The Inner Beast of Jujitsu.

(Wow.. The amount of page views this thing is getting is amazing to say the least, clearly, I do not deserve it because updates are few far and in between).

As I have said in previous posts, grappling has been something I've been involved with most of my entire life. Though, as I have gotten older there has seemed to be more challenges on my body. It's a lot more difficult to move my hips now as quickly as needed. (Though, stretching would help too, I just have to discipline myself more in this area).

And my lower back has a give in it that will only get once as I get older, all that means is that my head allows has a way of leaning forward when moving to attack or execute moves. All this to say, the obstacles in front of me are few but big. Add to that not having full use of my right arm.

Please don't read this as a form of self-pity, it's not my intention. If anything I am trying to make war against self-pity, while still be honest about the challenges that Cerebral Palsy has dealt me.

That is to say then that, with Jujitsu, there has been for me a lot of discouraging thoughts and emotions that come along with it. Last night after practice I wanted to just cry in the shower for a bit but that never happened. Keith Owen, says that he hates quitters. So anytime I think of quitting I think of him saying that, perhaps he is the new Chuck Norris! (That was a joke)

I have learned a lot from him and his videos on YouTube, he seems to be very simplistic in nature. Anyway, quitting Jujitsu has been something that has crossed my mind almost a hand full of times. Why keep going when your constantly getting your ass kicked on daily basis and have yet to actually win a match in competition?

Why keep going when everyone else is climbing up the mountain faster than you? I've heard it said that only way you will ever improve and Jujitsu, is if you're training three times a week. Well, as a full time college student, I can't do that, and not being able to drive sucks too. If, I knew that Jujitsu would put money in my bank account and secure some what a future for me, I'd gladly give all my time to it.

But that obviously is not happening right now, plus I really love people and am pursuing a psychology degree, but I have a very long way to go with that too.

Moral of the story.. Am I going to quit? No, I'm not, I'm going to continue to run my race. And you should too.

Keep at it.
-Brandon              

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