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

Sickness, Mouthguards, inspiration...

Well my training this week has been put on hold this week because of some dental/tooth problems.  I finally got in to the dentist today so hopefully the problems and pain will not dominate my life anymore.

The lesson I've take from the past few days:

INVEST IN A DECENT MOUTH GUARD.  I'm not sure what caused the complications - if I bit on something and cracked my tooth or if it was Jiu Jitsu related (it would not be the first time).  Either way I do need to invest in a mouth guard.  Dentist work is expensive (thank god for a job that has coverage) and I do not want to have to keep going back to fix things that were fixed.  For the time being I'm going to go grab a double (covering your upper and bottom teeth) mouth guard from Wal-mart (the boil and bite kind).

I also started catching a fever/cold on Monday which has made the past few days even that much more unbearable at work.  I feel like I've run 10 miles by noon each day.  I'm still feeling very weak and sore from the fever but I think I've managed to avoid a full blown fever (you know the kind that leave you unable to leave your bed and if you do leave your bed you're pretty much useless).

Well on to more important things.  I'm planning on hitting the mats tomorrow (Friday) for an open mat.  My goal is to do my version of a drill/workout that I learned at Ryan Hall's academy last summer.  Said workout/drill is called Marathon Roll - which consists of 10 back to back rolling sessions with different partners of 5 minutes, with 1 minute rest and no quitting once you've started.  You'll read about if I end up doing it.  Either way my tooth/mouth should not be hurting me much and my fever/cold seems to be on the down slide.  Thus, I should be okay to do some training.

As I've gotten older I've learned that when I'm sick and or injured that I need to take the time off to rest and heal.  If I don't then it usually leads to just getting worse and worse.  I've also taken a closer look at my nutrition and have tried to eat better - lean meats, protein powder, vitamins, fruits, vegetables, etc.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm by no means Mr. Clean Eating but compared to even a year ago I'm eating a lot better.  I've looked into fuelling and recovery before and after workout/training.   All in all I'm still experimenting with everything.

In short I've been trying to eat better, recover better (sleep, pre and post workout), stretch, Hot/Cold showers (look it up), vitamins, breathing (you'd be surprised how much learning to breath properly helps you physically and mentally).  Most importantly just letting go of the things and people that pull me down, hurt me, and basically don't bring anything positive into my life.

On my last post  (link below) - I just want to add that I've noticed that the North/South Choke is a slower choke.  By this I mean is not an instant choke like say the Guillotine or Rear Naked Choke.  Once you've gotten the position and choke in place it feels like a gradual tightening then BAM! It's too late and you'll nap if you don't tap.  Where as the RNC or Guillotine you feel the pressure immediately and if you don't tap right away you be asleep.  I've noticed that the North/South traps the opponent but he (me) can feel the gradual tightening but there is time to tap (which is not always the case with RNC and Guillotines).  It does reach a point (from my limited time playing with the technique) where you DO feel that point of no return and THINGS do start to fade.  Anyhow, watch the videos I posted, buy Marcelo's book or subscribe to MGA (Marcelo Garcia in Action). and be patient.  It is a great technique to add to your arsenal from side control.

Last Blog - with North/South stuff

If you're familiar with competition Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then you'll no doubt know who Rodolfo Vieira is - basically he is the competitor who has taken the the Gi world by storm.  And is a serious challenger to Roger Gracie's dominance of the past few years.  I came across this little documentary last week.  It is a three part series in to Rodolfo's regime and what it takes to be a World Champion in Jiu Jitsu (or anything for that matter). If I do make it Rio this summer I would love to take a day or two from my Gordo Jiu Jitsu family and train at GFT and perhaps meet and train with Rodolfo???  Anyhow, if you're needing inspiration watch the videos and take in some lessons from someone who has dedicated everything to the thing he loves doing.

Part 1:



Part 2:




Part 3:




So that is my little update for this Blog.  In case you're stuck in a rut or lacking inspiration (even after viewing the above videos) I'll plug this story again.  The 78 yr old man who recently received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

78 yr old BB - Gracie Mag Story

Till next time . . .

. . . Life, Love, and Jiu Jitsu

A.

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.

Boring weekends (sleeping in);Training; Guard Passing, Posture and the Falcon Trust - Last Week at 50/50 BJJ Academy

So when I last left off I had my equivalent of the near death experience - melodramatics aside I did learn a valuable lesson that you need to keep hydrated when you're training on a day in day out basis and this lesson is heightened when you're in the middle of a heat wave in an area known for not only  heat but high humidity.

