July 26th 2013 - Testing

Got to the school just as Chris' testing was finishing up.  The time had finally come that I have been stressing out about.  Similar to other times once I reach the event I calm down, but the worrying and butterflies before hand are a bitch.

Greg followed the curriculum sheet going through the different positions doing a few techniques for each.  He corrected a few things like my hand placement in armbar from the guard or my gi grip during the single under pass.  It went fast and turned into a little bit of a workout.  And then, it was over.  I felt like I did well and Greg and Tinguinha said as much.

Jerad and I rolled a little bit.  Not too seriously but I did hit my favorite omaplata sweep.  He then proceeded to set-up and complete a farside armbar.  We messed around with the berimbolo a bit until I decided I was getting too sweaty and I had to head back to work.

November 17th - Testing (Yellow Belt Achievement Unlocked)

Went into the testing not knowing what to expect although I had heard stories before.  Shihan was present and ran the testing after Ray took us through some basic falls and rolls. 

From there on the testing focused on Judo throws for the most part.  I partnered with Fuji and we threw each other several times to demonstrate different throws we've been working on.

We also talked about some Judo pins which was odd because we cover more positions to a greater extent within our Jiu-Jitsu classes. 

Shihan had us demonstrate a few chokes from back mount and an arm locks from mount.  I must have got Fuji pretty good with a bow and arrow choke because he coughed for a while.  This was the extent of the ground work.

For the remainder of the testing each person was tasked with throwing everyone in the class 5 times each.  It was pretty tough and I was winded afterwards, but I think I showed good technique throughout.  Close to the end I was shoulder thrown by someone and I felt something funny in one of my left ribs.  I continued but I knew something was wrong.

We bowed out after that and were told to Randori standing up with Judo.  I went with Adam and got taken down at will.  When he was told to try Judo stuff it got a little easier but when ever I tried to twist my side bothered me so I didn't do much good the rest of the time.

I'm still hurting a little bit but I'm surprisingly feeling better than last night.  So, I'm pretty sure my rib isn't seriously injured.  I'm a little disappointed in the testing mostly because I didn't feel like I got to show my stuff, I was hoping to do more Jiu-Jitsu.