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"

Opening Doors in Rio - letting the sun in

Well it’s been far too long since my last update - I’m thinking that I will do 2-3 smaller blogs as opposed to my usual longer blogs.

This blog will cover the week of July 19 -25, 2010.

The week started off on a good note - I ended up going for a run on Monday afternoon then went to train that night. Overall, I pretty positive day. There is nothing really of note -as most of the days were the same, get up, eat, maybe train or go for a run during the afternoon, come home, eat, sleep, then get ready for evening training.

This week was the week of Rio Open so the gym was pretty packed each night - in fact on the Monday I had noticed there was another female black belt in the academy but did not really pay much attention as I was there to train and honestly I cannot see very well without my glasses. Once training was over I threw on my glasses and was heading out the door when I noticed that the female black belt was none other than Kyra Gracie herself. Damn, and I did not bring my camera. OH well.

Monday was also the day that a new guy moved into the house - Richie.

Anyhow I ended up training Monday to Wednesday.

I awoke fairly late on Thursday morning; which was the first day of the Rio Open. I had planned on going down to watch the guys and gals from the house compete but ended up missing out on rides to the tournament. I arrived back at the Connection Rio house and was lucky enough to run into Jeremy and he informed me that he would be heading down around 4pm as he did not have to compete till closer to 6pm. So I had a ride there (cab ride that is). As we arrived we ran in to Dennis and some of the people from the house and from the looks on their faces I knew that they did not do so well.

Jeremy asked me if I would be willing to record his matches during the Rio Open and I agreed. As for the match - well Jeremy did not do as well as expected. But he put up a great fight and in the end he walked away from the match while his opponent limped away. In-fact, in the very next match Jeremy’s opponent just ended up basically giving up because of the damage that Jeremy did to his knee. Go figure. Next time.

The next day I had also agreed to go to the open with the new guy Richie to film and give support. We were up fairly early that morning and headed off to the cab stand near the Mudial grocery store. The cab ride was pretty crazy as the cab driver was fairly slow (by Rio standards), and his vehicle began to emit smoke, in addition the oil light came on. But we managed to make it to the Tijuca tennis courts on time for Richie’s matches.

In the end Richie ended up wining his division - I got to film him. Braga Neto also helped to coach Richie. All in all a great day for my new friend. Here are a couple of photos of Richie:





We also trained later that night and ended up getting to meet BJJ legend Vinicius “Draculio” Magalhaes as he dropped by Gordo’s academy for an interview with Dennis. Check photo for proof (ha ha!):





I ended up not making it to the Rio Open on Saturday - which sucked as I wanted to see Gordo’s matches. Again, it was a matter of not planning ahead and missing out on rides to the tennis courts. Gordo ended up winning his division so all praise be to the master himself.

I managed to talk Richie into going on Sunday - Justin, another room-mate - also wanted to come along so we ended up catching a cab down to the tennis courts around 11am. By the time we got there quite a few of the matches had already taken place - so we hung out, ate, watched matches and gals (female watching is mandatory in Rio..ha ha!). Bought some merchandise (picked up a snazzy hoodie and duffel bag.) Richie and I ended up staying till around 3pm and decided to head back to the house. On our way I out I just happened to look up and catch a glimpse of one of my BJJ Heros Saulo Ribeiro. I ended up getting Richie to ask him if I could take my picture with him as I was too awe struck. Here is my picture with Saulo just before his absolute matches:




So that was pretty much the week of the Rio Open - I must say that this was as good a week as I’ve ever had. Lots up ups and very few downs.

I think about this week and I feel like things can turn out for the good - the weather was nice, my friends competed, some won, some lost but they all fought hard and made themselves proud, I met some hero’s and made a new friend - which is what living life is all about - those surprises that you expect and don’t expect.

I not sure where this road (path) that I’ve taken will lead me - I just know that it feels right. But I must confess that at times it can be hard and that I do get discouraged (next blog will get into this) and want to give up and just go back to playing it safe (9-5 job, pay bills, etc…) but, for whatever reason, I keep at it. Get up and keep at it. Perhaps maybe someday “She’ll” read about me and realize she let something go that was worth having (I know I should have let her memory die a long time ago but you know, it is what it is and I cannot and will not apologise for still aching)

So here’s to running head first through all those doors that lay out before us - as the saying goes “the sun never shines on closed doors.” So bust those doors down and let some goddamn sunshine in . . .

