Qwick Update.

Well I've been off of here for awhile now.   A few things to update:

1.  I've been having some health issues that have keep me off of the mat.
      - I ended up getting an infection (kidney) that has really messed up my body.
      - As a result of the kidney infection I ended up with a urinary tract infection that is still giving me problems.
      - continued problems with digestion and stomach.
      - major acne breakout on my chest.

2.  Depression came roaring back (perhaps accentuated by the kidney infection and the myriad of health problems since?).

3.  Problems with work - co-workers (one in particular) have made work an less than enjoyable place to be.

4.  financial problems - it just seems that I'm barely making it to my next pay check.  Working to pay bills and just the everyday things in life (gas - I wish their were viable and affordable options to using a petro based vehicle). 

Because of the above problems I've not had the energy nor the desire to train (although it is on my mind all the time).  I'm still dealing with the symptoms from the infection and it is starting to become worrisome.  I try not to think of the worst but it is hard not to.

I'm going to be scheduling an appointment with my doctor again next week to try and get things figured out or at least start to finding out what may be the problem.

I had tried training about a month and a half ago to less than desirable results.  To start off my conditioning was awful and as a result I could not last more than 30 seconds going at a mild pace.  The breakouts on my chest were still bad (I had been on the antibiotics for about 2 weeks at that time) and they were busting open and bleeding - which is a concern in regards to infection and a did bear on me mentally.  I was also, for whatever reason, bleeding at the drop of a hat.  Little scrapes would not stop bleeding.  I ended up only training for about a 20 mins then called it a night and a day (for about a month and half.).

I still want to train, I still have my goals and reasons for continuing this long journey.  It has just taken a detour.  I'm not sure what will happen in the next few weeks - as I will be going to see my doctor and begin the process of trying to figure out what is up with me.  Mentally, the sun is out (spring time), I have noticed a slight change in my mood with the added sunlight.  Winter was really wearing on me.  Waking up and leaving for work when it was still dark out and not getting home till it was dark - that is not the dream.

I  managed to make it in this past week to train.  I'm on my Easter break and taking care (house sitting) the parents house while they are off with my sisters and kids in California (Disneyland).  I'm pretty much isolated out at my parents house (no internet).  I do have cell phone service (somewhat).   I happened to check my phone and facebook on Monday afternoon and noticed that one of the guys from the gym was going to open the academy up for an open mat.  I ended up driving the 3hrs to go train and it was very good for the soul to be back doing what I need to be doing, doing the one thing that never lets me down.

I compare BJJ to having a girlfriend (or boyfriend - whatever the case may be).  As it is a relationship, a relationship that gives back whatever I put into it.  Is always there and has never let me down; unlike every relationship that I've ever been in.

While I've been on hiatus I've been watching video clips, reading articles, etc that have anything to do with BJJ.  Anyhow I had seen the video of Keenan Cornelius doing an armbar from 50/50 guard.  Having trained at, and being a fan of, Ryan Hall's gym I have played around with the 50/50 guard but I'm not at the level where I can heel-hook ( I also rarely do no-gi anymore) so I really did not see many options from this guard; other than sweeping.  Anyhow, this offers up a cool possibility for me.  I even played around with trying to get the armbar from 50/50 on Monday night - to very little success.  Here is the clip of the armbar from 50/50:



This was from the recent PanAms Jiu Jitsu tournament.  Also at this particular tournament we may have seen the passing of the guard in featherweight division.  Rafa Mendes has been on a tear and was neck in neck with Ruben Charles (Cobrinha) for the top dog in that particular division.  But at this years past PanAms Rafa dispatched of Cobrinha in stunning fashion (armbar).  Here is the clip;



I've also been wanting to try the following pass (demonstrated by Caio Terra) but having been on off of the mats for so long I had not had a chance to try it out.  Well i tried it out a few times on Monday night and had some success; all things considered (mind you I have not trained in over a month and a half and before that it had been at least a few weeks since I had trained).  It is a very high percentage pass from what I've been told and just with my little bit of experience with it it is indeed a high percentage pass (passing the butterfly guard). 



I have to iron out some details but I definitely think this will be added to my arsenal (such as it is).  A friend of mine informed me that he knows it as the Terere pass; I consulted my Andre Galvao book and it indeed bares a similar mechanics to the Terere pass (look up it up as I'm having trouble finding it on youtube).

Anyhow, that is my update for now;  hopefully my health issues will be non-existent next time I update.

I'll leave you with a cool clip of Rafa Training for Abu Dhabi 2011.



Ciao!


Andre

Back to training, Summer Plans, North/South Choke, Portuguese for BJJ

So I've finally gotten back to training. Gracie Barra Calgary - I started about 2 weeks ago and have been going 2-3 times per week as time and body permit.

I'm in the process of trying to decide where I'm going to go train this coming summer.  Ideally I'd love to get back to Brazil, Rio and the family at Gordo Jiu Jitsu.  But as with most things in life it does not happen till it happens.  The flight is going to be expensive, and if I do go back I want to be able to have my own room at the new Connection Rio house and I do believe that will be expensive as well.

