EPTThis is basically the biggest and most important tournament in Europe. I participated in the Adult Blue belt division for under 82.3 kg, the second biggest category in the tournament with almost 100 competitors. In order to get a medal, I would need to defeat 5 opponents. 7 for the gold.
Any victory in this tournament doesn't come free, as nobody travels all the way to Lisbon to play. Even if your gym is low level, the best people are the ones to travel, there are no easy matches. Anyhow, I won my first two rounds, so I am pretty happy with my performance. Unfortunately in my third match, just as I started to believe I could go for the gold, I got choked out in 20 seconds. Oh well.
The experience was incredible, and I definitely plan to come here every year, if the economy allows. The range of emotions I went through was incredible. to see my teammates win, lose, cry, jump with joy. To feel fear, anticipation, excitement. To think I am invincible at the same time as fragile or insecure. I think this might have been the most intense experience I have gone through in my life, and I have become a better competitor as a result.
Here are my matches (I'm in the Blue Gi):
Round 1: The stands were full. Around 3000 people, maybe more. I used to be very nervous before my matches in small competitions. Now, on the other hand, I entered the match concentrated and firm. As soon as I put my hands on the opponent, I felt he was afraid, undecisive, and I knew I could ragdoll him into submission however I wanted. You can't see in the video due to the recording inexperience of the camera holder: the match ends in armcrush/wristlock from reverse triangle.
Round 2: This time was different. My opponent was solid as a rock. Strong and unmovable, hard grips and strong balance. When I grabbed him, I felt that I could not move him one inch. He was also paitient and he was not gassing. At one point at the 3 minute mark, I look at the clock and think:
-WTF? only 3 minutes? But I can't breathe!
I looked at my opponent and he was cool as a cucumber. Seriously, I was about to give up. Fortunately this was the time in which my subconscious and mental preparation kicked in. Somehow I was able to survive a perfectly locked straight foot lock (maybe with the help of some painkillers) and edge out a hard fought win with advantages. I even tried my first ever flying armbar! I didn't even get to extend his arm, but it felt good to fly.
Round 3: Now let me tell you that a big competition like this is nothing like the small tournaments I am accustomed to. In the small tournaments, even at the national level, you are constantly in contact with your team-mates, friends, coaches etc. You get cornered by more experienced people, you get a congratulatory kiss from your girlfriend, a couple of high fives, somebody will rub your arms, legs and shoulders etc... Here, between matches you stay in what is called the "bull pen". Basically every competitor that is supposed to be fighting soon is packed in a small area. You are alone, you are hurt, you don't know what's going on around you, everybody keeps to himself, everybody is nervous. It is not a very pleasant atmosphere. You just sit there and wait like an idiot, hoping you will recover 100% of your energy for the next match.
Well, in the end, I thought I had this! I went for the sweep and BAM! My back is taken, I am tapping out. See you next year Lisbon. I'll come back better and stronger. You'll see!