Next blog coming soon !!!!

“Come July we’ll ride the farris-wheel round and round and if you never let me go I’ll never let you down”

A.

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!

Missed flights - not such a plight...

Well I have just gotten through my first full day in Rio and it has been a bit of an adventure and hassle to get to the point where I’m sitting here typing this blog.

First and foremost I was to have arrived in Rio Tuesday morning but things did not go as planned. Being unmarried and single and unwilling to pay (afford) the fees for long term parking I asked my parents if they could drive me up to Calgary and drop me off at the Calgary International Airport. This meant that I was subject to their agenda; which is not normally a big deal. But in this case my mother decided to bring one of her vehicles in to the shop. The plan had been for her to bring it in before 7am and be back at her house to pick me up before 8am. Well it did not go as planned and we did not end up leaving my parents house till about 9:40am - with my flight leaving at 1:10 pm. My mother insisted that we would get there in time. Well long story short - I ended up missing my flight as I arrived at the Airport at 12:15 - which is 5 minutes after they close down the gates for flights heading into the USA. So I was pretty much out of luck. I was a bit bummed out and not really sure what I could do as there were no representatives from the airline that I was flying with who were available to consult with.

I ended up running into my parents as they had dropped me off and went to look for parking as they wanted to see me off. I informed them of what happened and we all just sat around doing nothing for a few moments. After about 30 minutes someone from the airline happened to come back to the ticket booth. There was another gentleman who was in the same boat as I and he was up talking to the lady. So I stood in line to try and find out how “shit out of luck” I was. When it was my turn to talk the lady I told her that I had missed my flight and that I wanted to know what my options were. She looked up the flights and told me that there was one going out later that day but nothing connecting to Rio till the next day. In the end she was able to find a flight out with the same times and connections - just a day later. I told her how much extra would it cost me and she told me that it would cost a little over $200.00 extra and that I would need a credit card. I informed her that I did not have a credit card and that I would have to ask my mother if I could use her credit card - I told her I would be right back. As I was walking back to my parents the lady called me back and said that it was okay and that she would not charge me for the new flight. I was supremely happy that I would not have to pay extra and it is a sign that there is some kindness left in the world.

After re-booking my flight and getting my new itinerary I went back and told my parents that I would be still going to Rio just a day later. Now the issue was whether or not we stayed up in Calgary in a hotel or drive back and get up early and make our way back. In the end we decided to just drive back down to Standoff and leave early Tuesday morning. We ended up doing that and this meant that I got to spend another day with my family before I left - it is always fun to spend time with my niece and nephew.

Nothing really eventful - we drove back home. I had planned on driving into Lethbridge to do a quick workout at the University but decided against as I knew that I had a large trip in front of me the next day and that rest was the best option. I ended up spending the evening with my parents and my nephew and we had some good laughs.

I woke up at 6am Tuesday morning and got ready and as a whole we left for Calgary by 7:20am - a much better start than the previous day. I ended up getting to the Airport at 9:55am. I checked in and got my baggage tagged and was ready to go through customs by 10:15am. But I decided that I wanted to spend a bit of time with my parents so I ended up hanging out for about another 20 minutes. After a few farewells and see-ya soons I was off to make my way through USA customs. Surprisingly it did not take as long as I thought it would. I was all zipped through customs and ready to board by 11:25am. My flight did not leave till 1:10 so I had a bit of time to kill. I ended up eating a hamburger and getting a coffee at star bucks.

Finally it was time to board and that went off without a hitch. My flight was to Houston and from Houston I would connect to Rio. From Calgary to Houston was approximately 3 ½ hrs of flight time. By the time we landed in Houston and I made my way off to find my connection it was just a bit after 6pm Houston time (just after 5pm as they are an hour ahead of us.) First thing I noticed was the heat as I walked off of the plane in Houston. It did not get any better in the terminal as it seemed the whole airport was a bit humid and hot.

Because I had eaten in Calgary and ate on the plane I decided to not eat in Houston - I just ended up having something to drink. I killed time by trying to log on the internet in the terminal and after a few minutes I was able to so but I have noticed that airport ‘free’ internet is pretty spotty at best-unless of course you’re willing to pay up some cash to become one of those elite members. I say no to that.

