tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46926433528105590402024-03-29T02:31:19.443-07:00The Hearts of GrapplersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-70464485427364484782016-06-12T04:12:00.001-07:002016-09-10T16:42:50.212-07:00Coaching and Training Jiujitsu in China <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Both of you have
mentioned training and coaching jiujitsu in China. What’s that like? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Among a storm of issues, women’s perspective on periods in
China is just one of many things that makes life interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember when I was training in China a few years ago, and
I asked one of my female training partners, “You gonna be in class on Friday?”
She responded with a definite, “Nope.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Why not?” I inquired.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Because I’m getting my period soon,” she said. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“...So?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“...So I can’t train on my period.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was dumbfounded. Then I recalled one of my other female
Chinese friends mentioning that she couldn’t work out or eat ice cream on her
period. To be honest, it was one of those moments where the whole
“cross-cultural exchange and communication” thing goes out the window, and all
you can think is, “Are these people crazy or what?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This conversation happened several more times the next couple
years with my female Chinese training partners who would take a week off during
their period. It never ceased to render me speechless. With jiujitsu it only
kind of makes sense because Chinese women don’t use tampons, only pads. I can
only imagine… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But it’s not just jiujitsu. They don’t do any kind of
exercise at all during their period. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I’m back in China and teaching class at my gym four
times a week, more often than I have in the past. Which means that a few months
down the road, someone is inevitably probably going to notice I haven’t taken
any time off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The girls at my current gym talk about their periods openly,
even with our male training partners, saying casually, “Oh, I probably won’t be
in on Wednesday because I’m getting my period soon,” or “I can’t come train
because I’m on my period.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Side note: There is lots of slang for period in Chinese, but
two of the most common are “My great aunt has arrived (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: "dengxian"; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: DengXian; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;">大姨妈来了</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">da yi ma lai le</i>), and to say that you’re
taking your “regular holiday” (<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: "dengxian"; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: DengXian; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;">例假</span>). There are other taboos
associated with periods: Chinese girls don’t drink alcohol, consume cold
beverages or food, or sit in cold air conditioning during their periods either.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wondered when they were going to notice that I haven’t
talked about it or taken any time off. I had a response ready in case the
question came. If the question came in the presence of males, I was prepared to
say, “I can’t talk about this with guys.” I knew they would be totally grossed
out if they knew I trained with them while on my period. Mostly because they
don’t understand women and periods, but also because they don’t know anything
about tampons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the question came in the presence of women, I had an
answer somewhat ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indeed, last week, one of my female training partners
mentioned, “I hope I get my period while I’m away on my business trip so that
when I come back I can start training right away.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then she looked at me. “What are you going to do when you
get your period since you’re coaching so much?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank God I had already prepared for this one or else it
probably would have caught me off guard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Well, first of all, I’m on birth control,” I explained. “So
my periods are super light to begin with, they usually only last 1-2 days
anyway.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“But isn’t birth control bad for you?” she asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“Well not really, but also I have a hormone thing going on
and I need the birth control to stay healthy.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She seemed satisfied with this answer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I said, “Also, we American girls have methods when
we’re on our periods so that it doesn’t affect our training. Sometime if you
come over to my house, I’ll show you.” I was planning to show her my DivaCup
someday. “But also, we don’t have that tradition, that habit to take time off
during our period. From the time we’re young, many of us still exercise while
we’re on our periods.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“But with jiujitsu that would be so gross and embarrassing
with all the different moves and positions.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“Yeah, well I have my ways." I knew that she had been a
collegiate athlete in the past playing volleyball. “What about when you played
volleyball?” I inquired.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Well, if we were on our period, we could still drill, but
just not exert any energy. But with jiujitsu even drilling would not be okay
due to the positions.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cultural differences. It’s not right or wrong, it’s just
different. At first, I thought it was kind of sexist and ignorant of them. But
who am I to say, right? <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/3leh8q/help_how_do_general_american_guys_feel_about/">After all, we Americans are the ones who don’t like totalk about our periods with other people, whereas Chinese girls are very open aboutit and sometimes even expect special treatment from their boyfriends [check outthis reddit thread I found when doing research for this article].</a> After all, maybe
it would be nice to take a break and pamper myself at home every month… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How does coaching and
training jiujitsu in China give you a unique perspective on gender relations in
China?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In terms of gender equality at the gym, I would say that
China is probably about 75 years behind the United States (think 1950s era) in
terms of gender stereotypes about women and female participation in sports. One
of my female training partners has encouraged me several times to “Never tell a
guy that you do jiujitsu because otherwise you will never find a boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Male newcomers at the gym openly laugh and gawk at me during
their first few classes and tell me, “A Chinese girl would never do what you
do,” completely ignoring the fact that there are other Chinese women in the
class, not to mention the Chinese Olympians who take the world with gold medals
each year. Some men feel super awkward in the positions, and some even make
comments about not wanting to accidentally touch my breasts (WTF?). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Man-splaining has been brought to a whole new level. I
regularly scold new students for telling the girls--who have been training with
me for years--what to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, I have some absolutely wonderful male
teammates here in China who treat me like a sister and who have been supportive
and respectful to me as their coach since day one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevertheless, jiujitsu is still highly stigmatized against
females in China. We think we have it bad in the US? It’s a walk in the park
compared to China. At most of the gyms I have trained at, the gyms usually have
1-2 girls (~5%) per class.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I’ve found many of the Chinese women who stick with
jiujistu to be, for the most part, bad-ass chicks who are going against some
pretty strong stereotypes and cultural expectations to participate in the
sport. Some even keep it a secret from their families and friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look forward to many more years challenging gender
stereotypes in China. It’s my hope that someday China’s cultural expectations
will expand to include more open and inclusive understandings of gender. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, I’m enjoying coaching in China. The
cultural exchanges and challenges, such as with the period issue, are what make
life in China interesting and exciting. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coaching in Chinese is not my ideal
situation, and sometimes I find myself at a loss for words. However, I often
find that demonstrating without language is more effective anyway. And because
jiujitsu is such an undeveloped frontier in China, I consider at in-road into
further cultural exchanges and gender norms in roads that are still unpaved in
China. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of long, tiring days in a foreign country, there
isn’t anything better then leaving it all behind, stepping onto the mat, and
rolling with people when few words are needed and cultural differences are
forgotten. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in 11 competitions.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-16006397578023478192016-05-02T23:04:00.002-07:002016-09-10T16:43:27.523-07:00Sustainable Jiujitsu<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>I’m totally exhausted at the end of every training session. How do I keep from getting injured or burning out?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Developing a long-term training plan and sustainable jiujitsu practice is key to ensuring that we can keep practicing jiujitsu into our eighties as Renzo Gracie did. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I’ve recently noticed a few patterns with the female cohort at my gym. <b>First, I know several women who have recently been injured or been completely exhausted by jiujistu.</b> A couple of my friends even had to take several months off from jiujitsu because, in their own words, “I’m just completely burned out mentally and physically by jiujitsu.” <a href="http://heartsofgrapplers.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-jiujitsu-confession-i-burned-out.html">See Meg’s own post about this</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Second, among the women there are ego flare-ups—for example, blue belts getting resentful after a white belt taps them, or white belts going too hard with other white belts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>I’ve had conversations that uncomfortably cross into the realm of, “She always taps me out,” or “At least I tapped her out.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Since when did jiujitsu become all about tapping or getting tapped?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I have to admit that I’m definitely guilty of all of these habits. Once I trained so much that I barely had any energy to walk up the stairs in my house. Other times I found myself unmotivated to go to the gym, or else just completely bored during randoori sessions as I repeated the armbar-triangle pattern over and over again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There is a white belt who regularly taps me during training. There is another white belt whose guard I cannot pass. There is another white belt I still haven’t been able to tap. During those sessions, I often get frustrated by this and react by <b>either spazzing out on them, pulling back and getting completely passive, or just bottling it up and crying in the shower later</b>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/8Jgsmvh_vY/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">What's your checklist? #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjconfessions #jiujitsu #jits #grappling #wrestling #ufc #mma #martialarts #artesuave #gym #training #fitspo #lol #ibjjf #adcc #graciemag #jitsmag #bjjlifestyle #acai #protein #metamoris</a></div>
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A photo posted by Marco Bellusci (@bjjconfessions) on <time datetime="2015-09-27T21:09:33+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 27, 2015 at 2:09pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I realized recently that if I kept holding on to these habitual attitudes--burning out and getting frustrated--it wouldn’t be long before I either got injured or quit jiujitsu. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>What I mean by “sustainable jiujitsu” is training such that we don’t get injured or burned out easily. We can develop skills so that we train as much as possible for as long as possible. </b>Jiujitsu is meant to be a life-long sport, but it’s necessary to practice some skills to ensure you keep practicing for years to come. Here are some tips:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take days off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Get enough sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eat clean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Every session doesn’t need to be war.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s okay to tap out. It’s okay to get your guard passed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You don’t need to submit people all the time. Sometimes it’s good to practice new moves instead of always going for the tap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Focus on learning and practicing new things. If we’re always doing the same move from the same position, we’re going to get bored really fast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />•</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep your ego out of it.<b> Practice detaching from the outcome.</b> You will take all the fun out of it, and probably end up getting injured or burned out, if you focus on who tapped out who, how often, and when. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a time and a place for focusing on getting submissions: competition and competition training. If your gym doesn’t have specified competition-training classes, you can set aside one or two days a week during free sparring randoori to focus on getting submissions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Remember the point of jiujitsu is to learn new things, </b>improve on those things, help others improve, to challenge ourselves, and to have fun. Focusing on submissions all the time can take these goals out of it for both you and your partner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Remember respect for the people who try new things, not the ones who are just beating up the lower belts. If we can cultivate a culture of helping each other and learning rather than one of aggression and defeat, we can ensure that jiujitsu becomes a long-term practice no matter our age. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This post is not meant to advocate being lazy either. <b>It’s always good to keep challenging yourself in terms of technique, speed, and strength. I</b> am advocating for pushing yourself as hard as you can, but with an appropriate balance between focusing on getting submissions, while also learning new techniques in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Sustainable jiujitsu practice requires maintaining a delicate and tricky balance of challenging yourself mentally and physically, while also recognizing your limits.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Some days I’m so mentally burned out with adrenaline from the stress of work that all I can do is turn my brain off and go as hard as I can by using the techniques I know best. Some days I’m so physically burned out that all I want to do is hang out in bottom of guard and try the new sweep-submission combo from lasso guard. <b>There is no right or wrong way to go about this. The point is to make sure that we are staying aware of our mental and physical limits and having fun while we’re at it. </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in 11 competitions.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-1632623081593737812016-03-19T20:29:00.000-07:002016-05-02T23:15:44.594-07:00Confessions of BJJ WomenYou thought only men farted or got aroused on the mat? Think again. Here is our first installment of BJJ confessions from myself, Liz, and a few other anonymous BJJ ladies!<br />
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<ul>
<li>I thought jiujitsu sounded stupid the first time I heard of it, years before I started training. How wrong I was.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>During intense competition training one day, I was spotting between periods and bled through my gi pants. My friend tried to say something, but I was so worked up that I ignored her and completed the class with a big red stain on my pants. Later she said, "I tried to tell you!"</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I avoid some techniques because I have small panic attacks when my legs get trapped. I can't even sleep with the sheets tucked in. I don't know why, but my body freaks out and it almost hurts.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sometimes I get slightly aroused against my will doing certain moves, like when people grab between my legs in side control. I can’t help it, and it makes me glad that being female means no one can tell.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>One time I was rolling with my coach when I felt a fart coming on. I stopped moving and clenched my butt cheeks. My coach said, “Come on, don’t give up now! You have to keep moving, dig deep!” I bit my lip and kept going, praying that I wouldn’t fart on him.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I <i>did</i> fart on my coach, and it was loud enough to echo off the walls. I tried to cover it up with a cough, but he was smirking.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce9Lrzmme1kMIdpAogNoXtsDW2XkzmZKvG2lZRi4Kys8ACzwrBBGFhwhOlfwVFcUNSQK5pHRWcSwE2Ma-OIkfWmNvLa4QTWsQPT7CTDSUBhyphenhyphenRL2iMLdF5jci7zX9AElHPnzPQz9v2LhbB/s1600/bjj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce9Lrzmme1kMIdpAogNoXtsDW2XkzmZKvG2lZRi4Kys8ACzwrBBGFhwhOlfwVFcUNSQK5pHRWcSwE2Ma-OIkfWmNvLa4QTWsQPT7CTDSUBhyphenhyphenRL2iMLdF5jci7zX9AElHPnzPQz9v2LhbB/s1600/bjj.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">They do, and it will happen in their triangle. Enjoy.</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>I only know how to tie my belt the "super knot" way and not the traditional way.</li>
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<ul>
<li>I was practicing the fan sweep and really trying to put the hip thrust motion into it as hard as I could. My partner was a newbie and apparently hadn’t figured out he should wear spandex under his gi pants. I could feel his boner.</li>
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<li>Teammates have commented on my smooth legs (in a non-creepy way), but I rarely ever shave above my knees thanks to gi pants.</li>
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<li>I hold grudges when men bully and muscle me around on the mat, and I make them pay when I finally get the upper hand whether it's in the same roll or two weeks later.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I was going for the belt when I grabbed my partner’s balls--a whole handful of them. He played it cool, but I was mortified.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvykS4vPTuaEkfJcouTOPjBkZRXI0XwcrPd_YqIaC1ZZu5ln4r3x2GGd3nxk-umne7s-Jqp9vZhoelsuVmcm6-hVcV-swfs5Aua8xP5TA08vI4pfGCsnzuoEJfSmc8bmuqnMf5tyE619oH/s1600/bjj1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvykS4vPTuaEkfJcouTOPjBkZRXI0XwcrPd_YqIaC1ZZu5ln4r3x2GGd3nxk-umne7s-Jqp9vZhoelsuVmcm6-hVcV-swfs5Aua8xP5TA08vI4pfGCsnzuoEJfSmc8bmuqnMf5tyE619oH/s320/bjj1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ball control, 10 out of 10.</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>During a no-gi match for gold, my shirt rolled up my stomach, and I got self-conscious with everyone watching. She passed my guard because I stopped to pull my shirt down.</li>
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<ul>
