It comes in the morning after the night you've decided you won't go to training just because you let a petty stuff get the better of you.
Yes, regret. Especially if that night is one of those few precious nights you have that you really are available to train - few nights that you have the time free.
Note to self: When you're having a bad day, don't run away from jiujitsu because JIUJITSU is the way!
Showing posts with label bjj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bjj. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
My Life's Most Difficult Questions 1 and 2
1. Ano na mga naakyat mong bundok? What mountains have you climbed already?
I will pause and think, "Is this serious? Do I start naming the mountains I've climbed now?" And I will have a conversation with myself to discuss how best to answer.
(a) If I say, "Talamitam, Batulao, Gulugod Baboy", surely he'll have an idea what I was talking about if he has at least climbed once - because these mountains are usually for first-timers and beginners. Chances are, he has already climbed one of these. Or maybe not one of these, but at least he had climbed once and, during that climb, been accompanied by experienced mountaineers and guides and locals and had conversations about Philippine mountains and climbing and heard this mountains' names mentioned. BUT, what if he has no clue? All these mountain names are just blah and I'm not the promo-girl type. I would not want to indulge into the long lectures about mountain climbing. Pardon me.
(b) I can just say, "Marami na rin." I've been to a few. That's a safe response. It could either (1) end the inquiry (which I undoubtedly prefer) because, usually in that case, it means the person asking has no inkling as to what he wants to know, or (2) push the inquisitor to make his question more specific. Then, we can talk.
All these in consideration, I find it frustrating that, sometimes, after I respond as best I could, I would hear, "Have you been to Pulag? Mayon? Apo?" Ahhhh, yes. The famous ones. I should have known.
BLAH.
2. Athlete ka ba? Are you an athlete? Palagi ka ba sa gym? Do you regularly go to the gym?
I just finished undergoing the company's Annual Physical Examination. As usual, the findings say that my pulse rate is below normal, i.e. my heart beats slower than what is deemed normal for a human being. It's at 53/min versus the normal 60-100/min. I believe it's lower this year than last - 55/min.
Then the questions follow.
Are you an athlete? The answer is no. Not a professional, at least. I am a part of the company's track and field team. But, unlike pros, we only do our trainings two months every year. I climb, if that matters in this regard. But when I say that, the doctor does not hear.
Do you regularly go to the gym? The answer is not "No", it's "Never." If this gym means lifting those weights, running on the treadmill, biking on the stationary bike, then yes, never.
I do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the gym once or twice a week - I goal of doing it three to four times a week. But how do I say this to a medical doctor.
Me: "Doctor, I do jiu-jitsu."
Doctor: "What's that?"
Me: "Uhhhh...."
<END>
Somehow, given what I do and don't, I am not warrant to have a slow heart. I've been asked the follow-up questions: Do you experience difficulty in breathing? Chest pains? Constrictions? I responded: None that I remember. And since my case might require further and deeper examination, I was disposed with, "See a cardiologist when you experience chest pains or have difficulty breathing." I nodded.
I have concluded that I am either gifted with an athlete's heart (though I'm no pro-athlete) or have a major heart disease. Whatever it may be, I am yet to see. I'm just glad that for another year, I won't have to think about answering questions.
I will pause and think, "Is this serious? Do I start naming the mountains I've climbed now?" And I will have a conversation with myself to discuss how best to answer.
(a) If I say, "Talamitam, Batulao, Gulugod Baboy", surely he'll have an idea what I was talking about if he has at least climbed once - because these mountains are usually for first-timers and beginners. Chances are, he has already climbed one of these. Or maybe not one of these, but at least he had climbed once and, during that climb, been accompanied by experienced mountaineers and guides and locals and had conversations about Philippine mountains and climbing and heard this mountains' names mentioned. BUT, what if he has no clue? All these mountain names are just blah and I'm not the promo-girl type. I would not want to indulge into the long lectures about mountain climbing. Pardon me.
(b) I can just say, "Marami na rin." I've been to a few. That's a safe response. It could either (1) end the inquiry (which I undoubtedly prefer) because, usually in that case, it means the person asking has no inkling as to what he wants to know, or (2) push the inquisitor to make his question more specific. Then, we can talk.
All these in consideration, I find it frustrating that, sometimes, after I respond as best I could, I would hear, "Have you been to Pulag? Mayon? Apo?" Ahhhh, yes. The famous ones. I should have known.
BLAH.
2. Athlete ka ba? Are you an athlete? Palagi ka ba sa gym? Do you regularly go to the gym?
I just finished undergoing the company's Annual Physical Examination. As usual, the findings say that my pulse rate is below normal, i.e. my heart beats slower than what is deemed normal for a human being. It's at 53/min versus the normal 60-100/min. I believe it's lower this year than last - 55/min.
Then the questions follow.
Are you an athlete? The answer is no. Not a professional, at least. I am a part of the company's track and field team. But, unlike pros, we only do our trainings two months every year. I climb, if that matters in this regard. But when I say that, the doctor does not hear.
Do you regularly go to the gym? The answer is not "No", it's "Never." If this gym means lifting those weights, running on the treadmill, biking on the stationary bike, then yes, never.
