Another match night. 3 minute rounds this time. And once again, me and the Mongoose throw down. Back and forth, back and forth. We ened up with a score of 11-9…but neither of us knew who won! Great match either way. Ed compliemented us afterward, saying we don’t look like white belts when we’re going out there.

The last few matches were “first take down wins”, so we cycled through everyone pretty quick. Mongoose and I took a little time, I kept pummeling in, but get got a single leg and ankle picked me to win it.

No real class, just a few questions and answers, plus some drilling the related positions. We worked some single leg stuff, and the bow and arrow choke. Mike just about choked me unconscious the first time he did it. I didn’t realize how deep he had it or how quickly it cuts off the blood flow. He cranked it, and things got dim and fuzzy right away.

And at the end of class, I was called up and awarded my second stripe. It may just be a piece of athletic tape, but it’s more than that. It’s recognition of my hard work and time, and acknowledgment of my progress. And I’m proud to have earned it.

Afterward I rolled a bit with Ed, and asked him a couple of questions about the elevator sweep I’ve been experimenting with. Skipped the fundamentals class. It’s one I’ve done a couple of times already…plus it’s time to go home and celebrate my progress!