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.