Something earned is always appreciated. I was taught a new technique earlier this month. Well, it’s an armbar so it’s not really a “new” technique, but a different approach to it. After seeing this, thousands of synapsis’ fired off in my brain linking positions and other moves together. A truly “AH-HA” moment! For me, it’s not enough to just see a technique and set it as a brick in my arsenal. I first want to know how it feels on the receiving end. Is it tight? Is it defendable? What other options are available to me? Can I escape? I learn much about a technique receiving it just as much going through the mechanics. It helps me relate on where I should be applying my focus.

I haven’t had much time to drill it, but that doesn’t stop me from trying during a roll. Now, during a live roll, it’s hard to force a technique. In my case, conditions have to be right. I’m far from skilled to guide my partner down a path. I’m more of a reactive mode. My thought process goes…ok, what can I do here? Where is the pressure at? What do I want to work on? Escapes? Sweeps? Offense? Typically, I have this planned out before I roll and then I just think of what technique to do. So a few times, I’ve had the opportunity to catch the arm bar via this new approach. It’s very hard to pull off especially since I have to take the time to walk-through the steps in my head. That muscle memory isn’t there, however, after more attempts, I got a tad quicker at it and I ultimately was able to pull it off during live rolling more than once. That’s the beauty to me. Seeing the concept. Breaking it down and applying to my game. Then executing. And it’s just one out a million techniques in BJJ!

Yes, I have a competition looming. I am treating it seriously but not too much. I don’t have any expectations on how I’ll do. I want to win, of course, but I’ll be satisfied if I can get through it without trying to muscle-through and just play my technical game. I’m more excited seeing my son compete!!

So until next time, enjoy the process. If you are not enjoying training, you’ll hate it since a majority of the time IS TRAINING! I’ve had bad days this month, but they certainly weren’t as bad as when I first stepped onto the mats.