Thoughts on My First Two Months of BJJ Training
by Austin Martin on May 3, 2011 6:45 PM EDT
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I'm sore and bruised. My neck got tweaked last night learning how to escape mount with a meatball shaped purple belt riding my chest. I have abrasions and scratches everywhere. my back and hips hurt from using muscles that have probably been dormant since I was 8. And I LOVE it.
I started training UFC (just kidding) about two months ago in a long journey that I'm calling my "renaissance." Years of crippling anxiety and depression problems began to mount about a year and a half back and I decided that it was time to take action. I'm not a person who takes easily to spilling my guts to someone I've never met, and I didn't want to have to take little white pills for the rest of my life. So I got an Anthony Robbins book and started my journey. I read his first book "Unlimited Power" and immediately began to apply the principles to my life. About a month before my 24th birthday, I decided to take action. I'd had a crush on a girl I'd seen commuting on the same train for a few months, and never had the courage to talk to her. I decided the first step of my renaissance would be to do just that. After a nerve-racking 30 minutes, and a lot of self- deprecation (one could call it self-defecation, as I was "shitting" on myself to get pumped up), I finally introduced myself. Next month is going to be our year anniversary.
The next step in my Renaissance was getting a new job. Mission accomplished last January. On to MMA training. I've been a fan since the finale of the first Ultimate Fighter, and since then I've always wanted to train. It was something I looked into, but never made the commitment. I guess, in the back of my mind, I was scared. Scared of being really bad. Scared of getting hurt. My anxiety was still preventing me from achieving what I wanted.
Through an awesome twist of fate, I got an email from one of those discount websites for a really great price on 3 months of unlimited training at one of the schools nearby. I immediately bought it and enrolled.
Walking into the gym on the first day was intimidating. I've never taken a martial arts class, and haven't wrestled since 8th grade, for about a week. I thought I would be way, way out of my league. But I found out some surprising stuff about myself. First, I can hit hard. Hard enough that without technique, anyone holding pads for me usually makes a point of telling me. My kicks aren't good, because I lack mobility in my hips, but my jab and hook are crisp and powerful. Finding this out about myself was an immediate boost of confidence.
The first day of jiu-jitsu training was laughable. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. But I started picking it up. I've watched so many hours of MMA now that I can really visualize what happens in fights and apply it to what I'm doing. Over the first few weeks, I kept progressing. In one rolling session I submitted my partner, who had been training slightly longer than me, four times. I got him in two arm triangles, one in half guard and one in side control, and slapped on the first triangle of my life. Man, it felt good. Then, one of the most awesome moments I've had in any sport happened. During a transition I saw my opponent turn his back for a split second and I jumped on the opportunity. I slapped on a rear naked choke and with my build, there was no way he was getting out. The submission was so slick that a few regulars gave me some big props. It felt awesome.
Riding this high into the next class, I thought it was time for a step up in competition. Having never rolled with anyone but white belts, I had no idea how truly evident the difference in skill levels was between belts. I asked a purple belt to roll with me, and he acquiesced. Then promptly put on a highlight clinic. I was tapped out every possible way, including a wrist lock that I've never seen in any grappling competition. I realized just how vast the amount of stuff I don't know about the sport is.
Besides learning that I actually have some natural talent for the sport, I also have learned how resilient I am. I fend off chokes while in terrible positions and I don't quit. And Kudos to Kid Nate- your Judo Chops really do work. Remember how people spoke about Randy Couture defending the anaconda from Big Nog in their epic bout? Randy covered his hand with his ear and was able to keep his base to avoid getting rolled. Last night, I was in an awful position- I had been mounted and then put into an arm triangle. I remembered this advice, and was able to avoid the choke.
These first two months have shown me just how little I know about the sport, and I couldn't love it more. There is such a wealth of knowledge to be gained, and I see just how much when a tiny 150 lbs purple belt is tossing me (200 lbs, pretty solid) around with ease. This is not a sport of brute strength. It truly is physical chess. And I'm not stopping until I get my blue belt. After that, I probably won't until I get my purple. I'm coming back for more, and more, and more.
The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.
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Great post
Happy for you, keep these coming!
by Henrique on May 3, 2011 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Agreed-
give us an update in a bit Amadeus.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
good idea
Make it a series of posts!
