I’d like to go back to Australia. I’m a fan of Chris bones so I’d like to visit his gym. Also, during COVID I became Facebook friends with a black belt there named Dan Ward. Id love to meet up with him and visit his academy. 

At first it’s extreme physical, as a white and blue belt you’re using too much physicality….then you start to figure things out and it becomes 75% mental and 25% physical. 

No one single event, several things culminated which led me to walk through the doors. 

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.