An average guys journey trying to live the warrior way.

Motivation

2011-02-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Motivation is not the faked excitement created for a particular task, rather it is the slow and steady commitment that forges a warrior.

Running in Greece

2010-12-20T05:21:00.000-08:00

You know, you'd think that would be a runners dream right? The home of the original marathon and the Olympics. Amazing right? Uhhhhhh, not so much. I had a chance to spend the last week there because of work and let me tell you something - I do not enjoy running in a garbage and stench infested town. The garbage in the streets was ridiculous and it was literally piled as high as two adults. The stench was almost over powering. I ended up spending way to much time on a treadmill when I was in Athens. Bottom line, it was extremely disappointing for me. I still plan on running the Athens marathon before I leave Europe, but at least now I know what I'm in for!

Stupid body

2010-12-11T05:32:00.001-08:00

The older I get the longer it takes to recover from stupidity. Yeah, its true. During my Thursday run, about 1/2 mile from the end, I pulled my left calve muscle, but instead of stopping like I'd tell everyone else to do I just "sucked it up" and finish. Moral of this story...no long run today....maybe none tomorrow as well, which puts me 7 miles under what I needed for the week. Second lesson, always...ALWAYS listen to your body stupid.

Life seasons...

2010-12-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

So, I've always said that you will make time for what you believe is important in your life. That being said, I think what is important to "you" changes depending on the season of life you find yourself in. For me, this is a tough season when it comes to training. California was great because my only "job", as it were, was do attend grad school classes. So, I was home during the day alot and was free to train at night for two straight years. Unfortunately that has changed coming back to work. I know it probably sounds like whining...which it probably is...but I'm having a tough time striking a balance between work and play. Chelle and I have talked about it several times over the last four months. On a normal day I'm not leaving my office before 6:30 or 7pm at night (every night) and, when I do get a chance to make training, I'm not home until 9pm after two of my three kids are in bed. So, I'm up at 5:30am (for PT) and out the door with only about 10 minutes of face time with my kids and then I return after they are sleeping.

This problem weighs heavily on me. I LOVE jiu jitsu. I love time on the mat, I love learning and coaching....but I hate seeing my kids only on the weekends when I live in the same house with them. So, like I said in the beginning you've got to make time for whats important in your life. Right now, for me, its my family. I have to step away from jits for a little bit and get the rest of this under control, spend some quality time with my replicated DNA and enjoy my life instead of feeling guilty about family, jits and training all the time.

Phew...man that feels better. I'm still training for the Rome 35K and Milan full marathon races. I still go to the gym over lunch (instead stuffing my face at BK) to get strength training every week, but for now, my nights are devoted to my family. If that makes me a bad jits guy then so be it. When I'm an old (my kids would say 'older') man I'm not going to wish for more time on the mat, I will have wished for more time with my family. Until work (which is an unfortunate 'must do' until I retire) calms down, I am laying down my gi and belt for something much more important.

So I enter another season...

And so it begins...

2010-11-22T02:00:00.001-08:00

This morning was the first day of the marathon training cycle for the Milan full in April 2011. Up at 0530 was the easy part. I don't mind getting up that early at all really. Plus, I've always felt that running in the morning is better for me. It jumps starts my metabolism for the day and plus, the workout is over before your body really wakes up :) But DAMN was I not feeling it once I hit the road! You know, once you've run a couple races and feel like you've got the vibe of the sport you tend to start thinking of yourself as this guy - the Champion:

Unfortunately what I looked like this morning at 0530, on a dark country road in rural Italy slogging my way through the run was this guy - the Homer:

I have to admit, it was a bit of a kick in the crotch for me. Or, more appropriately it was a "what the hell happened to me" moment. There was a time when I could get out and log 7 miles without batting an eye. Apparently to do that you have to continue your training...who'd have thought!?! However, my knee's, ankle and foot all felt great during and after. I'm trying a new running form that has helped my recovery and injury prevention in my pre-race cycle runs. Its basically the bare foot running gate without being bare foot. I've read several articles on it, watched others train with it, and then got the debrief from them before I started training with it. So far I love it. It has shredded my calves several times, but I was warned about that.

So, now I get to hit jits tonight. Its been a week since I've been on the mat. The challenge this week for me will be getting my runs in while the family and I are on vacation in Germany. DOHP!!!

To marathon, or not to marathon...that is the question.

2010-11-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

Rachelle came to me with a very individual concern/desire to do something "big" during our last stint in the 30's. Not to give to much away about our age or anything :) Basically, it was a "I want to do something big to remember." My first thought was...holy crap, you've already blasted away the ceiling during our 30's compared to our peers. I mean seriously she's begun, coached AND organized triathlons; placed in road bike races, became an amature body builder (with a trophy win); earned a blue belt in BJJ; ran 6 half marathons....should I go on? I told her that we have truly become athletes in our thirties and have done more in the last 8-9 years than most people will do their entire life so I wasn't really sure why she still had this feeling. But then the 'M' word came out. She's never done one. As you know from my blog in May 2009 I did my first marathon while we were in California. The Big Sur was a pivotal event in my endurance athlete career. It was an amazing event that changed me physically, emotionally and mentally.

Anyway, bottom line is that I think it is something that is hanging over her that if she doesn't face before 40 she feels like she is going to regret. So, because I support her completely I did a little research and found a full marathon in April 2011 in Milan, Italy. Its 20 weeks away...piu' o meno...so training will have to begin on Monday....like this upcoming Monday :-p Which means I'll be back on a marathon training schedule within next 4 days because I plan to run it with her...like we did her first half marathon and she did with me on my first Triathlon.

I'm excited for her. I think it will be the crowning achievement of her 30's...not that she needs one considering whats she's accomplished :)

Wish us luck!

New Aviano BJJ club logo

2010-11-09T22:41:00.001-08:00

Ciao! Still kicking here in Italy. Life is extrememly busy with work, travel and jiu jitsu. We just finished up month of side control and have moved to month of the mount. The group keeps growing every week and we even had two new blue belts show up who just moved here from Colorado. The experience base is certianly broadening, which is awesome for all of us!

One of the guys in our group has a degree in graphic design and came up with a couple differant ideas for our club logo. This is the one the class decided on. There are shirts, hoodies and patches in the works as we speak :)

As promised...

2010-10-07T06:41:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I know there are only two of them, but I did promise. So, here is the group here at Aviano :)

The "Scrap yard"

2010-10-05T03:32:00.000-07:00

Ciao dall'Italia! We're alive and kicking in Italy. The group here has been growing almost every week for the last month! There is usually on average around 6 - 12 people on the mat training. Its been an amazing experience so far. Our relationship with locals has grown and we've also sucked in some guys with great experience to come train with us (a blue and a four strip white belt). So, word is spreading like wild fire. They've even picked a nickname for the group - The Scrap yard! I love it! We have a patch in the design phase so once its complete I'll post the pic of it here.

On to training :) Last month was spent working in the closed guard. Lots and LOTS of basics. Position, pressure and posture! The concepts of a what a "good" closed guard is, good gripping, good posture if your in someones guard...and of course a couple sweeps and a couple subs :) This month we're working out of side control. We started the month in side control bottom working our triple P's but are slowly moving to topside and learning about triple P from there. They are a good group of guys and gals and are picking it up quick!

We've had several pictures taken of the group over the last two months and I promise to try and remember to post one :) Hey...I said I'd TRY! Overall I've been welcomed in here with open arms. The vibe is fantastic in our class and the one in Pordenone. I'll keep you guys posted!

Night of the scissor sweep

2010-08-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight we worked on an oldie but a goodie :) We covered the scissor sweep from closed guard. The setup was same side cuff grip and cross hold collar grip - partner postures foward (feeding the drill) - scissor sweep setup, load on shin and then sweep. First round it was simple technique drill and then second round we focused on grip and loading setups. Next we added the Americana from mount and then put it all together for a flow drill. I got a chance to roll with everyone that showed up on the mat tonight (small class). I worked back control for my end tonight, but also tried to help them work on there posture when I put them in the guard. Awesome night overall...look out Wednesday!

18 Aug 10

2010-08-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had 6 on the mat. We worked oppisite side knee up pass of 09 to scarf hold. Next we drilled figure four (americana) lock from scarf hold using your leg to sink the lock. Then we put them together for a flow drill. After drilling we all rolled for about 20 minutes and I was able to get to almost everyone on the mat. I made sure to hit the ones I didn't get to on Tuesday and then the new guy as well. Good night, but MAN has my mat endurance sufferred over the last couple of months! I need more jits :)

Saturday I'm off to Pordenone to train at the big school there. I've already met the instructor who is a great guy and welcomed me onto the mat like I was already family. They've got some super solid players down there that I'm really going to enjoy training with on a regular basis. I'll keep you posted!

17 Aug 10

2010-08-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

Good training tonight. The group here at Aviano has two legit blue belts (from different instructors) and the rest are whites. It seems to fluxuate from 4 to 15 people depending on work schedules and exercises on the yard. Last night we worked knee up pass of 09 to same side, side control lockdown into mount. After that we drilled armbar from mount and then ended by putting them all together for a flow drill. There's some real talent here in the gym so rolling went really well. I got a chance to roll with all four that showed up tonight and they each were a fun roll. The "senior" blue belt of the group is a BIG guy tipping the scales at around 210 of solid muscle so I had to fall back to my guard game with him and play it safe for the roll....otherwise I'm sure he could have snapped me in half with his biceps that are the size of my thigh! :)

In the end it was a great night and I have some "jits briuses" again....which is nice :)

He lives!!!!

2010-08-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

So, here we are in Italy! I have to say that this is the beginning of week two and its AMAZING. I love the food, scenery and the people!. I've found a group here on base that does a little jiu jitsu and hopped in with them. Its a small group of guys that have various levels of training (none above blue) from different parts of the globe who kind of just "found" each other on Aviano. I went easy and trained twice already and my knee is great and holding steady :) There is also a Gracie-Barra school in Pordenone about 15 miles from here so I plan to drop in there this weekend.

Anyway, I'm alive....training both jits and PT.....and drinking a lot of wine :) Live is good!

Breath in......breath out....another day

2010-07-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still alive. Over the last couple months I've been battling a knee injury that has put me on the table, said good bye to Coach Daniel and all the guys and gals at Bodyworx and starting prepping for my final exams at DLI starting tomorrow. My knee is doing good...finally. We think we have a handle on it now and I've started using the TRX for workouts. I'm on the bike every day getting at least 30 minutes of cardio everyday that is low impact on my knee. Saying goodbye to Coach was tough. It has been amazing training here for the last two years. I have learned so much on the mat here. I can't wait to get to Italy and pass on what I've been fortunate enough to experience with Daniel.

Thats about it for now. We're three weeks out from leaving Monterey with a butt load of stuff to do. Can't wait to see what Italy holds!

The first night of three to four very looooooong weeks.

2010-05-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

You know what I LOOOOOOVE to hear? I love it when a doctor says "yeah Mike, we see this a lot with endurance athletes YOUR AGE." What!?! My age? Dude, I'm only 37! But, I guess he knows what he's talking about - insert sad face. As it stands both the doc and the ortho believe that I have a tear in my left meniscus from...in his words "to many miles." I'm not a fan of surgery...ever...so we're working through this naturally. Believe it or not they let me choose. The recovery time is longer but long term it recovers strong...or so they say. I have a followup in two weeks with an MRI and then again one to two weeks after that. So, no jiu jistu, karate, running or squats for three to four weeks. Insert another sad face.

Do the Fates hate me?

2010-05-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered that. Serioulsy! I can get up at 5am every morning and train my butt off in the gym, Tuesdays and Thursdays I can also scrape out time to train karate in the evening, but for some reasons the Fates simply don't like me on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Which just happen to be the days for Jiu Jitsu. I can hit one...maybe two a week (if I'm lucky) recently with the load of crap dumped on us at language school. I shouldn't complain I guess, there are much worse places to be in life, but I do NOT like missing jits! I guess this is just a venting post. I feel like every day I'm not there I loose the expertise that coach has (which I only have access to for a few more months). Also, I feel like I let my team mates down by not coming to train with them. Iron sharpens iron right? If one side isn't there the other suffers...and I've been suffering becuase of it.

So, I'll be there tonight because the Fates forgot to assign my body weight in homework tonight :) I'll post more later!

If you want to get better, roll with those better than you....stupid!

