Cart before horse!

So, I posted about a single BJJ rolling session without first saying anything about myself. I'm former military, having served nearly 8 years in the Army. They were good to me, introducing me to law and giving me college money.

While I was serving in Arizona, I was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (hereinafter "BJJ") while watching the first UFC in 1993. I must admit that I hated Royce Gracie back then. His style of fighting made no sense to me and I gave him no credit for taking down and submitting person after person. It simply was not impressive to my uninquisitive mind (my mind in much more inquisitive now). However, after a short time the military become very impressed with the Gracies and approached them to create the Army Combatives program. I was exposed to BJJ there, though in a condensed and dumbed down form.

After leaving the military, and the free combatives training that they offered (influenced greatly by the Gracies). I forgot about it. I didn't think about it again for nearly 8 years, after the lethargy of reading for school and my love of food made me swell like a balloon.

So, I trained for and ran in a half marathon to get in shape, but running was not my passion. My goal was to get into good enough shape to try BJJ again...but in a gi with a formal instructor. I walked into class over a year ago, in May of 2008 and started BJJ for the first time in over 9 years. I was terrible, though not completely ignorant. I took to instruction fast and competed in December of 2008, winning gold in my first competition.

Competition is great fun and I think everyone, win or lose, should try it. I'm not one of those that thinks you have to compete to earn belts or anything, I just think you cheat yourself by not trying it once in your life.

I can't wait to compete again, likely in June of 2009. What I really hope to do is get to the place where I'm travelling to compete at various competitions throughout the U.S. I never expect to become some great BJJ icon, but I want to so beause I enjoy the BJJ brotherhood and want my life to intersect with it as often as possible.

May 30, 2009

Too long since training! I got to roll on Tuesday, but that's not close enough.

We spent most of our time working position drills, which I really found beneficial. The guy I sparred with, almost exclusively, is a strong and fast wrestler...he gives me problems. So, starting in various positions really helped me.

I was able to escape mount and side control and hold guard well. I was also able to pass his guard, get mount and attempt finishes from there. My top game is decent, but I only have a few closing options. I need to work on some chaining techniques, to get more submission attempts in...give the guy something to think about.

I have a hard time with sweeps from half guard, guard....anything with a solid wrestler in top position. No surprise there...but I'd like to be better at it. I've worked that transition into butterfly and half butterfly. I think I need to keep adding that into the mix.

I also need to look at some arm breaks for the arm bar. A lot of people have stalled me out on arm bars lately.