My BJJ Journey

I got into the gym yesterday, and I ended up being the only one who showed up. So after I warmed up, I did some extra stretching, as I am really trying to improve my flexibility. Then for about 10-15 minutes I practiced my shrimping techniques. I have been having issues with shrimping out of side control. I don’t think I shrimp out my hips far enough to be effective, so I started to drill. After that, I grabbed a heavy bag and drilled the movements for an armbar from the mount. I need to work on swinging my leg all the way around to the final position
from the start, instead of popping up to my feet, then stepping over.

Finally, Eric came in and we rolled for about a half hour. It was a good learning experience for me. He pretty much smothered me for the entire time. I did get to side control a couple of times, but he did have his way with me. I started to panic more and more often as it just seemed fruitless to continue. I was ready to be done, Eric pushed me through, telling me…it’s mental toughness Dan, only 6 minutes more, push through it. He never went for submissions, he just continually showed why his is the instructor and I the student. I was in agony, though in retrospect, it was more of a mental collapse than it was a physical thing, and then, the clock was merciful and class was over.

Afterwards, Eric and I talked a bit, he said that I am still trying to be too explosive when flat on my back, it’s part of the reason I get so panicked. He told me I needed more hard rolls like this to condition myself for competition. He said there was a time for learning techniques, and what to do in situations, and then there was a time for a hard roll like yesterday, where he wouldn’t coach me through it. It helps with mental toughness, helps you to keep your wits about you in bad situations. And now, one day removed from the longest 30 minutes I have had to endure in a long while, I am glad we went through it.

I got another email from Lloyd Irving Jr last night, it hit home after my roll with Eric. It talked about Positive Self Talk to get you through the tough spots.

Here is an example I use, even now. Anytime I get into a bad situation during training I say to myself

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I am one of the best in the world from this position, I will be out of here soon.

I am one of the best in the world from this position, I will be out of here soon.

I am one of the best in the world from this position, I will be out of here soon.
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Now instead of thinking how bad the situation is, or how on earth did I wind up in this situation? My mind is only thinking about getting out. Telling myself that it is ok and I will get out of here soon.

It reminded me of a cartoon my football coach used to have posted in the locker room when I was in highschool. The cartoon had a frog that was being eaten by a bird, the frog, was almost all the way in the birds mouth, but the frog used his hands and wrapped them around the birds throat so the bird couldn’t swallow him. On top of the picture, in big bold letters was “NEVER EVER GIVE UP!” I may have to have a tshirt, or a hoodie made with that picture on it, to remind myself. Anyway, it’s the weekend. No training, time to relax, watch UFC 82 this weekend, and get ready for class on Monday. Have a great weekend all!