I do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the gym once or twice a week - I goal of doing it three to four times a week. But how do I say this to a medical doctor.
Me: "Doctor, I do jiu-jitsu."
Doctor: "What's that?"
Me: "Uhhhh...."
<END>
Somehow, given what I do and don't, I am not warrant to have a slow heart. I've been asked the follow-up questions: Do you experience difficulty in breathing? Chest pains? Constrictions? I responded: None that I remember. And since my case might require further and deeper examination, I was disposed with, "See a cardiologist when you experience chest pains or have difficulty breathing." I nodded.
I have concluded that I am either gifted with an athlete's heart (though I'm no pro-athlete) or have a major heart disease. Whatever it may be, I am yet to see. I'm just glad that for another year, I won't have to think about answering questions.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Buchecha vs Galvão for the 2013 Pan Absolute
Amazing match! Size truly doesn't matter. Technique does it! I'm a Galvao fan in one takedown :D
The handshake after, it was just sweet hehehe.
Video Source: Budovideosdotcom
The handshake after, it was just sweet hehehe.
Video Source: Budovideosdotcom
Friday, February 8, 2013
The Day After
Last night was a tough night at training. We've been doing competition training at the gym for our teammates who would be competing at the International Open on February 23-24, 2013. But Thursdays are always painful. Thursday is when the teachers get sadistic haha!
Anyway, besides the hundred-count-drills, that day also marks the first time I've sparred with our purple belt instructor. I am completely sure that I looked like a little girl picking a fight with her daddy who is not even taking her seriously; if it were a verbal throw down, I'm sure he was laughing off my death and bomb threats. It was that funny. :D I would almost pass his guard then he would roll over or toss me up and end up in a guard position again; I would escape a back mount only to end up in his full mount, or was it the other way around? The whole seven-minute round of sparring looked pretty much like that. I was very, very lucky he didn't get to tap me out, but then again, was he even trying to tap me out?
During a spar with my blue belt boyfriend, a funny and curious thing even happened. I got trapped (at least I felt that way) in a side mount. He was so good at pinning me down. I could feel his weight heavy on my stomach and my air was getting thinner and thinner every passing second. I got desperate. I tried to bridge out, but it seems like nothing's happening. I tried to push him up and out, but he was just there, solid heavy. Then I felt it. A sensation in my teeth that's urging me to bite haha! "Oh, you wouldn't let me out? I would bite you." It was desperation. It's like my mind is telling me I'm dead and that's the only way to survive. I had to blink hard and shake my head to regain consciousness and control over my now involuntary body parts. :D He wasn't able to submit me. But he made me question my sanity. :D
When I got home after training, every little bit hurts I was tempted to just go to bed and have that dreamless sleep without fixing my dirty clothes or brushing my teeth. I was that tired. After mustering whatever strength I have left, I went to hang my used and - take note - sweat-soaked gi. That's when I knew, it's been a great night, a great training.
I don't know how it started exactly but, the morning after, while I was walking to work, I caught myself smiling as I was remembering the little details of the night before. I was like this high school girl remembering a little comment a guy I had a little crush on made about my handwriting. :) I don't want to sound too cheesy about it but jiu-jitsu gave me my best and brightest day during a very difficult and trying week.
I am grateful I've found it... I am grateful it found me...
Anyway, besides the hundred-count-drills, that day also marks the first time I've sparred with our purple belt instructor. I am completely sure that I looked like a little girl picking a fight with her daddy who is not even taking her seriously; if it were a verbal throw down, I'm sure he was laughing off my death and bomb threats. It was that funny. :D I would almost pass his guard then he would roll over or toss me up and end up in a guard position again; I would escape a back mount only to end up in his full mount, or was it the other way around? The whole seven-minute round of sparring looked pretty much like that. I was very, very lucky he didn't get to tap me out, but then again, was he even trying to tap me out?
During a spar with my blue belt boyfriend, a funny and curious thing even happened. I got trapped (at least I felt that way) in a side mount. He was so good at pinning me down. I could feel his weight heavy on my stomach and my air was getting thinner and thinner every passing second. I got desperate. I tried to bridge out, but it seems like nothing's happening. I tried to push him up and out, but he was just there, solid heavy. Then I felt it. A sensation in my teeth that's urging me to bite haha! "Oh, you wouldn't let me out? I would bite you." It was desperation. It's like my mind is telling me I'm dead and that's the only way to survive. I had to blink hard and shake my head to regain consciousness and control over my now involuntary body parts. :D He wasn't able to submit me. But he made me question my sanity. :D
When I got home after training, every little bit hurts I was tempted to just go to bed and have that dreamless sleep without fixing my dirty clothes or brushing my teeth. I was that tired. After mustering whatever strength I have left, I went to hang my used and - take note - sweat-soaked gi. That's when I knew, it's been a great night, a great training.
I don't know how it started exactly but, the morning after, while I was walking to work, I caught myself smiling as I was remembering the little details of the night before. I was like this high school girl remembering a little comment a guy I had a little crush on made about my handwriting. :) I don't want to sound too cheesy about it but jiu-jitsu gave me my best and brightest day during a very difficult and trying week.
