Ok, Let me start this post out by saying "Training for the big day is not as easy as lifting some weights and running a few miles". I am currently in Training for Two BJJ tournaments and as we all know Training makes or breaks the match. The Technique has to be rounded out and practiced into perfection, body has to be ready for those small victory pushes. The Mind has to be at ease and ready to guide the body into the battle and back. With that being said lets get this Q and A started.
Q: How does your day start out?
A: Since I am not a full time fighter and I do have a regular job and other responsibilities, I wake up about 9am and get ready for work, I have either a egg sandwhich or a protein shake, or if i really have to hurry a piece of bread with peanut butter and a banana. I then Drink lots of water with a squirt of lemon juice throughout the day. Lately I havent been able to run in the mornings but when I do I go for about a 6 mile jog to get the body going.
Q:What do you do to prepare for a tournament that is different from a regular day of training?
A:This is only my 2nd tournament so I have not really worked all of the bugs out of my training sessions but as far as a difference I work alot more on defense and perfecting the moves, and timing, also work alot more standup takedown defense and takedowns. I do more cardio and I try to eat better and cut the weight. I have been working alot more on explosiveness lately.
Q: Is winning important or is this just for fun and to push yourself?
A: Winning is always important if you want to make a career out of a sport. To me the first tourney i did I had hopes of winning but I told myself win, lose, or draw I will come out the victor because I will have gained knowledge and expierence.
Q:Do you listen to music while training, If so what?
A:Well music has always been a big part of my life and I love music it sets the mood. as a far as when I am on the mats I don't listent o actual music but i do have songs that play in my head, I normally listen to "Enter Sandman" by Metalica before I do something Intense, Do not ask why that song just gets me pumped for some reason.
Q:Any Prefight Rituals?
A: Well for me I think A good massage is important a few days before the matches just to get you loose and relaxed. also drink alot of water to stay hydrated. I personally like to stretch before and after I get to the venue, Just so I know my body is warm and ready. I do not really eat much the day of the tournament because i want to be a little hungry lol. I feel if I am angry because I am starving it will give me extra aggression to pull through in times of need.
Q: What is the Match like in your words?
A: My first match was nothing like I expected it, Everyone kept telling me my grips would be the first thing to go and that I would be a big ball of nerves, but I actually felt pretty relaxed and calm, I did feel a certain ammount of pressure to get the match going and down to the ground, so as we began I tried to push the pace and stay on the guy but he was not giving up and I made a mistake and paid the price. I pulled guard and got away from my plan and ended up in a bad posistion. I worked through it but in the end I got caught with an Armbar.
Q:Do you feel your better prepared for this next set of matches?
A:Yes, I feel a hundred times better, I have improved my defense and I feel confident that Things will go my way, I wont be looking to rush anything and I will make the opponent make a mistake. I really feel that in the 2 months since my last tournament that I have dramatically improved, I feel like I would destroy the grappler i was 2 months ago.
Q:What do you feel has been most responsible for your imporvements?
A: Well to start, My Instructors and training partners at the Academy, everyday we try to elevate to the next level and help each other out and I feel i have hit a pretty good stride in the training. The instructors must be reading my mind because i leave class with questions and the next day they come in with moves that help me out and I dont even say a word to them lol. I was really blessed to find the Academy I train at. Also rolling with my buddy Mikevarick.com helps me to work holes in my game.
Q: Do you roll with people in your weight class to prepare?
A: I like to roll with all different sized guys, The bigger guys, I try to work more strength and technique, and with the smaller guys Since they are alot quicker it helps me to stay sharp and defend better.
I feel like that was a pretty good Q&A I am back to training, so I will keep you all updated on the crazy world that is Grappling and my quest to submit someone with "The Jake"(bow and Arrow choke).
Tuna in next time Same Tuna time same TUna Channel.
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