Between catching a cold and having some life things pop up, I haven’t been able to get to class. But I did squeeze in open mat on Saturday.

And it was time to pay the piper. Many people had expressed interest in rolling with the new purple belt, and I knew some of them were really going to be putting it to me. Not surprising I suppose, and it’ll continue for a while I think.

Matt was first, and he let me have it. I rolled with it, and let him have his fun. Danny and Dumi were next, two guys I don’t often pair up with. That will probably be changing I suppose. Had JR for a good round and then Brian too.

Damian came over and demonstrated some “black magic”, and armlock and an arm crush from spider guard, where you attempt to lasso an arm, but they defend. Both were pretty slick.

I was getting ready to leave, when Bob the Monster insisted on having a round too. I liked having the chance to try out the knee shield guard passes we did a while back. Predictably, they didn’t work, and Bob smashed me for the whole round.

Welcome to Purple Belt!