Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey!

Out for a while

2010-04-19T09:45:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while but now I have some downtime. 2 weeks for sure once I have my surgery.

Apparently, they back pain and issues I've been having the past 4-6 weeks is related to my gallbladder and pancreatitis. I had a CT of my abdomen and a gallbladder ultrasound yesterday to confirm this. I came to the ER after my back was hurting for nearly 36 hours straight (I took norco, soma, advil, used ice/heat, icey hot, massage with very little relief). After it was hurting for so long yesterday night/morning I began to have severe abdominal pain along with the back pain. Talk about miserable!!!!

So, I won't be training for several weeks. I'm not sure what I will be able to do at the Ralph Gracie seminar on April 30th. I'm bummed that I won't be able to train and that this will set me back.

The good news is I this will allow me to feel better, rest up, and have more motivation for BJJ!

Back pain and training

2010-04-03T13:51:00.003-05:00

Last Monday I rolled with a very strong wrestler who is new to the class. Other than going at 110% he was pretty rough on me. Needless to say Tuesday I was hurting pretty bad and by Wednesday I was having horrible back spasms. I did not compete in our in-house tournament because during the day I went to the ER and was given IV Robaxin (a muscle relaxer) and some pain medication.

I went to class last night and I rolled for 5 minutes towards the end of class (probably at 80% or so) with out hurting myself. Honestly, I think I felt better after class.

I've had some back strains before from work (lifting people, moving people, etc) and I'm not certain that BJJ hurt my back. I'm sure it is a combination of things but I honestly feel that BJJ is helping my back and my body. I'm more active now than I have been in years and I can only hope that my health and my back will prosper.

BJJ class

2010-03-27T00:41:00.003-05:00

Tonight we went over side mount chokes and submissions with a "flow" from one to the other.

First, the arm-bar from side control. We started out with our typical side control (one hand behind the head meeting your other hand that underhooks an arm meeting somewhere along their back).

We move a hand to block a hip and also use our knees to block their back and body. From there, we would (close to the same time) roll them to their side and take our arm that is under their head and hook under their arm that is close to our body. We then would move our leg over their head and sit back for an arm bar. Typical arm-bar setup except one foot sits under their torso.

From there, we could go for a collar choke if they block the arm bar. If they block that, we could do a wrist lock, and if they block that, we could go into a head/arm choke.

And as Tony said it "and if the fucker still wont tap".. we then went into the Ezequiel choke. One of my favorite moves thus far. It's pretty sneaky as your opponent is unaware of the beginning of the set-up usually and to top it off, it's probably one of the tightest and most uncomfortable chokes.

Pretty vague on some of the later techniques but I typically visualize these moves as I try to fall asleep. Maybe as I get into my blogging I will give more details (I'm sure that will help me later this year as I test out for my blue belt in front of Ralph Gracie ... that's right, we get our belt promotions from a Gracie legend!)

Lately, my left shoulder has been giving me some problems. I think I should probably take some time off from training and let it rest/heal. I talked to Tony and I can still do the instruction part but I can sit out of the sparring session until I heal up. I hate to do this (H A T E). Sparring is my favorite part!

Anyways, on a personal note things have calmed down on the home front so far. Work is still work (with the possibility of a new part-time job on the horizon) and the relationship is coming out of the slump. I think we just had a bad week or two and it caught up with us.

Life is great tho..

Roll safe!

A slump?

2010-03-26T15:14:00.002-05:00

My previous posts have been mostly uplifting and exciting but here lately, I feel that I'm losing ground or not gaining ground. Does that even make sense? Let me explain.

In class I feel like I my technique isn't there. For a few weeks the people I was rolling with would tell me things like "you're getting good" or "man you are slick". But the past few classes, I've felt out of focus, distracted, and weak. One of the assistant instructors told me about about peaks and valleys. He said that he felt that he is in that situation himself at the moment.

It makes sense. I guess that is part of the learning process. I admit, I have several things in my personal life that are distractions (work, relationships, kids, stress, life, etc).

I still don't have any subscribers but I should be patient.

Starting after class tonight I'm going to start blogging about class and what we went over.

Roll safe!

Stripe number 2!!!

2010-03-15T21:12:00.002-05:00

Tonight I received my second stripe! I wasn't expecting to get a 2nd stripe for another few weeks or even a month; at the very least.

