Was really excited to go to class last night. It was a hell of a workout throughout. Warmed up with shrimping and rolling down the floor followed by some abs and neck exercises.
For the main portion of the class we worked from guard on the concept of pendulum sweeps. I felt like I was doing pretty well with this as this sweep is something that I already incorporate into my game. Although I usually only do it if I have the giftwrap. We set this up by wrapping their gi around their back instead. Then we load them up onto our legs and make a huge armbar motion and then sweep the leg back and use the momentum to rock them over. I ended up practicing this with Adam and Patrick as there was an odd number of students.
We followed that up with two submissions. The armbar which was difficult for us big guys to get our leg around their head from the pendulum position. Then we worked on a collar/darce/arm triangle choke thingy which was really cool. I had it demonstrated on me several times and almost went out because it was so tight. We used the gi around the back to switch to a cross grip then pull their elbow across and bury it under our bicep. From their we just pull down on our head making a very tight choke.
We spent the rest of the class with training guard passing up/down/out. It really kicked my ass and it seemed like everyone got pretty tired. One cool thing that happened was I pulled off a cross grip to omaplata on Greg which I wasn't able to finish or sweep but it seemed to surprise him and he gave me some kudos afterwards. I had a lot of problems with Jerad in my guard standing up and then leg dragging me. Greg gave me three options of going to dlr (de la riva) or reverse dlr or spider guard. I am in the process of researching dlr as I don't know much to do from there.
I love that we stretch now after class. I think that it is going to help a lot as workouts get harder. Regardless I felt so wasted after class last night. Went home and had a big glass of chocolate milk and vegged out for a while with my ice packs and feet up.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 4th - Open Mat (Jiu-Jitsu Jealousy)
I am so glad that I went to open mat this morning. I rolled with Jerad (new guy), Jerad, Mike, Caesar, and Greg. There were a couple of other guys like Eddie, Ray and Patrick that I never got the chance to roll with.
I felt really good for the most part, but didn't spend too much time on top with anyone. Mike was very nice by avoiding leg locks on me. In our third match he dominated me from the top and shared some advice with me after that. I was spending too much time on my side not doing anything when I was on the bottom. He suggested that when I attempt to regain guard and don't get it to go back to my back, this would help prevent people from switching sides and taking my back. It made a lot of sense and something that I hadn't considered or actually thought was wrong. Cool.
With Greg, I'm still perplexed by the way he can prevent guard with his shin movement. We talked a bit about it after he submitted me a couple of times and it's something that I'll need to study him doing in the future. We went over the over/under pass in no-gi a bit too. We both agreed that it's not the best pass for no-gi as it's difficult to keep their hips under control.
I've been thinking a lot lately about a term I heard not too long ago on Reddit. I think I have a case of Jiu-Jitsu jealousy. With all of the classes I've missed and with all of the classes that are offered now that I cannot attend, I'm envious of my fellow classmates that are able to train more than me. I already felt behind the curve as I've been trying to catch up with the other guys' skill levels. I know full well that I should make this a personal journey and measure my progress against myself, which I do. However, there is also a friendly competitive element within BJJ and everyone is trying to get better and help everyone else get better. Regardless I need to just keep reminding myself I should be thankful that I can train again...period.
I felt really good for the most part, but didn't spend too much time on top with anyone. Mike was very nice by avoiding leg locks on me. In our third match he dominated me from the top and shared some advice with me after that. I was spending too much time on my side not doing anything when I was on the bottom. He suggested that when I attempt to regain guard and don't get it to go back to my back, this would help prevent people from switching sides and taking my back. It made a lot of sense and something that I hadn't considered or actually thought was wrong. Cool.
With Greg, I'm still perplexed by the way he can prevent guard with his shin movement. We talked a bit about it after he submitted me a couple of times and it's something that I'll need to study him doing in the future. We went over the over/under pass in no-gi a bit too. We both agreed that it's not the best pass for no-gi as it's difficult to keep their hips under control.
