I’ve been feeling this summer like I’m in jiu jitsu plateau. I’m doing okay, learning new things, but it doesn’t seem like I’m improving. I’m not concerned about it, periods like this happen with the learning of anything. Open on mat on Saturday though, there may have been a spark of improvement. Both mine, and some of my partners.

I warmed up with a double round with Sarah. She’s getting better and better, and it’s been interesting seeing her progress. Purple belt Matt wanted to roll too. That went about as normal, though I had one good escape. Arya and I had a lively round, though I couldn’t escape her side control for the life of me. She kept her lower leg flat even though my upa, so I could never snag it.

I had a solid roll with Long. Avoided his brembleo/inverted guard, and got into his closed guard. Tried the Sao Paulo pass, got omaplata’d, but used it to get into side control by hoping over him. He still had my arm trapped and tried to wrist lock me while I was working it out. Got him with a loop choke from side control. Broke my rule about attacking this month though!

Last round of the day was with Little Bob. Damian told me to roll with him more. And we had a good back and forth. Damian was watching and gave advice to both of us as we were going. I was on his back a long while, but his hand fighting and defense was pretty good.

Between Thursday and Saturday’s open mat, I feel good.