SATURDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2024

Sadly, Sam decided not to attend.  Nonetheless, Josh M. and Abner came to train.  Josh asked for arm bars from knee in belly, so we drilled three of those and threw in Kimura as well.  When Josh departed, we reviewed baseball bat choke from knee in belly and then into arm bar.

Abcap:

Abcap: Today's class was attended by Prof, Josh and myself. Josh today wanted to cover how to perform armbars from knee on belly which is what we did. We also performed some variations of this where we would also perform step over armbars by switching to the other side, and performing a Kimura submission while in a modified north south position. All and all it was another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/FuUILYqqtqI?si=Vy0E58nFeoVNl4mX

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 27

Duy (white-3) = 30

Sam (white-3) = 23

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 27

Abner (white) = 12

Caleb (white) = 7

Evan (white) = 1

THURSDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2024

Today was an outdoor BJJ class at my home.  Josh M., Abner, and my youngest attended.  We covered the Ezekiel choke, entry into the turtle, and two variations of clock choke on a turtled opponent.

ABCAP:

Abcap- Today's class was attended by Prof, Josh, myself, and Prof's youngest son. 

So we drilled how to perform the Ezekiel choke after our roll. We then drilled how to approach an opponent in a turtle position and how to execute 2 different chokes from that scenario. 

Afterwards there was some roll time in which I rolled with Josh and had a good match.  All and all it was another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 26

Duy (white-3) = 30

Sam (white-3) = 23

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 26

Abner (white) = 11

Caleb (white) = 6

Evan (white) = 1

SATURDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 2024

Today's class was outdoors again, on my driveway, as we prepare to move into our new place on Monday, 2 December.

I opened the floor for questions.  We worked on escaping the clock choke, performing the bow and arrow choke, breaking a pin from the half guard, and a half guard sweep.  

Abcap- Today's class was attended by Prof, Josh, Duy, and myself. 

We started class off by going over how to escape the bow and arrow choke which was then followed by learning how to perform the bow and arrow choke. Everyone seemed to enjoy when Prof used me to demonstrate how to properly execute this submission and laugh at my misfortune. The next item on the list was how to progress when you have someone in your half guard. Prof taught us 2 different forms on doing this, one by performing a sweep and the other by slowly shrimping your way out of it. We then practiced how to protect yourself when someone threatens an Americana submission from side guard. Lastly, Prof went over some wrestling basics to help me and Duy escape when sending an opponent's arm over our own after getting an underhook. We then finished the day off with some lively rolls with the neighboring ducks as an audience. All and all it was another great day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/vkHCLYe_eHY?si=IyznsK6h7gopNIpE

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 25

Duy (white-3) = 30

Sam (white-3) = 23

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 26

Abner (white) = 10

Caleb (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2024

As we transition into our new spot on December 2, we have to beg/borrow/steal time to train.  I pulled the mats out onto my driveway and had some truly dedicated guys join in.  I recovered basics and had Duy and Sam do two five-minute rounds.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- wonderful of Prof to invite us to his house for BJJ. It was disarming in fact. More on that later.

Beautiful weather and even enthusiastic neighbors yelling "get the tap" as they drove by.

Amazing how quickly technique can get away from you. 

Prof had us start with the normal arm bar warm up and not only could I not remember how to do it, I was also gassed after a few of them. Cross collar chokes were demonstrated, the Pedro Sauer escape from mount, S mounts and things to do and not to do from S mounts. Good refreshers for Duy and me. 

Then rolling began and I started to realize Prof's greater plan. New environment, same ole Prof and same ole submission. Yes for those of you slow on the uptake, I suffered what was probably my 100th bread cutter at the hands of Prof.  Duy even confirmed what I suspected when I asked Prof after the roll incredulously, "were there really no other submissions available?"

I have it from a reliable source (again Duy) that he sat in full mount and deliberated for a few moments on what he should do to me prior to going to a move that shows what a DSB he is at times.  Despite being bread cutter choked in front of the whole neighborhood and a couple of disinterested ducks that were in the front yard at the time, all and all it was another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/vX3WHUGA76Y?si=F94im82Ir-cxas2l

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 24

Duy (white-3) = 29

Sam (white-3) = 23

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 26

Abner (white) = 9

Caleb (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2024

Today was me, Nick, Jason, Josh M., Sam, Chad, and Abner.

Per Josh's request, we went over head and arm (kesa gatame) escapes, both gi and no gi versions, and one kuzure kesa escape without the gi. Nick added two regular kesa escape variants for fun.  We got a number of free rolls in, though limited space required one group at a time.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- in order of rank, Prof, Nick, Jason, Josh, me, Chad, and Abner all met at Dojo Compton today. 

First off, thank you Jason for allowing us to use your garage to train. 

Random observations from today. First time I think I have had the pleasure of learning from three black belts on the same day. Everywhere I looked there was either a technique I hadn't seen or a nuance on one I already know being demonstrated. My head was spinning. 

Chad is clearly in the victim weight class now while I still teeter on the edge depending on what I had for breakfast that morning. 

Abner and Josh all move so much better than I do. Very impressed with how the three of them do BJJ. 

Nick lived up to billing. The only reason why he didn't thrash me today is we didn't roll. 

Finally, I will no longer feel bad about being a willing participant in Prof's joke on Josh Moss on his first day back from an injury on a knee slice pass.  I won't retell the story since most of you know it already, but I will say what Josh did to me today made me no longer feel bad about that day.  It was surprising, effective and made me laugh. As he was passing my guard, he put his knee on my ankle, which was very painful. It was surprising because it wasn't something I expected from Josh but I liked seeing that competitiveness and I told him so.

In other news, Prof applied yet ANOTHER bread cutter and Nick told me that one day I will be able to defend it because of the frequent exposure and me developing my defenses,... or something encouraging like that. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 24

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 22

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 26

Abner (white) = 9

Caleb (white) = 6

THURSDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2024

Nick is in town.

We trained at Jason's.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 23

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 21

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 25

Abner (white) = 8

Caleb (white) = 6

SUNDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2024

Today was a training session with me, Jason, and Josh M.  I almost ripped Jason's foot off, and I screamed as it popped.  It truly scared me.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 23

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 21

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 25

Abner (white) = 8

Caleb (white) = 6

SUNDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2024

I taught how to open the closed guard and the "Williams" smash pass.

Sam's Recap:

Abbreviated recap- the author is tired. 

Impromptu class held tonight at Dojo Compton with Prof, Jason, Abner and myself. 

Few take aways. I showed up beltless. Prof supplied me with the one that has blood stains on it (his old white belt) which is my favorite belt to wear. 

Escapes from closed guard were taught.

Two- three rolls were given and Abner impressed me tonight with his grit and determination because I ran out of gas and basically just dropped my weight on him to keep him still and he took it like a champ and even made light of it later. 

Prof picked up where he left off on Saturday and that's all I will say about that and Jason submitted me with a wicked reverse arm bar that was both creative and effective. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 22

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 21

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 25

Abner (white) = 8

Caleb (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2024

Today was an actual TAUGHT class with me, Jason, Josh M., and Sam.

I covered the cross collar choke from guard, Kimura, a modified arm wrap choke, and reverse arm bar.

We got in 12 total rounds.  Jason got a very cool reverse arm bar on me.  Also, I replaced the earned stripes on Sam's belt.  

Sam's Recap:

Recap-Prof. Jason, Josh Moss, and I all participated at Dojo Compton today. 

The day started with everyone's thoughts on Statistics courses in college and ended with my charmed BJJ existence of a life without Bread cutter chokes coming to a rather abrupt end. 

We started innocently enough with chokes and arm bars from guard being taught. Prof even threw in a Kimura. Then rolling began.

 

Jason and Josh rolled rather athletically. I remember thinking how graceful they all looked. Then Prof and I rolled and it looked more like the Spartan army methodically sacking a small defenseless village manned by peasants who hadn't even bothered to beat their plows and shepherd hooks into spears or swords. 

Prof executed not one, not two, but three (THREE!) bread cutters on me in a span of five minutes. He even added insult to injury by applying a wrist lock. I wasn't going to admit to the wrist lock since the rest of the group had lost interest in watching me get pummeled and had their heads turned, but for the sake of the integrity of the recap, I have to note that it happened. 

At the end of the day, prof re-taped our belts and I couldn't help but wonder if he was putting three stripes on my belt to signify my rank or the aforementioned chokes I had just suffered under his hands. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 22

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 20

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 25

Abner (white) = 7

Caleb (white) = 6

TUESDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2024

 Today was an open mat with me, Jason, and Abner 

"AbCap" 

Recap- Prof, Jason, and I had an open mat day.

