Malum

Sup, blog readers,


For those that don't know, or don't know me, I have been involved in Martial Arts for the better portion of 15 years. The last 5 of those have been in a martial art known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). If you don't know what this is, I suggest you get educated, and more importantly, start training! It is arguably the most effective 1 on 1 system out there. But that, and the debate that follows, is not the point of this blog.

BJJ competitors and champions at the black belt level frequently tour around the world giving seminars. There have been many big names to come to Canada, but up until now I have been one of the few of my training partners who have yet to meet any of them.

Until last night. . .

As of last night I began a 2 week training camp where I am privileged and deeply honoured to be learning under the Mendes Brothers. The Mendes brothers consist of two brazilians (Rafael (HAH-fie-el) and Guilherme (Gee-lyer-may)) who are WORLD champions at the featherweight (155lbs) and light featherweight(140lb) divisions. I am not sure how old Rafael is, but I know Guilherme is my age making him multiple time champion in Brazil, Europe and the world at the age of only 23!!

First of all, meeting these guys was like seeing a celebrity for me. Training with them is like playing hockey with Wayne Gretzky, shooting hoops with Jordan, or tossing the pigskin with Manning. Second, it really is amazing how humble and down to Earth these guys are. Right off the bat they shook everyone's hand with smiles on their faces. They expressed their love for Canada and how happy they were that we were affiliated with their school.

AND THE TRAINING! The training was grueling and the air was so thick with sweat and fatigue I had to fight back puking and struggle for oxygen particles. It was the best training I've ever had and the detail in their technique shows why it is these guys are forces to be reckoned with in their own weight divisions.

I had a person run in with Rafael as well! While in line to run the gauntlet, Rafael was behind me and he bumped into me. He apologized right after, which was funny because it was like a king apologizing to a squire. I didn't quite know what to say to him but I wanted to make an impression. So I gathered my wit, brainstormed a slew of clever lines and ice breakers to strategically etch myself in his mind forever and finally said. . .

"So how's the weather in Brazil?"

-_______-;;;;;

Lol but we talked a bit in between training and seemed to get along pretty well. At the end of class he gave a speech about the technique we had learned that day and about the philosophies of training and such. The ENTIRE time he wss giving the speech to a line of of 50 seated students ranging from white belt to black belts, he kept his eyes on me. I felt as if no one else in the room was there and I listened as intently as humanly possible. I felt recognized. I felt validated.

I came home and passed up on the beer my friends had offered me. I was high on training, I didn't need a drink. Besides, last I checked, world champions don't drink. These next two weeks are going to be the best learning experience of my life.


OOSSSSSS!!!!