July
It was around now I was entering a stage of not knowing what to write anymore for the blog. I was struggling with coming up with what to say. I was also reading alot more than usual which was taking alot of my time.
I must have been training as much as normal as these GI burns and GI Drying at work shows...
- July also brought very high training temperatures at Toronto BJJ as Toronto breaks a record high of 36.6 C
- Team training for Copa Ontario was also in effect.
- Professor Eduardo gets his Black Belt at Gracie Tijuca. He would not wear his new rank in Toronto until later in the summer at his official presentation with Vini Aieta and Jorge Britto. I think it was very humble to do this.
August
- Went 1:1 at Copa Ontario in the Blue Belt Adult LW Division
- Started to prepare for IBJJF Montreal and I decided to try to go to Featherweight again.
- Professor Vini Aieta comes to Toronto and Eduardo receives his Black Belt officially. We enjoyed the graduation day by having a packed seminar and promotions ceremony. I received the 4th stripe on my Blue Belt.
- I ruined my featherweight attempt by going to the CNE and trying things like deep fried coke-cola and hamburgers made with donuts.
September
With some great coaching I won my second gold medal at IBJJF in Montreal - Masters Blue LW. Toronto BJJ also took home the team trophy during a highly successful championship which saw Professor Britto compete and lead the army to gold. "TBJJ 190, Renzo Gracie 142, Gracie Barra 136 points"
- Started back assisting at the TBJJ Kids classes
- I was baptized!
October
A season of small injuries begins..
- I badly sprained my thumb again
- When I made it back to training I got my nose ripped open during a roll and had to take another timeout.
- Took a few weeks to be able to train at full capacity as I was nursing a few injuries.
- A sty in my eye got badly infected and put my on the bench for another 2 weeks.
November
Toronto BJJ brings home a Canadian record for medals from the NO GI worlds.
When I returned to the mats I pushed hard with alot of training knowing promotions were just around the corner
December
The Toronto 3rd Annual In House Tournament and Promotions took place. Fighting up a weight class, I did not get past my first fight in the tournament. During the promotions I was honoured to get my Purple Belt from Professor Britto alongside many of my team mates.
2011 was a year filled with challenges and changes. There was blood sweat and tears. There were numerous tournaments to prepare body and mind for. Victories and losses. Agreements and disagreements. But in everything I always remained committed to myself and my team. To my family.
All the hard word culminated in the Purple belt being awarded. And I must give thanks to God for everything that I have achieved through Him. Of course, the Bible study group at Toronto BJJ was a welcome addition to my studies at the academy.
But now in reality - 2011 is the past and 2012 is the future. I am excited for what this year will bring. More tournaments, more ways to become involved at Toronto BJJ, much more to learn and to give back and possibly the opportunity to walk out and compete outside of Canada either in Brazil or in the USA. I'm just really excited to get at it!
Finally, once again thanks for all your support here at ScottOntheNet. Honestly, it troubled me alot that I had ignored my blog as much as I had in 2011 but I now feel re-energized and recommitted to providing an ongoing commentary to my training as well as hopefully offer encouragement with stories I am able to share. I'm always around on Facebook - a little less on Twitter but nevertheless - I would love to hear from you and to keep rolling along this journey with you.
I wish 2012 brings you everything you wish for.
All the best
Scott
|
ScottOnTheNet