Ralph Gracie will be here on April 30th and I can't be more excited. Ralph Gracie is a legend and I'm sure his skills on the ground are god-like. If you're close to Lubbock Texas, I encourage you to come by and meet the legend.

I'm still reading the books and trying to use what I read about in the gym. I can honestly say that I've learned quite a bit from the book.

Sorry I haven't blogged lately. I've been working on some relationship issues. I'm sure we all have rough spots in the road, so I have been concentrating on that. Besides, I think I'm the only one who reads this anyways! Ha!

Roll safe!

Survivor

2010-03-06T11:23:00.002-06:00

I started reading Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro and a lot of what I've read so far is making complete sense. As a white belt you basically look to just survive. You don't have too many offensive weapons so you try to survive. I can relate to this because when I first started, I knew nothing other than I didn't want to get choked or end up in a joint lock.

Last night during class I was partnered with a guy who does MMA and has a few fights under his belt. He is pretty good as he knows quite a few offensive moves. The first round of rolling, I survived. I swept, escaped, got swept, mounted, and managed to survive. The next couple of rounds I gassed and basically was dead meat.

He told me I was "pretty strong" and "you've gotten a lot better". I take that as a compliment. I truly believe in the techniques, even the few that I know.

So my point is, I'm just learning to survive and learning well. The submission skills will come with time, we are learning those too.

But, position before submission. That is an excellent quote.

Roll safe!

Tapping a purple belt

2010-03-03T00:27:00.001-06:00

Sorta...

I had him in half-guard and since he was a lot taller than me (he's probably 6'4" compared to my 5'9"), I decided to try and work out of it and I apparently put a little too much pressure on his nuts. Yes, he forgot to wear his cup and I got a little high up on him. He tapped and said "my nuts, my nuts!". Poor guy. Is that move legal in competition?

During another one of our rolls I got jabbed on the noggin. I have a nice hematoma on the left side of my forehead. I guess an eye for an eye.. or something.

We we're both exhausted and I just worked on escapes and surviving basically. He tapped me a few times of course but I did manage a few escapes (mount escape was the hardest!) Sure, he may have been going a little easy on me but still, the technique was good according to him. I think that says a lot.

I love this sport. I'm excited that I'm progressing and retaining some of this information.

I bought "Jiu-Jitsu University" tonight and once I read it, I will blog a review.

I loaned out Roy Dean's blue belt requirement DVD's so once I get them back, I'll review them also.

Thanks for reading! Roll safe!

Long weekend at work, ready for some Jitz!

2010-03-01T13:35:00.002-06:00

I spent the past four days working. Close to 14 hours a day I'm working in the Emergency Room. It can really take a toll on your body and your mind. Every day that I worked I knew I was one step closer to Jiu-Jitsu on Monday.

I find that I look forward to BJJ and I get really excited about training day. As I type this, I'm less than 5 hours away from class. This week is more exciting than most because I can attend all 3 days of class. We train Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with Friday being a review for Monday and Wednesday's lessons.

This Wednesday is our in-house tournament. Tony, our head instructor, asked me if I would like to be a medical standby for the class. I'm not sure if I will compete because I really don't feel that I am ready. Maybe I just have a fear of going 100% and getting hurt or worse, beaten!

I'm really glad that I steered this blog in this direction. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life for the better.

Still no followers, but this blog is still in it's infancy. Good luck to you all!

My first stripe!!

2010-02-26T01:00:00.002-06:00

Wednesday night I received my first stripe on my white belt! I was so excited and happy when my name was read.

The best thing about this was I'm glad that they could see that I'm improving and learning.

I absolutely love training. I look forward to class. I look forward to learning. I love this sport.

Good luck to everyone out there!

Jiu-Jitsu addiction!

2010-02-24T11:59:00.002-06:00

I recently ordered Roy Dean's Blue Belt Requirement DVD's (after reading Slideyfoot's review!). I'm excited about receiving them tomorrow!

I finally decided to make this blog about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and my journey with it. I've found other blogs and I hope to learn as much as possible about this sport.

I recently started taking AdvoCare products. I wanted something for energy and weight management. I can really tell a difference in how I feel, how hungry I am, and how much I'm eating (or not eating). The "Slim" product is my favorite.

To whoever is reading this, thanks!

Updates!

2010-02-21T18:42:00.004-06:00

I haven't updated my blog in a while so I thought I would give a quick update on what's new with me.

