tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13558519874435284962023-11-16T03:26:03.353-08:00My Jits JourneyMy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey. Learning BJJ in Australia.Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-64545509824972145332013-05-05T15:53:00.000-07:002013-05-05T15:53:24.129-07:002013 so far. The journey continues..<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6Ix4Wk7282MHTMUy_xb-AwKjUZvk7Qv74hkm3Vj6qugVi_7Aul2MkRdD2FBTqrpLlkcyWaKYEzafoDa5GsbMQcfK2L_8OAsme3jN50MVgvPRAvrkiajiga548_1amXzkR1kj1DKZcQU/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6Ix4Wk7282MHTMUy_xb-AwKjUZvk7Qv74hkm3Vj6qugVi_7Aul2MkRdD2FBTqrpLlkcyWaKYEzafoDa5GsbMQcfK2L_8OAsme3jN50MVgvPRAvrkiajiga548_1amXzkR1kj1DKZcQU/s320/photo.PNG" width="180" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Four months into 2013 and quiet a bit happening on the mat. We did a seminar with World Champ and beast <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/rodolfo-vieira-bjj-wiki" target="_blank">Rodolfo Vieira</a> and his Coach the legend <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/mestre-julio-cezar-pereira" target="_blank">Julio Cesar</a> at <a href="http://www.ignitesc.com/" target="_blank">IgniteSC</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;">Was excellent, we worked some nice techniques from closed guard and spider guard. At the end of the seminar they had a Question time, I made the mistake of asking Rodolfo what his fav judo techniques are. He showed me first hand. Luckily he was nice to me and didn't break all my ribs in the process. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Head coach of Cia Paulista Australia </span><a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/carlos-portugues-vieira-wiki-bio" style="line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Carlos Portugues Vieira</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> was also in attendance at the seminar and once again he wiped the floor with me. Is always a humbling experience to roll with Carlos. He recently qualified and then competed in Abu Dhabi at the World Pro Gi.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;">Below is <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/carlos-portugues-vieira-wiki-bio" target="_blank">Portugues</a> in the final of the Pro Gi qualifiers in Sydney earlier this year displaying his killer closed guard!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaBZbo_ibTTAx1idcoQ28ZGAQ3MgIE0dDZN9nnjPzxp4N_0SLIFRbKzoMOlNy55ySC1_sVHzJM3Gxj43u46YHLsd3QiuKXCoGlp8oueO0sZ7FpQZn3qj2tw_gD3N2Fbu0GySVdmb2RKU/s1600/_MG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaBZbo_ibTTAx1idcoQ28ZGAQ3MgIE0dDZN9nnjPzxp4N_0SLIFRbKzoMOlNy55ySC1_sVHzJM3Gxj43u46YHLsd3QiuKXCoGlp8oueO0sZ7FpQZn3qj2tw_gD3N2Fbu0GySVdmb2RKU/s320/_MG_0019.JPG" width="213" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sao Paulo native and Cia Paulista Black belt Felipe Lattari visited us here at TerraLuta BJJ late January to hold a seminar. He showed some very cool techniques. Including a triangle set up from the bottom of the north south position and some really cool half guard attacks. Was amazing to have a BJJ black belt from the birth place of BJJ here in Gympie. I rolled with him at the end of the seminar.. he schooled me, actually at one stage he had my hand tied up in my belt and was riding me like a bull. As far as i'm aware that makes me the first person in the area to roll with a Brazilian born BJJ Black Belt on Gympie mats. Was an amazing experience. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The last Saturday in April was the QLD Titles. I recently tweaked my knee training so was unable to compete but 2 of my students entered. They both did well in there matches but lost. I was very happy with the effort they put in and both dudes will be much better for the rolls.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My team mates from IgniteSC did extremely well at the comp, which was really motivating to me. It's such a great thing to be part of a strong team. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On the mat here in Gympie there is lots of improvements being shown. The team is learning how to back off the pressure when flow rolling and exchange techniques. This style of training in my eyes is extremely effective. Top level guys will play like this to warm up and drill there new techniques. I might do a blog on how and why we try to flow roll as well as roll hard here at TerraLuta BJJ. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">C u on the mat,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Rex</span></span></div>
Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-71561675224584602592013-04-10T23:57:00.000-07:002013-04-10T23:57:24.950-07:00Interview I did for the local paper..<br />
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – ‘it’s beautiful violence’</h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph3MEj6c5VCG2u2ZNOVxrhZo5A6QqBHnPcOgshfE4tA8-cR20c5sNsOuaatKbVrkFRs-aXDouLupL4deHevHYLigFxgh2Z7pF3hhWjYv9gOAc5aTTlNoyK8xE9zIpJjKZJQfBrdC9ykk/s1600/Old+school+pose.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph3MEj6c5VCG2u2ZNOVxrhZo5A6QqBHnPcOgshfE4tA8-cR20c5sNsOuaatKbVrkFRs-aXDouLupL4deHevHYLigFxgh2Z7pF3hhWjYv9gOAc5aTTlNoyK8xE9zIpJjKZJQfBrdC9ykk/s320/Old+school+pose.jpg" /></a>Q. <b>Firstly Rex, how did you get started in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?</b><br />A. Four years ago my friend Ben Dyer suggested I travel to his Gold Coast gym and train jiu-jitsu. I was hesitant at first but decided to give it a try and I instantly fell in love with the sport.<br /><br />Q. <b>Did you have any fighting experience before this?</b><br />A. I had some boxing experience, because my old man was a pro boxer and coach, but boxing doesn't really come into play in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>Is it true you have recently started a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym and club in Gympie?</b><br />A. I started a club called Terra Luta Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about 12 months ago and the gym is at my feed barn. It was small at first, just being a place for me to train, but I soon expanded and welcomed others to come and learn the sport I love.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>Is it the only gym in Gympie that specialises in BJJ?</b><br />A. Yeah, we are the only club to only train BJJ, which I am extremely proud of.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>Where is the gym and how could somebody join if interested?</b><br />A. It's on 45 Pine St in Gympie and anybody 13 years and over is welcome to come and have a go. Call me on 0416 044 363 or visit our Facebook page.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>What belt do you currently have?</b><br />A. I have a blue belt at the moment, but I'm hoping to move up in the near future. BJJ's belt system is much harder to move up in then karate or any other sport, it takes roughly 15 years to get a black belt.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>What is it you love about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?</b><br />A. I love how the sport can completely squash people's egos. When I first started I was around 130kg and they asked me to fight a guy half my size. I thought it was a joke, but he put me to the ground and tapped me out. It goes to show the sport is about technique and leverage not strength and size.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>Do you have a mentor in the sport?</b><br />A. My mentor definitely would be Ryan Dunstan. He taught me the fundamentals of BJJ and I have trained under him ever since. Every couple weeks I head down to Caloundra to train with him.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>Who is your favourite fighter and why?</b><br />A. Currently my favourite fighter is BJ Penn. I love to watch him fight because his technique is perfect. He specialises in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing. When he is in good form it is amazing to watch, it's beautiful violence because fighting is really an art form.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>How many people do you currently coach at your gym?</b><br />A. I have about 15 people in total who train Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. We train for an hour and half and usually work on, technique, drilling and rolling (sparring).<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>Where did you grow up and what sports did you play?</b><br />A. I grew up in Dalby until I went to boarding school at Toowoomba Grammar. I played rugby union for the school team in Year 12 and I was captain of the reserve team. After school I moved to Gympie and played for the Gympie Devils for roughly 10 years.<br /><br /><br />Q. <b>What's next for you and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?</b><br />A. For me I will continue to coach and train BJJ for as long as I can. I'm also hoping to expand the club and welcome juniors.<br /><br /><br /><b>Player profile</b><br /><br /><b>Name: </b>Rex Carney<br /><b>Age: </b>35<br /><b>Born:</b> Dalby<br /><b>Favourite Movie: </b>Reservoir Dogs<br /><b>Sport you would play if not Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:</b> Rugby League<br /><b>Funniest moment in sport: </b>Playing rugby with Phil Webb. He was a cheeky English player and always had funny one liners that cracked me up.<br /><br /><br />Reporter: Drew Timbs<br /> 10th Apr 2013 11:15 AM <br /><br />Here is the direct link</div>
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-<a href="http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-its-beautiful-violence/1823502/">http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-its-beautiful-violence/1823502/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Few things in there that I didn't say and some small inaccuracy's but overall I thought the article was cool. Nice to see BJJ getting some exposure here in Gympie.<br />My next blog will be a catch up of what's been going down on the mats here the last 3months or so. Lots to blog about.<br /><br /><br /><br />C u on the mat,<br /><br />Rex.</div>
Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-82160591218838662212013-01-09T23:07:00.000-08:002013-01-09T23:11:39.100-08:00It's About The Journey<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKBRUxgF2U-UTL14bLdtymYmlPb0q0rwlJopI75HifV2L8OpNJrrDYtjYrR0JBYiCPPiOn41ZQ7W4Tv4ZUa4kgwkWYr033Rt1EsymAiBUCatI_6sLv3YfJa2AwrKxLZo8OgYJIlQFvd0/s1600/IMG_3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKBRUxgF2U-UTL14bLdtymYmlPb0q0rwlJopI75HifV2L8OpNJrrDYtjYrR0JBYiCPPiOn41ZQ7W4Tv4ZUa4kgwkWYr033Rt1EsymAiBUCatI_6sLv3YfJa2AwrKxLZo8OgYJIlQFvd0/s320/IMG_3969.JPG" width="320" /></a>Last night signified the end of my first year running my own little gym and the beginning of my 4th year practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.... and while i'm notching shit up I've been a blue belt for just over 2years now. So it was really cool to have some of my students receive stripes on their belts and to have been given 2 more stripes on my Blue Belt by Coach Dunstan. We now have three 4stripe white belts on the mat.<br />
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Coach gave a speech at the end of training last night that reminded me to be grateful for the dedicated training partners I have here in Gympie.<br />
Getting to the gym and putting on the Gi in this heat is very difficult, especially after a hard days work. You know your team mates are all going to try their very best to choke you and stretch your limbs out at some stage during the night, but you still come. Making excuses is easy. It takes someone with a depth of character to keep turning up and stick with it.<br />
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I feel like the group of guys I have training with me right now are with me 100% on this journey, where ever it takes us. On top of their dedication they are also using some beautiful and technical jiu-jitsu. All the rolls I had and watched last night were rad. It's scary to think how good they will be in another years times.<br />
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I'm really enjoying the ride right now, can't wait to see what is going to happen next.<br />
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See you on the mat,<br />