Anyhow, we were to have left Houston at 8pm but did not end up leaving till almost 9pm as there were some issues with the cleaning of the airplane. I finally boarded the plane and made my way to my seat - I now regret not having a credit card or asking my mother to use her card as I was asked back in Calgary if I wanted to upgrade to a seat with more leg room and did not. As this was a 10hr plus air plane ride. The only consolation was that it was a Tuesday night - midweek - and the plane was not totally packed. Still my legs and feet paid for it as they were aching and sore within a few hours of take off.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog - with pictures.

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

Oddities, rumours, and ramdon 'goings on"

Another week or so has come and gone since my last blog update. I'm trying to keep up but you know how it is - just no energy to do so but I hope to change this.

- Well it's been about 2 months since I've come to Rio - I had touched on this in my last post and I must say that it has flown by. I've met alot of new friends and accquintances here. I know some will remain just people that I met and probably end up fading to memory - which sucks but that's how it is sometimes- and others I'm sure that I'll end up keeping in touch with and possibly running in to again.

- The house is fairly full but relatively calm - we have Sam, Gerrad, Thomas, Tom, Jason, Jeremy and myself living in the house. Overall the house is much calmer than when I first arrived which suits me fine. Jeremy will be leaving in about a week and half - not sure who will be in to take his place. hopefully, it will be someone who is calm and not on the partying side.

- speaking of parties. I went out for a late supper on Sunday (to Camacha's restaurant and bar). I had ordered a chicken sandwich with some fries. I also had a coke - I've started drinking coke again whether or not this is good is another story. Anyhow, while I was waiting for my food to come along one of the black belts from Gordo's gym (he's a fisherman) walked by me and shook my hand and said his hellos. A few minutes later he came back with a guy I had seen on the beach before helping with the kite surfing who spoke some English. They asked me what I was up to and I told them that I was having supper they invited me to the other side of the restaurant/bar. They asked me if I'd like some beer - I said no but that I would hang out for awhile. We talked and they told me that I should hang out with them (there ended up being three of them - blackbelt, long hair, and kite surf owner.) They wanted me to go to some places here in Rio - of course I was alone so i was apprehensive about this.

I got my food and ended up sitting down with one of the other house mates who was at the bar as well. I ate and decided to buy the guys some beer. So i ordered a beer (they are in large bottles here) and took it over to the guys and even shared a glass with them. Anyhow, at some point I had drank 4 glasses of beer and was starting to fee buzzed out by this time. I knew from my last experience of drinking that I was playing with fire. By this time the bar was packed with people who were waiting to get into the Samba club that is located above the bar. This meant that there were females all over the place - very tempting. They also tried to teach me a song that is sung here something along the lines of "I'm single and in Rio de Janerio" which I assume is some sort of single guy mating call. I took a deep breath and told the guys that I would have to take a rain check as I needed to get up early to train - which was a partial lie as monday was a holiday here in Brazil and the gym was closed but were were going to train - just not till later in the day. Anyhow, that was my experience of a wild sunday night.

- About a month back I was at the gym training in the afternoon with Dennis and most of the house here at the Connection Rio HQ. Anyhow, there was a young guy there doing some filming for a school project - something to do with "why people come to Rio and Train Jiu Jitsu." Anyhow here is the clip with some of the guys in the house- you even get to see me once or twice..ha ha!

-Jason, Thomas and I decided that we were going to go to Restaurante Fronteira on Friday - the all you can eat pizza place. Anyhow it had been raining quite heavy for about 3 days and finally let up a little that evening. So we decided to go out and catch a cab and meet Greg at the restaurant. We walked down to the grocery store so I could use the bank machine as I had no cash on me. So we did that and decided to try the cab stand right in front of the grocery store. so we asked the lady if we could get a cab to the restaurant. Anyhow after a long wait we said to hell with it and decided to walk to the other cab stand about a block away. We got there and waited for a cab to arrive. Long story short, we waited about 20 mins and decided to just walk to the restaurant as the rain seemed to have let up. We began walking to the restaurant and about 5 minutes into the walk we should have crossed the street just before bridge like we normally do but for whatever reason we did not and just keep walking. Well along came a city bus just as we were walking near a large puddle on the road. It was perfect timing on the bus' and our part as we ended up getting splashed with a large amount of water. All three of us were soaked on our left sides.

this prompted us to quickly cross the road and continue on the restaurant. Just as we crossed the bridge and started to walk to the overpass it started to down pour. We tried to hail some cabs but with out luck. In the end we tried to wait out the rain - and it ended up letting up enough so that we could walk quickly to the restaurant. we spent about 2hrs in the restaurant trying to dry up. Needless to say we cabbed it back home.