I've been thinking a lot lately about a term I heard not too long ago on Reddit. I think I have a case of Jiu-Jitsu jealousy. With all of the classes I've missed and with all of the classes that are offered now that I cannot attend, I'm envious of my fellow classmates that are able to train more than me. I already felt behind the curve as I've been trying to catch up with the other guys' skill levels. I know full well that I should make this a personal journey and measure my progress against myself, which I do. However, there is also a friendly competitive element within BJJ and everyone is trying to get better and help everyone else get better. Regardless I need to just keep reminding myself I should be thankful that I can train again...period.
Friday, May 3, 2013
May 2nd - No-Gi (Intelligently Lazy)
I was a little bummed that I showed up late to class last night. I got confused by Tuesday starting at 8, but Thursdays start at 7:30, so I won't make that mistake again. My current plan is to attend Tuesdays and Thursday advanced no-gi although I would like to attend a few beginner classes before the blue belt testing this summer.
Last night was fantastic. I still have a little swelling which makes it uncomfortable to be on my knees but otherwise I'm good to go. I missed out on the entire warm-up but got right into the main portion of the class where Greg taught butterfly sweep. While I feel like I'm already pretty good at this, it seems like I always learn something new. I guess my head position is still not always proper because Greg reminded me to use my forehead instead of the top of my head. I had a few pains when I was being swept but it felt good to perform the sweep myself. We did the sweep using an overhook next and I was impressed to see how Greg taught this. He was very honest in saying that he knows how he does it but hasn't taught it often enough to know how to relay all of the information. I've had to deal with this problem when I have taught in the past and honesty is definitely the right way to work through it.
We drilled up/down/out from the butterfly guard. I took it pretty easy to make sure I didn't injure myself. I still have some questions of how ready I am. Whenever I could I'd keep my left knee off the ground. I did pretty well considering. My cardio does feel lacking in this new environment.
I free rolled with Will and Jordan. It seems like Greg is making all of the match-ups for rolling. I may ask him sometime what he takes into consideration when he decides who rolls with who. I'm sure size and skill weigh heavily, but beyond that I can only speculate. I stayed on my back and spent quite a bit of time in bottom side control defending with both of them. I had a few sweeps and reversals eventually but I didn't feel like I wanted to be on top too much at that point.
We had some good discussions after class related to Facebook, politics, and Jiu-Jitsu stories. A quote from Greg came up that we should strive to be "Intelligently lazy" in our Jiu-Jitsu. I've heard something like this before about martial arts in general. It basically means we are trying to make our technique and strategies so efficient that we don't waste energy when fighting.
Last night was fantastic. I still have a little swelling which makes it uncomfortable to be on my knees but otherwise I'm good to go. I missed out on the entire warm-up but got right into the main portion of the class where Greg taught butterfly sweep. While I feel like I'm already pretty good at this, it seems like I always learn something new. I guess my head position is still not always proper because Greg reminded me to use my forehead instead of the top of my head. I had a few pains when I was being swept but it felt good to perform the sweep myself. We did the sweep using an overhook next and I was impressed to see how Greg taught this. He was very honest in saying that he knows how he does it but hasn't taught it often enough to know how to relay all of the information. I've had to deal with this problem when I have taught in the past and honesty is definitely the right way to work through it.
We drilled up/down/out from the butterfly guard. I took it pretty easy to make sure I didn't injure myself. I still have some questions of how ready I am. Whenever I could I'd keep my left knee off the ground. I did pretty well considering. My cardio does feel lacking in this new environment.
I free rolled with Will and Jordan. It seems like Greg is making all of the match-ups for rolling. I may ask him sometime what he takes into consideration when he decides who rolls with who. I'm sure size and skill weigh heavily, but beyond that I can only speculate. I stayed on my back and spent quite a bit of time in bottom side control defending with both of them. I had a few sweeps and reversals eventually but I didn't feel like I wanted to be on top too much at that point.