Rex.<br />
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<br />Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-42515810306052883582012-07-15T20:31:00.002-07:002012-07-15T20:31:49.609-07:00Jiu-Jitsu In Action!<br />
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One of my team mates Bill is a cop in a small rural town and was able to use his knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu recently to get himself out of a really bad situation. He used a series of techniques that enabled him to protect himself and subdue his attacker with out anyone getting hurt.</div>
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He was required to bring in an escaped mental patient. The guy is an ex pro surfer who was in an unstable condition and a danger to himself and others. Bill knew where the guy was and went to pick him up. He approached the house on foot armed only with handcuffs in his pocket. The guy calmly came out of the house and met Bill at the front gate. When informed that he had to go back to the hospital he crash tackled Bill to the ground. He had no time to react to the tackle but quickly got closed guard. The attacker then put an arm on the ground and postured up to punch with his other hand. Bill said it was like everything went into slow motion, he attacked the arm on the ground with a kimura and broke the attackers posture down. The attacker then fought real hard to get his arm back and posture up again. Bill used his opponents momentum to pull off the hip bump sweep to mount. The guy then struggled to turn over and get up and Bill transitioned to the back position. He thought about the choke but decided to stabilise the position first and keep the seat belt grip. In the scramble Bills cuffs had fallen out on to the ground so he had to keep control of the guy with the back position and scoot over to the cuffs and put them on his attacker. He then walked him to his vehicle parked around the corner. After he put him in back of the paddy wagon he called me, still out of breath, to tell me that the stuff we have been working on in class just saved him and a mental patient from getting hurt. :-)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Old White-Belt Minus A Stripe</td></tr>
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To acknowledge his proficient use of the techniques under extreme pressure I did an impromptu grading by pulling a stripe off my old white-belt and presenting it to him after training. He's very pleased with how it all worked out and can now truly attest for the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jiutsu in a real life situation. He has also started bringing his two oldest sons in to train with the team.</div>
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I'm so pleased that he was able to use BJJ to gain the best possible outcome. Full credit to Bill and his hard work on the mat. He travels a fair distance to come train with us and I couldn't ask for a better team mate.</div>
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The way I try to coach is to be a part of the team. I train as hard as I can and try to push the pace, all with a smile on my face. I never want to be the fat instructor with his thumbs in his belt walking around like my shit doesn't stink talking about the old days and how tough I used to be. I want to be in the trenches fighting along side my mates in the battles that are taking place on the mat right now. </div>
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But this style of coaching means its hard to sit back and take stock of how everyone is progressing. So the last couple of training runs I've made sure I sat out a few rounds of sparring to see how everyone is progressing. I was overwhelmed with how well the guys are rolling. Lots of nice movement with some technical sweeps, transitions and submissions. All of them have progressed a massive amount in a relative short amount of time. There attitudes are excellent and they are all trying to make each other better while having fun. I think slowly but surely we are building something very special together here in Gympie and It feels really cool to be a part of it.</div>
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C u on the mat!!</div>
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Rex.</div>
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<br /></div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-282149165369825412012-05-06T21:07:00.001-07:002012-05-06T21:07:43.729-07:00Did I lock the car..??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKueX52JFMIF-dOnqdykkYd4l-Y3_CO9zWx2845tN63gMneK6ouiG9-LAnIhyphenhyphentqxsjrB2nliFVYwG7SzcxRKmYFuvNYPvXeIHC2thRaXhwrnEfEZbcoSWJi8KBSLkAdX2CvR8JcDcarlc/s1600/IMG_2765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKueX52JFMIF-dOnqdykkYd4l-Y3_CO9zWx2845tN63gMneK6ouiG9-LAnIhyphenhyphentqxsjrB2nliFVYwG7SzcxRKmYFuvNYPvXeIHC2thRaXhwrnEfEZbcoSWJi8KBSLkAdX2CvR8JcDcarlc/s320/IMG_2765.jpg" width="239" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Its been just over 3 weeks since my Hernia op and I'm close to being back training at 100%. My rehab has been going excellent. The surgeon and nurses all said to do no rehab at all for the first 2-3weeks. Which to me seemed a bit strange. So with the help of one of my team mates who is an excellent physio I have been working on strengthening up my core without the risk of re-injury. The hard part is, now that I'm back rolling, not going too hard when I'm training with the bigger guys.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>I have 4 of my team mates from Terra Luta BJJ competing at the state titles this Saturday. I have been trying my best to help them prepare. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Coaching jiu-jitsu is almost impossible for me with out being able to be on the mat. I'm still developing my coaching style and trying to learn and refine my own jiujitsu at the same time. The poor blokes I'm coaching are somewhat my guinea pigs. My approach at the moment is to try to be technical and always train hard, and train even harder when we are preparing for competitions. Luckily I've had the help and guidance of my coaches Ryan, Dean and Carlos and my team mates from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">IgniteSC & Cia Paulista. I am extremely grateful for their help and am very privileged to be part of such a strong team.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos Portugues Viera Seminar 28-04-12,<br />At IgniteSC</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">With only one or two hard training runs left before the comp, I believe the team will be ready to do their best. As i've blogged about before, I think competing is a short cut to getting better at BJJ and is a great way to develop as a person. When you're training hard for comps in the gym and on the competition mat, your weaknesses and strengths become obvious. Your mental is put to the test. You will find yourself in really shit positions where no one can help you but yourself. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7jE5DlIGNTfhrk5c4m6h0JcJTDO7ar_BsW1K1IShX0XsEwWywzAw1b5rAigqN9h7Zfj1NPl6Jy_opzeBfLDijFWiGUVPC020oTmDkQV1oOkFaLXCli7GD88Duy4qlJn9G4rAWmmS0Ek/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7jE5DlIGNTfhrk5c4m6h0JcJTDO7ar_BsW1K1IShX0XsEwWywzAw1b5rAigqN9h7Zfj1NPl6Jy_opzeBfLDijFWiGUVPC020oTmDkQV1oOkFaLXCli7GD88Duy4qlJn9G4rAWmmS0Ek/s320/IMG_2730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a head like this, <br />I'm always up against better looking opponents.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">You might find that you have no strength left, no cardio left, no one yelling out instructions for you. Your opponent might even be much more experienced, bigger, faster, have a cooler hair cut and be better looking than you. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">You are alone, its just you and your annoyingly well groomed opponent. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">That's when the voice in your head becomes very clear. We all have an inner monologue going in our head, it doesn't mean you're crazy. (Unless you start actually doing all the crazy shit your inner voice says) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">When you are in these shit positions and you think you have tried everything you can to escape, that inner voice is all you have left. You will here it say stuff like, shit I'm being smashed, fuck this guy is heavy, I hope no one is watching, how am I suppose to get out of this? did I train hard enough? Did I lock the car? I wonder if anyone is laughing at me? I wonder if Rihanna will get back with Chris Brown?All these things could go through your head. This is why people say that being an athlete is more mental than physical. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">The top guys all have that inner turmoil but they learn to deal with it and replace the negative stuff with positive and react to what is happening in the moment. They develop the ability to stay focused even when they are in the deepest amount of shit on the biggest stages of their sport. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6ISYXrQZbTxe5EMeqsJAc273ZE69DTL5a4f-gCpUIBbt-0bYtmZKN1AeZKn9w5eh7DJTj9CqW2scyWiXJNmMbqnTDumUlbZkx0QZ6HhPq34cgoVp96T6VT-bj4UOA2zzjd9Wqt-_Iss/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6ISYXrQZbTxe5EMeqsJAc273ZE69DTL5a4f-gCpUIBbt-0bYtmZKN1AeZKn9w5eh7DJTj9CqW2scyWiXJNmMbqnTDumUlbZkx0QZ6HhPq34cgoVp96T6VT-bj4UOA2zzjd9Wqt-_Iss/s320/IMG_2649.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a hard session at TerraLuta,<br />With Coach Ryan & Dean.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Me personally, I have this problem every time I compete. But I'm aware of it now and the last time I competed even tho I was against a much bigger and more experienced opponent, I still stayed in the fight till the very end and only lost by a couple of points. I think the reason for that was I remained focused on the task at hand the whole time. I've gotten smarter with my training I have options from most positions now. It may mean I have to be patient and wait for the right timing and leverage to create some space to execute the technique but I'm much more confident in my skill set. Even in my losses I learn so much about my Jiu-Jitsu and myself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">I'm very proud of the Terra Luta Competition Team. It takes heart to step on to the competition mat and compete. Just by entering and turning up on the day you become a different person. You are now a Jiu-Jitsu fighter. With that comes the full support of your team and the honour to represent the team patch on your back.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeqI8deVATiE_0wGW02wU2_3rQgHUVtOG5u-83foAOVSM2c6qPVlcH1RTnSd2os26IW1kVfm9fxlcs1RSQ8GAdF1p9gRLBQn2ijxxE0AsGHVo-8iUGCKJGdpDTJc9HPu4JtniF0c66e8/s1600/IMG_2517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeqI8deVATiE_0wGW02wU2_3rQgHUVtOG5u-83foAOVSM2c6qPVlcH1RTnSd2os26IW1kVfm9fxlcs1RSQ8GAdF1p9gRLBQn2ijxxE0AsGHVo-8iUGCKJGdpDTJc9HPu4JtniF0c66e8/s400/IMG_2517.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cia Paulista QLD!</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-57747553468960212972012-04-03T00:35:00.002-07:002012-04-03T04:35:26.920-07:00Got The Itch...<div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvouwQlAaTkW5p-KqOH5xEw-tak7zyPcyEsr5QcdOtGrpT4kUywKSon60du2fkmqpPtdiIacC5d64ZfZmYq4QSkvb9S_OX0Wcs_1RsyWUKYHhX0AM7OcWHNzUBD_UNIPvzb1WPqlYUebs/s1600/photo-745385.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727074942632300466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvouwQlAaTkW5p-KqOH5xEw-tak7zyPcyEsr5QcdOtGrpT4kUywKSon60du2fkmqpPtdiIacC5d64ZfZmYq4QSkvb9S_OX0Wcs_1RsyWUKYHhX0AM7OcWHNzUBD_UNIPvzb1WPqlYUebs/s320/photo-745385.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is my locker at my gym, <br />
The logo is the CiaPaulista Australia patch. <br />
