A Loss Is A Win...Or Two...lol

:)

Beginning again...Maybe

Weight: 203.0

Hey people's sorry I've been remiss in posting the past couple weeks but life has been on me...Hope everyone had a great holiday...Let's get to it...((THERE IS VIDEO BELOW!!!))

Well today I had a nice first, and we will talk of it later because I am pretty proud of it, but for now, back to training...The past few sessions I have had, I have been able to work hard on my passing, and my take-downs as well as working on perfecting my top-side submissions, as we had an old student of coach's who has been a student of the art from a LONG time come back into town for the holiday season...He is about 6'4" and maybe 5 or 10 more pounds than I weigh, and plays a very technical and strong game...A very solid purple belt, and perhaps close to brown but I don't know....
First I saw him, he showed up at my class on a Sunday, did not want to roll with him then as I thought he was a new visiting guy, and I'd put everyone through a vicious cardio workout before competition roll drills...didn't seem fair...even though I had just driven in from out of town and had gone through a worse strength and cardio workout before I taught...so anyways...he came the next night, coach showed some mount techniques and some attacks from the back and when it came time to roll I had a couple rounds with two of the guys in class, and worked my passing...It really is coming along, especially my double under and crush pass...I have a few variations and can move smoothly between most of them now without thinking so, it will be time to put them to the test next tournament I think...all the while I was watching him really give it to the two guys he rolled with who were very good but not on his level yet...that said, was looking forward to working my passing and submissions with our new old guy, and when we were getting ready to start and going through the obligatory (where do u wanna start, uh anywhere u wanna, nah you choose, uh uh whatever u want to do) start up posturing, coach walks over and says to him that I have a terrific guard(found this out after)...Well I didn't notice so he turns back to me and says well I hear you have this unpassable guard so I wills tart there...I've got a good bit of Marcus' attitude in me about that and perhaps I took it wrong but sounded like he felt it wouldn't be so hard;))(he's a great guy so i know he didn't take it that way..it's just an automatic reaction i have to work on)...Anyways, we start and I work for a few sweeps but he sits extremely well based out, and I move to a few others back and forth (I've been working on more chains which revolve but just randomly change order to achieve the desired result...) and then start to use a behind the head grip to work for the cross choke/armbar/sweep/etc...he grabs the sleeves to prevent and this allows me to work my hips out and up to high guard...I have it in tight but move too soon and don't clear the sleeve when I try the pendulum sweep...I have to do it without having his leg, and lose the sweep mid arc...I go back and even though he is wary of it, I work to high guard once more...even tighter this time, but this time I make the mistake of not controlling his far lapel when I drag the leg across for the arm bar and he postures, I roll to the belly down armbar but don't have it as he withdraws and tries to pass... I fend off the passes easily which frustrates him I think...We work from open guard for a bit, but I see a chance to grab closed guard, do so, and immediately allow him to try the same standing pass I was shutting down earlier, but only to spring a rolling knee bar from guard...He tries to defend so I switch to toe-hold and right back to knee bar and get it...I LOVE leg locks lately...
We roll again to a triangle set up, as I wanted to be sure that I can still work them the same in finishing when I set it up from a new technique...Been working on that too for next year.!!! Just wait...Will talk about this one in another post...
Well the next night we are back, and after working a few side control submissions (I needed this drilling badly...MUST devote some more time to the control in the set-up of my favorite side-control subs!)...Once we get to rolling, I speak up (as I should have the night before) and start in his closed guard....I was a little cautious before we started as I felt he must have the same type guard as I do, but decided to throw that into the wind as I needed to see if my breaks/passes work for real against someone I was not familiar with...Well, my breaks work perfectly, and my transition to combat base (knee up) and then to pass readiness(stand and step over to be ready and able to go either way with the pass are really where I want them, but, I KEEP frickin forgetting that when I go to the knee-side I need to cross the far side ankle over that leg to allow me to escape guard easier...If I do this, then passing is a thousand percent eaiser...that said, I do not do it once, though I set myself up for it MANY times in our rolls...the one good thing this showed me was where I need to concentrate on, also showed me I can adapt as after the first time, where a brain froze and allowed him to scoot away , I worked three different halfguard passes and got my pressure and head control where I wanted them, one of which even passed directly to mount...I did get to start the cross choke from mount, but the side control didn't go as I wanted...three times I allowed him to get almost to his side, and moved to transition...twice, I got to the set up for the baseball bat choke, and another for a lapel choke, which I had to modify, but was too slow in application as my control made me too wary...I ended up with a lot of notes in my private blog/diary to get to work on!
Well, training has been refreshing in that not only have some things shown themselves to be tools I can use naturally, but I have been seeing directly what I need to address...THAT is a blessing as it is hard to know even what u have problems with at times...This feels good as coach said it marks a progressing in my belt...