I've been looking into going to NYC and training with my personal BJJ/Grappling hero Marcelo Garcia.  I've been looking into apartments and any money I save on flights will be made up by booking an apartment in NYC.  Expensive place.  I'm attracted to going to NYC to not only train with Marcelo but because I'd just like to see the City - it has been on my list of places to go before I'd ever thought I'd be travelling the world to train BJJ.  Here is a link to Marcelo's academy in NYC:

Marcelo Garcia NYC Academy

My other wish would be to train with Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles.  About two weeks ago I came across his academy webpage and I would love to spend a few weeks there.  The only hitch is that it is on the other side of the USA in California.  If you've read my blog you should know that Marcelo Garcia is a favourite of mine but you might not be aware of Cobrinha.  Here is my personal favourite Cobrinha highlight:



Here is a link to Cobrinha's academy website:

Cobrinha BJJ Academy

If I'm not able to make it to Rio this summer my plan is to spend 2 weeks training at Marcelo Garcia's academy in NYC, then fly west to Cali and spend another 2 weeks training at Cobrinha's academy.  So at this moment my options are open but I'm looking to book flights and accommodations asap to save money.

So upon returning to training I've been able to somewhat work on a few things that I've been researching and that have been on my mind while on hiatus from training BJJ.  One of the techniques that I've been wanting to explore was the North/South Choke.  I've recently purchased Marcelo's newest book and there is a big section on his favourite chokes - basically the Guillotine, Rear-naked Choke, and North/South.  I've spent my time working on the Rear-naked Choke - even prior to training at Gracie Barra Calgary - it had been one of my favourite techniques.  Mainly, due in part, to being a big fan of not only Marcelo Garcia but BJ Penn as well.  I'd played around with the North/South in the past but had not really tried it out.

Prior to returning to training I'd some some research - both through book and youtube stuff that is out there - on the North/South Choke.  So once I got back in to it I was able to pull a few training partners off to the side and drill the set up and finish to this particular choke.  Besides Marcelo's book the following YouTube clips have helped out (of course nothing beats mat time, drilling and live training):

Marcelo explaining it himself:



Here is Stephan Kestling with Marcelo braking down the choke for him:



I've been able to catch a couple of guys with and I'm in the process of working out the nuances of the choke.  I hope that eventually I can add it to my repertoire - such as it is.

Well that's about it for this round of blogging, writing, and BJJ updating.  Before I leave you I'd like to point you to a website and post that I came across - Portuguese for BJJ.  If you ever plan on going to Brazil to train it would be good to have some knowledge of Portuguese (especially if it pertains to something you love doing; in this case BJJ).  Enjoy:

Introduction to Portuguese for BJJ

Well that's it for now - hope you're training or following and doing whatever makes you smile and your heart float.

Till next time...

A.

I forgot to add this little news clip - it fills me with such hope and inspiration.

78 yr old man receives his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

I hope to attain my Black belt within the next 5yrs - lofty aspirations but what the hell; 4 years ago I would have never dreamed that I would quit my job and  move to Brazil to train bjj.  here's to making dreams and hopes happen...

Breaking the cycle, trying to get enthusiasm back, Marcelo Garcia Book and thoughts.

Well it's been a while - over a month - since I've written anything in this blog.  I've not been training at all either.  I'd like to say that it is some big injury that is keeping me out of the BJJ training but it's really nothing like that.

It's because of not being mentally tough.  Not being able to push through the tiredness (mentally and physically).  I remember back in 2008 when I was training a couple of times here in Lethbridge and also commuting the 2 1/2 hour drive (one way) to train at Gracie Barra Calgary 2-3 times a week.

I just pushed through the tiredness and wanting to quit.  Eventually it just became habit.  Of course that did not last forever and I eventually got sidetracked.

Now on to more positive things.  It is my goal to start training again and get my purple belt before the start of summer.  If things go according to plan I'd also like to do the Mudials and the Rio Open (provided I make it down to Brazil in July).

I'm also restarting the book that I had started writing when I got back from Brazil the first time.  So here's to things getting better and looking up in 2012 (not that 2011 was all that bad - the last few months were a bit of a let down but otherwise it was pretty good.).

Jiu Jitsu has been on my mind the whole time - so I do know that eventually I will come back to it - as it is always there waiting for me.  One of the things I like to do during my down times (evenings) is search youtube for new video techniques and/or highlight videos.

One of my favourite grapplers/BJJ players is Marcelo Garcia.  I just recently purchased his new book Advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Techniques.  In this book Marcelo outlines some of his philosophies about BJJ.

One thing Marcelo brings up is his preference of chokes that do not involve the "arm being in".  For example an "arm-in" arm-triangle choke is something that Marcelo would avoid in favour of a choke that does not have an arm-in; like the 'rear naked choke' or 'guillotine' choke.  Here is a clip that I found in which Marcelo is explaining why he favours chokes that do not involve an "arm-in"; it is up to you to decide whether or not you agree with him.



Here is another video from the sessions for the book.  In this particular clip Marcelo explains why he uses/found the "Arm-Drag" technique.  If you're familiar with Garcia you have no doubt seen he use the 'Arm-Drag" to back.



So if you find yourself using the Arm-Drag to Back Control - from the standing position you may find yourself saying, "now what?".  Well Marcelo has the answer for you.



Finally, if you've purchased the book, Marcelo goes into why he prefers wrestling style takedowns to judo style takedowns.  Again, its up to you to decide whether or not you agree with Marcelo.



Marcelo also won his weight division this past year at the ADCC submission wrestling championships.  Here he instructs the sequence he used to submit, and win, the final match against Leo Viera.  With a choke that goes against what I had posted earlier...ha ha!  The Leg Triangle choke.  it is a very slick choke and I do believe Mark Bocek used to submit Dustin Hazlett.  Of course Mark trains with Marcelo and I'm sure that he picked this up there or perhaps even showed Garcia ????