When I compete I represent this team.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> I have one more week of training before I have the op for my hernia. I'll be off the mat for 4-6weeks and will not be ready to compete until mid June. I'm so keen to get back on the competition mat and compete for my team. I have always competed since I started doing Jits, just over 3yrs ago. I did my first comp after only 1months training. I really want to do as many comps as I can every season. But due to work, injuries and life outside of jits. I've not been able to compete as often as I want too. I've had a shit start to the year with Illness and injuries but after I recover from this latest surgery I will be looking to hit the competition mats with full force the second half of this year. I believe competing is a short cut to improving your Jiu-Jitsu and to improving yourself in lots of other ways. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you have to compete to be good at jiu-jitsu. I'm saying it helps you develop faster. It really forces your hand. You become aware of your weight, your conditioning, your standup game and your all round comp game. You train harder in preparation for a comp and having set dates give you excellent goal setting time frames. Win, lose or draw, I always take lots of positives and lots of things to work on out of my matches. I'll keep a bit of a track on my recovery programme post op and my preparation for my first comp back on here. Hope someone finds it useful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">C u on the mat,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rex.</div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-49246888573597045292012-02-09T02:57:00.000-08:002012-02-09T02:57:46.891-08:00In Jits We Trust!Everyone loves analogies, well I do anyway and the coolest analogies are Jiu-Jitsu related. I think bjj teaches us so much more than just how to pull off a fully sick reverse De La Riva sweep. (see below)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Life is a lot like Jiu-Jitsu. You never know what ya gunna get</i>."</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Forrest Gump.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There is so many life lessons being learned every time we hit the mat. I think we just need to place them in the right context of what's going on in life off the mat and you have the answer to most of your problems right there. Thanks Jits!<br />
In life, just like in jits, If you work hard and smart at something you are passionate about (eg.. deep half guard.) you start seeing improvements very quickly in that area. Everything starts flowing. You start getting shit done, pulling off some nice techniques. Things are going in the right direction at a good pace, you're as happy as a pig in shit..... then boom!... Out of no where come the dramas..... it could be as simple as not being to able to pull of your go to sweep for some reason. Or as extreme as a major injury or something else that stops you from enjoying the position. Some problems can spiral. Personnel conflicts, injuries, illness, stress, frustration, finances, not knowing the answers and feeling hopeless. All these things can make you think, is it worth all the effort.<br />
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Injuries and Illness suck massive donkey balls. I may need to have surgery on a Inguinal hernia. Which is basically my stomach trying to escape through a hole in my abdomen. I think I initially injured it when I first started doing Jiu-Jitsu. Back then I was 125kg and over exerting every time I rolled. But it has only became a real problem over the last 2 months. The surgery can take up to 6weeks to get over. So depending on when the surgery is I won't be able to train or compete for at least a couple of months. Which stuffs up my plans to compete as much as possible this year.<br />
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On top of this I just found out that I have Ross River Fever. It has really knocked the shit out of me. All my joints blew up and I was covered in spots after training Friday night. I couldn't do much physical activity that night and the next day. If I did I would get head spins and have to lay down. So I got blood tests done and boom.. Ross River fever. Apparently it can take ages to get over and some people have recurring bouts of it all there life. So that sux balls!<br />
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Money is always an issue in this society we live in. With out it, it's real hard to get shit done. I've overspent already on my little gym. I really want to get some more stuff done but I have to curb my spending. While all my focus has been on getting the club going, my main business has been a little bit neglected and needs some work put in to it now.<br />
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So yeah, I'm feeling some stress, but I'm not being a whiny little bitch about it. I'm handling it pretty good. I think I have BJJ to thank for how well I'm handling it. These problems are inevitable but how we deal with them is what truly tests us. My natural reaction is to either blame and resent other people and other things for my problems (known as 'spazzing out' in bjj. It leads to giving up your arms and getting tapped) or, crawl in to my shell and hope it all goes away (the BJJ equivalent is you go limp and give up fighting in the middle of the roll). I've learnt that spazzing only gets you submitted and giving up or hiding from the guy that smashes you when you roll is for pussy's. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje88ln_HSTCeq5D-hrfW3xqeVDCmZTFGH1HZq6nCdHM8VsUJESdXeEjTzF-2g5r2RtqhxgeA1UF4k7YO4BhnZaK3VigpgzAyHt2RNheSQG41pbhMU3xukeaBXcon2kJvQToiNkfNOP8uo/s1600/IMG_2285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje88ln_HSTCeq5D-hrfW3xqeVDCmZTFGH1HZq6nCdHM8VsUJESdXeEjTzF-2g5r2RtqhxgeA1UF4k7YO4BhnZaK3VigpgzAyHt2RNheSQG41pbhMU3xukeaBXcon2kJvQToiNkfNOP8uo/s320/IMG_2285.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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In grappling if a problem occurs while you're rolling you don't panic, you relax and go with the flow.. even if your head is being tea-bagged by a 90kg sweaty dude trying to rip your arm off, you remember the position. Then you break it down later on in your head and try to work out why there was a problem. Then you start taking action to fix that shit. You ask your coach and training partners for some help with the position or you might have to do some research of your own. Then you have to drill it and next time you find yourself in that same spot... boom! You execute the correct move like a ninja.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOuG9Iw7DQx2DOBa0X5vGvWpV7hyEt9wOeXaReRtY3qGIWAXJdz5o61lmc4ew4b08UpWPJxJVtM2nwejrbK2QHrbpgBFGRawyvtV7Bhz5t4Zct2SrXfo-CGhC8D7kjg3tVeaMZLbfySY/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOuG9Iw7DQx2DOBa0X5vGvWpV7hyEt9wOeXaReRtY3qGIWAXJdz5o61lmc4ew4b08UpWPJxJVtM2nwejrbK2QHrbpgBFGRawyvtV7Bhz5t4Zct2SrXfo-CGhC8D7kjg3tVeaMZLbfySY/s200/IMG_2288.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new B'fast, bit better than a flat white</td></tr>
</tbody></table>With my Jiu-Jitsu right now I physically can't train but I was on the mat last night helping my team mates as much as I can and I'll be there every night we train. Hopefully I'll have a gi back on next week, depending on how I feel. But I'm taking the time off, as a positive. It has enabled me to have a better look at how my team mates are rolling. I think I can really help the guys out by focusing in on my teaching right now. Same goes for all my other problems.<br />
While I can't do much manual labor, I'm working a lot smarter. It's forced me to step back and have a look at what techniques I'm using in all the different areas of my life. I'm seeing some holes in my game. So I'm doing some research and asking for some help from my family, friends and team mates. Even though I'm not 100% physically I really feel like I'm still moving forward and kicking arse like a Diaz brother. What bitch!!<br />
<br />
I think life/Jiu-Jitsu throws problems at us for a reason. To teach us humility and make us better Jiu-Jitsu players. Things that come with no obstacles or no problems aren't worth getting any way.<br />
<br />
C u on the mat.<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-35605159442639218262011-12-28T21:31:00.000-08:002011-12-28T21:31:20.251-08:00Terra Luta BJJOn the 21st January three years ago, I started travelling a two hour round trip from Gympie to Caloundra 2-3 times a week to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Ryan Dunstan. I knew back then that BJJ was going to be a part of my life and I'd have to organize a way to train closer to home. <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So earlier this year, with the blessing of my coach and the purchase of quality mats, I started doing some training at my business here in Gympie after hours. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the beginning it was very low key with just a couple of my mates 2 times a week. One of my mates is another Blue belt who was also looking for a place to train. So i've been able to get some good training in for myself and start bringing some of my mates up to a level so they can have some fun on the mat and learn some fundamentals of BJJ. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once the word got out we were doing true Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here in Gympie, people have been super keen to try it out and I've got about 10 peeps now that train with me consistently. I haven't been charging them anything to train. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I didn't feel right charging people to get coached by a blue belt, but as of 1st January I will be affiliated with <a href="http://www.ignitesc.com/">IgniteSC</a> and with the help and support from Coach Ryan Dunstan, I feel confident to start up my own little club.. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Terra Luta Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu</em></strong>, Gympie's first 100% BJJ club. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunB-zCQ0yNf1GBa8e_tgG5ZlKzOZY8olGhyphenhyphen_qFEYq_0NiTmysgKPCt_LTjTWjhFChKfwKNS8RMqKLgrN6nQ62R3iDcALfyaBiFUif_dkCJtwZ-b65u2J2ra3R4_PIDQFP0CulobrjVwU/s1600/terra_luta_logo_concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunB-zCQ0yNf1GBa8e_tgG5ZlKzOZY8olGhyphenhyphen_qFEYq_0NiTmysgKPCt_LTjTWjhFChKfwKNS8RMqKLgrN6nQ62R3iDcALfyaBiFUif_dkCJtwZ-b65u2J2ra3R4_PIDQFP0CulobrjVwU/s400/terra_luta_logo_concept.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mission as a club is....</div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">To create a safe, friendly and motivating place to learn the beautiful art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">To strive to make a difference in the community by providing an affordable, safe and fun non striking form of self defense. </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">To promote respect, courtesy, gratitude, mate-ship and a healthy lifestyle. </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">To offer a family friendly environment which promotes Jiu-Jitsu for everyone.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">To give students the option to train hard to compete at a high level, or just train to have fun and learn.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">To have a positive affect on the lives of all the team mates that step on to the Terra Luta mat.</div></li>
</ul><br />
<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW_nI61ABeYVXrQVf6ZooA-5T98waT__jLGGVx3-dtiGK5CVhbnx5WOl98cyFwR37p2HIhRNUxv-2LQXgOAsUb0240fLrarMnZzyP-TAAoxp77Y8Sn84ESlJk72-SqcJw0uyRVdlSgRE/s1600/IMG_2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW_nI61ABeYVXrQVf6ZooA-5T98waT__jLGGVx3-dtiGK5CVhbnx5WOl98cyFwR37p2HIhRNUxv-2LQXgOAsUb0240fLrarMnZzyP-TAAoxp77Y8Sn84ESlJk72-SqcJw0uyRVdlSgRE/s320/IMG_2082.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will be training BJJ at the <a href="http://www.feedbarn.com.au/">Gympie Feed Barn</a> Wednesday and Friday nights at 6pm and Sunday afternoons at 4pm. Anyone interested in training <a href="http://my-jits-journey.blogspot.com/p/contact.html">contact me</a> and please follow our facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Terra-Luta-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/201915033221766">Terra Luta BJJ</a> for all the latest info on the club. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has given me a new found passion and focus. By competing at least 2-3 times a year, not only has my jiu-jitsu game improved but I feel that I have grown and continue to grow as an individual. I truly believe BJJ has helped me become a better person in all areas of my life. It has provided me with a healthy activity that continually gives me so many new and exciting experiences. I'm extremely grateful to the team mates and coaches that I have trained with since I started my jits journey. I love introducing people to the art and watching them fall in love with it, like I have. I hope to be a positive influence on anyone who trains with me and help spread the awesomeness that is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu within <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Australia</country-region></place>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_EAKTJc021TsoQ_wQCO2hNxvMfzRR9Q1p56Gf16_FEKOfnLr4fMEIAvMYux8jk1xrAo4RubSkWMIcmse8m6qxBqJQrqh-7xVPXynEdUJCRHlNILrLHAJHyC5U4Mc2fQ8hMwX9n9768U/s1600/382761_156489324455371_100002829140813_199440_349948376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_EAKTJc021TsoQ_wQCO2hNxvMfzRR9Q1p56Gf16_FEKOfnLr4fMEIAvMYux8jk1xrAo4RubSkWMIcmse8m6qxBqJQrqh-7xVPXynEdUJCRHlNILrLHAJHyC5U4Mc2fQ8hMwX9n9768U/s320/382761_156489324455371_100002829140813_199440_349948376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