- well I finally ended up talking to that cute gal from the Bakery - it was by accident. I went out on saturday to buy a new towel and decided to drop by the bakery for a coffee. Anyhow, she was working and what not. being the bashful, none Portuguese speaking fool I am. I just stood there drinking my coffee and trying to not be so creepy. Ha ha! I usually walk around with my ear phones in and this time was no different. Anyhow, at one point I noticed some of the girls talking and pointing to to me - so I took my earphones off. They said something to me - but not speaking the language I could not understand what was being said. In my extremely broken Portuguese I was able to convey to the gals that I could not speak much Portuguese and that I was from Canada. I tried to show them (speak) some of the words that I knew which elicited laughter from them - including the cute, short gal. Anyhow, she asked me something but again I could not understand. But I got a smile from her and that's a start I guess. Next mission is to ask her for her name and number - oh and work on my Portuguese.

-we decided to have a BBQ last night (Monday) and all went well except for the fact that we could not get the fire started. Jeremy, ended up going down to the market and getting some lighter fluid for the Charcoal. Anyhow, the guys were in the BBQ area trying to start it - I was in doors chopping up some green peppers. At one point all I heard was lots of screaming and then laughter - as well as an accompanying fire ball. What had happened is that Greg (another Aussie who stays in an apartment a good distance away but trains at Gordo's) had decided to get right in the BBQ stove with his lighter, after the coals had been saturated with lighter fluid. He light the lighter and well the ensuing fire ball burnt some of the hair in front as well as lightly burning some of his lip and nose. It could have been alot worse but it was not and produced one of the more comical episodes here in Rio. I also heard that after the initial fireball that Greg ran to the pool and dipped his face in. This was too funny and again one of those things, like the bus splashing us, that only happens in movies or to other people.

-Well only a few more days till the cyclone tournament - it should be an interesting experience. I don't know what to expect but I'll try to have fun and just give it my best. The next blog will be about the tournament and any thing that goes on in between then.

take care and all the best to anyone who reads this.

Andre
p.s. sorry for the misleading title but you know..ha ha!

Progress can and is a good thing - To a life well lived.

I'm finding it hard to keep up with writing the blog. I wanted to do a couple per week - at the very least. But you know stuff just does not always go as you want it. Most days Im just so tired after training all i can do is eat then try to get to bed or just lie around trying to recoup.

Well not much has been going on; well at least nothing of substantial substance. The days are spent sleeping, training, eating, training and trying to find ways to kill time in between sleeping and training.

Im not sure what's up lately but ive felt really weird - not sure if its the heat or not getting enough liquids - just kind of twitchy. hopefully things get sorted out.

i got a private lesson last a week or so back and it's really helped out with my game. I focused on some of the basics for guard passing. I've noticed a real improvement in my posture and ability to make my opponent uncomfortable and uncertain. Just to clarify I worked on my standing guard passes. I would like to do another private with the focus on standing guard passing again to just help with the kinks. I think once I've learned to do standing guard passes better I will see a rise in my submissions because my top game is pretty decent - well at least for my level. i feel that if i can get my standing guard passing and combine it with the Tozi guard passes that I can become a pretty decent and perhaps one day fearsome guard passer.

so I think that the time is right to go out and meet someone - I said that before but i was not ready. I needed to let go of some more thoughts and emotions and memories. But I do believe part of the experience down here is to meet a gal and affirm that I'm someone worth knowing and someone worth a gals time. Also, to stress to myself that they're are other people out there and that "One" heartless gal is not all there is out there...

Im going to see some fights on Sunday - One of the guys from the gym is fighting (Zoro) and we got some tickets at a reduced price. So that is my weekend plans. other than that I hope that Jason is not to hung over so that we can work on some stuff tomorrow (Saturday).

my Father is back home - he was back in the hospital last week. But from all accounts he is doing alot better now and is on the road to recovery. I cannot wait to see them (family) and see my dad again - strong and healthy.

I've been here a little over a month and I'm finally seeing improvements and progress in my jiu jitsu. As mentioned before I'm starting to hold my own with the guys around my skill and belt level. I'm really determined to get my blue belt by mid to late October and start on my long journey to Purple and even longer journey to the black belt; which will be another journey ... but I'll try not to get ahead of myself.

