3 other women and a breakthrough!

For the first time ever, there were 3 other women in the class! Awesome! The two that come 'sometimes' were there, and another lady who is testing for her black belt in Ishinryu Karate. Basic Jiu Jitsu for some throws is needed. This was her first class since September. We are very close in weight and stature, so it was the first time I have practiced with someone my size! We drilled passing the guard by grabbing the Gi in the center of the chest. Grabbing either sleeve at the wrist, and then on whichever sleeve you grabbed, standing with that leg. Keeping the leg close so they can't grab, then standing all the way up and shaking them off. We drilled this for a while, back and forth. I have bruises on my hips, tops of my feet, and my back is aching! I know that it will pay off tho. I am not as agile as some, so the more I drill, the easier it will get.

Now for the breakthrough! I did 2 back rolls! I was so happy I got my butt over my head! I have done them at home, but can't seem to do it in class! It is like I get so anxious and nervous I can't do it! I don't know if I am trying to rush, or what, but it is awful to see. I keep going until I get across tho! I won't give up on it. But very happy!

Conditioning...What's that?!?

Started class Monday with our usualy warm-up of either a quick few laps around the gym or jumping jacks, some stretches, and then some rolls (forward and back). Of course I look like a weeble wobble with the back rolls. I get my legs halfway over and then fall to my side, just like a weeble wobble. After making the usual ass of myself, Mr. Hatcher gets up and says, "Ok, lets try some conditioning. I want to give you a taste of my routine." I'm thinking, "F%&#! Im already out of breath, queezy, and just feeling like crap! Now this!!" So he starts what I like to call "Five minutes of fat girl hell." Not that I'm fat... but curvy, and top heavy. We start with 1 minute of non-stop mountain climbers. Move onto 1 minute of knee push-ups, then turn to our backs for 1 minute of scissor kicks. We finish out with 1 minute of crunches, and one minute of oompa's left and right. After all this I feel like a freaking loser! I am so out of shape it is ridiculous! I am vowing to do this routine daily until I can do it with ease! I hate feeling behind! I'm such a spaz and perfectionist and this is a true test for me! Throw data in front of me and I will have you a spreadsheet that does all the equations and problem solving for you in less than an hour. Make me do 5 minutes of non-stop excersizes and I crack like an saltine! I am determined to do this and do it well!

Weakness

Yesterday during my first technique class, I had some time to talk with my teacher, Mr. Hatcher. He knows I have made huge strides to lose weight and get in shape, and he asked if I have ever tryed weight training. Of course, my answer was no. It is definitely something I have thought about, but never taken the steps to look into it and what types of excersizes it involves. I have a ton of leg strength, but no core or upper body strength. I know strength training will definitely help in my BJJ training. I have scoliosis, and degenerative disc disease (bulging discs) in both my neck and lower back. Even though the weight loss has almost eliminated the pain it was causing me, strength training will only improve my mobility and ease when sparring with an opponent. Mr. Hatcher is a large man, somewhere between 215-225 lbs., but is able to move like a spider monkey! Blows my mind how agile and flexible he is! I am looking forward to the adventure this is going to take me on, and give me that little extra that I need to proceed!

Any suggestions on a beginner would be very appreciated! ☺

My first technique class, and post...

Well, today was my first technique class for BJJ. Only 4 of us showed up, including my best friend Patrick, who rode with me. We worked on the arm bar from full guard, and the arm bar from the mount when they try to elbow escape. This is something I will have to drill many, many times to get it stuck in my head and make it a 'natural' motion. I have been training since April, but my job sometimes makes my classes sparatic. Now that work has calmed down, I am able to focus more on BJJ. Which is very exciting, considering this is something I never thoguht I would get into! After class, Patrick and I stuck around for a bit to spar and work on the things we learned in class this morning. During sparring sessions, I feel like the techniques and variations are making more sense to me now. I am able to actually do something without having to stop and ask "where do I go from here?". So definitely taking a step in the right direction.

One thing I HAVE to work on are my back rolls. I can't seem to get my feet over my head! I did it a few times in my home gym. But at class, I can't seem to get it. And this is really embarassing to me for a few reasons. One being Im usually the only girl in the class. And two, I feel like Im holding everyone up trying to get across the room looking like a weeble wobble! Much practice is needed there! I tend to be pretty hard on myself when it comes to things I dont' get immediately. But this is also a great challenge, and it motivates me to get it! So hopefully a bright future for me and the back rolls!

Patrick is always a willing partner. I am trying to get to know some of the other guys in my class better though! There is another white belt named Jimmy who is very nice and doesn't mind working with me, even though I'm a girl. Sometimes I feel like the guys don't want to work with me because they are afraid of hurting me! This is really aggravating. I just want to yell,"I'M A BIG GIRL! BRING IT ON!" But yeah, I don't see that happening. Everyone is nice, and respectful, but in this case, I want to be treated like everyone else. Equal.