As I had mentioned previously; my sleep schedule was way off and as a result I slept in on the Saturday of my visit and missed out on the open mat.  I woke up around 2:30-3:00pm, showered, and made my way out. The plan had been to go out walking and take some pictures around Alexandria.  If you're familiar with my trips to Brazil you'll know doubt be aware that I do like to go exploring the city and area I'm living in on foot and take pictures.  So upon planning this years trip I made sure to pack my camera.

Anyhow I made my way out the door and and down the block and figured that I'd head out towards the Potomac Center then head south from there as I had seen some nice buildings and architecture from afar.  As par course with my trip thus far I was soaked in sweat a block or so from the 50/50 hotel (as it is called).  I had made sure to pack lots of water and some Gatorade to make sure that my previous days experience was not repeated.  I made it up to the Potomac Center then headed south.  I had walked maybe about 10 minutes from the center when I realized that I was not going to be doing any picture taking as it was just too hot out and the sun was beating down hard (it being mid-day).  At this point I turned around and headed back to the Potomac Center.  I went in to the Target as it was the nearest store and I was burning up by this time.  I did some window shopping to cool down then made my way down through each store.  I finally arrived at the Barns & Noble/Starbucks and sat down to veg out and try to figure out what I was going to do with my day.


As it turns out there is a movie theater in the Potomac Center and I figured that the best way to get out of the heat and do something other than sit around was to go to a movie.  So i hopped on my phone, found the listings and decided that I was going to go see the newest Harry Potter movie.  Not really being a movie critic all I'll say is that I liked the movie and it was nice to veg out and get out of the heat.  After the movie was over I walked back down the stores, grabbed some food, then sat in a different Starbucks for about an hour or so then made my way back to the house to kill time on the internet.
 Here is a picture of my movie stub for proof...ha ha:

When I arrived back to the house the Kenny and Seph were home - I do believe they went to some sort of get-together/party and Seph was a little tipsy. Other than that my Saturday was uneventful.  As per usual I stayed up late, slept-in on Sunday.

Upon waking up on Sunday I figured that I better get my traveling - I had initially decided I was going to Grayhound bus it to Charlotte but after a talk with my Ma she convinced me that perhaps trying the train would be a better option.  After some research I discovered that the Amtrax train station was not far from where I was staying and it would work out much better as I could only find a grayhound bus station in Richmond and the only bus to Charlotte leaves everyday at around 8:00am ish.

So I went on line and managed to figure out which  buses I need to jump on to get there and back.  After a long, long wait the bus finally arrived at the bus stop and it was about a 15 minute ride to the train station.  I purchased my ticket ($102.00 for a one way to Charlotte, NC from Alexandria, VA.)  After another long wait at the bus station I caught my bus and made my way back to the neighborhood where I was staying.  I decided that I should grab something to eat so again I made my way up to the Potomac Center.  Grabbed a bite to eat, headed back home and tried to prepare myself for my last few days of training at Ryan Hall's academy.

Monday was pretty much my same routine, get up, shower, make my way to starbucks for a coffee and late lunch/breakfast.  Come back to the house, shower, hop the bus, train, hop the bus back to the house.  Get off at my bus stop.  Stop at 7-11 on my walk to the house to grab a hot dog and a coke zero.  Shower, change, eat something and then veg out on the computer till I fall asleep.

During  my time at the 50/50 academy I was exposed to a whole different approach/style than I had  been previously used to.  Most notably the deep half guard and the one foot x-guard.  I've been working on the x-guard for about 2yrs now; of course my training has been spotty.  And I have found myself in the position of x-guard/deep half so my time at Ryan's academy was well spent.  Of course I think that about least a month at the academy would have been what I needed to make a real impact and work the deep half, x-guard, and one footed x-guard.

Overall there was nothing too outrageous to talk about; training, sleep, eat, and veg out.

However, one thing stands out from my last few training sessions at the academy. During the fundamentals class we worked on posturing in the guard, breaking open the guard and passing to side control and eventually the north-south choke.

Anyone familiar with being in the closed guard will no doubt know about the concept of posture which involves a few things going on at once.  For the unfamiliar I'll break it down as best I can.

you need to control the hips (of the guy holding you in his closed guard) which in most cases, in the gi, is done with one hand gripping the Gi Jacket roughly around where the ribs would be so as to create discomfort is your opponent should try to sit up.  Your other hand should be controlling his Gi pants near the waist area so as to control his hips.  You should also be looking straight in front of you (keeping your head up).  Finally, you should be, for the lack of a better explanation, thrusting your groin area into his butt so as to further immobilize his hips and create a very strong posture from which you can begin to stand up and start opening and passing the guard.

