Let me reintroduce myself !!!

For those of you that don't know I had a torn meniscus in my left knee and according to my surgeon lithe tear was substantial possibly because I continued to train like a jackass even though the Doctor said I should probably stay away, but like an addict I couldn't stay away from my "drug" (BJJ)
It was until the Fabio Gurgel Seminar that I realized I need to stay away. My knee was swollen and walking was close to impossible, at that time I had the illest pimp walk. My surgery date had changed twice due to "insurance" reasons (I don't want to get into that) but it was finally done on August 14.

About 2 weeks after surgery I was walking with out crutches but
I was just as agile as a 90 year old man. I was tempted many times to "pop" in the gym and watch but I knew that would lead to "Maybe I can try this...".

So in an effort to take my mind off of Jiu Jitsu I started doing something I once did often prior to my bjj addiction, go out and drink. I started going out a lot, drinking a lot and very frequently. I drank more in the past 4 months than I have done in the last 4 years. Something about training Jiu Jitsu that makes you stop drinking/smoking eating right and trying to stay healthy all so that you can become a better Jiu Jitsu player.

So today marks my second day of training since July 7th, 2012!
(My first was Saturday December 1rst)

Saturday's class was tough to say the least. I realized during the warm up that my cardio went from ok to nonexistent. Prior to the knee surgery I was decently good and could last for 2 BJJ classes which would be typically 3.5hrs at my Academy. On my first class back I could feel my heart pump my thick blood through my veins, and I was so winded that paying attention to technique was challenging. I was able to make it and complete the class. The pain was just starting. That night I had a friend's Birthday Party to attend at a World Of Beer, standing was almost impossible. My thighs were sore, my legs felt like I had done 30,000 body squats. Walking was a chore. The soreness killed my Sunday, it was literally a wasted day.

During the work week it was impossible to make it to class with my wifey's class schedule due to finals week but I was able to make it to Tonight's class. I must say training under Bruno Malfacine is amazing and I have missed it. Once again I could only stay for one class but only because I do watch too push myself and possibly risk another injury but I do see that training 3 hours a night is on the horizon, how else am I going to be able to dominate at the IBJJF Worlds 2013?

Sorry for the Hiatus

Wow I feel so bad that it has been just about 3 months since I have updated my blog, I feel a little embarrassed.

I decided to update this as I am waiting to watch some of my fellow training partners DOWORK, at the IBJJF Worlds. (Thanks to @BudoVideos for doing such a great job streaming the event.)

Well lately I have been lucky enough to train 5 days a week. I would like to say that I helped prepare my teammates for WAR at the IBJJF Worlds, but to be honest I think I may have hindered them because they have had to help me learn the techniques.

I am so proud of all my Alliance teammate and training partners for not only going to Cali to compete but to have put everything on the line so they can compete. Some people don’t realize the sacrifices you have made, sacrifices like not eating or drinking the foods you love up to and including missing out on family activities to train everyday, the lost of relationships and the list can go on for days. I thank you because the more you compete the more you learn, and through what you have learned you guys make me better.

Back from Chicago

Last Week Wednesday I left Orlando to compete in my First IBJJF competition, the Chicago Open. Not only was it mg first IBJJF competition but it was also my first out of state without any train partners to coach me. Overall it was my second competition. I didn't do as well as I planned or I was hoping for. It was a great experience and I plan on working the holes in my game.

Here is a link to the match on YouTube

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O_zjASK3oSY?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_zjASK3oSY&hd=1

Besides the Competition my family and I had a great time visiting! I am originally from Chicago and although I love it their it feels really good to be back home.

Here we are in the SkyLedge at the Sears Tower. ( I refuse to call the Willis tower, just like Comiskey park will always be Comiskey to me and they better never think of changing the name of Wrigley Field!)



Also we took my son to the Shedd Aquarium and we had a blast! In the food court I was able to snap a picture of the beautiful skyline.


My wifey and son riding the subway for the first time.

And we even took my soon out to GoBananas so he'd enjoy himself!

What a great day!

On Monday I woke up at 5:30 to head to the Gym but I almost cheated my self. When I woke up it must had been about 30 degrees and for Orlando that's pretty cold, I wanted nothing more then to lay back down under the covers until 0830 but I didn't I pushed myself to get out of bed and go train.

I don't quite remember all of Monday's work outs but it was stations. 2 minutes of work 5 seconds to switch! The stations were Shoulder Pressed, 12 kg Kettlebell swings, Box Jumps, and Body Squats. I think we did 4 rounds of this.
Today was another great workout session. After light stretching we started the rounds and it was timed to beat the clock. The exercises were as followed 30 Kettlebell snatches each arm, 30 sit ups (real sit ups shoulders to your knees), and 30 deep body squats (your butt had to touch a medicine ball) that is all 1 round then round 2 is 25 of each, round 3 is 20 of each, round 4 is 15 of each, round 5 is 10 of each and round 6 is 5 of each and the goal was under 30 minutes. I completed that at 22:47. As I am writing this I feel my muscle in my back still burning. After that workout I had to deal with a flat tire I received on my way to the gym, I can still change a tire in about 15 minutes.

One another note I wanted to share my GREEN MONSTER smoothie I make everyday.
3 Kale Leaves
1 Cucumber
2 Celery Sticks
1 Pear
1 Apple
1 Banana
It has a very sweet taste with a very light feeling of grass.

Back in touch with my love!

Back in February of 2009 after saying for so long that I wanted to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I walked into Gracie Barra Orlando and signed a year contract. I am the type of person that spending money makes me more accountable, not the best type of personality but it works for me!

For 4 months I was training about 3 times a week trying to get as much in as I could but my flexibilty and cardio hindered my learning. Starting my 5th month of training I was rolling with another white belt, while he was trying a takedown the back of his heel hit my locked knee. I dropped to the mats in agonizing pain. After two minutes I got up and manned up and walked away. That night I had promise my then girlfriend a date night, we went dancing, and was in pain all night. The next morning I couldn't move so I went to the hospital, turns out I cracked my tibia. So training had to stop for 6 months. When I was ready to go back to training my girlfriend told me she was pregnant! So I didn't go back to train to help my girlfriend with her pregnancy.
Fast forward to present day, my son is almost 2 my girlfriend is now my fiancé and I am dying to get back on the mats. I joined Alliance Jiu Jitsu Orlando to train with World Champions Michael Langhi and Bruno Malfacine. The gym is incredible!
Back in 2009 I lost 60 lbs while doing Jiu Jitsu but during my woman's pregnancy I gained all the weigh back so I am starting from square 1, once again.

If you are like me and have an extremely hard time finding a GI that will fit. I have finally found a GI that will fit thanks to www.gorillagear.ca look up the silverback GI, it's meant for the us big boys! I ordered my last week and just waiting for it to be delivered.

Also back in December in an effort to get be back into Jiu Jitsu, I entered NAGA and took 3rd place as a NOVICE in the Super Heavy Weight Division.

So as of now you are caught up with what's going on my life and if you stick around you will see me earn my black belt, one day in the very distant future!

Here is a picture of me last Friday after 3 hours of Jiu Jitsu. (not using the silverback GI) it's an Ouano A5 GI

Also here is a picture of my bronze medal.