Prof and Jason had their usual rolls where it's 60% bickering and 40% BJJ, but at least it was entertaining. 

I was able to avoid getting submitted by Jason in one instance. 

At a certain point today, Jason decided to point out that I had female qualities, which I decided to take as a compliment. I hope to use these features to my benefit at some point of my BJJ journey. Lastly, Prof and I stayed and conversed about the realities of Martial Arts training. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 21

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 19

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 25

Abner (white) = 7

Caleb (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was a training session with me, Jason, Josh M., Sam, and Chad.  We had a total of 15 rounds.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Jason, Josh, Chad and I all participated in simulated murder. 

As a back drop to understanding the recap, I would ask everyone to watch the Cannonball Run and observe the character Dom Deluise plays and his transformation to "Him," super hero cape and all as "Captain Chaos."

The pain train (my FJ with me in it) arrived promptly at 9:50 am with high hopes. I had been utilizing physiological warfare against Prof since Monday in the control room when I told him that it was possible that I was actually good at BJJ and expert even, but had been holding back for a whole year and that it was time for me to really let the beast out. He was visibly shaken at that thought as I walked out that night.  

Then the countdown started as has become our custom on Friday night with the hours until 10:00 am when doom would be unleashed. 

I am sure he didn't sleep well. 

 

Well 10:00 am rolled around and the fun started. Jason and Prof did the typical "Black Belt target practice" stuff they normally do.  However, Chad, Josh, and I tried our best to hold them off on behalf of ourselves and lower belts every where. 

A steady diet of arm bars, attempted wrist locks, leg locks and a sweet rear naked choke by Jason were applied to me. 

In my next to last round, Prof decided that I wasn't worthy of him giving me his full attention, so he began to banter back and forth and carry on an in-depth conversation with Jason and Josh Moss while rolling with me. Well, I took umbrage and even demanded during the roll that he focus on the BJJ instead of Jason's Chemical Engineering test. Then prof rolled again with Jason and we were seemingly done. 

I didn't like the way things had panned out in my last roll, so I tapped Prof on the shoulder to see if his dance card was open. I admit that I didn't really think that through. Jason immediately piled on with a few comments to get Prof even more frothy and then Prof turned into "Him".  (Again, pls watch the cannonball run because explaining it would ruin everything).

So to summarize: I had five BJJ rolls and a division one wrestling match today. I didn't fare well in the BJJ rolls, and the wrestling match was awful. I did, however, have his full attention. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Chad's Recap:

It was really great to get back at it with live murder demos with the crew after a 4 weeks layoff.

1. Today's roll time really proved to me that BJJ training is a life style, not a hobby.... meaning you have to keep up on conditioning & strength training 24/7 or regression of skills & muscle memory will abandon you quickly.

2. No Gi rolls really showcase how awful I am at both securing my defensive position and how non- existent my offensive positioning skills are.

3. On a positive take away, after losing every roll multiple times (including a 10 sec warning roll with Jason where he ramped to a higher gear the last 10 sec to crank an arm bar tap on me).... I got to roll a 2nd time with Prof who took the time to teach me some astrophysics on why it is impossible for anything to go the "speed of light" while I struggled to advance past his butterfly guard..... so at least I was able take something knowledgeable away from that.

But I agree another great day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 21

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 19

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 25

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was a training session with Jason and Josh M.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 20

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 18

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was a training session with me, Jason, and Sam.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- take aways from today. Jason (AKA the black belt who must not be named) reverse arm barred me today. I really thought I was past that point in our cuddling relationship. Sadly, I am not. 

Prof, well he was Prof. I took umbrage to the fact that he was discussing math problems/solutions with the Black belt who must not be named while rolling with me. I have standards about how people should conduct themselves while submitting me.

What else? On a positive note I was not wrist locked. I mean, why wrist lock someone when you have so many other submissions you can use on them? I look forward to the Gi and all of us getting back onto the mats together again. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 19

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 18

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was an open mat with me, Jason, and Josh M.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 19

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 17

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was a training session with me, Jason, Duy, and Sam.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- BJJ at Dojo Compton consisted of Prof, myself, Duy and of course Jason. 

Pro tip, a little WD 40 on the forearms and upper arms applied before you roll doesn't hurt in your attempts to escape Jason's nasty reverse arm bars.

I want to begin my commentary by saying Prof did NOT submit me with a wrist lock, even if it looked like it.  He simultaneously applied an arm submission and a wrist lock at the same time. So it was viewers choice and I consciously did NOT submit to the wrist lock. I submitted to the other thing he was doing. 

Now that we have that out of the way. Prof dropped a fair bit of weight on Jason. I might have spurred him on with more talk of Jason telling me prof felt lighter. We enjoyed about six rolls apiece. Jason tried to separate my foot from my body in the last couple of seconds after I had tried to do the same thing to him. I am not proud of my escape which was kicking my feet up in the air like a little girl and shouting "noooo"! However, sometimes us white belts have to do white belt things, so don't hate.  Prof took us by the new digs and I am rethinking whether or not they will be receptive to a banner that says "Wolf Pack Fight Club where the first rule is tell everyone". Well, give it time. All and all another good day of BJJ. 

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 18

Duy (white-3) = 28

Sam (white-3) = 17

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

THURSDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2024

 Today's session had me and Jason.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 18

Duy (white-3) = 27

Sam (white-3) = 16

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024

 Today was a training session with Jason, Josh, and Abner.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 18

Duy (white-3) = 27

Sam (white-3) = 16

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today's class was just an open mat for me, Jason, and Sam  We had a total of 15, five-minute rounds, with one person staying in for three rounds before cycling out.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- cuddling lessons consisted of myself, Prof, and Jason.

We got in, I think, 5-6 rounds apiece. I lose track when I am being pummeled. 

Arm bars and reverse wrist locks (hat in the wide, world of sports is a reverse wrist lock anyway) were the order of the day. 

Prof shaved his arms so that any gripping we might do while hand fighting was effectively nullified. He became like a 250 lb slippery silverback gorilla with a bad attitude. And yes, he did have a bit of a tude when we got to the second time through the line up. 

Jason questioned whether or not he had lost weight. (Note to self, don't ever ask this question). 

What Jason was really saying was "Your pressure is not to be feared." Of course, Prof took it poorly and guess who got to roll with him next. He dropped a bit of weight on Jason and continued to drop weight when we rolled. I wanted to yell out "he said it, not me," like a nine year old trying to avoid punishment.

However, I couldn't gather any breath with the 250lb silverback on top of me. Thank you Jason. 

I end with a quote from that award winning classic Dodgeball. "Necessary,..is drinking my own urine necessary, no, but it is sterile and I like the taste of it." 

I'm sure prof was thinking similar thoughts as he dropped weight on us today. 

All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 17

Duy (white-3) = 27

Sam (white-3) = 16

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 5

THURSDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was a training session with me and Jason.  I got a really cool Kimura on Jason from half guard...and Jason returned the favor with a Kimura in which I ended up face down on the ground.  

I would post #JasonCheated, but there's no need to fabricate things.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 17

Duy (white-3) = 27

Sam (white-3) = 15

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 5

TUESDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2024

Today was just an open mat for me, Jason, and Josh Moss.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 17

Duy (white-3) = 27

Sam (white-3) = 15

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 5

LAST AFR TRAINING SESSION

After 21 years, we will no longer be training at AFR since they are going out of business.

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Abner.

We covered three kesa gatame escapes, and two additional from kazure kesa gatame.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Duy, Abner and myself were all in attendance. We covered all things Kesa Gatame.  

The day finished with a discussion on the construction/engineering of the AFR building as it was our last day on the premises. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 16

Duy (white-3) = 27

Sam (white-3) = 15

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 5

WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2024

Today's class was a no gi open mat with me, Sam, and Abner.  I got in seven, five-minute rounds.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof. myself, and Abner all participated today in an open mat. Seven to eight rolls apiece and fairly uneventful. I broke a plastic chair by sitting in it.

Eddie, although not there, still knocked over the fan.

Chad was missed, as was Edward. 

After I was ridiculed last Saturday for leaving without rolling, it was good to get back on the mat with the young guns. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 16

Duy (white-3) = 26

Sam (white-3) = 14

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 4

TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2024

Today was just an open training with me, Jason, and Sam (Happy Birthday to Sam!). In all, I got in seven, five-minute rounds against the two of them.  Nick, via text, insulted Sam all the way from Seattle, declaring Sam's hands to be "meat claws."

