Technical vs pushing through

A few years ago, I was invited to a couple different workout groups, including Crossfit. Although many people love Crossfit and swear by the results (and look pretty damn good!), I was a little disturbed. I overheard a student telling the instructor that a certain move hurt. His reply, "if it doesn't hurt, then you are doing it wrong. Push through. Your body will get used to it." They weren't complaint about "being tired pain," but how just doing the snatch and grab hurt their shoulder. This attitude of pushing through to the end, even with bad technique, wasn't for me.

Jiu jitsu isn't like that. It's all technique. If you can't do something or its just not working right, it's because your technique was wrong. Don't push through. Do it right. Being right is so much better than being hurt.  When your body and mind come together in just the right way, and you "hit" that move that hs been eluding you, that is pushing through the pain (of failure) and "getting used to it."

Texas vs New Jersey

Last time I trained in Texas, I was only a couple months back after a couple years hiatus. I noticed that I was both out of shape and that I was a target. I basically wasn't a hard target, but was tested by everyone. Not in a mean fashion, but was still called out to roll even when injured. It is a different style, more casual, yet more aggressive in some ways. I want to compare the styles more this next week and try to put a few things in my arsenal.

As I head back to Texas tomorrow for twelve days, I look forward to working with Josh at http://www.graciesa.com/.

And just looking, now open seven days a week. I am going to make it just on time Friday afternoon for the noon class. OSS!

And Serenity, saved from being PTS, will need a home in a few weeks. And so will her kittens! My goal is to find homes for everyone and help out my local rescue. Anyone want to help me sponsor her?

And happy birthday to my little girl! One yet old and ready to roll :)

One step forward...

Seems that it's one step forward a day and then frantically fighting not to slide too far backwards. In other news, Serenity needs a home.

Stronger, faster, better?

Not really, but I do keep trying. It's been a nice couple weeks. New people rolling in al the time. I feel really lucky that my favorite male rolling partner convinced his wife to start. She is now even coming without him!

I also get "a personal black belt" to train with on Saturdays when Kay Stephenson comes to our school. Yup. I am lucky!

Talent and training

I am jealous. Absolutely, undeniably a green-eyed monster when I see people with talent. Those born with it. The ability to pick things up quickly and well. In. BJJ, I see them. And I feel envy.

I don't have talent. It doesn't come easy. I backslide a bit for any step forward. I feel stupid. And slow. And absolutely jealous.

That being said, I work. I am at class every night of the week, barring scheduling conflicts. At the very least, I get five instead of eight classes in. As jealous as I am of the talented, I am so grateful to have them in my school. I get to work and roll with them. I get to pick their brains for help. I may not like the constant submissions, but I am learning, albeit slowly.

Thank you for kicking my ass ;)

Elvira, the talented and myself

Spring has arrived!

And it's about time! Finally can (maybe) put away the winter boots. It makes training even more fun as wry one seems to be in great moods!

Learned a couple transitions through attacks his week so far. I'm really enjoying the reverse arm bar from multiple positions as well as the emphasis on getting back to basics for stand up. It's been a long time for me, so just working on flow makes me better (and happy)!

Rico Rodriguez is back teaching and the class was nice and controller today. I felt much better rolling today, and felt like II may one day find my groove again :)

Last Saturday.

The day before Easter. And the lady day at Relson Gracie San Antonio. At least until June. Josh taught me a good arm bar from half guard, a stand up pass, an escape from half guard, and a couple foot/ankle locks. I also tried but couldn't master a sweep/roll from half guard. But, I think I Can do it soon!

Josh and I