When you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you get taught 100 techniques and you might retain or use a small percentage of those. Many moves are either too advanced or not for your body type or don't fit your game.

But when you go to class and you learn a technique that you know will change your game without question; because it either works perfectly for your style or it's something that simply 'makes sense' it can be really exciting.

The last 2 days of training were good. We did team training on Good Friday (GI and NO GI) and spent time preparing for the Grapplers Quest battle. On Saturday I rolled for an hour to keep working my open guard and sweeps.

I'm seeing alot of icing going on. Lots of sitting against the wall. You must remember that in school we are training - even by accident, we should never be hurting each other. I understand sometimes it's fluke but some are caused for being a touch over aggressive and that is not required. Especially when we are in competition season. It makes me sad to look at the faces of my team mates who are icing their knees and elbows as they sit in worry about being benched.

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.

Like me - you may not have sponsors to help you.

I had hoped this would be the year for me to get to Brazil but in reality - I don't have the cash to go. It's expensive living on your own in Toronto and I can't really manage $3000 for 10 days in Brazil which would include competing at the Rio Masters and enjoying a BJJ camp in Rio.