Ryan had observed us and from what I figure we we for the most part getting the gist of it.  While we were drilling the guard passing Ryan stopped us and corrected and pointed out a few things that we needed to work on.  One of them being thrusting your groin area in so as to create that strong vertical pillar that is essential for strong posture in guard.  In order to get this through to us Ryan mentioned if anyone had seen the youtube clip "FALCON THRUST" from what I can recall no one had and he said this is exactly the motion he wanted us to use when posturing up in guard.  He laughed a bit and did what I call the "Duff Man" motion from the Simpsons tv show.  Anyhow, after training I made my way back home and followed my usual ritual.

Here is the clip of the infamous "Falcon Thrust":



For some reason this clip has been labeled as offensive so it might not embed or you might have to log into a youtube account.  If so I am sorry - but you know how Puritan youtube has become in the last year or so.

Anyhow, that is the type of hip movement/thrust that Ryan wanted stress to us that we needed to use when creating that good posture to successfully open and pass an opponent's guard.

My last night at the academy was more of the same; warm up, drill, positional spar.  Like I had mentioned earlier I wish I could have stayed longer to take advantage of all the new and exciting techniques that I was learning but life is such that most good things must end.  Here are a few pics I snapped from my last night at Ryan Hall's 50/50 academy:

The first two are of Ryan, myself, Seph, and Kenny (in the arm sling). The second is of Ryan and Seph talking some strategy/technique???  The third pic is of a fellow named Courtney (last name???) that I met at the academy and was one of the guys that I got along with really well and was also very helpful with some of the techniques that I was unfamiliar with.  And finally another pic of Ryan and Seph engaged in some deep Jiu Jitsu conversation.

Thus ended my almost 2 week vacation/training excursion to Virginia and Ryan Hall's 50/50 academy.  Much like my experiences at Gordo's academy in Brazil I found that I was welcomed in to the academy as not only a foreigner (me being a Canadian) but a Jiu Jitsu student who comes from a different camp (I would consider myself a Gordo/Josh Russell student of BJJ).

I feel that in some parallel universe or another parallel life - that I'm in Virginia training everyday at 50/50 academy and loving life - despite the heat (perhaps in this parallel world it's not so hot and humid in VA.    Just as in another parallel world I'm kicking butt in Brazil and training everyday with Gordo and the jiu jitsu beasts in Barra da Tijuca in Rio.

After the photo taking Ryan thanked me and again mentioned that he felt honored that I chose his academy out off the academies in the world.  But lets be honest the honor is all mine and I have met some really good guys in Alexandria/Arlington and I hope fate and life brings me back that way as I really felt at home and good training there.

I've talked to a friend of mine from my home academy in Calgary - Gracie Barra Calgary - and he is a big fan of Ryan's and we had talked about perhaps taking a trip down that way sometime next year - I'm thinking the Easter Holiday.

If you should ever get the urge to train at a welcoming academy with lots of good jiu jitsu players and a world renowned instructor and aren't to keen on traveling to Brazil then I suggest that you contact the 50/50 academy at the address below:

http://5050bjj.com/

And ask about the 50/50 hotel - Kenny Savercool and Seph Smith would be the ones to talk to about staying there.

So that is pretty much it for this portion of my summer 2011 Jiu Jitsu trip - the next stop is South Carolina and Jeremy Arel's Great Grappling Academy - stay tuned for adventures from there.  Till then....



Peace, Love, and Happiness (whatever happiness is to you)

Andre (the king of Broken-Heart'd Jiu Jitsu...haha!!!)

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.

Training,Clothes, and That Lost Feeling (rolling with Ryan Hall)

So when I left off last I had been without clothes going on my 3rd day.  I ended up going to Target to get some clothes so that I could train and have something to change into.  I also managed to find my way to the 50/50 academy via the bus system in Arlington/Alexandria, VA.

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!!!!

Virginia - Part Two, Bus rides, Target, New Clothes (sorta), Facing Fears.

When you last read about my summer 2011 adventure the major concern was that I had no clothes; the result of my luggage not making it through customs.

Well I slept most of the day Wednesday.   I got up around 2:30-3:00pm-ish.  Seph, one of the owners and instructors at the 50/50 academy asked me if I was going to train tonight - I said yes but that I needed to get some stuff from the Target store a few blocks away.  From here he helped me figure out how I was going to get down to Arlington to the academy.  I was to take the the 10A bus to the metro (subway system) and from there take a few different lines to end up downtown Arlington.   Seph went off to the academy to teach and I made my way to the Target.

The Target store is about 5-6 blocks away in a strip mall type of place called the Potomac Yard Center - picture below:

This walk takes about 15 minutes - but seemed much further because of the heat.  Once there I made my way back to the mens wear.  I grabbed some boxer briefs for training and to have something to change into when i got back, a tee shirt to wear under my Gi. I grabbed some water and gatorade, paid and then made my way back to the house to take a quick shower.

