We had a long, tough night on the mat. But it wasn’t without it’s rewards.

The white belt class kicked off with our usual warm up, then some thread drilling. Ron and I ran through all three threads twice each. He commented that I seem to be moving very smoothly, like I threw a switch and moved up a level. Then we did a couple of 8 (!!) minute rounds in side control. Top guy can mount or armlock only. Bottom guy can only defend or get back to guard. I started on the bottom, and felt like I did okay on defense. I didn’t get back to guard very often, but I didn’t get arm locked very often either. When it was my turn on top, things were clicking for me. Couple of mounts, couple of armlocks. The first two chances I had at getting the armlock, I rushed and lost the position. But the last two, I slowed down, maintained my grips and position, and got them both.

For the next few weeks, the advanced class is going to be all sparring and positional work. I stuck around and warmed up (as if THAT was necessary). First up, take down drilling. Only the setup though. Ron and I again ran through our repertoires. Ron again mentioned how well I was moving. We then switched things up…and started doing full takedowns.

After a few exhausting minutes of that, we took a break for water, and some competition. First take down wins. Ron and I got called out, and he nailed a trip. A little frustrating for me…I’m 0 for 3 in takedown completion recently. Maybe next time.

And finally, some positional work. All with scenerios…”3 minutes left, you’re down by 2 points, need to sweep or submit” “3 minutes…you’re up by 4, maintain guard” “you’re down by 75, you have to submit” From the back, from mount, from guard, from side control, all kinds of things. I went with Ron, Mongoose (who I got with a sweet BJ Penn style rear choke), Chad, and someone else too. By the end, everyone was moving pretty slowly!

While I can’t compete next month, I can help those that are. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”