Who is your BJJspiration?

My number one BJJspiration, obviously, is my boyfriend, Carlo. He was promoted to blue belt in less than 8 months (the fastest promotion to date) and is considered to be one of the most technical practitioners on our team. The key to Carlo's success? Attention to detail. Carlo makes sure he knows every single detail of every single move. He's a walking, talking BJJ dictionary. This is how he's able to beat guys twice his size. Did I mention his nice arms and super manly chin? :)

 Marcelo "Marcelinho" Garcia. Ah-mazing. I love how he wins practically all his matches via submission and how he makes guys who outweigh and outpower (is there such a word?)  him look like pansies. Quick as lightning and super deadly, Marcelinho's instructionals and matches are number 1 on my youtube viewing list.

Alvin Aguilar, our head instructor. How could he not be one of my BJJspirations? Number one, he's the first Filipino BJJ black belt. Secondly, he's almost completely self taught, at a time where instructionals weren't available. Even if his sparring partners are blue belts, purple belts and one brown belt, he was able to stand his ground at the Mundials last year.  Unbelievable, right?

Who's your BJJspiration?

whats going on..

A lot has happened since I last updated my BJJ blog. Its been an eventful 8 months and my love affair with BJJ is still going strong!

1. We finally have a girl in our gym!

After a year and a half of training, God decided to send us a tough, pint sized, 17 year old "angel". The best part is that she loves BJJ as much as I do and is willing to train whenever, wherever! Though still a newbie, she already has become a force to be reckoned with. She is stronger than some of the guys in our gym (sorry, guys) and it seems that BJJ is a sport that comes naturally to her. We've already named her "the beast" and "the prodigy", so you can just imagine what she's like!

2. I finally competed!

I joined my first major tournament in May, losing both in my weight division and absolute. Instead of dwelling on my losses and quitting, I decided to work on what went wrong (with the help of my loving instructor/boyfriend). Since then, I have learned how to master breaking the closed guard and escaping from the triangle choke. Also how to hold my breath longer.. haha! 

3. I got promoted!

Just last month, our black belt made a visit to our gym to do promotions. As usual, he made us spar in order to gauge whether we deserved a promotion or not. When it was my turn, I found out that I would be going against a guy who I had yet to beat. I don't really know what happened, but I remember that at one point, I had his leg and I didn't let go for what seemed like ages.I could hear Carlo screaming and hooting in the background, which gave me strength (haha) so I swept, mounted and then ended up armbarring him. I surprised even myself. After that, I had to go against someone almost twice my size, ordered to tap me out in 20 secs. He didn't and I was so happy. In the end, when Alvin, our blackbelt, asked me to finish out my stripes, I almost cried (again) from sheer joy and all the emotions that were built up inside me. Luckily, I didn't even shed a tear. 

4. Competing again! 

I'm going to try and compete again this September. Hopefully it will go better than my first tournament. I'm so grateful to have such great instructors/friends who are willing to answer all my questions and teach me stuff that I supposedly already know to cover all bases. Thanks guys! 

5. Long distance :( 

Carlo finally moved to Singapore (only for a year and a half) for his MBA and it sucks. But I know that this will only strengthen our relationship and ultimately, make us stronger people. I don't think I've ever been this excited to talk to someone on skype, or felt this anxious because someone hasn't texted.. but when I see that red flashing light, I have the biggest, cheesiest smile on my face and everyone knows why :) Here's to more adventures in love and BJJ! Cheers!

Today is Wednesday and it is nice and breezy outside

I've been quite the busy bee these past few days. I attended my last wedding of the year (I think.. unless there's one that I'm missing) and I must say, I've been to quite a few. Around seven to be exact. Maybe even 8. Who knows, its all a blur.

This long weekend was all I needed. Carlo and I were able to hang out after almost one week of being apart. Call me cheesy, but this girl misses her boyfriend whenever he's away :(

I was finally able to train yesterday and I really enjoyed it! We learned the dela riva again and reviewed the spider guard, both sweeps and submissions from that position. When we did the drills, I was able to do two dela riva sweeps. I still find it quite difficult to do the spider guard when my partner is in a standing position. I sparred twice, with Marc and with Jay. Of course, I didn't get far with Marc and I actually tapped out because his sidemount was so heavy. Sometimes I think these guys forget that I am built differently (e.g. boobs) so heavy sidemounts are... a PAIN! Hehe! I'm really enjoying playing guard.. definitely keeps me on my toes. Must keep on reading "Path to the Blackbelt". I've been reading Saulo's "Jiu-jitsu University" and Rodrigo Gracie's "Path to the Blackbelt". I also started practicing yoga again. I miss it a lot and I'm really hoping it will help me with my flexibility :)

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Marcus wins the HEAVYWEIGHT Title fight! Dinner date with Carlo at Little Tokyo Frou frou dog at the AKC Dog ShowMy baby Nacho gets a haircut