Once showered and dressed I packed up my Gi, loaded my backpack with water, locked up the house and my made my way to the bus stop.

I got to the bus stop and began waiting.  At this point I have to add that the heat and humidity here in Virginia last week was verging on deathly; even people from this area have commented that the heat was awful.   My point being that by the time I got to the bus stop I was drenched with sweat.  The 10A eventually arrived I pulled out my little piece of paper with the names of the places I needed to get to and asked the buss driver for some assistance.  I informed him that I needed to get to the Metro at which point he told me which one.  And this is where I'd insert a 'blankface" picture because I was not really sure.  I showed him the little piece of paper which also happened to have the address of the 50/50 academy.  He noticed the address and told me that it would be much easier if I caught the 10B bus which was about 10minutes behind him.  That it would take me right where I needed to go.  So I hoped off and began to wait and sweat again.

The 10B finally arrived, I was still unsure if this was the right bus so I asked the bus driver but he was unsure as well (apparently this was not his usual route).  Anyhow a few nice passengers looked at the address and informed me that I was on the right bus.  My stop being the very last stop of this particular route.

Eventually, 45 minutes or so, I got off at my stop and was pointed in the direction of where the 50/50 Academy should be located.  So off I went edging that much closer to training with Ryan Hall.  My guess is that the academy is about 4-5 blocks from the downtown bus stop or about a 10 minute walk.  As I was making my way down the street I keep looking at the numbers of the buildings.

After about 15 minutes I stopped as I was in the area that the address should be.  I looked around but could not see any sign or advertisement for the academy.  I was about to walk to the store behind me when I happened to look up and across the street and there it was - the 50/50 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy of Ryan Hall.

The picture below is approximately what I saw:

Here I was and the nervousness began to hit me.  I suffer from an anxiety disorder so even training back home causes me to worry, doubt, try to find a way out - so my nerves and mind were running a mile a minute.  I was unsure I should go up there; in truth I was trying to find a way out.  Which is a thorn in my side.  I took a deep breath, sucked it up, and walked across the street. After a bit of trial and error I realized that the entrance was around back of the building and so I made my way to the back.

I got to the back and saw the little glass door with the 50/50.

Again another deep breath.  I reached for the door, pulled it open, and began to walk up the stairs to the academy.  I had nothing to lose now.  I was here to train and here I was at the academy.  I was damned if I was going to allow my inner demons and troubles get the best of me.

Please stay tuned for the next installment of the 50/50 BJJ trip.

No shirt, no shoes, no fun - first few days in Virgina.

So I finally made it down here to Virgina - Staying in Alexandria, VA at the house of two of the top students/instructors at Ryan Hall's 50/50 academy.  The two guys I'm staying with are - Kenny Savercool and Seph Smith.  Unfortunately, Kenny had surgery the day I arrived and has not been to the academy - at least not the times that I've been there-and will be out for 5-6 months while his shoulder heals up.

Anyhow, my trip started at 12:05am Sunday/Monday, July 17-18.  I drove up on Sunday evening, got dropped off and made my way through the check in and waited.  Caught my flight which was a roughly 3 1/2 hr flight (give or take).  I arrived at about 5am-ish Toronto time and had about a 3hr lay over till my flight left for DC - Ronald Regan Airport.

I made it through the hellishly long line to USA customs.  Got through with a little over an hour till my flight left - decided to get something to eat then sat and waited till my flight was boarding.  Finally boarded and within roughly an Hour and a half I was in DC.  Although, I might add that the flight was late leaving the airport in Toronto.

So here comes the crappy part.  We landed, got off the plan, and we (everyone on the plane who had checked luggage) made our way to pick up our luggage.  Well I waited and waited - for about 15 minutes after everyone else had gotten their luggage.  At this point it dawned on me that my luggage was in all likelihood lost - at very least not in VA.  In the end I found out that my luggage had not cleared customs in Toronto and the plane left without my luggage.  Anyhow, I was assured that it would arrive on the next flight at 5pm and that I would have my luggage later that night or early the next day.  Note to self and anyone reading this; "Do not believe airlines when they say your luggage will be back to you in a timely manner"

Anyhow, While waiting for my luggage and then trying to figure out what was going on with that situation  - Seph, Kenny's roommate called me and left a message; I called back and informed him that my luggage was MIA.  Eventually, he was able to locate the terminal and exit where I was waiting.  As I walked out the doors of the airport the first thing that hit me was the heat and humidity - it was unlike anything I'd ever felt.