Sam's Recap:

Recap- I just had the "pleasure" of being a crash dummy with Prof and Jason today at Jason's garage. Good news was I brought my neoprene socks, so no "Jimmy John's" feet. Bad news is my jiu jitsu landed me in some submissions. 

I was very pleased that no one clock watched and submitted me with >13 seconds left. 

I was not so pleased since they didn't have to do so because the submissions had occurred earlier in the rounds. 

Jason was kind enough as he always is to "show" me a new technique called a bicep slicer. I didn't get a good look at it because I was plastered to the mat with him on top of me. 

Prof was well......Prof, which means he repeatedly used the same tactics that I couldn't figure out cause why reach deeper into your bag of shenanigans when you don't have to?

Great way to celebrate my 56th trip around the sun and all and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 16

Duy (white-3) = 26

Sam (white-3) = 13

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 3

MONDAY, 26 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me, Josh M., Chad, and Abner.

I covered the flower and pendulum sweeps, along with back takes from common defenses.  We then went over the cross collar choke from full mount and then followed it with movement to the S Mount. From there, several arm attacks were presented.  Three, five-minute round robin rounds were provided.

AbCap:

Abner's Recap- Chad, Josh, Prof, and I were in class. 

We started class going over flower sweeps starting full guard at Josh's suggestion. We also were taught how to take someone's back from the sweep and how to counter your opponent if they push against you (modified flower sweep). Additionally, we went over a collar choke from full mount that then led to pinning in the opponents defending arm against them and advancing into an S mount and attacking using submissions (modified americana, kimura, and regular armbar). 

We ended class with rolling where Chad decided to rip my shirt like if he was peeling a wax strip off of the hide of a grizzly. This was duly noted.

 All and all another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/9uNt7kjYh40?si=3r3WOtsh9Qz1cbfU

https://youtu.be/7_JlDXYMCxE?si=B0OBVn-2DjTkyLWX

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 16

Duy (white-3) = 26

Sam (white-3) = 12

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 24

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 3

SATURDAY, 24 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, Chad, and Abner.  I practiced for 90 minutes with Jason and Josh before this class.

I taught four side control escapes today, focusing on recovering guard, submitting the opponent via Kimura, and also shucking them by with an under hook.  

Sam took the day off from live rolling since he had five practice days this week, and two of those had one hour of flow/drill rolling with just me, coupled with an entire practice of free rolls against the class.  

Duy, Chad, and Abner were able to get in three five-minute rounds, one against every other person.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Duy, Chad, Abner, and myself all in attendance. 

Side control escapes were taught and the arm bars they can result in, if executed properly. 

We followed this up with a brief foray into the world of single leg takedowns. That's all I remember on that. 

Rolling time came and I chose to sit out while the rest of the ukes participated. I was called out twice: once by Duy and once by Abner. I resisted the urge to get out there and instead watched their rolls, which were lively.  I look forward to Monday when we can do it all over again. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 15

Duy (white-3) = 26

Sam (white-3) = 12

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 23

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 2

FRIDAY, 23 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, and Sam.

Techniques of the day were modified smash passes, i.e. ball and chain smash, to side control and to bread cutter choke.  

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, the terror who is Duy, and I were all present. 

Drills to deal with 2&1s, guard passing sequences and basically a lot of "what do we do when you do this to us?" questions were dealt with.

During the drilling, I was reminded of an old saying regarding PT Cruisers.  Upon seeing a PT Cruiser, it went something like this, "PT Cruiser, get a bruiser."  After you spied the car and made the announcement, you were allowed to punch someone next to you in the car with you. 

Well, apparently Prof must have seen a PT Cruiser before class.

All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 25

Sam (white-3) = 11

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 22

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 1

THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2024

Today was an open mat, no gi session at AFR with Duy, and Sam in attendance.  Following three, five-minute rounds against each of them, I departed and trained with Jason, adding an additional eight, five-minute rounds against him.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Duy, and myself all participated in rolling today. 

Light stretching followed by 5 minutes rolls. Duy came with bad intentions and unleashed fury on me for my first roll. I didn't fare too well.

Subsequent rolls were a mixed bag. Prof again did mean things to me, but what is new about that? Prof also did bad things to Duy.  So he was democratic about it. We agreed we need to name our new digs once we get in them.

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 24

Sam (white-3) = 10

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 22

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 1

WEDNESDAY, 21 AUGUST 2024

Today was an open mat, no gi practice session.  Sam arrived at 9:00 am. I had forgotten that my 12 year-old had a dental appointment at 10:40 am, so I had to cut it way short. Duy arrived and was able to get two five-minute rounds in, and I will add a session tomorrow to make up for my mistake.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, me, and Duy all in attendance. Live rolls today with me getting a few extended sessions in with Prof early and Duy getting a couple of rolls in before Prof had to leave. 

Prof insisted on trying to wrist lock me again. I did hold him off only to be arm barred several times. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 23

Sam (white-3) = 9

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 22

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 1

MONDAY, 19 AUGUST 2024

Today marks my 24th wedding anniversary.

Class today had me, Sam, Chad, and Abner.  

Sam arrived early and we engaged in some untimed flow rolls to help his butterfly guard and side control escapes.  When Abner and Chad arrived, I moved to a "Day One" approach with Abner in mind.  Full mount escapes were the techniques: trap an arm/trap a leg, the "Pedro Sauer" escape, and the Foot Drag were taught and drilled for an hour.  Chad and Abner had tow five-minute rounds following Sam's departure.

Sam's Recap:

 

Recap- Prof, Chad, Abner and I were all present.  

Trap an arm, trap a leg and the Pedro Sauer escape from full mount were taught.  

I rolled with Prof before class began for an undesignated time period and he AGAIN created a wrist lock friendly environment for us to explore together.  Additionally, he threw in a couple of Pearson chokes and he used my Gi against me. 

Abner saw the tail end of me impersonating a day one Uke. The struggle was real. 

Chad, anything noteworthy happen after I left?

All in all another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/-iXCXZU807E?si=Qt_OdFZcp8_ZNOrg

https://youtu.be/aB4g50XIQho?si=9kHVMM6Cn_Cx0MbG

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 22

Sam (white-3) = 8

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 22

Caleb (white) = 6

Abner (white) = 1

SATURDAY, 17 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Chad. Eddie remains injured. Caleb called out just before class started.

Per Duy's request, I focused on defenses while in the turtle.  We drilled rolling out opponent over and "crashing" into them before using a wrestling sit out escape. Additionally, we drilled a few attacks from the top to make us more aware of potential assaults.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Chad, Duy and I were there and I had a damp Gi to roll in. 

All things turtle were reviewed and I especially liked the shoulder roll that ended up with rib to rib pressure on certain people... I digress.  

We also worked on the "Michael Jackson Thriller move" and a sit out escape and maybe a few other variations that I can't recall. 

Rolling was relatively uneventful, other than someone again trying to wrist lock me.  Eddie knocked over the fan and we replayed the video of Duy farting on me. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 22

Sam (white-3) = 7

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 21

Caleb (white) = 6

FRIDAY, 16 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me, Sam, Duy, and Chad. 

Sam arrived at 9:00 am and we did untimed flow rolls in order to advance Sam's butterfly guard and escapes.  Duy and Chad arrived at 10:00 am.  We reviewed the kazure kesa gatame escape and then focused attention on escaping from bottom half-guard. Obtaining back control and pulling full guard were the main goals. For a little variety, I added an attack from the top position to prevent the back take and showed, but did not have students drill, a knee bar transition.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, myself, Duy and Chad were all in attendance. We worked on getting out of Kesa Gatame. Prof and I had a couple of untimed rolls where he smashed me and repeatedly tried to wrist lock me, and I did get to wrist lock Duy as I was demonstrating a drill. I was happy about that after he crop dusted me a couple of weeks ago. All and all another good day of BJJ.

Chad's Addendum:

After you left, Prof taught Duy and me the "Michael Jackson Thriller Album" counter to someone attempting a half guard escape.... and introduction to a knee bar submission transition from that top counter.

https://youtu.be/4W6lHJqK4lw?si=ojBazsxu1gOFElAk

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 21

Sam (white-3) = 6

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 20

Caleb (white) = 6

WEDNESDAY, 14 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me and Sam, beginning at 9:00 am, and then Chad joined in at 10:00 am.

Sam and I worked on odds and ends, with long flow rolls and spot checks.  With Chad's arrival, we worked on kazure kesa gatame escapes and arm bars from guard.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- first day back in over a week. I had several ass whippings saved up for Prof. In fact, before our first roll, he asked me what I wanted to work on and I said "whipping your ass."

