1 week until Grapplers Quest Toronto

Thursday, 21 April 2011 23:28

It's an exciting time at Toronto BJJ. There is alot of new blood in Jiu Jitsu - the program has a real curriculum and specific classes for all levels, the MMA doors are opening for many guys thanks to the legalization here in the province and our Professor Jorge is getting good media coverage because of his recent MMA fight (yes here in Ontario) and his upcoming Superfight with Ryan Hall at UFC Fan Expo / Grapplers Quest Toronto.

Next weekend it's UFC 129 here in my city (got my ticket!) and as part of the weekend Grapplers Quest is putting on a huge tournament. I've registered in the Executive Welterweight division as I did before and expect some tough competition. Recently, at the Ontario Open, I got chatting to the guy who beat me at the last GQ. It's an amazing thing our community where you spark friendships with 'rivals' but it's also a small community so you can expect to fight the same guys several times.

Training has been tough. It's tournament time. It's those tough classes as of late. The relentlessness. The red line that it brings you too the next level. We sent a very small 3 person team to the New York Open last weekend and we got 2 silvers and a gold. My coach Tommy Beach won his first tournament as Brown Belt. Way to go! Hard work pays off and brings you GOLD MEDALS!

Rui, Tommy, Professor Britto and Corey.

I've been experiencing a turn of events also in my personal life. I'm being influenced by good people and good energy. In my past, many of my 'friends' rode my coat tails. Always wanting something from me and some deceived me and took away from me. The 1 thing about your friends and family at BJJ is that will likely never happen. There is an honesty that I have never experienced until I showed up at Toronto BJJ and I never want to lose it. I've also started going to the Bible study class at the academy which I am finding to be a new outlet to discover more about myself an my relationship with God. I'm taking small steps into religion right now and hope that it helps me live a better life and makes me more connected to all the good energy that is around me. Jiu Jitsu brings you family. It brings you a host of benefits. I want to take my Jiu jitsu to the next level and I think I have found a way to do it.

I have also mentioned Professor Britto that I also would like to start to teach (sometime). I am finishing up my time volunteering with the Scouts in May after 5 years and hope for an opportunity to come to me at Toronto BJJ in some capacity where I can start to learn from Jorge and Eduardo about teaching the gentle art. Not that I profess to know alot right now. I recognize my rank and my abilities but after almost 4 years of study I do wish to be able to learn the ways of instruction.

I would like to send a shout out to some of my team mates sidelined by injury. It sucks - I have been there. All I can say is that I offer my prayers and to remember Jiu Jitsu is a river that always flows and will be waiting for you when you are ready to jump in again.

Finally friends, I am sorry I have been less active recently on my blog but promise you I will be making a real effort to keep the updates coming as often (daily) as I can - we are always chatting on Facebook so please drop by and say hello. I'd love to hear from you.

Take care, players!