Here is the Gracie Breakdown of the Mark Bocek triangle:





Finally, here is a clip of Marcelo having his way with UFC Fighter Jake Shields.  Jake being one of top grapplers in MMA today and Marcelo just, for the most part, doing what he wants.  The song accompanying the clip is horrible so feel free to turn down the music while watching this match.



so x-mas just happened.  I spurged and bought myself a pair of Vibram 5 fingers Komodo shoes.  Low and behold I also got a pair of Vibram KSO shoes for xmas.  This brings my total to 3 pairs of Vibrams.  If you're not sure of what Vibram 5 fingers are please follow the link below:

Vibram 5 Fingers

To end off this particular blog I'd like to show a couple of clips from Dennis and Connection Rio:

This first clip is some guys spending x-mas in Rio:



I don't think I'd ever have it in me to spend xmas away from family.  It would be just too depressing.  Hats off to anyone who can take off to somewhere far away from family and friends.

Here they are surfing on x-mas day



Finally an xmas greeting from Dennis and some Portuguese for BJJ:



Well, I'm off to go and have some x-mas fun.  It has been a tough and grinding 4 months at work and I need to let loose.  One of my new life mottos is to just take things as they come and not stress so much about things.  Hence my decision to go off and let loose tonight.

Till then - Hope you had a good Xmas and a great new year.

Andre.

It's been awhile; some inspiration.

As the title of my blog says - its's been awhile since I've written and updated the blog.  Last time I wrote it was just a week or so after getting back from Jeremy Ariel's gym in Fort Mill South Carolina.

I did not have my own computer - I was using a loaner computer which I did not have access to once I got back.  I just got a new computer - A Macbook Pro.  Yay!

So now I can start trying to update.  Obviously I'm back in Canada, working, and, unfortunately, not training as much as I'd like.

I'd like to use this blog to just show some techniques that I've found on line - namely from two of my mentors - Dennis Asche and Jeremy Arel as they both use the medium of Youtube to show new techniques.  I'd also like to just showcase anything I'm working on or inspirational videos I've found.

I'll also try to close up this past summer's adventures - in a future blog.  I just have to get my pics and notes together.

On the subject of inspiration - I came across this video last week and have become very inspired by it.  It involves Rodolfo Viera - currently the man to beat in BJJ (that is with the Gi).  I'm not sure how a match between Roger and Rodolfo would go.  I'd say experience, mastery of the basics, and ability to come back from adversity would side with Roger.  While explosiveness (athleticism), youth, conditioning, and hunger would belong to Rodolfo.  Not trying to disparage anyone  as both men are amazing technicians - just Roger is a bit more a laid back basic game while Rodolfo is more of a pressure/top/athletic game.

This video also hints at the other BJJ lineage of Luis Franca and Oswaldo Fadda.  Here is a link to the BJJ Heroes website that delves a further into this relatively unknown BJJ lineage.  As the Gracies are usually only mentioned when one speaks of BJJ:

BJJ Heros Oswaldo Fadda

Here is the clip that has so much inspired me-with the prominent figures being rodolfo Viera and his master  Julio Ceasar Pereira from Grappling Fight Team (GFT).



In particular I like the notion that Julio Ceasar wants to use Jiu Jitsu to form a citizen aka a good person who is able to function and contribute to society in a positive way.  This is why I continue to train (when I can) and take my summer pilgrimages to go and train anywhere I can.

Here are the BJJ Heroes bio of Julio and Rodolfo:

Julio Cesar Pereira

Rodolfo Vieira

Here is another new clip from Dennis and Connection Rio that showcases some of the Older guys who've gone to Rio.  Being an older guy (late 30's) it was nice to see this clip to highlight a few guys that may be a bit older but still love and hold that passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.



For anyone reading this and planning on heading to Rio here is a clip with Dennis and his Portuguese for BJJ:



Good Training!!!

Well that is all for now - I hope I can continually update the blog (work eats up so much time).

Till next time!!!

Train Rides, Late Night Eating, and the Power of Visualization (The Dreaded Salt Shaker)

So after catching a ride back to the house with Kenny I started getting ready for my departure to Charlotte, NC the following morning (my train would leave at 11:15am and was to have arrived in Charlotte at around 7:30-8:00pm later that day).  I got home, showered, ate, and then did the laundry that I had left to do and began packing.  I'm not sure why but my belongings seemed to have taken up more space that I remember last time.  I managed to get everything packed in but again it all seemed much more cramped and heavy than I remember.

Later on Seph arrived back at the house and eventually we decided to make a late night McDonalds run - Kenny wanted a milkshake and Seph was hungry and I must admit I was also still a bit hungry. So off we went to the McDonalds a block or so away.  I had told myself that I was going to try to avoid the McDs and managed to do so till my last night in Va.  After getting some not so fine food we made our way back to the house and had some light conversation.

I don't regret coming to VA and training at the 50/50 academy - at times it was way too hot and humid for me to handle but I felt a sense of welcoming and anonymity in Alexandria/Arlington that I thrive and feel most at home in which is something that I struggle to find back home in Alberta being from a small city like Lethbridge.  Inevitably, I'll run into someone I know or knows me - at times that's good but most of the time I'd rather just be anonymous.  Not to mention Lethbridge brings back some unhappy memories.  If not for my family and a few friends I'd probably have left or not come back from my first excursion to Brazil.

