compete gave me a lot of misgivings about why I train and what I want to achieve. So I asked some very smart people (you know who you are and I thank you) what my problem was and whether I was being a total pussy for feeling this way. Although I do still feel a little bit like a pussy, I realized through these conversations that what is important to me is improving on the mat, getting and staying in shape, feeling good about myself, all while doing my best not to get hurt. I also want to be a good role model for my kids and know how to protect all of us in case self defense is ever necessary.
I look at my stage in life and know what is important to me. Jiu-jitsu is near the top of the list, but behind my family and my career. I am dedicated to continuing to become the best Jiu-jitsu practitioner I can within my limitations. The facts remain that I didn't wrestle or study other martial arts throughout my life and there are going to be people that are simply more physically gifted than I am and have more time to work out and train than I do. I can't afford to compare myself to anyone else because it will cause me to have a skewed view of where I am and how far I can get.
My journey might take longer than most, but I will not give in and I will not give up. I rededicate to each of you my commitment to getting to the next level and will work with what I have and give you as big of a challenge as you give me.
I'll hopefully be back in a week or so after my neck feels better.
P.S. Wes, I still intend to tap you at some point. You are a gold medalist as far as I'm concerned, so it will be very sweet and rewarding.
P.S.S. I signed up to do the Tough Mudder next June, so I really do need to pick it up and get in much, much better shape than I am today. Seth's S&C classes will be my first step...
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
My Vagina
So anyone who read my last post probably thought I was about to quit JJ forever or jump off a bridge. I was pretty close, but what fun would the Academy be without me? Probably just as fun, but I digress. This past Thursday, randomly, I thought my vagina had finally healed. I trained Friday and Saturday and today competed in Kimo's in-house tournament. Well, my vagina came back for an encore performance and really knocked the crowd dead.
To say that my performance today was embarrassing is like saying Tiger Woods porked a bunch of disgusting white women. It was and he did. All that I have accomplished to get to two stripes evaporated and I made myself look like I had only trained for a month. One draw and got submitted 3 times. 3 TIMES! That's ridiculous. The holes and deficiencies in my game were as thin as Paris Hilton's nighty. My guard was soft and slow, my guard passing was non-existent and my turtle didn't have a shell. And seriously, why the fuck am I turtling? Am I Edoardo Telles? I trained with Megaton one time and I asked him about the turtle and he almost punched me in the face. He reminisced about Telles losing like 18-0 because of the turtle. But still I stick with it.
If I turtle again while training with any of you, please punch me right in the fucking teeth as hard as you can. It is my instictual position and it must be discarded if I ever want to advance any further. The other things I need to focus on are: 1. Posture, 2. Posture, 3. Posture, you get the point. Next, I need to figure out how to break and pass the guard effectively, not put my head down and wait for the guy to triangle or sweep me. In my guard I need to become more offensive, not just automatically open and scramble for the next position. All day today I fought (questionable term) constantly defending and NEVER getting in a very good position. If I hadn't accidentally kneed Brad's balls he might have submitted me to, sorry about that. I do give props to Mike G, Jared and Helios who all subbed me today. I tried some moves that might have put me in difficult positions but they really came to win and they did a great job. All my best to them in next weekend's competition.
Guys, I am better than I performed and I am sorry that some of you had to witness that today. I'll be back and I need help. My attitude going in was probably worse than my peformance and that's scary. Anyway, I'm now going to go have a couple beers and wallow with my bruised forehead, chin, nose and ego.
P.S. Nobody really needs to punch me in the teeth, but maybe a wedgie or something.
P.S.S. My thoughts are with JR and wishing him a speedy recovery from his neck surgery. Big congrats to him getting his purple belt. He is a tough son of a bitch and well deserving.
To say that my performance today was embarrassing is like saying Tiger Woods porked a bunch of disgusting white women. It was and he did. All that I have accomplished to get to two stripes evaporated and I made myself look like I had only trained for a month. One draw and got submitted 3 times. 3 TIMES! That's ridiculous. The holes and deficiencies in my game were as thin as Paris Hilton's nighty. My guard was soft and slow, my guard passing was non-existent and my turtle didn't have a shell. And seriously, why the fuck am I turtling? Am I Edoardo Telles? I trained with Megaton one time and I asked him about the turtle and he almost punched me in the face. He reminisced about Telles losing like 18-0 because of the turtle. But still I stick with it.