C u on the mat,<br />
Rex.Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-68546502860628383912011-11-21T21:22:00.000-08:002011-11-21T21:22:36.432-08:00Comp, Training, Grading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Been very busy lately, with work training and family so my blogging has taken a back seat. But i'm bludging at work right now in the air con so I'll take the chance to drop a blog... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since the Pan Pacs i've let my fitness slip a little bit and I've put some weight back on but I'm still training at least 3 times a week so i haven't blown right out. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWZLqy7KlMrizUaxzAwa-Mvh-THHmVGd5hhkv2376Z4zNA_Ymgb6V_5RWE1l7LqeUZ02qDyd7n_MblmjbOr8rPDxDjBTmDdtG7BxZwsEq2bky0dbynCIL9lmZNKA7Qp7Ow7h1NlVKvWQ/s1600/IMG_1902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWZLqy7KlMrizUaxzAwa-Mvh-THHmVGd5hhkv2376Z4zNA_Ymgb6V_5RWE1l7LqeUZ02qDyd7n_MblmjbOr8rPDxDjBTmDdtG7BxZwsEq2bky0dbynCIL9lmZNKA7Qp7Ow7h1NlVKvWQ/s320/IMG_1902.jpg" width="320" /></a>A few weeks ago I attended a <span class="profileName fn ginormousProfileName fwb"><span style="color: white;">Carlos Português Vieira</span></span> and <span class="profileName fn ginormousProfileName fwb"><span style="color: #1c2a47; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Alexandre Santos</span> </span></span>seminar at IgniteSC in Caloundra on a Friday night and then competed the next day in a comp in Brisbane. The Seminar was excellent. Português is an amazing teacher, every time I'm on the mat with him I always learn something rad that i can add to my game immediately. He is also an amazing competitor. He took out the $1000 dollar brown and black belt open at the comp the next day. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my young team mates that i coach in Gympie competed in the under16 division. He did extremely well, losing to the eventual winner of his division and winning another match by a kimura. He never gave up and showed lots of technique and heart. I was extremely proud and it reminded me of how much of a positive effect Jiu-Jitsu can have on people. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I faced off against a massive dude in my Blue Belt division, the weight division was a bit odd, it was 91kg and over. So i weighed in at 95kg my opponent was 145kg. (Usually i would be in a division of dudes 93-99kg.)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNjvZQVl1JKJ45ArNBOOc2LDz17NmTdhgjrhssyQrwYQKEDPpvS4VFzCSxWB928am9fmY8Fao7B_VCmunARRnq_cXdSfdncZq1CbEhhJn3zz4hDZzz5YaHUpkhZ0rsPskQujatZvkhNg/s1600/IMG_1907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNjvZQVl1JKJ45ArNBOOc2LDz17NmTdhgjrhssyQrwYQKEDPpvS4VFzCSxWB928am9fmY8Fao7B_VCmunARRnq_cXdSfdncZq1CbEhhJn3zz4hDZzz5YaHUpkhZ0rsPskQujatZvkhNg/s320/IMG_1907.jpg" width="320" /></a>But I wasn't too worried i thought I'll just go at it and see what happens. I pulled open guard and tried to work for a sweep. I tried to go to closed guard at one stage but i couldn't get my legs around him haha.... I got a couple of near sweeps but he based out and was way to big to force over. I even had an armbar at one stage but his arm was more like a leg and i had no chance. I ended up losing the match on points 2-0. I was a bit angry. I'm getting a bit sick of losing. But i took it as a good experience and i think if i faced a big guy like that again i could play a bit different game and maybe be more successful. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall the Cia Paulista team did extremely well in the comp. The guys and girls were all using some nice techniques and nearly all team members took home a medal. The highlight was Carlos taking out the cash, beating a big Gracie Barra Black belt from the GoldCoast. He is an inspirational leader and an excellent role model to all his students.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPcBkjy4rcVRjASUlJp-96XlX_8tKo8m-kD8rKogzgxbFd21V_6fXdTPv92cF240rbi92nmaq12GCulExrAVS7ERFrQtkY3LioRjBjUMcu8phd1n4a9i8UtSJmSrGdasfdggBNmY5ivA/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPcBkjy4rcVRjASUlJp-96XlX_8tKo8m-kD8rKogzgxbFd21V_6fXdTPv92cF240rbi92nmaq12GCulExrAVS7ERFrQtkY3LioRjBjUMcu8phd1n4a9i8UtSJmSrGdasfdggBNmY5ivA/s320/IMG_1967.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBhseLSynJQBFog0nzcElP9djLyfkDl1t4GO2zS4kIuzLpFPK8G5wUrUzArxlaRhvn_awopE_XGZKJsI2m6z_2dKqoLqW_x4bKpgnNomRx2xC31i_vPfnyho0OHcffcNyYkXC5cxAw7A/s1600/382892_10150470364853296_663033295_10355394_177601055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBhseLSynJQBFog0nzcElP9djLyfkDl1t4GO2zS4kIuzLpFPK8G5wUrUzArxlaRhvn_awopE_XGZKJsI2m6z_2dKqoLqW_x4bKpgnNomRx2xC31i_vPfnyho0OHcffcNyYkXC5cxAw7A/s320/382892_10150470364853296_663033295_10355394_177601055_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the home front, my little gym has started to grow. I have about 7 regular students now and they are all learning so fast. I'm really enjoying teaching them the techniques and helping them feel comfortable in the different positions. The vibe on the mat is super cool. They are all excellent students and team mates. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">At the last grading night at IgniteSC, 3 of my students travelled down with me and were involved in the grading night. I had the honor of giving them there first stripe on there white belts. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a great grading night. Lots of white belts were showing some nice techniques and I think a lot of them will be changing belt colours real soon. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Next year will be a huge year for Cia Paulista Qld team. I will be training hard and competing at my best so I represent correct for the Cia Paulista team!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EZV2i_fKnbQZxujvG0VDfVEzVBqlaDTNIVy_2w7f687Dr-yLfGkfRXr1U3qxhJHCHdeG7Ez3zaQlHSIjZ1CAwuS9bqCfPvmGX7ph8J7GQ-6j1jhJvNQpDpzR-ISMxQUzWKRYJ8ey72o/s1600/389516_10150470364468296_663033295_10355393_726189116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EZV2i_fKnbQZxujvG0VDfVEzVBqlaDTNIVy_2w7f687Dr-yLfGkfRXr1U3qxhJHCHdeG7Ez3zaQlHSIjZ1CAwuS9bqCfPvmGX7ph8J7GQ-6j1jhJvNQpDpzR-ISMxQUzWKRYJ8ey72o/s320/389516_10150470364468296_663033295_10355393_726189116_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">C u on the mat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rex.</div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-76872732119836955762011-09-21T15:02:00.000-07:002011-09-21T15:02:45.953-07:00Melbourne Pan Pacs 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnGuM4TbozGLq4be63fsVk95Kk5kYUqXSyIt3B7eZCQ1p0Jz7WrkWWjmpeWwZO_fiEZIv393BF8M9GhQSAN21lA6V4iniU9I2MCvfkq-ytRSaqcdVvBLLovlJfRCU9l2upUC7EICMsbM/s1600/IMG_1622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnGuM4TbozGLq4be63fsVk95Kk5kYUqXSyIt3B7eZCQ1p0Jz7WrkWWjmpeWwZO_fiEZIv393BF8M9GhQSAN21lA6V4iniU9I2MCvfkq-ytRSaqcdVvBLLovlJfRCU9l2upUC7EICMsbM/s320/IMG_1622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Once again Jiu-Jitsu has provided me with more than just some kick arse moves. This time it got me too Melbourne to compete at the Pan Pacs for the first time. This is the second time i've been south of the boarders where the mexicans live. But this time i really got to see and do a lot of what the city has to offer. Like really great coffee, great food, rad street art, tasty beverages, super cool people and bad ass jiu-jitsu!!</div><div style="text-align: right;">I got to catch up with one of my best friends from boarding school. He's been living in Melbs for many years and really has his ear to the ground for all that is totally radical. Myself and a team mate from the gym crashed at his joint in Fitzroy for the first few days of our trip. He and his super cool girlfriend were excellent hosts. My friend is quiet the cook. His home made pizzas were amazing after a hard nights training.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPZfB7nJBB1es1xwEttgwaUTqkNVFp2xjGPX3oS340Os-iZ0wQ7RKj_P_f72SI8uPHWbcPmoYnWqcznLYuEPQVg93W_tWPi248cgtIbf1Hgwgev9xM5zoEvi604EmIqPHvZiuiMx8C7Q/s1600/IMG_1601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPZfB7nJBB1es1xwEttgwaUTqkNVFp2xjGPX3oS340Os-iZ0wQ7RKj_P_f72SI8uPHWbcPmoYnWqcznLYuEPQVg93W_tWPi248cgtIbf1Hgwgev9xM5zoEvi604EmIqPHvZiuiMx8C7Q/s320/IMG_1601.jpg" width="239" /></a>He took us on a guided tour of Melbourne on the trams and also convinced me to get on a push bike for the first time in about 20yrs. Yes i did have a couple of stacks... nothing to bad but my family jewels got a good whack at one stage.<br />
The city it self has so much to offer. I really dug the vibe in Fitzroy and over in St Kilda where my friend informed me that everything was just a little bit trippy.<br />
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The training was excellent. The level of the guys on the mat was very high and the intensity of the training for the first couple of nights we were there was full on. My body didn't hold up to well. Next comp I will emulate what they are doing down there and really push myself much more. I think the colder weather and the intensity of the training combined to cause me to strain my lower back which kind of made things a bit hard on the mat. I need to work harder on my core stength and hip flexibility.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfj4wS-t1zqPHCXX5D31_MMt0e6wcBXdVOXV82qKFzjlB6-k9QbO8_q3FCKgLTvQA7WlpAmRws5hRxL4SJBzCAvd9WNhoJQn-9m5f2BcB2B_iiWAkKUwGC7gYYvvGvs_qJtBBuXdSxSs/s1600/IMG_1680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfj4wS-t1zqPHCXX5D31_MMt0e6wcBXdVOXV82qKFzjlB6-k9QbO8_q3FCKgLTvQA7WlpAmRws5hRxL4SJBzCAvd9WNhoJQn-9m5f2BcB2B_iiWAkKUwGC7gYYvvGvs_qJtBBuXdSxSs/s200/IMG_1680.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC9OvXVeaJOul8xg9vbzDXbq5kV6ZBrMRa9Wd-nw3BSJc3J0f0vSeC7wJZwjOl3Cq7J8ywlgX0LAL-qSkqWD2JDKkPeN958oi6-Ut4IbnAsXmsa2A3HexXkQTpIr6nN_NmArzxnq7gG0/s1600/IMG_1676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLC9OvXVeaJOul8xg9vbzDXbq5kV6ZBrMRa9Wd-nw3BSJc3J0f0vSeC7wJZwjOl3Cq7J8ywlgX0LAL-qSkqWD2JDKkPeN958oi6-Ut4IbnAsXmsa2A3HexXkQTpIr6nN_NmArzxnq7gG0/s320/IMG_1676.jpg" width="239" /></a>The competion was by far the biggest i've been to. I was a touch over whelmed by the occasion but i really liked the atmosphere. The quality of the BJJ being played was of a very high standard even the white belt divisions were stacked with very strong technical guys and girls. My team mates from IgniteSC all competed very well. I think nearly everyone picked up a medal. One of my coaches from Ignite did extremely well winning his weight in the Purple belts and 3rd in the absolute. Also the Melbourne Cia Paulista guys kicked arse picking up a swag of gold medals in all the divisions. Head coachs Carlos Vieira and Alexandre Santos where stand outs for me. They had some epic battles and both won there weight divisions. Carlos Faced off against Big Mick Wilson in the absolute final. Where he lost by points in a great match. Cia Paulista team came in 3rd overall. which was a top effort and the Mestre was extremely happy.