2010-04-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this ones directed at me. Lately, and I say that loosely because its been for the last two months, I've been choosing my rolls based on the fact that I know that I can get away with more with a certain person versus another. Why you aks? Because I've wanted to try getting to back from any position on the mat and then work some cool stuff that I've been watching from back control. Have I been able to get more comfortable taking back control - yes - HOWEVER, there has been one very bad side effect of this. I haven't rolled with the scary 7 (as my buddy Dev puts it). These are guys that scare the crap out of me and I know are better than me. When I've always hit a roll or three with them during a night I come up bruised, batter and beatup....but WAY better off than before I was when I walked in. And my jits got progressively better.

So, Monday and tonight I got a reminder of why I should always roll with the scary 7. I got my @ss handed to me by one of them (Rob) and then barely survived the other (Willy). Good times. So, no more "skeet shooting" with the young guys. Its all out until I leave in three months. I will not give up another opportunity like that again. Then, when I leave, I can honestly say that I had nothing left to give because I left it all on the mat in Monterey :)

The beginning of the end

2010-04-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me yesterday that May is the beginning of the end for me here in Monterey. I only say Monterey because I plan to stay firmly connected to Coach Daniel long after I've left California. I've been fortunate enough in my martial arts career to train with some really amazing instructors, and I have to say that Coach D is at the very top. I don't want to turn this into a love-fest for fear that you guys will start laughing or puking....or both :) BUT, seriously he is a mentor for me that can not be replaced.

So, tonight I'll to class again and try to soak up everything that I can. I plan on rolling with every scary dude in class (which always includes Dev!) and take my bruises with pride :) July will be a tough month for Chelle and I knowing that we're leaving. I don't get emontional about very many things, but I'm pretty sure this one is going to be tough.

Sometimes its just not your week...

2010-04-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you know it, just when my school schedule clears and I start hitting regular classes on the mat my son brings home some kind of mutant flu strain that kicks the living dog crap out of me. So, here I sit at home with a head and chest full of green snot lamenting about the matches I could have rolled this week :) I always get annoyed when I see, or hear, someone on the mat that is obviously under the weather so I swore I'd never be "that guy." I've lived by, and preached to those that train with me, if you're sick or have ring worm stay the hell away from the mat. No matter how BAD you want to be there, its always appreciated when you don't share your strain of ebola with the group. I hate it though. I know that everyone is learning super cool stuff from coach that I'm going to get smacked with next week when I drag my recovering arse back on the mat. Good times....goooood times :)

I dream of Jennie...

2010-03-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, in class tonight Coach busts out "so this move makes me think of a Genie...you know, from I dream of Jeannie." Really? We get to practice a move that resembles a hot Genie from the 60's? Ummm.....my partners a dude and I can't really do that :) But seriously folks....it was a good one! We worked the kimura from guard, half guard and side control using a "genie" lockdown on the arm that not only prevents your opponent from getting the limb back, but also makes the technique MUCH tighter. Monday was a good night to by the way. Yes, I have been training...just not blogging. School is kicking my but - still. I do get karate and jiu jitsu training in though along with weights and spin in the morning. Good times....goooooooooooood times!

The great thing is that its only the middle of the week and my body is still holding up pretty good. My legs feel a bit crushed from the workout this morning but thats pretty normal. I can always be thankful that I'm not going through what Chelle has too....love you hun :) She only gets around 1400 calories a day. Are you kidding me!?! Hell, I have that before I'm done with my lunch each day! I'm pretty sure I would die if that was me. Just sayin...

so there I was...

2010-03-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

I was once told that all good stories start out with "so, there I was..." Well, that and rednecks saying "Hey ya'll watch this!" right before they die. But I digress. Seriously though, there I was in jits tonight when Dev reminded that I promised him a roll way back like a month ago when I was actually coming to class consistently. I always love rolling with Dev because I consider him a lot better than me, which means I get pushed to the brink by him every time we're on the mat. True to form he was on his game again tonight. Now, it might sound like I've drank the Dev kool-aid and I'm looking to take him out on a date...but not so...well maybe :) Anyway, I tried playing my back game and he didn't think that was such a good idea, so he thumped me....using back control - WTF!?! You can't play MY game Dev! Just kidding :) It was awesome. He used my game perfectly and took my back sinking a great rear forearm choke with his gorilla arms! Awesome roll number 1 - check. As if my night wasn't complete with that beating, Coach asked me to roll and I paid for every single day I have not been on the mat and have been blaming it on DLI. Again, awesome :) He beat me like a rented mule and still (like always) smiled at the end. Awesome roll number 2 - check. Then came the break were I pulled my shattered body of the mat and licked my wounds for five minutes. Last roll was with Billy S. who is getting better by the day, has awesome mattitude (yes its a word...look it up!) and gives a cool vibe on the mat. We worked his mount defense and escapes for most of the roll.

It was a great welcome back to the class. I know it probably sounds weird to people that don't train but thats why hard training is so addictive. when you train with guys and gals that only have your best interests at heart you can leave your guts and pride on the mat knowing that you're better for it in the end. The hope is to one day return the favor...Dev ;-)

You only get just this one time around...

2010-03-12T20:34:00.001-08:00

It was great to be back on the mat tonight. No matter what's going on in my life, good or bad, you just can't help but feel better after sweating your guts out in a no-gi class :) I remembered why it is so addicting tonight. Its not just the jits itself, its also the coach and the people you train with. In a good school the vibe is so up lifting (even when you're getting your backside handed to you) that you can't help but have a complete turn around in your attitude...or maybe its just me that it happens too :) Tonight also reminded me that we only get this one chance around this life and that we all need to enjoy it. No matter how stressed and over worked you feel you MUST take the time to train, spend time with family and enjoy your "muse"!

Tonight we worked two different knee ride transitions and then put them together by transitioning from side control - knee ride - knee ride opposite side - side control. After that we worked position sparring from guard in no-gi. Yeah, awesome for me...NOT! No-gi just never seems to be my gig, but thats why I like to practice it I guess. Whatever doesn't kill us only makes us stronger right! Right before we sparred coached showed two great Americana transitions from mount with a cross face on your opponent. Sparring went great tonight. I hit every roll and even managed to survive...but thats because I ran away before coach could get ahold of me - HA! At the end of class Coach busted out a new saying that I think is AWESOME!!!! So, without further adieu...here it is:

"You've got LeJits!"
- Daniel Thomas

What's your muse?

2010-03-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

Lately, becuase of language training out here in Monterey, my schedule has been shall we say...a bit full :) Making it to jits once a week and training karate twice a week on top of going to the gym every morning is about all I can muster with close to 3 hours of homework every night. However, one thing I always, and I mean always, make time for is reading for enrichment and knowledge. Thats my muse. Thats the thing I do just for me. I train not only becuase I want to, but in truth, its needed for my job. Truly, reading is just for me. Its not fiction novels that I read either, its crazy things like biographies on leaders, historical writings like "the art of war", "the book of five rings" or "the spartans".

Whats the point of this post? Its just a question you should ask yourself. Outside of what you train, work or "do", what is your muse? What is it that you do that fulfills the creative and curious side of your soul? To develope the warrior soul shouldn't you be training your mind and soul ALONG with your body? It really doesn't matter what it is that you do for enrichment - trust me. Play music, sing, write, paint, read, cook, create...whatever! But if you're not doing something for your spirit outside of the martial things you do than I think you're cheating yourself out of true fulfillment. The most amazing teachers that I've ever had in my life were not just great becuase they were talented on the mat or in the ring, it was also becuase they had something in their personality that was creative off the mat.

I guess I don't know how to explain it well yet. That just means the journey continues for me :) I do know; however, that if all you do is eat, sleep and think about martial disciplines there is a giant whole in your soul that will cause you to burn out. Fill it with an appriopriate healthy muse. I promise that you'll love the results.

I think I'm going to vomit...

2010-03-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

If I hear the "story" or the "fact" from a student of the martial arts of, or that, a 90lb anorexic either can or did beat up a 250lb bully I think I'm going to vomit - or loose my mind....or maybe both! Unless this behemoth stands still, doesn't fight back and has a glass jaw as fragile as thin crystal glass you're poor hero of the little people is getting crushed. Literally.

I can't stand to hear any person talk about how the martial arts can give super human abilities so that the invalid and extremely weak can beat up Goliath. My answer every time is "dude, seriously read the history of karate or jujitsu"...or whatever ever it is that they study. The old masters of karate, judo and jujitsu absolutely believed in physical training, strength and power in the martial arts. Have you ever seen pictures of these guys from the lat 19th and early 20th century? They were HUGE compared to the average Okinawan, Japanese or Korean BECAUSE they had tools for training strength and power as well as speed and technique. Why you might ask? They simply new the truth. You MUST have power behind your punches, kicks, throws, and whatever else you're trying to accomplish. Knowledge alone won't be the determine factor.

They trained their mind AND body for decades to be as strong and competent as they were. This fable retold by American martial artists (if I can even stomach to call them that) is just a justification for the "whimpifying" (yes I just made up a new word...what about it! :-) ) of training so that little Johnny doesn't either get his feelings hurt or a bruise in class. You want to be a warrior? Hit the damn gym for crying out loud! Don't "go" to karate, tae kwon do, jiu jitsu or whatever it is that you "do" twice a week between bowling or darts and then come home and sit on the couch expecting some miracle to occur in your body that will help you slay the giant. It doesn't work that way folks...sorry to burst your bubble. A warrior builds REAL ability through a lot of sweat, blood, vomit and bruises. Period. Take it or leave. You don't have to like the ending to this story, but don't go on deluding yourself that you're "just as combat effective as those guys in the ring" (and yes...thats a direct quote from someone).

Stay in your sport if you'd like. I think there are some really talented athletes (not warriors) there. But to hit the next level you've got to push your body, take some hits and bleed a little.

Be careful what you look for

2010-03-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

I've taken to reading again. I know, I know...I don't know how to read :) Not true I tell you! I can read! Seriously though, I have dusted off a few books that I have and ordered a couple more. Right now I'm reading "Living the martial way" by Forrest Morgan, "Karate-do" by Gichin Funakoshi and "The book of five rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. Next on the list is "On the warriors path: Philosophy, Fighting and Martial Arts Mythology" by Daniele Bolelli and "Art of War" by Sun Tzu. Each one has offered real nuggets of wisdom that have really made me look at how and why I train. If you're not reading about what you do, and WHY you do it then you are wasting half of your training! I'm not talking about just reading karate, mma or jiu jistu "manuals" that catalog techniques. I'm talking about books that chronicle founders of what you do, philosophy behind things, and books that pick apart the commonly held beliefs of the martial arts.

Question why you do what you do. What you may find out is that the reasons you train are not the reasons that you thought you trained. That maybe there is a deeper need, or calling that draws you to the mat each day. When that happens, don't be surprised if the fire in your belly feels like it is going to burn its way it. Filling your knowledge tank will propel you just as far as practicing your techniques. They are not exclusive in training. You're success depends on both. I promise you.

Master Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan Karate,
life long scholar and educator.

Week in review

2010-02-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a crazy week! Just when I thought I found a groove in language training it got heavier indeed. I didn't make a single jits class this week, but I hit every weight training day, every spin and cardio day and I trained karate while home to make up for my missed jits classes. Its certainly not my ideal week but training is training right!?! It looks like my training schedule for BJJ will have to be adjusted slightly while I'm at DLI. Instead of Monday's and Wednesdays its more than likely going to be Monday's and Fridays. I have to find a way balance training, school and time with the family, which is truly more important to me than training. The greatest blessing in my life is that my wife and kids really do understand my passion for training and support me no matter what. So in the end, what more could a guy ask for :)

Next weeks plan is to make both of my jits training days in addition to my other workouts! Alright, now its time to get off this computer, take Hunter to basketball, work arms at the gym afterwards, train karate with Tianna and then hit the "Blue and Gold" banquet tonight for cub scouts where Hunter is going to receive his Tiger Cub badge. I'm so proud of him! I'll post some pictures of my little warrior after the banquet.

OSU!

Don't knock it until you understand its purpose.

2010-02-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

I heard an interesting conversation at Jiu Jitsu last night. We train at a gym where the owners are Tang Soo Do instructors. Both are really great people, committed martial artists (and instructors) and great stand up fighters - as well as being avid BJJ students. The students they produce, obviously, follow the same road :) Anyway, they have pictures up on the wall in a collage of their most recent black belt testing day. In several of them you can see a black belt breaking two bricks with a downward smash elbow. Well, one of our blue belts looked at it and said "see thats the problem with karate. You're not breaking both of those bricks, you're only breaking one. You can see that by the two pencils flying up from the bricks." Yep, your right. Physics says that the energy produced by the downward motion of your elbow at the point of impact on that top brick will be transfered directly to, and then through the second, because of the space created by the two small pencils sitting between the bricks. But thats not the point of the exercise....I promise you.