I am in a very similar situation with my training – 6 months into it now. A couple of points of my own:
- I got some private classes in the beginning, even before group classes – it helped with the 1st day intimidation thing.
- I laugh my a$s out in classes everyday – the guys are so funny and we just keep messing around with one another all the time… it is a ‘therapy’ on its own!
kudos
Yeah,
i’ve never been to a gym where the guys are stuffy and socially awkward. Something about torturing eachother multiple times a week is a great icebreaker.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey Eliot is there any forums, or sub forums here , or anywhere else, that specialize in BJJ talk, or just in general technique talk for MMA, as from a training perspective?
Interesting. Ever been? How’s the community? I would like to talk things over with guys who train here, is it possible we can ever get a training forum over here Kid Nate?
The subforums at Sherdog are decent
Especially the grappling forum.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 5, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
There’s several places – the Underground, the Sherdog grappling forums, Bullshido’s grappling forums and several smaller sites.
I personally prefer the grappling talk over at InStrength dot com, but it’s up to you.
InStrength dot com.
Well, there is a bad side to every story
Got my leg broken in classes today… My leg folded weirdly while being taken down
But I will go back to it when I am better!!!
Bad bounce. If you can, try to make a class now and then. Sit off to the side and observe. You’ll actually pick up a few things and maybe have a few concepts click together in your head.
It’ll also show people that you’re serious about BJJ. And probably make your instructor happy as hell.
InStrength dot com.
That happened to me too man!
Sucks. Sprained the MCL a while back.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 6, 2011 4:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I am actually happy it was not a ligament
It is crack in the fibula (the thin bone on the outside of the leg). Cracked 3/4 of the way through the bone… 1st assessment was 8 weeks off of lower body exercising…
Good luck with recovery man.
When you can start doing rehab exercises, do them diligently. Absolutely the best way to get back on track.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 6, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice write up
I have always wanted to train in Muay Thai and there are two gyms within a half hour of where I live. T.J. Grant trains at one and Roger Hollett trains at another, but I have never been able to build up the nerve to go. How did you find the more experienced people to be towards you?
I dont believe in an eye for an eye, I believe in two eyes for an eye - Bas Rutten
There’s a BJJ school a few miles from where I live, where Luigi Mondelli is the instructor. I took a trial class with my friend, and despite me doing piss poor my first day everyone was pretty chill. It’s not high school, no ones gonna pick on you for sucking. It’s a really cool everyone-helps-everyone sort of environment in most places, I’d say.
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah.
In general, most people are friendly. I’ve never been to a place where the guys were assholes and roughed me up.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
My old school had one or two assholes
and they were blue belts. The higher belts were all cool.
BOOSH
Well,
sometimes you will have an asshole or two. A guy who rolls to try and rack up gym wins, instead of just work & improve their game. That’s why ego can be so dangerous.
A guy at my former gym was like that; he always rolled extra hard and used pain moves during rolling, which i’m fine with, i’ll be mean right back, but that has a time and a place. Well, one day we were drilling single legs, and we were in the stage of drilling when we’d done it enough times that we added a little resistance. He had horrible posture and wasn’t doing any of the finishes right, so naturally when I gave a little resistance he wasn’t getting any takedowns. He got frustrated and just drove forward like a madman, and my leg got caught awkwardly next to a pillar and I ended up spraining my MCL.
Training with assholes can get you injured.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
This depends on the school.
I actually co-own a martial arts gym here on Maui and we have very strict rules about how to treat newcomers. Some gyms want to see who is “serious” about training so they rough them up pretty good. I see it all the time. Most schools, however, expect nothing but respect from their current students toward the new ones. Most everybody, especially in bjj (I’m guessing because you spend a lot of time reeeeally close) become like brothers within a short time training together. You should take the leap and go sign up for Muay Thai. You don’t realize how much more there is to striking until you spend some time working with a really good muay thai instructor.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha. Didn’t know that. I’d have no problem with that, though. Don’t mind getting roughed up as long as I get respect.
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That's sort of the problem.
