Just realized I still have this blog and that it has been around two years since I used it.
I spent last year beginning BJJ...been at it just over a year now, and I have four stripes on my white belt. I test in spring for blue and only recently have I felt like my game is where it should be for my rank. It's a solidly good feeling - building a skill from nothing and finally understanding the basics of it all.
I have not stepped in a cage yet - knowing how much ground means and how difficult it can be, I have opted to hold off until my jits is better. In addition, since I really only train gi, I want at least 6 months of solid nogi training before heading that direction, as well as at least 6 months of solid regular Muay Thai.
My team...is everything. They are family. They push me, they support me, the lift me up and they celebrate with me. They take me as I am, make me work to be better and accept my flaws and my personality. I can solidly say not once at all have I experienced any homophobic bullshit that the gay community specifically accuses my sport of having.
Rather, I've experienced more outcry from the gay community at their perceived notions of how gay should look and how I do not fit that mold. It is so sad really, those who should be happy about it are the most vocally opposed. It's no loss to me - I don't get along with those kinds anyways.
So yeah...that all happened. And lots of ink. Most of my back, a half sleeve and some more. Good stuff.
I competed in three tournaments last year, brought back third in my division in one of them. Learned a ton about myself, how I move, how I think and learning to relax under pressure. My game is ever growing and changing, yet becoming familiar and finding happy spots. I am learning to move in totally different ways, to think about things differently and to find different ways to a same end. It is amazing how much jiu jitsu has changed me in such a short time, and how important in my life it has become.
I may use this to keep some regular online notes or something, but I have a technique journal/binder I tend to use after class and so I can tote it with my nasty sweaty gear without anything getting ruined.
That's all I really have for catching up.
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Competing this Saturday at a local. Not expecting great brackets, but should be good practice. Yesterday, we drilled some takedowns and I was paired with a fresh white belt. Did my best to help him since I've been there before. Plus takedowns are good, but I am a guard puller since that's how my game goes. Trying to diversify it some and yesterday's drills helped that a bit.
Then rolling - competitors on the mat the full time, win or lose. Rolled a few times with a couple of the kids, a few of the women and then some of the guys. Everyone gave me their challenges. The ladies were fast and squirrely. The guys were strong and all of them outranked me/had some weight. They gave me a little room to work, but then took it away which is more helpful honestly. It teaches me what to look for, where to feel for things and how to not move. It was a very, very productive night for my game and for getting my cardio up for the weekend.
T-4 days. Round robin format. Dunno how many I'll have in my division. I'm further than I was last year. I've learned more. I have much to learn. This will just be a test to see how things are before I begin serious prep for NAGA.
These are my last days as a white belt, and I am taking them to the best I can. Learn. Try new things. Breathe. Trust the journey. Oss.
