Grizzly Gym’s newest Blue Belts after running the gauntlet. Funny story. I went first and avoided most of the punishment by running really fast. lol. The next 2 guys walked. Ofcourse I felt like a woosy for running, so I HAD to go back through it at a walking pace. Ahhh the male ego.
I need a haircut!
On December 16, 2013 I will be testing for my Blue Belt in BJJ. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I want to say that I think I will be successful, but you never know. I’ve received the test curriculum and the main thing I see as being a problem, is remembering all the techniques. Let me explain…
At Grizzly Gym, our focus is on lock flows rather than 1 technique at a time. Each lock flow consists of 10 steps which may include takedowns, positions, sweeps, and submissions. They are done in a sequence so that they “flow” together nicely. There are 9 lock flows to memorize. It’s not the individual techniques that I will have a problem with but remembering individual flows and the order of that techniques when Mike says, “Anthony, show me lock flow # 7 on the right side.” I’ll have to print them out and memorize the list (including their correct names) like it’s a highschool project.
We also have to show some independent learning by demonstrating a takedown and submission that we have learned on our own. No candidate may do the same as another, and it may not be a technique in the current list of lock flows.
I am sure that there will be some rolling as well. Most tests have rolling or sparring. I wonder if this would be enough to cause me to fail. I can execute the techniques with accuracy when drilling, but throw me in a match and more often than not, I don’t follow what has been drilled in to me 1000 times. Some people are good at the theory and bad at the application… That’s me.
I have a tournament coming up this weekend. My last at white belt if things go well. I feel that because of this, I am under a lot of pressure to perform. Like nothing will be acceptable but the gold. I am going to try my hardest and make a real effort to use what I have learned.
Well, I got the word. Last night my professor emailed me. The subject: His intention to hold a blue belt grading date for myself and 2 others in the club! Whoo hoo! The tentative date he has suggested is December 16. I get back from Whistler on December 15. Hopefully I will not be too sore. lol. Actually, unless I have something in a cast, I will be there. So, assuming that I am successful, I will have 1 tournament left at white belt. It’s been a long journey, but the end is in sight! Cross your fingers for me people!
Mountains to Mats 