I opened the door and relief hit me as it was definitely cooler inside than it was (recall that I had mentioned that the heat and humidity were unreal). I was pleased about this and made my way up the stairs and through another door that lead to the 2nd floor of the building in which Ryan's academy was located. The actual academy is right through the first door on the left; you'll see a door with a window and the 50/50 logo on there. You'll also hear alot of voices and music playing.
Anyhow, I made my way into the academy saw Seph and had a conversation with Jen (I do believe she is Ryan's Girl friend and works at the front desk; she is also a purple belt.) I paid the 75$ for one week of training (unlimited). Now in my haste I had looked at the schedule for the academy and had looked at Tuesday's class schedule and was under the impression that I had arrived in time for the 7:30 BJJ class. But it being Wednesday I had arrived in time for the wrestling class. Not really being a wrestler (my take down options are Judo based). Jen asked me if I'd like to take part in the wrestling class and I declined (not really wanting to risk getting hurt or hurting anyone). She then informed me that after the wrestling class, at 8:30pm, the Advanced No-Gi class was going to take place.
She then called Ryan over and asked him if it would be okay if I took part in the advanced class and Ryan replied, "Sure, why not!" So I was set to go but also pretty nervous as I was going to be rolling with guys who were in all likelihood far above my skill level. I ended up watching the wrestling class then getting ready a few minutes before the class started. Now being that I that that it was going to be a Gi training day I only brought my Gi so I ended up having to just wear my gi pants and a rashguard.
Sidenote; while I was waiting for the wrestling class to finish. My phone went off and low and behold it was the airport baggage guy informing me that my luggage was in and that he would be delivering it to me. Finally! I would have some clothes to change in to and after some back and forth it was decided that he would deliver my baggage to the academy (it worked out better for him as he mentioned that he was closer to Arlington than Alexandria.
Class started and we got right into it. Ryan and Seph started off by showing an arm-drag to back technique. I got paired with a younger, larger (as in athletic) guy. We drilled that technique and then a couple more; at this point I knew that this particular class was going to fly by me as I was not familiar with the techniques and too be honest I had not trained much back home and as a result I was completely off. After about 20-30 minutes or so we got down to some rolling (sparring). I rolled with my sparring partner first, then another one of the guys in class. I was able to somewhat hold my own with the first sparring partner. But my 2nd rolling partner (again I'm bad with names) pretty much had his way with me. After my 2nd rolling session we stopped and everyone sat around waiting for the next round to start. Just before the round began everyone partnered up and I sat there waiting; being the visitor I was unsure of the gym etiquette.
As I sat there I heard someone say "hey,Andre would you like to roll?" I looked to my left and it was Ryan Hall himself. The round started off and I was under no impression that I was even going to remotely be competitive. Any time that I've rolled with a black belt in Brazil I always got this feeling that I lost in a dream; you know that dream when every corner is a dead end and no matter what you do it's always the wrong choice. Well I got that alot both times that I was I Brazil and I was experiencing it as I rolled with Ryan.
It was quite obvious that Ryan was going very easy on me; nonetheless he did whatever he wanted with me. If you're unfamiliar with Ryan he is well known for the deep half guard position; and I have only really heard of the deep half guard position (I have played around with it but in all honesty I don't know much about the deep half guard). And I must say I felt very helpless. As the round progressed Ryan would occasionally stop and correct me if I was doing something wrong or he saw an opportunity to help me get to where I was going to go (in terms of Jiu Jitsu position). The round ended and Ryan began to chat me up; the usual. Where was I from? Who did I train with? How did I like it thus far? Etc. But how lucky was I? On my first night I got to roll with Ryan Hall himself. Back home I don't think I've rolled with my instructor at all - at least in the past year and half or so. So felt pretty lucky.
I forgot to mention that while I was drilling at the beginning of the class the airport guy dropped by. I signed the little waiver thing and hooray! I had clothes.
I ended up rolling with Seph and a few other guys that stayed (it was a smaller class). After class I thanked Ryan and he told me that he was thankful and happy that I chose his academy out of all the other places I could have trained at. But lets be honest the honour was all mine.
So I hopped into Seph's car and we drove back to the house. I showered and then took pleasure in the fact that I could change in to some clean clothes. Then took a walk to 7-11 as it was the only thing open at that time within decent walking range; grabbed a hot dog and some snacks. Walked back home and retired to my room.
My first training session went well and I was looking forward to the next day's training session. On my first night I got to train with one of the worlds best grappler's. How luck I am to have found jiu jitsu and all the places it has taken me. If it all ended right now; it would not be such a bad ride.
Here is the website for the 50/50 academy with pictures so that you can get the idea of where I was training. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you would like to drop by and train with them.
http://5050bjj.com/multimedia
Here is a photo of Ryan teaching and answering questions; notice Seph to the right.
Stay tuned for the next installment - You hear more about the up's and downs of the hopeless romantic grappler...ha ha!!!!
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