<li>Jiujitsu is a spiritual experience for me. The gym is my sanctuary.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I convinced my coaches I didn't want to work with one guy because he was too spazzy. In actuality, I didn't want to work with him because he always grabbed my ass--in rolls, in drills, and even when we lined up to say goodbye. (Disclaimer: I should have told my coaches. Please tell someone if this happens to you.)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I like being in back control because it feels like cuddling.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I once unintentionally caressed my coach's balls with my foot while trying to learn De La Riva guard. I kept my foot there a few awkward seconds too long trying to figure out why his thigh was so soft.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bjjconfessions/">Check out this Instagram page for more hilarious confessions! </a></div>
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Have a confession of your own and want to include it in our next installment anonymously? Send it to us at liz.meg223@gmail.com!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-34930967068564348672016-02-21T15:35:00.001-08:002016-09-10T16:43:55.460-07:00The Color of the Belt <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember when I was an energetic and spastic white belt with a naive heart full of hope and eyes full of wonder for the world of jiujitsu. I was like a recently inducted member of a secret cult; or perhaps a new lover eager to please; or an addict needing a fix. I recall lining up in rank order at the end of the queue, and sometimes I would lean my head forward just an inch and sneak a look out of the corner of my right eye. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outstretched before me was a long row of colorful belts like they were mocking me and saying, “You are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">literally</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> THE worst.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-adc4d4be-0626-8c70-0879-c450c8f18742" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember when I was a white belt, I idolized the blue belts like they were demigods. The purple belts? They were (are) practically gods. The brown and black belts? I won’t even mention those gods of gods. (I am not worthy! *kowtows* I am not worthy!)</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I rolled with blue belts, their technique dominated mine. They could fold me into a pretzel, armbar me in their sleep, and pass my guard before I even got in guard. They had fancy techniques I’d never seen and could manipulate my limbs like it was their job. They seemed so experienced, so COOL. They were the eighth graders in middle school, the cool kids in the cafeteria, the seniors in high school. They seemed untouchable to me. They were what I wanted so badly to be. They gave me advice, and I hung on to every word. They intimidated me with their skill and experience, and with their jokes, handshakes, nods, and knowing smiles. They were all friends with each other, and I was the awkward and uncoordinated noob. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a white belt definitely feels like adolescence sometimes. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After I’d had my white belt for one year and four months, a friend hinted that if I did well at the next tournament, I might be ready for my blue belt. “No way,” I responded, though inside I was doing cartwheels. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe, just maybe, it was time for me to enter the rank of the blues. </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I did relatively well at that tournament. In no-gi, I lost by points in the finals after barely missing an armbar (and, somewhat regretfully but not really, fucking up the girl’s elbow because she refused to tap). In gi, I lost in the finals by points to a ferocious white belt who was also the wife of a famous black belt. So that one didn’t really even count, right? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My coaches kept telling me how proud they were of me. “How long have you had your white belt?” one coach asked me after my matches were over. “A little over a year,” I responded shyly. Could this be it? Could this be the moment I’m finally promoted? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indeed, a couple days later during morning training, the two coaches who had helped me the most in my training up to that point promoted me to blue belt. Finally, all my hard work had amounted to something great. I was one step higher on the totem pole. I was bursting with pride. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The thrill of being a blue belt was short-lived.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whereas yesterday I was a highly skilled white belt, suddenly overnight I became a sucky blue belt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a belt promotion there’s elation and ecstasy and then… you crash. It’s gone in the next moment. You fall low and you can practically feel the vertigo as you drop suddenly… now what? You’ve worked so hard to get to this point and now that it’s here… and it’s almost anti-climactic… under-whelming. It’s on to the next stripe, the next belt color.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I lost pretty badly at the next five competitions I participated in. I doubted myself as a blue belt for the next two years. I couldn’t stop that nagging feeling in the back of my head that kept saying, “You only got promoted to blue belt because you’re female.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could just imagine the coaches' conversation, as if I had eavesdropped: “Well… she’s pretty good… for a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">girl</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We should just give her a blue belt because she tries really hard.” In other words, not unlike the awful pity fuck, I thought they had given me a pity promotion. After all, how could I deserve my blue belt when I was still getting destroyed by white belts? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note to self: Try not to make up assumptions and conversations in your head. You’re almost always completely wrong. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, coming up on the third anniversary of my blue belt promotion, I feel more confident with my blue belt status. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, even after three years as a blue belt, I would be horrified if I was promoted to purple belt anytime in the foreseeable future</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Sure, it would be nice to be acknowledged by my coaches for the time and effort I’ve spent on the mat. The seduction of external validation is not entirely lost on me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d still prefer to just curl up with my blue belt and hang out in mediocrity. Sometimes I don’t want to have the pressure of having to perform at a higher level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In one sense, I think that’s why we get promoted: to push us into the ranks of the next level. I would guess there are tons of people in my gym who would love to stay blue belts forever. Because once we get promoted, the pressure mounts and we’re expected to perform at a certain level. It pushes us to keep improving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet… why? <b>Why does it matter what color my belt is? It shouldn’t matter. It simply means that you’ve been doing jiujitsu for a certain period of time.</b> And yet… it carries some undeniable baggage along with it. And I think everyone experiences and interprets that baggage differently. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe it’s an ego thing. It would be nice to remain as a good blue belt for the rest of eternity. I just want to stay in my comfort zone. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My blue belt is like a security blanket now</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, a kind of shield that keeps me from the shame of being dominated by purple belts and keeps me doing relatively well at tournaments.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel no shame whatsoever when a purple belt dominates me, like one did the other day so much that my head spun and I started seeing stars, I walked off the mat licking my wounds with the comforting thoughts of, “Well, she was a purple belt. Of course she’s better than me. She’s probably been doing jiujistu for like 15 years.”</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a blue belt, white belts still tap me out occasionally. And when that happens, my ego gets bruised really bad. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In situations when we feel our ego pulling a temper tantrum, I think it’s important to remember </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">jiujitsu is about the process</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">--of learning, of challenging yourself, of trying something new, of being vulnerable. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj4fgZqDrAf7Tqd5UtYFDxKX9NtDMzxQbd0fMY6NzsU4I_FQ68D9F9nKDB19MXQKHYVQr0vsP48V1x_laz8HEiod-VgYATJIAcjA5a4Nmmaj_K6E7GTN-zvvPZopcJsH2rLNx-zNplGCw/s1600/perfectionism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj4fgZqDrAf7Tqd5UtYFDxKX9NtDMzxQbd0fMY6NzsU4I_FQ68D9F9nKDB19MXQKHYVQr0vsP48V1x_laz8HEiod-VgYATJIAcjA5a4Nmmaj_K6E7GTN-zvvPZopcJsH2rLNx-zNplGCw/s1600/perfectionism.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The thrill of jiujitsu for me comes with trying something new even when I’m scared of losing the position. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten my guard passed by a white belt because I was trying to work butterfly or X-guard, or gotten swept when trying a new submission. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet that one in a millionth time when you’re actually successful with a new move? That is thrilling like nothing else, and in a second we’re transported back to our white belt inner-child, high on cloud-nine after finishing a triangle. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px;">And yet the thought of getting my purple belt terrifies me. When I get my purple, I will return to the bottom of the totem pole again, this time as a sucky purple belt. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we feel we are sucking at life or sucking on the mat, it’s important to remember it’s not the people who are good at stuff who we respect. It’s not just because we have a blue or a black belt that people are going to respect us, or even how well we can close that triangle. It’s the people who make an effort whom we respect.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> It’s the people who approach the world with adventure, who are okay with failure, and who reach out with compassion--those are the people who we respect. </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20.24px;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in 11 competitions.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-3559174525206766412016-01-10T20:08:00.002-08:002016-09-10T17:02:38.775-07:00A Jiujitsu Confession: I Burned Out<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;">Meg</i><br />
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I have not trained jiujitsu in almost two months. When I moved home from China, I decided to take a break for several reasons: injuries (I can now turn my head all the way to the right and almost so on the left!), wallet (going from paying nothing to $150 a month feels like lopping off an arm), and the last reason, <b>the <i>guilty confession</i>--I burned out on jiujitsu.</b><br />
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At the time, I didn't want to admit I was burnt out. Seemed like a sin. I was a coach and part of gym management, but I dreaded going to the gym. I wanted to relax and work on other interests. I wanted to look over my shoulder without having to turn my entire body.<br />
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Looking back with some perspective, I’m cutting myself some slack. A handful of factors contributed to the burn-out, starting with the original founder and head coach leaving the summer before. The person who had provided motivation, encouragement, and drive left a hole in the gym atmosphere.<br />
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Afterwards, two other teachers shared the responsibility of teaching advanced classes. Although each very talented, the techniques became muddled. One day we learned single leg X guard, and the next we learned De la Riva. My brain did not compute, and under the lack of pattern and repetition, I stopped picking up new techniques.<br />
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Early in 2015, the club moved to a new, nicer location. We added classes, and I picked up two beginner's classes to teach. <b>Coaching others and watching them succeed provided the positivity and enjoyment I'd been missing.</b><br />
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Advanced classes, on the other hand, shrank to include just a few people. The lightest, compared to my 53 kilos (121 lbs), was still 20 kilos (44 lbs) heavier. After receiving a few more injuries, I stopped rolling with all except one safe partner.<br />
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With my interest at an all-time low, I did what any person would do: <b>I questioned my love for jiujitsu. </b><br />
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My friend, Sarah, and I took a BJJ-intensive trip to Thailand (read all about it <a href="http://heartsofgrapplers.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-travel-guide-to-training-in-thailand.html">here</a> and <a href="http://heartsofgrapplers.blogspot.com/2015/09/training-in-thailand-heart-of-matter.html">here</a>) in August, where we only trained. We trained two times a day, at least four hours a day, gi and no-gi. I challenged myself to train with everyone. I gained some much-needed training with Sarah, someone of a similar build, mindset, and level.<br />
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Most importantly, in Thailand I trained under Olavo Abreu. This coach corrected my technique, adjusted movements for my size, and passionately encouraged me during rolls (in a somewhat unintelligible Brazilian accent.) Slowly, my interest showed its face again. <b>I felt excitement for jiujitsu that I hadn't felt in over a year, and I fell in love with it again that week.</b><br />
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Following this trip, I decided to focus on coaching until returning to America in November. Coaching the once-awkward-and-uncoordinated-noob to a basic level, and then watching them armbar some newer noob made me excited and content. Adjusting techniques for size and injuries brought me new understanding of the moves and leverage. <b>There are better ways to learn jiujitsu than getting pancaked under a 90-kilo (200-lb) man.</b><br />
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Back to the present. For now, I'm letting myself take this break. My husband and I train together occasionally, but I am focused on other goals at the moment, like returning to school for another degree. Last night, I tried rock climbing with my sister--something I'd have never had the time to do before. It was fantastic.<br />
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When I get back on the mats in a class setting, that will be an awesome moment. I look forward to it every day. But, right now for the first time in three years, <b>jiujitsu does not take priority in my life. And that's okay.</b><br />
<i><br /><br />Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in five competitions.</i><br />
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Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your feedback or questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-17597720110736105402015-12-31T08:42:00.002-08:002016-09-10T16:45:21.172-07:00Maintaining the Work/Life/Train Equilibrium<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m too busy to train. How can I balance obligations to my family and my crazy work schedule with jiujitsu training?</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-926ea3f6-f8dc-edda-da31-f00e26360a9c" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I competed last month, and in the five days leading up to the competition, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took some time off from the gym</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to rest up. I thought to myself, “Hooray! Now I’ll have more time to devote to work and school.” Indeed, I did spend more time in the office than I normally do, but I can say with confidence that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t actually get more work done</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I spent a lot of time staring at my computer screen doing nothing, playing on my phone, or otherwise distracting myself with Facebook, Reddit, and Netflix. My brain just couldn’t sustain the additional workload I expected from it, especially in the absence of physical activity.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not the first time this has happened. There was a period of time a couple years ago when I wasn’t able to train. Sometimes it takes time off from the gym to realize how much you appreciate its presence in your life. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent more time in the office, but wasn’t any more productive than when I’m training regularly. Normally when I know I have training in the evening, I work efficiently and concentrate on the task at hand so that I can get everything done. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But when I don’t have my training time as a deadline, I procrastinate and easily get distracted when I’m trying to do work. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a result I end up staying at the office late, but don’t end up getting much done. I leave the office feeling burned out and unproductive. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I try to maintain a satisfying work/play balance, but we all know it’s easier said than done. How can I follow my dreams of being a successful career woman and writing a book, while still maintaining connections with my family and friends? When is it time for me to buckle down and work hard, and when is it time to take the day off and spend time with the people I love? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I often struggle with how and when to make jiujitsu a priority in my life. Many of the women (and men) who have families especially struggle with when to train and when to spend time with and take care of their kids. For me, sometimes it feels like jiujitsu </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">should</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> take a lower priority over work and friends. After all, it’s really just a hobby, while my career and family is my future and my life. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, since I began training over four years ago, I’ve learned from experience that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">training is essential for my mental health</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Training is a type of self-compassion (it’s my ME time) that I cannot live without because my training time is key to keeping myself from burning out.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In other words, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">not</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> training would be the most selfish thing I could do. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I didn’t have the “me time” that training allows, I wouldn’t have the energy to be present for my family and friends. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quitting training would be the most detrimental thing I could do for my career</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If I didn’t have the stress outlet that training allows, I wouldn’t have the mental or physical energy to devote to work and school.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you’re super busy, that’s when training is most important to get rid of the stress and keep yourself from burning out mentally. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether you’re studying for school, working in an office, or taking care of kids at home, we all need mat time for some self-care, stress relief, and time away from the house. Not only is physical activity key for getting a good dose of endorphins, but training allows you to see friendly faces at the gym and devote time to yourself and something you love to do for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pure fun, something all of us need and most of us simply don’t get enough of. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t think about the train/life balance as an opposed dichotomy. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I see my training and my life as fundamentally intertwined: training is my life and my life is training.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Training is fundamental to my life not just for the physical and mental benefits, but also for the friendships and community that I’ve been able to build as a result. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As I reflect on 2015, I’m so grateful for the presence of jiujitsu in my life.