Having been a student of the martial arts for 25 years now I have had the opportunity to earn a 3rd degree black belt in karate, a 1st dan in Tae kwon do, a 1st in Hapkido, and an advanced instructors level in Krav Maga. Save for Krav (which involved 7 days of getting the sh#% kicked out of you for 8 hours a day) each time I tested for a black belt I have had to break something. For me, each time it was concrete. And, I am just as guilty of making my students smash through inanimate objects. This drill isn't about showing how physically tough you are by beating up trees and rocks. If a school uses it that way they are SO missing the point. Its simply about mastering your own fears and mental blocks.

During my first black belt test the breaking portion was the very last thing you did. This was after 2 1/2 hours of intense physical work running through every technique you've ever learned, but performing them full blast into body shields....and then full contact bare knuckle kumite against the blacks belts that showed up for my test (which for me was 30 minutes worth of non stop 2 minute rounds). Yep, it was that kind of school :) But I digress, by the time they laid out the concrete brick in front of me I could barely lift my arms to the soaking wet brown belt at my waist. The thought of hitting ANYTHING that solid scared the living crap out of me! But, part of what you learn over 7 years training there was to master your mind and fears. So, what did I do? I summoned every last bit of strength and courage I had and smashed through that slab with a downward straight punch knuckles first. And yes...it hurt like hell :)

So, what is my tirad about today? Simply this, before you go judging other martial arts for what you "think" they are doing, take the time to learn why the do it. Breaking in this context (like described above) is no different than running the gauntlet in my first jits school to earn your blue belt (or any other belt). Rolling with every damn person on the mat takes a lot of mental toughness after a full class of training.

A true warrior does not limit himself or herself to what they "think" they know is the best. They train for a variety of circumstances. I would never give up a day that I have studied karate or krav maga just like I wouldn't give up a day of studying jiu jitsu, shooting or physical fitness. I may not have the opportunity to pick my battle field. If your a jiu jitsu enthusiast just remember that you may not get the chance to go to the ground and choke someone out, just like a karate practitioner my not have the option to stand up and knock your teeth out. Why wouldn't you want to have options?

A samurai spent his life studying a multitude of disciplines...why wouldn't you?

What a great week!

2010-02-19T21:01:00.001-08:00

This week was a little intense at DLI with 8 hours of school everyday and (no joke) a little over three hours of homework every night. I didn't make it to bjj on Wednesday because I had to buckle down and catch up a little, but I did make it both Monday and Friday (tonight). I also made every workout this week. This was the end of my fifth week of heavy lifting and I have to say I think I'm actually getting use to the routine. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying its easy for me, but I do "get" how to lift this way. I certainly feel stronger than I did a month ago and I can see the gains in strength when looking at my log and comparing it to the previous weeks. Between strength training, spin and running my mat endurance is still there and I think spin is actually helping my mat endurance even more because of the interval training Chelle puts us through.

I didn't get beat up "to" bad tonight, except when I rolled with Coach...but hey, what can you expect when locking up with that guy! All in all it was a great week and I'm looking forward to getting in my last workout of the week tomorrow and taking a day of rest on Sunday....how appropriate right :)

Are you committed?

2010-02-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

"Impossible is not a reason, it is simply a word used by the lazy to justify never trying"

What you call obsessed I simply call committed to my calling

Are you a warrior or is it a hobby?

2010-02-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

I really like this question. It puts life in perspective. There is no shame in being either mind you, I just think you need to know which one you are. I have been both in my life. What is the difference in my mind you might ask? A hobbyist "goes" to or "does" karate, jiu jitsu, judo, etc a couple nights a week along with fitting in bowling or golf. It is exercise. It is social. It is belts and cool gi's long enough to "earn" what you want and move on. You do not think about it between classes, or if you do it is only to remind yourself that you "have" to go again on Tuesday.

A warrior lives his training, he does not "go to" it. It is part of his very blood, it is his breath. He understands that he cannot possibly think that he's learned it all. He knows there is more than "one way to fight" and spends his life to master stand-up, clinch, ground and weapons. Each with its own flow and vibe. He does not exchange it for an extra night of bowling or beers at the pub. You will never hear him say "mine is the best ever." He accepts no substitute in his life. He understand his responsibility to shepherd his calling and pass it on to the next committed generation. It has no end, no completion. It is life.

Choose your position, but do it with an informed heart and mind. There can be no "UFC couch champions" here. If it is not your calling, find one that is and commit. Life is a journey for the committed.

To Ki or not to Ki...that is the question.

2010-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

I don't normally talk about such things but it has been a topic of conversation around my house several times this weekend. Why you might ask? My brother-in-law Alex came out to visit us while on business in Cali this week. I've known Alex since he was about 11. He's a great guy, superb athlete, avid martial artist and an extremely talented fighter. We talk about martial arts a lot because he's as hooked on training as I am. The difference between us is that he is where I was at 15 years ago with a traditional martial art. He is a 3rd Dan in Won Hop Loong Chuan, and he's good. There's no denying it. He can standup fight with the best of us and has extremely powerful and lethal kicks and punches. The place we part ways is his absolute stedfast belief in the power of Ki or Chi.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a debunker, but I am a practical scientific minded martial artist. I've heard the concept of Ki my entire career; which has only been 25 years so I certainly don't claim to be an expert, but I'm familiar with the concept. The problem I have with it is that you can't tell me that it has effects on your training that may just as easily have been cultivated by the 20-30 years of training you've been doing, i.e. stronger punches, better core balance, stronger stances, etc without showing me the science separating the two different cause and effects.

I think the body and mind are capable of performing feats that we can not comprehend at this time. I DO believe that there is an electric current that runs through all living things that, when trained over a life time, can produce significant power in strikes and kicks. BUT thats because you've spent your entire life teaching your muscles to lock into a certain position at a certain speed in a certain angle for the last 30 years. Of course your body will transmit the chemical and electric surges through the body quicker and transfer the kinetic energy to your opponent in a much more focused and lethal manner. I also think that you can train your mind over that same time period to become extremely focused, able to deal with pain and stress in a much more efficient manner than without the training. Again though, I don't think this is a mystic flowing energy circulating through channels in your body that someone can harness and throw in a ball at you. I call it mental and physical preparation for combat. I don't think a warrior from Sparta or a SEAL from the teams would talk to you in terms of Ki. They would attribute their abilities to years of preparations and training both their mind and body for their chosen profession. Martial artists are no different.

Again, I'm still "relatively" young :) 25 years does NOT make an expert. There could be something out there that I just can't see, do, perform or comprehend, but the science surrounding the myth just doesn't support the mystic outlook on it. I would have an easier time swallowing it if the community that espouses it would just leave the mysticism out, enter the 21st century and apply some practical physics and science to the argument. Then I think both sides of the argument could learn something. But thats just me.

Excuse me...could you help me pick up my shattered pride from the mat :)

2010-02-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

All joking aside, we all have those days right? Please.....tell me that other people have these days too!!! :) So, I was reading "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu theory and Technique" and a couple good BJJ blogs over the last month prepping for the month of the guard and I ran across a good nugget (or so I thought it was at the time). Basically, and this is paraphrasing, you should put yourself in some bad positions that, if caught you're going to have to tap, and see how you handle it when trying NOT to tap. So, I do....and did. This month when I roll with blue's and higher I try to work my guard game, when I'm with white belts that are solid and I know have a good game, I work in their guard and try stuff I wouldn't normally try and you guessed it...sometimes I feel like a nut and sometimes I don't.

My theory is this, I hate being in the guard ALMOST as much as I hate someone being in top north/south on me. I have spent a lot of time trying to avoid being in the guard by pulling guard :) The problem here is that you WILL forget all the "no-no" things that keep you safe. SO, for instance, if your plan is to work in the guard you may be in some trouble. Now, we have fully arrived at tonight.

Win or loose on the mat I always learn something. Tonight, when pride was stripped away I learned I have to work in guard defense more. If I ever want to coach someday I'd better have some answers for questions that I posed to Coach tonight :) Between Coach and Rob I brought home several great nuggets to put into action this month when I work in someone's guard. So, once I collected the tiny shattered pieces of my manhood from the mat tonight I walked away a much richer person. What other sport will those with whom you do battle every week give you the keys to unlock their secrets to best them someday. You just don't find people like this very often.

Man I love jits :)

Month of the Guard!

2010-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, back to safey safe! Its been a LONG time since I went to the guard first. I've got a plan...go figure....for this month as well. I have two sweep that are money (sweep A and the shin on belly open guard sweep) and the ezekiel choke. I've worked grips and setups before on both so I know kind of where I want to go with this. What I've found over the last couple months is that no matter where I started, when the opportunity arises I end up taking my opponents back :) I'm completely okay with that though, back is a great place to be!

I started the "month of the guard" tonight in class and, like always, Coach has ESP and worked us with a sweep for sweep drill at the beginning. Next we positioned sparred from...you guessed...guard. What, seriously, is it my friggin' birthday today!?! At the end of class, before we sparred, Coach showed us a great options for a sweep when your scissor sweep fails. It basically involves switching your grips lower and coming up on your shoulder to kick up and sweep your opponent over.

Sparring was awesome. I rolled every match tonight and pulled some great opponents. I started with Billy S. who getting to dang good by the day! Dev K. and I started in my guard (which I RARELY ever get to with him by the way) and I was able to set up some great sweeps against a guy thats as strong as a friggin' gorilla! I had Sergio (who gave me a good fight and wouldn't let me sink anything from his back!) and one more white belt (who was strong as hell...whats the deal with these Grape Apes!?!).

It was a great night in jits and I had an awesome workout this morning. Can't wait for Wednesday!

End of the mount....for this month :)

2010-02-01T20:40:00.001-08:00

Yes its true. The end of "month of the mount" has finally come. What a fantastic month it was and it brought some great lessons. You think you know the mount until you take a whole month to dissect how you get there and what you "think" you know to do when you're actually in the position.

1. There is a finite number of options the person on the bottom has to reverse you. Learn them, know them, love them. Once you become comfortable with them you can learn to anticipate it and set your counters.

2. Learn to feel the weight from the bottom. Not just the pressure from their hands, but from their hips as well.

3. Set your "three's" to flow one from the other. Anticipate their counters and roll them into your plan.

4. Transition when YOU want to do it. Make your plan YOUR plan, not theirs.

5. Pressure, pressure, PRESSURE!

It was an awesome month. Coach and my friends on the mat gave me hell everyday I stepped on it and it was what made me a better person. I asked them to give me no slack as soon as the matched started and thats exactly what I got. It was amazing. Now...on to new horizons!

I've made it another day....but I can't seem to find my legs!

2010-01-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today was heavy thrust day - legs and shoulders. I felt I had a great workout this morning and was able to push more weight that I though I could have (safely of course). Shoulders went well to and I walked out feeling great......dramatic pause.......until I spent 8 hours sitting in class learning Italian. About half way through the day when it was time to stand up and go to lunch I was pretty sure someone had snuck in and replaced my legs with those of a 120 year old arthritic man! GOD BLESS motrin!

Jiu jitsu was awesome tonight. I arrived about 45 minutes late for class because I stayed home until 7pm to study Italian (stupid verb conjugation!). I drilled the leg pass from class with John T. for about ten minutes until it was time to roll. Then, of course, I got to roll with John. Now, for those of you who don't know John he's a bit bigger than me (by about 30 pounds), solid base, great jiu jitsu fighter and a solid purple belt. Sooooooooooo, you can probably tell how well that went for me :) I did my usual "I'm scared" tactic by pulling him into guard and holding on for dear life! I rolled with Billy S. next and continued my attacks to get to, and stay in mount, with a solid base. Coach asked me to roll with a brand new guy next (literally his first class with us). Small guy, 140lbs, but a lifetime of wrestling (high school and collegiate) under his belt. He was quick and strong but still had the Greco habits. Once he looses those he'll be a monster! During open mat I rolled with Coach for about 4 rolls. Man, its amazing what you learn while getting your backside handed to you. He knows that this is the "month of the mount" for me so I got to feel his solid, irreversible mount a lot during the rolls :) He gave me a couple great nuggets in between me panting for breath and gagging from my verps though.

I was really struggling with going to class tonight because I feel so overwhelmed in my Italian course. The pull to stay home and go over my vocabulary even one more time is very tough to ignore, but I have to tell you that I feel like a million bucks after an hour on the mat! After I post this I'll get my snack and study for another hour before I hit the hay and start it all over again tomorrow. Good times :)

"The key to a great mount is a relaxed mount"

- Daniel Thomas

MEDIC!!!! I can't feel my chest Sarge....I'm cold...