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EBf_GNmKJL6wVNRC5GnWWDDUKnN0ppOyeawNDtYauoXChY1UnHJf8ZHFZrNRnm2WDhijnOqpqFgNEG75UVCrSaNgi4GrmlokBzXUlK8grISILHW0QcUBghpoyBoB_NzDALPfiJUuDKc/s1600/panPac+11+no+gi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EBf_GNmKJL6wVNRC5GnWWDDUKnN0ppOyeawNDtYauoXChY1UnHJf8ZHFZrNRnm2WDhijnOqpqFgNEG75UVCrSaNgi4GrmlokBzXUlK8grISILHW0QcUBghpoyBoB_NzDALPfiJUuDKc/s320/panPac+11+no+gi.jpg" width="320" /></a>When it was my turn to compete, i'd be lying if i said i wasn't shitting myself. My lack of comp experience really showed and my no-gi match did not go to plan. I shot for a double got sprawled on and spent most of the round scrabbling between turtle and half guard. He even had my back at one stage but I pulled off an escape and got a pass. I popped up to knee ride a bit fast and was granby rolled to half guard where he caught me in a darce choke which really gave the old neck a tweak. He went on to win the division which meant i got 3rd by default. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hk6favyHGp1fc-54JdHjsuat6Bglg5SSL_GB6o7b5wgCpEDsWmihZDBeQBo2fgYXa2jBCbOJlMG4-F-bDhnGSycSq8LeVVTf2owL8GSdWMihKa_jvBe-A6QVnYlkaDGa-O_rolUrSno/s1600/Pan+Pacs+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hk6favyHGp1fc-54JdHjsuat6Bglg5SSL_GB6o7b5wgCpEDsWmihZDBeQBo2fgYXa2jBCbOJlMG4-F-bDhnGSycSq8LeVVTf2owL8GSdWMihKa_jvBe-A6QVnYlkaDGa-O_rolUrSno/s320/Pan+Pacs+11.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="275" /></a>I was looking forward to some redemption in my gi match. I tried to pull guard but missed my grips and didn't pull properly so my opponent got a near pass. In the scramble i found my self with a nice grip on his sleeve and my leg in a position i thought i knew a sweep for but it turned out i had the wrong grip and needed to change hands. I held this position for a while but gave up on it and tried to get to my knees but he took my back. Once again i escaped and attacked a straight leg lock. I need to watch the fight again to see what actually happened but i think i got a sweep and an advantage out of that, because with about 30 sec left i needed a pass to win but I had nothing left and time ran out. I was pissed off at myself, i let a chance go by to get a win. My cardio is what let me down in this fight and some poorly executed technique. But it has given me lots to work on and i'm going to compete a lot more from now on. I'm going to get my weight down even more, and build up my cardio and strength. </div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWtvsDCDXF_LV3iyFq54V0d7c8GVfO2c34klm0OTY5yOGD9lHztnuCa6kHu_L8gavgLfu5tw5nIosYr6kcdOLtypdT2BqECFMj9cOqPnkCp4UgT3d2ZTZ6RNIo5hWSP4cId5i_RWS1Cs/s1600/IMG_1700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWtvsDCDXF_LV3iyFq54V0d7c8GVfO2c34klm0OTY5yOGD9lHztnuCa6kHu_L8gavgLfu5tw5nIosYr6kcdOLtypdT2BqECFMj9cOqPnkCp4UgT3d2ZTZ6RNIo5hWSP4cId5i_RWS1Cs/s320/IMG_1700.jpg" width="238" /></a>One of the most inspiring things a bout the comp was my team mate and friend 'Timeless' Tom Taylor competing against guys half his age. He showed some true heart and never gave up in both his fights. He deservedly<span class="Apple-style-span"> picked up 3rd. I hope that i can stay as positive, healthy and courageous as Tom as I move through life. I had a great time getting to know Tom better and really enjoyed the experience we had together. From competing to partying with the Brazilians. </span><br />
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So I had a great time in Melbourne but I was disappointed in my performance on the mat. I learnt a lot out of the whole experience. Most of all I am truly grateful to my beautiful wife for all her support in allowing me to pursue my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu addiction. I missed her and my two kids so much. It was great to get home and give them all a big hug. I love them!<br />
C u on the mat!<br />
Rex.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi08SH62XqZkYYWqlNJyyNchUp_P-KEJhCNE8tLI9_k4Wr3uEye97hChqzJn-L2y_WWrW2CgUOYUycYvINCqzmnTK1z70Z1V7YS-QJKLyJ_mK0Xmvl78dog0vdkwubk_SFF97D_D72B9s/s1600/IMG_1762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi08SH62XqZkYYWqlNJyyNchUp_P-KEJhCNE8tLI9_k4Wr3uEye97hChqzJn-L2y_WWrW2CgUOYUycYvINCqzmnTK1z70Z1V7YS-QJKLyJ_mK0Xmvl78dog0vdkwubk_SFF97D_D72B9s/s320/IMG_1762.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-89766663894440150862011-09-13T22:03:00.000-07:002011-09-13T22:07:09.739-07:00Hard Training.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dLYh1Zqp_M6cEE6sio07ry2QvrJyLu-rtUeSJVywLdxvN0jS66aWrYTafwZZcYIuwcFk-SyLqlPcFufZxOAVb_5bRLz4VNYa7ZWlVrvS71z7fc0bR2Hl25CUIc6823-U3bnnsB36O14/s1600/photo-729740.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dLYh1Zqp_M6cEE6sio07ry2QvrJyLu-rtUeSJVywLdxvN0jS66aWrYTafwZZcYIuwcFk-SyLqlPcFufZxOAVb_5bRLz4VNYa7ZWlVrvS71z7fc0bR2Hl25CUIc6823-U3bnnsB36O14/s320/photo-729740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652077451260896754" /></a></p>I've been training hard down here for 2 days now with my Cia Paulista team mates. Bit sore, but the next 2 days will b a lot less intense leading up to the comp. The guys r training very hard. I'm struggling to keep up. My body is not in good enough condition. Last night there were 2 black belts on the mat, both of them pushing the pace and training hard. Having a rad time, meeting some cool cats and getting my arsed kicked. Good times!!Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-38137621435728689322011-09-12T18:26:00.000-07:002011-09-12T18:30:59.927-07:00Fitzroy Street Art!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXdMLRttMyGm2tI1KAjRNwW-pyG9lqm8rYA9gyDueowaZYRdyvnPWBEx8OKt2SAc4Ccklb3WbWucM5rlKNSN5Boe0AkPG7x7oYXWl2nmcmhrjjb1HSNvheoipLDCvICQaAfNirTX3BHA/s1600/photo-759928.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXdMLRttMyGm2tI1KAjRNwW-pyG9lqm8rYA9gyDueowaZYRdyvnPWBEx8OKt2SAc4Ccklb3WbWucM5rlKNSN5Boe0AkPG7x7oYXWl2nmcmhrjjb1HSNvheoipLDCvICQaAfNirTX3BHA/s320/photo-759928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651650664782184834" /></a></p>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-64655808043317040262011-09-11T18:44:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:47:12.117-07:00<div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Today i fly out to melbourne to train with the team from Cia Paulista in preparation for the Pan Pacs this weekend. I'm currently sitting in the airport waiting for my flight. Training up to this point has been a bit stop start. I had a bit of trouble with my knee which kept me off the mat for a few days and then a chest infection that has been hanging on for a couple of weeks. But I'm not trying to make excuses. I will definitely put everything into the training this week and perform at my best this weekend.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>I'm probably more nervous about the training this week than the comp its self.... I've felt what it's like to roll with head coach Carlos Viera and it's not very comfortable to say the least and i can only imagine what it will be like when he is in comp mode. hahaha</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>C u on the mat,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); font-size: medium; "><span>Rex</span></span><br><br></div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-64713281722783148032011-09-11T18:16:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:20:12.722-07:00Melbourne Bound!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWlEEEibLihC9Ltylx-J8n_nfXbUcUIOStxLjuJKJ4oVGfaVUtek1g5R-WAs-SLNFfm7eCcj96W70edeFHf0Ny7G7VwknDl__w6nSF2ytrfaFBvN9lsEDoRxQCiVt8Gw_eAGG2wzvKQw/s1600/image-712724.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWlEEEibLihC9Ltylx-J8n_nfXbUcUIOStxLjuJKJ4oVGfaVUtek1g5R-WAs-SLNFfm7eCcj96W70edeFHf0Ny7G7VwknDl__w6nSF2ytrfaFBvN9lsEDoRxQCiVt8Gw_eAGG2wzvKQw/s320/image-712724.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651276796741203074" /></a></p>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-14265332051133871002011-08-24T05:26:00.000-07:002011-08-24T05:26:30.250-07:00I Kind Of Like The Pain...Just stepped off the mat and I'll feeling good, bit stiff and sore but good. Glad to be over my sickness and back training hard. <br />
Monday nights session at Caloundra was tough going. We just did hard sparring. I think we would have done about 10 or 12 6min rounds with a rest round about every 6 rounds so it put the cardio to the test. I moved ok and worked a lot on my closed guard techniques and setting up my submissions from all the top positions focusing on the north south position that Portugese showed my team mates at the seminar.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjFwYNiCHmZO_HD92Da7PEaK292MHOwd5DYm_p_rRzlnuaul1UpbBUjPhW-asvH2QJ-sfnoR-NGH7db2IlHu1exsgms6RYixoCy_wLTm5F4mEL7ZeWWcC7gkvitCtjh8ZaMXXGenPXg/s1600/rex+3+adjust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjFwYNiCHmZO_HD92Da7PEaK292MHOwd5DYm_p_rRzlnuaul1UpbBUjPhW-asvH2QJ-sfnoR-NGH7db2IlHu1exsgms6RYixoCy_wLTm5F4mEL7ZeWWcC7gkvitCtjh8ZaMXXGenPXg/s200/rex+3+adjust.jpg" width="200" /></a>The level of guys on the mat Monday night was very decent. All though I was the only blue and our coach the only purple all the white belts are really putting in and pushing the pace, which is excellent preparation for the comp. Sometimes I feel a bit flat after training with the higher belts due to getting totally owned and not being able to pull off any techniques. But rolling with the lower belts allows me to get some reps in of some techniques. It reminded me of the importance of being a part of a good team and having lots of different level guys to roll with.<br />
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I trained over the weekend at home. I did a strength and cardio session on Saturday arvo after work which consisted of squats, kettlebell presses and crunches. I also got in to my garden and dug up some weeds and spread some mulch which got a bit of a sweat going. On Sunday after work I got a decent session in with some mates here in town. We worked some technique then did some hard drilling. Then I rolled with my mate the blue belt for 4x5min rounds. He really pushed me. I am very fortunate to have such a good training partner here in my home town. BJJ is still very much an underground sport in rural Australia and blue belts in small towns like mine are as rare as rocking horse shit. So I'm very grateful to have access to such an excellent training partner. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtkxR6E5KKoOblJ5B9L2IerbFe7ZMbYtD-KyNWdQYLJ-XGTkazoQCv9wf7gJs0AMIIfGVIlOQ2BEyl389n-aXgbAqhkDn5ifQB_L7XFF8fUh9J-mBMYjXb9BxzigAt2S5ORf8SBx9Cn4/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtkxR6E5KKoOblJ5B9L2IerbFe7ZMbYtD-KyNWdQYLJ-XGTkazoQCv9wf7gJs0AMIIfGVIlOQ2BEyl389n-aXgbAqhkDn5ifQB_L7XFF8fUh9J-mBMYjXb9BxzigAt2S5ORf8SBx9Cn4/s320/IMG_1259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The soreness I'm feeling at the moment isn't all bad. My upper legs have got some soreness from all the squats I did Saturday and my shoulders and hips are sore from all the hard sparring. I kind of like that pain. It lets your body now that you are putting in some hard work. I take a few supplements to try to keep my old footy injuries at bay and so far so good. (touch wood) I also try to do some yoga when I get the chance to keep loose and flexible.<br />
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My team mates here in town seem to be enjoying the training and techniques I'm showing and I'm seeing some rapid improvement in them all. Feels good to be spreading the good word of the Jiu-Jits!!<br />
C u on the mat!<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-91070860370210497272011-08-17T00:59:00.000-07:002011-08-25T06:45:42.797-07:00Portugues!!On Saturday night I made the hour long drive down to the gym to get some training in with a world class Brazilian Black Belt.. It was an honour to have the chance to roll with Carlos 'Portugues' Vieira <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/carlos-portugues-vieira-wiki-bio">http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/carlos-portugues-vieira-wiki-bio</a>. He's at the top end of the black belt food chain. His BJJ record speaks for it's self.<br />
<br />
Most important Black Belt Titles<br />
2002 and 2003 Pan-American Champion<br />
2002 and 2004 Brazilian Championships 3rd place<br />
2004 Pan-American Vice-Champion<br />
2004 European Champion<br />
2005 Brazilian Champion<br />
2005 and 2006 Pan-American Championships 3rd place<br />
2006 European Championships 3rd place<br />
2009 European Champion 1st place<br />