If I turtle again while training with any of you, please punch me right in the fucking teeth as hard as you can. It is my instictual position and it must be discarded if I ever want to advance any further. The other things I need to focus on are: 1. Posture, 2. Posture, 3. Posture, you get the point. Next, I need to figure out how to break and pass the guard effectively, not put my head down and wait for the guy to triangle or sweep me. In my guard I need to become more offensive, not just automatically open and scramble for the next position. All day today I fought (questionable term) constantly defending and NEVER getting in a very good position. If I hadn't accidentally kneed Brad's balls he might have submitted me to, sorry about that. I do give props to Mike G, Jared and Helios who all subbed me today. I tried some moves that might have put me in difficult positions but they really came to win and they did a great job. All my best to them in next weekend's competition.
Guys, I am better than I performed and I am sorry that some of you had to witness that today. I'll be back and I need help. My attitude going in was probably worse than my peformance and that's scary. Anyway, I'm now going to go have a couple beers and wallow with my bruised forehead, chin, nose and ego.
P.S. Nobody really needs to punch me in the teeth, but maybe a wedgie or something.
P.S.S. My thoughts are with JR and wishing him a speedy recovery from his neck surgery. Big congrats to him getting his purple belt. He is a tough son of a bitch and well deserving.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Belt anxiety
I just looked and it's been 10 days since my last post. Sorry for all that have been waiting anxiously on the end of their seats.
I can't remember if I have mentioned the Wise Grappler before in my posts, but for all who don't know who he is, Paul Greenhill is a Lloyd Irvin / Leo Dalla black belt and he's 47 years old. His blog and emails are aimed at us older guys that love BJJ. Anyway, last week the topic of his post was related to getting promoted and having other folks in the gym questioning why and your own feelings of pressure and intimidation at the honor. It was timely because just after getting two stripes I looked around at the guys who were at my level, or even below. They kick my ass - Bob, JR, Mike G. and others. I start wondering whether I deserve it. There's no telling why you get your stripes or promotions, sometimes it's as simple as the fact that you've been working hard and it's a symbol to keep you motivated. Other times it is because you are improving at a rate beyond those around you. In any event, I have been feeling the pressure and it is somewhat difficult because I'm pretty laid back. I don't roll to smash anyone, etc, so maybe I'm doing myself a disservice by being too nice. Not sure, but I want to just keep it fun. I think the guys in our academy are the toughest around and it's a real pleasure to be associated with each and every one of you, regardless of belt level.
The past two weeks have been really tough for me. I have had very little motivation to train and work hard. It's been a real struggle to get there and focus. I'm proud of myself in the fact that I have made it to the academy every time I was at the point of saying fuck it and staying home. These stripes and this blog are helping me get my ass up when I get depressed or just unmotivated. But it is still persisting. I feel like I'm getting older and I don't want to walk around with cuts on my nose and scrapes on my chin. I was planning on competing at Fight to Win and my body and mind are telling me not to. I can make weight no problem and I'm sure I would compete fairly well, but the desire to compete isn't in me right now. I want to support the team and help the academy grow, but competing when I feel the way I do is a recipe for getting injured. I don't want to disappoint any of my teammates becasue being a part of this team, family and academy is one of the best things in my life. We'll see.
I can't be funny every blog, so sorry about that. I figure chronicling my journey, the highs and the lows is better than entertaining all the time. Regardless of whether I compete I will absolutely be there to support all those that do.
