Malum

So it all comes to an end. . .

Tonight was the last full class with Rafael and Guilherme and tomorrow there will be a technical review of all we've learned from the past 2 weeks in the afternoon before they drive to Montreal. They won't be returning until February which makes me sad face, cuz these guys are sensational people to be around. When I say next level, it's hard to understand what I mean but let me put it into perspective. Let's say a white belt might be plankton. The colour belts can ascend up to small fish. A black belt may finally be one big ass tuna. To be world champions, they are quite literally orca's, capable of making your average black belt (who would make your average trained individual [who would make your average untrained individual]) look like a child.

Anyways

On Monday I hurt my knee pretty bad and somehow I skinned the flesh of my toe which has made rolling (BJJ term for grappling) nigh impossible. Today I taped up my toe and sucked it up and decided to train anyways.

I rolled with Guilherme twice and was using all the techniques he showed us, none of which would make any sense to anyone who reads this so I won't bother, but it's some pretty advanced stuff. I pulled guard both times because 1. my injuries prevent me from takedowns and 2. guilherme has disgustingly good judo. I felt great having given him a small challenge for 2 minutes before he swept me and I had to go to the back of the line.

Next I ended up going against a blue belt. While he was standing, I was able to do a technique that smashed his face into the mats and I took his back. I felt pretty good about that. I remained undefeated in the shark tank until the class was over!

Tonight we went out to dinner and I got to chill out and shoot the shit with the Mendes brothers and my new training partners. I don't quite know how to sum up my experience but it's nothing short of extraordinary. I've been able to learn from, train with, and hang out with the world champs and I feel I've become a better person through it.

Thanks to PJ, Gui and Rafa for the opportunity of a lifetime.

OS!!!!!

[i'll be posting pics soon]