After Seph picked me up we headed straight to his place as I was completely beat from being awake since 9am the previous day (Sunday).  So he dropped me off and told me that he had to run off as he was teaching a class at the academy.  I knew that all I was going to do was sleep and sleep I did.  I did not wake up till just before 6pm as I had heard some noise and decided to see what was up.  It was my other host Kenny Savercool back from surgery.  We had some chit chat, I paid my rent for staying here, asked about places to eat and such.  Then made my way out to the 7-11 near by to pick up some water as I was feeling very dehydrated and not much better with the heat.

I ended up finding a great Mexican food place and stuffed myself with steak tacos, nacho chips and salsa, and a guacamole dip. After which I made my way to Target to buy some supplies - washing stuff.  And made my way back to my place.  When I arrived Kenny was out - presumably from medication and just having shoulder surgery.

I spend a bout an hour trying to connect to the internet and finally did.  At this point I did some e-mailing and just mellowing out on the computer.  Eventually, I went up to my room and went to sleep.

Day 2 - still no clothes.  I ended up getting up kind a early but went straight back to bed.  I woke up late in the afternoon and showered and then went for a short walk then came back and waited for my baggage to arrive.  By about 9pm I realized that my stuff was not arriving so i went back up to my room and went to bed; unfortunately I was in one of those states where I was tired but my mind was racing and I could not settle down.  I was up till close to 6am which in turn had me sleeping most of the day on Wednesday.

So thus far my trip has been:

long drive to the airport in Calgary
long, late flight to Toronto
long wait to get through customs in Toronto
Arrive in DC to find that my luggage was not there waiting for me.
extreme heat and humidity once I arrived.
No change of clothes after 2 full days.
lots of sleeping and not training after 2 full days here.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this particular blog.  So to sum up my trip thus far - no luggage no fun!

p.s. I've not had the chance to take much pictures but I will get on that ASAP! 

In the meantime if your looking for some cool music to chill out to listen to this song by Robert Bradley I just rediscovered. This is soul music and I've been listening to it non-stop.  You may ask why music in a jiu jitsu themed blog?  Well music is one of the few things that helps me get through the day and life in general.  My tastes are diverse.  Enjoy!

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

Connection Rio

I'm not making it to Rio this year and obviously not going to be hanging out with whom ever is staying at the Connection Rio house (from what Dennis has told me they are two houses now - both within walking distance to Gordo's Academy.

I came into contact with Dennis Asche and his company ConnectionRio about a month and a half before I left for Rio 2yrs ago. This was at a time when I had decided, for various reasons, to quit my job and try to pursue the BJJ dream of going to Rio and doing nothing but training and living the lifestyle.

It was a chore to try and get everything in order and a big leap of faith for me - considering I'd never flown in a plane, never been farther than Vancouver in Canada and Wyoming in the USA. But I guess when you've become heartbroken (with life in general) one to many times you either make changes or just resign that your life is going to suck and you're going to die unfulfilled and a chump.

Anyhow, long short - I tried in vain to secure a place to stay in Rio. Most places were way out of my price range. I was pretty certain that a long term stay was out of the question (I had planned to stay at least 5-6 months). Anyhow a friend from Gracie Barra Calgary sent me a website that had tips and pointers for people wanting to go train in Rio. I ended up contacting them (they were from the UK - if i recall correctly) and in turn he gave me Dennis Asche's contact info. I ended up contacting Dennis right away and he said that he had a space for me. And well the rest is history. I stayed at the ConnectionRio HQ for about 3 months; a family emergency sent me back to Canada cutting short my trip but for good reason (perhaps another blog will get in to this).

I ended up going back to Rio and ConnectionRio last year and had planned on going back but things don't work out as you plan. But I do plan on making my way back to Rio, ConnectionRio, and Gordo's academy again. The previous blog got into my plans for this summer.

If you are into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and want to experience the birthplace of BJJ (Brazil, Rio, Barra da Tijuca, etc...) in a safe and secure environment. Then i highly recommend contacting Dennis Asche through the connection rio website and start working on living your dreams.


http://www.connectionrio.com/

Here is a clip of BlackBelt Dennis Asche (under Roberto "Gordo" Correa de Lima) and founder of Connection Rio showing off a couple of butterfly guard passes:





Here is a clip of the ConnectionRio show; an interview with Rafael dos Anjos who just fought and defeated George Sotiropoulos this past weekend at UFC 132.






Finally, here is a clip of a young gentleman I've seen but never really talked to at Gordo's academy talking about being positive and training. He is Robson Gracie:

I'd suggest subscribing to the ConnectionRio youtube page or contacting Dennis if you have desire to go to Rio, train, and live the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle.

Anyhow, that is it for now. I'm still waiting on the Marcelo Garcia academy to get back to me so i can start booking flights and finalizing my plans. Hopefully everything come to fruition.

Till next time . . . Peace!

Summer 2011-jiu jitsu?