We had some good discussions after class related to Facebook, politics, and Jiu-Jitsu stories. A quote from Greg came up that we should strive to be "Intelligently lazy" in our Jiu-Jitsu. I've heard something like this before about martial arts in general. It basically means we are trying to make our technique and strategies so efficient that we don't waste energy when fighting.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
April 30th - Gi (Try Outs)
Yesterday was my first day training at LBJJC (Lincoln Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Center). Although, I'm not 100% and can't do everything yet I was happy with everything I could do. The warm-up turned out to be rather difficult for me. We went up and down the floor with falling, rolling, hip escapes, alligator walk, etc. It was a combination of trying out my knee and feeling a little out of shape from all of this inactivity.
For the technique portion of class Greg made the comment that the Tuesday class would be about getting everyone up to speed on the blue belt curriculum. So, very basic but also very informative as there are always little bits of information that you can pick up about the basics. Jerad was my partner for the training portion of the class. First we did some fitting in and a few hip throws.
The next techniques were the armbar and triangle from closed guard. The part of these techniques that clicked a little more for me was the emphasis that he put on hugging their body with the leg of the foot that is pushing on their hip. This helps prevent them pulling their arm out and keeps everything much tighter. I didn't have any problems from guard with either technique but having the technique done to me was a little on comfortable kneeling in guard. I eventually put my foot on the floor to relieve the pressure.
Everyone else drilled guard passing king of the mat style. I decided to sit out and watch. I saw some really great things going on and it made me so jealous to not take part but I'm just happy to be able to attend class. After king of the mat they did some 6 minute free rolling, for which I sat out of the first round. However, Jerad #2 had to leave so I was able to roll with Gina lightly during round 2. That felt pretty good, thanks Gina!
For the technique portion of class Greg made the comment that the Tuesday class would be about getting everyone up to speed on the blue belt curriculum. So, very basic but also very informative as there are always little bits of information that you can pick up about the basics. Jerad was my partner for the training portion of the class. First we did some fitting in and a few hip throws.
The next techniques were the armbar and triangle from closed guard. The part of these techniques that clicked a little more for me was the emphasis that he put on hugging their body with the leg of the foot that is pushing on their hip. This helps prevent them pulling their arm out and keeps everything much tighter. I didn't have any problems from guard with either technique but having the technique done to me was a little on comfortable kneeling in guard. I eventually put my foot on the floor to relieve the pressure.
Everyone else drilled guard passing king of the mat style. I decided to sit out and watch. I saw some really great things going on and it made me so jealous to not take part but I'm just happy to be able to attend class. After king of the mat they did some 6 minute free rolling, for which I sat out of the first round. However, Jerad #2 had to leave so I was able to roll with Gina lightly during round 2. That felt pretty good, thanks Gina!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
April 24th - Gi (New Home)
Last night was the grand opening of the Lincoln Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Center and I was happy to be a part of it. I went back and forth all day trying to decide if I should throw my gi on and train with everyone. I even brought my bag in case I decided to train. I ended up not training, I didn't want to risk it although I'm feeling decent but I still have some pain when I'm kneeling due to swelling.
The first class was an advanced class which was reserved for any student that was a colored belt or had been around for a while at Roseberry's. I got to help distribute the waver and personal information forms to everyone that came in. Greg's dad was there and took some pictures of class and the group picture below.
Greg started off class with answering some questions which I was very happy with the answers to. Some of the highlights: New students get a week free trial, there is a discount for if we refer anyone that signs up, future classes possibly include kids and morning or day classes, and the tuition information.
They went through a warm-up of hip escapes and then started working on Shawn Williams' guard to triangle and omma plata. At that point I was glad I didn't participate because neither of those techniques would have worked for my knee. I left shortly after that. I can't wait to get back to training.
The first class was an advanced class which was reserved for any student that was a colored belt or had been around for a while at Roseberry's. I got to help distribute the waver and personal information forms to everyone that came in. Greg's dad was there and took some pictures of class and the group picture below.
Greg started off class with answering some questions which I was very happy with the answers to. Some of the highlights: New students get a week free trial, there is a discount for if we refer anyone that signs up, future classes possibly include kids and morning or day classes, and the tuition information.