Needless to say, things didn't quite go according to plan. We did get 3-4 rolls in and I did try to whip his ass. I just didn't execute the plan very well.

Eddie knocked over the fan. Chad came at 10:00 after I had already had my cuddle time with Prof.  We did some drills.

Finally, what was with all the wrist locks today Prof, was it wrist lock Wednesday?  I found myself yelling out in the rolls multiple times, "nooooo". 

Edward get well soon. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 20

Sam (white-3) = 5

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 19

Caleb (white) = 6

THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST 2024

Jason, Josh, and I trained today.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 14

Duy (white-3) = 20

Sam (white-3) = 4

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 18

Caleb (white) = 6

WEDNESDAY, 7 AUGUST 2024

Today was an open mat, no gi session.  Sam and AFR student/instructor Abner showed up.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Abner (new), and myself were all in attendance. I had four rolls with Prof and one with Abner. Seems like a good guy. 

There was some banter about the word necessary. Prof said (I am paraphrasing) that he knew of someone in the BJJ community who could be mean and at times might say things that were certainly true but not entirely necessary. 

The question was then posed by the Uke who Prof loves, if him submitting me with a one arm Americana AND a wrist lock was "necessary".

I'll leave that the rest of the ukes who I'm sure have there own stories of what they think was and wasn't necessary in their rolls with Prof DSB. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 13

Duy (white-3) = 20

Sam (white-3) = 4

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 18

Caleb (white) = 6

SATURDAY, 3 AUGUST 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Caleb.  I trained earlier with Jason at Casa de Compton.

I covered the basic no gi armbar, moved on to omoplata, reviewed the cross collar from guard, and focused attention onto a kazure kesa gatame escape.  Three, five-minute sessions were provided, with each student rolling against each other.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Duy, Caleb, and I were present. We missed the rest of the crew. We practiced arm bars, omoplatas and a bit of turtle and a cross collar choke. Then we had three rolls apiece. 

Prof did not participate due to rolling with the limb collector (Jason) this morning. He did tell us that he wrist-locked Jason, which warmed my heart. 

Duy crop dusted me during a roll and on video. 

I lost my keys and LAW had to come bring me a spare which was unfortunate because I think she conspired with Prof a bit to do her bidding in the area of choking me a little more. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/LmkHTbdh6sQ?si=kweyCpE2ZiPXa7Up

https://youtu.be/9InCAZxO_jo?si=BpoJUwWjGTgMaQ1O

https://youtu.be/cxlG0XL_iR4?si=cxY1ISPnWu83XK6b

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 13

Duy (white-3) = 20

Sam (white-3) = 3

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 18

Caleb (white) = 6

MONDAY, 29 JULY 2024

 Today was a free training session with me, Jason, Josh M., and Sam.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Jason, Josh, and I played a game of one of these ukes is not like the others today. 

One ankle lock, three to four arm bars and reverse arm bars later it was evident which one of us it was....

Prof employed a pretty devious tactic on me of pulling my Gi out of my belt holding it front of his eyes to read the washing instructions (while I was in side control) and very deliberately drawing my attention to my own Gi while he secretly plotted my demise all the while via an unrelated submit that I don't even remember.

We flew the fan at full mast today to honor Edward's knee and it did not fall over once. 

Edward and Chad were missed.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 13

Duy (white-3) = 19

Sam (white-3) = 2

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 18

Caleb (white) = 5

SATURDAY, 27 JULY 2024

I injured my left elbow and right pinky on Wednesday, so I was not an active randori participant today.

Today's class had me, Tony, Duy, Sam, and Chad.

I taught a sweep from butterfly guard (review), two entries to back takes from butterfly guard, and then an entry into the initial sweep based on an opponent's defense and also Kimura from another defense.

Rather than free rolling, I had positional/situational sparring.  So, the first was guard passing vs. holding guard/sweeping/submitting the opponent.  These were 1:30 rounds, with the same break, and then the guys switched.  It became taxing since they switched partners twice, being guard passer and guard holder three times.  I then had them do this for back mount (but only 1:00 on the clock). Finally, I finished off with side control escapes vs. holding position for 0:45, but only for one round.

The consensus is that the above is MUCH worse than free rolling.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, myself, Tony, Duy and Chad all present. Eddie was missed and LB, after discussion in an official kangaroo court, had his absence approved (but neither accepted nor praised).

Tony was so bored today with class that he went to sleep in the middle of it. I will leave that right there. 

We practiced sweeps from butterfly, escapes from back mount, and chokes from back mount.  NOTE: it was during this time period that Tony got bored and fell asleep). 

We experienced positional sparring,  with 14-16 short rounds rotating from partner to partner. The sparring was very taxing and we were all pretty whipped by the end of it. 

We discussed places to get good Vietnamese food as well as Fat Boy Fried rice (local food truck).

 

Prof was not a participant today with the ukes he only taught and tortured us. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 4

Josh M. (blue-2) = 12

Duy (white-3) = 19

Sam (white-3) = 1

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 18

Caleb (white) = 5

WEDNESDAY, 24 JULY 2024

Today was just a rolling session.  I trained with Sam from 9:00 am to 10:00 am so he could depart and participate in "official UPS business" with the new operations manager.  I remained another hour so Josh and Eddie could get time in.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof was kind enough to come in early to thrash me. 9x in all today and two wrist locks I believe. He is my witness that in between rolls with both of us 3ft away, the fan fell to the floor. We can only blame Eddie for that and rightly so.

I was happy to earn a third stripe today, or did I? Sadly, no tape.  

Josh Moss asked me sadly if I was staying to roll when it was just he and I and Prof there. I knew intuitively what he was saying or in this case not saying. If you don't know, I will explain, he was saying are you leaving me to roll with D1 prof alone on a no gi day? 

I need to crowd source and ask if there is anything that needs to be added since I left early, so in the words of Ferris Bueller's teacher, "anyone...anyone?"

All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 12

Duy (white-3) = 18

Sam (white-2) = 40 = promoted to three stripes

Eddie (white-1) = 27

Chad (white-1) = 17

Caleb (white) = 5

TUESDAY, 23 JULY 2024

Today was a no gi training session with me, Jason, and Josh M.  Josh got in three, five-minute sessions with me, and three five-minute sessions with Jason.  Jason and I had seven rounds against each other. I hurt his left foot and he hurt my right foot (toe hold vs. straight foot lock).

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 11

Duy (white-3) = 18

Sam (white-2) = 39

Eddie (white-1) = 26

Chad (white-1) = 17

Caleb (white) = 5

MONDAY, 22 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Sam, Eddie, and Chad.

The focus of class was side control escapes and tying together principles rather than techniques, though we did drill four different escapes.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, myself, Chad, and Edward.  

Edward now has three gis, one of which belongs to Prof, and it finally occurred to me on the way home why he wanted it. He is going to tell everyone he was on Renzo Gracie's elite Jiu Jitsu team and then say, "But I really don't want to intimidate anyone at Gracie Barra, so I just brought my white belt to roll with tonight."

Speaking of Edward, we did guard passes during the free practice session and he passed my guard almost every time. I think I passed his once, and we were civil about it. 

Chad looked a bit worn out from the Saturday sort and what I was most proud of was that I exhibited extreme self control by being asked to hold Prof in side control without dropping my weight. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 10

Duy (white-3) = 18

Sam (white-2) = 39

Eddie (white-1) = 26

Chad (white-1) = 17

Caleb (white) = 5

THURSDAY, 18 JULY 2024

Today was just me, Jason, and Josh getting in a training session during Jason's lunch hour.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 10

Duy (white-3) = 18

Sam (white-2) = 38

Eddie (white-1) = 25

Chad (white-1) = 16

Caleb (white) = 5

MONDAY, 15 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Josh M., Sam, and Chad.  We focused on reviewing standing guard passes and then moved to escaping being pinned in the bottom half-guard.  We drilled several submissions from the escape, as well.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof myself, Josh and Chad all present. 

Fun time. Went through half guard escapes from headlocks and a whole sequence of things we can go to. Really good stuff.

Josh was kind enough to show me how to tie my belt properly, I mean it's only been 51 weeks we have been at it, it would have come eventually. 

I did not roll and will have to crowd source a bit. 

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 9

Duy (white-3) = 18

Sam (white-2) = 38

Eddie (white-1) = 25

Chad (white-1) = 16

Caleb (white) = 5

SATURDAY, 13 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Caleb.

I demonstrated methods of guard retention and had the guys drill them without resistance.  Then, I had them do it live against each other for minutes on end.  They cycled through each other, so each person worked guard passes and retention on every person.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, Duy, Caleb and I were there at start time of class. We missed Chad and Edward and Josh.

