09/20/2011

Last night I trained at the gym.  I can actually start to feel my body get accustomed to the routine of training 3-4 times a week.  It only took 3 weeks, but my body is turning the corner.  Class was good.  I'm helping a lot of the new guys and last week I even taught class.  I like the challenge teaching presents.  In many ways it feels as if it helps me refine my technique.  If I am able to walk a person through a technique, showing them details, it proves to me at least I understand the technique and the importance of certain details.  Last night Jaime showed an attack from half guard (top).

Key notes:

 - step over is essential
 - elbow must be 90 degrees or less for the roll
 - finish by using legs to separate shoulder from socket.

I felt so good that this morning, I woke up and went to the pool and swam.  I only covered 500 meters but it was good to get out there and feel how cold it gets.  With the pool being heated, it made for a great swim.

09.14.2011 - Training

Well a lot has happened since my last entry. I completed an International / Olympic distance triathlon in June, the San Diego International Triathlon. I ran a half marathon (the America's Finest City) on a week's notice and still finished at 1:51. I've been training more now that Mike opened up another gym 2.2 miles from my house. With the new gym open, I went from training once a week to 3 to 4 times a week.

In the coming months I have I hopes and lofty goals:

 - train on average 4 to 8 hours a week (basically 2 to 4 times a week)
 - run 2 times a week
 - swim 2 times a week
 - cycle once a week
 - workout 2 times a week
 - continually blog about my training and to keep better records of my activities.

 With my Half Ironman in March, I know I'll be dedicating 5 months to getting ready. I still think I can train during this period. I probably won't roll as much to keep away from injuries, but I definitely don't want to stop training.

As for today, we went over the leg drag pass and an entry to it.

 Entry:
 - hand on hip, keeping elbow inside knee
 - other hand driving leg down
 - scoop leg and drive it away

Transition to back:

 - pin arm w/ chest
 - control on butt or belt
 - roll them using chest

Other notes:
 - leg drag pass is all about avoiding the guard
 - don't pass the leg along like the x-pass, drive it down and replace w/ knee
 - use lapels
 - STAY TIGHT IN ALL POSITIONS!!!!!

02.24.2011 - Training

De La Riva Guard Passing
- establish elbow knee
- pivot on heel

Abu Dhabi Pro World Trials

So last week I decided to sign up for the Abu Dhabi Pro World Trials. I can't say that I've been training specifically for the tournament, which in many ways has been helping my psyche. It feels good not feeling so bogged down by the thought of competition and just going out there for the love of BJJ and most importantly discover a bit more about myself.

It's my birthday weekend and it will be my first time competing as a purple belt so why not?

2011 Focus

Had the following conversation with Mike. He just simplified my 2011 training for me.

Mike: yo
Me: what up son
Mike: got a mission for u
Me: sup
Mike: main focus now is to work on 1 sub from the guard and being able to sweep at will
Mike: just be able to get off your back
Me: got it. sweep at will
Mike: i think omoplata is the best cuz it can be sweep or sub and its available from open guard
Mike: but use it as a tool to get the sweep or submission
Mike: so every match u do should start with you on your back
Me: i was thinking omoplatata cause it leads to other stuff. sweep or another sub
like picking back choke would be tough, right? but force you to take the back type of deal am i thinking right?
Mike: yeah back is good. once youre on top u can do whatever u want
the way u should practice though is start on your back, sweep, pass, submit
just so u can work passing too. if they pull on you do double guard pull and force them to come on top or use the berimbolo to take the back or top position
Me: ok
Mike: but focus on all situations from starting in guard
getting on top is your goal for purple

01.10.2011 - Training

Worked on guard pass to taking back.

Guard Passing:
Leg on shoulder
Over/Under to leg on shoulder

- Never pass on your knees, always on your toes

Scenarios to taking back if turtled:

- Cobrinha walk back to open up knee and elbow (control elbow)
- Slice knee in (ride the thigh and torque ankle w/ other leg). Remember to slide knee in if tight.
- Jump the back and roll

Finishing the back:

- work to get on elbow when finishing
- turn lapel out

Drill from Guard or Guard Passing. All starts there.