Anyways, another of my holes I have been working hard on is my stand-up/takedowns...I feverishly study Judo throws and work with the VERY good wrestlers we have at the gym in our King of takedown games and been drilling my takedowns and defense a lot...Well, today, they had the Dallas Judo Invitational....A Judo Class E (meaning the highest level) event here in town and went to support a friend who trains at the gym in jiu-jitsu but studies judo as well...He always helps me with technical aspects of throwing...Well I get there, and I do feel the bias against jiu-jitsu guys and think that I can definitely do this and show myself where I need work, so I sign up!...Well at sign up I weigh in at 93.2 Kilos...and ask to be placed in the Novice class as I have never competed nor trained formally in Judo...They ask where I train I tell them I haven't but study some at my jiu-jitsu school...the head guy asks me if we do any takedown training at school, I tell him yes, but it is a vast mixture of whatever is effective...he also asks if I know how to behave properly on the mats and do I know the rules...I tell him I have watched judo matches, know how the formalities go, and as far as the rules I know the basic ones...well he tells me that I can be placed in the Masters division but not novice...Novice is for beginners...Masters has guys that have been black belts for years on down...He says he isn't comfortable with me in the novice division and as I ask if there are black belts in the Masters, he tells me yes, so he asks if I am ok with that, and I tell him yes and kind of dejectedly walk away....Have to change my line of thinking from attack and see how well I am at my level of Judo, to not get thrown on my head or face....
Well the first match starts and I have a tad bit of trouble as I walk onto the mat in my nice white GI and white belt (It KILLED me to wear a white belt again...gave me all sorts of bad falshback memories of my times as a beginner) , not realizing I had to put on a blue belt for designation of which side I was on...So I go back and get it, and put it on, and we start...I fight grips for a while, and allowed him to put an over the head grip...He does, and I duck under and trip the outside leg and get the takedown...on a BROWN BELT in judo...I go to side control, immediately and start to work for a baseball bat choke...I get both hands in but the guy grabs my arm and lays there...apparently, if you can defend for a few seconds and have a shoulder up, the referee stops the match...BUT, as I am working and the referee sees that I am in control and working on a choke, there is a count going on, 25 second later, they stop the match, and I WIN! I am surprised as hell...But happy...
Next guy is a brown belt as well, and doesn't look particularly imposing or threatening (kinda sorta a really big beaver cleaver looking guy, but very nice fella), but when I lock up with him, it is clear he has a plan and I can see by his hip movement and the little tugs here and there that he is angling me for a hip throw...I have been practicing dropping my hip and blocking and moving to the counter hip throw or ankle pick, but that's against jiu-jitsu players with no judo...He starts for it, and I drop my hip too late, so I do have a tad bit of control, I push against him and land on my shoulder instead of my hip and allow his momentum to drive him over and past and come up to top side...Well, in Judo rules, they don't allow that...He wins...It was explained to me, that the judge thought he had control (how does he have control if I am rolling/reversing him???) , ehh anyways, I Lose that one...At least I know the rules now but it still sucks ass...
I get the next guy without even trying...a black belt....apparently he didn't come back after losing his first match and getting hurt in his next one which he apparently won......so I win in a walk over....
So I am back in the semi finals...I get a SKRONG corn-fed Iowa farmboy lookin dude...I actually I got video of this one...lucky I carry my camera in the truck at all times...this one, I actually felt a bit more comfortable, as I worked grips and worked the over hook a few times, but never quite had the hip movement or footwork to get into position and throw him, as his upper body strength was incredible...That said, I worked a few times on an inside trip that has become a favorite, but he got enough of a block on my upper body each time to ward it off...Well I got bold and decided to forge ahead, and try again...got the over hook, and went for it, this time he shifted his hips forward and blocked wish took me backward...As I fell, I remembered the rules and went to my side...The judge, standing behind the guy, obviously could not, or did not want to see, as there are three judges and the one on the outside could have said so...But they called it an ippon, and I lost once again...this time, I came off the mat, and my teammate from jiu-jitsu said it was bullshit...He thought they were just picking on the jiu-jitsu guy, and maybe to teach a lesson to a white belt not in the novice division...Either way, I was told by this older lady there, that it was a very good match and she applauded my technical skills (hell I didn't knwo I had any! lol) and I was flattered...Well, I got thrid, and losing there, showed me that I CAN compete and my stand up has come a LONG way...If I knew the rules better and had time to actually work judo, I think I could do pretty well at it...I will dabble in it a bit as I got invited to a couple judo schools to try it out by some instructors, but I may take a bit more of an interest, once I one day reach black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to further augment that rank...But I will definitely keep working on it as I am happy to say that in BJJ my stand up has come up to where I wanted it....Felt good to learn today...so...Back to yoga, back to wrestling, back to judo, and before all that, back to the gentle art...watching myself lose to Rodrigo Pinheiro and having Marcus talk to me through the mistakes I too painfully knew, really has me hungry to be better...I have a LOT of work to do, and really, it seems like I do not fit the mold of what my goal sets forth as far as I can see, but....I Fight On....

