Here we are almost half way through January. Those 'New Year's Resolutions' - have you made a start on them?
Competitions are just around the corner - have you started tournament training? How is the weight post-Christmas? Still as light as you would like to be?
I ask these as questions in a way to cleverly deflect attention away from the fact I am not doing so well with any of the above.
I am home in Toronto from Christmas in Ireland. Slightly over-weight and still battling a small problem with my eye which benched me for a few days this week (Surgery set for March). But let's look on the bright side. These issues are all being addressed and will be overcome!
My BJJ goals in 2011 were pretty simple. Win a gold medal in competition and get my purple belt. This year my intentions are different. Improving constantly and trying to win more gold is still a focus but I think I need to loose some weight. Sadly, just shy of 35, my metabolism has decided to slow down after 34 good years. So I am unable to eat what I want and still stay lean. And at this age I should be thinking more and more of the health benefits of eating better food.
2012 lifestyle goals:
Drop back down to 160lbs:
I am currently 170lbs which is ridiculous considering I competed last year at 149lbs
Start weight lifting again:
I spent all 2011 not lifting anything in order to focus solely on technique and BJJ
Eat healthier:
Less sugar and processed meals
2012 BJJ Goals:
- Train NOGI at least 1 class per week
- Compete 1 time outside of Canada (Options: Worlds / Rio Masters / Pan AM's / Grapplers Quest)
- More involved in teaching / assisting others
You learn and grow so much every week in Jiu Jitsu that it is important to train as often as possible. If you work full time, are married or dating, have kids, have injuries it's often hard to balance everything or even get to class some days. But remember - 1 hour on the mats can sometimes offer you something that totally changes your game. Maybe you learn something you can apply very well or maybe it's a subtle lesson you take to heart which over time becomes something you live your life by. You never know.
While I am still not rolling at full speed I am enjoying easing myself into hard training. It's great to train with so many different guys at Toronto BJJ. Different sizes, ranks, styles. You get a sample of everything. You can work different sides of your game depending on who you roll with. That's one of the benefits of having good numbers of team-mates. You learn strong points and where you are comfortable or places where you need to improve or that you need to work. Maybe you get to be more creative with some guys while with others you need to play your A-game just to survive.
On a spiritual side of things, I really felt this week that when I train I am honouring God. As my abilities are His gift to me I felt that He must delight when we enjoy using them. Just switching off and rolling, to me, is a way to celebrate this life we have been given. It's another dynamic to rolling for me now. It's a way to worship.
Professor Eduardo returned from Brazil this week and Professor Britto is set to come back in the coming days. Coaches Tommy and Mikey have done an excellent job of leading classes for the last month at Toronto BJJ and you can see and feel their skills as teachers increasing. They have both been great at demonstrating technique, offering encouragements and taking the time to speak to students individually to help make personal adjustments when learning specifics. Our Black Belts, while in Brazil, spent time at their home Gracie Tijuca and no doubt are refreshed and stocked up with new energy ready for 2012. I'm excited to start back helping at Kids class this weekend.
Whatever stage of your game you are at personally at the moment I hope you are getting to your academy, enjoying being on the mats and with friends and building up the inertia for the year to come. Which is already here. Already waiting for us.
Take care and God Bless.
Scott
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