I can't remember if I have mentioned the Wise Grappler before in my posts, but for all who don't know who he is, Paul Greenhill is a Lloyd Irvin / Leo Dalla black belt and he's 47 years old. His blog and emails are aimed at us older guys that love BJJ. Anyway, last week the topic of his post was related to getting promoted and having other folks in the gym questioning why and your own feelings of pressure and intimidation at the honor. It was timely because just after getting two stripes I looked around at the guys who were at my level, or even below. They kick my ass - Bob, JR, Mike G. and others. I start wondering whether I deserve it. There's no telling why you get your stripes or promotions, sometimes it's as simple as the fact that you've been working hard and it's a symbol to keep you motivated. Other times it is because you are improving at a rate beyond those around you. In any event, I have been feeling the pressure and it is somewhat difficult because I'm pretty laid back. I don't roll to smash anyone, etc, so maybe I'm doing myself a disservice by being too nice. Not sure, but I want to just keep it fun. I think the guys in our academy are the toughest around and it's a real pleasure to be associated with each and every one of you, regardless of belt level.
The past two weeks have been really tough for me. I have had very little motivation to train and work hard. It's been a real struggle to get there and focus. I'm proud of myself in the fact that I have made it to the academy every time I was at the point of saying fuck it and staying home. These stripes and this blog are helping me get my ass up when I get depressed or just unmotivated. But it is still persisting. I feel like I'm getting older and I don't want to walk around with cuts on my nose and scrapes on my chin. I was planning on competing at Fight to Win and my body and mind are telling me not to. I can make weight no problem and I'm sure I would compete fairly well, but the desire to compete isn't in me right now. I want to support the team and help the academy grow, but competing when I feel the way I do is a recipe for getting injured. I don't want to disappoint any of my teammates becasue being a part of this team, family and academy is one of the best things in my life. We'll see.
I can't be funny every blog, so sorry about that. I figure chronicling my journey, the highs and the lows is better than entertaining all the time. Regardless of whether I compete I will absolutely be there to support all those that do.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Coming together
Sorry it's been a few weeks since the last post. Much has happened, so let me get started.
Did I tap Dusty this past week? Yes. Did I almost get Seth this week? Perhaps. Has my body asked me over and over again since those instances why I did it? Yes, yes and more yes. My chin looks like someone took a cheese grater to it, my eye is puffed and scuffed, my nose is cut, my knee is soupy, I think I have turf toe and I have bruises in places I have never touched before. But, friends, the glory of knowing that I tapped Dusty and made Seth so nervous with my intense pressure that ne needed to take out his insecurities on me made it all worth it.
Just to clarify, Dusty allowed me to get side mount and get my grip in for bow and arrow. He did think that he could escape, but he couldn't, so I give myself 1/2 star out of a possible 5. The beating that then ensued was like no other. I demanded he call out his submissions before we continued to roll and for the first time I had someone go "around the world" on me (I'm not sure it's the first time Dusty has gone around the world on someone, but after looking it up on urban dictionary I must clarify that we are talking about that term solely in the Jiu-jitsu sense). Dusty did the following, in a row, left wrist lock, left arm bar, left shoulder lock, choke, right shoulder lock, right arm bar and finally right wrist lock. It was fun and we all learned something.
I have also been using some of my new tools and had a lot of success with submissions, got a few cross collar chokes. I drilled a bit this week too, mostly passing the guard. From my prior tournament experience, I know that my opponent will pull me to guard and I need to be able to get out. I didn't do that very well the last time, so I know that is something I need to work on before FTW August 27th. I have changed my game a bit in that I am being much more aggressive in my approach so that I don't end up on defense right away all the time. It has helped me immensely to get top position instead of trying to escape bottom and turtle. Although I will say that I feel like my defense when rolling with white belts and blue belts at my level or below is fairly inpenetrable. I don't necessarily want to play a defensive game, but I find that I can lose a bunch of points for a couple minutes and then turn it and attack. Not a good game plan typically, but it helps continue to build my defenses.
I was impressed with Selmo this weekend as well. He and I rolled for a while and just flowed. He showed me some things that I was missing and helped me think about adjusting my positions as my opponent adjusts. The purple belt has softened him and is making him a teacher instead of a smasher (maybe it's just that he wants me to tap Wes, ha, ha...).
Thank you to Steve for recognizing my renewed dedication to Jiu-jitsu. Since I started this blog I think I have progressed more than I have in the prior year. That dedication and commitment paid off when I was awarded two stripes last week. It means a great deal to me and gives me much pride to know that you all see that in me as well. I feel like there is more pressure now that I have gotten the stripes. Now I know why Seth has gotten so mean since he got his purple belt!