2010-01-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Is it bad that 12 hours after your chest workout it feels like someone took an ice pick to it? I had a great workout this morning, using principles stolen from my wife's trainer (don't tell her honey!) and I feel it afterwards. I did not crap out my colon during the workout though...which I was thankful for :)

On the flip side Jits was awesome tonight! Coach had use work on a double hooks in butterfly sweep. An oldie, but a goody! I love the basic and this is a staple everyone should have in their arsenal. We worked both the basic harness grip (one over, one under) to trap and arm and then use timing and momentum to roll back, kick the leg and sweep them into number two hold down. The key to this one tonight was something I hadn't seen before though. You tuck the leg down that is on the same side as the over arm. This sets up a nice variation that we worked on as "option 2". Option 2 happens when your opponent posts out and you can't get them over. You're basically going to ride the wave back so the sit on their knees and then you do a knee up position smash pass to number two hold down. Short, sweet and to the point. Love it!

Rolling went well tonight. I started with Billy, always a good roll. Next I got Rennato, but his nose started bleeding (NO, I did not punch him!) about three minutes in so we had to stop, clean him up and get him some ice. I got another fairly young white belt after that and we worked slow for him. I used each roll to work my "month of the mount" them and secure the position and land my one of my "3 set" combos from their. Lastly I rolled with Coach. As always he makes you feel great...right up until I think he gets tired of letting me flail around...then, BAMB. So sorry Mike but you're going to tap on this arm bar :) I love working back control with him because he's very patient and will let you get just far enough that you think you have a chance and then expose every weakness in your position. Lessons I shant forget for next time :)

All in all it was a good day. I blew past 170 grams of protein, had a great morning workout and an awesome jiu jistu training session. I just truly fear not being able to push myself out of bed tomorrow morning...dun dun duuuuuuuuuuuuuun!

My good Lord...how in the heck do you eat 170 grams of Protein?

2010-01-24T20:15:00.001-08:00

No joke there. I'm dead serious. I have to take in 170 grams of protein per day right now. I gave it the old "college try" today and came in at 165. I seriously thought I was going to explode. Thats a lot of damn protein! Lean meat, cottage cheese, tuna whey protein....a partridge in a pear tree. I think I at it all spades today. I call shenanigans on protein! Okay, not really. I get to re-attack it tomorrow when the real work starts at 0530. My body is really going to need it!

More to come I guess...

Why sure.....I'll share you pain.

2010-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

So, Chelle has a full week of training under her belt for a body building competition. She's doing awesome (contrary to what she thinks) and I'm really impressed with the fortitude she's showing. Now, I've been a fitness addict for several years now...thanks to my wife...and have tried a lot of differant events. A dozen half marathons, the big sur full marathon, triathlons, mud runs, bike rides (cycle...not motor), climbing, jumping, hiking, jiu jitsu...well, you get the picture. HOWEVER, Chelle and I have always shared training cycles when it comes to this stuff. If I'm training for a marathon she usually picks a half and trains for it. If she's doing a tri, I usually find the little boy division to compete in. Get the picture? Soooooooooo, she decides to train for a body building competition. I'm not in anyway interested in competing in one myself so don't get the wrong idea, BUT I am VERY interested (as a coach myself) on what it takes not only mentally, but physically as well, to train for one. And this brings us to my title.

Yes, I'm taking the plunge. This will be a completely different way of eating and working out for me. I'm not "big guy" to begin with so we'll see where this leads. My workouts have always centered around endurance, aerobic stamina etc. That changes on Monday. No more head to toe 5 sets of 12 reps workouts for this guy. I have to swallow my pride, actually put weight on the bars and try not to crap my colon out :) I think this is going to be one hell of a learning experience for me. I just hope my intestines don't shoot out on a squat or my arms don't fall off the day after I lift them :)

What is this Jiu Jitsu you speak of?

2010-01-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Seriously! I'm started to forget what the gym looks like. Okay, well its really not THAT bad but it sure feels like it lately. Its amazing how life can sneak right up behind you right when you're getting a good grove and then smack in in the back of the head with a STRONG dose of reality. I recently began my language course at DLI (26 weeks of Italian). I know, I know...dude you're freaking out over Italian!?! Thats like spaghetti, pasta, vino, mozzarella right? Not quite. In addition to DLI, I thought it would be a smart idea to start another (yes, I said another...as in one more time) master's degree in December 2009. So, not only do I have 100 vocab words a night to memorize, I also have research to do for two master's classes. Plus, the kids have lessons and life's, Chelle is in class every night of the week this month from 6pm - 10pm and I do have to sleep once in awhile. So anyway....where was I?

Oh yeah, jiu jitsu! Didn't make it to the mat on Wednesday because it was the second day of class and we had a retarded amount of homework. Tonight class is a no go again because Chelle has class (no jokes here...yes, I know I don't have any class - HA!) and Kaelyn is going to a school dance with friends so my "built in" babysitter is out for the evening. Why do teenagers insist on having lives!?!

The positive side is, I guess, that I have been able to consistently get up at 5:20am every day and get my first two workouts in. At least I won't be a big 'ol fatty when I eventually do get back to the mat on Monday....I just won't know how to roll :) So, here's to hoping the coming weeks calm down and I can regain some of my sanity on the mat!

Another week down...

2010-01-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit of a slacker with posting over the last two weeks I must admit. I've trained though I swear :) Last week Monday was a second Christmas for me because coach worked an entire sequence on going from mount to back! Are you kidding me!?! Its like this guy reads minds or something. Perfect for exactly what I'm working this month. On Wednesday we worked a great step by step setup for the omoplata...some thing that I rarely ever try because I just don't feel confident enough with it. Coach walked us through really securing the position before attempting any sub and his process, as usual, made perfect sense for me. Dev has a great breakdown of it on his blog.

This Monday (18 Jan 09) we worked the good 'ol basics! We started with the 5 point arm bar from the guard. Next we moved to transitioning to a triangle choke if your opponent pulls his arm out to defend. Third came attacking the arm that is left inside your legs and applying the omoplata from last week. Lastly...and this was my favorite of the night....was attacking the arm that was left in with an arm bar. Basically you will secure it from the opposite side with a good grip, take the same side foot and put it in the hip to shrimp out for position, lock the opposite side leg up at the neck like your going for a gogoplata and then secure your free leg around the head for the arm bar and hip up. I don't do the explanation just! Trust me... it was BA!

Rolling has gone good over the last week. I have been purposely rolling with those at my level or below so that I can focus on technique for my "month of the mount" right now. I'll use the same philosophy on Wednesday and then ask those who crush me to roll next week. This way I can end the month with my ego in check :)

Also, on another important note, Chelle has committed to competing in a female bodybuilding competition in May of this year in Southern Cali. She started a new blog to document her training, ups and downs emotional and anything else that happens to her while training. PLEASE check it out.

Old man cards and knee injuries

2010-01-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Well, no class for me tonight. On Wednesday night while rolling with Dev we ended up in a weird upside back control reversal (with me on the bottom attempting the reversal) and I torqued my left knee. It was a bit stiff that night immediately afterwards so we took it easy and just walked through my new game plan for this month. But by the time I got home and got out of the shower my left knee had a nice size (golf ball) knot swelling up under the knee cap. When I woke up on Thursday not only was it still a bit swollen, but it has also starting bruising very nicely :) So, my much better half, being the sports therapy awesome trainer that she is, has convinced me to pull my old man card tonight and stay home.

So, instead of training updates I'll just load a couple pictures from my promotions in Wisconsin :)

Dan and I after he received his blue belt.

Jared and I after he received his brown belt.

Both Dan and Jared have trained a long time and poured their hearts out in training for not only themselves, but for their teammates as well. Congrats guys!

6 Jan 10

2010-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight's class was great. Coach drilled us on an oldie but a goody :) The five point armbar from guard. We started with the basic crossing the arm over the center line of the body, heel in hip to trap the arm, kick up into opposite shoulder and move into position looking into opponents ear, leg over head and then WHAM-O :) Coach labeled it "isolation, domination, dislocation" -ha! The variation I liked tonight though was adding an extra step after you've kicked up into the shoulder and moved into position. At that point you lock your other leg over their shoulder and cross your ankles to pinch down on them as a hold position. Then you can transition to the armbar and submit.

My first roll tonight was with Billy S. Always a good fight. I kept my theme for mount going and worked positioning to stabilize the mount and immediately secure high mount to work from. When he tried to roll I just transitions to back control and worked submissions from there. Next I rolled with Coach. Yeah, what can I say but butt kicking - hee hee. Its always awesome to roll with him though because the fluid technique and application of what he is doing is almost poetry in motion...even if it did feel like my head was going to pop off when he bow and arrow choked me. Both times..... Last I trained with Dev. We scrambled for a little bit and then my old man body tweaked my left knee. After that we took it slow for the remainder of that round and a second one. He helped me dissect my mount plan for the month and came up with some really good points (as usual). I think my flow is solid, but it will be even better after Friday when we dissect it a little more. I can't reveal the secrets yet - HA!

Anyway, great night overall and I'm looking forward to Friday!

Concluding the month of Half Guard

2010-01-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

As usual my buddy Dev keeps me honest. He very nicely reminded today that I have not wrote any conclusion on my "month of half guard." Well, to be honest with you it was actually two months of half guard. After the first month I still really couldn't even begin to wrap my head around using it, so I had to work it again for another month. I have to say that I'm really glad I did. between Coach and Dev I really learned some great stuff.

What I found out about myself is that I'm still pretty nervous about working from half guard, which is weird considering I train under a half guard master! But, jiu jitsu is an individual journey, as he will be the first to tell you, and my game is my game :) Both Coach and Dev helped me to see the importance of recognizing when half guard is the best option...like when my guard is getting past. Don't wait for a scramble to get there. Recognize that you can initiate the transition yourself and make it YOUR position. From there I can still work to get to my "happy place", which is back control.

I also had to let some pride go, check my ego and be reminded that "a punch is just a punch". There's no magical, super-delicious, ultra secret half guard truths that I'm just not getting. Like everything else in BJJ its a position with lots of options, which I still have to learn and drill. In the words of Coach - "don't get mad that you didn't master a position in a month." :)

So, in the end it was a great two months that probably taught me more about myself then it did about half guard...but is that so wrong!?! Next time this cycle comes around I truly believe that I will be mentally, as well as physically, ready for it.

First class of the new year

2010-01-04T20:27:00.001-08:00

So, there I was....sitting in class thinking "man, I haven't trained in almost a month"...and you know what happened? I trained like it. Dang it! The technique was sweet because Coach taught us a reverse triangle from back and side control. We started working the farside armbar from knee ride and worked setting a good, tight armbar. Next we worked the reverse triangle from side control. Then it was time to put the two together for a flow drill...awesome! We also got work it from back control and even got a little position sparring from the back that made me very happy :)

HOWEVER, when it came to rolling I really was a slacker. I rolled with Billy and focused on getting to mount and holding it for subs (which is my new theme), or rotating to the back if he tried to reverse. Next I rolled with Alex and played the same game. The last roll (and we only did three tonight) I sat out and watched. Why? I have no idea. I wasn't tired by any stretch. I guess my head still wasn't on the mat yet. But the week is young and Wednesday is a whole new training session!

So anyway, its official. Its the month of the mount!

So long '09...

2010-01-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well, its officially four days into the new year and the first training night back in Monterey so I figured I'd better post something before I head out to class and take my beating :) 2009 was an amazing year in life and training. I had more time with my wife and kids this past year than I've enjoyed in the last six. We have grown so close as a family. Training has been amazing too. There's nothing like a solid year of good training with great friends under an amazing coach to hook you even more...if that was possible to begin with!

Looking back though everyone usually asks themselves what they've learned from the previous, and well, I'm no different.

1. Faith and forgiveness are everything. Faith in God, family and friends must be the corner stone of a healthy life. Learning to forgive is much, much harder than expecting people to forgive you...but will release more baggage than you even realized you had!

2. Setting the bar high is perfectly acceptable with goals. Not reaching those goals even when you give 100% just as okay :) I've always told my friends and students that if you set the bar at mediocrity you'll hit it every single time! So I've always expected much, much more from myself than from others around me. The lessons for me here last year didn't come when I reached goals I set, they came from when I didn't reach them and re-evaluated and re-asserted myself for multiple attempts at them!

3. A punch is just a punch Mike :) Learning is a lifetime project.

4. Speak less and listen more. Its amazing what you'll learn! Yep, this one was a tough lesson for me :)

5. And last, but certainly not least, tell those in your life - family and friends - how much they mean to you as much as you can. Our days are numbered...and we don't know the total.