Thought For The Day: A Set back, is only a set up for success.

Thanks For Nominating

The Rest Of The World Is Waiting
I Think It's Time For Me To Go...

MAN, I Need Some Of This Today

Somehow It Will All Work Out

Where I Want To Be...The Top
At Preta One Day

BJJ Blog of the Year 2008 Contest

The link above is to the Fightworks Podcast site and their BJJ Blog Of The year contest...They hold this contest yearly for the best BJJ related blogs, and in addition is home to the best podcasts on grappling and bjj in the world...You should subscribe if you love the art, or even if not....Thank you to all who went and said kind words about the blog on there to nominate this place for the contest!!! I really appreciate it...God Bless...



Weight: 202.8
I've had some really good practices lately, but my body is feeling pretty broken up...Especially my back...I cannot get this little series of nagging very sore spots in the mid to upper spine area to go away...That said, yoga has helped every other part of my body IMMENSELY....The successes I have had in training lately, I do owe to an increased study of the art, as well as to upping my training regimen, and definitely the flexibility and power throughout my range of motion gained from yoga....I enjoy it a lot and has helped very much to break through a little plateau I have been on...At least in my mind...
I must also tout Saulo Ribeiro's new book "Jiu-Jitsu University"...If you study the art....get it...period. It is laid out very well, very concise, and definitely easy to understand and follow...The tiny details and thought processes to techniques are laid out in a concise and progressive manner...I have found many little helpers to some of the holes in my game I am trying to fix...As for training tonight, I am going to focus on shutting down and passing De La Riva guard and reversals...and do some hard guard passing drills, and into rolling work on passing and very heavy control...Also working on being able to focus, to block out all that is swirling around me in my everyday real life outside the gentle art...Need some sort of change there too....We shall see...
Working on my goals for next year, and hoping that I can someonehow up my workload to be able to be worthy of attaining them. Honestly don't knwo if I can, but...I fight on....

p.s. I will leave them on here sometime in the first week of December...

Update-22:15:
Got to teach class tonight...was very refreshing and because I had to explain a few positional things to some of the people training, I also learned a lot myself...Funny how teaching someone actually allows you to go further in depth to subjects you thought you had a good handle on. Tonight while teaching the cross choke from mount as well as a few armbar variations, I had to explain to some of the newer people nuances of holding mount in high and low mount as well as using thebody to place the arms through for the choke....I picked up some tiny details that will help me finish at my level i am sure by walking them through the basics of the position...Also while teaching the brabo cros choke from side mount I workdd my way through a control issue i've had by slowing down and showing a student who had a question how to place and vary pressure from place to place in side mount...Love how things like that happen...Through all the crap I deal with daily, all the doubts about my place and skills in the gentle art, things like this...the tiny trumphs keep me deeply into Jiu-Jitsu in a way that keeps me level and sane....I fight on...

Thought For The Day: "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor ; spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."

Dreams Of Being Your Worst Nightmare...