This week I'm off until Wednesday because I have out of town guests, but my focus this week is the following:
1. Drill passing the guard
2. Get top position and not hang out in defensive positions
3. Transitions to double attack grip
4. Conditioning
Now go train Jiu-jitsu...
Did I tap Dusty this past week? Yes. Did I almost get Seth this week? Perhaps. Has my body asked me over and over again since those instances why I did it? Yes, yes and more yes. My chin looks like someone took a cheese grater to it, my eye is puffed and scuffed, my nose is cut, my knee is soupy, I think I have turf toe and I have bruises in places I have never touched before. But, friends, the glory of knowing that I tapped Dusty and made Seth so nervous with my intense pressure that ne needed to take out his insecurities on me made it all worth it.
Just to clarify, Dusty allowed me to get side mount and get my grip in for bow and arrow. He did think that he could escape, but he couldn't, so I give myself 1/2 star out of a possible 5. The beating that then ensued was like no other. I demanded he call out his submissions before we continued to roll and for the first time I had someone go "around the world" on me (I'm not sure it's the first time Dusty has gone around the world on someone, but after looking it up on urban dictionary I must clarify that we are talking about that term solely in the Jiu-jitsu sense). Dusty did the following, in a row, left wrist lock, left arm bar, left shoulder lock, choke, right shoulder lock, right arm bar and finally right wrist lock. It was fun and we all learned something.
I have also been using some of my new tools and had a lot of success with submissions, got a few cross collar chokes. I drilled a bit this week too, mostly passing the guard. From my prior tournament experience, I know that my opponent will pull me to guard and I need to be able to get out. I didn't do that very well the last time, so I know that is something I need to work on before FTW August 27th. I have changed my game a bit in that I am being much more aggressive in my approach so that I don't end up on defense right away all the time. It has helped me immensely to get top position instead of trying to escape bottom and turtle. Although I will say that I feel like my defense when rolling with white belts and blue belts at my level or below is fairly inpenetrable. I don't necessarily want to play a defensive game, but I find that I can lose a bunch of points for a couple minutes and then turn it and attack. Not a good game plan typically, but it helps continue to build my defenses.
I was impressed with Selmo this weekend as well. He and I rolled for a while and just flowed. He showed me some things that I was missing and helped me think about adjusting my positions as my opponent adjusts. The purple belt has softened him and is making him a teacher instead of a smasher (maybe it's just that he wants me to tap Wes, ha, ha...).
Thank you to Steve for recognizing my renewed dedication to Jiu-jitsu. Since I started this blog I think I have progressed more than I have in the prior year. That dedication and commitment paid off when I was awarded two stripes last week. It means a great deal to me and gives me much pride to know that you all see that in me as well. I feel like there is more pressure now that I have gotten the stripes. Now I know why Seth has gotten so mean since he got his purple belt!
This week I'm off until Wednesday because I have out of town guests, but my focus this week is the following:
1. Drill passing the guard
2. Get top position and not hang out in defensive positions
3. Transitions to double attack grip
4. Conditioning
Now go train Jiu-jitsu...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Back in Philly
So as most of you know I'm road tripping with my family this week. I did take the time yesterday to train witih my old morning group at Precision Jiu-jitsu (6-8 AM 3 times a week - anyone interested?). I felt good and picked up a few new tricks and wasn't disappointed in my performance. I trained with a brown belt, purple belt and a 4 stripe blue belt, each one considerable bigger than me. The 4 stripe blue belt is about the same size as Wes and I held my own very well. I was not submmitted and got a few good positions. Wes, you are much much better than him. With the other two beasts I was not as fortunate, they both out weighed me by 50-70 lbs and they were good. Both employed the butt sit at the start a la Marcelo Garcia and I had no idea how to penetrate, similar to what I see from Seth and Dusty. They showed me a couple ways to beat it which I will try when I get back. Just takes reps obviously. Again, I was pleased but again realize how much work I need and how much mat time I need in order to improve. I'll be back on Monday.
