We watched her progress online and on the mat since Brenda came back from hip
surgery in May. She taught the noon classes and her strength and mobility had
gradually improved. It was slow, she said. But after 6 months the pain still
bothered, and she decided to have the hips replaced.
I used to ask her about the risk of injury in competition and her dismissal of
the subject made me thought less of myself. It seemed I did have a point.
A beloved icon, she is a force. Her presence is a reminder of what could be
done: 66 years old, jiu-jitsu black belt, multiple times world champ, and
practicing daily. Except for the hips, she's perfectly healthy.
I loved it each time she ended the 20min technique demo with a short lecture
before sparring: "We are a mature group of students. We are here not to fight
but to help our partners to get better. JJM used to say, we don't fight, we do
jiu-jitsu. We BJJ people are the wierd few and we take care of each other. So
drill your move, give some resistance, but let your partner finish their
technique. Each day, you should have at least one session of drilling. That's
how you get better. That's also how you can have longevity in this sport."
I very much need to be reminded because, the lightest on the mat, I tend to get
into the fight-or-flight mode and sometimes hurt my training partner. I had my
share of injuries from sparring but sure wish to inflict none on my mates. The
other day, after Rafael cissors-swept me and before he could mount, I brought in
my top knee and it caught him in the groin. Next, I retracted my leg from under
Michael and the knee caught his chin. Luckily no injuries. But I still felt terrible.
Professor Weiqi always had nice things to say about my progress after a roll.
Mid-month in a no-gi spar, he submitted me twice and told me I had become more
methodical and less rush when on top. He reminded me to use all parts of the
body, especially the legs in the game.
Little things I learned from more experienced people:
- When you get a double-under you have to move their legs to one side or the
other right away. Dont' expose your neck for too long, especially in gi.
(David)
- Knee and lower leg swing movement to clear the hook. (Cha)
- Details of the baseball bat choke. (JayR)
- When you are smaller, you arm-drag to get up closer to your opponent, instead
of pulling him to you. (Weiqi)
I was submitted by Rafael, probably the biggest and strongest dude in the gym,
by the paper-cutter twice. About 80 lbs heavier, he was able to muscle me, stay
on top, and attack. The only way to improve is to roll with him more.
Since mid-Sep, I have added 4 lbs to weigh about 156 lbs. I'd like to attribute
the gain to muscle growth as I do feel it in my abs and glutes, which often sore
after grappling.
