EPTI stay true to my guard playing style however, which means that training everyday with natural born passers helps me develop and firmly establish my skills. The downside is that I am not learning many new tricks... I just don't have fun in top play.
Also, this was my first competition in the -76 with Gi category. I have never been strong, rather chubby (when I started BJJ I weighed 94kg) and about a month ago I was around 84 kg with gi. For the sake of competition I decided to once and for all get in proper shape. There were two options. Pump iron, or lose fat. I figure, why the hell not? I have all my life dreamed of a proper 8-pack! And summer is coming...
In three and a half weeks, with hard training and hard dieting I managed to drop 8kg of fat. However, come match time, I weighed 77.2 kg with the gi on (the scales I had home deceived me). So before my fight was up, I went for a 6km run and dropped the rest of the waterweight I had in me. I stood on the scales again (wearing only my gi, and I MEAN ONLY) and managed a 76.3. After seeing my hard work and thinking that the prize for the winners wasn't precisely a ticket to Abu-Dhabi, they let me compete in the -76 with gi.
Of course I lost.
First match: I did my FIRST EVER proper takedown in competition! That's a progress. However, I am natural guard player. Top control isn't my game, and eventually I was swept and passed. EDIT: I am the guy wearing black.
Second match: I guess the whole weight cutting process and the 6km run before fighting finally got to me. I had no energy, I had no grip. There were openings, I saw them, but I just couldn't react. I was EXTREMELY dissapointed with myself for not finding some secret reserve of energy in the last 30 seconds and go like crazy for a sweep. The opponent was as tired as I was. It was possible. meh...
In any case, after every tournment there is progress! In time, the wins will come, I am sure. I have about 18 months of BJJ, and I know I am getting better. Milestones? first time a takedown, and first time no nerves. I am happy nevertheless. Now, sleep time!
P.S. At least now I HAVE that desired 8-pack!
] and i'm only 5'9.. but yeah solid work and keep it up!