Special shout out to Fabio too for competing at our age and dedicating himself to it. I like reading your Facebook updates on your training as I hope you do reading this blog.
Special shout out to Fabio too for competing at our age and dedicating himself to it. I like reading your Facebook updates on your training as I hope you do reading this blog.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Great support
You'll never know how good you can be if you don't have the support of your team and your instructors. I am very fortunate to have many people that want to see me succeed. I got thinking this week after an email I received from Kimo that I am really doing things the wrong way. I am obviously picking up techniques and rolling and learning, but I am NEVER drilling or setting weekly goals for myself. I have every opportunity after class to grab someone and drill, but I just go ahead and roll. It never really dawned on me how counter intuitive that was. I am going out of town for a week and a half next week, but when I return I am going to be laser focused on publishing my weekly goals and asking for help in achieving them.
As I was driving home from class on Thursday I really reflected on what I want from Jiu-jitsu and what brings me joy about it. In all honesty, it is not belts or awards or medals. I am small and Jiu-jitsu for me is exactly what it was intended for, a smaller, weaker opponent to use technique to defeat a bigger, stronger opponent. Most everyone I roll with qualifies as the latter on me, so I've got that going for me. But, where I get the most joy is when I roll with a less experienced guy that is 50 lbs heavier than me and I get the better of them. Seeing their face and hearing the reaction to "how the hell did that little guy just do that to me" gives me pleasure that you can't imagine. Now that I've met Casey I might have to reconsider that which brings me joy, but for now I'm sticking to it.
So I read the Wise Grappler's emails all the time and this week I received one which showed itself in training and at even came up at the birthday BBQ. It was called "Are You Doing That Young Man's Stuff". It was so brilliant. Basically, it talked about Bernard Hopkins' last fight and how he was standing toe to toe with a much younger and probably stronger opponent. His corner man, after Bernard got pummeled one round, said exactly that "Don't do that young man's stuff". It rang so true this week as I rolled with Jesse. He is huge, much bigger and stronger than me and I "let" him get to side control. I was playing a big man's game, not a little man's game and Seth brought that up to me. So, my next question is how do I play the little man's game (the answer is don't let the big guy get side control! ha, ha still figuring it out) Anyway, that will stick in my brain and form my game in a significant fashion. I absolutely need to learn the little man's game, I just never realized it before.
So now I need to figure out what I want as far as setting my goals. I absolutely need to add more and more drills to my training - arm bar, triangle, omo plata for one, back take from half guard, arm bar from mount, I'll add others. I also need to focus on doing one thing well each week. From a suggestion, because of my knack for turtling, I will set a goal to get back to guard from as many positions as possible. I also want to do more flow drills. Like I said, I'm going out of town Wednesday for a week and a half and will only train once with my old pals outside of Philly, but when I get back it is game on. You will all see a new and improved "little guy" come August and September. Be prepared to drill with me too.
Last note - I am giving myself some props because I showed up Saturday to roll open mat. Friday night I must have drunk 2 bottles of wine and getting there Saturday was a real challenge. But, you all are keeping me motivated and even though I only sweated it out for 30 minutes, it was well worth my time and effort. I couldn't have said the same a few months ago, so thank you goes out to all of you guys who are supporting my journey.
As I was driving home from class on Thursday I really reflected on what I want from Jiu-jitsu and what brings me joy about it. In all honesty, it is not belts or awards or medals. I am small and Jiu-jitsu for me is exactly what it was intended for, a smaller, weaker opponent to use technique to defeat a bigger, stronger opponent. Most everyone I roll with qualifies as the latter on me, so I've got that going for me. But, where I get the most joy is when I roll with a less experienced guy that is 50 lbs heavier than me and I get the better of them. Seeing their face and hearing the reaction to "how the hell did that little guy just do that to me" gives me pleasure that you can't imagine. Now that I've met Casey I might have to reconsider that which brings me joy, but for now I'm sticking to it.