Well not sure what else to write about if something comes up I'll write about it.

I Found this Youtube clip of my favorite song "Here's looking at you Kid" by The Gaslight Anthem. It's a wonderful live version. Take care will the next time.



p.s. the picture is of a gal from the beach a few weeks back - and is really a statement about what is great about not just Brazil and Rio but life and forgetting the pain and moving on with life....and I do mean that nice looking blonde...ha ha!

Bats in the belfry - Literally!

Another weekend came and went. Time seems to fly down here - of course there are moments when it seems like it is standing still. This usually happens in between training sessions and weekends. It's hard to believe I'll have been here for 5 weeks this Friday. I remember when I got here and was a bit awe struck and thinking that time will never go forward and that I just wanted to go home.

Lot's of things have gone in the past week or so.

1. I attended an MMA show in a large stadium in another part of Rio on Saturday night. There were some big names like Jeff Monson, Pedro Rizzo, Ricardo Arona, Paulo Fihlo. It cost R$50,00 ($50.00 Brazlian dollars) for the tickets and another R$25,00 for the bus ride there and back. Dennis was able to arrange a bus ride for us. The bus driver arrived about 2hrs late and as a result we had to just go straight there - no time to pick up a quick supper or anything. Got there, found the entrance in, found out seats and waited for the fights to begin. Overall, they were not bad but not super great either. The bus ride home was interesting. The fights did not end till about 2am - the bus driver - we had paid for the whole night - had gotten there at about 12am. so he had a little bit of a wait. Anyhow, i think he was pissed off or something and he proceeded to take a long route home then decided to speed through this winding mountain road. Did not say bye to anyone - dropped us off at Camacha's restaurant - a 24hr bar and grill that has some cheap food and usually bad service...but i guess that's part of the charm- then sped off. Overall, a pretty good experience and only my second time out of Barra da Tijuca. The other being the time i got lost on the busses.

2. I'm finally starting to see some little improvements in my Jiu Jitsu. I say this because I am finally starting to hold my own against the blue belts in the academy and depending on who it is - I can survive some of the Purple belts. I'm not getting many subs but not getting subbed as easy as before and getting more and more dominant positions. This is really a good feeling as I was starting to get frustrated and a bit discouraged. I've been told that it usually takes about a month to catch up to the guys that are in you're belt and skill range. The skill level down here is amazing - not that there are not just as skilled guys back home - but the blue belts down here and pretty much every other belt get to roll with browns and blacks on a daily basis. So it's just a lot more skilled guys for the lower belts to learn from. I hope that I can go back home with a profound rise in skill.

3. People are coming and going here at the house. Tomorrow the 2 Irish guys(Paul and Mark) will be leaving. A new guy from Quebec Canada arrived yesterday. Jordan will be leaving in about 2 weeks. Phillip in about 2 and a half, not sure about Alpar - he stays with his girlfriend and is in and out of the house. I'm not sure if any other guys are coming in to the house in the next few weeks. Jason from Australia will be here till November. I just found out the guy from Quebec will be leaving the same day as I am. December 15. It seems so far away but the way that time flies down here. It will be here.

4. I would like to start working on coming back here next June or July. I think that spending time here is good for the soul. Depending on my Parents health I would like to stay for another 4-5 months.

5. I did my first Private lesson today with Rommel Cardozza - a black belt from the guy. We worked on my guard passing. Just some very basic stuff that I was lacking and needed(was not aware of). It was by far the hardest training session I had during my stay here. It occured at about 1pm this afternoon. We ended up in the upper part of the gym and i think all the heat was rising up there. Privates are one hour in length - and it was worth it as Rommel helped me with a lot of little details.

I was completely spent afterwards - came home, showered, walked down with the rest of the guys to grab some lunch, grabbed a coconut and had them chop off the top and I drank the milk inside as Dennis told me it's a good natural way to replenish my electrolytes - kinda like gatorade but with out all the sugar. Which is good because the gatorade down here tastes odd as heck.

I hope to do a few more privates - not as many as I had hoped and initially thought I'd be able to take but a few is better than none.

6. My money situation is still up in the air. I'm waiting on some funding sources as well as the sale of my jeep. Neither of which have come through for me as of yet. I hope that I can get this resolved soon.