There’s a fine line when beating the shit out of them and still respecting them so some of the younger guys don’t tend to know how to walk that line properly in that type of gym. Like I said though, most gyms are just the opposite, but sometimes you can’t tell until youre getting your face beat in. If you walk out on to the mats and everybody walks up and introduces themselves and welcomes you, you’ve probably found the right place. As for my gym, no egos are allowed. Save that shit for your tournament or your fight. There are specialized MMA classes and also, more rarely, gentlemans agreements in the gym that are meant for going full bore; especially when a tournament is right around the corner. But when people are wanting to learn the arts, especially guys lacking self confidence that just want to find an outlet and make friends, we do not tolerate someone choosing to “step it up” in our gym. Some people come to the gym because they just seriously have no friends and want to meet people. Those are the guys that are going to keep coming back and really appreciate a gym that focuses on making them feel good and just lead a better life. We even do life coaching, career counseling, and overall health and wellness discussions with some of our guys. Your training partners should be your best friends, not your enemies. It bothers me that people get nervous about getting into martial arts because they’re afraid the guys at the gym are going to kick their ass.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
heh. Well, getting my ass kicked is really not my concern at all. I don’t mind feeling all banged up, what I do mind are insults etc. I’d like to build a little physical confidence in said sport before I have guys kicking my ass AND insulting my skills.
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh I know. I wasn't implying you were worried about the beatings :) In fact, you will get banged up even when the people are being nice.
Everybody is there to learn, get better, and help each other get better. So if you start at a gym and you’re being insulted, just know that this is an anomoly and you are not likely to experience that at another place. Just the opposite in fact; you’re likely to be praised for the smallest things as a beginner. Most places have a free first class so check out a few places and see where you feel themost comfortable.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually pretty blessed to have a good gym near me. How many hours should I be putting in weekly, though? I don’t plan on doing it part time, I kinda want to get serious about it eventually.
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I would start Mon, Wed, Fri
just to get your muscles acclimated to the new stress. I don’t recommend training BJJ less than 3 times a week unless your schedule won’t allow anything else. I typically train bjj in the gi on Monday for 2 hours, do cardio and endurance workouts on Tuesday, train bjj in the gi Wednesday, muay thai on Thursday, and no-gi bjj in Friday. Saturday I try to get in for another bjj session in the gi and rest Sunday. Your body won’t be able to do more than 3 days a week starting out and you don’t want to get burned out on it either. Just know that over time you will be able to add more and more hours. The extreme soreness you get the first few times is temporary.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotcha. Will have to check the place out soon. Its called “the center martial arts”
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow just checked the website out.
That place looks amazing. They specifically mention the friendly atmosphere and the lack of ego under their “Philosophy” section. I would say you’re in good hands at first glance. The gym looks great.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The trial class was a blast, minus me improperly tying my gi. Students are friendly, and they’ve got a real ufc cage! (jk) I’d be happy to get a membership if I had the cash.
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
You might want to talk to the owners....
we have a couple guys that are very serious about their desire to learn, but they just don’t have the money for a membership. We work out deals sometimes where they can clean the mats, organize, help with labor stuff, maybe even do a work trade if they have a specific skill/knowledge/talent in exchange for their dues. Just a thought.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, it’s not like I like in a box or anything. I just need to get a job hehe.
"Osama is dead.... Amazing what Americans can do when the PlayStation network is down..."
by Hendo_One-Shot on May 3, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
yea your gym is very similar to my experience
when i just started the more experienced guys would always work with me whenever i’d roll with them, they’d tap me a few times but it was generally just when i’d make mistakes and then they’d bring me back and show me how i fucked up and the many ways to get out of that sub
jiu jitsu gyms generally have some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet, i honestly didnt run into a single dickhead who would go balls to the wall against white belts
"I have smoked weed with alot of UFC champions" - Joe Rogan
"Você ta fudido. Se vai levar muita porrada, ta ligado?" - Anderson Silva
Exactly.
You don’t see that kind of helpful, welcoming attitude in most things these days. BJJ guys tend to have great respect for anyone that steps onto the mats.
It’s important to note though that some places are just the opposite. People just need to know that they should walk out and find another place, because most are not that way.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously, man. Just go. Get your ass in that gym, voice any concerns you have to the instructor beforehand, and just try your best.