So I read the Wise Grappler's emails all the time and this week I received one which showed itself in training and at even came up at the birthday BBQ. It was called "Are You Doing That Young Man's Stuff". It was so brilliant. Basically, it talked about Bernard Hopkins' last fight and how he was standing toe to toe with a much younger and probably stronger opponent. His corner man, after Bernard got pummeled one round, said exactly that "Don't do that young man's stuff". It rang so true this week as I rolled with Jesse. He is huge, much bigger and stronger than me and I "let" him get to side control. I was playing a big man's game, not a little man's game and Seth brought that up to me. So, my next question is how do I play the little man's game (the answer is don't let the big guy get side control! ha, ha still figuring it out) Anyway, that will stick in my brain and form my game in a significant fashion. I absolutely need to learn the little man's game, I just never realized it before.
So now I need to figure out what I want as far as setting my goals. I absolutely need to add more and more drills to my training - arm bar, triangle, omo plata for one, back take from half guard, arm bar from mount, I'll add others. I also need to focus on doing one thing well each week. From a suggestion, because of my knack for turtling, I will set a goal to get back to guard from as many positions as possible. I also want to do more flow drills. Like I said, I'm going out of town Wednesday for a week and a half and will only train once with my old pals outside of Philly, but when I get back it is game on. You will all see a new and improved "little guy" come August and September. Be prepared to drill with me too.
Last note - I am giving myself some props because I showed up Saturday to roll open mat. Friday night I must have drunk 2 bottles of wine and getting there Saturday was a real challenge. But, you all are keeping me motivated and even though I only sweated it out for 30 minutes, it was well worth my time and effort. I couldn't have said the same a few months ago, so thank you goes out to all of you guys who are supporting my journey.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
June 18, 2011
I ended up training 3 times this week with one session cut short. It seems as though every week I have the intention and goal of getting in 4 times at least but something comes up. I feel good, though because a few months ago I probably would've missed the whole week because I got a little hurt on Wednesday and had a bunch of crap go down with my car, but I focused on what I want and made sure to get in the gym. This blog has helped me as well - it keeps me motivated to get in there and get better.
I know others have probably felt this way before, but sometimes I think that maybe I'm not cut out to be good at Jiu-jitsu. Maybe I just don't have the right kind of brain to be aware of situations and stay out of danger, or be aware enough to recognize quickly when I have someone else in danger. I've been training on and off for just over 6 years and I'm a blue belt. I know the reasons why and I'm not upset about it. I've only had two great instructors, Noah Spear and Steve Hordinski (both Relson Gracie diciples). I spent my first year of training with Noah and I've now spent the last year with Steve. All of the in between was just rolling. It helped me to be able to defend myself a certain degree (turtle - you all know it), but I missed out on really learning and understanding techniques and drilling them. I think that if someone is a blue belt or white belt and their instructor is teaching X Guard it's probably time to find another school. I didn't (and I still don't know X Guard). I know in other sports there are certain people that will just never get it and be able to excel. I don't want to be that guy in BJJ and I keep hoping that isn't true for BJJ. Thankfully I'm addicted to it and I love being around the guys in the gym. All are great people. So I'll stick with it until I tap Wes, then I can retire in peace and happiness, ha, ha.
Interestingly, I am getting the feeling that some of my training partners are trying a little harder now that they are on my list and I have a blog. Seems that getting tapped by me would now be some sort of scarlet letter! I'm glad that everyone is going to be hard on me because that's the only way to learn. Just don't hurt me, remember that I'm an old man! I also think Seth is a bit upset at the name of the blog, he was hoping it was going to be Tapping Seth, but now that he's a purple belt (congrats, well deserved) it just wouldn't have made any sense.
Training was great this week. Did half guard passes and side control escapes. I learned when I'm in someone's half guard that I allow too much space, posture up, don't grip right and give my leg away. In side control I discovered that I suck at bridging / bumping. All these things are hopefully registering in my brain for the future, let me know.