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> BJJ changed my life in a big way. It gave me confidence to protect and stand up for myself, helped me to believe in my value and worth, and gave me a sense of purpose and meaning. Last spring when I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a status update from a training partner and friend, Christal Christian. She wrote the following message, “from the bottom of my heart,” she told me later. She wrote beautifully about how I feel regarding the importance of jiujitsu in my life. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwlpSDv49VXOhDaKNtbmdKKVhHw_BzAEUK9fuvhug7CAWTZAP-tHfo6UI2L-dQMorr4DSy1G8w2fGvJdHxU56Dyzog_SH2rCt_vw0OkIOc-aUwhm6bx5koRcTmwnRskGt1g4KDAHdHg8L/s1600/http---www.pixteller.com-pdata-t-l-266937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwlpSDv49VXOhDaKNtbmdKKVhHw_BzAEUK9fuvhug7CAWTZAP-tHfo6UI2L-dQMorr4DSy1G8w2fGvJdHxU56Dyzog_SH2rCt_vw0OkIOc-aUwhm6bx5koRcTmwnRskGt1g4KDAHdHg8L/s640/http---www.pixteller.com-pdata-t-l-266937.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few weeks ago, I was drilling with another female BJJ enthusiast. After we were done drilling, we sat on the mat and talked for over an hour (it was mid-day and the gym was virtually empty). We talked about the ups and downs of life and our insecurities, and she gave me advice on how to deal with emotional hardships, as well as being a woman in a male-dominated environment: keep a journal, don’t stop writing, believe in your fundamental value as a human being, and don’t be ashamed to take up space and stand up for yourself. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After drilling and talking with her, I realized that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">training isn’t just about going through the motions of a move or roll.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It’s about community. It’s about having the time to talk and laugh with friends. Even though that hour I spent talking with her was one hour I didn’t spend at the office, it was 100% worth it. I realized then that the time I’ve spent at the gym whether training or talking with friends has been worth it, whether for keeping me sane, keeping me devoted to work and family, or keeping me mentally and physically healthy. And I’m not saying to never take time off. Rest and recovery is just as important as your time in the gym and taking breaks are key for keeping jiujitsu a sustainable life practice. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping the work/life/train balance in equilibrium is key. Work and life are not opposed dichotomies. It’s not a zero-sum game where time training necessarily means time subtracted from your life.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Nobody wants the work/life/train spheres to be fighting in a hierarchical ranking of one over the other.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Rather, if you can bring them into an intertwined equilibrium, you can develop community and take care of your health at the same time. Who knows? Someday you might even build a career out of doing jiujitsu, and get your family on the mats, too.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.24px;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in 11 competitions. She’s learned through training that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your feedback or questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-82620217493226299612015-11-15T07:22:00.001-08:002016-09-10T16:45:47.680-07:00Maintaining a Jiujitsu Journal<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<i>By Liz</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why should I keep a jiujitsu journal?</span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A jiujitsu journal is a place where you can write down the techniques you learned that day, as well as record your physical state (“pain in right knee, very fatigued after 2 rolls, ate too much too close to training”) and general experiences during that training session (“felt great today, fun flow roll with Josh at the beginning, got smashed by Kayla during last roll”). </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are several good reasons to keep a journal devoted to jiujitsu:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping a jiujitsu journal encourages you to pay close attention during class</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: When you know you’re going to be writing down the techniques later, you are forced to pay attention to every detail--both while the coach is talking and while you are drilling the move. I’ve found that sometimes I space out while the coach is talking and sometimes even do the moves half-heartedly, just going through the motions without really paying attention to what I’m doing and ignoring the details. However, when I know I have to write down the techniques later, I pay close attention to what all four of my limbs are doing, where to put the pressure, when to change positions, how exactly to hold each grip, and how to transition through each move… because otherwise my notes will be crap later. This helps me get the most out of my training time. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping a jiujitsu journal encourages drilling before and after class</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Sometimes I’m so tired after class that I head to the locker rooms right away without a second thought about what I learned that day. But when I know I have to write the techniques down later, I’ll stay after class and review the moves a few times with a willing partner for five minutes, and will often come back early the next day to drill the moves again. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The process of writing helps you remember and creates a record for later:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You will inevitably forget the details, and keeping a journal allows you to keep going back and drilling moves you learned weeks or months later, helping reinforce the muscle memory of various techniques into your brain. </span></div>
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</ul>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How should I keep a jiujitsu journal?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are my tips for keeping the journal: </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drill the moves you learned that day again after class is over</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and make sure you have all the details correct and solid. Ask your coach to watch you do the move once to make sure you’re doing it correctly. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Write it down as soon as you get home</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (or, even better, in the locker room) in as much detail as possible.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep all of the entries in one place and organized by date</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and give some details for who your partner was to help jog your memory when you look back on the entry later.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Detail how you were feeling emotionally and physically that day</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Some people also keep a food journal as well. This will help you pick up patterns. For awhile, I was feeling really weak during rolls. When I went back to review my notes, I noticed that in my notes, I was writing “feeling fatigued” during most of my entries. That prompted me to see a nutritionist, who informed me that I wasn’t eating enough. If I hadn’t kept that record, I think I would have thought I was just tired and not realized that it was a consistent trend that was affecting my training. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frequently review your notes.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Go through them once at the end of the week, and again at the end of the month. This will help refresh your memory. This will also help you get better at writing them, because when you look back on your notes from the week before, you will realize the details you left out but need to include next time. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping a jiujitsu journal helps keep you focused on technique and helps organize your thoughts. It also helps you keep track of your progress and any injuries or illness. Although it can take an extra 15 minutes of your time each day, it’s definitely worth it to keep you progressing through advanced moves. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.24px;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in 11 competitions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your feedback or questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-24938404437318290992015-11-08T10:02:00.000-08:002016-09-10T16:59:52.328-07:00An Abridged Beginner's Guide to BJJ for Women<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 14.784px; white-space: normal;">Meg</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In BJJ, women face a slew of unique issues, and as beginners in this sport, your male coach is probably not your best source. Sure, he's got 50 ways to do an armbar, but does he know how to strap boobs down so as not to suffocate during inverted guard? Just for fun, try asking him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this post, we cover the bare bones of several issues and questions female beginners usually encounter, but might be afraid to ask. All topics have been or will be covered in more detail on our blog, but in the meantime, consult this abridged version!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What You Should Wear</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A T-shirt and gym shorts are always acceptable. If you attend a gi class, you may be provided with the appropriate uniform. In a no-gi class, remember to wear long shorts or leggings. Think twice about low-cut shirts or just a sports bra. In BJJ, clothing gets yanked around constantly, and your boob popping out on some red-faced guy is a situation that should be avoided. Once you get started, you might decide to buy a rash guard, which is a tight spandex shirt that keep everything tucked in tight and comfortable. Larger-chested ladies might want to consider doubling up on sports bras. Remove any jewelry and makeup before class.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ik_HS9AIqR9tMjojzxlcvbfknMeMG8ioOfz38wBCJM8k0xMnI8GMaEts63MhO3F48Ljzy3jMUpiXBV52YkM_gnBf_F1eQDAYGCVL-cUvK7BNeAlUrBvc6OZUPk2SdGPITbLWrMguCxhN/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ik_HS9AIqR9tMjojzxlcvbfknMeMG8ioOfz38wBCJM8k0xMnI8GMaEts63MhO3F48Ljzy3jMUpiXBV52YkM_gnBf_F1eQDAYGCVL-cUvK7BNeAlUrBvc6OZUPk2SdGPITbLWrMguCxhN/s320/photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lady has a nice double-braid combo going on to control her hair.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hair Issues, Fixes, and Puns</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possibly one of the most annoying things about rolling is your hair. Stay on top and it's all dandy, but the minute you get caught, the situation gets…hairy. Ever see a woman go into a guillotine with a perfect ponytail and escape with an atomic explosion on her head? It looks something like those 80's trolls.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You're thinking, I'll just give up and roll with my hair free. No. It will fall into your mouth and smother you. It will slap people across the face. It will get stuck under your partner's knee, and you'll be left staring at chunks of hair on the mat in horror.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some fixes women (and long-haired men) have developed, so you can roll without hair-rowing troubles.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -21px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 9.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut it off: The most obvious but perhaps the scariest option. However, gone are days when you retie your hair during and after every roll. <a href="https://m.facebook.com/MegJitsu/albums/217227644975620/" target="_blank">Check out some other BJJ gals liberated by short hair here.</a></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -21px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bind it in braids: If you have long, thick hair, this option may work best for you. Be sure to keep them very tight, but using bobby pins is a no-no. Your partner won't appreciate getting stabbed by your hair accessories. (Et tu, Brute?)</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -21px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Place it strategically: In BJJ, you spend a lot of time with your head scraping across the ground. Whether you prefer a braid or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hxq5Aks1ns" target="_blank">Ronda Rousey buns</a>, keep your hair high or low on your head.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeTiK7LKBQq1sszEV8yJxm6b_f7GAL4_ihj8Asa8uyfUR_2-iw17h7uCn1MhGw8GWWp8gOmwz7Cb0s-12IZRug4Fi2VcIqI1wvAJKGdY_elEZ1Ac8DJemlRwX9nYGcFqjh4M-t2H4nTft/s1600/ronda+rousey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeTiK7LKBQq1sszEV8yJxm6b_f7GAL4_ihj8Asa8uyfUR_2-iw17h7uCn1MhGw8GWWp8gOmwz7Cb0s-12IZRug4Fi2VcIqI1wvAJKGdY_elEZ1Ac8DJemlRwX9nYGcFqjh4M-t2H4nTft/s320/ronda+rousey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Training on Your Period</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the flexible pads, sports tampons, and even <a href="http://divacup.com/" target="_blank">this cup</a> that we have today, training on your period is a non-issue. Exercise actually alleviates cramps and bloating, but keep in mind your body might be weaker during menstruation and cut yourself some slack if you can't perform as well as usual. If you typically experience a heavy flow, double up on products (e.g., tampon + pad) and wear dark pants, just in case.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unexpected Things You Should Expect</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Expect to fart on someone, and be farted on, and then laugh about it or start coughing as a cover-up. You're probably not fooling anyone though. Expect to get so drenched in sweat that you're not sure how much is yours and how much is your partner's. Expect that fateful, slow-motion moment when a drop of sweat rolls off your partner's nose and lands in your eye.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-b302898c-ed5c-79ff-82cb-8f6feb1fad93" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Train long enough and you will almost certainly encounter these gross situations. However, expect to feel stronger, braver, and more confident. Expect to feel badass.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How to Act</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are taking time to read this post, I assume you are serious about BJJ, or at least you are not solely there to cause trouble. Women have made small strides in the BJJ world to be recognized for their hard work, dedication, and talent. When another woman struts across the mat in tiny clothing and smoky-eyed makeup then spends the whole class giggling and making vulgar suggestions about mount, it unfairly reflects on us all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All personalities are welcome on the mat, and when you're there, please demand the respect other women have been chasing for decades. We still have a long way to go. Welcome to the team.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;">Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in five competitions.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; white-space: normal;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-35107146603566290342015-10-18T23:00:00.001-07:002016-09-10T16:46:20.111-07:00Building Respect<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post was originally titled, “Building Respect as a Female Coach.” Meg and I are both coaches of primarily male students at our respective gyms, and thus feel we have unique perspectives and useful advice on coaching BJJ. However, I changed the title because I think the following is relevant to everyone, not just jiujitsu coaches. Because at the end of the day, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">building respect as a female coach is really about building respect for yourself as a person</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ea6-63f6-d6a6-b79000347fca" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For a variety of historical, societal, and cultural reasons, women often find themselves struggling for the respect they deserve. As female coaches, we need to make a concerted effort to build rapport with our students because respect usually doesn’t come easily to us. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is meant to help with that by sharing some advice and experiences on building respect. <a href="http://heartsofgrapplers.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-bitch-versus-flirt.html" target="_blank">I briefly talked about setting high standards, instilling confidence in others, and expressing compassion towards insecurity on the mat in a previous post.</a> Here, I’m first going to discuss my thoughts on practicing courage and compassion by setting clear boundaries. Second, I’m going to share some practical tips on building respect and communicating value. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">COURAGE AND COMPASSION</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building respect with your students is about striking a balance between courage and compassion. Or as I sometimes like to think, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">commanding respect is about being a chocolate-covered pretzel: salty and sweet at the same time. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I mean by “courage” in this context is the act of firmly setting, clearly communicating, and consistently maintaining your standards and boundaries. Shout-out to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Gifts-Imperfection-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X" target="_blank">Brene Brown</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Self-Compassion-Proven-Power-Being-Yourself/dp/0061733520" target="_blank">Kristin Neff</a> (check out their books I’ve linked to here) for inspiring me in this arena. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First one needs to take the time to decide what the ground rules are going to be. For example, lateness will not be tolerated, and each student must do 1 burpee for every 1 minute they are late. No talking while I’m talking, and talking will result in getting kicked off the mat. Rude or inappropriate behavior will result in a firm talking-to after class.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now here comes the hard part: sticking to your boundaries.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This is the scary part for most of us. I know when I set out to punish a student, sometimes my voice gets shaky and face gets hot. It takes courage to put your foot down. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think about any good parent, teacher, or coach you have had in your past. This is what sets them apart from the rest: they clearly communicated their standards, but also maintained their boundaries. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As soon as you let someone disregard a boundary you have clearly communicated to them, you show them that they can break rules with no consequences. You lose respect as an authority figure in that moment. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to maintaining your boundaries, the other key to building mutual respect with your students is in setting high standards. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could keep going over mount escapes with my students every single week, but I make sure to keep them progressing through more and more challenging techniques because I know they can rise to the challenge. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By presenting them with a high standard and expecting them to live up to it, I communicate to them that I respect them as students able to execute challenging techniques, which instills in each one of them a sense of confidence and I gain respect as a teacher in the process.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After all, why should they try to raise your low standards if you communicate that you don’t believe in them?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is one more crucial aspect to building respect as a coach: compassion.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Setting boundaries is a key component of compassion. After all, how can you practice compassion with your students if they are walking all over you? </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jiujitsu is an incredibly vulnerable and scary sport, and anyone who sets foot on the mat deserves major props just for trying it out. It’s a new thing for most people and so by approaching each person with compassion in knowing that person is insecure (because we all are insecure whether or not we’re on the mat, but especially on the mat), we engage in our shared humanity. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This does not mean letting anything fly because you feel bad for them. It means understanding that this person is going through a moment of suffering in insecurity, and to reach out to them with understanding, respect and kindness. Let them know they are brave, they are a valuable student whether or not they are “good,” and they are doing something good for themselves mentally and physically. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Never forget your actions and words have the power to inspire or discourage other people. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try reaching out to the new person on the mat to give them extra attention and praise, or show some advanced techniques to the top students. Consider publicly rewarding those who improve, help others, and try hard--not just the ones who can berimbolo or tap out fellow students.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">COMMUNICATING VALUE</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building respect with others revolves around the following principle: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">people respond to you how you expect to be treated.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How does one communicate an expectation of respect?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must first respect ourselves and approach our students with a genuine belief that we are high value. People can sense this. Your students can tell when you are shy or nervous, which shows them you don’t think of yourself as high value. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can you expect anyone to respect you if you don't even respect yourself?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we cultivate in ourselves this notion of high value and effectively communicate our high value to others? We’re all insecure. So how do we get into the high-value mindset in order to establish respect from our students?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some practical tips to get into the mindset that you are a valuable coach. This was actually adapted <a href="https://m.reddit.com/r/seduction/comments/k7y2h/how_i_rebuilt_myself/" target="_blank">from a guide I randomly found on Reddit for pick</a>-up game, but I’ve adapted it to fit my own life because I think it’s useful for all different kinds of situations. </span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Think positively and get into the persona</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc">