Enough venting.  I put out the Gi that I had worn on my last training session to dry and packed up the rest of my belonging's. And tried to get some sleep as I had to be up by 7am to make sure I would be ready to hop the train to Charlotte to train with Jeremy Arel.

Friday morning, about 3hrs sleep, showered, finished packing up the few belongings.  Woke Seph up and got a ride to the train station.  Said my goodbyes and walked into the train station and waited for the train to arrive.  It was approximately 9:30am and my train was to arrive just after 11am.  In my rush I had forgot to ask Seph to stop at 7-11 or even McDs so I could grab something to eat and drink.  It was after after 10 minutes that I realized that this was a big mistake as I started to get hungry and light-headed - my energy levels were way down and the heat and humidity did not help much.

I had mentioned that I don't regret coming to VA to train.  I will say that I regret not putting more effort in to trying to create some better bonds with my hosts Kenny and Seph.  I keep mostly to myself and kind of did my own thing while in VA.  I feel that I could have put in a bit more effort in to trying to be more open and what not but you I guess it's just not my nature.  I hope that if I make it back that I can work on that as both Kenny and Seph are cool guys.

While waiting for the train I found some vending machines and picked up some chocolate bars, water, and gatorade.  And waited.  The station filled up and emptied as people arrived and left on their trains to various destinations.

Just after 11am one of the train station attendants called out for all passengers on the train bound for Charlotte (and stops inbetween) to make their way out the the platform.  After about 10 minutes the train arrived and I made my way on to the train.  Here are a couple of pictures that I took while waiting for the train to arrive:

Waiting for the train to arrive.

Train just get here already!

The plan had been to get a seat by a window so I can snap some shots from the train.  But the train attendants informed us that people traveling in groups of 2 or more would board first; by the time I got on the train the pickings were slim and as per my luck I was not able to get a seat by a window.  I was just thankful that the train had air conditioning (at least initially)as it was another stiflingly hot day in VA.  As it turns out it would have not mattered much as I sleep pretty much through most of the train ride in to Charlotte.

I'd like to say that the train ride was thrilling and that I did something crazy like hook up with some hot gal.  Unfortunately it was the polar opposite.  Not having much sleep the night before I ended up sleeping and when I was up I was surrounded by mostly less than "hook-up" type of people.  I was thankful that the train did have a store that opened up and sold snack meals.  The only real drama that I encountered on the train ride was that were running late.  First because the train was not able to run at full speed because of the heat (dont ask me why but I can attest to the fact that it was murderously hot out).  We were also running late as we had some trouble with the Engine car of the train.

Jeremy had informed me that his mother would pick me up at the train station as he was going to be still teaching when my train was to have arrived.  Well I had no other way to keep in touch with jeremy except through facebook.  In informed him of the train running late.  In order to do so I had to turn on my connection to the mobile network then log in to facebook and send a mesage - I had come to the conclusion early in my trip that using my cell phone, specifically mobile browsing, was out of the question as roaming charges are really outrageous and I did not want to come home to a enormous phone bill.

In total my train was just shy of 3hrs late and in the end Jeremy picked me up at the train station.  I arrived in Charlotte at around 10:50pm just a few minutes shy of a 12hr train ride.  I was not to stressed out by this as I had never been on a train before and it was a new experience.

After picking me up Jeremy asked me if I'd like to get something to eat and I said yep.  So we made our way to this 50s inspired bar/diner???  I ordered a burger and fries. I also tried something new; deep fried pickles.  Yes you read that right - Deep Fried Pickles.  Behold:

Deep Fried Pickles!

My impressions?  They sounded like they would taste like crap but they ended up being pretty good eats.  Not that I would ever miss eating them again.  But it is nice to try something different.  Here is some bathroom art from the same bar:

Pabst - beer of hipsters the world over!

After eating I learned that although Jeremy picked me up in Charlotte, NC.  That I would be staying and training in South Carolina - about 10 minutes south of the city of Charlotte.  We drove to the house, I got settled in.  Before I went to sleep Jeremy told me to watch his latest video upload.  I did and here it is for your viewing entertainment:



So that was my long day.

Stay tuned for more blogs from my time in South Carolina.

Andre.

Sleep Schedules, Heat Waves, Killing Time.

Well the last time I wrote was about a week ago and I had promised that I would post a bit more; but you know sometimes things just don't turn out the way you want.

So I last left off after just having had my first rolling session at the 50/50 academy and being lucky enough to have rolled with Ryan Hall; which a treat to say the least.

My first few days in VA were pretty much sleep days and I'm not sure if this has contributed to my sleep schedule being way off.  After my first training session, and continuing on to my time in South Carolina, I've been staying up to 4-6am each night and sleeping in till anywhere from 12:00pm to 3pm.  This is something that I'd rather not be doing but since I'm on vacation I'm trying not to worry too much about it.  Still it does bum  me out sometimes if I've sleep most of the day away.  I worried as to how I'm going to remedy this once I get back home and to reality-I'll figure things out.

So You're probably wondering what my living space was like.  Well here is a picture of the front of Seph and Kenny's pad:

As you can see a pretty nice little brick house (many,if not all, the houses were brick and I'm assuming that it is because of the humidity).  Let me take you on a little journey.  I walk up the side walk, open the chain link fence, close the fence. Walk up to the door and insert my key - Kenny was kind enough to give me my own key - unlock the door, walk in to some air conditioning (you pretty much need an air conditioner down here).  If I were to walk straight I would pass through the living/tv room then on to the kitchen and to the left to the kitchen the laundry room.