It just may change your life. I’d say there is about an 80% chance that the guys there will be more than welcoming.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s good to hear from other people though and their experience. Most people I know only know training UFC haha, thanks for the info
I dont believe in an eye for an eye, I believe in two eyes for an eye - Bas Rutten
by Chris Peterson on May 3, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
Just be aware of the following risk: Martial arts may just end up engulfing your entire life. The relationships you build, changes in your outlook on life, the attitude adjustments… It’s all amazing stuff bro. I’m excited at the thought that you may actually go sign up for a class now, I’m dead serious. If you do, do a post on the gym and your experience. These type of posts are my favorite.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah for sure, I’ll be giving both gyms a call tomorrow and see which schedule will fit best for me after work and go from there, hopefully in a month or so i’ll have a write up going. How long have you had a gym going?
I dont believe in an eye for an eye, I believe in two eyes for an eye - Bas Rutten
by Chris Peterson on May 3, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been training a while at other gyms on Maui.
But my black belt instructor, his wife (who is a purple belt herself), and myself, just opened Maui Martial Arts (MMA) in November. Our classes are really growing and we’re getting a lot of positive feedback. I manage a law firm and specialize in corporate law for my day job so I handle the corporate and legal side of things at the gym. Check us out at MauiMartialArts.com. If you’re ever on Maui be sure to drop in too. We have people just drop in and roll from all over the world.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Good post.
I love jiu jitsu. After about a year, it seemed like something really just “clicked” one day. Everything started to make much more sense. I’m hooked. I’d guess I spend about 10 hours out of every day just thinking about jiu jitsu. I seriously believe that bjj is an addiction.
by Brandon Starr on May 3, 2011 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
congrats
way to battle through life’s problem by using your intellect and courage…respect!
You gotta pay the troll toll to get into this boy's hole, you gotta pay the troll toll to get in.
What did you learn on your first few days?
I don’t tend to like the “ok we’re gonna take this really slow” methods. I’d love to learn some important basics, but also some cool submissions/sweeps.
Let the fighters fight, let the referees ref, but dear God, don't let the judges judge.
This post has made me incredibly incredibly happy. Thank you.
Got the Summer hatin on me cus I'm hotter than the sun. Got the Spring hatin on me cus I ain't never sprung. Winter hatin on me cus I'm colder than ya'll; and I will never I will never I will never Fall.
The mat is my church, the ground is my heaven, Jiu-Jitsu is my religion. And once you hit the ground you're in my world. My world is like the ocean, I’m like a shark and most people don't even know how to swim - Draculino
by Patrick Tenney on May 3, 2011 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Definitely rec'd this
I love reading this kind of stuff. I truly believe MMA can be therapeutic if practiced correctly and in a positive environment. Hopefully in the future we’ll have more studies available on that topic, but until then, these types of stories only help the cause.
Just got back from a softball game, and
thanks for all the love everybody. It’s much, much appreciated.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
Softball...?
Hand over 1 man card.
=D
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Unless
he got wasted and only tried for homeruns.
BOOSH
by Farthammer on May 3, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Or really blazed up,
and heckled the umpire.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Close. Got lit, pitched a little bit, then shotgunned a few bears while heckling the umpire during the next game. Slow pitch beer leagues rule.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on May 3, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha.
You can keep the man card… FOR NOW
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Also,
what softball league are you in that bears hang out around for you to shotgun? The shooting negates the safety advantages of softball IMO
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I read this and imagined him shooting a bear while on deck. Either way it sounded fun
"The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look." - Revolver
by flyingkneetoface on May 4, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
haha, same here.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
especially when there’s a brown bear tracking you down like a salmon.
haha damn typos.
And yes, throwing a strike is definitely hard. I got shelled last night.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on May 4, 2011 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel ya
It’s so addictive man. I grew up wrestling so I had grappling experience but wrestled so long I got burned out on it. Once I rolled I felt like it was an extension or the next step from wrestling and fell in love with it.
I'm gonna give you three seconds; exactly three-fucking-seconds to wipe that stupid looking grin off your face or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull-fuck you!
I love this post!
Thanks for taking the time to write it up. I can’t wait to read more :)
Honey badger don't care.
I’d take yoga too, not joking. Interest your girl into doing it as well.