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create a persona for your jiujitsu coaching and force yourself to think this over and over (even if it isn't true yet or you don't believe it).</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc">
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My persona is:</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc">
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m awesome</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a beast and master of jiujitsu </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I frequently have people seeking my instruction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">My time is valuable and not to be wasted by slackers or disrespectful students</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching jiujitsu is totally normal for me </span></li>
</span></ul>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-161d8317-7ead-5722-6999-5ee9eb9b2bcc">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Going back to the main principle I began with: </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">people respond to you how you expect to be treated.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> So you need to develop a mindset of how you expect to be treated when you are coaching. What I expect:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m here to have fun and learn from my students as much as they learn from me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">My students appreciate my presence and my instruction; they are not late for class.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">My students respect me and are eager to learn from me; they do not talk when I’m talking or talk back to me. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">My students are looking to me as a role model and are trying their best; they do not slack off during technique drilling or rolling. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drill these expectations in your head and respond to your students genuinely as if that is where you are coming from, even if you doubt yourself at first. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy: when you are expecting to find respect, you will start noticing the little things students do to show their respect--and you will be able to easily point out when students are actually disrespecting you. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You need to communicate to your students that instructing jiujitsu is completely normal for you. I’m not saying you should pretend you have all the answers when you don’t; it’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I don’t know.” But it’s important to communicate that you are totally confident when saying, “I don’t know.” </span></div>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Not thinking negatively</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anytime you find yourself having self-deprecating thoughts, take 5-10 seconds and stop yourself. Take 5 minutes if you need to, but once you silence the negative thoughts, replace them with good thoughts and beliefs, using the above persona. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Memories</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make a list of your successes and your good memories of teaching and training jiujitsu. Maybe a win at a competition or a time when a student told you that you’ve inspired them. Lock those in and force yourself to remember them, and let them give you confidence.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. The Process</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before instructing, get yourself into a good space. Relive your successes, and repeat your expectations and positive mindsets. Shut down any negative thoughts. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the class, remember the session and again focus on your successes. Going through failures is fine, but once you think through them once, tell yourself, "I've learned everything I can from that, and thinking about it longer is just harmful," then shut it out. As you grow, focus on how much you have improved in your jiujitsu and your instruction. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These principles ring true for parents, teachers, coaches, friends, and significant others. It’s a balance between the salty and sweet, and one that can only be learned after making mistakes with mindful self-awareness. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Believe in your high value and everything else will follow</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Liz has been training jiujitsu since 2011 and got her blue belt in 2013. </i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;"><br /></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; white-space: normal;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your feedback or questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-17689483996428280332015-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:57:13.227-07:00When BJJ Keeps You Up At Night<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;">Meg</i><br />
<br />
While many jiujitsu practitioners find training helps them sleep, it has the complete opposite effect for others. Evening classes leave some people with their minds still running through techniques and their muscles still tense when they lie down to sleep. Everyone knows how to count sheep and heat up milk, but what do you do when those methods fail?<br />
<br />
I've struggled with sleep for four years. BJJ is not the only culprit of my chronic insomnia, but I've collected a few tried-and-true methods of my own. If you struggle with sleep, BJJ-related or not, see if these sleep techniques work for you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXrLO3Sol9aPPAxT08VNHg3xxvKLl3U5WuION-iEZqohzFPPUhiJUKBa3wyEZV03d2i48GNqWV3yLCWm7amUZb1VQBeZDkO89ymsCpdb_Dr2YJOnkdwvsVygYSMwKdVI-VbhsNqdwwI8k/s1600/60374112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXrLO3Sol9aPPAxT08VNHg3xxvKLl3U5WuION-iEZqohzFPPUhiJUKBa3wyEZV03d2i48GNqWV3yLCWm7amUZb1VQBeZDkO89ymsCpdb_Dr2YJOnkdwvsVygYSMwKdVI-VbhsNqdwwI8k/s320/60374112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Desperate times call for something something...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Write It Down</b><br />
<br />
Instead of drifting off, your brain starts working overtime. You picture and analyze each technique you learned that night. You obsess over things you did right and wrong during rolling. Before you know it, you've been lying awake for two hours.<br />
<br />
Before it gets this far, switch the light back on and scribble down the techniques. Even better, if it's a common issue, take a few minutes to write these down before bed and avoid the problem altogether. Not only will you sleep better, but writing the information down helps you remember it later.<br />
<br />
<b>Soothe Your Muscles</b><br />
<br />
Aches and pains always follow me home after training, whether it was a light session or not. If sore muscles are disrupting your sleep, take a warm bath or shower after training. This should be easy as you should be showering after BJJ anyway. If you take a bath, drop some Epsom salts in for an extra soothing soak. I also keep ibuprofen on my nightstand for neck pain and headaches.<br />
<br />
<b>4-7-8 Breathing</b><br />
<br />
During a sleepless phase, my husband showed me a sleep aid method he had found online. Basically, this method causes your heart rate to slow down and promotes a better physical state for sleep to set in. Here's how it works:<br />
<ol>
<li>Inhale through your nose for a count of four.</li>
<li>Hold this breath for a count of seven.</li>
<li>Exhale through your mouth for a count of eight.</li>
</ol>
Read more about the 4-7-8 method <a href="http://www.medicaldaily.com/life-hack-sleep-4-7-8-breathing-exercise-will-supposedly-put-you-sleep-just-60-332122">here</a>. Some claim this method can put you to sleep in 60 seconds, which I think is completely bogus. However, it is certainly psychologically and physiologically calming.<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep With Me Podcast </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The guy on this podcast has struggled with insomnia himself, and he tells endearing, sometimes chuckle-worthy, but boring-enough-to-fall-asleep bedtime stories for about one hour. You can get the podcast on Stitcher or iTunes for free. <a href="http://www.sleepwithmepodcast.com/">Check out his website here</a>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>ASMR, My Holy Grail of Sleep Aids</b><br />
<br />
ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, is described by Wikipedia as "a perceptual phenomenon characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling sensation in the head, scalp, back, or peripheral regions of the body in response to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or cognitive stimuli." Many fans of ASMR describe it as a "massage for the brain" and compare it to meditation for its tendency to shut down stress and anxiety. ASMR includes a huge variety of triggers, like the sounds of whispering, crinkling plastic, or a brush gliding through hair, because everyone responds differently to different stimuli.<br />
<br />
Give ASMR a shot. At first the videos seemed weird to me. I wondered if it was some fetish I hadn't heard of and thought it was silly. Fifteen minutes later, I was in one of the deepest, best sleeps I'd had in a long time.<br />
<br />
Here is my favorite ASMR creator, Ally at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX70sfic86MKcid2n0mmmqg">ASMRrequests</a>. Her YouTube channel features everything from hair salon roleplays to purely binaural sound videos.<br />
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So next time you try to catch some Z's after an awesome jiujitsu class and can't, I hope you try these methods and have some success. If you harbor some sleep secrets of your own, comment below and share your tips!<br />
<br />
Good night, sleep tight, and dream of armbars, everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in five competitions.</i><br />
<br />
Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column!<br />
<br />
Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-80317075411079114922015-09-20T20:33:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:47:34.608-07:00That Time Jiujitsu Gave Me Herpes<i>By Liz</i><br />
<br />
I’ll never forget the first time I got a skin infection from jiujitsu.<br />
<br />
It was after I’d been training for two months. I was only training no-gi at that time. I noticed I had an itchy spot that felt bumpy on my back, but didn’t think much about it. My boyfriend at the time noticed it and mentioned it, telling me to have a doctor look at it if it wasn’t better in a couple days. A few days later, I asked a couple friends at the jiujitsu gym to look at it.<br />
<br />
“That looks like herpes,” one of the guys said.<br />
<br />
My jaw hit the floor. My heart dropped into my stomach. I felt dizzy.<br />
<br />
“What?” I practically screamed.<br />
<br />
They started chuckling. “Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal. Almost all wrestlers get herpes. It happened to almost everyone on my high school wrestling team. I have a staph infection on my back that comes back every once in awhile when I get stressed or don’t get enough sleep.”<br />
<br />
I went through the rest of training, but I’m not sure how since I was freaking out internally the entire time. That night, I researched high and low on the internet about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_gladiatorum" target="_blank">herpes gladiatorum</a> while binge eating on ice cream. Some things kept coming up over and over again that almost gave me a panic attack: herpes is incurable and stays in your system for the rest of your life, and may or may not cause recurring infections when your immune system is compromised.<br />
<br />
I went to the doctor. He took one look at it, said, “Yup, that’s herpes all right!” He prescribed anti-viral oral and topical herpes medications and it took about three weeks for it to go away.<br />
<br />
That was four years ago and I’ve haven’t had another outbreak since (though I have had other viral and bacterial skin infections despite religiously showering after training and washing my gear properly).<br />
<br />
I realized later it wasn’t as bad as I thought. As it turns out, the type of herpes that wrestlers usually contract is the same strain of the herpes virus that people who get cold sores have (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/20000110/herpes-wrestlers" target="_blank">Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, also known as HSV-1</a>). I soon came to recognize that getting skin infections from jiutjistu is just part of the game. Besides showering after training, and following basic hygiene practices, to a certain extent there’s really no way around it. By stepping onto the mat you are accepting the fact that you are putting yourself at risk for skin infections.<br />
<br />
Through exaggeration in the media, the government and the health care system (for various political and economic reasons) make STDs, especially herpes, have a very dirty connotation, and have effectively stigmatized people who get STDs. The truth of the matter is: herpes is a harmless set of tiny red bumps, whether they’re on your mouth, or back, or leg, it’s not life threatening. It’s a cold sore--annoying but not the end of the world.<br />
<br />
I've also gotten warts on my feet- make sure you go to the dermatologist and then treat them consistently after that with salicylic acid. I had one other bad incident with skin infections. At an annual visit to the dermatologist, she noticed that I had molluscum all over my legs. I didn’t even notice because they show up as little red bumps and I thought it was from shaving.<br />
<br />
It turns out I probably just had one or two of the molluscum bumps and then shaved my legs, spreading the virus all over. I had to stop doing jiujitsu, and go through various topical treatments for the molluscum, which included two particularly horrible and painful treatments, the details I won’t get into.<br />
<br />
I wasn’t able to train for over a month while I tried to heal. I went a little bit crazy, which confirmed to myself that BJJ was essential for my mental health and I couldn’t live without it. “I guess I’m going to have to get my black belt now…It might take me twenty years, but it’s going to happen,” I thought to myself. “Because I’m never going to be able to stop doing this sport.”<br />
<br />
It reminded me how difficult it can be when you are injured or sick to stop doing something you love. An injury or infection can throw you into a depression.<br />
<br />
In this light, I have a couple tips on how to prevent infections:<br />
<ul>
<li>Cover all of your skin with long-sleeved rash guards and tights (though this is obviously not foolproof since viruses travel in sweat).</li>
<li>Shower immediately after training.</li>
<li>Go to the doctor and stop training immediately if you notice anything weird going on with your skin.</li>
<li>Don’t freak out if you get herpes--it’s just another name for a cold sore.</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuNMYEl6j0NDOxo57omT2zUa3F47Lsq-FLkDofNmTBmRb8Sa4Qjo7LyllBkXoMOZAU-iMgs3XEhZUsPrXjxsBP0cbTPcsRC5hJHRT23WMdpt8BsjUplhUxTaNN1cVr0TOEE2Qu8F9OE_r/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuNMYEl6j0NDOxo57omT2zUa3F47Lsq-FLkDofNmTBmRb8Sa4Qjo7LyllBkXoMOZAU-iMgs3XEhZUsPrXjxsBP0cbTPcsRC5hJHRT23WMdpt8BsjUplhUxTaNN1cVr0TOEE2Qu8F9OE_r/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<i>Liz has been training jiujitsu since 2011 and got her blue belt in 2013. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com266tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-8889001310569706532015-09-07T09:06:00.001-07:002016-09-10T16:47:46.098-07:00Training in Thailand: The Heart of the Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Guest post by Sarah Tynen</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQjT3p9pB6og5Axu8UxOzPaueWBlKxMuqz1XPml_otV6Ktssr3obPZJHeMkXmXD3MmDcZxSrhoJZp6bIgpCUnY5UHPZeazMLoAZxRteS6m7otbbSmPls7GGI84wpUXhOb9PhR8VG3oX-x/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQjT3p9pB6og5Axu8UxOzPaueWBlKxMuqz1XPml_otV6Ktssr3obPZJHeMkXmXD3MmDcZxSrhoJZp6bIgpCUnY5UHPZeazMLoAZxRteS6m7otbbSmPls7GGI84wpUXhOb9PhR8VG3oX-x/s320/blog2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Meg and I with Professor Olavo.</span></td></tr>
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On our first day of training in Thailand, we walked into the mat room. It was a large, air-conditioned, L-shaped room with wall-to-wall cushy judo mats and motivating phrases such as “For just one day in your life, train with the will to die.” plastered on the wall. I scanned the room, quickly surveying the situation. Were there any other women?<br />
<br />
In a class of about 20 men, there was one other girl there that day, a white belt in a pink gi, her long, blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. Near the end of our first training session on that Monday afternoon, I rolled with her once. She was tough: aggressive, feisty, smart, and technical. I caught her in one submission, a triangle.<br />
<br />
After we rolled, we lined up against the wall, waiting to be chosen for the next roll, and she turned to me. “How long are you going to be here?” she asked with a big smile on her face. “Just a week,” I replied. “Oh, not long enough! That’s so short… there’s so much I could learn from you, it’s a shame you’re not staying longer.” I just grinned in response. Girl power for the win. Unfortunately I didn’t see her again after that day. <br />
<br />
The next day during the noon session, a petite girl with four stripes on her blue belt (“That’s basically a purple belt,” Meg whispered to me during the water break) showed up to class. That day we were practicing the bow-and-arrow choke from standing back control, and the girl was paired up with a short but very large man. I ran up to her and asked if she’d like to join Meg and me. She said yes and joined us. She was friendly and warm. She then told us she had been training at PTT for a couple years. We'll say her name was Leslie. While we were practicing the move, I noticed that although she looked petite, she was actually very strong. Her jiujitsu was tough and technical.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
After practicing that move for a while, we had sparring time, but neither Meg nor I got a chance to roll with Leslie. After we shook hands at the end of class, I asked Leslie if she’d like to roll. “Sorry, I’m really tired today,” she said. Then she added, “To be honest, I don’t roll with women. I don’t know why, I just have a phobia of rolling with other women.”</div>
<div>
<br />
Say what now? You have a phobia of rolling with other women?<br />