7. I'm glad that we are free to roam and leave the house without much trouble. There is a certain individual that is just an annoying, complaining baby. thank god he does not stay here much.

8. I've met a couple of gals but nothing went anywhere. not sure why - just not giving out the right vibe i guess. But hey things will happen when they happen.

9. my dad got put back in the Emergency earlier this week so once again I'm having a hard time dealing with the stress and thoughts that arise from this situation. I'm praying and trying to stay focused and hope that when I return he is back to full health.

i wanted to write more but most days I'm just so tired after evening training - its shower, eat, watch a movie till i fall asleep.

just added a few pics for viewing pleasure..ha ha...

so anyhow, if you read this thanx for taking the time and all the best to you. Will try to keep up as much as possible.

A.

p.s. the reason i named this blog is because a couple of bats made their way into the arena during the fights and during some of the more boring fights - they were the biggest excitement.

If you never let me go I will never let you down.

Another week has come and gone. Time is flying here but at the same time the down time in between training sessions can seem like forever. Lately I've just been so groggy and tired that going out and taking pictures and trying to find new places in Barra da Tijuca has been out of the question.

I think that this is partially due to the fact that I cannot sleep the whole nigh through. Most nights i fall asleep about 1am local time and awake any time in between 3am and 5am - stay away for a few hours then either fall back asleep or stay awake and do the morning training session. Although I must confess that I've been going back to sleep the past week or so. I'm not sure why I'm not getting a full night's sleep. I guess there is still alot on my mind.

This past week has been a bit of a bummer in terms of training. I thought I was making progress but I'm once again finding that I'm getting my butt kicked by pretty much everyone in the gym again. Not sure if it's due to my lack of sleep and general lack of energy or just a down slide or the other guys are improving that much more and I'm stagnating at my current level. I'll try to take in stride and just hope that it's a minor downslide.

the new guys in the house are great to have around and the house seem to be alot more mellow - for the most part at least. So this is totally agreeing with me and my personality.

I was thinking about something one of my house mates said to me last week - he told me something about my jiu jitsu. I had suprised him with a move that i caught him with. He was helping me with my guard passing and then fed me an arm bar but started to roll out of the arm bar and with out thinking in immediately transitioned to the Kimura. This suprised him as he told me he had not seen anyone do this transition. He said something along that "my technique and knowledge is there but that I need to be more confident and believe in myself more." I believe this to be true. That i do lack the killer instinct and that certain "self-centered" quality that alot of jiu jitsu guys (or fighters) have. I'm working on this and it's a day to day thing. I'm pretty mellow by nature so it is a big step for me. Although I do believe quitting my job and coming here to Brazil to pursue one of my passions required alot of confidence and bravery on my part. I do believe that my confidence was shattered last year and throughout most of this year but I'm feeling it coming back - little by little.

I talked to my mom the other day and my dad is back home. He cannot do much and pretty much has to take things easy and rest. But this is a huge relief on my part. One week ago I was ready to go back home to be with my family and my dad. But he is getting better and it's only a matter of time before he's back up and going strong.

One thing i do miss is the fact that I can jump in my vehicle and just drive and go where i want to and not be limited like I am here. I think this is the most I've ever walked as an "Adult". I'm either walking or busing it around. I hope that I can afford to buy a bike so I can do some more exploring around Barra - there is still so much more to see.

I was thinking about when I will be coming home - I'll be here till December 15 and arrive back in Canada December 16 (sometime in the afternoon.) It's going to be blazing hot here in Brazil when I leave but if the past years are any indication - it will be cold and crappy back home in Canada. I'll also be having to live with my parents for awhile. I'm not sure what my plans are when I get back home. I've been thinking that substitute teaching may have to be my job for a while - to make some quick money.

There is a cute gal that sometimes shows up for Jiu Jitsu classes and I got to train with her tonight which was super cool. I also think she lives around my neighborhood. I think I will start showing more interest in her and hopefully things can blossom from there. If not - no biggie - but I would love to get to know this gal. I was too busy trying to focus on the moves that we were shown I did not think to ask her name like I usually do for new training partners. Next time - I will go up and say hi and talk to her. I don't foresee her changing my life but it would be nice to finally move on and take that plunge. You never know till you take that leap!

my sisters where to have come down during the long weekend in October for a quick trip. But with my dad's current health concerns and my mother's health concerns they decided it would be best to stay close to home - just in case. I'm fine with that - Ill survive. It will be comforting to know that they are there for my parents.