Well it's been ages since I've wrote on here. Time for an update. Well last time that I wrote was in Rio (last August) and well I kinda got lazy and stopped writing. I had planned on picking it back up when I got back to Canada but my computer crashed a few days after I arrived back in Canada which in turn just helped me lose my motivation for anything.

I pretty much stopped training (work ate up most of my time and crazy winter weather helped with the lack of motiavtion.)

I had planned on going back to rio this year and competing in the rio open and trying to work my way closer to that purple belt. But as such, in my life, things just never worked out (a lack of get go and motivation on my part which led to not getting a place to stay in Connection Rio). There's really no place else i would consider staying and training Rio - Its all about Connection Rio and Gordo Jiu Jitsu. It is where my heart lies.

I will always be Gordo Jiu Jitsu and will always represent Dennis Asche and connection Rio. Well at least for as long as I'm in this world.

But things are not so bleak. I know that I cannot just sit around and be bummed out in southern, Alberta. It would lead to falling back into old patterns and depressions. So I tried to scrabble and think of what I can do.

I contacted my Friend Jeremy Ariel, whom I met on my first trip to Rio, and asked him what the chances were of him holding me up for a few weeks this summer and letting me train at his brand new gym in Charlotte, N.C. He said sure and I will be going there for a few weeks in late july and early august.

Here is Jeremy showing off what he calls the Rommel guard pass (one of my favorite instructors at Gordo's Academy).






So training at Jeremy's gym (aka Gerbil) will be the 2nd half of my summer adventure .

I'm waiting to hear if plans fall through to train at Marcelo Garcia's academy in NYC for a week or so. Here is a clip of Garcia if you're unfamiliar.





If things work out I'll also be training at Ryan Hall's academy 50/50 in Washington, D.C. If you're unfamilar with Ryan Hall here is a clip:





I'm hoping to spend 6 days at Marcelo's and another week at Ryan Hall's. Finally 2 weeks or so training with my Connection Rio buddy Jeremy. It is not Rio but it's not bad either way. However things turn out I will be happy to life, breath, and hopefully get my fire back.

I'll start posting and writing more - no matter what happens. It's part of being happy and living life. Doing what yo love and I used to love writing so much.

Peace out and leave a comment if you read this. Don't hesistate to check out my profile and send me a message if you're wondering about anything. I'll end with a little clip of Connection Rio:




Well two clips this one featuring a brief section with your's truely.







Whoever is looking out for us . . . "Guide us till the end of time"

Rainy days and packed houses alwasy get me down

Part two:

Well the plane ride was what a 10hr plane ride in coach - long, uncomfortable. Although I must say that I was thankful that the plane was not too packed - this was probably due to the fact that I flew on a Tuesday as opposed to a flight closer to the weekend; which I’ve been told are the times to avoid as everyone leaves on weekends.

The flight went well - I ended up watching the movie Date Night as well as an episode of The Office as well as some other comedy shows. I also watched some House and a bit of CSI. To kill time I also started to read one of the books I picked up before I left; in this case I started to read The Road as I had watched a movie and liked it and figured I needed to read the book. I plan on finishing it quickly as I might use it for teaching English this coming fall.

We made it to Rio on time. I was a bit worried that I might get hassled by the customs people as I do believe I only have about 15 days till I have to renew my visa for another 90 days. Of course it will go back bump back to 180 on Aug 07, 2010 - as August 07 was the day I arrived last year.

In talking with Dennis he said that a gentleman named Danillo “Moto-Serra” would pick me up at the airport. I was told he was a black gentle man, with tattoos, who is also a Vale-Tudo (anything goes) fighter - basically an MMA fighter. I waited for my bags to come around, which they finally did after about 25 minutes. I then walked through the final check in and walked out hoping my ride was there - and of course he was not. If you’ve never been to Rio you won’t get why I was so nervous - I did not want to get swarmed by the Gringo Hawks aka the cab drivers that hound you to take their cab. But for some reason they did not bother me - one guy even tried to help me with calling Denis. I wandered around for about 40 minutes. I then noticed someone walking in and towards the arrival area - he fit the description that Denis gave me so I walked up to him and asked if he was Danilo and he said yes. So I had my ride - it was a long ride as Danilo decided to take the scenic route and even made a stop at his place to pick up a cell phone charger. I was a bit worried I was being taken for a ride but I eventually made it to the Connection Rio house.

When I arrived at the airport it was overcast but no rain as Danilo and I made our way through the city it started to rain and continued all the way to Barra da Tijuca. And has been raining ever since I got here - that’s 4 days now. I must say it is getting kind of depressing. I wanna hit the beach and see some skimpy bikinis…ha ha!


