American Nationals Weekend, Ribeiro Annual Meeting, Great Training

Just want to give everyone an update on what happened while I was down in San Diego.

First order of business was competing in a tournament.  This was my first tournament.....as a Brown Belt......in two years.....since joining the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Association.    I was happy with my performance but I am not satisfied.  Sound familiar :)

TC from the adult class also went down with me.  Had a great match with his first fight but lost on points.  Very proud of TC.  Here is a picture of TC with Saulo.

My first match was against a tough guy named John Orr from American Top Team.  I knew down to the second what I wanted to do.  Things did not work out quite the way that I planned, and that is ok.   I did get some great feedback from some coaches as to what I can do differently. This is one of the best parts of going to tournaments.  You will win, and you will lose...but the learning that goes on is priceless.  Here is the match.  This was a single elimination tournament.  There where only four people in my division so I tied for the Bronze Medal.

Later in the day I fought in the Open Weight Category.  Although my opponenet was two weight classes ahead of me I had a shut out with the score, and came to submitting him on two different occasions.  One time with a move we were just working on in the advanced class.

The last match was with a fellow Ribeiro Affiliate from PN named John Disimone.  John was super tough and he submitted me fair and square.  Do not have video of this match.  But here is a prize picture of John, Saulo, and me on the Podium.  It was Saulo's idea to be on the podium.  I felt a little intimidated just being on the podium with Saulo.

The best part of the tournament was watching Professor Saulo put on a clinic.  It was like watching Michael Jordan play basketball with Middleschooler.

I got a chance to be a part of RJJA meeting on Monday.  Got a chance to meet some great new friends many of them have connections to the Pacific Northwest.  You may be seeing some new friends around our school in the next few months.  

On Tuesday I got a chance to do some great lessons with Tom Oberhue and Cadu Francis.  Cadu and his Black Belt wife Gabriela just started their school in La Mesa, California.  Seeing their Passion for their school and their love for the martial arts and each other.  Reminded me so much of my wife Elise and I taking a chance 15 years ago to start Miller's Martial Arts Academy.  

I always try to be very aggressive with meeting new people when I travel to do tournaments.  There is a very well-known author, and great Black Belt of Jean Jaques Machado named Jay Zabellos.  It just so happens that I think the he is my twin.  In some pictures its hard to tell the difference between us.  Tell me what you think.

Lastly I want to thank everyone at the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Association.....especially Saulo, Chris Blanke and Tom Oberhue.  I feel like I am now home with a great camp, great teachers, great coaching......and a team that will support Miller's Martial Arts Academy so we can produce champions in Jiu Jitsu and in life.