I forgot my belt, just to go ahead and get that out there. 

Guard retention was the topic of the day. Why is it whenever guard retention is taught it is bitter sweet? We absolutely learned new things, but we paid dearly for that knowledge.  Two minute positional guard retention rolls were conducted and I believe we had four or five of them. Thinking I was done mentally I began thinking if I was up to mowing grass when I got home or not, when out of the corner of my eye, I spied a former D1 wrestler, current 3rd degree black belt and resident dirty, sneaky, bastard coming for me to fill out my dance card. Well, I don't have to tell you how that went.  

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 8

Duy (white-3) = 18

Sam (white-2) = 37

Eddie (white-1) = 25

Chad (white-1) = 15

Caleb (white) = 5

FRIDAY, 12 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Josh M., Sam, and Chad.

I taught four half-guard passes, three guard passes, and reviewed arm locks from side control.  

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof. Chad, Josh, and I were all present. We missed Edward and Duy. 

Guard passes were the order of the day as well as methods of escaping half guard and the family of arm breakers (kimura, Americana and arm bar) from side control. A lot covered. 

Three rolls today for me (two with Prof and one with Chad). Surprisingly, Prof defeated me. Alas, it was bound to happen eventually. 

Chad was a handful and spent most of our roll on top of me. Sometimes you are the hammer and sometimes you are the nail. I think I was the nail today but I did get to work on my escapes, and they need more work. Finally, the owner of AFR came by and dropped off a new fan, said something about it being Eddie proof. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 8

Duy (white-3) = 17

Sam (white-2) = 36

Eddie (white-1) = 25

Chad (white-1) = 15

Caleb (white) = 4

WEDNESDAY, 10 JULY 2024

Today was a no gi open mat session with me, Josh M., Sam, Eddie, and Chad,

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 7

Duy (white-3) = 17

Sam (white-2) = 35

Eddie (white-1) = 25

Chad (white-1) = 14

Caleb (white) = 4

MONDAY, 8 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Josh M., Sam, Eddie, and Chad.

My focus today was to review north-south attacks and escapes from Saturday (or teach those who were not in attendance).  I neglected to review mount escapes on Friday, so we reviewed the "Pedro Sauer" and foot drag escapes.  A few rounds of free roll practice were provided.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- Prof, myself, Josh, Chad, and Edward were all in attendance.

Note to self: do NOT partner with Edward on the north/south escapes. I think I now know how the north beat the south. They grabbed their ass cheeks and startled them. Maybe, maybe not, but it is certainly what Eddie did to me. I am still startled in fact. 

We worked on the Pedro Sauer escape, the aforementioned north/south position and some arm bars that can arise from those positions. 

Edward kicked over the fan, promptly left, and received ZERO harassment about not rolling. I was pressed for time and did an obligatory roll with Prof only to have him duct tape me with my gi and then submit me. I didn't care for that very much. 

Chad seemed to have a good roll going and again I had to leave so.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 6

Duy (white-3) = 17

Sam (white-2) = 34

Eddie (white-1) = 24

Chad (white-1) = 13

Caleb (white) = 4

SATURDAY, 6 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Chad. 

Strangely, Eddie still managed to knock down the fan, and he also heroically removed a popcorn kernel from a child's ear.  Now, on to BJJ.

I called upon Sam and Chad to teach some of the items from Friday's class.  I tasked Sam with butterfly guard items and Chad with the modified pendulum sweep.  I have typically asked purple and above to do so, but I experimented in order to "test" comprehension and my own teaching from the previous day.

Duy asked for north-south items, so I taught the most proper method for holding the position with a gi, moving to side control for arm bar or bread cutter choke, and also the north-south choke.  I also taught escapes from the position, along with principles to help with scrambles from there.

I rolled with everyone, and for a public shout out, I was pleased as an instructor with how Chad was positioning and dropping his weight (not so pleased as a recipient, though).

Sam's Recap:

Recap- good group today with Prof, Chad, Duy, and me.

We missed Edward, Josh, and Caleb.

We reviewed yesterday's techniques and Prof asked me to teach one and Chad to teach the other. I could not remember what my name was and had to be continuously cued on what was next during my turn while Chad on the other hand did a good job with it. Oh well, it came to me on one on one drilling.  I just had a mind cramp or a senior moment when put on the spot.

 

We had some very light flow rolls and Chad regaled us with stories of a "Code Brown" at the hospital.  Like the Garfield and Jimmy John's stories, I couldn't do it justice to try to explain so you will just have to ask him. 

It came time to roll, at which point I announced I was not formally rolling today after the long week of BJJ. I thought all was well and that I could video others until I heard an exchange between Prof and Chad about a smell in the dojo. Intuitively I knew they were talking about me, but didn't know what they meant. I had not farted and seemed to smell like my normal self. So, I inquired and found out they smelled fear on me.

 

Well, I bit and was hooked, I put my gi back on to go with Prof and the roll went pretty much like most of my rolls go with Prof, but at least I dispelled the fact of whether or not I was afraid. Let it be said I never fear an ass whipping and have grown accustomed to receiving them.

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 5

Duy (white-3) = 17

Sam (white-2) = 33

Eddie (white-1) = 23

Chad (white-1) = 12

Caleb (white) = 4

FRIDAY, 5 JULY 2024

Today's class had me, Jason (black), Tony (purple), Josh (blue), and three white belts (Sam, Eddie, and Chad).

I taught two sweeps from butterfly guard and a modified pendulum sweep where the far leg is attacked, along with the arm bar.  Josh and Eddie did not roll live due to injuries.

Sam's Recap:

Recap pretty much a full house today.  We were missing Duy.  We had some OGs there with Jason and Tony and Josh.  Chad was back, along with Edward, Prof, and me.

We worked on sweeps from butterfly and some nifty things to do to break grips with our legs. I know we covered more but my mind is drawing a blank. Prof, I will have to depend on you to recap all the techniques we drilled (I need a little help). 

I do know that Jason reverse arm barred me AGAIN. Prof applied the usual bread cutters and wrist locks and I think we got in 5 rolls, maybe it was six. Eddie knocked over the fan. Chad didn't ring anyone's bells and someone shoulder blocked me in the parking lot as I was just trying to put my Gi up. 🤔 tomorrow promises to be even more fun.  

All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 3

Josh M. (blue-2) = 5

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 32

Eddie (white-1) = 23

Chad (white-1) = 11

Caleb (white) = 4

WEDNESDAY, 3 JULY 2024

Today's session was a no gi open mat.  Josh, Sam, and Eddie joined in for training time.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- first things first.  Even being 30 minutes late didn't stop Edward from knocking over the fan. 

Everyone got in 5-6 rolls. Edward and I worked on guard passing, and his guard retention is a lot better than mine but it does give me something to shoot for. 

We missed Chad and the question has to be asked if he has become a Comcast BJJ participant. I hope not because he makes it a little more fun when he is there and he also is good for telling me what I am forgetting during drilling when my kind draws a blank sometimes. 

Thankfully, no bread cutters today. Ok, so it was a no gi day.

We did discuss women in leadership and Edward was less than charitable and he scratched my nose and drew blood. I think it was right after he knocked over the fan. 

All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 4

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 31

Eddie (white-1) = 22

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2024

Today was a training session with me, Jason, and Sam at Casa de Compton.  There were a total of ten, five-minute no gi rounds between the three of us.  

Sam's Recap:

Recap- the closest I got to a submission was getting out of the car to walk into Jason's garage. 

Both Prof and Jason had bad intentions for me at least in the first couple of rolls. I can now sympathize with hamsters that are fed to boa constructors or sheep fed to lions or.... well you get it, any predator that likes to play with its food before eating. 

In the first two rolls I was submitted inside the last 10 seconds first with a toe hold or heel hook, not sure which and then Prof got me in something or another only after both of them had given me 4:50 of false hope. 

I would like to say it got better after that and maybe there were moments but I will sum it up by saying sometimes you have to simply back away and respect the color of the belts.  They are black belts for a reason. 

All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 3

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 30

Eddie (white-1) = 21

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

MONDAY, 1 JULY 2024

Today's class had me and Sam.

We reviewed arm bar from guard, the pendulum sweep, and two mount escapes (foot drag and foot lift). I will need to review these again. I introduced the baseball bat choke from the guard and am happy with the progress.  We had a total of five, five-minute rounds today.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- great to get on the mats again. I had great aspirations to hold off prof as he was passing  my butterfly guard and even told him as much. Well we will come back to that later. 

We truly missed Duy, Chad and Edward. We worked on escapes from guard and sweeps and worked the baseball choke in. Lot of good stuff covered. 