But I'll take you on a small trip to the left and up a flight of stairs.  Once you reach the top of the too your left is Seph's room, straight ahead is the washroom.  Now I take a left and and walk down a very short hallway; to my left is Kenny's room.  But I continue straight ahead to a door and the guest room.  On my very first day the first thing I noticed was the bedding.  Here is what I saw when I first entered the room:

Ninja Turtle Bedding; how cool is that?  Pretty cool I must say.  Anyhow, this is what my room looked like after a few days of training:

Which was pretty typical of my time in Rio - gi's and various training gear hanging around drying.  It may be messy, foreign, perhaps even gross to those who are not familiar with the BJJ lifestyle but to those who have traveled and lived the life (for however long it was) it is typical and in someways a comfort.  A comfort in the sense that, at least for awhile, all that matters is what you have packed - a few clothes, a Gi, your training gear and a few dollars in your pocket and bank account.  I  guess I'll never be any gals dream GQ kinda guy but I'm at the point in my life where I'm ok with who I am and the things I do (for the most part as I do have my days) and that's okay.

As I had mentioned earlier my sleep schedule was way off.  So Thursday I got up around 2ish, showered and walked to the Potomac Centre.  At this point I had also gotten my clothes so it was nice to have a clean pair of clothes to change into.  At this point in my trip the heat in Alexandria/Arlington was deathly and I shit you not when I say that I walked half a block and I was dripping sweat.  I made my way to the stores which were about at 15 minute walk away but seemed much further in the heat.  I had found a Barns and Noble (Canadians think Chapters) bookstore which also had a Starbucks inside.  I liked to hang out here and drink a coffee, surf the net, and then make my way around the bookstore.  I ended up finding a couple of books for my father and a couple for myself.  Anyhow, here are a few pics of the Starbucks.

This first one is of a cup of coffee - probably the first day I went there:

This one is of a nice mural above the coffee bar/register:

I would stay here for a bit then roam around the other stores and then make my way back to the house - usually after purchasing some supplies - water, gatoradge, coconut water, and a protein drink.  So I did that and made my way back to the house,showered and walked to the bus stop and made my way to the 50/50 academy in Arlington.  Tonight went a bit better as I was in the class with a few other guys who were around my skill level which made me fell better about things.  After training I hung out for a bit then made my way back to the bus stop to catch the bus back to Alexandria.  My particular bus stop went about half block further from where I would catch the bus to make my way into Arlington.  This little walk would take me by the 7-11 and my ritual - for my  brief time in Alexandria, of stopping for a coke zero and a hotdog.  Yeah I know 7-11 food is kinda gross but what ever.

Anyhow, I got home, showered, ate a sandwich, drank some liquid and made my way up to my room to watch internet tv, surf the net, creep facebook, ha ha ha ha....and stay up till the wee hours of the night.

Friday was more of the same; sleep in late, get up, shower, and walk to the stores.  Of course I ended up in the bookstore/coffee shop. I had my Venti cup of coffee and another Venti cup.  Eventually I made my way back to the house to get ready to train.  I might mention that the head on this particular Friday was close to unbearable and I would later learn the hottest day of the year - up to that point.  Here is picture I took inside the bookstore/coffee shop that accents my point of how hot it was:

You can make out on the upper right hand side - yes! That does indeed say 39degrees C.  I was later told that with the humidity added in that it was 46degrees C.  I can honestly say I've never experienced heat like this.  Which brings me to my next little story.

So I washed up and made my way to the bus stop.  I was soaked in sweat before I even got to the bus stop.  After about 15 minutes my bus arrived I hopped on and was thankful for the air conditioning.  After about 45 minutes I was at the downtown town stop - Ballston I do believe - walked down to the academy and by the time I reached the doors and air conditioning I was once again soaked in sweat.  So I made my way upstairs,changed and got ready for class.

Initially, class went well but about midway through I started to really get winded and shortly after began cramping up like crazy.  It did not occur to me that anything might be wrong at this time and I just attributed it to a hard training session - as I had earlier mentioned almost everyone at the academy was much better than me.  Well by the end of the training session my heart was beating fast, my arms were numb, and I was light headed and by this time I  was a bit concerned.  I walked back to the change room, drank a whole 500ml carton of coconut water, and sipped on some water.  I did not feel any better and my chest was still feeling tight.

Now I had planned on taking part in what the 50/50 academy calls the Marathon Roll.  The Marathon Roll consists of 10 five minute rounds back to back; with the 1 minute rest in between.  It was one of my goals upon planning my Jiu Jitsu trip to Virginia.  Now, unfortunately, I was not going to be able to take part.  I stayed around and watched the action going on and as much as I would have liked to have been a part of it my body was not feeling right.  I packed up and made my way back to the bus stop.  I got downtown to the Ballston station and while waiting walked across the street to the 7-11 and grabbed a gatorade and promptly drained it.

The bus ride back to the house seemed to take longer than usual given my current state.  In the end I made it back home safely and after a shower and some food I began to feel alot better  but the lesson was learned.  If you're going to drink to Venti  (large) coffees and plan on doing any physical activity after that you had better make sure you are hydrated properly and double this advice if you are in any type of extreme heat and humidity.

