On the Mat Day 257: Birthday BJJ

So I just turned 40. That number sounds old to me. I don't actually feel that old but I do recover slower, for sure. Through BJJ I've come to know my limits. I don't go balls to the walls sparring with young guys but try to work technique and only apply strength when needed. I pace myself basically and just enjoy the roll.

Last night, F-sensei combined the classes because K-sensei is away in Taiwan visiting a club over there. Perhaps someday I will go and visit too. I expected more people but there were enough guys there to give me a great workout. I was drenched in sweat by the end of the night. I think we were all blue belts too, apart from two white belts. The theme of the week seems to be take-down and F-sensei showed us double-leg entry from judo grips. It was very good. I wish we did more of this.

Sparring was tough because they were all strong guys who weighed more than me. I managed a few good techniques such as butterfly sweep, sitting guard sweep, inverted guard to triangle and even got off a drop seio-nage and hikkoki-nage. I am very happy with my stand-up progression so far. It feels like I have some new toys to play with.

Burn energy drink - hot chick not included :(

Before class I also tried a new energy drink called "Burn". The name put me off at first because it dredged up images of my chest burning from heartburn, which I get when I eat crap - hey welcome to middle-age. Anyway it said berry flavour on the front but that was bullshit. It tasted like penicillin but it kept me going during class that's for sure. I was sweating lots and my heart was racing. Perhaps it worked too well or maybe it was just the warm weather that caused me to need a sit out. I don't think I'll drink it again but I do like to experiment.

Sparring time: 8 x 6 mins = 48 mins