They went through a warm-up of hip escapes and then started working on Shawn Williams' guard to triangle and omma plata. At that point I was glad I didn't participate because neither of those techniques would have worked for my knee. I left shortly after that. I can't wait to get back to training.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Recovery and Other Good News
I had hopes of staying up and watching the surgery take place. Unfortunately or fortunately the meds they put in my IV and the oxygen knocked me out pretty well through most of the procedure. I came to and the doc held up a quarter sized piece of my meniscus. The rest of the afternoon is a little fuzzy. I went home spent most of the weekend on the couch. I got around okay on crutches but did have some issues with stairs. On Sunday I started testing out how much weight I could put on my leg and quit the meds. I was able to stagger into work on Monday and I feel like it's been progressively getting better since then.
I went to my first physical therapy session today which was a little later than I was supposed to. The therapist (Claire) was impressed with my range of motion for just having surgery, while I thought it was one of my problems. Through some exercises and stretches she determined that my quad is not firing as well as it could be. We went through several exercises from just tensing the muscle to squats and some balancing. Probably the most difficult was when I had to walk over a step and then easing my heal down and kind of doing a one legged squat. I'm happy I went, as I was considering skipping it. I have 2 other appointments scheduled for Wednesday and Friday.
Finally Greg, Conan, and Jerad have announced that they are opening their Jiu-Jitsu school soon. I've been excited for this for a long time but unable to talk about it. The new school will be located around 40th and O st. I am hoping the grand opening will coincide with my recovery. I'm looking at it as a new beginning.
In light of this I visited Roseberry's dojo Thursday to return his key and I watched the end of class. As I watched them drill side control, I really wanted to get out there but obviously couldn't. It felt a little awkward there, like everyone was on edge. That just may be a false perception as I felt awkward there sitting next to Mr. Roseberry. I tried to thank him for allowing me to train at his school but I'm not sure if I got my message across. It may be the last time I set foot in that dojo for a long time.
I went to my first physical therapy session today which was a little later than I was supposed to. The therapist (Claire) was impressed with my range of motion for just having surgery, while I thought it was one of my problems. Through some exercises and stretches she determined that my quad is not firing as well as it could be. We went through several exercises from just tensing the muscle to squats and some balancing. Probably the most difficult was when I had to walk over a step and then easing my heal down and kind of doing a one legged squat. I'm happy I went, as I was considering skipping it. I have 2 other appointments scheduled for Wednesday and Friday.
Finally Greg, Conan, and Jerad have announced that they are opening their Jiu-Jitsu school soon. I've been excited for this for a long time but unable to talk about it. The new school will be located around 40th and O st. I am hoping the grand opening will coincide with my recovery. I'm looking at it as a new beginning.
In light of this I visited Roseberry's dojo Thursday to return his key and I watched the end of class. As I watched them drill side control, I really wanted to get out there but obviously couldn't. It felt a little awkward there, like everyone was on edge. That just may be a false perception as I felt awkward there sitting next to Mr. Roseberry. I tried to thank him for allowing me to train at his school but I'm not sure if I got my message across. It may be the last time I set foot in that dojo for a long time.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
April 2nd - Injury Report (Surgery Scheduled)
Saw the doctor this morning and I got what some good news. We talked for a bit and the doc moved my leg around and asked if it hurt certain places. He said that it wasn't severe and that I haven't caused any permanent damage to my knee. I tried to look up what he told me, but I should have had him write it down because I can't remember for the life of me. He made it clear that it wasn't anything major and I could live with it, but would probably continue to experience the swelling if I took it too far. It will be an outpatient arthroscopic surgery where they will go in and snip off the torn piece. Then I'll be on crutches for a couple of days and then around a month to recover.
I can't help but feel a little excited and relieved. Never thought I'd say that about having surgery. I'll post again post surgery and hopefully be back on the mats in a month or so.
I can't help but feel a little excited and relieved. Never thought I'd say that about having surgery. I'll post again post surgery and hopefully be back on the mats in a month or so.
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