New Ink
www.seanebones.com

Have Him with you.

"A Warrior Must Only Take Care That his Spirit Is Not Broken"
I'm Close

Focus

Weight: 196.8

Sometimes...life sucks ass. People places and things can alter your perception of even your most beloved possessions, activities, and peace of mind. Lately, things just get in the way when I try to lose myself in training. I have been trying to bring my passing game up to the level of my guard game and my top control game...I feel, as does coach, that if so, then I can be at the level I need to be to advance. That said, to train effectively one has to be into what they are doing to both be able to work on the things they wish, and to be able to remember and note what went right and wrong with the session...Well tonight, as a result of a LOT going on in my life, I walked in with a very nasty attitude. That said, I followed the techniques very well, which were attacks from the back (bow and arrow choke), back escapes, and an over-hook take down...Once we got to rolling, it was even better as one of our really good brown belts was at class and I got to roll with him as well as one of our really good purple belts...I did a LOT of things that I have been working on well, such as a very nice knee bar from a different set up, as well as some nice passing and control from side mount which Ive worked on to...That said, I got lazy a bit working in my guard and gave up two reversals without really fighting for them, which is something I have been fighting as it is in my nature to go to guard. Had a competitor say to some people that this was something he noticed in my game, and I wish to eliminate it so as to have my whole game as good as my guard play. I must work on this much better as I also need to work on my control in my high guard to alternate attacks...I also need work on adding a few more passes to my game. I deliberately went away from my strong ones and worked my problem areas...Hated it but it is what I need. anyways, the problem is...When I went to write in my private blog, to get an idea what needs to be done...I couldn't remember any more than I wrote here. (It should be noted I keep another private blog for detailed training notes, very personal feelings, etc that I don't want opponents knowing etc...)
i know it was my anger/frustration at things in life that kept my mind from remembering...When going to train ego, and problems should be left at the door. I always loved jiu-jitsu as without even trying, this was something that allowed me to get myself free of the day to day bullshit...Man, I can't lose this too. Anyways...I do know some of the things I need to work, and will try to do so. Hopefully i can get it done.
I got Saulo Ribeiro's new book - 'Jiu-Jitsu University' today and must say it is very refreshing and effective...EASY TO FOLLOW and the rprogression make everything fit together. If you are serious about learning new things outside your regular training this is a good tool to get.
Also need to note, if anyone wishes to get anything from my Cafepress shop: http://www.cafepress.com/steveaustin/6179014
You must get it before tomorrow night (18 November 2008) as I will be taking it down then.
As for me and the things I am frustrated in and with in my Jiu-Jitsu travels, I must work harder, as i do not worknearly hard enough. In addition, I must pray. While I do that, for now I fight on...

Though Of The Day: The Entire Book Of Job

Me On the Raydeeohhhh

Weight 202.4

Not too much of an update...Just still feeling a little run down but definitely better...Have been out for a week and tried to get some rest even though some life things had me moving around a bit. I taught class today and really felt good to be back on the mats...I worked on basic guard breaks and worked a pass and a submission from there...I tried to get across the tiny tiny details that are the difference between success and failure...Some got through and some didn't but it is always rewarding...I really enjoy teaching Jiu-Jitsu...
Wanted to drop a note to say that I was honored recently to speak on the Fightworks Podcast...Caleb is a great guy and the Podcast is a frequent visiting place of a who's who of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu...He does a really great job with it, and I have been a fan of it for quite some time...There is a LOT of great information on the podcast and should be checked ou t by anyone interested in bettering their game as well as just learning about the gentle art...

Click Here To Hear Me On The Fightwortks Podcast - #142 Braulio Estima, Copa Alliance in Sao Paulo

Also check out the website here: http://thefightworkspodcast.com/

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (recommended)
[mp3] Download the show

As for my travels...I am back to work this week...Will be workign on closing up the hole I have defending De La Riva sweeps as well as working HARD on making my guard passing top notch...I fight on...

Thought For the Day:

Invictus
by:
William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.


Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.

O pesadelo está aqui.

O pesadelo põr o para dormir!