I'm going to a big MMA fight card this weekend. so that will be fun and an great experience. I'll definitely post pictures and give a re-cap of the fight night!

I miss going to starbucks and having my usual medium coffee and watching all the pretty girls. then again - Rio is filled to the brim with pretty girls.

I still find myself thinking about things that could have been and what "we" missed out on. But everyday is another day of moving on and healing the wounds that seemed to never heal. One day, One day I'll be something and someone that she will regret letting slip through her hands.

well that's it for now - try to write more - will definitely put up some pics from the fights this weekend.

Peace, love and thong bikinis ;)

just a quick update.

Lot's to talk about but I will keep this one fairly short - take more time to write about everything at a later date. I meant to keep up with the blog alot more but it's been hard to get the energy to write after a long day. But I will do my best.

1. I just found out my dad had a heart attack on monday - so right now Im not sure if I even want to be here anymore. Everyone said it was mild and that I dont have to worry but I am worried and my parents are the only reason I'm still alive and doing fairly well. So I'm conflicted - Im here living out my dream but my mind and heart are now elsewhere. The angel picture above is for my dad - I hope that the angels are looking out for him.

2. There is a weird story from my night out - something to do with shape shifting or people not sure how i managed to do something (will write a longer story about it.)

3. Training is going good. going at least once a day - trying to get the energy to go twice but thus far it's escaping me. But im not stressing because im training more than I was at home anyhow.

4. I think the time is right to try and go out and meet someone here. I know that Im here for Jiu Jitsu but in order to move on I think that you have to start meeting new people. So I hope that I have it in me to move on.

5. It's been really hot here lately - yesterday was 35 C. so hot and today is seeming like it's going to be hotter - 10 am and it's already unbareable here..ha ha - I guess another day of beach and girl watching.

6. Im worried about my money situation - i hope everything comes through for me.

7. Bas left on Sunday - back to Englad. Fernando left yesterday - back to California. Jeremy's mom arrived last Thursday (i think that was the day) and the two Irish guys (names escape me) arrived Sunday. Phillip from Germany arrived Sunday night. so the house is filling up again but everyone seems less about partying so it's all good. Lewis will be leaving next week. People come and they go - I hope i keep in contact with everyone that I've met cause they are all great.

8. my sister Jill's birthday was September 2 - so here's a birthday wish for her.

9. finally transferred my music to the newer i-pod so i can listento music when im wandering about taking pictures which is a great comfort (Gaslight anthem all the way!)

10. my portuegese is not coming along very well - i thought by now id have more of a grasp but nothing seems to be sticking. I hope that it comes along soon.

well i have alot on my mind - i hope that things work for the best and that my dad gets better so that my mind can be put at ease. a better blog will be coming soon.

"I wait for you as the cold rain falls away - but my heart is true"

peace and love!

saturday nights, drunks, ufc

last night was super crazy - we thought that we had found a place to watch ufc fights but when we got to the home there was nothing on. so after some fiddling around we ended up coming back to the place and having to watch a stream of the fights. which sucked cause it was slow, choppy, and you could never really get a good sense of action. three of the guys were drinking heavly and it made for a slightly annoying night. But they left for the bars thanx god..ha ha.

having a hard time adjusting to the time difference - it's 3hrs ahead here and it's hard to get to sleep and hard to wake up on time.

Dispite the crappy stream - the fights were great.

it is very hot out today - not sure of the temputure but it is by far the hottest day thus far (granted I've been here 3 days). We're going to the beach which is going to be fun - have to make sure to lotion up with suntan oil and bring some water.

grab some food on the way there. I will be prepared this time with some proper swimmin trunks. Should be a good time - I was super unhappy friday and yesterday morning but I find that going out and doing something helps really helps with the bordom and mind wandering.

might take the camera today - takes some pics of the beach (thongs and speedos ha ha).

I hope that i can find a way to call home soon - i dont have credit card so skype is going to be hard. going to ask my mom or one of the sisters if i can use their credit card and hook up skype for 3 months. as im not positive that I'll be here for the full 4 1/2 months - money just might not hold out. Very expensive here - which is suprising. Thought it would be way cheaper.

anyhow, will write and hopefully post some pics on the next blog.

