I joined a Jiu-Jitsu gym on the last day of Jan 2017, a few
months after Tim did. Twice a week, after the children's, I
attended the adults' beginner classes. Vacations and summer
at another martial art school took a couple of months off.
Overall, I think I have completed one year of BJJ training.
Four or five others joined around the same time, but yours
truly stayed.
Over the year, I also educated myself by listening to
podcasts, watching videos, and reading a book, "With The
Back On The Ground," about the history of BJJ.
Not the least among what I learnt from the community was
the Gracie Diet. That is a huge topic. Let me just say one
thing, besides so many examples from the BJJ circle, if
even the Brazilian soccer legend Romario credited the diet,
prescribed to him by Dr. Pedro Valente Sr., for his
unprecedented feat of becoming the lead scorer at age 40,
I'd be a fool not to try it.
I met great people on the mat. Most were strong and
confident. Over time, a camaraderie formed and the students
developed respect for each other. Given the insecurity and
passive-aggressiveness that permeate almost all the places I
have worked at as a programmer, training at the gym is quite
an antidote and a boost to the spirit.
Last November, I felt twice a week were not enough and,
after attempting to commute to Santa Cruz to learn the
Gracie Combatives, started to take the course at home on
weekends with Tim by watching video. The going has been
strong and we have completed over 30 classes. Tim used the
triangle choke which he learnt here to submit his sparring
partner.
I could feel the change. Except for a few, I have mastered
most of the drills and understood their applications. I felt
much more comfortable on the mat and enjoyed both the drills
and acquiring detailed technical knowledge. Outside the mat,
I made good progresses in weight-lifting. Maybe I am ready
for some light sparring. Let's see.