I rolled with Seth, Garrett, Joe, Wes, Helius and Jason this week. Seth, Wes and Jason were kind but destroyed me with a series of submissions. Wes added a D'Arce choke to my list of submissions today which was nice. The following submissions have not been secured on me since I started the blog - guillotine, rear naked, wrist lock, americana, wedgie, five finger exploding heart, gogoplata, bocaplata, reverse triangle, some arm bar variations, cross choke, clock choke (even though Victor tried his hardest last week)... Anyway, there are many more, so get creative folks. Anyway, I got into great positions with some of my training partners, but failed to secure a submission. I missed little details in my transitions and I tried submissions that were probably not yet set up quite well enough. But, again, I learned and that is all that matters. I will start getting them.
Physically, I am in better shape than I have been in for a while. My energy is up, I'm getting stronger and I can almost see some muscles when I look in the mirror. It's difficult when you're as white as me, maybe I need a spray tan or something - can they spray muscles on? We'll see. I am going to the beach in a month. I'm also going back East in a week and a half and will be training with my old pals. I know that they'll see an improvement from the last time I saw them a year and a half ago. I'll also get a better gauge on how good they are compared to the studs I'm training with here.
I suppose that's it for now. Send me a message about anything if you want scottshore@yahoo.com
I know others have probably felt this way before, but sometimes I think that maybe I'm not cut out to be good at Jiu-jitsu. Maybe I just don't have the right kind of brain to be aware of situations and stay out of danger, or be aware enough to recognize quickly when I have someone else in danger. I've been training on and off for just over 6 years and I'm a blue belt. I know the reasons why and I'm not upset about it. I've only had two great instructors, Noah Spear and Steve Hordinski (both Relson Gracie diciples). I spent my first year of training with Noah and I've now spent the last year with Steve. All of the in between was just rolling. It helped me to be able to defend myself a certain degree (turtle - you all know it), but I missed out on really learning and understanding techniques and drilling them. I think that if someone is a blue belt or white belt and their instructor is teaching X Guard it's probably time to find another school. I didn't (and I still don't know X Guard). I know in other sports there are certain people that will just never get it and be able to excel. I don't want to be that guy in BJJ and I keep hoping that isn't true for BJJ. Thankfully I'm addicted to it and I love being around the guys in the gym. All are great people. So I'll stick with it until I tap Wes, then I can retire in peace and happiness, ha, ha.
Interestingly, I am getting the feeling that some of my training partners are trying a little harder now that they are on my list and I have a blog. Seems that getting tapped by me would now be some sort of scarlet letter! I'm glad that everyone is going to be hard on me because that's the only way to learn. Just don't hurt me, remember that I'm an old man! I also think Seth is a bit upset at the name of the blog, he was hoping it was going to be Tapping Seth, but now that he's a purple belt (congrats, well deserved) it just wouldn't have made any sense.
Training was great this week. Did half guard passes and side control escapes. I learned when I'm in someone's half guard that I allow too much space, posture up, don't grip right and give my leg away. In side control I discovered that I suck at bridging / bumping. All these things are hopefully registering in my brain for the future, let me know.
I rolled with Seth, Garrett, Joe, Wes, Helius and Jason this week. Seth, Wes and Jason were kind but destroyed me with a series of submissions. Wes added a D'Arce choke to my list of submissions today which was nice. The following submissions have not been secured on me since I started the blog - guillotine, rear naked, wrist lock, americana, wedgie, five finger exploding heart, gogoplata, bocaplata, reverse triangle, some arm bar variations, cross choke, clock choke (even though Victor tried his hardest last week)... Anyway, there are many more, so get creative folks. Anyway, I got into great positions with some of my training partners, but failed to secure a submission. I missed little details in my transitions and I tried submissions that were probably not yet set up quite well enough. But, again, I learned and that is all that matters. I will start getting them.
Physically, I am in better shape than I have been in for a while. My energy is up, I'm getting stronger and I can almost see some muscles when I look in the mirror. It's difficult when you're as white as me, maybe I need a spray tan or something - can they spray muscles on? We'll see. I am going to the beach in a month. I'm also going back East in a week and a half and will be training with my old pals. I know that they'll see an improvement from the last time I saw them a year and a half ago. I'll also get a better gauge on how good they are compared to the studs I'm training with here.