Weight: 201.2

Been taking a little bit of a break to heal up. Mentally and physically and definitely emotionally I needed a break. 15 competitions this year, and a lot of stress have broken me down. My life issues and my body being hurt had me to where when I went into class Monday, I had to leave and did not WANT to practice. that's a first. My mind occupied by b.s. of daily life combined with just being physically exhausted brought me to a place I'd not been ever I think in my travels in Jiu-Jitsu. Well, I am working on it, and hopefully starting next week, I will have a renewed sense of purpose as I really have a few goals I'd like to get to, and do not want to feel like I felt Monday ever again. Making adjustements and will see how things work out. I sure hope I can bounce back.
speaking of one goal (besides advancing to Faixa Preta), I would like tocompete in the Abu Dhabi trials (Jan 17 and 18). I know I am not good enough to win, but would like the experience of competing amongst the greats in my art, as well as one of the most prestigious events in grappling in the world if not THE most. If you don't know much about the Abu Dhabi championships...
See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Submission_Wrestling_World_Championship
Only held every two years...We shall see..My training would have to be increased exponentially, and I'd have to improve on so much to even be able to be competitive that it is daunting, but I'd liek to try while I am young enough to do so. Just have to focus.
I am happy to say the design for the logo is finialzed...See above...Hopefully I can begin working towards my own free-standing school soon.It would be a big help toward peace of mind...But we will see...Thing are hard rightnow, and it seems I've lost a lot, but God is good! All day everyday...with Him beside me...I fight on...

Thought for The Day: Psalms 27:2 --- When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.



I will not fear.

I Believe Anything Is Possible (For The 1st Time In My Life!)

The 44th President Of The United States
Barack Hussein Obama

Today, History Was Made!
I Am Truly Overwhelmed!