Work - I was asked by my nurse manager to put in for the charge nurse position that has recently opened up. I was caught off guard and very flattered. I've since decided to apply for the position. The worst that could happen is I won't get it.. I think that's the worst thing that could happen, right?

BJJ - I love BJJ!!! I've thought about changing my blog to a BJJ blog. It has really consumed a lot of my life. Each class I can tell that I am gaining in skill, learning the techniques, and I'm getting into shape! I think that I will get my first stripe soon.

Mustang - I'm building up an 89 Mustang GT. Right now, the motor is being rebuild. The long block is almost complete and then I'll yank the other motor our and start switching parts over. It's becoming quite costly.. I'm debating on if it's truly worth it ...

Anyways.. still no followers. Still no feed back. I'm sure there are millions of other, more interesting, more updated blogs.

I think that switching to my BJJ journey will be a much better blog and maybe add some side notes about my personal life here and there.

If you are reading, thanks!

BJJ and pain

2010-02-02T11:36:00.003-06:00

Last night was pretty intense - we practiced a lot of guard escapes, sweeps, and did most of this at full speed.

Several months ago, a ganglion cyst developed on my right wrist (where the radial artery lies). Sometimes, it gets aggravated and other times it basically disappears. Last night, it definitely got aggravated. Today, that whole area is stiff, sore, and the cyst itself is raised up higher than ever.

Despite this, I still love Jiu-Jitsu. I can feel my clothing fitting looser, I can see my face and body slenderizing, and my energy level has increased significantly. Most of all, my game is improving dramatically.

The only thing that is bothering me is my gas tank. I fatigue easily; too easily if you ask me. I was a very hyperactive, climbing the walls, type of kid. Now, I feel lazy. I know with time, this will improve as I have seen some improvement in my stamina (or gas tank).

As far as the aches, pains, and injuries; I'm hoping this also improves with time. I make an effort to stretch daily and to warm up before I go to class. I'm taking NSAIDs almost daily (but I don't want to kill my liver in the process). Between work and Jiu-Jitsu, it seems like I'm injuring myself often. I felt a lower back muscle pull the other day as we lifted a guy from a chair to a bed (after passing out when explaining how his wife broke her ankle, ligaments torn, surgery, etc). I guess it was too much. The sad part is, he almost did it again when the surgeon went to explain the surgery (per policy and protocol).

Anyways, the pain is here but I feel that it is a growing pain. I really love the sport and I'm in it for the long haul (as this year is paid in full).

Mustang, a crazy Yorkie-poo, and BJJ!

2010-01-27T20:31:00.005-06:00

Jackie and I were off today so we ate lunch and ran a few errands. One errand happened to be at the shop where we took the project Mustang off the trailer. It was her first time to see the car (and caused her to refer me to "redneck" a couple times). The car is an ugly orange with a hideous hood. It needs so much work, I'm not sure where to start after we complete the motor.

Mia, our Yorkie-poo is certifiably crazy. I'll put a link to my youtube account as evidence! You have to see for yourself!!!

Updated with a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlNp8OxxiL8

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was great. It's such hard work; especially for my out of shape and fat butt. I've lost around 5lbs since I've started, my energy level has gone up, but most of all - I'm learning! I can't stress how great the instructors are and the upper level training partners; everyone there is helpful and great to work with. Needless to say, I love BJJ!!

Until the next time!!

Also, mexican food the day of BJJ is a horrible idea!!

Awesome day in BJJ!

2010-01-25T20:47:00.002-06:00

Today was my best day so far in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! We learned several techniques (such as guard passing, placing people back into your guard, and vice versa). I felt like I learned so much today.

Tony is an amazing instructor. He really has a great concept of the sport and is proven as a sport Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Nathan is an excellent assistant instructor who also has a great amount of knowledge of the sport.

During our free rolling, where one tried to pass the guard and the other just defended, I did really good about stopping him, reassuming guard, and I landed a nice triangle choke (which I showed him how to defend after class as we rolled a couple more times).

I notice my flexability is lacking and my right groin is a little sore. I'm icing it as I type this.

Thanks for reading.. if there is a reader!!

MJ

Enjoying time off and relaxing

2010-01-24T20:15:00.003-06:00

The past couple of days I've relaxed and had time off. I didn't go to jiu-jitsu on Friday and I have 3 days off in a row. I spent today with Jackie and it was a great day. Brad and Aimee had their "couple's baby shower" and it was somewhat weird from a guys point of view. It was my first baby show and wow, the estrogen was flowing like crazy. All in all, it was excellent for Brad and Aimee (2 of my closest and dearest friends).

