And I thought it was open mat today.... :D

Today was supposed to be open mat, but as it turns out, Mr. Soto was there today. He is a brown belt that leads class sometimes when Mr. Alvarez is not there. We started out with some really good cardio. I thought it was gonna be easy, cuz I heard a rumor that he doesnt like cardio...Oh how I was wrong. Warm up was a hint rough, had some decent rolls today, but for the most part got rolled up like the white belt I am. I was in positions, knew the escapes, but did not execute.....I was just tired. No disrespect to the people who rolled me up, but I'm gonna be honest, the rested "Stingray" vs the non rested one....two completely different people when it comes to the mat. I stayed up last night playing COD Black Ops.....BAH. Never again will I let a damn video game (no matter how new or exciting) compromise my Jiu Jitsu. ....NEVER again. My state of body and mind ARE Jiu jitsu, so I must treat them accordingly and get the rest I need. Rest/Food are part of the tools I need before I even step on the mat. Ah well guys, sorry I was slacking on my posts. All caught up now. Oh and btw, the note taking is going awesome. I think at some point, I might start adding some of the stuff on here....not much though...if you want the full version...COME TRAIN WITH ME :P I'll make you a copy :D  Oh well, tomorrow/today since it is so late....lol is my day off (Sunday) then back to the mat on Monday. GAME TIME NEXT WEEKEND. ADCC BABY!!!! Need that sleep all week! Ah well, baby shower tomorrow, bed time now!

Spider Guard seminar!!!

Alright guys, sorry that this information is a day old....I was so tired after the seminar. Okay, so the low down...I did a Spider guard seminar with Orlando Waugh. A pretty big guy, if I had to guess 260 6.3-6.4 THAT IS MYYYY GUESS. Not sure if he is 2nd or 3rd degree, I found an old picture though , none were taken, was a small seminar. Buttt, I googled up a pic :P    It is at the bottom. We learned about 4 or so solid sweeps/ setups  as well as flowing between De La Hiva and Spider. I also learned from Mr. Vasquez (a purple at our gym) to not focus on the technique so much as the concept of the technique. It is good to learn moves, especially starting out, but if you can truly grasp the concept of it all, then you can apply it to other moves, in other situations. Mr . Waugh made a point to explain the "engine" or what really "drives" each move into completion. It was really nice. I started taking notes on all the moves that I  am learning, and also breaking them down. I have a long way to go!! On another note: Mr. Waugh can do the splits!!!! YUP. Not like kinda, but entire legs on mat, was pretty cool, and he moves like a  ninja!! Very humble, very respectful, the embodiment of what a martial artist should be. Ah well, gonna take everything I learned and apply apply apply it in class!! I will not give up on it, no matter how much it hurts my fingers!!!!

Mr. Orlando Waugh