Thank you to each and everybody who has helped me stretch and grow throughout this past year. I can't wait for more of it this year!

A punch is just a punch Mike...

2009-12-18T20:38:00.000-08:00

So, tonight Coach worked in half guard from no-gi. We concentrated re-pummeling for the under-hook, protecting the cross face and working the grapevine on the legs. After that we worked a little position sparring. Now, I love to position spar, BUT not so much from half guard. You all know how much I LOVE training half guard lately :-p It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be though. During sparring I even had a chance to roll with a couple really tough players, including Coach (who toyed with me like a giant lion playing with a little mouse - HA!).

Once again my money came after class during open mat. I had a chance to talk with Coach about my half guard issue. I actually broke down and admitted to him that I'm pretty much scared sh!#-less getting there. At this point he looks at me and says "you know, you really shouldn't be so upset that you haven't mastered half guard in two months." Whoop there it was! He followed it up by saying that Bruce Lee once said "when I first started training in the martial arts a punch was just a punch and a kick was just a kick. After training for awhile I learned that a punch was much more than just a punch and a kick was more than just a kick. After a lifetime of training I saw that a punch was just a punch and a kick was just a kick." What does this have to do with jiu jitsu you say? Well, it tells me that I have to give it time. I always tell people the biggest thing I love about jits is that it is a life long journey of learning, YET I then turn around and expect myself to conquer a position that I have never willingly gone to...in only to months. Ridiculous I say! I am hereby calling shenanigans on myself!

I talked with coach about some strategies to make it an easier transition for me. Like perhaps using it as a transitory position for getting to the back (which is a HUGE position in my "game"...if I can even say I have one!). He showed me a couple really good nuggets for shucking and taking the back.

So, in the end - yes Mike, a punch is just a punch. Don't expect a life time of skill and knowledge to come in some epiphany over two months. Enjoy the ride...even if that ride is getting it handed to you every time you attempt half guard. Sooner or later even a blind squirrel will find a nut in the forrest :)

Why do I fear progress!?!

2009-12-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, so that title is no joke. Its actually frustrating the hell out of me! Half guard has me almost mentally paralyzed lately. Its not the "I don't know what to do from there" problem. Coach, my classmates, and close training partners work with me all the time. The problem I think I'm facing is the timing in my brain! I'm am literally scared blank when it comes time to transition. By the time I realize what I "should have done" its to damn late and I'm being mauled by friends. Last month it was that I was trying to force my way into half guard, this month the problem is I'm to damned scarred to transition when the timing is perfect for me! Makes you want to bang your head against the wall some times :)

But, in the end isn't it about learning this stuff first hand anyway? If we don't have these "lesson's in frustration" then I don't think we are really trying to push ourselves. Yes, I'm pissed at myself when the fight is over. Yes, I replay my rolls a million times in my head throughout the night when I'm at home. YES, I get very frustrated at what I think is a lack of progress on my part. But.....then I have to remind myself that these are just the trappings of an ego and its actually pretty awesome to get mauled by Dev on the mat because he wants exactly wants I want - one more nugget to squirrel away in our brains :)

So, in the end the day is still good, life is still good....and we have a brand new BJJ blue belt in our house. Chelle received here promotion from Coach tonight and I couldn't be more proud of here. She has come a LONG way since she first started training with me in ND. Life is good...

Chelle and Coach after her promotion tonight.

Good training, Good friends, and a week off because carting around kids :)

2009-12-13T20:31:00.001-08:00

So, here I am. Yep, still alive out here in Cali. I figured I'd better put an update here lest you all think I've given up training for good :)

I went up to Wisconsin the weekend of 4 - 7 December for training. Red Dragon Academy hosted me once again for a weekend full of fun, bruises...and a little bit of blood and vomit (not at the same time of course!). The training was actually over three days, and I flew back home the following Monday (7 Dec).

Day 1 (Friday) - I spent time with just their black belts. We covered basic concepts of real firearms defense, specifically with the pistol. I talked a lot about the psychology of the defense first. My favorite part of the night is when I had one of their black belts hold a pistol on me and demand my wallet. I then asked the crowd what the best defense was for that...which got me several interesting replies. In the end I said I learned the best one as a police officer, to which I handed my wallet over to my assailant :) That got some snickers and a few laughs from the group. I asked them who in the crowd could run 800 feet per second, and then explained that's why I gave him my wallet. There was nothing in that folded leather that was worth my life.

We covered several pistol positions in from the front, side and back. Each one linked with the other and the basic techniques we use are all interchangeable to prevent the "Oh Crap!" mind dump that comes from finite motor skills.

Day 2 (Saturday) - We began with a good (muwahahahahahahahahaha - insert evil laugh!) warm up. We covered basic use of full contact striking, kicking and distance. Intercept techniques to enter into the clinch range, 50/50 clinch fighting, clinch/clothe fighting, take down defenses and three simple "triple threat" take down defenses.

Day 3 (Sunday) - Last day we covered basic fighting positions on the ground, how to get back up and re-engage the attack, striking and VERY basic submission potential from the ground.

All in all it was a LONG three days for those involved and they were absolutely exhausted by the end. There was a butt load things covered this weekend, of which I expect them to remember maybe two or three techniques :) That's the nature of the beast in a weekend training camp though. You cover the four fundamental ranges of combat (stand up, clinch, ground and weapons) and then hope at least the philosophy sticks.

Also during the weekend I had the privilege of promoting two long time friends and students of mine. Jared S. earned his brown belt under me and Dan D. earned his blue belt. Both are great people, great friends and solid martial artists that have a passion for realistic and practical training. I'm so very proud of both of them!

Here are two photos of the weekend taken at the end of day two. I'll post the pics of Jared and Dan's promotion as soon as I get them.

Here's the group "trying" to be serious. You can see

new Brown Belt Jared S. on the left side of the photo.

...And here's the "no so serious" group :)

Training after the return was pretty much Nil. Between Hunter's cub scouts, volunteering at my church, Kaelyn's concerts and running the heathen's around I had NO time for Mikey. Its okay though. I counted this as my second week of the year that I took off from training. I try to completely veg for at least two separate periods during the year to let my body fully rest. I'm ready to go punish again starting tomorrow. Good times :)

2 Dec 09

2009-12-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

Workout: Strength Training, Core workout

Cardio: Bike, speed ride 9 miles

BJJ: Tonight was a great night of training! I'm using December as my second "month of half guard" to really expand on the HUGE hole in my game that is my half guard. Tonight coach showed a great reversal from half guard starting from when your opponent tries to push your top leg down for a sprawl out pass. When they push your leg down you get a cuff and elbow grip on the hand that is same side as your half guard and you pull it cross body. Next you reach over their back and grab their armpit. After that you roll them over the side that you are grabbing and take a modified S mount....or in Coach's words a "half S mount" position because you're still "half inside their half guar" :) From there we worked the sliding collar choke, one arm strangle choke, rolling them to back control and then performing both chokes again.

I drew all white belts for rolling tonight. I spent my time getting some good positions and "trap shooting" subs for the first three minutes of each roll. After that I put myself in bad positions not only to work my defense but to let my partners work some offense. It was a great rolling night not getting crushed by Dylan, Mark or Dev :)

After class I sat on the mat and talked to Dev about a cool break down for two positions in half guard. My preferred position is knee low on the side of the leg and a lock down on my opponent. Dev's favorite is the "93" position with a high knee bracing on the ribs of your opponent. What I loved about Dev's explanation of both positions was basically a near and a far breakdown. For me I go to "stone squirrel" with the under hook. For the far position I need to keep one hand bracing near my opponents hips and the other protecting against the cross face. The "93" position is all about keeping the spring loaded in your leg, not letting your opponent swim under for an "arm under" pass or lock you down by grabbing your belt at your back. I have to say THANKS to Dev for always training with me, putting up with my crazy questions and being such a great friend. He scares the CRAP out of me on the mat but he's one of those guys I wouldn't ever want to go through training without! Thanks bro!

30 Nov 09

2009-12-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Workout: Strength Training, Core workout

Cardio: 9 mile speed ride on the bike

BJJ: Tonight we worked on reversing someone when they are in the "knee up" passing position inside your guard. The basic techniques was to sit up when your opponent goes "knee up" and looks like he's going to do the pass of '09. Then you hook your same side arm around the leg that is up and grab your own lapel with that hand. Next you perform a "modified" technical stand where you only go to your knee and not all the way up. Then you drive forward and push your opponent down to the mat, making sure that you put your head inside the landing pad by their shoulder. All thats left after that is to pass their legs and take side control. Next he covered a variation that involves your opponent grabbing your knee so that you cannot pull back into the technical stand. For this one you are going to grab that same wrist with your leg hook arm, use your free hand to grab the lapel, and then pull/push them over the shoulder on the side that they grabbed your leg. Lastly we worked on two variations of the reversal that covered your opponent standing instead of staying in the knee up position. The principle was still the same but instead of going to a modified technical stand you stood all the way up.

Rolling was really good. First I rolled with Rachelle and worked her offensive game. Next I rolled with Billy S. (white belt) and tried my back control defense stuff. After that I rolled with Dev K. (blue belt) and we worked him getting to side control top and me getting to half guard. Basically we scrambled until one of use reached our desired position and then we reset and went at it again. BUT, by the end we started just going for it like usually and I tried to resort to my back control game which I am very comfortable with. First time I went to all fours to work my defensive game and he pressure back on me, grabbed my leg and sleeve and rolled me with something that I had never seen before. It was another "Aha" moment for me....which I seem to have a lot of with Dev :) Great night over all though.

So, my evaluation of the "month of the half guard" is simply this...I still have no idea what I'm doing...but I do finally understand a lot of what I'm doing wrong. I was trying hard to force myself into half guard from positions that I had solid control already at instead of sliding into half guard when it was most advantageous for me. Sooooooo, I plan to extend the month into December and use my new outlook to try again!

Grand Master Francisco Mansor Seminar, 29 Nov 09

2009-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Today Chelle and I had the opportunity to meet with, and train under, a living legend in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. GM Francisco Mansor came to our gym and gave a 2 hour seminar for Coach Thomas. GM Mansor is in our direct BJJ "lineage" and is currently the most senior black belt in all of BJJ. The seminar was amazing. He spent the two hours focusing on the basics (which I LOVE), specifically controlling someone in side control, scarf hold and north/south. It was the details that he provided that really made the positions. It was awesome to see someone who even after 55 years in jits still focuses on the basics of a position instead of the "fancy stuff."

However, I think that the real meat of the seminar came when GM Mansor talked about life, focus and family. It was refreshing to see someone in martial arts really talk about reassessing your priorities and putting your life in focus first for your jiu jitsu to be worth anything. He talked about touching other peoples lives through kindness and always being open to improving the well being of friends, family and strangers. "Jiu Jitsu is about being happy, not angry." His point was that "angry" jiu jitsu is bad for you, which means if you're focusing on jiu jitsu as "one fight" and not as a life long journey then your focus is completely out of whack :)

I've been to several seminars during my 25 years of martial arts training and have had the chance to meet some pretty big name people...but GM Mansor is by far my favorite. Its his life philosophy that connects...not his technique. I think his amazing jiu jitsu is just a by product of a life put into perspective and balanced correctly.

Chelle, GM Francisco Mansor, and Me

One of the MILLION reasons why my wife rocks!

2009-11-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well, today Chelle indulged my geek-ness once again :) Last year for Christmas she got me a red Atami gi for jiu jitsu and we took to calling it the "superman" gi. That gave me the idea to seek out and buy old comic book character symbols and use them as patches for it. See, I grew up reading Captain America, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The Green Lantern, The Hulk, etc comic books and I have always loved the classics :) So...with out further waiting here is the first edition of the patches, with more to come of course!

You'll notice that the bottom left pants cuff is still empty. That, my friends is reserved for the Amazing Spiderman.

No I didn't die....just went into a Turkey coma!

2009-11-27T16:05:00.001-08:00

Wow, its been over a week since I updated this...DAAAAAANG. So, there has been some awesome training in the mean time though. Last week I spent time with some great friends - Johnny, Rich, and Phil - training ISR in San Marcos TX. I also met some new friends while down there as well.

Day 1 - 4pt - 7 pt drill. "A" framing from the 50/50 clinch, defending the punch from the same side collar grip (variations with collar/cuff grip, double collar grip), and the "Breach".

After training Johnny stayed on the mat and worked some jits basics.

Day 2- 4pt - 6pt drill. "Shoe shine" punching, 4pt with elbows, "A" frame from 50/50 (adding the cup check, cup check w/ cross punch, walk through, and kicks or knees), "A" frame to arm drag to harness, the "Breach", the "Chin strap".

