Why We Should Take Care of The Physical Self.

So,

It's been a long while since I updated this blog, I'm still training, but I'm also busy pursuing a psychology degree. I've been lifting weights a lot and increasing the amount of calories that I take in everyday. My teammates have notice that I am getting a lot stronger. My next tournament is January 19, and I am pumped because it's a submission only tournament with no points!

I wanted to take some time to explain why it is, I practice the art of Jujitsu or various forms of grappling arts. Quite simply, I grew up around the grappling arts, so it really has become a second nature so to speak, or a first love of some kind.

My history in grappling started off under Sifu Larry HartSell, who just so happened to be one of Bruce Lee's original students. From their, I studied Judo, along with various styles of grappling such as: Shoot Wrestling and Catch Wrestling.

When I first started out, I was in love with it, as I kind of still am, though now my motive behind doing it has changed. It's a joy for me now, I do it because I know it's a gift that could have been very well taken from me.

What I mean is that, there are people who don't have the ability to move their bodies and be physically active. Because of different physical conditions, that in all honesty would love to be able to train as an athlete in any shape or form, yet cannot.

And so, I carry this burden within in me that says that I need to make the most of my physical body. Yet, not taking it for granted at the same time. Which is something I feel so many of us do on a daily basis. I do it as well, I've racked up ours in the gym, not thinking about others who would do anything to be in my position.

    It forces me to not take myself so seriously, and yet gives more focus and purpose at the same time, I've yet to win a match in any tournament, but you know what? I'm okay with that, because I know that just as easy as ability is given, it can be taken away.

I have to remind myself of why I walk this path, and that is because It's a gift and joy, and an honor to represent any ever person that would love to be able to do as I am, but can't. All in all, the point that I'm drawing us to, is that. 1) We should not taken for granted our bodies and physical abilities, and 2) out of the honor for those who cannot, we ought to keep a balanced perspective of ourselves, while still trying to be the best we can be physically, because if you have the means, then there is no reason why one can not take better care of ourselves. 

I hope this inspires and motivates you.

-Brandon

Update 5.21.12.

Training is going great, I’ve gained two pounds. My secret? Protein shakes, increasing calorie intake and lifting weights. I can really feel like I’m getting better, my coaches are always helping find new ways (or modify) ways to do more complicated moves.

There’re two tournaments coming up, one in July and August. I may skip out on the one in July due to the fact that I’m slowly getting ready for school in the fall. I’ll be going to Grace University in the fall to study Psychology and eventually become a counselor of some kind.

So that may limit my training to just saturdays, but should my schedule have openings i’ll do my best to work on a ride to go to the gym. Life is really about to pick up.

-Brandon

Hmmm..

There is something oddly spiritual about jujitsu..

Results from the Tournament.

I took a bronze medal. Though I lost twice again I fought with everything that was in me. During weigh ins my weight was lower than i'd like (122) to be exact, people were very encouraging and clapped as I left the mat. Through everything I'm happy and even proud of myself, I stayed calm, breathing was good and all in all I know I did the best I could.

Now, relax a bit and back in the gym we go to figure out a new game plan and learn.

Last Practice before Tournament Saturday

Tonight's practice was tough,

Made a lot of mistakes but also learned some sweet new movies, during the live grappling I pulled off one choke, but the rest of the night it was me fighting for my life.. I'm really proud though to be rollin with some champions. During the night's practice I watched everybody going after one another and I felt a lot of different mind games going on, negative voices telling me that I had no chance at winning.

Yet I took those thoughts captive, because their not true, I have a fighting chance. I could win and and I very well could loose again. Yet it's about the warrior spirit and stepping into batter with your head held high ready to leave everything you're on the mat.

The only time you ever fail is if you don't try.

Jujitsu For Smaller People

I really enjoyed this video, it really encourages me getting  to Saturday.http://www.ilovebjj.com/9/post/2012/05/jiu-jitsu-for-small-guys-winning-mindset.html

Me Against Me

With the tournament next Saturday, my heart is filled with excitement fear. Even though from the start my purpose for competing again was for fun. But in all honesty I'm asking myself: "Have I trained enough?" Truthfully, no I haven't, my life doesn't really allow me to do so. And with starting college in the fall I'll only be able to train a few times a week.

In all reality it will probably set me back in my journey a bit. Someone asked me recently "What is more important to you?"

... School? I said, the person agreed with me. I've been coming back to the analogy of climbing a mountain, for some the path up the mountain is some what steady, it may take a bit of energy to pull yourself up at times but over all the climb isn't very difficult. For others though the climb takes along time and requires a lot more of physical, mental and even emotional resources just to climb one more inch.

I know I've gotten better, people have told me that, but if I am able to compete next weekend. I want to do my best, stay calm and do what I do in practice every week. People tell me I'm hard to tap out, so even if I don't win a match I want to fight and defend and not get submitted. I don't want to get caught in any chokes.

And most importantly I'd to try and stay focus with all the other noise going on around me. I'll finish next week strong in the gym. Lets do this!