Seph ended up arriving back at the house and I apologized to him for not staying around.  He mentioned that it was not a big deal  We ended up striking up a conversation about music. I learned that Seph had grown up in Richmond, VA and personally knew some members of a couple of bands I listened to back in the day.  One of the bands was Avail and the other Ann Beretta - two Richmond, VA punk rock bands.  Here is a sample of a very kick ass song by Avail:



 Here is a clip of some competition footage from Seph Smith:



 It was a pleasant surprise to know that Seph and I shared something in common (a taste in music - as the conversation continued I found out that we both like most of the same bands). 

That is it for now - stay tuned for the next installment of my trip and adventure.

Gordo Jiu Jitsu - 4 yr B-day & Real Rio Show clips

My flight is booked to leave this Sunday evening.  I just thought I'd put out a quick little shout out to the Gordo Academy on their 4yr anniversary.  The Real Rio show caught the celebration - this clip featuring Gordo, Gordinho (Gordo's Brother), Rafael dos Anjos, and Renzo Gracie (speaking about how Gordo came to BJJ and the Gracies).




There is also a little belt promotion ceremony at the end of this clip.  This is of significance as I got my blue belt from Gordo in October of 2009 (my last night in Rio during my first trip down).  There is a gentleman in this clip who also got a blue from Gordo and he expresses how I felt that night (albeit a bit sad (long story)).

I remember the first time I trained at Gordo's academy - it was a Monday morning.  I had arrived in Rio on the Friday, gotten sick, and spent the weekend trying to feel better as well as trying to overcome the shock of having quit my job, selling everything I could, packing the rest of my stuff away, and going all the way to Rio to follow my heart and leave the crap behind.

Anyhow, I walked in and introduced myself to Gordo. It was a nervous experience to say the least.  I did not know a spit of Portuguese and I was a foreigner in a strange new place.  I did the morning class and afterwards talked to Gordo about prices, times, etc.  It was at this time that Gordo asked me how come I just showed up to and that Dennis had told him this guy from Canada was going to show up a week ago.  I cannot remember what exactly I told him but in the end I ended up training pretty much everyday at Gordo's (this was before the renovations to his academy) and enjoyed it so much I came back a year later.

Here is  pic of Gordo awarding me my blue belt in BJJ:

I plan on going back to Gordo's and Rio soon (in all likelihood next summer).

Here is another clip from the Real with a Gracie Barra Black Belt named "Drive-in" working with some kids in his academy.




Some very impressive Jiu Jitsu from some very young competitors.

Here is a clip with some of the guys from the Connection Rio house rolling at Drive-In's academy:



Well in a few days I will be off to Ryan Hall's academy to train for about a week and a half.  After that I'm down to Charlotte to train at Great Grappling Academy with new Gordo Black Belt Jeremy Ariel.

Peace out.

Andre

Moving Forward

Well, things are looking better. I think my Visa problems have been sorted out and my Brazilian Visa should arrive Tuesday or Wednesday. Hopefully not later as my plane leaves Thursday Aug 06 @ 3pm from Calgary and arrive @ 9am Aug 7 in Rio.

I just picked up the R$550 - $550.00 in Brazilian Currancy today. Paid for the first 3 months of my stay (worked out to $1316.44 in Can funds for 3 months stay.)

Everything seems to be going teh way I'd like them to. Now if only other issues could come to a 'closer' I'd be so much happier leaving.

But I guess it's forward to whatever awaits me.

"I would have been her fool."

White Stripes

Okay this is not about that pale gal who plays drums with that even paler guy who plays guitar – you know the rock and roll band The White Stripes.  This about a different type of white stripes; the white stripes that you find on the belts that are used to denote a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players level of competence.

 

The belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ being grappling in a Gi) are as follows:

 

White – Blue – Purple – Brown –Black.

 

The white belt being the starting point with the eventual goal of the coveted black belt being the ultimate goal of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner.  Hence, I would start out as a white belt and at some point get promoted to Blue, then Purple, Brown and finally a Black Belt – in my limited knowledge (laziness) it would appear that most martial arts hold the black belt as the highest level (from there you get degrees – 6^th degree black belt, etc…)  Within in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) each belt is also denoted by white stripes – little stripes of white tape – on the end of the of a BJJ practitioner’s belt.  Each belt can accumulate up to 4 stripes before the practitioner will be ready to move on to the next colour belt.  For example a person may be a 4 stripe Blue belt; now once his or her instructor feels they are ready to move up (gained a certain level of competence) they will not receive a fifth stripe on their blue belt they will in fact be awarded their 0 stripe Purple then begin the task of working their way up; 1 stripe purple, 2 stripe purple, etc.  Does this make sense? I hope so.  If not then maybe do some further research as I’m just not here to do that nor do I feel like doing that for anyone.  Capiche?

 

Now let me digress a bit.