Day 3 - 4pt drill (arm drag, harness, escort to harness to dive), "A" frame with kicks and knees or with foot sweep into wall, single and double collar grips from "A" frame.

After training I had the chance to roll with Devon (the owner of Solidarity Jiu Jitsu where we trained). He's a great guy and a technical purple belt. It was a fun time and I loved getting more mat time in.

Part 1

Part 2

Me rolling with Devon - purple belt coach of Solidarity Jiu Jitsu in San Marcos, Tx.

Monday - 23 Nov 07

Workout: Strength training, core

Cardio: Bike, 30 mins

BJJ: No jits tonight. Chelle's Dad and step Mom came into town for the Thanks giving holiday so we spent time with them.

Wednesday:

Workout: Strength training, core

Cardio: Bike, 30 mins

BJJ: Tonight Coach worked us out of an open guard position. We focused on turtling with your opponent attempts to pass your guard. Next, we covered the reverse (while your in all fours position) by sitting out and rolling with your opponent when he attempts to take move behind you from front. I rolled several times after drilling. I had several white belts that I was rolling with that I worked sweep A from half guard when you can't shuck and take the back, as well as working from their guard with a double arm under pass. Well, it worked really well right up until I rolled with Dylan (purple belt) and he exposed the faults in my pass :) I was not controlling him near well enough by either an arm our his collar which diminished my ability to apply pressure to him when I stack....which led to me getting triangled...not once.....but twice :) Good times!

I'm sorry these explanations are so lame...I promise to be better next week and stay on top of this! It was a great two weeks of training which has ended in me NOT working out today (Friday) after stuffing myself on Thanksgiving yesterday :( LAME! I'll pay for it next week I'm sure.

16 Nov 09

2009-11-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

Workout: Strength Training, core workout

Cardio: 8 mile speed bike ride

BJJ:

13 Nov 09

2009-11-16T14:15:00.002-08:00

Workout: Strength Training, core workout

Cardio: 30 minutes on bike

12 Nov 09

2009-11-16T14:15:00.001-08:00

Swim:

5 x 100 meter freestyle

1 x 500 meter freestyle for time

11 Nov 09

2009-11-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Workout: Strength Training, core workout

Cardio: distance bike ride

BJJ: Today was a great day for jits. It started at 10am this morning with a private I shared with three other people. We covered a lot of side control (bottom) defense and escapes. I'd like to share my secrets....but I won't :) You'll have to see on the mat.

Class tonight Coach worked us out of half guard again. We started the class position sparring out of guard though. Coach put about 8 people down on the mat to start in order of rank and then had everyone else line up and work their way through us. I worked my regular guard game for awhile and was able to stay on the mat. About half way through I started to try half guard stuff instead of working full guard and, once again, I was passed....but learned a bit more than last time :) After position sparring we worked a half guard reversal by controlling the whizzer arm of our opponent, diving deep under and grabbing the opposite side foot, hooking your outside leg over your opponents leg, switching your hips, and then driving into them and pushing them down. After that Coach showed the alternative to this reversal that deals with your opponent pushing back into. You basically go to option "A" from half guard and sweep them over their whizzer arm.

No rolling for me tonight. Rachelle had to leave early to pick up Kaelyn from play practice and since we brought the two youngest with us to jits, I had to leave and get them ready for bed.

New family picture...and no swim

2009-11-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

Well, Hunter stayed home today with stomach cramps so there was no getting to the pool for me today. It's alright though because my body is liking this rest day in the middle of the week :) It'll be back to the grind tomorrow though!

On a different note, we had family pictures taken on Sunday evening just before sundown. We went out to Lovers Point near Pacific Grove and had a photographer snap some shots. This is one of my favorites -

9 Nov 09 - Day two of "month of the half guard" and lots of frustration

2009-11-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Workout: Strength training, core workout

Cardio: 30 minutes Bike

BJJ: Tonight we worked out of the guard, which is my safety position! We actually started with a sit out drill from all fours position to take the back, but then went to guard position sparring for several rounds. After position sparring Coach taught "Sweep A" - which is a fav of mine. After that he showed us a great defense for "Sweep A" when you're the one in the guard. From the knee up position you have to grab the outside arm's cuff, bring your inside arm to your opponents knee (on the same side you grabbed the cuff) and then stand up - and back. Next you pull them to the side and kill their hip with your foot while taking knee on belly position. It was pretty dang awesome...and simply...which made it even cooler :)

First roll was with Ryan C. (white belt). Ryan's a great guy and about 15 lbs smaller than me so I have to really focus on technique so he doesn't sneak out of anything :) Second roll was with Chris (new white belt). He really didn't know much and after subbing him several times I spent some time working with him on his defense in positions he found himself in...and how not to get there! Second to last I rolled with Mark G. (purple belt). He's always a great roll - and very smooth and technical. I pulled guard, attempted half guard, and he blasted past and put me in North/South. I defended subs and even got out once or twice, but thats pretty much where we stayed the entire roll. Last roll was with Dev K. (blue belt). To say it was embarrassing would be an understatement! I can count on my fingers the number of seconds it took him to not only crush my half guard, but to rip through it and man handle me. I got some great pointers and setups afterwards though and thats the beauty of training with Dev. Just like me, he'll give you the secrets to his success and expect you to exploit them next time :)

Bottom line for me tonight is this - I have to fail to succeed. I will never get better in this sport if I do not open myself up to be tapped, crushed, passed and humiliated.

"Impossible is just a word the lazy use to justify their reasons for never learning from their failures."

- Mike Sian, after being ripped apart on the mat on 9 Nov 09 :)

6 Nov 09

2009-11-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Workout: Strength training, core workout

Cardio: 30 minutes running

After Hunter got home from school we headed out for the Cub Scout "Dad and Lad" camping trip. Three days of all boys, woods, campfires and hiking. Good times :)

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Hunter outside the tent - Day 1

On the archery range

Learning how to use a sling shot (watch out windows!)

BB Gun rifle range

Finished bird house. He measured, cut and built it himself!

5 Nov 09

2009-11-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

Swim:

2 x 100 freestyle warmup

3 x 100 freestyle fin speed drills

5 x 100 freestyle speed drills

1 x 500 freestyle

4 Nov 09 - Day one in "month of the Half Guard"

2009-11-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

Workout: Tri brick workout - bike/run

Cardio: See above :)

BJJ: Tonight I felt like I found Willy Wonka's golden ticket! Coach taught the entire class in half guard...YES! We started with the basic "plan A" which is bottom half guard. In "plan A" you setup a good under hook and stone squirrel cross face defense. Next you extend your same side leg as the under hook and shuck your opponents arm and take back control (how convenient for me since I worked back all last month - ha!). "Plan B" was a sweep when your opponent whizzers. You lock down the whizzer arm with your elbow. Next dive deep under your opponent and grab the opposite knee. Next sweep them over in the direction of their whizzer. After bottom side sweeps and reversals he showed a "sit out" negative half guard to improve your position, as well as a head walk around to get in negative half guard as well. The second I'd never scene before but have attempted something similar before......with very poor results :) At least now I have some idea of what I should be doing, and even used it several times during rolling.

Rolling went well...I guess :-p I have a rule that during this month I have to start out my fights from half guard. Not as easy to get to when you tell your opponents "I'm working half guard this month. If you see me doing it then crush it anyway you can." Yeah, good times for me. Anyway, I gamed my opponents tonight and intentionally picked white belts so that I could work some half guard without being immediately crushed. First, I rolled with Billy S. ( white belt) and had a good time trying to get into half guard and keep it. I even got a sweep from there tonight...bonus! Next I got Renato (white belt). Also swept him from half and arm barred him a couple times. Lastly I rolled with Courtney (white belt). Same thing as Renato.

Again, the money was after class when I rolled with Coach for over 30 minutes. Lots of great pointers from him about controlling your opponent, not rolling over and letting them get to top (just fight for it damn it!!! - that was for me), and transitioning to butterfly if your half guard is failing. It has been an amazing experience getting a chance to roll and talk with him after class over the last month. No matter how exhausted I am from the day's workouts I feel like a million bucks after getting it handed to me by him. Great, GREAT night! What a way to start out the "month of half guard"!

3 Nov 09

2009-11-04T21:13:00.001-08:00

Swim:

2 x 100 freestyle warmup

3 x 100 freestyle buoy

5 x 100 freestyle

1 x 500 breast stroke

2 Nov 09

2009-11-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

Workout: Weight training, core work

Cardio: 30 minute 3.4 miles

BJJ: No jits tonight. I volunteered to work security for the 10th Avenue North concert at Monterey Church.

1 Nov 09 - Defensive Tactics

2009-11-01T16:23:00.000-08:00

Defensive Tactics: Good training today. We covered the "triple threat" from the under hook and pike. Like always we started light with a lazy hook with a helmet defense into the U/P. We covered the three basic variations of a leg grab attempt, head lock attempt and a stand up attempt. After that we worked it into a combative drill from a last week ending in the "S" position.

Lazy hook/helmet/under hook and pike/triple threat

- Foot grab attempt

- Headlock attempt

- Standup attempt

Jab/cross/double defense/jab/cross/round kick/helmet/under hook and pike

- Partner picked what "triple threat" attack to make

Next week Steve T. will be coaching combatives at the NPS gym while Hunter and I are camping with cub scouts.

30 Oct 09

2009-11-01T16:15:00.001-08:00

Workout: Strength Training, core workout

Cardio: 30 mins Elliptical

29 Oct 09 - Swim

2009-10-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Good swim today. I need to work on how my arms are cutting into the water though. My shoulders were tired very quickly until I started concentrating on how my hands entered the water, and my "question mark" pull in the water.

2 x 100 meter freestyle buoy

3 x 100 meter freestyle buoy and hand paddles

5 x 100 meter freestyle

1 x 500 meter breast stroke

28 Oct 09 - Tigers, Wolves and Bears Oh my....and a little jiu jitsu to boot!

2009-10-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Workout: Weight training, core workout w/ kettle bells

Cardio: 30 minutes on bike

BJJ: I didn't make it to regular class tonight. I was with Hunter at his Pack meeting for Cub Scouts instead. My little man received his Bobcat Trail Badge tonight. I'm so proud of him! He has worked really hard on learning all the requirements for this one. Now he can't wait to start earning achievement beads and he even started naming off the ones we were going to work on this weekend :)

This is Hunter and I right before they handed out the badges. The "Akela" had to pin it on the Tiger cub.

My little man sporting his new badge :)

Okay, so I went to open mat after Hunter's pack meeting. I was looking forward to hopefully getting at least a couple rolls in since I didn't get to drill. Well, I got Christmas early again! Coach called me over to roll shortly after I got on the mat and we stayed there for around 40 minutes. Let me tell you...they were loooooooooong minutes for this guy - HA! I am exhausted...and coach didn't break a sweat! Anyway, I attempted my back control work again tonight and had a lot of fun learning from all of my mistakes that were so obvious when rolling with coach. He did give me some great pointers again though that I will continue to use. One of the big ones is "don't give up the armbar when defending the choke." Yeah, I was that guy tonight :) Basically it boiled down to me getting fixated on working back and forgetting that my opponent is still trying to crush me too. He also wants a "better Bobka."

So, in the end looking back at a month of back control work (tonight was my last training day for this month) I have learned a lot. One, have a plan from the scramble to get the back, don't just wait around for it. Its much easier to take it in the beginning and keep it than it is to try and get there during the fight. Two, body triangles ARE your friend! Use them, learn to set them up properly and learn to use your subs from them. Three, how convenient, work in three's. Make sure that you have a plan for a flow when your chosen technique doesn't work, or he/she zigs when you thought they were going to zag. My friend Luis gave me the idea (and he's a pretty damn good grappler so I take his advice) back in 2008 and I've been trying to incorporate it much more lately. Yeah I know...I'm a slow learner.

Anyway, there's a hundred other things I've learned this month from the RIGHT way to defend a bow and arrow choke, to how your hips are your best friend even in back control...but I'll leave it here for now. Next month is the "month of half guard" so I need to go start mentally preparing myself for the beating I'm about to receive over the next 30 days :)

27 Oct 09

2009-10-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Swim: 1,000 meters of drills

2 x 100 meter freestyle warm up
3 x 100 meter buoy freestyle
4 x 100 meter breast stroke
1 x 100 meter freestyle fin swim with one breath at turn around

It was a good swim and I felt really great afterwards. This is my second 1,000 meter day so Thursday I'm going to bump it up to 1,500.

26 Oct 09

2009-10-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Workout: Weight training, Core Workout w/kettle bells added (this is a new addition for me I started last week and they are kicking my butt right now!)