Anyhow, when I arrived the first thing I noticed was that the place was packed and no one really knew where I was going to be sleeping - I was dead tired by this time and just wanted to sleep; after I got something to eat of course. Dennis was not around and was not expected to be in for a few hours. So I grabbed a chair and sat there doing absolutely nothing and tried to get some sleep which is not very easy to do in a house packed with people, clothes, while you’re sitting in an uncomfortable chair.

After about 2hrs I struck up a conversation with one of the gals in the house and told her I was tired and hungry. She ended up lending me her key so I could walk down to Camacha’s restaurant to get some chicken, rice, and beans - pretty much a staple for me. I started to walk down and had barely gotten half a block when I noticed someone running up to me - low and behold it was Denis. He shook hands, hugged and had a brief conversation. He was heading to the house to pick up some of the house members for a training session and I was hungry so we went our separate ways.

I ate breakfast/lunch - went to the bakery to grab a coffee, listened to my I-pod and then walked back home. By this time I learned that I was going to be sleeping in the make-shift room - which is the living room. Either I was happy to be getting bed so I could get some rest. Unfortunately, by the time I got my bed situation sorted out the coffee had kicked in and I was took jacked up to do anything. So I pulled out my computer and surfed the net for a bit.

I was definitely too tired to train that night so I decided to just walk over to Gordo’s academy and take some pictures. I walked in and got to see the new renovations that Gordo’s academy has undergone. When I left last October the gym was just starting their renovations and was pretty rough to say the least. Well it’s safe to say Gordo now has the first class gym that is deserving of his legacy, reputation, and manner. Gordo’s renovated academy is beautiful. I’ve added some pictures to show how it looks now. I’ve yet to wander up stairs but I will post some pictures from up there once I get back.

After I had walked in and settled in a chair - Gordo noticed me and stared at me for a few minutes, smiled then walked over to me. I got the fairly standard handshake and half hug that seems to be the norm amongst Jiu Jitsu practitioners here in Rio. He was very happy to see me and asked how long I was going to be and if I was going to do the Rio Open. I told him a month and that I might do the open - of course I ended up missing the deadline for the Rio Open (it was the day of my arrival and my mind was just not working properly - so I ended up forgetting to registrar.)

You will notice that there is a large mirror in the background of some of the photos - each section of mirror is a little storage place. I thought that was wonderful. Overall, I’d say that being back here is like coming back to my ‘other home’ I just wish that I did not have to travel so far to feel like I’m where I need to be. Life is strange like that. One thing that I’m happy about is the mindset I’m in this time. I don’t have all the baggage I had last year and I just feel so much more positive about this round here in Rio. I do plan on coming back again and again - till my goal is reached.

I really hope that it stops raining soon - so I can get out and go on my walks around Barra - picture taking of course. It just sucks being stuck in the house most of the time. Till next time!

Stay tuned for more updates.

Peace :) Andre!

Brief Update

so it's been ages since i've wrote in this thing.

1. I'm now a teacher -after graduating with an Ed degree and never going into teaching I'm not teaching High school Science and Math although I'm not a major in either. Next semester I will get to do two English courses so I will be in my element.

2. I'm really hoping to make it back to Brazil for 5-6 months - now that my father is getting better and stronger I really want to go back down there and do what I love doing which is Jiu Jitsu.

3. Dispite loving Jiu Jitsu I've not trained much since I've gotten back to Canada. The first month i was here i ended up having to stay at home with my father to keep an eye on him. Then i started work as a teacher and that ate up all my time. I also think I started falling back in to a depression because I really was not getting joy from anything. But the urge is there and any day Now I'll return to my love - Jiu Jitsu.

4. Well my Father is doing well and getting stronger each day which is a huge relief and weight taken off my shoulders.

5. I still think about and miss Molly - as pathetic as that is.

6. I spent way too much money at x-mas.

7. Hangovers hurt like hell... ha ha!

8. Everyday is a struggle to get up and make it to work but each day also seems a little better than the last and all I can hope for is that someday I get rid of the blues.

9. My book has 70 pages done already (25364 words). I hope to get it done by March and start trying to shop it around and get it published.

10. My phone hardly ever rings anymore but that's okay - I really wish that that one person who was so elusive would call me - but that's just a dream.

11. I gained back all the weight that I lost in Brazil and then some...but I will get back in shape ASAP.

12. I found a place to live in Strathmore and stay there during the week and go home to visit my parents on the weekends.

13. since I've been back I've only seen one gal that interested me and being the timid fool I am I let her go without even getting a number or name. Gotta start living in the now and living like it is my last day.

14. The weather up here has been crap for the most part. Although in the last week it has warmed up a bit and most of the snow has melted. a few weeks back we had tempetures in the minus 30's so anything is better than that.