 

I formally started off doing a form of BJJ that some call No-Gi Grappling or Submission Grappling in 2004.  I had been a fan of the UFC, Pride, MMA (mixed martial arts) since I first had the opportunity to view it in 1995.  But at that time there really few options for a budding grappler – outside of judo or high school wrestling – in Southern Alberta; hence not really having many options to pursue this particular interest.  One afternoon in May of 2004 I happened to come across a variety show on one of the local stations.  On this particular day they just so happened to have Lee Mein and one of his local fighters who were training for a fight and doing a little demo for the TV program.  Lee and his student were showing off various moves from BJJ.  Now being a relative newbie to the whole grappling – outside of enjoying the ground game (as it’s called) on MMA pay-per-views programs.  I took it for what it was worth and ended up going to Lee’s club and joining up a few weeks later.  Thus I became a BJJ practitioner (some may argue this point – the whole No-Gi vs Gi debate that causes much anger and discontent amongst practitioners).  I refuse to get into that debate as it tends to anger people and at times cause fallout.  So for my sake and ego I became a BJJ practitioner in late May/early June of 2004 (the exact date escapes me at this time.)

 

I could really go on and on about my time at Lee’s gym – and at some point there will be other stories – but for the time being I’m going to get to the point of this little digression.  In April of 2007 I earned my blue belt in BJJ Mr. Roy Harris.  To me it had been 3 yrs of on and off hard work.  I say on and off because I had decided to go back to school and get my Education Degree during the spring of 2004 and formally joined the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge in September of 2004.  In between school and work it was hard to totally dedicate my time to my new pursuit – but I did what I could.  Some believe that belts and such are of no importance within grappling world; to this I say hogwash.  In my opinion a true BJJ practitioner will hold the belts with the utmost respect and pride; it signifies a level not only competence but also a certain level of knowledge.  In addition, it also signifies a level of dedication and commitment on the practitioner’s part.  Feel free to disagree with me; in the end it’s just my opinion and yours.

 

Now Lee’s gym is purely focused on the No-gi Grappling and  how it transfers better to mixed martial arts.  Which was fine with me; as I do believe that you do good with what you have and make the most of what you have to work with.  However with the popularity of the MMA there was a significant influx of what I like to call the “douche-bag” factor at my local gym (dojo –but really saying dojo makes me feel like the karate kid) which really took away some of the camaraderie, friendship, openness that the gym had when I first joined it.  Now you were having to deal with Bench Monkeys who knew no concept of what it means to roll, go lightly, have fun; in addition the respect that I feel BJJ instills in a practitioner.  Now the gym was overrun with muscle bound goons who were out to be the ‘Next’ Ultimate Fighter.  Which really made for some nerve wracking No-Gi Sessions as well as a longing for the old days when the gym was not so popular and you actually had that sense of family.  Don’t get me wrong, there are and still are some really great guys that train at the gym – I call the OF’s (Original Fighters) the core group of fighters at this gym who were doing this whole MMA thing long before it became the new extreme sport.

 

As luck would have it a new light came shining through in the form of Gracie Barra Black Belt Josh Russell.  An acquaintance of my from the CMAC (Canadian Martial Arts Centre – Lee’s gym) had informed me that he had taken some private lessons with Josh and the he had learned quite a lot during these sessions.  My curiosity had been spurned and contacted Josh. This was during the summer of 2007; well one thing led to another and I never really made the true effort to get a private lesson with Josh.

 

The Fall of 2007 was what I call the season of my mothers rebirth.  Now without going into to many details. My mother had been sick for a few years prior to the fall of 2007 – during which time doctors had been unable to correctly diagnose her ailment.  After a close call in May of 2007 the physicians finally got it right and realized that she had liver disease and would require a new liver; in the meantime she would have to endure frequent visits to the hospitals to get a procedure known as ‘banding.’  Well long story short during the month of October 2007 my mother got the call that a liver had been found – blessing answered.  Joy all round, my fears somewhat alleviated.  The time was right to stop worrying about my mother’s health as she was going to be better and start caring about my life again.  I say this without any hint malice – as I would gladly give my life for my mother or any other member of my family.  It’s just that I was ready to start doing the things I loved doing again as I had put everything on hold during this time.   Jiu Jitsu being one of the things I ceased to do.  Now my mothers trials and the story of that are for another time and perhaps may just be left alone.  If I do write about them then you’ll know the full story if not; well you know enough.

 

So with my newfound willingness and wanting to get back to my life; I made contact with Josh during December of that year.  I ended up booking some time for a private lesson on a Saturday afternoon in December.  As I don’t have my notes on had – at this time I cannot accurately remember what Josh helped me with that day.  What I do know was that I learned more in that one hours session than I had in the previous year.  It is an amazing thing to have a high level black belt give you pointers and weed out small things you need to do and should be doing for any number of techniques.  I enjoyed it so much that I booked another private training session for a few weeks later.  I continued to take a private lesson here and there with Josh well into 2008.

 

So in April of 2008 I decided that I would join Gracie Barra Calgary as I realized that I really wanted to learn true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – meaning Jiu Jitsu with a Gi on.  From about May to early September of 2008 I was making trips up to Calgary to train at Gracie Barra – a 2 ½ hour drive (one way).  I must say it was tiring but well worth the skills I was learning and atmosphere I found myself in.  Unfortunately, a major ankle injury, a skin infection on my leg, as well as a few other mishaps all conspired to blow the wind out of my sails and I stopped going to train.  Essentially I ended up wasting a few months of dues stuck in a major depressive episode in which all I could really do was get up in the morning and drag myself to work.  It took all my energy just to do that and make it through the day.  Jiu Jitsu was always on my mind; among other things.  I keep saying that “today’ would be the day I would make it back up and train do what I love doing.  I said this everyday during the fall or 2008.   But I never did make it up back up to train at Gracie Barra after early September 2008.  I just did not have the mental strength to get over my troubles and get that ‘willingness’ and ‘desire’ to forcefully get myself out of the dark days I found myself in.