I am grateful I've found it... I am grateful it found me...
Thursday, November 22, 2012
I think...
1. I'm falling in love;
2. I like being on top;
3. I'm glad for the pain.
We'll see. Let's get to know each other more.
2. I like being on top;
3. I'm glad for the pain.
We'll see. Let's get to know each other more.
Friday, November 16, 2012
First Attempt
November 15, 2012
This day marks my first attempt at stepping into the mats. I had huge butterflies in my stomach the whole day. The Thursday no-gi class at Project Lifestyle Manila gym, home of Deftac Pilipinas at Ortigas, starts at 8PM. At 4:30PM, I had my early dinner. Butterflies. At 5:30PM, I left the office and headed to the gym. Butterflies. At 7:00PM, I arrived at Ortigas. Butterflies. I walked into the gym. Butterflies. I registered at the front desk and signed the waiver. Butterflies. I went to the restroom to change into my workout clothes. Butterflies. I thought that after the preliminaries, the butterflies would have flown away. But within minutes before the class, I still have them, huge than ever. :D I can't quite point out where the nerves are coming from. Maybe it's from expecting and yet not knowing what to expect; not knowing what happens next; not knowing how to act on what could or might happen.
I've been wanting to try and train jiu-jitsu for quite some time now. The curiosity, the interest, was inspired by a man very passionate in what he does: jiu-jitsu. I have not tried, for the longest time since the interest was sparked, because 1) I'm occupied with other stuff - climbing is my passion, and there's surfing, running, Muay Thai classes, and the time spent at planning out how I would fit all the things I wanted to do in my seven-day-only-week schedule; 2) I wanted to try fitness dance classes first; 3) I don't know where and how to start; and 4) I always find excuse not to - the idea/thought of doing jiu-jitsu scares me and I don't know why. All these, until, a very special someone bought me a very nice gi for a birthday gift. During that time, my calendar is full with all activities related to getting into the country's most prestigious, no-nonsense mountaineering organization, the UP Mountaineers. But I made a silent promise to myself. By the time I get inducted into UP Mountaineers, I will do jiu-jitsu.
It seemed all of heaven is working out to make sure I do jiu-jitsu, as promised. A few days before the induction climb, the last step in the UPM application process, Project Lifestyle Manila launched a promo: one-month unlimited BJJ class for only PhP999.00. I got yet another gift. The pre-requisites are complete. All I have to do is to find time.
Last night was it. And though I felt such a newbie, it's a beginning of a beautiful adventure. Learn, that's the main objective. I really wanted to learn. I promise to be a good student. I just want to learn. That's all I could allow myself to think of right now. Everything is in the future. :) What lies ahead, what to expect, I didn't know. It scares me, but I'm sticking around to find out. This is my first attempt. But it's not my last.
This day marks my first attempt at stepping into the mats. I had huge butterflies in my stomach the whole day. The Thursday no-gi class at Project Lifestyle Manila gym, home of Deftac Pilipinas at Ortigas, starts at 8PM. At 4:30PM, I had my early dinner. Butterflies. At 5:30PM, I left the office and headed to the gym. Butterflies. At 7:00PM, I arrived at Ortigas. Butterflies. I walked into the gym. Butterflies. I registered at the front desk and signed the waiver. Butterflies. I went to the restroom to change into my workout clothes. Butterflies. I thought that after the preliminaries, the butterflies would have flown away. But within minutes before the class, I still have them, huge than ever. :D I can't quite point out where the nerves are coming from. Maybe it's from expecting and yet not knowing what to expect; not knowing what happens next; not knowing how to act on what could or might happen.
I've been wanting to try and train jiu-jitsu for quite some time now. The curiosity, the interest, was inspired by a man very passionate in what he does: jiu-jitsu. I have not tried, for the longest time since the interest was sparked, because 1) I'm occupied with other stuff - climbing is my passion, and there's surfing, running, Muay Thai classes, and the time spent at planning out how I would fit all the things I wanted to do in my seven-day-only-week schedule; 2) I wanted to try fitness dance classes first; 3) I don't know where and how to start; and 4) I always find excuse not to - the idea/thought of doing jiu-jitsu scares me and I don't know why. All these, until, a very special someone bought me a very nice gi for a birthday gift. During that time, my calendar is full with all activities related to getting into the country's most prestigious, no-nonsense mountaineering organization, the UP Mountaineers. But I made a silent promise to myself. By the time I get inducted into UP Mountaineers, I will do jiu-jitsu.
It seemed all of heaven is working out to make sure I do jiu-jitsu, as promised. A few days before the induction climb, the last step in the UPM application process, Project Lifestyle Manila launched a promo: one-month unlimited BJJ class for only PhP999.00. I got yet another gift. The pre-requisites are complete. All I have to do is to find time.
Last night was it. And though I felt such a newbie, it's a beginning of a beautiful adventure. Learn, that's the main objective. I really wanted to learn. I promise to be a good student. I just want to learn. That's all I could allow myself to think of right now. Everything is in the future. :) What lies ahead, what to expect, I didn't know. It scares me, but I'm sticking around to find out. This is my first attempt. But it's not my last.
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