I was excited about rolling and practicing butterfly guard.  I had even worked some things out in my head during my 16 hours of driving that would help me fend Prof off and hold him at bay. I was looking forward to him slapping the mat in disgust and saying, "I just can't get past you." 

Well reality set in during the first roll that me holding him off was not to be, so I settled on just trying to slow him down a bit and well....that didn't work out so well either. If I have to tell you how it ended each time he passed my guard then you have never read the recap before and I don't have time for you today.

  

In the end, I settled on the fact that I had just tried and figured out about 5-6 more things that don't work while rolling with Prof. 

Prof had to settle on a wrist lock. I thought it was a moral victory for white belts everywhere. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 3

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 29

Eddie (white-1) = 21

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

SATURDAY, 29 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me and Eddie.  Duy had an excused absence, and Sam was traveling to Dallas, TX.  We reviewed arm bars from guard, cross collar choke from mount, and side control escapes.  

The end consisted of positional/situational rolling.  

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 3

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 28

Eddie (white-1) = 21

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Josh M., Sam, and Eddie.

Today's class focused on side control escapes and a review of the hip bump sweep.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- work got in the way a bit this morning and I was late. I very much hate being late, just so you know.

  

We worked on a hip bump sweep and I looked like it was my first day with prosthetic limbs when I tried to demonstrate it with Edward during drilling. Safe to say the ukes will not have to fear the hip bump sweep from me for some time. 

We also worked on escapes from side control.  Edward and I had our fourth civil roll in a row. Prof throttled me multiple times and with the same subs. At this point I don't feel like I need to name the subs. We all know what he does...😉 we missed Chad, and Duy. 

Also after Edward left there was back and forth about whether Edward was forcing Ginny to get out there and mow before it rained or not. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/QG-AlgLcCVk?si=3oHV02akaHuMiIxP

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 3

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 28

Eddie (white-1) = 20

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

THURSDAY, 27 JUNE 2024

Today's session was a training session with me, Jason, and Eddie.  I got seven rounds in.

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 27

Eddie (white-1) = 19

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE 2024

Today was a simple no gi open mat session. Eddie and Sam were in attendance at start time. Chad rolled up about 30 minutes late, and Duy arrived about an hour after training started due to a follow up with his doctor.

I am currently unaware of any shenanigans, though Sam did feel the need to press his forearm on my throat as I was coaching him AFTER a rolling session. My right hand was free and did not do anything untoward.  

Student Recap:

OK- lot of chatter out there.  Settle down.

The OFFICIAL Recap-

Prof, myself, Chad (late), Eddie, and Duy (late but approved ahead of time) all participated. No drilling just rolling. 

Edward and I added two more "civil" rolls to our tally and now stand at three. I am not opening a bottle of champagne up yet but it is certainly the beginning of a trend. 

Chad, on the other hand, came at me with a vengeance, nearly knocking me off the mat. 

Prof was.....well he was Prof. which means legs and arms were pulled off of each of us and wrist locks were applied at every turn. I didn't get to roll with Duy, but he is back to having two working eyes so good on that.  At this point I think I need to crowd source a bit since the ukes are already squawking so. You guys got anything to add?

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 16

Sam (white-2) = 27

Eddie (white-1) = 18

Chad (white-1) = 10

Caleb (white) = 4

MONDAY, 24 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Josh M., Duy, Sam, and Eddie. Chad must have overslept, gotten lost, and had his car break down.

Today focused on half-guard, with one sweep and a couple of back takes being drilled.  I briefly reviewed the hip bump sweep and will address more time on Friday.

Student Recap:

Recap- great to have Josh Moss back with us.

Also in attendance were Edward (who again knocked over the fan), and a one eyed Duy. After I heard the story of his injured eye, I secretly wanted him to pull out an eye patch when we rolled. That would be straight up intimidating to roll with a guy his size sporting an eye patch. 

Prof demonstrated some half guard sweeps and we also worked in the hip bump sweep and other things I am forgetting at the moment. I think everyone got in roughly five rolls. 

Edward and I had a very civil roll together which only means the next one is liable to be a death match. I don't know why it's that way. Ok that's not true I usually escalate. Oh well, I will try to string together two civil rolls with him and maybe we will have a trend, who knows we might start cuddling together at work after a while.  

All and all another good day of BJJ. 

P.S. There were no call outs or belt throwing.

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 15

Sam (white-2) = 26

Eddie (white-1) = 17

Chad (white-1) = 9

Caleb (white) = 4

SATURDAY, 22 JUNE 2024

I lifted this morning with Josh M. and he joined me and Jason in our BJJ training.  I got in a total of seven, five-minute rounds (four vs. Josh and three vs. Jason). It's good to have Josh back from Thailand.

Today's regular class had me, Duy, Sam, Chad, and Caleb. Butterfly guard passes were on the agenda, with four variations being practiced. I had three additional rounds, with one quite curious round beyond these occurring. 

I believed I was finished after my second round against Sam. I placed my belt back in my bag and sat in front of the fan. To my surprise, Sam invaded the sanctity of my bag, retrieved my belt, and then threw it to me, stating that he could not let our final round be the defining statement of his BJJ progress thus far. 

In short, he challenged a black belt of 12 years to a fight 😂. I may have neglected to set the timer. 

Sam: "How much time's left in this round?"

Me: "All of it."

(Credit goes to Cole Dobbins for the above imaginary interchange).

Sam's Recap:

Prof summed it up pretty well. It might not have been one of the better decisions I have made in my 55 trips around the sun.

However, at least I don't have to wonder what happens now when you challenge your Prof, and I can steer other ukes away from such things in the future.

https://youtu.be/fo8v-pSXULM?si=2oYmKkqks7eqYwW2

Tony (purple) = 2

Josh M. (blue-2) = 1

Duy (white-3) = 14

Sam (white-2) = 25

Eddie (white-1) = 16

Chad (white-1) = 9

Caleb (white) = 4

FRIDAY, 21 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Eddie.

Today we covered four side control escapes and introduced another option but did not practice it in depth.

Sam's Recap:

Early recap- this will be two parts today. 

The value of the under hook was established in our drilling today and branched off into several if/then scenarios. Very eye opening. I was pressed on time so I got one roll in. I dressed and while I was putting on my shoes I saw something I had not seen before. Prof. took Duy's belt and used it as a lariat and roped it around his arm so it would be motionless as he took his back and submitted him. 

That clearly falls under the category of a DSB tactic. So at this point in our journey we can safely say that we have not been coddled as we have been introduced to leg locks, heel hooks, innumerable wrist locks, the bastard and now the lasso. 

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 13

Sam (white-2) = 24

Eddie (white-1) = 16

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

WEDNESDAY, 19 JUNE 2024

Today was just an open mat drilling/rolling session.

Between 9:00 am and 10:00 am, I got in six, five-minute rounds with Sam before he had to depart to a doctor's appointment.

Jason and arrived at 10:00 am.  We got two, five-minute rounds against each opponent.

Sam's Recap:

Recap- had to go early and get some rolls in prior to a doctors appt, so Prof accommodated me. I think we got 6 rolls in.

 

He commented before the last one that he had not wrist locked me and during the middle of our last roll I told him it was because he lacked the skill. Well I don't have to tell you how that ended up, but it was still fun to say it. 😉 

All in all another good day of BJJ

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 12

Sam (white-2) = 23

Eddie (white-1) = 15

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, Eddie, and Chad. We covered guard openings (closed guard) and guard passes, arm bar escapes, and triangle chokes. At the end, I am introduced straight ankle locks.

Sam's Recap:

Recap--- Duy, Chad, Edward, Prof., and I were present and accounted for today.  Guard passing was covered along with escaping an arm bar. 

We also worked on ankle locks. 

Three rolls were offered and wrist locks and bread cutters were on the menu AGAIN, at least for me. 

We did establish that Prof's nearly broken nose on Friday was retaliatory, as he has previously denied Edward a triangle earlier in the roll. It is rumored that Edward quoted the indomitable Dusty Rhodes  saying, "paybacks is hell baby doll" right before going for the nose.  

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 11

Sam (white-2) = 22

Eddie (white-1) = 15

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

SATURDAY, 15 JUNE 2024

Today saw me and Jason get in a training session while I cancelled the later noon class.  Jason has a great set-up for what Sam is referring to as "The Bastard," and I look forward to seeing it in action. I utilized a lot of my wrestling background against Jason today. 

Otherwise, it was not too eventful.

FRIDAY, 14 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Eddie.  We opened with a warm-up roll before Eddie arrived, which led to me reviewing a half-guard sweep in the actual class setting.