I actually met Aimee through a girlfriend I had in high-school. When myspace came around years ago, I came across her profile and we met up. We talked a lot about each other and about Casey (my ex). Aimee and Brad had lived together and I met Brad. It was awkward at first because I'm some single guy she knew years ago that talked to her on myspace. Quickly, me and Brad became good friends. We had a common passion. MMA! I had a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Brad had a varied Martial Arts background. We talked about it, watched it, practiced it, and we're now training together at the Gun Fight Club! I'm so glad to have friends like them.

Tomorrow, I will be back in BJJ and I'm really looking forward to it. I took Friday off due to exhaustion and to rest my right shoulder. It appears I have a 1st degree AC joint separation. Probably from take-downs, kimuras, break-falls, and lifting people at work. I really love BJJ and I can already see and feel the benefits of it. My frustration only lies in not knowing all of the right moves, defenses, and being a complete badass. But I can directly relate that to my impatience. I guess I will learn patience and BJJ at the same time.

Well, until the next blog!

Matt

Seriously, does anyone read this thing?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

2010-01-13T23:55:00.002-06:00

Tonight I finished my 2nd class with the Gun Fight Club. Tony Bonello is a black belt instructer in Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He's a very nice guy (Despite looking like a convicted murderer) and his teaching style is excellent.

My first thing that I've come to realize is that I'm extremely out of shape! I get winded during the warm-up. I'm not overly obese however I'm on the fatter side of things (5'9 184ish).

I'm still decided what to do with this blog but for now, I'll blog about my BJJ progress and pray that I don't get injured. So far, my shoulder is sore. After the 1st class, everything was sore. I think I will get better, have more stamina, and look better in the coming months.

Does anyone read this? haha

The firing of Coach Leach

2009-12-30T14:34:00.000-06:00

What the hell, Tech? You morons don't know a good coach when you see one? Coach Leach has done more for the fans, the program, and the school than anyone (maybe Bobby Knight did more for publicity).

My point is - how can TTU admin fire Coach Leach for putting a player in an air-condition "shed" when they hired another coach who choked a student and threw chairs like it was an Olympic event?

I'm boycotting Tech until they fire Gerald Myers and Kent Hance. They will not see another dime for clothing, games, or tuition (that was just raised, again!).

Screw you Tech. Good luck Coach Leach!

Christmas - frustration at it's best!

2009-12-29T11:05:00.001-06:00

I finally feel like myself again following the holidays. My kids, who live in Arkansas with their mother, came to visit and stay 10 days with me. It started out great! The last time I saw the kids was in September when me and my girlfriend went to Arkansas to visit. It's amazing how much they can grow and change in a few short months.

Let me start out by telling the beginning of the frustration that I had. We have 2 dogs (a malti-poo named Baxter and a Yorkie-Poo named Mia). We keep our dogs inside however at night they sleep in their crates. The crates were located in the guest bedroom where my daughter sleeps. Instead of letting the dogs out of their crates in the morning (when they are scratching and whining to go outside) she takes them out of the crates and puts them in bed with her. Autumn knew to take the dogs outside first thing in the morning because we discussed this (my twin boys did this the few days before this incident). I was brushing my teeth and getting ready for the day when I hear Mia, our 2.3 lbs Yorkie-poo crying horribly. I rush into the room to see what's going on and Autumn is holding Mia, who is still crying. I ask what happened and I get a "I don't know.. she was in her crate and started crying". I look Mia over and she's protecting her passenger side rear leg (that's what Jackie calls them anyways haha). I ask Autumn again what happened because I was worried that she got her foot caught in the door and maybe twisted her leg. As I'm looking over Mia, I noticed some dog poop on Autumn's blanket.. on the bed. I asked her what was that? Right then, I knew Autumn lied to me. Mia was not in her crate and she fell onto the floor. I guessed it was either a broken or dislocated hip. I sit Autumn in the living room and I drill her on what happened and I let her know that I know that Mia fell off the bed and she lied. She finally admits that Mia was on the bed and that she fell. Autumn is almost 11 and I feel like she knows better. $150 dollars later (and the awesome attention of a Dr. Oden) Mia came home. As of yesterday, she stopped limping so much and is back to her normal playing self. She did have a fracture in her hip (femoral head fracture) however Dr. Oden felt she would heal fine. So far, she is doing great.