18 Hours In Brazil On $150 or Less....

All Thanks To God For Giving Me This Gift

Pesadelo In Progress

The 800 LB. Jiu-Jitsu Gorilla

Weight 201.6

Well, the Copa Alliance tournament was calling, but the funds weren't answering. LOL in other words my money was very Chris Rock-ish....(For you non-ebonic comprehending people that means my money was funny...ok dammit put simply I was BROKE!)...Anyways, with the assortment of aches and pains (my knee is STILL jacked up...doc said a slight tear and bad sprain of the mcl) and fears of not being able to get out of any unforeseen jams with my limited funds being alone, I boarded the plane anyway. I've been blessed with friends who have been supportive in every way when it comes to helping me train and follow this path...God has allowed me such blessing in this that I am overwhelmed...Not only do I intend to pay back with interest that which I have been given, but to attempt to pay forward those blessings so someone else can enjoy what I do to this extent....
Anyways... I get on the plane to MIA and immediately after takeoff something seems wrong...just doesn't smell right...I mean it is like eye watering bad...turns out someone has had too much buttermilk and beans ...I think they try to let em out silently, but they let one rip that I can hear...Damn...and the recirculation of air on planes ain't sh#t!....anyways, I don't get much rest on this flight, but I feel ok still...On to the plane to Sao Paulo...I pop a sominex and actually get a few hours rest...Wake up about 2 hours out from landing, and watch some of Pe De Pano's ultimate guard videos on my ipod...There's a LOT of things here that I notice now that I hadn't before and need to work on...Details I see now that I never knew existed...This makes me feel at once encouraged and disheartened...Encouraged that I can see them to work on, but kind of down that I know I have so much to do to get to Black Belt level...During landing I am getting a bit nervous as I don't think I prepared very well for this tournament...I get to the airport and clear customs...Once all this happens It is about 7 am or so local time...The tournament is to begin at 10am...I ate before I left home, but kinda conserving money so all I had was the lil beef and mashed potato dinner and some peanuts on the plane to eat...My neck is killing me so before I get to a taxi I do some stretching....Head is hurting too..not sure if from lack of food, or the neck or both...Anyways...I'm here...
I get int he car from GRU airport to the Esporte Club Pinheiros....
One thing to say...Sao Paulo is HUGE!!!!!..I mean New York ain't got SHIT in Sao Paulo...It takes me literally about an hour of driving through the city on Highways, to get there...I have no idea how the taxi driver knows how to get anywhere, and Claudio, my cabbie...He seems to be lost as the ark of the covenant! Eventually we make it there...I get out and (glad I kept my luggage as carry-ons so no lost GI this time! lol) into play comes my lack of Portuguese! I get to the gate and after about 10 minutes of wrangling, finally get directed to the entrance which is around the corner from this particular gate to the complex! I walk around this huge block to that entrance and then have another 10 minutes of trying to understand and be understood before being granted entrance...It seems they knew nothing of jiu-jitsu! lol...Well I get in and the actual complex is really nice...many different gymnasiums for different sports...I get to the one where the tournament is to be held...And there are no mats, no nothing...So I go in and sit and wait...A few workers come in and say hello and look at the tatame mats int he corner but don't do anything so now I am worrying that I am in the wrong place or perhaps I came all this way for nothing...But, after a while, i just decide to lay on the bleachers and sleep....I am awakened to my friend "Batista"...Antonio Peinado...Newly Black Belted by Professor Gurgel..He is Really surprised to see me and we catch up a bit event hough we both have limited command of each others language...
I help him and one of Professor Gurgel's brown belts...Monstro...put down the mats anmd try to stretch out while doing so...As we are finishing up, Professor Gurgel comes in and greets me and the teams start coming in...I see a LOT of old friends and catch up with them as best I can...Not knowing that I have a long wait ahead of e, I start preparing in my mind to fight early....Bad idea...The tournament starts on time actually and goes from lower belts to upper...As here in the states, White belts are PLENTIFUL to say the least...as are the blue belts...the kids as everywhere else are very cute and enthusiastic...The level of technical skill in the white belts is incredible as compared to back home it seems...I will also say I was shocked to see that in the kids divisions, they really let submissions be held and finished...and not ONE kid that I saw ended up hurt or crying...This is a big difference from home where we jump in quick on submissions with kids....
anyways, the tournament moves along quite nicely, and I find out from Professor Gurgel that I have been moved up to Pessadissimo as the guy who was in my own age bracket at Super Pesado (Which I was just barely in anyway) was older and he said had no chance against me...even with the guy being as he said, this was still a good feeling...I would also be competing in the open division...which the prize money was 1000 Reis ...So I was to go against good younger really big guys...Now I am kind of second guessing myself as with each increase in belt level the technique and ferocity increase exponentially it seems...this could be due to the fact that this tournament would be kind of a weeding out process as the Brazilian Team Championships will be held in two weeks..so this being the Alliance championships from all the affiliated teams, the winners would compete for the team against all the others at that tournament...a big honor....As such..there were NO third places...You either win or get second..period...
That said...It was still a long wait...I met a couple of friends (Paulinho and Natalia) who sat and tried to talk to me all day...Neither having much if ANY English...and I not being much better at Portuguese made for passing the time with a lot of confused looks between us, but they were nice and kept me company as they figured I was not from there I guess...the people in Brazil have always been unfailingly nice ....A VERY welcome thing...Anyways...Here comes my division...at about 430pm!!!!...
