Tuesday 4 May 2010

Dumau Competition

I trained on the Wednesday leading up to this competition and suffered a lot of pain in my groin the next day. I thought I would have to skip the competition but luckily enough it felt pretty good by Sunday, which was the day of the comp. I bought some Kinesiology tape and some compression briefs to hold the area together and it held up really well. Saturday, the night before, I was really tired so thought I could get a good sleep. Was I ever so wrong. Technique kept turning in my head like one of those old Victorian-era image roulettes. "What if he does this?" I kept thinking. I got very little sleep and felt like crap the next day when I travelled 30 minutes to the dojo on my bike which was squeaking all the way there. We got there well on time and I weighed in at 74.5 kg which was easily under the 76 kg limit. Entering this competition has really made me watch what I eat.

Michael, who I've known for years and does boxing, came to watch my match. He held the camera for me actually and rather shakily at that. I have to say that putting myself in a younger division (18 to 29 years) was not such a great idea. I have a lot of stamina but am still at a disadvantages to the younger guys.

I went out there not nervous at all. Actually feeling good about it. Then when we shook hands and started my plans went out the window as the guy I fought against pulled me into closed guard and I just couldn't get out of it. I broke it once but failed to pass and all in all it was a rather frustrating and boring match for me. I expected to be moving a lot more. He had me locked down pretty good, strong lad. I remember a moment when my brain just switched off as I was pulled down. Michael later explained that when you fight you enter a different state of mind, the brain shuts down somewhat to deliver blood to the limbs. I felt that because I just wasn't thinking and did stupid things when I wouldn't normally.

Anyway, it was a great experience if a little exhausting, up at 6.30, with the comp ending at 5 pm and me getting home at 10 pm at night.

Looking forward to the next one where I hope that I can do better.

2 comments:

  1. Hey buddy,

    It's good to compete and to get experience so well done there. You should have postured up and worked a leg to try and pass guard, you had both your arms extented most of the time. Just my 2c.

    Cheers!

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  2. Yeah, both arms extended is not good. I had tunnel vision from the start of the round and everything I had been taught seemed to fly out of the window. I need more experience in competitions for sure. I have been working on breaking the guard in class and doing specific drills on it. Hopefully next time I can do better.

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