<br />
She explained, “I’ve had some bad experiences, and I just get really nervous. I just don’t know how to roll with other women, so I just don’t do it. It’s a serious phobia. I’m terrified of it.”<br />
<br />
At that moment, Meg came running up and said, “Seriously, it’s so nice to meet you, I’m so glad you’re here.” Then Leslie broke the news to her: “I was just telling Sarah, I have a phobia of rolling with women. You can ask Professor Olavo. I never roll with women.” Olavo came over and related a story to us about how one time Leslie made another girl cry during a roll.<br />
<br />
<div>
Somehow amidst the conversation, I clearly remember saying, “That’s totally fine if you’re not comfortable with it, I don’t want to pressure you,” but then I suggested flow rolling, so she said okay. We started flow rolling and about 30 seconds in, she said, “But you’re not even trying, you’re not even resisting me.” I replied, “Yeah, I’m flow rolling.”<br />
<br />
She looked puzzled and said, “I guess I don’t really know how to flow roll.” So I suggested we could roll with more resistance, and she said okay. While we were rolling, things escalated really fast. She was going 100%, almost spazzing out on me, strong, aggressive, fast, but also a bit out of control. Before I knew it, her knee hit my jaw hard. She immediately stopped and apologized, “See this is why I don’t roll with women. It freaks me out. I get scared and anxious and then people end up getting hurt.” I shook hands with her, said it was all good, and told her not to worry. Feeling somewhat awkward, I excused myself and headed out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Our Phuket Top Team nogi class.</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div>
On our walk back to the hotel, Meg kept saying over and over, “I just don’t understand how or why this is a thing.” Indeed, it was very strange. This is how I understood it. I have to admit that it is different and nerve-wracking to roll with other women for me sometimes, especially women of the same rank as myself. If she’s a white belt, then I don’t worry and I focus on technique. If she’s a purple belt, I know she’s going to dominate me.</div>
<div>
<br />
But if she’s a blue belt, there’s a little inkling of competition, of anxiety to prove myself and my belt level (though I realized this is an unhealthy attitude, I have to admit I feel this way sometimes). I can’t make the excuse that she’s stronger than me or bigger than me. It’s woman to woman. My most intense rolls are always against other women, because women don’t hold anything back when they roll with me. And so as a result, rolling with other women is always an intense physical and emotional experience--a test of willpower and strength, as well as a contest of pure technique. My most technical <i>and</i> most physically intense rolls are almost always with other women. And if I get submitted by another blue belt, I have to admit that my ego walks away a little bruised. I think that might be the situation for Leslie, but 10 times worse.<br />
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<br />
Leslie showed up to class two days later. When Olavo asked her if she wanted to roll with Meg or me, she said no. That was the last we saw of her.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We were disappointed there weren’t any other advanced women to roll with at PTT, but we didn’t let that ruin our week. Professor Olavo was a passionate coach, who taught with enthusiasm and vigor (even though he had an ear infection). He showed a few techniques every class and then would let us practice on our own, walking around the room, talking through the moves step by step, meticulously correcting our mistakes, and helping us perfect our technique.<br />
<br />
He embodied compassion in a very real way: even though he knew Meg and I were only going to be there for a week, he taught us as if we were family. His compassion while teaching touched both of us and made a big impact on our positive experience at PTT.<br />
<br />
The week was physically exhausting but mentally refreshing. Having the time to train jiutjitsu two to three times a day while being surrounded by friendly, like-minded people with similar goals and interests was a really cool immersion experience.<br />
<br />
Besides one negative experience with a substitute no-gi coach, who consistently and blatantly completely ignored Meg and me during class, most of the other guys on the mat were friendly and welcoming. We made a couple friends, got lunch together, and hung out at the pool at our hotel, chatting about training and jiujitsu. After one week of training full-time, we were so exhausted that we agreed one to two weeks of full-time training was enough. Though there were some other people there who had been training full-time at PTT for over a year and planned to stay longer, living the dream.<br />
<br />
Potential next stop? Brazil.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Much-deserved beach day after a great week at PTT.</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<i>Sarah has been training jiujitsu since 2011 and is currently doing research for her PhD in China while coaching jiujitsu on the side.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-69062198812623648962015-08-23T23:53:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:56:19.149-07:00A Travel Guide to Training in Thailand: Phuket Top Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;">Meg</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;"><br /></i>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">First day of a week-long jiujitsu vacation at Phuket Top Team.</span></td></tr>
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Phuket Top Team (PTT) is a renowned Muay Thai and jiujitsu gym on Phuket island in Thailand with a friendly atmosphere and full schedule of classes. The gym operates just off Fight Street, formally called Soi Ta-iad, but Fight Street has earned its nickname for the countless rows of Muay Thai and MMA gyms up and down the road. Smoothie stands selling protein boosts, healthy restaurants, and spas also line the street, and fellow fighters smile and wave to each other while passing. The environment supports and compels fighters to succeed, and everyone is there for the same goal: to push, fight, and improve.<br />
<br />
Muay Thai is available at just about every gym, but jiujitsu (especially gi jiujitsu) is less common. PTT and Tiger Muay Thai are the two biggest jiujitsu gyms on the scene. Sarah and I chose PTT, because it offered more gi classes and a few more hours of jiujitsu. Here is some practical information we collected during our week-long trip.<br />
<br />
<b>Get Around</b><br />
<br />
Americans and citizens from other designated countries (found on the Thai Embassy's website <a href="http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/188">here</a>) don’t need a visa for their first 30 days in Thailand. Just be sure to pick up an arrival card before going through customs. If you’re planning on training in Thailand for more than 30 days, the gym will usually help arrange a long-term visa for you.<br />
<br />
While living on Fight Street is fairly budget-friendly, getting there is a different story. A taxi between the airport and the street costs anywhere from 600-800 baht. If you travel at night, the cost gravitates toward the higher end. Sarah and I arrived at Phuket International Airport at 2:00 AM. To make things easier on ourselves, we had opted to have a taxi pre-arranged by the gym, which quoted us a price of 1,000 baht. The taxi driver waited for us at the arrivals gate (despite delayed arrival time), stopped by a 7-Eleven for snacks, and showed us to our room for only 800 baht. Expect the ride to be about 50 minutes.<br />
<br />
Once on Fight Street, everything you need is within walking distance, and walking from one end of the street to the other may take about 30 minutes maximum. Get around a little quicker or explore outside the street by renting a motorbike. Motorbike rentals are available at PTT for 200 baht per day. For a month-long rental, rates hover around 2,000 baht in the low season and 3,000 baht in the high season. Ask for a helmet with your rental and remember to always wear it. It's common for foreigners to be pulled over and fined for not wearing helmets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyeR7LMwIj1YcteF4fnU3gSl8Pl9H0yiLJgfgxAns_Jh9CEllTosll2zHwjTFPMejgvCU-JUMHmkkdrYkBkBSvqhzqDwr3F45ESUhlwKAipXOrCFJPjKB44g3KONwQcdgszJVhpJeRtY_/s1600/ptt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyeR7LMwIj1YcteF4fnU3gSl8Pl9H0yiLJgfgxAns_Jh9CEllTosll2zHwjTFPMejgvCU-JUMHmkkdrYkBkBSvqhzqDwr3F45ESUhlwKAipXOrCFJPjKB44g3KONwQcdgszJVhpJeRtY_/s400/ptt2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Meg with Professor Olavo Abreu.</span></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Train</b><br />
<br />
All information listed below is subject to change and can be checked at <a href="http://phukettopteam.com/">phukettopteam.com</a>.<br />
<br />
• When to Go: Consider training during the low season from June to November. According to the PTT coaches, the low season is significantly less crowded while still providing plenty of training partners and an intimate atmosphere. Alternatively, during the high season from December to May, jiujitsu classes sometimes host upwards of 50 people in a mediocre-sized gym with one coach.<br />
• Price: There is a long list of pricing options available at PTT. For reference, a single class is 300 baht, one day of all-inclusive classes is 500 baht, and one week of all-inclusive classes is 3,000 baht.<br />
• Classes: PTT offers Muay Thai, jiujitsu, wrestling, MMA, and strength and conditioning. Brazilian jiujitsu classes are usually led by black-belt Professor Olavo Abreu twice a day.<br />
• Vibe: Despite often being the only women in training, Sarah and I felt welcomed the majority of the time. Most people were friendly, helpful, and chill training partners. After hearing intimidating stories about other gyms, this atmosphere was a big relief and a fun experience.<br />
• Extra Costs: You might need to buy a few extras while training. Water is overpriced at the gym, and a large bottle costs 20 baht compared to the 13-baht large water at Family Mart down the road. Tape is also available for 80 baht in case of injuries.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Wrestling class coached by NJCAA collegiate All-American Derek Heckel.</span></td></tr>
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<b>Eat</b><br />
<br />
We do not recommend buying the gym's meal plan. The food was delicious, but buying a meal plan limits you to eating onsite or else wasting that money. Many meals can also be bought cheaper offsite. After we arrived, Sarah and I bought bread, peanut butter, Nutella, oatmeal, yogurt, and other goodies to keep in our hotel room. This allowed us to eat breakfast and lunch in the room most days, which saved a lot of money and time. There are several small convenient stores along the street where you can stock up.<br />
<br />
When you get bored of peanut butter, check out the stretch of restaurants and smoothie stands. For a boost of energy, grab a protein shake. Just look for a stand with jugs of protein lined up on the counter. Here are just a few restaurants we tried during our week-long stay:<br />
<br />
• Ali's BBQ: My favorite restaurant by far, and a popular choice with everyone. Ali's offers clean, healthy foods like pitas, salads, chicken breast, yogurt, steaks, and more on an extensive menu.<br />
• Tony's: Another popular venue with a large menu. The food was fine and reasonably priced but nothing to rave about, and the service was unfriendly. Nonetheless, it's an alright place to grab a bite.<br />
• Cocoville Phuket Resort: We were told this hotel served fantastic breakfasts, but when we tried to go, the place was closed. I'm not sure if the venue was under renovation or what, but it might still be worth a shot.<br />
• Anchan: We tried Anchan for dinner and breakfast. The alfredo and curry dishes were delicious, but the American breakfast was meager and overpriced. Sarah got the oatmeal pancakes, however, and thought they were tasty!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Enjoying a post-training meal at the gym's restaurant.</span></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Sleep</b><br />
<br />
As part of the training package, we chose to stay in an offsite budget room at 3,000 baht for one week. The onsite budget rooms seemed fine but, according to the website, don't provide air conditioning or private bathrooms. I did get to see the shared bathrooms, though, which are used by everyone using the gym as well. Despite that, they looked clean and well-kept.<br />
<br />
The offsite budget option was hosted by a hotel called Baan Khun Yui. Air conditioning, a mini-fridge, hot water, and a television were provided. Guests also have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen and a large washing machine, which costs 30 baht a load. Also - drumroll please - the hotel has a modest swimming pool where we could unwind in the afternoons between training.<br />
<br />
<b>Relax</b><br />
<br />
Don't miss out on the opportunity to ease sore muscles with an authentic Thai massage. The incorporation of stretching to a deep massage works out knots and tension, and just plain feels fantastic after hard training. We tried several spas for different services during our stay. Maria’s near PTT gave my favorite massage for 250 baht. Another popular venue is Wan Massage, where Sarah and I received lovely facials. The family of sisters who work at Wan were extremely friendly and enthusiastic about their work.<br />
<br />
Here are some prices we found for various services:<br />
<br />
• Thai and Oil Massage: 250 baht<br />
• Gel Manicure: 400-500 baht<br />
• Pedicure: 200 baht<br />
• Facial Scrub and Mask: 400 baht<br />
<br />
These prices required some bargaining, and a 50-baht discount is typical. Keep in mind everything is more expensive during high season (December-May) and cheaper during low season (June-November).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3Pe7wxSO2sVtpfbsdEniimhcwnvZrYNZNQongM-Qm70VLfmVtl_9gpMh6ouSZqdcYwt2p00a3mygBXKKLyGeL_wqACCbmTNb_xVtZBYxwuBDG4fAOfByZw7qXu3qxAPJ7ewL-TnL5Hjo/s1600/11707703_10103417209486849_8847719630554461448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3Pe7wxSO2sVtpfbsdEniimhcwnvZrYNZNQongM-Qm70VLfmVtl_9gpMh6ouSZqdcYwt2p00a3mygBXKKLyGeL_wqACCbmTNb_xVtZBYxwuBDG4fAOfByZw7qXu3qxAPJ7ewL-TnL5Hjo/s400/11707703_10103417209486849_8847719630554461448_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Fine sands, clear water, and six-pack abs on Karon Beach.</span></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Play</b><br />
<br />
Training is the goal, but on Sunday the fighters will play. PTT is closed on Sunday for rest and relaxation, so take advantage of the free day to see Phuket outside Fight Street. A 20-minute taxi (for 300 baht) or motorbike ride will take you to the night market, where you can buy everything from knock-off watches and phones to quirky T-shirts and knick-knacks. Also head toward the back of the market to find the food court: a plethora of Thai food and sweet treats like chocolate-covered bananas.<br />
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Another nearby destination is, of course, the beach. Phuket's fine sand and clear water can't be missed. Kata and Karon are both nearby beaches good for sunbathing and swimming. Kata is the smaller, less developed of the two, so we chose Karon for our beach trip. After a 25-minute, 300-baht motorbike taxi, we arrived at a long beach filled with people. Unfortunately, there was a large amount of trash, probably both dropped by tourists and washed up by the current. Besides that detail, the beach was wonderful. If you go, be aware there are no motorbike taxis available for the return trip. We had to hire a car taxi for 400 baht to take us back.<br />
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If you don't have time or energy to leave Fight Street and still want to blow off steam, there are a couple of sports bars along the street where you can get a drink and meet people.<br />
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<i>Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in five competitions.</i><br />
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Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com12Soi Ta-iad, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand7.853117 98.3461555999999757.845252 98.336070599999971 7.860982 98.356240599999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-42727161007302343422015-08-09T23:00:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:48:11.133-07:00The Bitch versus The Flirt<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can a woman training jiujitsu be taken seriously, but not come off as a bitch? How exactly does one manage to be friendly, but not be misinterpreted as flirty? </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-d2170af6-168d-5285-925d-501039ef2466" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As women, we can’t avoid the fact that we have to constantly negotiate the flirty versus bitchy personality dichotomy. </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my close guy friends from the gym told me recently, “I thought you were a bitch when I first met you. You would barely look at me, let alone talk to me! I remember one day in particular we got to roll. I thought you were so awesome. I was really impressed by your beastly jiujitsu. I was like, damn that girl can roll! But you were kinda rude to me. You barely even acknowledged me! You acted like you were better than everyone else.” </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t remember the particular interaction that he was talking about, but I do remember feeling shy during my first year at that gym and not wanting to come off as a flirt. I also wanted to be taken seriously. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t know how to interact with the guys at the gym. I felt so much more comfortable with the women at my gym, and we would often talk with each other in the locker rooms after class. But with the guys, I was intimidated, sometimes creeped out, and sometimes just plain shy. I didn’t talk to them much during my first year at the gym. I wanted to keep to myself, but also self-conscious of my female-ness and didn’t what to come off as a flirt. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, three years later, I’m much more comfortable being friendly with everyone at the gym, and as a result I’ve attracted more than one unwanted (and wanted) admirers. I have also been accused by more than one person of being a flirt. I still have not successfully been able to master the skill of being nice but not too friendly, and being serious but not a bitch. If anyone has any advice on this matter, please do comment below. It’s one of the many challenges we face on the mat as women. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Doing jiujitsu is an activity that makes most people feel incredibly vulnerable at first.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My experience has taught me to act the same way around the girls and guys--with genuine compassion and respect for the person standing in front of you. Not as an object, but as a human being with fears and insecurities just like yourself, as a person who just wants to be loved and accepted like everyone else in this world.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> Have fun, be a genuinely nice and caring person, and treat yourself and others with the respect and value they deserve,</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and everything else will fall into place. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXlNlZUlA4Xu370ugDEomC4m3pyp7tT8ng2gceZ_JvyUU59BZRbsdNNwzl7cHVU_R5qyH7RqOfmq0dSFe2EWHtEcySHrchFLYhRjo4Yn6cDdwFN2PKj4VGN9Br4JmBmllraOEI_1J-v8V/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXlNlZUlA4Xu370ugDEomC4m3pyp7tT8ng2gceZ_JvyUU59BZRbsdNNwzl7cHVU_R5qyH7RqOfmq0dSFe2EWHtEcySHrchFLYhRjo4Yn6cDdwFN2PKj4VGN9Br4JmBmllraOEI_1J-v8V/s320/IMG_1418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do I come off as serious and build respect from people at the gym by going my hardest without coming off as a total spaz--or worse, a total bitch?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some people say the way you roll reflects your personality. I think this is true to a certain extent. As much as I hate to admit it, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>people have pointed out to me my passivity on the mat and in life.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And I think they </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">might</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> be related. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Training partners often accuse me of not rolling hard enough or not being aggressive enough. Deep down, I really appreciate this because I know they’re just trying to push me to be the best I can be and they know I’m holding back. They believe in me and they know I can do better. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If am really honest with myself, I know that I am holding myself back during rolls much of the time. I know this because I roll harder at competition. This is mostly normal. I simply can’t train hard 100% of the time. But part of it is also a mental block holding me back from going as hard as I possibly can. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes with other women at the gym, I don’t go as hard as I can or should. Some of the women have called me out on this, and I love them for it. And I always go harder with them after they call me out on it, and I think they respect me a lot more after that… at least they tell me how proud they are of me when I roll hard. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes people at the gym don’t push people as hard as they need to be pushed. Women and men go light with smaller people because they don’t want to be that aggressive bully that everyone hates, myself included. But there is a delicate balance that can be struck.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> When you believe in other people, especially beginners, and push them hard, they will push back hard and will learn from it. </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They will appreciate that you pushed them to their limit. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love it when people push me hard. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One day I subbed in for the women’s class coach when she was sick. I went through the normal class routine, but in the last 10 minutes, we did some guard passing and sweeping live training. I pushed them hard, sweeping or submitting them every 30 seconds. But soon they responded with vigor and aggression, even managing to pass my guard a few times. We all left with smiles on our faces. In the classes previous, the coach had never let them do any live training, thinking that they couldn’t handle it. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I advocate for what <a href="http://heartsofgrapplers.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-to-be-dick-in-bjj.html">Meg was talking about in her post last week:</a> not spazzy, out-of-control rolling, but controlled, aggressive, and strong sparring. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>You will build respect from everyone around you for this, no matter your size or sex</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Don’t hold yourself back because they’re a girl, or they’re a white belt, or they’re smaller than you or they’re your friend. Play your game and play it hard. Leave it all out on the mat, don’t hold anything back. Because all we have is this moment. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>So give it your all, because our mats don’t have space for people who are going to hold themselves back. The same goes for life: stick up for yourself with the controlled and respectful strength and confidence you know you have. </b></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The same goes for the bitch versus flirt persona: treat yourself and others with respect and confidence, and others will follow in your example. Take the class seriously, roll hard, be friendly, and express genuine care for others. Your high expectations for yourself and others will show, and those around you will strive to meet the high standards you set for them--both on and off the mat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in nine competitions. Although she is from California, she is currently training and coaching jiujitsu abroad. She’s learned through training that it's better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions or comments, and we will post our answers in the next blog post! Look for our posts on Sunday night EST every other week (every second and fourth Sunday of the month). </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-57332508082975254592015-07-26T23:31:00.003-07:002016-09-10T16:56:03.079-07:00How to be a Dick in BJJ<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;">Meg</i><br />
<br />
Recently I looked up online how to be a dick in jiujitsu. Not as a self-aware journey to not annoy anyone in my gym, and not to find “dos and don'ts” on the mat, but to find an actual guide on <i>how to be a dick</i>.<br />
<br />
The Google search only told me to wash my gi and trim my nails, which is not at all helpful. I'll explain.<br />
<br />
I was venting my frustrations on a fellow coach the other night. In two of my three rolls, I managed to catch larger blue belt guys in submissions, which they immediately muscled out of. One of which was my favorite escape--the bicep curl armbar escape. Good job on being stronger, brah.<br />
<br />
So my teammate and I discussed “little-person” BJJ games. He observed most smaller jiujitsu players are <i>mean</i>. Many of them have spiky, suffocating, or merciless games that leave opponents feeling bruised and massacred.<br />
<br />
But wait. Ryan Hall, Marcelo Garcia, and Caio Terra aren't dicks. They are notoriously friendly. I wouldn't label them as dicks on the mat either--rather, they are assertive, aggressive, and insistent in their jiujitsu.<br />
<br />
So <i>why</i>, when I apply that behavior to myself, do I think I'm being a dick?<br />
<br />
It could be gender issues. Women are supposed to be sugar and spice and some other crap. Anything to the contrary labels us as "bitchy", and when I do proper knee on belly pressure, that's not sweet cookie-ingredient material.<br />
<br />
I could be taking the description of BJJ as "the gentle art" too literally. How can I be gentle and flow while cross-facing so hard? Does the gentleness apply to rolling with the angry guy with his balls in a twist because I tapped him out?<br />
<br />
I suppose the reason doesn't matter. What I'm going to do about my frustration matters. I've changed a few small pieces of my game in the past few weeks, and here are the lessons I've learned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>How to be a Dick in BJJ</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AKA</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Tools to be Assertive, Aggressive, and Insistent</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<ul>
<li>A heavy cross-face is a great tool to pass guard and keep a top position. Apologizing, however, is not necessary. Stop it.</li>
<li>Do not just place your knee on your partner's stomach. Bury your knee into their sternum and watch them open up. Voila.</li>
<li>The body has lots of pointy ends. Elbows, knees, wrist bones, knuckles... Find some sensitive spot of your partner, frame, and push with those pointy ends to get them off you.</li>
<li>Do not bypass chances to practice technique because your partner's a lower level and you feel obligated to let them practice first.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Guess what? It's not much, but these few tools have been working. While I've gotten one wary look after a mean cross-face on a spazzy white belt, I've also received several other compliments on my improved game. The comments have helped change my previous idea of being a dick in jiujitsu to cultivating an effective little-person game.<br />
<br />
More to come in future posts about conceptions of nice versus bitchy in the gym. For now, here's to a future with less sugar and spice, and more cross-face. <br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in four competitions.</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-11391567055246036802015-07-12T21:00:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:49:26.574-07:00Preparing Your Body for Competition<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How should I train for competition? </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-96a89f6e-8690-30ae-2563-1a96037abdb5" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After finding a training partner of (relatively) similar size and strength to yourself, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>work out a consistent training plan together at least two months before the competition</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to strike a good balance throughout the week between:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drilling with little to no resistance</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drilling with 50% resistance</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Positional rolling with 100% resistance</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sparring for at least 6 minutes with 100% resistance</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some weight training or cross training (such as CrossFit, rock climbing, kickboxing, pole dancing, weight lifting) on the side is also recommended</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Three weeks before the competition, write up a game plan with two submissions/sweeps and two escapes from each position. </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I call this my “game plan.” Write out in detail exactly how your game plan will be executed (e.g., “grab the sleeve at the elbow with your opposite arm…”). Frequently review these notes before training and practice envisioning yourself executing your game plan. Drill these moves and these moves only in the three weeks leading up to the competition and avoid adding new moves to your repertoire. Try to execute your game place during live sparring. The night before the competition, imagine yourself successfully executing your game plan. Always end your “meditation” sessions with a submission. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the best way to cut weight before a competition?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t attempt to cut more than five pounds while preparing for competition. Remember if you cut weight, you will probably be significantly weaker than you would be if you eat and drink the appropriate amounts during the days leading up to the competition. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you decide to cut, follow these rules:</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be careful if you have had or have an eating disorder because this can be a trigger </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More veggies and less white bread, rice, and pasta</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Use protein shakes or smoothies to substitute for meals</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t eat out at restaurants (those over-sized American portions can be detrimental)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut down on refined sugar intake</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cut down on drinking your calories. Best to avoid alcohol, sugary coffee drinks, soda pop, and Gatorade.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FIBER, FIBER, FIBER (lots of vegetables, beans, flax seed, and fiber supplements), especially during the week before the comp. Laxatives work too but make you feel like shit (no pun intended). Supposedly you carry around up to 5 lbs of crap inside you at any given time so getting some of that out will help when you weigh-in. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drink lots of water up to 24 hours before weigh-ins. If weigh-ins are the night before the comp, stop eating and drinking water 24 hours before weigh-ins and make sure you’re hydrated the night before the comp. If weigh-ins are immediately before your match (at IBJFF tournaments, for example), then stay well-hydrated the day before the comp, but don’t drink or eat anything the morning of the comp (unless you are confident that you will make weight, of course). </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What about the day of the competition? What should I eat, and what should I bring?</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pending your weigh-in situation, eat a normal and healthy dinner the night before. My go-to is a baby spinach salad with chickpeas and fried eggs. For breakfast the morning of, eat something with<a href="http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/"> chia seeds</a>! Put them in your oatmeal, eat chia seed pudding (coconut milk + honey + chia seeds is my favorite), and/or drink Kombucha with chia seeds. I also usually drink a five-hour energy shot, but any kind of pre-workout mix or drink with caffeine in it, like coffee or Red Bull, will do. Experiment with all of these things during competition training beforehand so you know what works with your stomach. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't drink too much water before and after your matches! You don't know if you'll have another match coming up soon and competing on a stomach full of water is the worst. Stop drinking water 1 hour before your first match. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Key things to bring: </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Snacks to munch on before your matches start (my favorites are bananas, raspberries, and honey)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water (for yourself and to share with your teammates)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Coconut water (which naturally replaces electrolytes)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Flip flops</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Extra contacts (I once had to compete with one contact in because one of my contacts fell out during my first match)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampons</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring food, a protein shake, and Gatorade for once your matches are over</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A change of clothes, including a clean bra and underwear</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deodorant</span></div>
</li>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Camera</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tasty snacks to share with your teammates once their matches are over</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your favorite pump-up playlist! I like to listen to the same playlist before jiujitsu training in the months leading up to the competition. On the night before the competition and again when warming up before my matches, I listen to the playlist with my eyes closed while I envision my game plan in my head. Here are some song suggestions to add to your own playlist:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Roar by Katy Perry </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fight Song by Rachel Platten </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shake It Out by Florence + the Machine</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch Yo Back by Trina </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beautiful by Akon </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get Back by Ludacris</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eye of the Tiger by Survivor </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Halo by Beyonce</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: circle; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set Fire to the Rain by Adele </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Womanizer by Britney Spears</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JwdElBmTtr5bPfIwmODC1j2LmUTkldDOzSoCLk-tpGX_mVrDU2HCzCQSMx54oLORq_z5SzlV43jVGZqUZhWbA0LrQeEDAe8-l_h-BYcMsOkRz3jvi1bOkZih6B8Gam_qmONL26YHXawd/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JwdElBmTtr5bPfIwmODC1j2LmUTkldDOzSoCLk-tpGX_mVrDU2HCzCQSMx54oLORq_z5SzlV43jVGZqUZhWbA0LrQeEDAe8-l_h-BYcMsOkRz3jvi1bOkZih6B8Gam_qmONL26YHXawd/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-48449850585264976192015-06-28T21:27:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:49:44.408-07:00Preparing Your Mind for Competition<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">What challenges do I face as a female competitor? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll never forget my first competition. I competed for the first time as a white belt after I’d been training for about seven months. At the last minute, I decided to cut weight because there weren’t any other women signed up for my weight division. In order to participate, I had to cut six pounds. The night before I spent over two hours in a sauna and didn’t drink any water. I woke up the next morning completely dehydrated, but didn’t eat or drink anything before the tournament. I got there and weighed in--I was still two pounds over. I spent the next hour trying to sweat it out and eventually was forced to weigh-in in a crowded gym in nothing but my sports bra and underwear. People stared at me like I was crazy. Maybe I was. But I made it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At that point, I was totally exhausted and dehydrated, but my first match was coming up soon. I drank some water and ate some bread, but it was already too late to revive my energy. My first match was a blur. The girl I was going against was a black belt in judo, and she immediately threw me across the mat and arm locked me. In the next match, I was mounted in a few seconds and submitted by front-collar choke. All I remember is being completely suffocated by the girl then I felt myself blacking out and tapped. I won my third match by submission with a triangle. That was a good moment. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During my first two matches, I was completely taken aback by the strength, aggression, speed, and skill of my opponents. And it wasn’t the first time that would happen at a competition. To this day, I still feel that way every time I compete. This is a testament to the amazingly strong and skillful women who surround me in jiujitsu, a type of strength that is admirable and inspirational for me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGV8xMcS1qodBAXANtoYV_NApDxs16XmDFbAQuFPxPxDQ_0BnaIu2N1GCG-40XBSaoVbNjyXqL-Vf78e7eK3KH-tTF_RKy9naRecmON0AnFIDE22xo2SpmauiYIt2PESeDumZkKJTwyxb/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGV8xMcS1qodBAXANtoYV_NApDxs16XmDFbAQuFPxPxDQ_0BnaIu2N1GCG-40XBSaoVbNjyXqL-Vf78e7eK3KH-tTF_RKy9naRecmON0AnFIDE22xo2SpmauiYIt2PESeDumZkKJTwyxb/s320/IMG_1372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before my first competition, and before most of the other competitions since then, I’d been training like crazy, but still I was completely unprepared--or at least I felt unprepared. At most (but not all) of the competitions I’ve participated in, I’ve been completely overwhelmed and intimidated by the strength and speed of the women I’ve competed against. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve lost a great majority of the matches I’ve participated in--usually by submission or by a significant number of points. There are several reasons for this, I believe, which I outline below. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For my BJJ sisters who have never competed before, here is what I’ve learned. For those who have competed, please comment below with your opinions and advice.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sheer nervousness: Being nervous before competition is a huge asset. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The pumping adrenaline and nervous energy can be channeled as strength against your opponent. However, sometimes I get so nervous my mind goes blank and I forget even the most basic of techniques. So while being nervous is good, doubting yourself and doubting your jiujitsu is bad. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believe in yourself and believe in your jiujitsu.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> When it comes to competition, it is 100% heart. Leave it all out there on the mat.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the things that can help with the blank-mind problem is to drill, drill, and then drill some more when preparing for competition. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When your brain turns off during the match, it’s all muscle memory from there.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You have no time to stop and think about what you’re doing. Your moves need to be as natural a reflex as breathing. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some people, I believe, incorrectly told me to think about competition matches just like rolling at the gym. This is FALSE. Competition requires a completely different mindset and is a completely different style of sparring. During rolling at the gym, you have the time and space to experiment with techniques and to flow.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> During competition, it’s more like trying to destroy someone.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You have to think that way if you want to win. Having the mindset of really wanting to smash my opponent has been the main thing that has set my wins apart from my losses. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I used to have a HORRIBLE mindset at comps to the extent that I actually felt bad when I beat someone! Hence why I probably lost so many matches. Or sometimes I even felt good when I lost, thinking to myself, “Well, I bet I made her day.” FUCK THAT SHIT. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is where being raised in our culture as a woman really puts me at a disadvantage during competition because we are often too nice.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The whole “being nice” thing goes for rolling during training sessions as well. Sometimes I’m afraid that my training partners will think I’m bitchy or too aggressive for rolling hard with them. Again, FUCK THAT SHIT. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to succeed in competition, you gotta roll hard and you gotta roll aggressive. Not spazzy. Technical, strong, and aggressive.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There is a balance there that takes a while for white belts to understand, but it’s really important you don’t fall too far down the passive track. I was and still am a passive roller. It is a really bad habit and absolutely detrimental when training for competition. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes the guys at my gym go too easy on me.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> They will roll lighter with me than they normally do or even straight up give me submissions. Maybe because I’m not as strong as them and they feel bad. Or sometimes they’ll use their roll with me to focus on technique. On the one hand, I appreciate this because lighter flow rolling gives me the opportunity to practice new techniques and also</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> pads my ego. However, this attitude men have when rolling with me--that they should go easier on me than normal--is absolutely detrimental to my training when preparing for competition. I maintain that this is one of the main reasons I am usually unprepared for competition. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since this realization, I’ve learned to go hard with everyone, and they usually will match my strength. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes I’ll tell them to please go hard on me because I’m preparing for competition, and they usually will. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My training partners are usually 10-60 lbs heavier than me. This is incredibly damaging to my training and puts me at a huge disadvantage for competitions (<a href="http://heartsofgrapplers.blogspot.com/2015/05/training-safely-its-okay-to-say-no.html">see Meg’s earlier post about his topic here</a>). While I train 90% of the time with people that are heavier, in competition I’m going against women who are the same size as me. This not only means they are much faster than what I’m used to, but also they use different techniques and strategies in their rolls. Rather than just using their weight or strength to smash me, they are sneaky, tricky, speedy, and technical in all of their movements. This is not something I’m used to when rolling with big, heavy, strong guy</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So when preparing for competition, it is absolutely essential to roll with other </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">women of the same strength, size, and skill level as yourself.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These women are usually very hard to find, so if you find one, hold on to her for dear life.</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-96dd5be7-6c91-d205-dcdf-10dc4ba34cc2"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">I have to admit I have never been proud of the medals I have won.</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> At most competitions, including at the large international competitions I’ve been to, less than 5% of the competitors are women. This means that you will probably have no more than six women in your division (but more likely you will have three to four women in it). As long as you win a couple matches, you will walk away with a bronze medal at the very least. I’ve never gotten first place at a competition, but I’ve won a lot of silver and bronze medals because even if I only win one match, I will generally walk away with a bronze medal. But I never feel like I deserve it. One some level, this is a healthy level of modesty. On another level, we should never feel ashamed of expressing or feeling pride for our medals. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Just be prepared to feel a sense of disappointment after your tournament, whether or not you win or lose. </span></span></span></li>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in nine competitions. Although she is from California, she is currently training and coaching jiujitsu abroad. She’s learned through training that it’s all about the fight, not the victory. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like this post? Share it on Facebook. Love this blog? Subscribe or follow by email via the links in the top right column! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From now on, we will be posting on Sunday night EST every other week (every second and fourth Sunday of the month). </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-67866213582440415632015-06-21T22:51:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:50:01.560-07:00Love and sex with people from the gym: the best and worst idea I’ve ever had<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Guest post by Anonymous</i></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Training jiujitsu is a great way to make friends.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A lot of people I know, myself included, feel very lonely, isolated, or disconnected from community. Many yearn for more friendships and human connection IRL. </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jiujitsu often fills this gap for people. There’s something about going through the challenge of training that brings people together. There’s also a certain level of trust that happens on the mat that can’t be replicated anywhere else. When you roll with someone, you engage in a level of mutual trust and understanding with them from the get-go: I won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt me. Plus there’s a level of bonding that happens when you sweat all over each other and stick your crotches in each other’s face--you really can’t get much closer than that. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I have become very close with a lot of the people I met through jiujitsu. I am more willing to be vulnerable with them than with people I meet in other parts of my life. There is a mutual contract of openness and trust that often translates from our rolls on the mat to our friendships off the mat. These are very special bonds of community and friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I can be myself around them. I say what’s on my mind.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some people even compare training jiujitsu with going to church because it provides the community that modern society otherwise so often lacks. Many of my teammates I see on a daily basis. I can rely on them to show up and drill, and help me prepare for competition. I trust them to call me on my bullshit: they criticize me when I’m doing something wrong, and call me out when I’m being lazy. I lean on them for emotional support, ask them for advice, and confide in them when I have a problem. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, sometimes these bonds of community and friendship start translating into sexual relationships. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve been involved in romantic (not necessarily sexual) relationships with six of my training partners (both male and female) from two different gyms. My deepest feelings of love and my best romantic relationships have come from those I’ve had with training partners. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have learned many invaluable lessons from these sexual and romantic relationships. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have learned what it means to be respected and valued by a partner. I have learned to trust and to be trusted in deep and moving ways. I have witnessed what I want to have in a life-long partner someday. I have experienced love. I have experienced hot, passionate, love affairs that lasted one night, and stable partnerships that lasted years. Having a partner both on and off the mat is one of the most beautiful, thrilling, and fun things I’ve ever been able to experience in my life. I don’t regret any of it. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not in a position to tell anyone what to do. However, after learning these lessons and experiencing this love, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the first advice I have to give is to proceed with EXTREME caution. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though a lot of good things have happened, I’ve also had a lot of bad things happen as a result of my romantic relationships. Awkward encounters on the mat. Embarrassing moments at the gym. Spoiled training sessions. Broken hearts. Angry resentment. And the worst of all: a broken community. The community of people that I cherish so much is now fractured. Not completely destroyed, but broken in different places where ex-lovers have destroyed the trust that once held us together. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can go back to making small talk and being civil at the gym. But we can never go back to that place when we drilled for hours and then afterwards went out on midnight snack runs and talked for hours until dawn broke. Maybe if we had just stayed friends we could still have those moments.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes people who were amazing friends turned out to be terrible romantic partners. Sometimes I just realized it wasn’t a good fit. I can’t say whether or not the sex was worth it. It just is what it is and I can’t turn back the clock. But I can make a conscious effort to be more selective, conscious, and thoughtful about my decisions in the future. And I caution you to do the same. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second lesson I learned was: don’t rush into things.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It seems really exciting at first. You think it’s perfect in the beginning: now you have a partner on and off the mat, and someone who understands jiujitsu! You might be afraid that you’re going to miss out on this opportunity. But if they’re really your friend, and will be a good romantic partner, there’s no rush. They will wait for you. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The third lesson I learned: don’t mistake the trust and bonding you form on the mat to be the same as the trust you build off the mat...at least not right away.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let those people earn your trust in other ways off of the mat. Some people are awesome training partners and you would trust them with your life on the mat, but they’re terrible friends or even terribly unhealthy, either physically or mentally. Or they might be great friends off the mat, but that doesn’t mean you can necessarily trust them with your deepest, darkest secret. Or they might be trustworthy people, but that still doesn’t mean you should have sex with them. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remember you could lose a friendship and a training partner. Just like you have to take care of your training partner on the mat, you have to take care of yourself and your training partners off the mat. Otherwise you’ll end up with a lot of broken hearts, awkward moments, no more training partners, and no more community. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s an old saying: don’t shit where you eat.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If you’re going to engage with love and sex at the gym, be prepared for the consequences. If things end badly, you’re still going to have to see that person on a regular basis. In my somewhat limited experience, I’ve realized that jiujitsu is a great place to form a community and meet friends, but not to find sex partners. It’s just too much close contact and not enough space for either person. Jiujitsu creates an environment of community, bonding, and trust, but leave all of that stuff on the mat. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What if you meet that perfect person through jiujitsu?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In that case, friendship first. In my case, I will have to trust them on multiple and deep levels. And I will have to draw up some kind of agreement with them on what to do about training after we break up. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I used to be idealistic and naive. I used to think that having sex was no big deal, and that I could have sex whenever I felt good chemistry. I also expected my partners to avoid causing drama and to act like adults. I thought that if there were problems, we would talk them through. In this way, I thought my romantic relationships wouldn’t effect training. Now I know this not to be true. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s kind of like driving and wearing a seat belt. Before, I thought that because I was a good driver, I could go through life without my seat belt. But after getting into a couple accidents, I realized that maybe I was a reckless driver after all. And no matter how good of a driver I am, I can’t necessarily depend on others to be, and definitely can’t control whether or not other people are good drivers, too. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I’m not saying we should go through life never daring to leave our homes or being too scared to drive a car for fear of getting in an accident. I’m just saying we should wear our seat belts. And being willing to wear our seat belts--that is, protecting our vulnerabilities--actually gives us more freedom to go where we want and do what we want. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TL;DR:</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love and sex at the gym will foster close friendships and enable passionate love affairs, but will also inevitably create drama. Proceed with extreme caution and be prepared for the consequences. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-49512904693574551632015-06-14T18:16:00.003-07:002016-09-10T16:54:32.261-07:00Should You Compete with Men?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.784px;">Meg</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You train intensely during the weeks leading up to the competition. You drill the same moves over and over again for hours. You shove your body past its comfortable limits. You eat just chicken and eggs to make weight and lie awake at night practicing chokes on the pillow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then there are no women to fight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As competitors, we all want the chance to test and prove ourselves, but as female competitors, we don't often have that luxury. So what do we do when presented with the opportunity to compete--in the men’s division?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img height="394" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RAKVs-AVZ8qzYmHXoHcvPHCDFi1MlOr142N39wGQ5obVv8oK8CrGr1tV0GMcnHdoCRQh5CdRyzAwJKXxeWWa0vl_yRQZkbd_Laj7CkOJgMPoTo27fFeOas8eJdnv7BGBFYLDcg4" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That's not me. That's the one and only Hillary Williams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I completely advocate for competing with men if you are comfortable with it. However, before you start the match, take some time to think about the risks. In addition to much higher chances of injury, you are possibly subjecting yourself to awkward and offensive situations.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When no other blue belt women showed up to the January 2015 Xuzhou competition, the organizers acquiesced to my request to compete with the men. To say the least, it was a surprise. Competition organizers in China had never allowed mixed matches before, and I wasn’t expecting to be among the first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The night before the competition, my teammates asked me how I could do this to a man. How could I put a male competitor in the position of looking like a dick if he wins, or looking like a fool if he loses? Why couldn't I just sit out?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took this to heart for a moment before replying with, "Men have so many opportunities. I get one match for every four of theirs. I'll take my chances where I can get them." And upon further reflection, does this sport not treasure humility? Does it not promote the idea of a smaller person being able to beat a bigger person? Why am <i>I</i> responsible for society's warped views of my opponent?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite the comments from my male teammates, I decided to give it my best shot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would love to say this story ends up like a Hillary Williams BJJ fairytale: The shirtless, ripped, handsome male shows up, and I climb onto his back and choke the living crap out of him. It doesn't. I got thrown so hard I bounced when I hit the floor, and I lost by double digit points.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before the match, I had to draw a name, because no one wanted to fight me. They wanted to leave it up to chance. Whoever fate didn't smile on had to roll with me. Okay, that's dramatic, but that was how it felt while I chose a name and they anxiously watched. This was seconds before we walked on the mat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When the match started, my opponent's coach was cheering for me. I'm sure he was teasing his student, but the fact is, I wasn't taken seriously enough to be considered a threat and my presence was a joke. I was given third place when I should have been fourth. The organizers just wanted a foreign woman in the winners' photo alongside the men.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/bHsMvUwZ2u2mk0VgBB2SHauXQ0w56goPvAKAcpvWN7m-nfyTAF5qBY3Mf9N9fjq_inUa9pLqvItbjWzagoPbPLPRd6T05NcMYx8vGOhsN7DGsAl-3CkfSijsZ70aQnP5OLls1oc" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My opponent is on the far left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the day, I wasn't bothered by any of this. I was happy and grateful to have a match, but you know, hindsight is 20/20. Thinking back on it makes me feel like a joke and used for publicity. Also, this bronze medal does not belong to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At this point during edits of this blog post, my fellow blogger Liz stopped to remind me that although I lost by points, I was not submitted. She says that's something to be proud of, and she's right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Furthermore, I did learn a few great lessons that day, just as any competitor would during a normal match. Not only did I improve my game, but I learned it is <i>great</i> to be the underdog. I felt considerably less nerve-wracking pressure. Everyone already expected me to flounder and fail, so I was free to win or lose as grandly as I pleased.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“One of the things about being an underdog, there’s no pressure. Nobody expects you to win. It frees you up to go out and compete. We often complicate things with fear of failure, all that baggage of winning and losing. Being an underdog is freedom.”</span></i><br />
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<i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Randy Couture, UFC Hall-of-Famer and three-time heavyweight champion</span></i></i><br />