2009 and 2010 Victorian Champion 1st place, Australia<br />
2010 Pan Pacific Champion 1st place<br />
<br />
He was a super cool guy. He was at the gym for a seminar the next day and my self and 5 others got the chance to get some rolling in with a world class Black Belt. His technique, feel, speed and pressure was amazing to feel but his grips were what really amazed me. His hand was like a vice. He was having a super fun time as well. Each time we rolled he was making jokes and laughing while he was kicking my arse. I had at least 30kgs on him but he handled me like I was a little girl haha... Good times! <br />
It was an amazing experience and really inspired me. Unfortunately I had to work the following day so I missed the seminar but from what I've heard from my team mates and what Coach wrote in his blog <a href="http://www.advancemartialartssc.com/2011/08/portugues-seminar.html">AdvanceSC Portugues Seminar</a> the seminar was amazing. He showed some nice setups from the north south position in the gi and some ways to attack the back after a sit out when on the bottom in turtle.<br />
I was so impressed I've decided to go down to the Pan Pacs a week early to train with him in Melbourne. I can't wait to get smashed again, and hopefully some of his awesome will rub off on me.<br />
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My preps for the Pan Pacs has been a bit poor the last week. I still got some training in but I was down with a tummy bug for 2 days then a cold for the rest of the week. I trained through the sickness but i was very weak and not very sharp in the mind. I came better just before the training session with Portugues thank god and also got a good session in at Caloundra Monday night. <br />
I'm at my shop right now getting ready to train, I just swept the floor and layed the mats. I have about 3 or 4 guys coming in tonight. I'll really push my pace tonight and get some hard work in.<br />
C u on the mat!<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-7951892690040284692011-08-02T06:24:00.000-07:002011-08-02T06:24:26.592-07:00Action!!Week 1 of my little fight camp is under my belt. I've worked on all the things I wanted to get done this week, and I'm already seeing positive results. Work is very busy this time of year so I'm stretching my self a bit thin. But I'm happy with my progress.<br />
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<strong>(Technical) </strong>I've been thinking more about what game plan I'm going to use in the comp. Things like what's my plan at the start of the fight.... Shoot? Grip fight? Takedown? Pull Guard? I'm still a bit undecided but I'll finalize that this week after a bit more thought. I've been putting in some reps of passing open guard and open guard work this week. Will keep working that this week but start bringing in some closed guard passes and attacks from closed as well.<br />
<strong>(Strength/Power) </strong>My strength training is helping me. I already feel stronger on the mat. I do a kettle bell work out which consists of doing 3 different exercises in a row at a fast pace then a short break then back in to it. I do 3-4 sets. Seems to be helping my grip strength as well. I'm doing this work out after Jits on my home mat and (<strong>Flexibility)</strong> some yoga on the days that i can't get any Jits in.<br />
<strong>(Nutrition)</strong> My weight is sitting at about 97kg. I need to put some more effort in to the diet if I'm going to make the weight. I need to be 94kg with a Gi on. More fruit and veg. I'm taking my vitamins everyday and they seem to be keeping me healthy... touch wood.<br />
<strong>(Organization)</strong> I need to draw up a schedule for my training and work. I'm definitely not getting enough sleep at the moment, our baby girl has been sick for a week. But she seems to be getting better so that'll help the rest.<br />
<strong>(Cardio)</strong> I've got some decent rolls in to push my cardio but not enough. I'll start making all my sparring rounds a bit more intense and for at least 6 mins.<br />
<strong>(Mental)</strong> I've been saying some words and phrases that fire the synapses in my mind and make me think about Jiu-Jitsu. If I say them out loud or even inside my head they spark me up!<br />
<em>Action!!</em><br />
<em>Dictate!</em><br />
<em>Move! Move! Move!</em><br />
<em>Go! Go! Go!</em><br />
<em>Do not accept the position!!</em><br />
<em>Work! Work! Work!</em><br />
<em>Up! Up! Up!</em><br />
<em>2 points the sweep! 4 points the mount!</em><br />
<em>Finish!!</em><br />
<em>Squeeeeeezzzeee!!</em><br />
It's a match played out in my mind as well. I've never really consciously tryed to use visualization as a tool. But I've pictured a match in my mind a couple of times now and it's helping me work out a solid game plan of techniques that I'm already familiar with. It's also helped to identify what i need to work on. <br />
6 weeks to go!<br />
<br />
C u on the mat.<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-19808708200761827352011-07-25T23:19:00.000-07:002011-07-25T23:19:04.592-07:00So you want to be a Champion…..I love competing and like Charlie Sheen I'm especially fond of winning!! Like any other great ape, I always want to be the Alpha male. As I've grown older and "wiser" I've realised that the Alpha has to work damn hard to become the big dog, especially when you are running with a pack of other crazy monkeys who all want run shit as well. It's easy to be the Alpha of a pack that consists of lazy flea picking, arse scratching, banana split eating sloths. But who wants to say they are the head of that pack.... not this Orangutan!!<br />
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I competed in a couple of comps while I was a white belt with varied results. I think my comp record is 3W- 3L. I’ve picked up 3rd in a couple of brackets but there were not many competitors, so it was no big success. I’m yet to compete as a blue belt. <br />
Earlier this month I decided that I'm going to compete at the BJJ Pan Pacs in Melbourne. The Pan Pacs is Australia’s biggest and most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu tournament. It’s on the 16th 17th 18th September, so my preparation has started now. My training intensity has already picked up. <br />
A small group are also going from my gym but because I'm so isolated from my gym's coaches and training partners, I'm setting up my own fight camp. I will train with my team mates at least once a week but most of the preparation I'll have to organize my self.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdp_lMvWBkBzadrbMfUEjUIAck1SoeLaMaRPz6whev8jVrjewnGzehL3NQiRaPEPjb8Gw8UGstALRGAnncX4kP9vaRDOb3t7gPkXVjyF586i8x7aZGqdG7J908JgUTpSPK5-kAGD7UiA/s1600/IMG_1452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdp_lMvWBkBzadrbMfUEjUIAck1SoeLaMaRPz6whev8jVrjewnGzehL3NQiRaPEPjb8Gw8UGstALRGAnncX4kP9vaRDOb3t7gPkXVjyF586i8x7aZGqdG7J908JgUTpSPK5-kAGD7UiA/s320/IMG_1452.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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The fight camp is going to be just under 8 weeks long.<br />
I've broken down the areas I need to work on to do well in the comp. I will also set some mini goals along the way.<br />
<ul><li><strong>Organization</strong>- Training Schedule encompassing<strong> </strong>all 7 areas, goal setting.</li>
<li><strong>Nutrition</strong>- 94kg Aug 16th, Calorie counting, I'm taking some vitamins as well in an attempt to keep healthy and on the mat.</li>
<li><strong>Technical</strong>- Game Plan, Drilling, High intensity sparring,</li>
<li><strong>Strength/Power</strong>- Kettle bells, Body Weight circuit, Grip strength, Core strength</li>
<li><strong>Cardio</strong>- Skipping, High intensity sparring,</li>
<li><strong>Flexibility</strong>- Yoga, Old school warm ups</li>
<li><strong>Mental</strong>- Positive self talk, Affirmations, Motivation, Visualization.</li>
</ul>My first objective is to get my weight to 94kg in 4weeks.<br />
I've never been in peak physical condition ever in my life. I plan to get as close to that as I can over the next 8 weeks.<br />
I'll keep a weekly blog right through the camp and do a bit of an analysis of the camp and my performance after the Pan Pacs. Hopefully it helps keep me on track.<br />
<br />
C u on the mat!<br />
Rex.Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-60434167481280865402011-06-20T23:37:00.000-07:002011-06-20T23:44:48.435-07:00If There Was A Problem ,Yo, I'll Solve It!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Right now in Jiu-Jitsu I'm on the cusp of pushing through in to uncharted territory but I'm starting to throw some excuses at the problems I'm currently facing.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Being able to confront my problems and push through them has always been my biggest stumbling block in life. I'll just toss some excuses at the problem and sometimes back down from it if the going gets a bit tough.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite excuse is and always has been my weight and fitness level. But over the years I think I have proven to my self that they are unacceptable excuses. Partly because I have total control over both those things.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">My weight is still coming down a bit. I'm still a pear shaped 100kg hairy ranga but I've lost about 25kg since I started BJJ just over 2 years ago. My diet is still terrible. I drink more water now days but I'll still choose a Triple Cheese burger over a Garden Salad.</div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNb-Rfb-5EtBcdaapsuuWDM6Jh6tw0q-T70J9wChJQCnFBq-vdwRyDj8RANqpleotx9239vhOwBxDg6bkOoNh_OqMqy0DqgJvMZ_NzN96__oNNOO9iKfM8ARu7nVWi8YjYcdc_Ir2vio/s1600/bjj+dean+leigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNb-Rfb-5EtBcdaapsuuWDM6Jh6tw0q-T70J9wChJQCnFBq-vdwRyDj8RANqpleotx9239vhOwBxDg6bkOoNh_OqMqy0DqgJvMZ_NzN96__oNNOO9iKfM8ARu7nVWi8YjYcdc_Ir2vio/s320/bjj+dean+leigh.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">My training is going well. I'm getting in at least 3 sessions a week. But I'm only getting in one training run at <a href="http://www.advancemartialartssc.com/">Advance SC</a> and two at home with a mate due to work and family commitments. I can't see that situation changing for quiet sometime and is out of my control.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"> The training I'm getting in at home is still quiet good but I'm not really pushing my self hard enough. I'm making excuses and only doing a short training session at times.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">A few years back I heard a saying that was something along the lines of this, "If you keep doing the same shit You've always done, You'll keep getting the same shit you've always got." obviously I've taken some poetic license with the quote but that's how I remember it. I need to push myself harder when I'm on the mat.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">One of my coaches reminded me last night of something I always said when I was playing footy. The only way to get fit to do a sport is to compete at that sport. Doing Kettle bells, hill sprints and techniques will definitely help your jiu-jitsu but not as much as actually rolling with an evenly matched or better than you opponent.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">I need to push my self more when I'm rollin' to get to that next level. Especially in the rolls when I'm tired and my muscles are building up lactic acid and some dude is trying to pull my arm out of socket, choke me or trying to drive his knee through my stomach and into my spine. Pushing your self when you are in these positions and you believe you are completely trapped and there is no way out is very very difficult. But if you have faith in the technique and go for it with conviction, weight or fitness level is no longer an excuse. That push comes from your heart and your will to fight. Not from how much you weigh or how far you can run or even how much you can bench press. It's all heart and faith!</div></div></div>Now go train Jiu-Jitsu!!<br />
