Two Defeats, Three Victories

17 de julho

Doing something cool, about to do something stupid

Me getting balloon swept (for the second time)

Let's start with the defeats:

I did my first jiu jitsu competition yesterday, Saturday July 16th. I lost both of my matches (but still got a medal because it was a tiny in-house tournament and there were only three girls in my bracket. Actually there were only three girls there period.)

Was I bummed about losing? I mean...a little... To put it in reverse, I would have been ecstatic if I won both of them. But I really believe you have to lose now to win later.

More than anything, I'm just so glad I did it. If I want to compete again (I do), I will know what I'm getting into. In the words of my brother Willy "Your first match is like diving into a cold lake, embrace it and remember what you've learned."

Did I remember what I learned? Sort of. My body remembered some things, like how to balance my weight defensively to avoid certain attacks and sweeps.

As for remembering attacks and techniques myself, I didn't even have the chance to try. Both of my matches were like 90% defense. I think I tried one kimura, and that was about the extent of my offense.

Top row from left: Edgar, Alex, me, Josh, Casey; bottom row: Marcus

Now the victories:

1. I had an awesome time driving out to La Quinta with Casey, Marcus, Edgar, Alex, and Josh. (We even had time to go see Top Gun Maverick in between weigh-ins and the matches). It was a lot of fun to cheer on my teammates and see them in competition mode.

2. I didn't get submitted! I lost by points both matches and somehow successfully defended four armbars.

3. I learned so much about how to improve.

I need to learn how to:

• avoid ending up in an arm bar in the first place

• break grips and gain control while standing up / prepping for takedowns

• break someone's closed guard

I also need to:

• turn up the intensity at training. I was absolutely gassed during the matches, but even more than being tired, I was totally taken aback by how aggressive these girls were. I want to find a way to replicate that at training. I guess the boys will have to be less nice to me when we roll. It would also help to get some more girls in the gym.

• show up to a match with three go-to attacks and three go-to sweeps that I know inside and out and that I can execute without thinking

• before my match, break a full sweat

• practice takedowns more realistically

• practice standing up in general (at training, we always start rolls kneeling)

And I also confirmed a few things:

• I (still) love jiu jitsu!

• I am competitive.