 

Even more digression!

Sometimes I wonder if I’m truly messed up in the head or just in love with being sad; or perhaps a combination of both.  I really don’t know; most days I just accept the fact that I do have some emotional and mental issues that are just there.  I would really not want anyone to have to go through the kind of mental states that I find myself in at times.  Does this make me any less of a person?  I would hope not – I feel that I do the best I can and for my part I do believe that 95% of the time I’m a good person who is caring, loving and giving.  I give everything to the ones and things in my life that I love.  It’s just that other 5% of the time that seems to creep in and make me feel bad for my lack of sociability and/or approachability.  All I can do is just try to keep my head above the crap that I deal with from time to time and hope that while in the dark days that I don’t burn any bridges or hurt anyone deeply.  For the most part I feel that I’m successful and the people that do know me know that I just need to be given time and left to my own – that the “Real Andre” will come back and the “closed in” creep is only temporary.

 

Back on topic - sorta!

I believe that one must be good to themselves and be able to look themselves in the mirror and be happy with what they see staring back at them.  This involves forging and strengthening the relationships in your life.  Relationships being with people and with the activities that you love doing; hence, in January of 2009 I came back to a love of mine.  I started training back at Gracie Barra Calgary and reacquainted myself with BJJ.  Starting to train again I believe is and was ‘me’ being good to myself.  I must be honest and say that I have only been going off and on – as the weather, work, and life in general just work together (or so it seems) to not allow me to get up to train as much as I would like to.  Take today (June 03, 2009) for instance; I had been in a meeting for most of the day, got out of it, then had a pile of work to do.  By the end of the day I just did not have it in me to rush home, pack up, then make the 2 1/2hr drive up to Calgary – then drive back, arrive home about 12:00am, shower, try to unwind and hope that I can fall asleep by about 1am if I’m lucky (most nights I’m up a lot later than 1am.)  Then get up at 7am to do it all over again.   A year ago I was mentally stronger, without as much emotional baggage that is still lingering around me.  I’m working on getting to a point where I’m strong enough to get up there a few times a week.  There is also the issue of gas prices, money; as I am trying to save money for my large adventure.

 

Now in my time training at Gracie Barra I’ve come to realize that my BJJ as not where I felt it should be – especially in terms of wearing a gi.  So once I joined Gracie Barra Calgary I willfully accepted going back to white belt – no disrespect to my former trainers and Mr. Harris.  But I was just not up to par with the guys in the gym.  I feel that I had been able to keep up my training that I would have no doubt been promoted to Blue Belt by now under Gracie Barra and confirmed and strengthened my original awarding of blue belt.  Long story short – I’ve been stuck at the white belt stage for over a year now (roughly the time I’ve spent training at Gracie Barra Calgary) without any stripes.  Which has been a source of disappointment for me – as I know that the knowledge is there it’s just a matter of putting the mat time in and refining and applying my technique.  I’ve come to accept that at this time it’s monumental for me to even get up there once a week – which is about what I’ve been stuck at.  But it still eats away at you as you see others who’ve trained for less time rise in the ranks; both in the color of their belt and or stripes, as well as their overall application and mastery of their techniques.

 

So there I was up in Calgary last week – I had actually made it up to train.  Holding my own, at times, but mostly getting dominated left and right – which is humbling but also a learning lesson.  Class was over and I was eager to hit the road, go over what we had drilled that night, listen to music and get home a bit earlier than I usually do – as it was a Tuesday and I managed to get to the Gi class but was not going to stay for the No-Gi class afterwards.  So part of the tradition is to line up at the end of class and bow out (paying respect to the pioneers as well as Professor Russell).  Now on occasion new belt promotions as well as stripes for each belt will be awarded at this time – I’ve seen it and I’m sure that had I been able to keep up my training that I would have been part of the receiving.  This night Josh began to award some stripes – I stood there somewhat jealous as the first student went up and received his second stripe on his white belt.

 

Now let me explain this process; what happens is the student is called up Josh then proceeds to either add stripes to an existing belt or even award a new belt color – I’ve only witnessed this once – last Tuesday to be exact.  So the first student went up then went down the line and was congratulated by all of the students in attendance.  After he had gone through Josh was ready to call the next student up.  Low and behold Josh called out my name:

 

Andre!  Josh said something along the lines of “long over due.”  I ended up getting two stripes on my belt.  So going from zero to two was a huge surprise.

 

So I realize that in the grand scheme of things that this is insignificant – both in terms of the world as a whole and the jiu jitsu world itself.  But to someone who’s been in a personal hell that just does seem to be going away.  It means everything.  It’s an acknowledgement that I’m not wasting my time. That I’m doing something that someone recognizes.  More than anything it’s made me realize that I’m really someone worth being treated with respect and that I don’t have to settle for however someone decides they’re going to treat me.  That I’m someone worth knowing and that I’m on the right path and that I’ve found something (outside of family and a few close friends) that is worth loving.

 

So here’s to long day’s at work, rushing up to Calgary to try and refine my skills in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, being alone and listening to my favorite songs during the drives to and fro, trainings sessions that are both exhilarating and exhausting, friendships forged and strengthened, a sense of self worth and self acceptance.

 

And finally,

 

Here’s to 2 white stripes that have renewed my soul, allowed me to see the light again and lit the jiu jitsu fire inside me that had been almost put out forever.