I think I got caught in triangles every day my first year of Jiu Jitsu. That’s how I got cauliflower ear. Lesson: don’t pull your head out of a triangle. 

If I had to get caught in the same submission now…..I think it would be the body triangle. I know it’s not a true submission but it’s difficult for me to get out of since I don’t get caught in it very often. It would give me a year to analyze and perfect the escape. 

Were you watching BJJ specific videos or mma? How did this lead you to doing BJJ?

Great question! 

A life skill I think I lean towards thinking outside of the box. 

The only obvious answer is to go a certain route but it’s blocked? 

Take a step back, breathe and find a new route. 

Always remember the mats are waiting for you, no matter what. 

I keep in touch with my training partners that hold me accountable. 

Watch instructionals, and keep up with anything live going on. 

keep up with working out and flexibility/mobility. 

In fundamentals classes the first half of week we’re going over hip movement to escape side control and the second half we’re talking Kimuras. Exciting stuff!

#CU@6AM!

Absolutely! I think at first you’ll find people with a similar body type that you’ll be able to emulate.  Later on, as you gain experience, you’ll steer towards people that have a game type that you’re interested in. 

I don’t know who said it but I was pretty down on myself and not feeling like I was as far as I should be. They asked me what I considered a win and of course I said “when I tap someone”.  They explained to me that sometimes a win might be escaping a submission, pinning someone down, not getting taken down, etc. Stop trying to eat the whole elephant, it’s gotta be one bite at a time.” 

The other one was in Judo. HIPS IN, STOP LOOKING AT YOUR FEET. Makes all the difference. 

I try to be proactive but a lot of the time I’m looking for deficits in my partners game that I can capitalize on. 

When the stars align and I can pull off an Uchi Mata I feel like a rock star! 

Most of the time I’ll go for Tani Otoshi, I am definitely more successful with that one! 

In fundamentals we’re starting a series about back control. The very first technique is going from closed guard to taking the back. There are some small steps that can set you up for big success and we’re going to talk about them in the 6 am class.  Hope to see you there. 

#CU@6AM