From this point (this happened on the 22nd) I felt very frustrated and irritated. I was very disappointed in my daughter. I let her know this and I know it really upset her. The problem I have is she's is a very jealous, manipulating, young-lady. It worries me to death! She lies, she does mean things to her brothers (and enjoys it!!!) and she thinks it's okay to do these things! She still thinks I'm mad about Mia falling off the bed. That's the further from the truth - I'm mad because she lied and I'm mad because I feel like I have failed with her. Is that normal?

Anyways, I feel like this really affects my current relationship with Jackie (we have no children and Jackie wants a child). I just feel like such a failure as a Father that bringing more children in the world scares me to death! Especially if they turn out to be horrible people! I would just rather not know anything to be honest! I know this is irrational however it's my true feelings on this matter.

Onward to Christmas eve! We all went to my parents house (which stinks horribly of smoke and pets and causes me to get sick!) and opened presents. The boys were very excited and enjoyed their gifts and Autumn moped around and acted very unhappy. I'm not sure if it was due to the gifts she received, what her brothers received, or if this was some issue still left over from the Mia incident. Me and Jackie got a few nice things (considering my parents, my brother, and his girlfriend all do not work.. more on this later!!!). It was nice of them. We came back home, ate some left over spaghetti and watched the movie "Up".

Squirrel!

Christmas day! Surprisingly, I was the first one awake. I had already set out the presents early in the morning before I went to bed and I must have been the excited one since I woke up first! Autumn followed shortly after and she eventually woke up her brothers with the awesome phrase "Boys! Santa came!" They all came running back into the living room and tore into their presents! It was very nice to see the smiles, the yelling of "AWESOME!" and the sporadic hugs that were spawned from excitement. I really enjoyed watching their faces light up. Jackie and I opened our gifts to each other (I got some new boxers, a watch, a wallet, and some pub glasses). While I helped the kids put together their toys Jackie began to cook Christmas dinner. None of her family was coming over, just mine. She is so amazing to put up with me, my kids, and then my family. Soon after I finished getting toys together and trashed picked up, I helped out in the kitchen. Lunch was uneventful and followed with some Rockband 2 with my brother and his girlfriend. They seemed to enjoy the game. I think Jackie was uncomfortable for most of this being she didn't really know anyone and didn't participate in anything other than cooking, eating, and cleaning up the kitchen. I hope someday she will enjoy herself a little more but I can definitely understand her just wanting to get through the day.

Christmas night we watched a movie and just relaxed. I don't remember what movie we watched at the moment.

Sunday the 27th we met my Ex-wife in Oklahoma City to exchange the kids. It's about halfway between me and her but still a 5.5 hour drive. It was pretty sad but I think we both were ready to have our normal lives back (sad isn't it?). After the exchange I met up with my best friend (and my best friend since 1st grade) his wife and their son. We had a nice lunch at Carino's and then took a much needed walk around Target (Italian food sits so heavy in the stomach!). The roads weren't too horrible and we had Baxter and Mia with us (which called for extra stops lol).

We made it back home and were in bed shortly afterwards. I'm off until Thursday so I'm enjoying my time to myself (Jackie is back at work today and tomorrow).

First blog!

2009-12-08T21:44:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my blog! This is my first blog and I'll start out by talking about one of my hobbies, mixed martial arts!

I found this sport on accident after I joined a gym that opened up down the road from my house. I drove by it every day going to class and work. The window said "Boxing" and "Jiu-Jitsu" so I thought I would check it out. I stopped by one night and saw these people rolling around on the mat when a smaller guy named Brad approaches me. We talk a little and then I sit and watch for an hour. I went back the next night and had my own Gi shortly after.

From there, me and Brad became friends and he showed me some DVD movies of Ultimate fighting. He told me the story about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the Gracie family. I was sucked in and I loved every moment of it. A year and a half later I move and never trained with Brad again (even when I moved back to my home town, Brad was killed in a motorcycle accident). When I was moving back I was looking forward to meeting up with Brad and getting my butt kicked once again

Anyways, I love this sport. Not only do I enjoy watching it, I enjoy participating. I volunteer my time to the local fighters and the MMA club as a medical advisor (being I'm a Nurse and a Paramedic I standby at the local events in case of injuries).

I'm glad this sport is doing so well and I enjoy sharing stories and opinions with everyone who reads my blog!

I hope you join me and I'd love to see comments and posts regarding my blogs!