Yoga will really help your hip flexibility. Especially hot yoga, which is exceedingly brutal.
It's just a world, it's just a life.
The BJJ benefits of Bikram and Vinyasa yoga are awesome… also hot yoga chicks.
Got the Summer hatin on me cus I'm hotter than the sun. Got the Spring hatin on me cus I ain't never sprung. Winter hatin on me cus I'm colder than ya'll; and I will never I will never I will never Fall.
The mat is my church, the ground is my heaven, Jiu-Jitsu is my religion. And once you hit the ground you're in my world. My world is like the ocean, I’m like a shark and most people don't even know how to swim - Draculino
by Patrick Tenney on May 3, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Funny that the hot chicks were the first thing I noticed : ) Unfortunately I also noticed the weird looking shirtless dudes.
I’ll definitely be going back though. I have been weight training for about 10 years and am about as flexible as a baseball bat. Even after one class I could see the benefits it offers.
I take a Vinyasa class at my college,
and it has definitely made me much more limber, flexible, and dexterous/ coordinated. And yes, cute girls in yoga pants rules.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Can I get a Ben Henderson “AMEN” to hot yoga chicks please?
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on May 3, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, we love yoga.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Click the picture for more, thank me later
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
by pdl on May 4, 2011 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
You win this round, sir.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (your welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I win every round
assuming I don’t get poked in the eye.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
by pdl on May 4, 2011 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Save it for someone who cares.
You should’ve finished that post, instead you left it in the hands of the judges. Even though your technical post is higher quality, my haymaker winging post looks more impressive from a surface level.
Maybe providing monitors would solve the problem…
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Leonard Garcia approves of your composition
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
I’m sore and bruised. My neck got tweaked last night learning how to escape mount with a meatball shaped purple belt riding my chest. I have abrasions and scratches everywhere. my back and hips hurt from using muscles that have probably been dormant since I was 8. And I LOVE it.
well said. Been training for just over a year and half and that sums up the first day nicely.
Man. I’m so jealous. I live in a rural Canadian town and the nearest BJJ academy is an hour and change away. And next year I’m transferring to one that’s a little further. However, I rolled with a buddy for kicks that’s a purple belt and tapped him with a guillotine (I’m not going to say how many times he tapped me with… Well everything.) So I definitely hope I can get the same addiction you do.
"Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness... give me truth."
Chris McCandless A.K.A. Alexander Supertramp
1968-1992
BJJ is cool,
but if you have ANY kind of combat sport place around you, I would recommend it. They are the most interesting, and most practical means of exercise IMO. Having go- to moves for self defense is invaluable, even if only for the confidence you have that you can protect yourself if such a situation arises.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah man, I’m legit in the middle of nowhere. Town of 4000, the hour and change place is the nearest one. He said they’d love to have me there though. Farm boy, nothin tougher. I can handle myself in most situations just from rolling with my jits friend and other MMA fans from around. But I ain’t that old, I got time on my side. I’ll find an academy soon enough. Because other sports don’t cut it for me to be honest. Fun to view, not really to do. I’m stoked to actually formally train though. Also, I’m sorry if this is the most random hodge podge post ever, just got off work and the brains scrambled.
"Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness... give me truth."
Chris McCandless A.K.A. Alexander Supertramp
1968-1992
Just got done with finals myself,
i’m right there with you. Atta boy, though. I have a buddy who’s from a farm; he’s built like a bean pole but is strong as fuck from lifting bales of hay his whole life.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. Well without the skinny part, nothing like homestyle cooking. Packing a pretty solid 210 at 6’1" and 18 years. Love growing up on a farm.
"Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness... give me truth."
Chris McCandless A.K.A. Alexander Supertramp
1968-1992
Oh, you're young.
If you plan on training, and especially if you have a buddy, I would recommend Saulo’s “Freestyle Revolution”.
Walking in with the basics can be a good thing. So long as you are meticulous and don’t spare any details, doing like 30 minutes of drilling shit a day will give you a solid base.
Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates
by ElliotMatheny on May 4, 2011 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions
This post
makes me realize how excited I am to get back into BJJ this summer. I know exactly what you mean about that initial intimidation, but those little confidence boosters do a lot to help. In one of the first Muay Thai classes I ever took, the guy I was working with complimented my left hook, saying I hit really hard. I didn’t know it at the time, but turns out he was actually a professional fighter who had fought all over the world for both the UFC and Strikeforce(Steve Berger – no world-beater, but an awesome guy).
I also found that BJJ is pretty tough to get a lot of the basics down, but once you get to a certain level of competency it becomes much easier to add stuff to your arsenal. One day I was watching a replay of the Big Nog – Sylvia fight and saw Nog use a sweep from half guard. I went to the gym the next day and started drilling it – it quickly became one of my favorite moves from half guard.
Keep it up!
But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick - Proverbs 10:13
Props man. That’s some seriously inspirational stuff. I’m glad you shared this, a lot of people wouldn’t have the guts to.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
by Tim Burke on May 4, 2011 2:33 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Good luck mate. I’m 3 years into my BJJ journey and I’m hopelessly addicted.
by Benicio on May 4, 2011 4:47 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Props for your commitment
I respect anyone who can start a martial art and stick with it but I’m more impressed by this:
Years of crippling anxiety and depression problems began to mount about a year and a half back and I decided that it was time to take action.
Many, many people don’t understand how difficult it is to climb out of this particular hole. I get the feeling that you don’t think much of mainstream psychotherapy, but even so you’ve taken the single most important step to making any therapy work: A sincere commitment to making real change in your life.
I’m no expert but I think you might find that therapy doesn’t have to be about spilling your guts to some stranger while lying on a couch. When done right it’s a partnership and a good therapist is like a trainer, strengthening your mind the way a BJJ trainer strengthens your body.
Whatever path you follow, you’ve already made the best start possible. My hat is off to you, sir.
Never approach a vast undertaking with a half-vast plan.
by szquirrel on May 4, 2011 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 10 recs
I can relate, good job taking control of your destiny
I graduated from college in 08 and got nowhere near the job I wanted. I languished quite a bit and was quite depressed. Started doing BJJ in 09 and turned things around. I’m a much happier and more positive person and this makes it easier for me to connect with others and while I’m still at the same job it’s not as miserable anymore because I made an effort to make friends.
I’m leaving for business school in 3 months and I sincerely hope I can find the time to keep up with BJJ.
Also I’m kind of at a crossroads, the part where you realize you have to either train ALOT more to win competitions or train less and just be a hobbyist. I’m still struggling to win my first blue belt match in IBJJF, I have solid technique but some kind of mental block when it comes to competition that makes me tentative (though it’s getting better) and my goal for this year before school is to win some matches.
by IpullguardIRL on May 4, 2011 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I actually see this a lot.
Some guys just don’t compete the same way they train. We have some guys that look absolutely amazing day in and day out in the gym. Then they compete and can’t pick up a win to save their life. You can tell when it’s happening too that they aren’t rolling at the same level that they normally do. Then we have guys that look terrible (maybe too strong a word, let’s say “not so good”) in the gym and then go on to win their division in a tournament. It’s always nice to get that kind of recognition in front of a crowd but your instructor, your classmates, and yourself know how good you are. How much do you train in an average week?
by Brandon Starr on May 4, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
average week probably 5-6 hours. Before a tournament it’s more like 8-12 hours/week
I think I need to define a more specific gameplan and drill the components of it hardcore.
by IpullguardIRL on May 4, 2011 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Reading this post
Made me remember back to my first days of doing BJJ, it brought up a lot of good memories. Keep at it, and I’m glad to hear you are enjoying yourself!
"The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look." - Revolver
by flyingkneetoface on May 4, 2011 10:41 AM EDT reply actions
awesome mate! reading your post just got me to pick up the phone and arrange to go to my 1st class.
Ive been toying around with the notion for around a year without following through,.always found a good excuse not to.
You post really motivated me into getting the finger out and actually taking some control back.
Thank you amadeus.
by chim55 on May 4, 2011 3:01 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Amadeus
I too just started BJJ (Gi and no Gi), and Muy Thai two months ago and am loving it.
I also play slow pitch Softball on Sundays.
BFF’s!
Lyoto Machida will literally kick your teeth out.
by tito (eight and oh) on May 4, 2011 4:40 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Really, truly, thanks for all the love guys.
