My first stripe!!

Wednesday night I received my first stripe on my white belt! I was so excited and happy when my name was read.

The best thing about this was I'm glad that they could see that I'm improving and learning.

I absolutely love training. I look forward to class. I look forward to learning. I love this sport.

Good luck to everyone out there!

Jiu-Jitsu addiction!

I recently ordered Roy Dean's Blue Belt Requirement DVD's (after reading Slideyfoot's review!). I'm excited about receiving them tomorrow!

I finally decided to make this blog about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and my journey with it. I've found other blogs and I hope to learn as much as possible about this sport.

I recently started taking AdvoCare products. I wanted something for energy and weight management. I can really tell a difference in how I feel, how hungry I am, and how much I'm eating (or not eating). The "Slim" product is my favorite.

To whoever is reading this, thanks!

Updates!

I haven't updated my blog in a while so I thought I would give a quick update on what's new with me.

Work - I was asked by my nurse manager to put in for the charge nurse position that has recently opened up. I was caught off guard and very flattered. I've since decided to apply for the position. The worst that could happen is I won't get it.. I think that's the worst thing that could happen, right?

BJJ - I love BJJ!!! I've thought about changing my blog to a BJJ blog. It has really consumed a lot of my life. Each class I can tell that I am gaining in skill, learning the techniques, and I'm getting into shape! I think that I will get my first stripe soon.

Mustang - I'm building up an 89 Mustang GT. Right now, the motor is being rebuild. The long block is almost complete and then I'll yank the other motor our and start switching parts over. It's becoming quite costly.. I'm debating on if it's truly worth it ...

Anyways.. still no followers. Still no feed back. I'm sure there are millions of other, more interesting, more updated blogs.

I think that switching to my BJJ journey will be a much better blog and maybe add some side notes about my personal life here and there.

If you are reading, thanks!

BJJ and pain

Last night was pretty intense - we practiced a lot of guard escapes, sweeps, and did most of this at full speed.

Several months ago, a ganglion cyst developed on my right wrist (where the radial artery lies). Sometimes, it gets aggravated and other times it basically disappears. Last night, it definitely got aggravated. Today, that whole area is stiff, sore, and the cyst itself is raised up higher than ever.

Despite this, I still love Jiu-Jitsu. I can feel my clothing fitting looser, I can see my face and body slenderizing, and my energy level has increased significantly. Most of all, my game is improving dramatically.

The only thing that is bothering me is my gas tank. I fatigue easily; too easily if you ask me. I was a very hyperactive, climbing the walls, type of kid. Now, I feel lazy. I know with time, this will improve as I have seen some improvement in my stamina (or gas tank).

As far as the aches, pains, and injuries; I'm hoping this also improves with time. I make an effort to stretch daily and to warm up before I go to class. I'm taking NSAIDs almost daily (but I don't want to kill my liver in the process). Between work and Jiu-Jitsu, it seems like I'm injuring myself often. I felt a lower back muscle pull the other day as we lifted a guy from a chair to a bed (after passing out when explaining how his wife broke her ankle, ligaments torn, surgery, etc). I guess it was too much. The sad part is, he almost did it again when the surgeon went to explain the surgery (per policy and protocol).

Anyways, the pain is here but I feel that it is a growing pain. I really love the sport and I'm in it for the long haul (as this year is paid in full).

Mustang, a crazy Yorkie-poo, and BJJ!

Jackie and I were off today so we ate lunch and ran a few errands. One errand happened to be at the shop where we took the project Mustang off the trailer. It was her first time to see the car (and caused her to refer me to "redneck" a couple times). The car is an ugly orange with a hideous hood. It needs so much work, I'm not sure where to start after we complete the motor.

Mia, our Yorkie-poo is certifiably crazy. I'll put a link to my youtube account as evidence! You have to see for yourself!!!

Updated with a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlNp8OxxiL8

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was great. It's such hard work; especially for my out of shape and fat butt. I've lost around 5lbs since I've started, my energy level has gone up, but most of all - I'm learning! I can't stress how great the instructors are and the upper level training partners; everyone there is helpful and great to work with. Needless to say, I love BJJ!!

Until the next time!!

Also, mexican food the day of BJJ is a horrible idea!!

Awesome day in BJJ!

Today was my best day so far in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! We learned several techniques (such as guard passing, placing people back into your guard, and vice versa). I felt like I learned so much today.

Tony is an amazing instructor. He really has a great concept of the sport and is proven as a sport Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Nathan is an excellent assistant instructor who also has a great amount of knowledge of the sport.

During our free rolling, where one tried to pass the guard and the other just defended, I did really good about stopping him, reassuming guard, and I landed a nice triangle choke (which I showed him how to defend after class as we rolled a couple more times).

I notice my flexability is lacking and my right groin is a little sore. I'm icing it as I type this.

Thanks for reading.. if there is a reader!!

MJ

Enjoying time off and relaxing

The past couple of days I've relaxed and had time off. I didn't go to jiu-jitsu on Friday and I have 3 days off in a row. I spent today with Jackie and it was a great day. Brad and Aimee had their "couple's baby shower" and it was somewhat weird from a guys point of view. It was my first baby show and wow, the estrogen was flowing like crazy. All in all, it was excellent for Brad and Aimee (2 of my closest and dearest friends).

I actually met Aimee through a girlfriend I had in high-school. When myspace came around years ago, I came across her profile and we met up. We talked a lot about each other and about Casey (my ex). Aimee and Brad had lived together and I met Brad. It was awkward at first because I'm some single guy she knew years ago that talked to her on myspace. Quickly, me and Brad became good friends. We had a common passion. MMA! I had a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Brad had a varied Martial Arts background. We talked about it, watched it, practiced it, and we're now training together at the Gun Fight Club! I'm so glad to have friends like them.

Tomorrow, I will be back in BJJ and I'm really looking forward to it. I took Friday off due to exhaustion and to rest my right shoulder. It appears I have a 1st degree AC joint separation. Probably from take-downs, kimuras, break-falls, and lifting people at work. I really love BJJ and I can already see and feel the benefits of it. My frustration only lies in not knowing all of the right moves, defenses, and being a complete badass. But I can directly relate that to my impatience. I guess I will learn patience and BJJ at the same time.

Well, until the next blog!

Matt

Seriously, does anyone read this thing?