I suppose that's it for now. Send me a message about anything if you want scottshore@yahoo.com
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday June 12, 2011
Welcome to my blog. You might think by its title that my sole purpose and goal is to tap Wes Glassmeyer, but it really isn't. The goal of my blog is to document the journey of a 39 year old, married, father of two trying to get into better shape and advance in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Although, some of my benchmarks to improving will be submitting bigger, stronger and more advanced people like Wes! Everyone at Relson Gracie Jiu-jitsu is technically awesome, fit and works super hard, so I know my journey is going to be hard, but I also know I am working with the best. I am also using this as a way to stay motivated and hopefully in the process motivate others. I don't want to be the guy who achieves blue belt and stops training forever, I want to get better, stronger and more in shape than I've ever been. Please help.
So yesterday was a good day. I rolled for about an hour and a half or so and did so with a bunch of guys - Seth, Wes, Victor and Dusty. I was beaten up and submitted in a ton of different ways. I was swept, mounted, had my back taken, turtled and many more. I got leg locked, foot locked, anaconda choked (Wes), arm barred, triangle choked and lastly, smothered (Dusty's patented shoulder over the nose and mouth, although I think it was Curtis' originally). I am thankful for each one of those awful experiences. I almost pulled off a bow and arrow choke that we learned last Wednesday, but didn't quite master one part of the technique (plus one unnamed training partner has a gigantic nearly un-submittable neck).
I did some things well, though. I got into some good positions offensively and held and escaped a number of defensive positions. I learned that I need that one last part of a full technique to finish the bow and arrow, which I will remember next time. I reinforced in myself that no part of any technique is unnecessary. I thought more about my grips and how they impact what my opponent is going to be able to do. I learned several new minor changes to approaching passing the half guard effectively. All of these things I hope to be able to build into my game in order to minimize my mistakes in the future.
I also stretched, did push ups, pull ups, squats and crunches because I am so out of shape. I am a total physical mess even though I am only 160 lbs. I will get stronger all around on my journey and have the gas to be able to compete effectively and not crap out after the first fight.
Should you like to inquire about your status on my goals list of people to tap, please send me a post here or to scottshore@yahoo.com. Don't feel bad if you are not Wes, he is not alone. I hope that you all continue to submit me with the flare and grace I have come to expect of each and every one of you. Lastly, I will only count my submissions if it is an arm attack or choke, no leg or ankle locks. I hope this blog doesn't get boring. If it does tell me and I'll submit.
So yesterday was a good day. I rolled for about an hour and a half or so and did so with a bunch of guys - Seth, Wes, Victor and Dusty. I was beaten up and submitted in a ton of different ways. I was swept, mounted, had my back taken, turtled and many more. I got leg locked, foot locked, anaconda choked (Wes), arm barred, triangle choked and lastly, smothered (Dusty's patented shoulder over the nose and mouth, although I think it was Curtis' originally). I am thankful for each one of those awful experiences. I almost pulled off a bow and arrow choke that we learned last Wednesday, but didn't quite master one part of the technique (plus one unnamed training partner has a gigantic nearly un-submittable neck).
I did some things well, though. I got into some good positions offensively and held and escaped a number of defensive positions. I learned that I need that one last part of a full technique to finish the bow and arrow, which I will remember next time. I reinforced in myself that no part of any technique is unnecessary. I thought more about my grips and how they impact what my opponent is going to be able to do. I learned several new minor changes to approaching passing the half guard effectively. All of these things I hope to be able to build into my game in order to minimize my mistakes in the future.
I also stretched, did push ups, pull ups, squats and crunches because I am so out of shape. I am a total physical mess even though I am only 160 lbs. I will get stronger all around on my journey and have the gas to be able to compete effectively and not crap out after the first fight.
Should you like to inquire about your status on my goals list of people to tap, please send me a post here or to scottshore@yahoo.com. Don't feel bad if you are not Wes, he is not alone. I hope that you all continue to submit me with the flare and grace I have come to expect of each and every one of you. Lastly, I will only count my submissions if it is an arm attack or choke, no leg or ankle locks. I hope this blog doesn't get boring. If it does tell me and I'll submit.
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