I’ve never been the type to wear my heart on my sleeve but I thought it would help explain why I got into jiu jitsu, and all the feedback from it lets me know it was the right decision. I realized that taking action would help me understand and confront my problems, and getting involved with MMA has been an extremely positive experience, all around.
I didn’t know if I should reply to every comment directly, but let me leave it at I’ve read each one about 30 times and I appreciate everything and you taking the time to read this post. It’s very cathartic for me to absorb all the positivity.
And on a jiu jitsu note, I was rolling with someone tonight (no gi) who has been practicing for about 2 1/2 years, so over two years more than me. I was able to get an Anaconda choke on him (first time i’ve been able to)! Seriously, I can’t be more addicted.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
Yep you've got the bug....
It’s all nagging injuries and ruined relationships from here….. and you’ll love every minute lol
by Brandon Starr on May 4, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks you again amadeus
courageous thing you ve done writing on here.
like I said, I found your post inspiring, .
dont wanna go too mushy but you touched me on here.(oooerrr Mrs)
thanks man, really appreciate it
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on May 5, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
How often do you go to BJJ classes a week? I’m def. interested in signing up, but with my current job, I’m only really able to have 2 nights a week free…
That's good!
Two nights a week is fine. Start there. As you get more accustomed to it and your body adapts to the movements and “mat conditioning,” you may find yourself MAKING more time to go.
I personally train 4-5 times per week, but started at twice per week.
by AngryTwinkie on May 5, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I am very interested in starting to train.
I live in Boston and there’s a Tapout gym here. I was checking out the website and looks like they offer a ton of classes in everything, BJJ, boxing, wrestling, muay thai, which sounds great. Has anyone trained at a Tapout gym before and have any feedback?
I would suggest checking out Florians gym or Lauzon’s before that.
Got the Summer hatin on me cus I'm hotter than the sun. Got the Spring hatin on me cus I ain't never sprung. Winter hatin on me cus I'm colder than ya'll; and I will never I will never I will never Fall.
The mat is my church, the ground is my heaven, Jiu-Jitsu is my religion. And once you hit the ground you're in my world. My world is like the ocean, I’m like a shark and most people don't even know how to swim - Draculino
by Patrick Tenney on May 5, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No worries. I’d say try Florians, there are other great gyms in the Boston area that are just BJJ but it sounds like you’re interested in the full MMA aspect of it.
Got the Summer hatin on me cus I'm hotter than the sun. Got the Spring hatin on me cus I ain't never sprung. Winter hatin on me cus I'm colder than ya'll; and I will never I will never I will never Fall.
The mat is my church, the ground is my heaven, Jiu-Jitsu is my religion. And once you hit the ground you're in my world. My world is like the ocean, I’m like a shark and most people don't even know how to swim - Draculino
by Patrick Tenney on May 5, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Just signed up for a free class at Florian’s. LFG.
by jpayne on May 5, 2011 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
If you don't end up liking Florian's
You could always try Wai Kru in Allston or Red Line in Cambridge. And if you’re looking to strictly do gi jiu jitsu, Kimura in Watertown is pretty highly ranked. Mark Dellagrotte is close by but his lessons are very expensive, and like Patrick said Lauzon trains close by, but nowhere near as close to the city as Florian’s or Wai Kru.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on May 5, 2011 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks, I took a look at Wai Kru online and I think I might try a free class there too. From what I read on reviews it sounds grittier and smellier than Florian’s (which I don’t mind, I’d just pretend I’m training Clubber Lang-style) but their Muay Thai sounds more hardcore. Walking distance from apt too.
Where do you train if you don’t mind me asking?
Kieth Florian did a seminar at my BJJ school
by all accounts it was excellent. The Florian brothers are great teachers and I’m sure their school is excellent.
I’ve been training for almost six years and it is always great to see new guys (and gals) come in who are excited to get started training. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
There will be ups and downs, to be sure. But I can’t even begin to imagine life without jiu jitsu. Best of luck!
by burien top team on May 6, 2011 12:26 AM EDT reply actions
Nice job
Spilling your guts about your fears and progressions on the internet isn’t easy for everyone. Respect!
certified warlord
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