I think I am done. While nothing is ever definite in this world, I am pretty sure today was my last jiujitsu competition. I do not say it lightly, nor do I believe circumstances might change so that I feel like I should pick up the reigns again, but I just do not see it. … Continue reading
If you want to become better, then you need to find those few individuals who have something genuine to offer you through the static of YouTube and social media. I am always on the lookout for new mentors, individuals whose lives are dedicated to more than the accumulation of wealth or fame. A few months … Continue reading
It has been a while since I have had a moment to write for my own blog. Being paid to write about jiujitsu has taken precedence, but I felt like this particular chapter of my jiujitsu career deserved a post. So…World Masters 2019? How can one describe the insanity of one of the great BJJ … Continue reading
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. For most people, however, it can become a drone string of repetition without end; a prison of our own making. I have been both imprisoned and wildly free in my own life, and have learned over many years to to remain in the moment while still holding a … Continue reading
Alfred Lord Tennyson’s character’s life, Ulysses, has been what I measure my own life against. I often think of him when I doubt my self-worth or do not know which way to turn. One of my favourite lines from the poem occurs when Ulysses tells his sailors: ” To sail beyond the sunset, and the … Continue reading
I write far more about my jiujitsu journey than almost anyone ever wants to read. I write this particular blog because I have so much to reflect upon, and see no reason to not share my meditations online. If my ramblings inspire one person to try Brazilian jiujitsu or keeps one person on the mats … Continue reading
Leaps forward in any art form demand subversion, synthesis and a willingness to be wrong until you are proven right. All tribes and cults, all teams and religions have their ruleset. Brazilian jiu-jitsu has more than its fair share of dogma. From bowing to”oss”-ing all replies to uniform colours, BJJ has a lot of rules. … Continue reading
I have seen and felt over a thousand different jiujitsu games over the past three years, so when technique leaves me feeling like part of a magic show, I can only applaud the trick. The past week has been spent experiencing the magic of others. Some are subtle sleight of hand maneuvers, while others are … Continue reading
Six days of jiujitsu with players from around the world. Seminars, open mats and long conversations of a drink or two at the end of a hard fought day. Add to that a world class gym [3D Treening] and a exotic Baltic destination [Tallinn, Estonia] and one has a compelling adventure for even the most … Continue reading
My jiujitsu is a little strange in many ways, but perhaps the weirdest challenge I have is that I have no actual guard to speak of with any affection. The guard is what stops opponents from passing your legs and hips to secure points and a stronger position. I do not have one. I mean … Continue reading
The Remains 