Cardio: 30 mins elliptical

BJJ: Tonight Coach brought Christmas to me early! It was all about back control - which is convenient for me :) First, we began with a little position reversal from all-fours. Basically, when your in in all-fours position and your partner has the harness grip you slide your outside leg back, drop your hips and reverse your opponent so that you are in reverse scarf hold. I like this one from all fours and have been using all month during the "month of back control." Next,Coach drilled the Ezekiel Choke. We started with the basic version from mount using an in-cuff grip to setup the bottom hand and sliding the top tight around the neck. Second option was the basic choke from back control with both arms over the shoulders, ensuring that you stay tight to your partner and not create a lot of space. Last option, and my personal favorite, was the Ezekiel from harness (which I have been trying to sneak in all month!). The key again was keeping your opponent close to you, switching your hips to the outside like a bow and arrow choke, and then cinching it in.

For sparring I started with Chelle and, once again, she did a good job of fighting me when I stepped up the pace with her. Next, I rolled with Billy S. (white belt...and friend that I got hooked on Jits). I didn't get to his back during the roll (which was odd), but I did get a chance to work the Ezekiel from several other position like mount, high mount, and guard...which in the end is good I guess since that's what we drilled tonight. Last, I rolled with Darrell P. (white belt AND another friend I got hooked - hee hee). Darrell has a bum shoulder right now so we took it slow and just worked position and posture with him...with a little sub attempts sprinkled in. I did take Darrell's back during the roll and had to really focus on setting the body triangle tight because he's so friggin' huge...serioulsy...he's a giant muscle. Anyway, I focused on setting chokes from the harness but didn't sink any because he couldn't lift his right shoulder to defend. It was a good roll with a much bigger, and stronger guy though.

Good night overall. This is my second to last class during the "month of back control." I have gotten a lot of good feedback from friends in clas and Coach has really helped me a lot to focus on some great setups, escapes, and re-establishing back control. I certainly see the pay off of "rolling with a goal" for the last 30 days. Starting in Novemeber its the "month of half guard", which scares me to death since I am HORRIBLE there. If all goes as planned though, I'll have some positive comments about it at the end of the next 30 days......that is if I survive the mat :)

Defensive Tactics - 25 Oct 09

2009-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today we worked combatives with ISR. It was a chance to see how to use the helmet when transitioning the fight from combatives to clinch fighting. Today we covered:

360 Defense drill (using lazy hammer's, hooks, upper cutts and and straight punches)

Push kicks with body shield

Leg kick (aka round kick) with body shield

Jab/Cross with mitts

Jab/Cross/Round kick with mitts

Jab/Cross/Round kick/double 360 defense with mitts

Jab/Cross/Round kick/Double 360 defense/Helmet in/Under hook and pike

- From here we added the "triple threat"take down from headlock attempt and ended in S position.

Great training today. Next Sunday we'll work from combatives again and add in two more take downs from the "triple threat".

23 Oct 09

2009-10-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Workout: Weight training, core workout

Cardio: 20 Elliptical

BJJ: None

Family history

2009-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this isn't about training, swimming or hiking, but its pretty cool to me none the less. I have ben looking into my families genealogy for the last year now. There has always been a lot of conjecture and speculation about my paternal lineage by everyone in the family because no one really took the time to speak with there parents to learn about it. All anyone really new was that we were French by lineage and that at some point in the late 1800's we immigrated into the US from Canada. It was my Great-Great Grandfather Henry Sian that was the first one in my paternal line to come to America. It was believed that his name was Henri Sequin. My parents were close. Come to find out it was Bernard Henri Seguin....and its a pretty cool family name. Henri Sequin descends from the House of Seguin in France. He is a descendant of Francois Seguin who came to Quebec around 1670 with the Carnignan Regiment. The House of Seguin produced another memorable Seguin....one Colonel Juan Seguin (a descendent in Mexico through his line back to France) who founded Seguin, Texas.

Anyway, I thought it was awesome to be able to see on paper my paternal lineage AND to find out that it is from a house that was made nobility by Emperor Charlemagne in 778 AD.

Here is the family crest:

22 Oct 09 - Just keep swimming

2009-10-22T18:19:00.001-07:00

Today was my first swim in 8 months. I really don't have a good reason why I didn't continue my swim routine when I came out here, it just fell of the radar when school started. It was much easier to get back in the water than I thought. I used my pool time to work 50 - 100 meter drills for 1000 meters. I did have to buy a new pair of goggles but that is a small price to pay to get some laps in!

22 Oct 09 - Day one without the awesomeness of caffeine

2009-10-22T10:40:00.001-07:00

Well, I've got one word to describe not having caffeine in my body - "SUCKS!" Seriously, this is tough. I love my leaded coffee in the morning. If I don't run in my head into a wall at some point today I may survive this until tomorrow...and then we'll see again :)

21 Oct 09

2009-10-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Workout: Weight training, core workout

Cardio: 20 minutes on elliptical

BJJ: I went to class tonight to try things out since my back was feeling good during my earlier workouts. Tonight Coach worked us on sweeps. We started with the basic scissor sweep with our partners. After 5 reps each we were able to work on any sweeps that we wanted. I chose the pendulum, open guard hooking/shin on belly sweep, and grab under from half guard. Chelle worked the scissor,pendulum, and open guard hooking/shin on belly sweep. After practicing our sweeps we position sparred out of guard with your opponent needing to pass your guard and you needing to sweep or submit them. This one is obviously my favorite as guard is where I have worked for a long time :)

Next Coach showed us how to pass a scissor sweep set up. First you need to weave an arm under the top of the leg your opponent has across your stomach and grab the bottom sweep leg, controlling both their legs and their hips. Next you sprawl out and use your free hand to grab their collar deep behind their head. Next you walk around the legs and take side control.

Coach also showed a variation of this pass when the when your opponent puts their knee at a higher angle. The only difference is in the beginning of the pass. You need to weave through and grab the bottom like before, but use your free hand to control the top leg. Next you raise your chest up above the knee and then sprawl to pin the legs. You have to make sure you rise up high enough to get above the knee to pin it. After that everything is the same.

Sparring was okay. I took it really easy though. I sparred with Chelle first and we just worked on breaking posture and submitting from guard. Next I rolled with Ryan (white belt) and he wanted to work grips and strategy from the scramble. Lastly I got a brand new white belt and put him in my guard (which was easier for my back) and let him try to workout out of it.

All in all it was a good workout day. I felt solid at the end of the night. I think the worst is past :) I should get good news about my back on Friday at my follow-up at the Doc.

20 Oct 09

2009-10-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

No hiking, running, or biking today because of the healing that is going on with my body. I still feel a little stiff today so I know that my swollen disc is given me a bit of trouble. We'll see how I feel in the morning.

19 Oct 09

2009-10-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

I worked out in the gym today after my Chiro appointment. It was a heavy workout though. It was light with medium reps just to work motion. It felt okay, but not well enough to push it tonight.

Workout: Strength training, core

Cardio: none

BJJ: None. I took the Docs advice (for once) and kept it easy for my back. I miss not being on the mat and training with everyone else but I know from experience that pushing to hard puts me out of training for much longer. At this point in my life I need to listen to what the professionals say. Otherwise I'll have to hang my skeleton up for display pretty soon :)

"OH my back...I'm just kidding I don't have a back"

2009-10-19T18:51:00.001-07:00

Okay, so all kidding - and Monsters Vs. Aliens quotes - aside my back is the issue today. I've been dealing with sore back since Thursday of last week. My Friday workout put me over the edge I think and I've been suffering ever since. So much so that I had to make an emergency appointment with the Chiro today. He was none to pleased when he found out that I had been moving around with an out of place lower back and swollen discs since Friday. Yep...I'm stupid. So, he threw me around a bite today, did his kung fu on my back and told me to rest up and ice it tonight. I have another appointment with him on Friday for a followup.

This sucks though. I was really looking forward to training tonight and implementing some of the back control stuff that coach showed me last week. I really hate not being on the mat when I know everyone else is! Stupid body!

ISR Matrix

2009-10-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is for any of you LE guys near San Marcos, TX in November (18th - 20th). My buddy Johnny Guerrero is teaching an ISR LE course there. You DO NOT want to miss this opportunity to train with Johnny and get the introduction to ISR concepts and techniques! Take a look at what you'll be getting :)

Also, here's a peek at some great ISR Clinch Cloth fighting from a seminar in San Antonio, TX. Enjoy!

16 Oct 09

2009-10-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Man am I glad this weeks over. My body is DONE! All I want to do is lay down on the floor and stay there for a couple days :) Its been a long week and I'm looking forward to the recovery this weekend.

Strength Training, core workout

Cardio: 20 minutes on the elliptical

15 Oct 09 - Tianna's Hike to Rocky Ridge Point

2009-10-16T08:48:00.001-07:00

Well, today I took Tianna on a hike in Garapata State Park to earn her Hiking Badge for Girl Scouts. We planned this hike last week and picked Rocky Ridge Point as our goal. The trail up to Rocky Ridge Point is the tougher of the two main trails in Garapata and is a steady (sometimes very steep) incline all the way to the Point which sits at 1435 ft above see level. We got a bit of a late start, but finally hit the trail at 10am. It took us 1hr and 20 minutes to hit the top of the Point. We took two five minute breaks on the way up so that Tianna could cool of and bring her heart rate down, and 20 minutes at the top for lunch as we sat on the ledge over looking the bay eating our sandwiches. The descent took us another 40 minutes because of the steep declines on the way down. She did awesome today! I am so proud of her. She packed her own day kit, made the lunches and even did some map and compass work twice on the ascent to find our spot. She really earned her badge today!

Here are a few pictures of the trip:

Tianna before we started.

Pointing the way :)

Taking a minute to appreciate the view half way

up.

Just keep hiking...

She did it!

Dad and Daughter right before the descent.

Tianna leading the way back down.

14 Oct 09

2009-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so yesterday their wasn't any hiking. It rained cats and dogs all day long and we even lost power for about six hours. Sooooooo, we'll try again on Thursday.

Workout: Strength training, core workout

Cardio: 20 minutes of circuit plyo drills w/ Kaelyn

BJJ: Tonight Coach worked us out of side control. First our partner went to knee ride and we worked the far side armbar. Next, we worked the the Kimura from side control, and even tried the variation with your partner up on their side (in the position of a half far side armbar attempt). Lastly, he tied in a paper cutter choke to a failed Kimura position when your partner grabs their belt. With this one the key was to trap their Kimura'd hand (the one grabbing the belt) with their skirt and slide your other hand down to grab their collar. Next you moved to their back and take a side control position sinking the paper cutter choke.

Rolling went great. I started with Chelle (who is getting meaner by the class - hee hee). After that I rolled with Justin (white belt) and he asked a lot of questions about defending high mount, so I worked with him about keeping his elbows in and getting to the point of an elbow escape. For the last roll I had Dev K (blue belt). Dev is competing at the US Open this weekend so we went all out. It was a great roll and I tried to take back several times. He has a really good defense and when I ended up with him in my guard it became the beginning of the end.......for me :) He passed, I tried for neutral, he went to spider guard....and then pulled off one of the coolest sweeps ever when I went to spike pass him and get the mount. I went over like a rocket! It was pretty awesome actually and we spent about 30 seconds on the mat after he pulled it off just laughing...and me telling him that I didn't like him anymore :) Thanks Dev!

The money for tonight came after class was over and I stayed for open mat. While getting a drink of water Coach walked over and said "Are you waiting for me Mike?" Of course I am :) Who's going to turn down a beating by Coach!?! We rolled for about 6 or 8 minutes and I asked several questions about my position choices, but again, the money came when I told him that October is officially "back control" month for me. I have been gaming my rolls each time to end up there and work subs from harness. Once he new that the flood gates opened and he began to show me several positional do's and don'ts as well as transitions. I've worked a lot on the "bow and arrow choke", sliding collar choke, and chicken wing choke. I have also tried the body triangle and transition to an armbar...but not with much success. Tonight Coach showed me great strategies for setting up good armbar from the body triangle as well as how do properly set the "bow and arrow choke." He said that if the armbar doesn't set and your opponent defends and stacks you then just shuck and take his back again. Man...why haven't I ever tried that yet!?! Transition, transition, transition! In addition I got a good lesson on how to properly defend the "bow and arrow" and get to all fours. I CAN NOT begin to tell you how bright the light bulb was when it finally came on :) It was a HUGE night and I cannot thank Coach enough for taking the time to work with me when there was plenty of other people on the mat. The good thing is that I still have two weeks left in "back control month" and I'll be putting these lessons to good use :)

Words of wisdom from Coach: "Go for the better Bobka!" (come on Sienfeld fans!)