15. No Retreat, No Regrets will continue on into 2010.

Peace....!!

Andre

2nd last day in Brazil.

By now anyone who reads this will know that I came back to Canada early because of a family emergency that needed to be tended to.

Well those last few days were pretty sad for me. I was just starting to find my place in Brazil and my Jiu Jitsu finally felt like it was reaching it's potential. After years of only being able to train off and on - and some times off for extended periods of time. And all that built up knowledge felt like it was starting to come out on the mats - little by little. Coupled with the knowledge and experience I was picking up down in Rio it felt like the potential was there to take it to new heights. Then of course the craziness started and well it got cut short.

All was not lost as on my second last day in Rio I had gone out to take some pictures and decided to drop by the academy to get some photos from the evening training session that night (Tuesday October 20th) it was a sad time for me as I did not really want to leave; especially under the circumstances that I was leaving under. Emotionally I was a mess those last few days in Rio - and of course it's extended on to my time here in Canada - but I was constantly breaking down: sad because I was leaving, sad because I feared the worst for my father and family, sad because I was not finished what I had started, sad because I was coming home to nothing. I'm not ashamed to say that some tears were shed explaining to Rommel what was going on and why I was not staying as long as I had planned.

I took some pictures of the guys training and after class Gordo and Rommel suggested that I and the guys who were training that night take a group photo. So we all got together for the photo by the training cage with the Gordo logo. Just as we had lined up Gordo pulled out some belts and called me up and awarded me my Blue Belt for winning my category at the Copa Cyclone Jiu Jitsu Tournament 2009. It was very unexpected and a great going away gift - an early present so to speak. It made my leaving a lot more easy because I had achieved one of my Goals for my Rio training trip.

I was able to hold back my emotions and receive my blue belt with a smile on my face. It took a bit longer than i thought it would - i was gunning to receive my blue belt within a month but actually training was a reality check. But I managed to get it done about a month or so later than I had hoped to; but it got done.

There was one more crazy story that occurred on my last day in Brazil but I will save that for my next blog. In the mean time the photos are from my second last day (last evening) in Rio at Gordo's gym.


*That's Gordo in the white Gi giving me my Blue belt and Rommel in the Black Gi after the Group picture.

Copa Cyclone Jiu Jitsu Champion 2009 - and bad/sad news

well I've got some good news and some bad news.

-well the Copa Cyclone Jiu Jitsu Tournament was this past weekend and I ended up winning my division - first place in the Masters (30yrs old plus) 82kg. it was a great experience overall and something I would love to do again.

i spent most of last week training with Dennis in the afternoon and doing drilling with Thomas from the house. Which paid off a lot as I felt really comfortable at the Tournament. I ended up getting a medal and will get a teeshirt from the event.

this is a good pay off and confirmation that what im doing here and taking this chance was worth it.

-I ended up going out with Thomas to Oswaldo's bar Saturday night with Thomas - we stayed there till about 4am - I actually lost track of time. Well, i ended up staying up most of the night and just letting loose for one night. it was a blow off of stream. As much as i did not want to drink alcohol down here I had fun hanging out and just letting my mind rest for one night.

-i ended up getting an e-mail from my sister sunday morning telling me that she has some bad news about my father. apparently, on Saturday he and my mother were in lethbridge shopping and were on their way out of the shopping centre and just about to load up the groceries when my mother noticed my dad was not responding when she called out his name. she went around the vehicle to find my dad lying on the ground not breathing.

this was another heart attack - caused by irregular heart beats or so ive been told. he was rushed to the hospital in bad condition.

long story short - Im coming home early. I will be leaving Rio on Wednesday at 10pm Rio time and arrive in Calgary at 12:30pm thursday afternoon.

-im not sure how to feel right now - I felt so good and on top of the world Saturday night and it all went down the drain in less than a day. Don't get me wrong i want to be with my family and would not be able to live with myself if the worst were to happen and I was still here in Rio.

But it feels like my dream and time to shine has been taken from me and cut short. Im sure there is no divine intervention but i just wonder why things could not go smoothly for me. for the first time in my life i was doing what i wanted and having things go my way. i really thought that id get my blue belt before i left and the win at the Copa Cyclone would help me on my way to that goal.

feel a bit cheated because there was so much more to accomplish - my jiu jitsu started to feel like it was getting so much better and i was finally getting it right. There was so much more to accomplish, so many more people to meet, so many more days at the beach, so many more things to see, so many more...and now it's gone.

im not sure what im going back to - outside of my family and the support. But i have no job, no prospects, and no money. i really wanted this to work out and it's gone now. im not sure if the blog will keep going. right now im not feeling so great.

take care..

Andre