Version1 was the boy in a small town in N.Ireland
Version2 was the DJ/ Promoter 'Kyomi / Trickler Productions'
Version3 is the Jiu Jitsu fighter

I started the rebuilding process about 3 years ago, or when I  turned 30. Having no interest to DJ anymore and having re-edumacated myself and settled into a career I needed a new challenge in my life. Along with becoming a Scout leader, rebuilding myself as an MMA fighter seemed like a good idea but after sampling boxing, Muay Thai, Judo and Jiu Jitsu...it's obvious where my attention has been focused.

MMA is still on the radar but I would say getting my Black Belt is much more something I want to do now.

So the journey has started. I've clocked about 2.5 years of mat time. {This pic was taken in July 2007...clenched fists and incorrect fighting stance? lol) Since then I've felt the changes emotionally, spiritually and mentally from jiu jitsu and it continues to make me a much better person. But this year, mostly towards the end...things are clicking better. It's a very organic natural shift in improvements to some personality traits, sharpening of my skills on the mat, behaving as a better person in my everyday life and using the teachings of my friends and Mentor Jorge Britto to improve myself little by little each day.

From getting my Brazilian Nickname to learning to stop thinking and just 'Shut up and train' - here is a quick look at 2009...

The Rough

- Having to cancel 'Mundials' in the Summer due to my dog getting ill
- Getting sub'd @ The Classic in less than 90 seconds
- Getting sub'd at Bravado in less than 60 seconds
- Missing Xande's seminar because of a work typo...Long story =(
- Persistent hand injury after a take down in the summer

The Smooth

- Getting my Blue Belt in February
- Getting my Brazilian Nickname from Jorge - 'Trevo' 'Shamrock'
- My first ever 'Gold' (In anything) @ The TBJJ Annual
- Learning stripes are not that important. Training is.
- Training with all the awesome coaches and people that I shared the mats with
- Friendships

Stand out Moments

My Birthday Weekend
Black Belt Spectacular / Saulo's Seminar / Copa Ontario

The Friday before Copa Ontario, Saulo was in the house with 9 SRBJJ Black Belt referee's and man..the seminar was simply buzzing. I was high on jiu jitsu. This is where we all met Alvaro Romano and discovered Ginastica Natural.

Royler Gracie Seminar
Prof Britto welcomes one of his Masters to our Academy. The Joy of Jiu Jtsu coming through Royler is infectious. See the group shot here

Rafael Lovato Jr Week
Oklahoma's BJJ stud stayed for a week and showed me some stuff for tall skinny guys!






Techniques
Jorge has taught me so much it's really hard to begin to mark it down..So I can attribute most of what I do to him...the Transition from Side to N/S to side, Defending chokes from the back, Defending knee on belly, all the open guard work, spider, delariva. Too much too mention.

But Some Techniques I have been taught or watched have made fundamental changes to my game in recent months

- Eduardo's Guard Pass
- Ahmad's Cross choke from Side
- Mikey's Knee on Belly
- Hady's Half Guard Pass
- Rafael Lovato's Armbar & Omoplata
- Regis Lebre's Standing Guard Break
- Tommy's Deep half guard sweep

I use these alot now so thanks for the guidance on those.

All in all a pretty good year in 'self cultivation'

2010 and it all kicks off with the Abu Dhabi Trails in my cross hairs and with Saulo Ribeiro and Reubens Cobrinha teaching me during the next 2 weeks - it's off to a high level start.

How was your 2009? What are you plans for 2010? Join the discussion by leaving a comment =)