Dre Armeda

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Technique Trumps All

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I had the opportunity of supporting my Jiu Jitsu coach, Orlando Alonso​ this last weekend at an event where he fought in a super fight with MMA fighter and Jiu Jitsu black belt, Jamie Fletcher.

Some details for perspective. Coach is a really good brown belt, and the guy he fought is a black belt! Yes, it was a super fight and the organizers put the match-up together. Coach weighs in at roughly 160lbs. Not a super huge guy, but we love to tell him he has broad shoulders 🙂 His opponent on the other hand, wasn’t a small man, weighing in over 200lbs. A slight advantage I would say. He was my size, all muscle.

It was a 10 minute match in which ended in a draw. Coach was close to a sweep in a few situations but ultimately there were no points or submissions.

Orlando Alonso Podium

Sometimes the key isn’t beating your opponent, it’s not letting them beat you. This is another great example of how impactful Jiu Jitsu can be for self-defense in mismatched situations (David & Goliath).

Technique trumps all, and if this isn’t inspiring, I don’t know what is!

Carlson Gracie Team

Props to everyone that came out to compete and support Carlson Gracie Team on the mats. Special shout out to Alfred Carling for taking a match on 10 minutes notice against a brown belt. Alfred is a purple belt for those that don’t know. That is the Carlson Gracie way. Anytime, any place!

Oss!

I Earned My 4th White Belt Stripe

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Tonight was a great training night, and at the end of our nightly advanced class, I was striped up by Coach Orlando.

Jiu Jitsu White Belt

For those that train know that advancement through the Jiu-Jitsu ranks is very different from any other martial art. It takes a lot of hard work, motivation, and not just physical or technical growth, but mental growth.

There isn’t a set rule book as to how you advance, you just go get your mat time in, learn, and apply what you learn. Your Jiu-Jitsu game improves, and over time you advance.

I don’t have expectations to advance on a given time scale, it comes with time, and everyone’s journey is different. I do have expectations of learning, and getting better as a mat player. What advancement shows me personally is that I am doing just that. However, if I put all the expectation discussions aside for a second, I will say it’s a treat when you are recognized for your hard work and improvement. It certainly doesn’t suck 🙂

I am very excited about earning my 4th stripe, but more importantly, I can’t wait to get back on the mat to get in more work!

#OSS