12 Oct 09

2009-10-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

Workout: Strength training, core work

Cardio: 2.5 mile run. Yes, I know it isn't where I was two months ago but I'm happy to at least be back on the road putting miles on my shoes! It felt great to be out there. Like I said before, running has always been my escape, my zen time.

BJJ: Coach had us work a sweep from guard tonight. It is one of my favorites. Some call it the flower sweep, some call it the pendulum sweep. Basically, you break your partners grip while at the same shrimping out a little to make space to cross body their arm. Next you sit up and grab over their back into the opposite armpit and pin your opponents arm against your chest. Next you plant and roll to the pinned shoulder side for the sweep. The basic sweep works very well when you opponent pushing back into you so you can use their momentum to execute. Next Coach showed a variation of the sweep in case your opponent sits back and bases out when you pin their arm. The variation is that when they base out you reach under their leg with your free hand and use that to break their posture and execute the sweep.

Rolling was great again tonight. I started with Chelle after we drilled. Once again I thought she did awesome and I can feel her getting better all the time and not giving me any slack :) Next I rolled with Coach. Yeah, once again I was fighting for my life. I did not like my performance in the roll though. He will feed you some stuff to see if you pick up on it and tonight I just didn't pick up what he was throwing down. I felt I was pretty pathetic at the end of it. I got WAY to fixated on my "position of the month" (back control) and couldn't really see the forrest for the trees. Next I got Billy (white belt) and had fun working positions and subs with him until his nose started bleeding out of the blue and we had to scrub the roll about 2 minutes before the bell. Lastly I rolled with blue belt Sergio. Once again I wen tot the back and tried to work my back control game. I came close several times to some subs but he's got such a good dang defensive game! We both had a good laugh after the roll and he said "you still haven't choked me yet, good luck next time." Man, I love rolling with him!

At the end of class we got to witness something really cool. Dev Kostal was awarded by his blue belt tonight. He'll tell you he doesn't deserve it, but everyone else will disagree! He is such a great jits guy, with amazing "mat-atitude". He's strong, technical, and a great mentor for others. Congrats bro!

11 Oct 09

2009-10-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

DTs:

Another great end to the week. I had Billy S. and John T. in for training today. It was John's first day training so we spent the hour and a half covering some basics.

4pt drill

Armdrag

Dive

Helmet

Underhook and Pike

Harness

Drills - Armdrag to Harness, lazy hook/dive/move off X, lazy hook/dive/another hook/helmet, lazy hook/dive/another hook/helmet/Underhook and pike/harness.

9 - 10 Oct 09, Big Sur Adventure

2009-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Big Sur National Forrest with Tianna and Hunter (Kaelyn was on a school field trip to see an Opera) for some camping and hiking. It is a beautiful area for a family weekend. We got a campsite down by Big Sur river and set camp the first night. There was much hotdog cooking and smores eating before bed! Next morning we had cubbed steak and eggs for breakfast over the fire, broke camp and then went for a 2.5 hour hike with the kids up Mt. Manuel Trail. The kids did great! They even learned a little map and compass work, how to use a GPS, and I went over some basic first aid (bandaging, splints and slings). We're planning another trip soon!

9 Oct 09

2009-10-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Workout: Weight training, core workout

Cardio: None

After the kids got home at 2:30pm today we headed out to Big Sur State park for a camping/hiking two day adventure. Picture are coming soon! :)

8 Oct 09

2009-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Today I went for a short 2 mile hike with lazy dog Dutchess. It wasn't anything spectacular, but at least I was able to get our lazy dog out of the house for a bit :)

7 Oct 09

2009-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Workout: Strength training, core

Cardio: 3.0 miles on the elliptical

BJJ: Tonight coach worked from the standup position. We started by both people taking a mirror grip on the lapel and elbow. The technique he showed was the "sit down to guard". The important parts he focused on were maintaining your grips, putting the "elbow grip side" foot in their hip and then sitting down on your other heel when you go to the ground. The variation he covered was how to deal with your partner dropping their weight to a squatting position so that you cannot bring them into your guard. To deal with that we used the single leg hooking sweep when your partner is standing.

Sparring tonight I started with Chelle - as tradition dictates :) We worked her back control again and positioning. She's getting pretty dang good their so now I have to watch myself even more! Next Coach paired me up with Dylan (amazing purple belt) and as we were walking away Coach said "you can thank me afterwards Mike!" Yeah, thanks Coach - ha ha ha ha ha :) As always though it was a great roll and after about 4 minutes of beating the crap out of me he let me ask several questions about passing his sit out guard. Last roll I was paired with another newb. As usual it was trap shooting then questions, which is an easy way to end a night :)

6 Oct 09

2009-10-12T08:37:00.001-07:00

Today I worked endurance by taking a 3 hour hike in Garapata State Park. I completed the 4.7 mile loop which takes you up to about 1850 feet. Its not the highest point there, but Doud's peak takes another two hours to get up to. It was a great hike through the park though, with lots of moderate ascents and descents.

It was a great hike! The weather was beautiful the whole time and the view was spectacular. I burned around 1,400 calories for the trek as well. Not bad for a Tuesday morning :)

5 Oct 09

2009-10-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Workout: Strength training, core

Cardio: 3.o miles on the Elliptical

BJJ: Tonight we worked on the pendulum sweep from guard. This is one of my favorite sweeps so I was pretty excited in class when he showed it again :) Tonight he focused on breaking posture properly before attempting the sweep. To do that we did a two on one cuff grip for our opponents arm and then took it out to the side FIRST before bringing it back across our chest and pulling in with our knees. I love the little details! The variation he showed was how to feed your opponents skirt across their arm and use that to anchor it before breaking their posture.

Sparring was good tonight. Started with Chelle again and we worked on her control from back. The next three rolls I got new white belts. Coach wants me to roll with them hard for the first two or three minutes and then let them ask questions. So, thats what I did :) I did not crush them by any means (cuz thats not me), but I did "trap shoot" subs and positions so they understood what happens in bad spots.

Running

2009-10-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Man, I am really struggling with running lately. To be honest..and I have to be because its right here on this blog, its been two weeks since I've laced up my running shoes. I'm not sure what my problem is. It used to be that running was my zen time. It cleared my head and made me feel amazing. Outside of martial arts it was my "thing". Now, I don't even care to look at my shoes. I'm not sure if this is just a phase or something has changed with me. I do miss it though.

Its not like I don't have the time for crying out loud. My training schedule has it locked in for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning...yet I haven't done it. I really hope this turns around.

I guess on the positive side I can say that I'm entering my second week without consuming processed sugars. It has been pretty easy actually. I do have times where I'd like to eat a big bowl of frosted flakes or snitch a candy bar but thats easily avoided for the most part. I have increased my fruit and veggie consumption like a million fold though! Rachelle is being a real soldier about it as well and I KNOW it was much harder for her to kick the white powder - hee hee. Our goal is to make it until 1 November. We'll create some great nutrition habits along the way so I know it is all worth it.

4 Oct 09

2009-10-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

DTs:

Another great end to the week. I only had one guy show up (Billy S.). It was his first day training so we spent the hour covering some basics.

4pt drill

Armdrag

Dive

Helmet

Underhook and Pike

Harness

Drills - Armdrag to Harness, lazy hook/dive/move off X, lazy hook/dive/another hook/helmet, lazy hook/dive/another hook/helmet/Underhook and pike/harness.

He did great and because it was just us I actually got to drill as well. You can't beat a day like that!

2 Oct 09

2009-10-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

Workout: None. Spent all day helping my friend Billy move into his new pad near Laguna Seca. That was enough of a workout!

1 Oct 09

2009-10-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

BJJ at DLI:

Trained with Jason today. We didn't really drill this time, just spent a lot of time rolling and then critiquing our performance with each other. I had a great time though and he's an awesome partner...as usual!

30 Sept 09

2009-10-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Workout: Strength training, core training

BJJ:

Tonight coach worked us out of the guard. He focused mainly on using the front sweep from open guard when your opponent attempts to pass open guard. We start by practicing loading our partners for the front sweep (aka monkey roll....or the "Captain Kirk" flip) and finishing in the mount. Next we worked a back sweep variation if your partner squats to base out when you try to roll them. Lastly we covered a single leg hook sweep if your partner goes one leg in and one leg back. Great sweep night...mainly because I love all three of those!

Rolling went well tonight. I rolled with Chelle first and she worked on her positions again (mainly back control). Next I rolled with Mark (purple belt) and pulled off two sweep and a couple choke attempts, but he was on his game tonight and it ended as a draw. After that I got two new whites belts (one after the other) and worked my "trap shooting" for the first couple minutes then moved into answering some of the questions they had (as Coach D has asked me to do with newbies).

29 Sept 09

2009-09-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today I shared a private with with Kathy C. (the owner of the gym where we train). I usually split the cost of a Coach Dan private with here and we take turns picking what we want to work on. Today was her turn and she chose to roll for the hour and have Coach give pointers along the way. About 15 minutes in to the private Nick N. (the other co-owner) showed up at the gym and Coach asked him to join us for some sparring variety. It was a good training session and I got a chance to work my back mount and harness game on both Kathy and Nick. I rolled with Coach a couple times as well, which ended the way it always does with me....tap fest '09 on my part :) At the end of the private all coach said to me was "good attacks, keep doing what your doing".

I'm a little torn on that one. On the one hand it makes me feel good that he thinks I'm on the right track, but on the other (my over analyze everything side) I wish he'd have said more. Stupid I know - but that's me!

28 Sept 09

2009-09-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

Workout: Strength Training, Core Training

Jiu Jitsu: Tonight coach worked us on an oldie but goodie :) We worked the scissor sweep from the guard. The focus was setting the collar grip first, then switching hips, loading on the shin for the sweep and then executing it. Next we covered an alternate technique if your partner pushes into you to stop the sweep. In that case you move to your back again and slide your sleeve grip hand underneath your collar grip hand and execute a scissor choke. The second variation we worked on was going over your collar grip hand for a scissor choke. Last variation was breaking the posture of your partner by an over head grip break, taking the over hook and executing a scissor choke from there.

Rolling went great. I rolled with Chelle first and we worked on her attacks from solid positions. Next I got a brand new white belt that I went "trap shooting" on as coach would put it :) Third was blue belt Sergio who I took back and harness on right away and worked my attacks from there. He has a good defense game and I couldn't sink any subs on him but I got to practice my back attacks and positioning for five straight minutes. I could have switched to side mount and top mount several times, but chose to stay on his back because that was my position of choice for the night. Lastly, I got Manny (another brand new white belt) who I trap shot with again. It felt great to be healthy on the mat again!

27 Sept 09

2009-09-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

No training today. Most of us graduated on Friday and many went out of town to celebrate. We'll be back next week!

14 - 25 Sept 09

2009-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

14 - 19 Sept 09

No training this week. I came down with an insane chest cold that knocked me out of the running for the entire week.

21 - 22 Sept 09.

No training these two days because of chest cold recovery. I don't like taking my snot and coughing into the gym or the mat.

23 Sept 09 - Jiu Jitsu

I attempted to go to jits tonight and see how it worked out. It ended up being the best night I have EVER had on the mat. Coach worked us on a great basic with the armbar from the guard. I love basics so this started me off on the right foot :) First we started with the basic submission breaking it down into three separate parts. Next we covered a variation that involved your partner defending the armbar and stacking you. To counter this you use your none armbar side to grab your partners leg and sweep him to the side on which you've trapped the arm. Then you finish the armbar like a traditional technique (with a pant leg grab variation).

During sparring I pulled Chelle first. Good roll as always and we worked on moving to positions and securing them. Next I got purple Mark G. I was able to put Mark in my guard immediately and work the game that I am most comfortable with (my guard game). I swept him three times during the roll, took the mount once, and almost secured a solid Ezekiel choke on him. I chalked it up to me being in the zone and Mark having an off night since you usually works me like a rented mule - HA HA! Last roll of the night was with coach. I went for back which he let me have and started working my harness game. I had a solid sliding collar choke on him, but..being the awesome fighter he is he took his time and got out of the choke...as usual. I also got into the mount (which of course I know he let me have) and was able to pin him down pretty well with his arm across his chest and giving him the shoulder of justice (he told me this after the roll). He of course got tired of playing with me and crushed me in the end, but it was a great roll. Afterwards he told me he really liked my attacks and to keep it up. Yeah...I got a big head :)

24 Sept 09

No run

25 Sept 09

NPS graduation and reception (all day event). I actually started feeling better on Friday when I graduated from NPS.