I reviewed the set-up and execution of the bread cutter choke and then two modifications based on opponent defenses.  In an open question session, Duy asked for another half-guard sweep, so we drilled that.

Sam had to leave before rolling, so he missed Eddie cause me to bleed with a head butt from inside of my guard.  

Student Recap:

Recap- Edward, Duy, and I were there today. Chad was not. Terms like aux were thrown around.  🤔 

The session started innocently enough with Prof having us do warm up rolls and drills followed.  Back to that in a moment. 

In a single conversation between drills, we covered Jake the Snake Roberts having a venom-less cobra and having it bite the Macho Man AND we defined exegesis. That might be one of the most enjoyable things about our cohort and I don't think you could find that anywhere else. 

Back to the BJJ, Prof observed my attempts at simulated murder during flow rolling and used the techniques I "misapplied" as drilling points. I of course predicted he would do that and obliged him by doing techniques that I have long since mastered, incorrectly, so that he would have some teaching points. 

Prof taught us three versions of the bread cutter/Pearson choke and a sweep from half guard when someone gets  an under hook.  

I also witnessed first hand one of the dirtier, I would even go as far as to say unnecessary, submissions I have ever seen Prof execute when he went from I think a bread cutter to an arm bar only to submit with a wrist lock. Or was it a double submission? I'm 🤔 not sure. Prof has a habit of drawing submissions out at times. It's like reading a Stephen King book and knowing a character is going to get killed but having to wait to see what implement the villain will choose to kill them with. I am very pleased with that description by the way. 

I feel like I am leaving out somethings so I want to crowd source and open it up to my fellow ukes at this point.  Anything I missed? 

Anyway, all and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 10

Sam (white-2) = 21

Eddie (white-1) = 14

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

THURSDAY, 13 JUNE 2024

Today was a no gi training session/open mat with me and Sam.

Student Recap:

Recap- After many rolls today, lost count. A theme kind of developed. Prof weaved it in and out of nearly, probably, every roll. The theme was "Make Wrist Locks Great Again".  I firmly maintain that he had written a number down before we started that he was trying to hit. If the number was south of 13 by my count he was successful. 

He also applied "the bastard".  What is "the bastard" you ask? Prof will have to explain. The name is a place holder until he names it. In the meantime, nature abhors a vacuum so I went ahead and named it, and I would offer that the name fits the thought that goes through your head when you succumb to it.

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 9

Sam (white-2) = 20

Eddie (white-1) = 13

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE 2024

Today was a training session with me and Jason.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 9

Sam (white-2) = 19

Eddie (white-1) = 13

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

MONDAY, 10 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Sam, and Eddie.

Our focus was on back escapes, an arm bar from the back, and reviewing chokes from the back. We had two, five-minute rounds.

Student recap:

It was Edward, Prof, and me. 

Scoop escapes and chokes when you have taken someone's back were practiced.  Never thought I would say it but I grew weary from continuously choking Prof today. Rolling was fun and Prof showed restraint, there's that word again, we will need to define it at some point.  For now, it just means that he didn't wrist lock me or apply a submission that him and Jason had worked out after spending weeks in a lab. Chad was a no show, but he did text this time.

All and all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 9

Sam (white-2) = 19

Eddie (white-1) = 13

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

SATURDAY, 08 JUNE 2024

I trained with Jason prior to the noon class.  We got in nine, five-minute rounds in 90°-plus weather (today's high temperature was 98°).

Today's class had me, Sam, and Caleb.  I covered the lasso sweep and the introduction to the De La Riva guard, focusing on entry and control with one sweep being taught.  Caleb is nursing soreness from many rounds of golf, so he did not roll.   

Student recap.  

Recap time- Lasso guard and De La Riva sweeps and things that can naturally develop off of them were explored today.  

Caleb, Prof and I were there. Edward and Chad (this is starting to be a theme on Chad's vacation weeks) were missed. Light rolling afterwards. Yes, I know what you are thinking it was controlled and light to medium. 

The words of "restraint" and "earned" were also explained as well as the decriminalizing of certain moves that are supposed to be employed on colored belts only. 

In keeping with the idea of restraint, I will not use any creative license to describe other things that went on.  Funny, however, Prof was a little run down from rolling with Jason earlier and how whenever he is not involved in rolling, exotic techniques and dark arts are not the order of the day. Although, he did show us another one while drilling that when employed will explode someone's elbow. 

I had forgotten some details. How Eddie knocked over the fan again, I don't know, but it's undeniable that he did.  I did choke Prof today. Again, we will need to explore the concept of earning...

All in all, another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 9

Sam (white-2) = 18

Eddie (white-1) = 12

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 3

FRIDAY, 07 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Sam, and Eddie.

The X-pass and two follow up standing passes when an opponent defends the X-pass were studied and practiced today.  Eddie and Sam had two, five-minute rounds today while I observed from the sidelines.

Student recap:

Recap- great guard passing techniques involving grips and opening bags of potato chips were taught. Attendance was sparse as Duy and Chad weren't with us. Nonetheless, we plowed on. 

The dojo was invaded with a bit of a Viking berserker spirit today that seemed to affect one of the combatants during rolling.  He didn't heed the "flow roll" rules as a result.  No one was injured, and Prof was very restrained other than threatening an impossible Bread cutter during extra curriculars on someone who he has traumatized with said choke. All in all another good day of BJJ.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 9

Sam (white-2) = 17

Eddie (white-1) = 12

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 2

WEDNESDAY, 05 JUNE 2024

Today's session was a no gi open mat.  Duy, Sam, and Eddie came in to train and get added time in, with everyone getting 6 or 7 five-minute rounds.

Sam fell victim to something Jason and I have been trying on each other with limited success. I may have positioned Eddie in front of the mirrors such that I could look at myself, or check on his level of distress, as I applied a RNC.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 9

Sam (white-2) = 16

Eddie (white-1) = 11

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 2

Student recap:

Recap-Eddie hit me twice today; kind of surprising the tactics he employs at times. He hit my shoulder with his face as I was attempting to pass his guard and then he proceeded to hit my hand with his face the second time I tried to pass his guard. 

Everyone got in 6-7 rolls today and in general it was fun with a few exceptions. Prof apparently is trying to teach all of us (me) a good wrist lock defense game by employing them frequently. He also did something dirty to Eddie and hammed it up in the mirror with a mischievous grin and then he applied an "unknown" sub on me. He was "in his element".  All in all another good day of BJJ.

TUESDAY, 04 JUNE 2024

Today was a training session between me and Jason.  We had eight, five-minute rounds.

Jason had a sneaky set up to a toe hold that I did not see coming.

MONDAY, 03 JUNE 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, and Chad.

We started with a question on the cross collar choke, with one palm up and one palm down. Based on "typical" responses from opponents, we transitioned into a Kimura, returning to secure the choke attempt, transitioning to Americana, and also achieving a back take. So, really four techniques.

Then, I had Duy and Chad work on situational sparring by working on escapes/achieving submissions from positions for one minute from side control, full mount, and 90 seconds from half guard and opponent on back.

Tony (purple) = 2

Duy (white-3) = 8

Sam (white-2) = 15

Eddie (white-1) = 10

Chad (white-1) = 8

Caleb (white) = 2

SATURDAY, 01 JUNE 2024

Before the regular class today, I trained with Jason at Casa de Compton.  We got in 10, five-minute rounds.

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, Eddie, Chad, and Caleb.  I announced that, due to nearly an hour of rolling with Jason that any free rolls with me were likely to be less than cordial since, like Freddie Mercury, "I want to break free."

We started off standing with kumikata to warm up our hands.  We then focused on side control escapes, complete with a few rounds of positional escapes vs. a resisting opponent.  

Student recap:

Recap time- new techniques were taught, new techniques were tried . But, before we get into it , I would be remiss is I didn't mention that Edward recommended that we buy our wives Ginny and Ann gis for the purposes of collar grabs and keeping them off balance and yanking them around. I was shocked at this and didn't know what to think. 

Now that we have that out of the way, I joined select company today. I had prof in well earned side control again and wanted to try a new technique he taught us which is lifting our head to drop our weight on the opponent. I followed his instructions to the letter like the good Uke that I am and he slapped me.  So, my timing may have been a bit off as I was accused of synchronizing the weight drop as he was verbally explaining technique to the rest of the Ukes so that I could hear his voice change. 

Apparently, I joined Nicholas Nix as the second person to be slapped at AFR as he was slapped by Ethan a decade ago. So that basically makes me a black belt in my mind.  