My first match, my opponent attempts to pull guard, and I pass to half guard...we jockey several times as I attempt my Marcelo pass but I keep having issues with keeping shoulder pressure...He attempts to throw a shoulder lock at me very quickly and surprises me due to his large size (about 250 I'd say) and as I see it coming I block and jump through to side mount...I get the points and work from side to 50/50 and back several times but as it is hard to contain his movement I do not chance submission attempts and almost get a warning for stalling...That said, I attempt to go to knee up on stomach and put my hand in the back side of his collar..He attempts to move away but I slide to his back and because I had the collar I use the other hand to form a triangle and choke with his lapel...I hold for so long that I do not know how he doesn't go out...But he taps eventually as my forearms start burning...Good win, but My top game and passing need WORK!...
Second Match...I work to grab the sleeve and the collar and throw a flying triangle...Dude is like..uh uh...him, being a good 240-260...Basically flicks me away with one hand and I fall..Hard....He tries to get to half or side control but my scrambling (one of my strengths) allows me to feint a kneebar and have him react by placing his weight on that foot, which allows me the reversal/takedown...He quickly takes me and presses me into the air and turns me over and works for side control which gives him 2 points but I recompose closed guard....My wheelhouse...I work for high guard but he shrugs his shoulders back through...I take advantage at that moment to switch hips and work for the pendulum sweep which he blocks...I take my hand deep into his lapel and widen the elbow....Shoot the other hand in and pull the knees into my chest and squeeze..this time I only try to use about 60-70% as prescribed for the cross choke and it works...
Gold in my division...
I go to sit down but the absolute is called...Come to find out all Roxa, Marrom, and Preta are lumped together, and the matches are 10 minutes...Everything goes pretty much....My first opponent is about 195lbs....We go back and forth and he gets a single leg as I attempt to pull guard...He works feverishly for a pass but I scramble...I work and eventually get a set up for a Gordo Halfguard sweep I have been working and teaching for a while now...pts tied 2 to 2...I keep working mainly just to avoid being swept and eventually work allllllllmost to side control...I get an advantage as he eventually regained guard...he shot lots of subs at me but I defended well...I could break but not make any headway against his guard....My passing needs WORK!!!!!!!....Time is up..I win....guess what...the opponent was Faixa Preta!!!! I was very happy but still...need a LOT of work...
Second match was against a Brown belt...really uneventful as he pulled guard before me...I fought off a lot of halfguard sweeps and we fought to a tie for about 3 or 4 minutes....He ends up working De La Riva against me and half due to frustration at my inability to pass...and half due to this is one sweep I have a hole in my game for...I allow the sweep and get to guard...I do not let him set and work the push pull set up and get the triangle...he works to strong arm counter but this only lets me lock it in deeper..I get the tap...
Next was against a 3 stripe purple belt about my size...I am REALLY nervous b/c I do not wish to lose in front of so many to a lower belt...also b/c Id seen him and his guard was extremely good...
He used a different set up to pull guard on me and I was damn near helpless to stop it...He could never compose guard and worked back and forth from open to De La Riva...I worked furiously back and forth between my passes but he fought them all off...All at the last minute..again..I need WORK! My passing game is not where I wish it to be, but I have to attribute my problems also to some very VERY tough opponents...Honestly the level I faced here was higher than even the Pans and near to Mundials as far as determination and talent...He stands a few times and each time I work a single and get the take down to the tune of 6 pts....I finally work to get the bullfighter/X-pass and work to the side...As I am controlling the legs and leaning in on my shoulder..something pops!...I guess I screamed as I fell to my back off my opponent and he comes up on top...So as the referee is coming in I do not notice and try to defend but my arm is NOT moving...As I lay there they come out to check on me...And as they lay me down I hear and feel another pop...and I can move it again but it is sore as hell...As I sit and type this it is VERY sore right now but not bad....Anyways I lose that match...I would have faced Batista in the next round had I won...He went on to defeat that guy and moved on to the next couple matches...
Mark my words...Antonio "Batista" Peinado will be the next big thing in 2009, just as Sergio Moraes burst onto the scene in 2008!!!!
I sit and watch as Monstro Faces Gabriel Vella ....One word of caution..do NOT anger Vella the Destroyer...Monstro is about 235-240...and looks like a Brazilian He-Man clone...He fights grips and works takedowns back and forth to a tie for about 5 minutes or so... with Vella which is very good...Until he dips his head as Grabriel is head snapping him and lunges forward..He headbutts Vella and opens up a cut above Gabriel's eye...The match is stopped and Gabriel gets taped up...He comes back and is visibly pissed...He has a muy thai clinch and basically balls up Monstro taking him down...He works heavily passing to the side and then works to mount ....He takes hold of the lapel and brutally crushes down with the other hand for the cross choke with so much force that it seems he will crush Monstro's face...he works for the tap...
Meanwhile Batista just cruises...basically walking through a really tough brown belt and another black belt I do not know...He meets Vella in the final...