C u on the mat.<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-16599587601990288582011-04-15T06:13:00.000-07:002011-04-15T06:13:55.608-07:00Tapping My Way To FreedomTraining this week has been awesome. I'm flowing between positions nicely and having some great rolls. Worked on some stand up wrestling earlier in the week which was very good. It's something I enjoy and think is very important for a jits dude to get familiar with. It's a huge advantage to be able to take some one down or avoid a takedown in competitions. Also I feel it's important to make my grappling for self defence much more effective.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmBfM_LS4kcMxHSKiWjhDda_eOi2fhL0SwwgiaEYM4nphmd7fxeHEHvaLMUDWF3Lbac1jXL-AWtHcjA6Iktlp_SzULbbJqHv-TP0Z07tx1lm30hBNu6f4PcgUE2gYL3_e2HNQTemz2Ig/s1600/IMG_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmBfM_LS4kcMxHSKiWjhDda_eOi2fhL0SwwgiaEYM4nphmd7fxeHEHvaLMUDWF3Lbac1jXL-AWtHcjA6Iktlp_SzULbbJqHv-TP0Z07tx1lm30hBNu6f4PcgUE2gYL3_e2HNQTemz2Ig/s320/IMG_1109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I feel like I've really turned a corner mentally on the mat and my jiu-jitsu has really progressed quickly since this mental shift happened. It's a combination of a few things but at the middle of it all is that I've been able to let even more of my ego go. <br />
Some dudes i think are a bit intimidated by me on the mat, I'm a 102kg bald dude with a red beard. But anyone who has rolled with me knows that the fear is a bit unfounded. When i roll I'm not aggressive, I always play guard at the start of the roll and try to 'flow with go' but the moment I slap hands with some of my team mates I know they really want to go for the kill and tap my fat arse. Now this is cool and I still enjoy the rolls but they are missing out on so much jits fun by going down that road. <br />
I usually try my hardest to not let anyone tap me. But tonight I thought fuck it, anyone who aggressively wants me to tap tonight I'm going to tap. I didn't just lay there and give it to them but if they got position and were going hard i kind of let the chokes slip in, then fought it off for a bit and then just before i went out, i tapped. Now this nearly back fired on one of the strong whitebelts, he pulled off a nice technique that we were working on at the start off class. I thought 'Kudus to you dude for going for the techniuqe' So I let it get deep before I started to fight the grip and then I tapped but I went out for a micro second. Was just like some one reset my computer. Weird feeling man. It's amazing that I haven't been put out before this considering I've been training for a bit over 2yrs. He knew I some what gave him the choke and was apologizing but it was all cool it was actually what I wanted. I wanted to get put deep in some chokes and tap. <br />
After that tap I felt really good. It was like I'd just let go of some more of my ego bullshit. Tapping to guys who have not been training for as long as you is always something grapplers try to avoid. But I feel it's healthy for growth in jiu-jitsu. I get to feel how deep I can go with chokes before I tap and also it shows that I'm willing to tap every now and then. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of our killer purples who I often have some awesome rolls with, really went at me as well. I was really trying to play some jits with him but I could feel he wanted my blood. So I didn't exactly give him anything but I definitely wasn't going to try and shut his game down with my size and strength. I wanted to play Jiu-Jitsu with him but he wanted to do fight Jiu-Jitsu with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/viMcYniZmM8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After our roll, in which he tapped me like 3 times and tryed to crank my neck for a while. I had to say something. He's totally a cool cat who I have much respect for and probably the guy at the gym I have the most in common with. So I felt I could voice my opinion with him. I said that the roll was fun but if we just flowed a bit more we could have pulled off so much more beautiful Jiu-Jitsu. He agreed and we rolled again straight away. The difference was huge we got through so much more technique and I think if we had a couple more rolls that night we would have been able to put on a good display of technical Jiu-Jitsu and I would have learnt some cool shit from him. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm not saying by any means that when you roll you should not look for the finish but the finish is just that 'the finish'. I would rather keep the roll going. Move to the next transition, give something else up, try the escape and so on but always moving, always connected and always trying to link all my techniques together. I really think that the beautiful Jiu-Jitsu is found in the movement not the finish. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>C u on the mat,<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-36034283210448982912011-04-05T18:41:00.000-07:002011-04-05T19:09:29.146-07:00Role Models<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44856000/jpg/_44856126_monkey_grant_226_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44856000/jpg/_44856126_monkey_grant_226_300.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a little kid growing up in a small rural town, I had heaps of heroes. Mr T, Monkey on Monkey Magic, Wally Lewis, Jeff Fenech. But these characters didn't make me who I am today. The fault of my ruptured personality lies with my childhood role models. My Family, my friends, my school teachers and my coaches. Weather I liked it or even if these people weren't aware of it, they were my role models.</div>Now that I'm a grown man I still think it's healthy to have hero's and role models. My modern day heroes are people like Ali, BJ Penn, Wayne Bennett, Shane Webke, Rickson Gracie, Saulo Ribero and the list goes on. <br />
I'm always conscious of trying to improve myself as a person. I try to look at what the people I respect and admire do to achieve there goals. I try to read biographies on these people and pick up as many tips as I can. But it is the people that I have physical access to that can really help me improve myself. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510SWYWT9WL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510SWYWT9WL.jpg" width="229" /></a>Now at the risk of sounding like a complete suck up, brown nose I don't think getting to roll with Rickson Gracie would have as great an effect on me as training with my coach Ryan Dunstan over the last few years. Now no offense to Ryan but Rickson is clearly the greatest BJJ practitioner to ever wear a Gi but i don't know Rickson and he doesn't know me. So as much Rickson is a hero of mine he can never be a role model to me. But I have seen Ryan in many situations in the years that I've known him, under extreme pressure competing, training, coaching, reacting to big wins and loses, partying and just hanging out and the way he carries him self in all these situations is what a role model should look like. Now I'm not saying he is a saint or anything like that, he has faults like all of us but that is just how a role model should be, real and accessible. I'm extremely lucky to have found the right gym and coach for me. I clicked there straight away and I've made some solid connections with some excellent like minded individuals. The quality of the instruction and the leadership from Coach Dunstan is in my eyes nothing short of world class and to not absorb that and try to put some of that positive energy back out into the world would be selfish of me. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwg2zcilhbdRy5TRVOcwHPcUulqX_u5q6NyyNbjRBOOVcOWWyfxiMhvmwlk6Uy1hy9WSxlU59pBh85TgQha8KlUBmOwIsipvxcfdc95Z1i6sly6Z7a9zYGSUAEgYw7wV64LUfqV94jAk/s1600/ryan+fury+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwg2zcilhbdRy5TRVOcwHPcUulqX_u5q6NyyNbjRBOOVcOWWyfxiMhvmwlk6Uy1hy9WSxlU59pBh85TgQha8KlUBmOwIsipvxcfdc95Z1i6sly6Z7a9zYGSUAEgYw7wV64LUfqV94jAk/s320/ryan+fury+3.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cage door duties is a real privilege.<br />
Especially when two true martial artists are in the cage together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a father, an uncle, friend, training partner, and sometime coach. I am fully aware that I myself have become a role model. I think about this a lot. I really want to conduct my self more as a martial artist and have positive affects on the people I come in contact with. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If I wasn't doing BJJ and had not met my coach and team mates I think everyone I come in contact with would not get the best of me. I owe alot to Jiu-Jitsu. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm very apprecitative of the art and the men and women I train with and especially my coach.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">C u on the mat,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rex.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-58821100213856759232011-02-28T20:05:00.000-08:002011-02-28T20:05:12.896-08:00Making Connections<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LTGwTpqDU4qYsVRKEF141k42HdAd_P74pdSaFDL15YZPRCBVvm8XRtC_BBxvCYt2RLzJX9zIpc2uWCYBud2RHW0z39mlycGODxMMFANsT3RzvYLA33r0bQ2gqi1wrMZqsKiNWzcjmco/s1600/Genki_Sudo_We_Are_All_One_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LTGwTpqDU4qYsVRKEF141k42HdAd_P74pdSaFDL15YZPRCBVvm8XRtC_BBxvCYt2RLzJX9zIpc2uWCYBud2RHW0z39mlycGODxMMFANsT3RzvYLA33r0bQ2gqi1wrMZqsKiNWzcjmco/s320/Genki_Sudo_We_Are_All_One_normal.jpg" width="320" /></a>I believe we are all connected. Or in the words of Genki Sudo "We Are All One". I think our sub-conscious minds are somehow all linked up. You know the feeling you get when you walk in to a seedy pub or club full of sus dudes and a wave of gloom just washes over you. Or when you are at a music festival and everyone is so in to the music and having such a rad time a wave of euphoria comes over you. I think those waves are the collective sub conscious of the group connecting with your own. Yeah it's official, I'm a hippie. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think we can somewhat recreate those positive connections consciously. When ever I get to hang with a new mate I always try to look for that connection. Usually it's music. I love metal but I also listen to lots of other shit. I like hip-hop, break beat, punk, grunge, 80s cock rock, blues, folk, even some country. It's all good except for heartless pop and mindless trance.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx1F8SD6NYmnrG-8mKmtNTBOGyB_Xd0ahp5eLr-b8XriBvVNg5ENaSrvxzZ-hx-Ghav5P9FOtyD7A9d9BlvRs4Ac-ItkIql-8ayj_XmtwUbTjhsSm0BnjYPUYCcxcE1RLfX3VJVhtdlE/s1600/connections_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx1F8SD6NYmnrG-8mKmtNTBOGyB_Xd0ahp5eLr-b8XriBvVNg5ENaSrvxzZ-hx-Ghav5P9FOtyD7A9d9BlvRs4Ac-ItkIql-8ayj_XmtwUbTjhsSm0BnjYPUYCcxcE1RLfX3VJVhtdlE/s200/connections_1.gif" width="200" /></a>BJJ is another way to make connections. If you both have trained for a while then you have heaps in common. I think that's why my blog gets a lot of traffic. Any one who has trained for a few months can totally relate/connect with what I'm banging on about. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At a philosophical level I could talk to a fellow Jits practitioner for hours. But actually rolling is the best way to get on the same page and communicate. The moment I slap hands it's possible to make those sub conscious connections again. Sometimes in the roll the art of bjj takes over and guides the collective sub conscious towards being totally immersed. But in the same way as when you walk in to a seedy pub, the roll can go bad when the energy is just off. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My coach has been working hard on getting everyone in the gym to roll with control and flow through all of our techniques. His philosophy on BJJ is very similar to Roy Deans ideas in the video clip below. </div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JvWtQdJWSZA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">There are some guys in the gym I have some great conversations(rolls) with, back and forth and very stimulating. Some times I listen too much and should be a little more ascertive and some times I get in to yelling matches. But as in life off the mat, it's always better to try to listen and respond in equal amounts with people if you want to make some meaningful connections. I try to use as much etiquette and decorum as possible but I also try to add a little bit of my own accent and cool where I can. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Jits is not only a great way to keep fit, stimulate your mind and learn one of the most effective martial arts on the planet. It's also a great way to meet some most excellent individuals and make some rock solid connections.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">C u on the mat</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Rex</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-80254916327724567162011-02-14T18:43:00.000-08:002011-02-14T18:43:17.583-08:00Birthday Punches.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vVC3LcBneCTD99R7AJ3SEwBqtwpkVj1S_-QF1BZ2zUoX3tV2Yo39oOSpNBNRL1MXgXcOwipmiA3ukAiGPBqVPKsz4OcI-ToqtZa5Xi26RX_-_GdCUMd1tz5lSptnmn7ErS9_wMwdBCc/s1600/closeguard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vVC3LcBneCTD99R7AJ3SEwBqtwpkVj1S_-QF1BZ2zUoX3tV2Yo39oOSpNBNRL1MXgXcOwipmiA3ukAiGPBqVPKsz4OcI-ToqtZa5Xi26RX_-_GdCUMd1tz5lSptnmn7ErS9_wMwdBCc/s200/closeguard.jpg" width="200" /></a>I just turned another year older.... so anyway training is excellent. Worked on ground n pound with one of team mates at Saturdays open mat session. That was super fun. I love testing out my jits under some pressure. Finding out what works and how I react to being punched in the face. I'm not a huge fan of being smacked upside the head but it makes me fine tune my game from the bottom. I found in closed guard I had success with an armwrap and head control. I'd wait for my team mate to strike with his free hand then control that wrist hip out a little and look to set up a triangle or omoplata. I found that the omoplata worked for me real well. I'd at least get a sweep out of it. Then transition to the sidecontrol crucifix position and drop some hammer fists then maybe setup an armbar. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6NrgiE6YViOv-aH2fqq39d6mAaMLf1pRAwLo9oAnc22XNNlEXtZCw4Ydi5qOtVM956RPWXkBaVPlPGPGnaNysLjSNPWOJ9x4WxRI778mOMFBz9InXNy3zqm4MJoQNCFfrKTjtjnAH8c/s1600/crucifix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6NrgiE6YViOv-aH2fqq39d6mAaMLf1pRAwLo9oAnc22XNNlEXtZCw4Ydi5qOtVM956RPWXkBaVPlPGPGnaNysLjSNPWOJ9x4WxRI778mOMFBz9InXNy3zqm4MJoQNCFfrKTjtjnAH8c/s200/crucifix.jpg" width="200" /></a>I found my self having trouble pulling the trigger and punching my team mate in the face. The grappling gloves we train with have some padding... but not much. So even those little hammer fists do some damage. It just feels a bit awkward but once your team mate cracks you a few times and the adrenalin gets going it becomes a bit easier. The trick is to keep the punches hard enough to make them have to react but not that hard that u risk hurting or splitting a guy open who's getting ready for an upcoming fight. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't think I have ever hit anyone with my full power, ever. Even in the few street fights I've been in. I always pull my punches a bit and try to hit them often and fast. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Would be very interesting to get in the cage and let it all hang out one time. I've worked a lot of boxing technique over the years with my old man and brother and I think my boxing is at an ok level. Wow, listen to my self. Who am i kidding? At the weight i am at the moment i would have to fight dudes the size of Brock Lesnar... no thank you. Also the amount of time and effort I see the guys put in to prepare for a fight is crazy. Time I don't have right now. I wonder what my actual fighting weight would be if i got super fit though? I'm about 178cm tall but I've got big legs and I've got a deep core(fat arse) and chest(man boobs). I always thought it would be around 93kg. But it may be as low as 85?? hmmm.</div><br />
Last nights training was mainly free rolling. Getting through all our positions and techniques. We also drilled the low butterfly pass, a transition from butterfly to x-guard and an x-guard sweep. Was a good session and i had some real nice flowing rolls with a couple of my fellow blue belts. <br />
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I've got a couple of my mates from Gympie in to BJJ, which is cool. They have both come down with me to train at advance now and are both real keen to keep it going. So see how it goes but hopefully it mean I'll have some local dudes keen to train and travel with. They both have picked it up real fast and will get good quickly, as long as they train 2-3times a week at least. Hopefully they get the jits bug like me.<br />
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C u on the mat.<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-86387510188377869112011-02-06T18:29:00.000-08:002011-02-06T18:29:46.096-08:00Flow Rollin', Some Coachin' and Tummy Rumblin'Trained twice last week and I'm happy with how I'm rolling at the moment. I'm flowing a lot better and getting through a lot of techniques. Mainly due to the way we are rolling in class. Coach has been trying to get everyone to roll with control and going almost go for go with your training partner. This really helps to make the roll much more enjoyable. Instead of the roll getting to certain positions and both training partners clamping down. Both not willing to let the other person get any advantage. Not willing to try something in the fear of getting submitted or swept. As I've blogged about before <a href="http://my-jits-journey.blogspot.com/2010/09/dont-let-fear-hold-u-back.html">Don't Let Fear Hold You Back!</a> Once you let go of that fear the game really opens up and becomes something really special. Rather than a game of who has the tightest grip.<br />
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Been helping my old footy team with there wrestling/controlling the ruck. Nothing to full on, just how to pummel, how to maintain side control and how to escape to the knees. It's a good chance for me to work on my teaching skills. I really enjoy helping out. Before I discovered BJJ footy was the sport I was passionate about and I still think it's a great game that can really bring the best out of people. Hopefully I can help them out in someway and may be get some new people interested in trying some jits one day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKmv4bH2-jskQGXoEu5B8LlGteYZF8ToSyo_H38_VAcTaqIk2ttnx9WrpZm2P0zBgvn5g5j6HtArUTsflhyphenhyphenHuR1zyu8Yssilj2mpg9R5Ce4qqDPSb3Cm83U8IBV62WFBoahJpzXVQBAY/s1600/IMG_0878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKmv4bH2-jskQGXoEu5B8LlGteYZF8ToSyo_H38_VAcTaqIk2ttnx9WrpZm2P0zBgvn5g5j6HtArUTsflhyphenhyphenHuR1zyu8Yssilj2mpg9R5Ce4qqDPSb3Cm83U8IBV62WFBoahJpzXVQBAY/s200/IMG_0878.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJHLTQE-E3vNJouABhDn40hK2WMKvkV4UjTxsLgjFypKTT_smMZKMJ7hHLMMgZg6tS17ZkcMykPXfi3FIqextplrAU3aUiI8g0DjwrCUh5iPdXkKP0qQIUSHWaS03BGCsDhd-uOqJIXE/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJHLTQE-E3vNJouABhDn40hK2WMKvkV4UjTxsLgjFypKTT_smMZKMJ7hHLMMgZg6tS17ZkcMykPXfi3FIqextplrAU3aUiI8g0DjwrCUh5iPdXkKP0qQIUSHWaS03BGCsDhd-uOqJIXE/s200/IMG_0877.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Training at home is underway. I did a session with a young mate of mine. He's a keen ufc fan and was keen to try out some bjj. We did some circuit training which consisted of 8x2min rounds of gi-pullups, g n p bag, heavy bag and tyre chops. Then I gave him his first lesson in jits. Taught him to hip escape. How to come to the knees, Upa, the posture when in closed guard, how to break the closed guard and the double under pass to side control. Sounds like a lot but he was soaking it all up really well so I kept it going. He must have enjoyed it because he wants to come down to training with me at <a href="http://www.advancemartialartssc.com/">AdvanceSC</a> tonight.</div><br />
Teaching jits is definitely a technique in it's self. I'm not sure if I'm doing a good job or not. But as with any BJJ techniques it requires reps to get better at. I want to make sure I'm teaching correct techniques that I actually use and have a depth of knowledge on. I really want every technique that I teach to connect easily and flow together nicely. This is the way I was taught and it has helped me a lot.<br />
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I'm still watching what I eat very closely and cutting back on the amount of crap I stuff in to my pie hole. It's not easy some days... well actually everyday. Right now I'm feeling a bit weird. Headaches, bad moods and tummy rumbles. I think it's due to my body craving sugar. I'm definitely not starving myself, but my body is used to having a constant stream of sugar and carbs being put in to it. Now it's not getting that, it's freaking out a bit. On the days I train jits it's not so bad because my mind is on the upcoming session on the mat and then afterwards I think about what I got done and what I'm going to do next time I roll. My brain's not thinking about food. But on a day like yesterday where I worked in the morning then chilled in the arvo on my couch watching the UFC, it gets real tough. I crave junk food real bad kfc! nachos! chips! coke!. But I've held strong..... so far.... but I'd choke my own mother for a Beefy pie and a 600ml coke right now.<br />
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C u on the mat,<br />
RexRexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355851987443528496.post-33219317906886903222011-01-31T20:51:00.000-08:002011-01-31T20:51:31.555-08:00Damn! I'm Part Of The Obesity Epidemic<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So in keeping with the spirit of my blogs brutal honesty, I'M OBESE. Clinically obese according to my BMI. Now I don't put to much stock in BMI's due to it not taking in to account peoples body type. But i think it's a good indicator of how fat my arse is on a world recognized scale. </div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZbn2bAzGnzI1pZxe4OOj4q1smy69vqDlKChhqHesGnD5XfDzAIFe3rBSFviRMQDvjXPGwcTsNr_or8FFIdJfP2c9z__qvoTVKynpF_rSN7ZydHDnwPqZNtF_Nk-Z5yltRqPlN46-L8g/s1600/BMI+1Feb11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZbn2bAzGnzI1pZxe4OOj4q1smy69vqDlKChhqHesGnD5XfDzAIFe3rBSFviRMQDvjXPGwcTsNr_or8FFIdJfP2c9z__qvoTVKynpF_rSN7ZydHDnwPqZNtF_Nk-Z5yltRqPlN46-L8g/s640/BMI+1Feb11.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">BMI 34 = OBESE</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my goals this year is to get my weight down under 100kg. But now looking at the BMI I may have to tighten that number up to under 95kg so I'm only just overweight and not obese. I think it's a realistic goal. It will greatly improve my BJJ game and also help in lots of other areas of my life. </div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G2-RW5J3dUOV8wS9lAucUQG4ABA34V-WyH8infMGx3m-04Dnn3BmzIN-4nKWq3tq2hS4KLE-JLlQgxgF7o_Wp9LumP5ee2jF_0244LJ_R128nG-Q8a6h0UH1xaLJFIN3bj4C-dRgw64/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G2-RW5J3dUOV8wS9lAucUQG4ABA34V-WyH8infMGx3m-04Dnn3BmzIN-4nKWq3tq2hS4KLE-JLlQgxgF7o_Wp9LumP5ee2jF_0244LJ_R128nG-Q8a6h0UH1xaLJFIN3bj4C-dRgw64/s640/untitled.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">My weight loss so far</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">My first step in shedding some lard has been to keep track of what I'm eating. This has already given me some results. I've found that if I keep a diary of all the food I'm inhaling I tend not to eat as much. I've been using a free app I downloaded for my iPhone to track it all. It also counts the calories and tracks any exercises I do. I've been doing this for a bit over 2 weeks and I've lost about 2kg. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm trying to keep the philosophy of "energy in, energy out". BJJ burns quiet a lot of energy and if I had better access to my gym I would train everyday but I can only make training 2-3 times a week. So I really need to control my energy in on the days I'm not training. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Part of this years goals is to get my weight under 100kg for the first comp but the first comp of the year clashes with my son's birthday. So I can't compete. But I'm still going to prepare with the team like I am competing and I'll also cut the weight as if i was still competing as well. That gives me just over a month to lose 8kg. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">With some determination and hard work I'll get it done. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">C u on the mat,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Rex</div>Rexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786109266241187088noreply@blogger.com0