A.
"No Retreat, No Regrets"

Barra Beach and first times...

so i just got back from Barra Beach - the longest beach in Rio. it's about 30 minute walk from our place. I must say that it was well worth the walk. the city is unbelievable.

im glad i went out and hung out with the guys - really. I would have hated to have been here alone all day. it would have sucked ass. The opportunity is now to move on - forget all the shitty things in Southern Alberta. Have fun, train, live life, maybe get laid once in awhile...the girls here are unbelievablely goodlooking - and alot more friendly.

i did not take my camera as i did not know what to expect nor want to look like a total tourist. but next time...pictures will accompany my beach excurstion.

the beach..what can i say. First time outta north america, first time on a plane, first time in the ocean...unbelievable day.

we are looking for a place to watch ufc hopefully we can find a place - i really wanna watch the fights.

on as sad note - i used my one free call on skype to call home had a nice talk with the parents. but found out that one of the dogs died - the little dalmation suzie got bumped. she was with our family for just over 10 years. So I just like to say I hope that suzie is running wild in doggie heaven and raising hell like she used to.

goodtimes.

A.

last night in lethbridge

well tonight is my last night in Lethbridge for about 5 months. I'm actually goint to miss lethbridge - well at least my family, friends and just knowing where i am and what im doing.

I was supposed to drive up to Calgary to train once more at Gracie Barra Calgary - but my family decided they wanted to have a diner party for me so we ended up going to streetside in.

sitting around using wireless and trying to absorb it all.

I hope that I can sleep; I hope this trip goes smoothly, I hope that I have the money to make it all 4 and a half months.

I hope to forget all the dissappointment and heartache that seems to haunt me here in Southern Alberta.

Next time I post I'll be in Rio - Barra da Tijuca to be exact. I hope to start training by Monday at the latest - preferably at Gracie Barra but might have to go to Gracie Fusion as it is a bit cheap and closer to the house I'll be staying at.

I left it up to Molly to get ahold of me and if she want's to try again it's going to be up to her to win me over - it wont be hard but She has to make the effort. I cannot chase her and get nothing but disappointment and letdown. Not anymore. perhaps I'll meet a hot brazilian gal who'll make me forget all about the heartbreaker from Raymond Alberta.

Well to I hit rio here's to you and life, love and my Jiu Jitsu Adventure....

A.

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."

Connections Rio -Largo da Barra house

This is where I'm going to be staying while in Brazil - it's located in Barra da Tijuca and approximately 20 mins walk to the Gracie Barra Academy.  The Gentleman's name is Dennis.  He has been very helpful with answering my questions and helping me out.  I hope that things work out.  If you plan on journeying to Rio to train or just visit for awhile.  Contact him.  His website is:

http://www.connectionrio.com/Home_Page.html

Dennis has been very helpful with answering my questions and concerns.

This is a video sent to me by Dennis - a brief Youtube clip to give me an idea of where I'll be staying for my time in Rio.

Brazil

Some of you may or may not know what this blog is about or why I'm writing.  Well right now it's mainly to practice my writing and get used to writing on a continual basis.  What you may also need to know is that I'm going to be going to Brazil - Aug, 06 till Dec. 15, 2009 to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Gracie Barra in the Barra da Tijuca section of Rio.  There is a big story on why I decided to go down and train; which I will write about in the future.  Anyhow here is a great Youtube clip that gives you a visual of the place I will be staying for about 5 months.

Please let me have who I want this time, what I want...

Nothing really to this particular blog - just on my last couple of days of work and feeling scared and happy all at once. I will miss working here and the cool co-workers I work with and just the atmosphere here at the U of L.

Things seem to be slowly going forward - I just heard from Pousada da Sol. in Barra da Tijuca section of Rio and they sent me a quote for one room. Pousada da Sol is like 15 minutes walk from Gracie Barra in Barra da Tijuca - so i hope this works out it would be perfect.

I just hate to get my hopes up; as every time i do things seem to just go to hell and fall apart. I got my passport in the mail, finally. Now just book my flight, send away for my visa, sell my Jeep. And then off to find some happiness.

This song is from the movie This is England and it's just my soundtrack to my life on June 29th, 2009.

"The life that I've had can make a good man bad. For once in my life let me have who

I want. Lord knows it would be the first time."

Take care and all the best to anyone who reads this.

peace

A.