Chad enlightened us on a squirrel tattoo design that sounded promising.  Caleb learned to bridge which I can't say will be a good thing for me going forward. 

All in all another good day of BJJ.

FRIDAY, 31 MAY 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, Eddie, and Chad.

We started with three minute kumikata warm-ups, switching partners twice.  We then reviewed o soto gari and introduced sasae tsurikomi ashi.  

We returned to the ground and reviewed the foot drag mount escapes before adding the foot drag to the mix.

In live action drilling, one person started in mount and the other was tasked with escaping in one minute. Top person was permitted to attempt submissions. Then, switch.  Each person was in top and bottom positions with the other three students, and even with rest time, the consensus is that the one minute escapes are taxing.  I had two, five-minute rounds with Chad and Eddie once Sam departed, and I started in disadvantageous positions to help my escapes and their retention skills.

Sam forgot his wedding band.  While an earlier recap alludes to penalties for leaving one's belt behind (pun intended), penalties for leaving the symbol of one's commitment to marriage have not yet been pondered. I may need to reference LAW to determine possible sanctions.

Student recap:

Recap- I am sitting in my office with the door shut and the light off and wanting to go to sleep. Today was rough. Somewhere between the Osoto gari refresher and Sasae.

I left my left big toe on the floor while attempting a move.  We learned another mount escape using our leg to either hold or lift the foot of our opponent. 

Chad farted on Eddie. Duy got a new Gi and we did situational sparring where in my final round Eddie threw me around like an inflatable ball in the shallow end of the pool. 

The sparring rounds were tough and now my head hurts and I left my wedding ring at AFR. Thankfully Prof is keeping it for me. If the AC would just go out on my car it would be a perfect day. Oh yeah that already happened. 

All in all though I do have to say it was another good day of BJJ.

WEDNESDAY, 29 MAY 2024

Today's session was a simple open mat that permitted free sparring, flow rolling, drilling positions, and situational sparring.  We had Duy, Sam, and Eddie

Recap-Thanks to Prof for letting us big kids out for recess on a Wednesday. 

Highlight of the day was someone getting a bread cutter applied not named Sam. First time for everything. I wonder what was going through profs. mind? "Oh, no this isn't Sam, I choked the wrong guy!"

The flow rolls were fun today, and Edward and I achieved a level of civility that we had not previously experienced while rolling with each other. 

We covered US and UK dialects in discussion time, and I suspect that will be on the blue belt test also. No fans knocked down while I was there, no one kicked in the face, no bloody noses. The rules behind what happens to articles of clothing (BJJ belts) that are left on the floor were more thoroughly explained. 

All in all another good day of BJJ.

TUESDAY, 28 MAY 2024

Today was a training session for me and Jason.  We had eight, five-minute rounds.

MONDAY, 27 MAY 2024

Today's class had me, Duy, Sam, and Eddie.

We started off standing, focusing on kumikata before moving to o-soto-gari. 

On the ground, we reviewed four mount escapes, from the trap arm/trap leg and "Pedro Sauer," to the foot drag and frame/shrimp.

SATURDAY, 25 MAY 2024

Prior to the regular noon class, I trained with Jason. We got in 12, five-minute rounds.  Eddie and his sons dropped by to watch two black belts train no gi.

Today's class had me, Tony, Duy, Sam, Eddie, and Eddie's sons.

We drilled arm bar from the guard, cross collar choke from the guard, back takes from opponent defenses to the cross collar choke, and then three kesa gatame escapes. I had each student get in the middle and escape from the other four attempting to hold kesa. Afterwards, three, five-minute rounds were provided.

Student recap:

Well I am home I have taken my two Advil. I have treated myself to a Whataburger combo upsized with a strawberry shake. I am now in my recliner thinking of all the things I committed to LAW I would do today and they seem pretty daunting right now. 

Today was a straight up beat down of a day IMHO. And I think there might have been a bit of strategy behind that. Remembering that Profs initials are DSB for good reason, he went to the well  again on headlock escapes and showed us a couple of throws from the ground. Then he had us do bull in the ring or monkey in the middle, one forgets.  That would have been a good stopping point for I think all of us. 

But then the timer was set for simulated murder and could this have had anything to do with the fact that he had participated in black on black crime to the tune of 12 rolls with Jason earlier and he wanted us to feel as bad as he did? If that was the strategy I would give him an A because it worked. 

There is a 50/50 chance that I might wake up in my recliner tomorrow morning having not moved an inch.  Line of the day goes to Tony for telling Duy mid roll, "oh no you don't get a bread cutter on me" or something to that effect. Also, good to see the whole Garner tribe, nice of Eddie to give Ginny a little respite from lawn duty. I am sure he has chores lined up for her when she gets home. 

All in all another good day of BJJ.

FRIDAY, 24 MAY 2024

 Today's class had me, Sam, Eddie, and Chad.

The first hour was just a training session with me and Sam.  We had six, five-minute rounds.

When everyone else arrived, we worked on three headlock escapes (none of which were kesa gatame escapes).  Then we had three, SIX-minute rounds, though Sam had to leave and did not free roll against the other students.

Student recap:

Not sure if it is bad form to send a recap so soon, but here goes. 

Six rolls with Prof before everyone got there. He was  "gentle". Drilled head lock escapes with at least three alternatives. Edward looked like he fought the law and .......the law won, (the law being the building). You all will have to fill in the blanks on what transpired during your rolling time. All in all another good day of BJJ.

https://youtu.be/f_mstCw-9Ts?si=bNjIQZnNUX6Kn1c_

THURSDAY, 23 MAY 2024

Today was just a training session for me and Jason.  We had eight, five-minute rounds.

TUESDAY, 21 MAY 2024

 Today was just a training session for me and Jason.  We had eight, five-minute rounds.

MONDAY, 20 MAY 2024

Today's class had me, Sam, Eddie, and Chad.

The hip bump sweep, which I always call the "Rickson sweep" since he was the first I saw perform it, was covered in exhaustive detail and with numerous repetitions.  In case the opponent reacts, I also taught a response into Kimura.  Three, five minute, round robin rolls were provided (though Eddie and I rolled again).

Student recap:

Recap- I am exhausted. 🥱 three rolls today did the trick. We covered the hip bump and how to get someone into a shoulder lock if they crash on you as you are performing the hip bump sweep. Prof wrist locked me. I didn't care for that too much. He didn't care that I didn't care for it and did it anyway. Edward and I did positional sparring and I thought it went well. Prof dragged Edward across the mat to reposition him. It was good to have Chad back and he didn't tune me up one single time today so that was nice. Prof employed a variety of submissions on Edward, I tried to distract him but it was to no avail.  Little recap on the Roman method of bleaching togas which WILL be on the blue belt test.  All and all another good day of BJJ. And I got to wear my new Gi.

****I now have an editor so I'm not sure if the unabridged recap will appear on the blog or a revision.

SATURDAY, 18 MAY 2024

 Today's class had me, Duy, and Chad.

So as not to leave them behind, I covered the exact same material as the previous day with Sam and Eddie.

https://youtu.be/Dm-73YNUaJI?si=QCGC2X8KCp8jyvvv

FRIDAY, 17 MAY 2024

 Today's class had me, Sam, and Eddie.

The first hour was simply six, five-minute roll sessions between me and Sam as we awaited Eddie's arrival.

The teaching aspect focused on a sleeve grip to back take or, if blocked, into a half-guard sweep.  When Sam had to depart, Eddie and I focused on reviewing the triangle choke and omoplata before four, five-minute rolls.

Student recap is as follows:

Recap- the transmission of eye gonorrhea to infants was covered today and I did confirm that it along with 15th century birth rates for both peasants and nobility WILL be on the blue belt test should any of us progress to that point.

Now to the BJJ. Had to go early and roll with Prof. Him "forgetting" to set a time on the first roll was an omen.  We had five rolls and then Edward came and we drilled. If you ever had the experience of being taken to a store as a kid and promised something only to not get it or to have it taken away you can empathized with what I am about to share. In side control prof allowed me to grab his lapel with one hand and feed my other hand under his back to enact my inaugural "Pearson" choke on him.  Visions of what I would do after I applied it and he tapped were dancing through my head, would I act like it was no big deal? Would I let out a Rick Flair wooohoooo? Well, we will never know. He gave me false hope only to get out of it and leave me grasping for air. How did he do it? I don't even know, he just did. I think it was one of the more dirty things he has done to me. 

Prof demonstrated a duck under to load our opponent in side control and I was suddenly happy that Chad was a no call/no show, no doubt he would have used it as an opportunity to tune me up.  I'll leave that right there. All and all another good day of BJJ.