There’s a lot of stuff coming up in the BJJ world here in the Seattle area, and it looks like I’m going to miss most of it, but as of right now I’m still on track to compete in November at Jeff’s tournament. There’s no way I’ll get down to 170, but shouldn’t have any problems making the 185 weight class. I’m walking around now at between 185 and 190.
Next weekend, Gracie Barra Seattle is hosting a small, informal tune up that sounds like a blast. No fees or medals or anything like that, just an opportunity to get a couple matches in against some different people. My wife bought me a massage for my birthday, and I think it’s scheduled for 11am that morning and that sounds like fun, too. I talked to Bing about it and put my name on the board with a question mark, but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to work out.
Friday’s class was good for me. We worked on a half guard sweep and did some sparring. The mood in the school was pretty relaxed and there were a ton of people, including a few new guys. In sparring I rolled with Thad, Josh, and Bobi, and rolled in open mat with a newer white belt who’s been training for a while but not in gi. I feel pretty good about the sparring. Not a lot to say about it other than that, while I still can’t pass Thad’s half guard or Josh’s guard, I didn’t get tossed around either.
Injury-wise, I think I’m doing okay. My back and right hip ache but that’s okay. I’m going to be careful about coddling that right side, though, because yesterday at the end of class I felt something in my left hip (the one that works) pop. I iced it last night and took some ibuprofen. This morning, it’s stiff, but doesn’t seem to be bad. While I’m glad that I found a sport that I love, I can’t help but speculate about where I’d be now if I had stumbled into BJJ in my mid-20s, back in 1996 as opposed to 2006. When I was 26, I was still pretty indestructible. I could use some of that now.
Today, we’ve got some errands to run, and I’m going to take it easy. Looking forward to class tomorrow.
Im a little younger than you but still feel those aches lol. Always gotta have the ice on stand-by.
I hear ya, I'm 35 and just starting. I did train for a few years in my 20's but I'm more driven now than I was then. There is less time to train and more aches now but I think you become a lot more focused…I have anyway. Good luck in your tournament. I just found the blog…nice job
Dennis: Sucks getting old.
Mash: Glad you stumbled onto my blog. I appreciate your comments! If I do compete, I'll post a video of my match (or matches). Win or lose… even if I trip and fall into a triangle!