Everyone expects, that as Batista is so newly belted, that this will be one-sided...well it is, but not in Vella's favor...Batista works and gets to foot trip takedowns and then works knee up on passing and really dominates the match from top control and eventually working to mount...It is an eye-opening and surprising result as he wins be a convincing decision....Vella is more than world class, so it is shown through that match and all his other matches, that Batista is a force to be reckoned with at Faixa Preta...it is good to see someone with about my exact build and weight, work to be such dominating and heavy as well as fluid...It is good that I am friends with him and will get to work with him before the major championships next year as His game is where I am trying to elevate mine...With him in the fold, a few of the new brown belts and old ones like Monstro....as well as purples like Paulinho among others coming next year into the major championships....We will have more than a stranglehold on the top spots next year for teams! Just watch..It feels great to be a part of this....
After this I got to see Emanoeala who speaks great english and helped me translate a lot when I was in Rio of the championships in July...we sit and catch up a lot and she offers to help me to the hospital but I am afraid of missing my flight so I just ask for her to help me get a taxi...She does and I keep my wrapped up arm (in a belt slice with ice) and my things on the other arm and we walk the blocks to the taxi...We also are talking with Professor "Gigi" Paiva on the way and all vow to keep in touch and I work on my Portuguese as they work on their English...That should help me a lot...Perhaps will talk to them and Batista and Gabriel Goulart by Skype...We will see...Anyways...I get a taxi and Emanoela tells him to take me to the airport and not to delay...he agrees, and we are off...It ends up taking like 20 min which throws me off as it was like an hour to get in from the airport..I chalk it up to maybe my first cabbie did not know where he was going, but realize my error when I get inside and there is no American Airlines desk to be found...It seems I am at the wrong one...so now I am worried that I have an hour to go and dont know if the $ I have left, will get me to the other airport...I go outside and a gringo hawk(they ask to "help" u get a taxi and take a percentage off the cab ride...which means u get charged a lot more for it)...Dude tries to charge me like 200Reis...Hell naw I tell him...He doesn't get it so I just walk off...He curses me in Portuguese and I give him a "Porra" and a few other choice phrases which reaises his eybrows...LOL he thought I didn't understand...Anyways I catch a cab and we get caught in Sao Paulo gridlock...I end up making it to GRU just in time and get a surprise as the lady at the desk asks what my medal is for...I tell her jiu-jitsu, she says she does Tae Kwon Do and likes jiu-jitsu but can't find a spot to study....Go Figure!!!! In Brazil!?!...any way I tell her about Fabio's academy and she thanks me by giving me a whole row to myself which allows me to stretch out fully and lay down to sleep on the way back as the flight is not full...This was GREAT...but there is an asshole, that instead of moving to an open seat...decides to sit in the middle seat in front of mine...and recline al the way back, which bumps into my knees...so every time I am on that side, he attempts to lean back...and i knee the seat repeatedly...Honestly by the time we r about to get breakfast served, I am SOOOOO close to rear naked choking this bastard it's not funny...We eventually get off the plane and his punk ass looks at me sideways like he's pissed...I get a tad bit of revenge at customs though...b/c while i slide right through, he gets caught up into an immense line of foreigners entering the country...I give the italian under the chin brush off and keep steppin....My knees are hurting as was my shoulder which made me have to stay on that side...Punk ass....
anyways..I end up back home early as when I hit MIA they allowed me to hop an early flight...This one was great as I slept from taxi to the gate...Get home...put my things in the car..and went off to teach class...
Only had like four folks show up for this Sunday....don't know if i am pressing too hard on the students or if it is the time change or if it is the new location...But I have to figure something out as the attendance is dwindling...
Had coach tell me that this travel and competition schedule is going to catch up to me...I hate to say it, but haven't been letting on much but it is....During class, I picked a few techniques to show, that I've explained a hundred times...I know them in much detail, but in explaining them to the students that day, I could not help but to keep missing very important, though small, details that made the techniques almost impossible for them to pull off, and it took me almost until the end of drilling to realize! :( Travel is a bitch, but this year, in addition to the things I am going through in my personal life just have taken so much of a toll on me it's ridiculous...
Everything hurts...Knee is injured...Shoulder is sore...arms are extremely tired...my mind is wandering...the stuttering is getting worse and it's hard sometimes even to form the thoughts to get the words out instead of just the inability to speak them...I wanted to compete this coming weekend at the Atama Open and in Dec. for Naga but I think I need to shut that portion down and break my game down as well as work harder in Yoga and conditioning to get myself where I want to be for next year...I do not know what or how I need to do this particularly, but I need a break while maintaining my workload as I have many things that are in dire need of repair as my performance this weekend and recently just in rolling have shown me...
No matter what though, I will die before I break...I fight on...


Thought For The Day: Forget about winning and losing; forget about pride and pain. Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh; let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones; let him fracture your bones and you take his life. Do not be concerned with escaping safely - lay your life before him.

Other Thought For The Day: When one has reached maturity in the art, one will have a formless form. It is like ice dissolving in water. When one has no form, one can be all forms; when one has no style, he can fit in with any style. <---This Is Where I Strive To Be By Mid Next Year