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<b>So Should You Compete with Men?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't tell you what to do, and I can't offer you a definite yes or no answer. It all depends on how comfortable you are with the risks of injury, embarrassment, and disrespect. Not that discriminatory and ugly behavior is acceptable, but it's possible it may happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would compete with men again, and I've already tried when, again at the Shanghai International Open this month, there were no other female blue belts. The organizers said no that time. I'm dying for chances to improve and test myself. As far as I'm concerned, any gender discrimination will just train my mind to be as tough as my game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You could have an amazing experience competing with men, and I think most of the time, it really will be great. A large portion of jiujitsu males are very respectful and understanding. Then there are those jerks who ruin it for everyone. Either way, when you walk onto that competition mat with a man, hold your head up and be proud, win or lose. You are one badass woman, and you deserve as many opportunities as your opponent.</span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in four competitions</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post! </span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-75370023861030752762015-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:51:01.827-07:00Fueling the grappler’s body: eat to train, don’t train to eat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>By Liz</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why do we care about nutrition as female grapplers in particular?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve always been self-conscious about my body. Every time I look in the mirror, I’m either too skinny or too fat, too bony or too muscular. My roommate said to me the other day, “I remember one of my first impressions of you was that you were really skinny.” I thought back to the time when she and I had first met. It was a time when I thought I was fat, and I was actively restricting my eating and exercising like crazy. I thought I was fat, and yet when I look back on pictures of myself at that time, I look emaciated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As women, distorted images of our own bodies are all too common, and as a result, many of us tend to have very destructive attitudes toward food. Some of these habits include not eating enough, disordered eating, and feeling averse to building muscle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Firstly, we need to make sure we are taking in enough fuel to support our unique BJJ lifestyle of actively building muscle, burning high amounts of calories, and sustaining endurance through long training sessions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’re not the cardio bunnies on the treadmills. We aim to train and eat for power and strength, not so we can look as slim as possible. So we require unique nutrition, namely high amounts of protein and carbs. According to my nutritionist, for someone weighing 140 pounds and regularly training jiujitsu at least two hours a day, this means eating at least 95 grams of protein per day (equivalent to four hamburgers) and 300 grams of carbohydrates per day (equivalent to five bowls of pasta).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Secondly, I believe in eating in order to fuel training, not training in order to eat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you ever thought to yourself, “I train hard so I can eat whatever I want. If I didn’t train, I would be so fat.”? I know I have. And still do. I often think of jiujitsu as a way to support my over-indulgent eating habits. From macaroni and cheese to ice cream, I love my fatty and sweet foods, and being able to burn off the calories from the foods I love is a huge motivating factor for me to get to the gym. However, training in order to eat can easily lead to restricting, binging, and purging behaviors, an unhealthy road of disordered eating that none of us should start walking down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although I myself am guilty of this mindset, I want to advocate for abolishing this unhealthy attitude and replace it with a new way of thinking. Let's think of food as the fuel for our training sessions, rather than thinking of our training sessions as reasons for eating. As grapplers we have to watch what we eat so we have the strength to be the best we can be, not so we can lose weight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Women are under incredible pressure to have the perfect figure not only from the media and the men in our lives, but also from other women and ourselves. How often do we talk to other women about how fat we are? About how we’re trying to lose a couple of pounds? And however unintentional, we are under a lot of pressure from ourselves and others to please the men in our lives by striving for that perfect figure. That perfect, elusive, impossible figure: Big boobs, six pack, thin waist, and big butt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To quote one of my favorite books called <i>Eating in the Light of the Moon</i>, by Anita Johnston, a book that has been invaluable to me in overcoming my own eating disorders: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Why is it that those aspects of a woman’s body that are most closely related to her innate female power, the capacity of her belly, hips, and thighs to carry and sustain life, are diminished in our society’s version of a beautiful woman?” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thirdly, I advocate for building muscle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I worry I’m putting on too much muscle. People say jiujitsu is designed for a smaller opponent to defeat a larger opponent. Well, I call bullshit on that. If they are significantly stronger and bigger than you, you have a notable disadvantage. And so I’ve taken up weightlifting and rock climbing as a way to get stronger, and I’ve noticed significant improvements in my game. Yes, you still have to concentrate on technique, and yes getting stronger won’t instantly make you better. But putting on muscle is a part of the game and it’s helped my jiujitsu a lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Besides, I enjoy weightlifting and rock climbing, and muscles are sexy!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What and when should I be eating? </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is my daily training and eating plan while I’m living in the States, which gives me good nutrition, enough calories, and is cheap and time efficient for the student lifestyle. I created this plan after meeting with a nutritionist and after many months of trial and error.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven’t included exact proportions because these will depend on your body weight: heavier and more muscular people need to intake more calories than shorter and more petite people. Portion sizes will also depend on how active you are and whether or not you are strength training and trying to build muscle. In the end, the best thing to do is what I like to call “body’s choice": eat until you feel full, and eat when you’re hungry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Breakfast:</b> A bowl of oatmeal with whole milk, ground flax seeds, and grapes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Mid-morning snack:</b> A few slices of cheese and an apple </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Noon workout:</b> One hour of lifting weights, BJJ drilling, kickboxing, or rock climbing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Post-workout:</b> Protein shake </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Lunch:</b> Chicken with rice or bean chili </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Afternoon snack (Three hours before evening training):</b> Greek yogurt with fruit </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Pre-workout:</b> Banana </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Evening workout:</b> Two hours of jiujitsu (usually one hour of drilling and one hour of cardio intensive rolling) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Dinner:</b> Spinach salad with kidney beans, eggs, or chicken and ranch dressing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also eat nuts, peanut butter, and whole milk throughout the day to reach my caloric goal, especially on intense training days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After creating this plan, I kept track of my calories and estimated that I consume around 3,000 calories a day and burn about 1,000 calories a day. I recommend MyFitnessPal for a week or two just to see how much you’re consuming, and for longer if you’re actively trying to gain or lose weight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember to HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE till your pee is clear! I drink coconut water on hard training days and during competitions, because it naturally replaces electrolytes. I also really like to drink kombucha (fermented mushroom) drinks with chia seeds especially on hard training days. Otherwise I try not to drink soda pop, coffee, or alcohol. I stop eating three hours before training and stop drinking water one hour before training.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s essential to consistently be eating enough calories with high nutritional content. Eating well the day of training isn’t going to help much if you’re eating like crap the rest of the time. It’s the same with water: drinking a gallon of water right before training isn’t going to help. It’s more about staying hydrated throughout the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some other tips my nutritionist gave me that I found useful:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eat slowly and enjoy your food. It should take ~30 minutes to eat a big meal.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Listen to your body. Follow your body’s choice, and eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Eat what makes you feel good in the long run.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eat a lot of vegetables.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s okay to cheat sometimes. Obviously the ideal is to eat well 100% of the time, but we all know this is virtually impossible. Shoot for eating good foods 80% of the time and let yourself eat bad foods, like white bread, fried chicken, sweets, etc, 20% of the time. </span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TL;DR?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know way too many women who think they’re fat when they’re incredibly gorgeous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish for all of us to be happy with our bodies however they look right now--short, tall, muscular, lanky, skinny, or fat. Because we are gorgeous no matter what size we are. What we need to focus on as grapplers is giving ourselves the correct nutrition and the appropriate amount of calories to fuel our training that will help us improve our health and our jiujitsu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking that having a perfect body will make us happy. It’s even easier to get caught in the mindset that if only we had the perfect body, people will like us more. Sometimes we think that food will fill some sort of void that we are missing--love or sex or companionship--or we use food to help with stress, anxiety, or loneliness. I know I’ve been there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In taking this journey together, I wish for all of my BJJ sisters to realize the beauty of their bodies while thinking about food as essential fuel and as an important part of the training process. Love yourself, love your body, love your training. Take care of yourself and TRAIN HARD! </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Liz started jiujitsu in 2011, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in nine competitions. She's learned through jiujitsu that she is only confined by the walls she's built herself. </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-42301270788426902412015-05-31T15:42:00.000-07:002016-09-10T16:53:10.946-07:00Training Safely: It's Okay to Say No!<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>By </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;">Meg</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During my first year of training jiujitsu, I rolled with everyone. I saw the spazzy or Jurassic-sized men as challenges. The bigger they are, the harder they fall, right? I certainly didn't back down from any man. Doing so would have marked me as weak and unable to keep up, which was a proud and self-inflicted pressure. I was always injured. Every month there was a twisted knee, fractured finger or toe, or biting neck pain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other cases, I just didn't want to be rude, and this stands true for many female jiujitsu practitioners. We can be hyperaware of others' feelings and generally aim to please. Have you ever been asked to roll by a person you were scared of, maybe by someone who has injured you before, and you <i>still</i> said yes? I hope you kicked his ass, but it's more likely you spent the entire time balled up protecting your limbs and just wanting it to end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What would happen if you told him no? If you said, "I'm taking a break right now, but thanks." Or even more to the point, "Thanks, but I'm just rolling light today." It's very unlikely that he will walk away crushed and downtrodden. He probably won't even think twice about it. Not only do you avoid high risk of injury, but you also retain your enjoyment of jiujitsu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The thing is, a spazzy and larger partner is not just harmful to your physical health. The damage goes even further than that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Story time, fellow BJJers. Let me tell you about my moment of enlightenment with Ryan Hall. I visited his gym in DC soon after I received my blue belt, and since I was a fellow “hobbit" we had a couple rolls. I was nervous. I tried to armbar him and forgot the arm. Otherwise, it was a great experience and he leg locked me a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When our roll ended, he looked me dead in the eye and said, "You need to start rolling with people your size."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He told me the more you train with people bigger than you and who overwhelm you with a size and strength advantage, the more rigid your game becomes. Your body's instinct to defend itself kicks in, and your muscles strain and brace, creating stiff, choppy movements instead of technique that flows. For example, instead of working to retain guard, you slam your elbows down and tense to protect your ribs from your partner's flopping guard pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ryan could tell I had no regular hobbit-sized training partners after six minutes of rolling with me. He stopped me again the next day to stress the importance of choosing training partners carefully. If you ever visit Fifty/50, take some time to talk to him and especially his wife, Jen, who is also a black belt. They both have valuable advice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To a point, your coach should be looking out for you. He or she should be able to spot the UFC enthusiasts who are fresh on the mat and raring to rip your ankles off, and then any match between you and said spaz should be stopped. If this isn't the case, consider having an honest talk with your coach about your safety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nonetheless, your coach will not always be there to protect you. Learn to say no for yourself. If someone approaches you for a roll, and he looks angry and out for blood, say no. If he is your friend but 30 kilos heavier and sloppy, say no. Even if you are in the middle of a roll, and your partner starts Hulking out and flipping you on your head, tap and bail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Too proud to bail? Prepare for injuries and bad habits that you will almost certainly develop. Who's accustomed to being unable to bridge people off of you, so you don't even bother trying escapes? Yeah, I'll raise my hand here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's a chance all of your partners are bigger than you. No problem. You probably have a list, however short, of training partners you feel comfortable with. When it comes time to roll, take control of your own training and grab one of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's okay to say no. Avoid being dramatic or accusatory. "No way, Bruce Banner, go smash someone else!" This is <i>not</i> okay. Spazzes and giants have feelings, too. A simple, "No thank you," will suffice and everyone goes home happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you and I are similar, it might take a starry-eyed conversation with a BJJ legend, plus one more brutal stacking and neck injury to really get the point. It's an important lesson to learn though, because while it's thrilling to submit the big guy or triangle the resident misogynist and watch him flail until he taps, your health and the health of your BJJ game are much more important.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Meg started jiujitsu in 2012, got her blue belt in 2013, and has competed in four competitions.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email us at liz.meg223@gmail.com with your questions, and we will post our answers in the next blog post! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988953904256832277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4692643352810559040.post-21888084214835766202015-05-25T08:43:00.002-07:002015-06-29T09:55:57.120-07:00Women Warriors: We Need 100 Times More Heart<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most people don’t know what it’s like to be marginalized, but have you ever looked around the room and realized you were the only woman there? Or perhaps the only [insert your identity here] person? If the answer to this question is yes, then you know at least a little bit about how it feels to be in the minority. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">A male friend asked me one day, “What’s it like to be a female jiujitsu practitioner?” I responded, “Well, try to imagine what it would be like if it was the other way around. What would it be like for you if jiujitsu was a highly female dominated sport? If all of the moves were designed for a female body type and you were usually the only guy in a class full of ladies?” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Picture this: In your gym of over 50 female members, there are only five other male members at the most. All of the coaches at your gym are women. You can expect on most days you will be the only male in an average class size of 15 women. There will be one or two other men there if you’re lucky, who may or may not be of a similar size and strength to yourself. Every single person you roll with that day is 10-60 pounds lighter than you. People around you are constantly making jokes about periods and boobs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">The coach addresses the class as “ladies” and yells out encouragements such as, “Let’s go, girls!” She may or may not awkwardly look at you and add, “And gents!” at the end once or twice. All techniques shown during class are designed by and for women. When people go to pick partners, you find yourself without one and have to ask the coach to pair you up with someone. You end up getting paired up with two women half your size. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">During drilling, you constantly adjust your gi and rashguard, which don’t fit you quite right because they’re designed for a woman. Your partner’s hand slips to your butt and lingers for an awkward second. She apologizes and moves on, but you wonder if she had intentionally just copped a feel. The coach references vaginas several times during class and threatens the other women fiercely, “Remember don’t be a dick on the mat! Nobody wants to be a dick.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you tell other people you practice jiujitsu, their eyes get big and say, “Isn’t that a women’s sport? I don’t know any men who do that! Are you gay?” When you start to get friendly with one of your teammates, everyone assumes you’re dating and accuses you of being a flirt. When you tap someone out, they say it’s only because you’re stronger. When you attend a competition, you are the only one signed up in your division, and they won’t let you compete in the female division. When you get the chance to compete, there are only three other men in your division, so even if you go home with a gold medal, you feel like you don’t deserve it. When you get promoted, you can’t help but wonder if it’s only because you’re a man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is what it’s like to be a female doing jiujitsu. Just replace the above body parts with the appropriate anatomy and you get the idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is why we created this blog. We are absolutely in LOVE with jiujitsu. Our teammates are also our best friends, and we couldn’t live without our training times or our training partners, both male and female. In fact, most of the men in jiujitsu are awesome, and the mats aren’t complete without them. And to be honest, being in the minority is part of what makes it so thrilling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, being a member of such a marginalized population in a highly male-dominated sport like jiujitsu means that there are a lot of challenges that are often not talked about. A lot of women don’t have any other women at their gym to talk to. Some women don’t want to admit to the other women at the gym their feelings. Some people just like to read blogs, and it helps to realize: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want to share our love of jiujitsu with the world and also express our happiness and frustration. We hope to bond with the female jiujitsu community over the unique challenges we face. From having boobs and periods to questioning our abilities and belt levels, women confront a myriad of physical and emotional barriers in jiujitsu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s face it: As women, we need 100 times more heart than men in order to succeed in this sport. In this way, we hope to offer mutual help and support to our BJJ sisters around the world. Part of this will involve an “advice column” portion that will answer your questions. Some of the topics we plan to cover in the coming weeks include: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Periods, farts, and tears - oh my!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can look for our posts every second and fourth Sunday night EST time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your authors are both blue belts and coaches in male-dominated gyms. We are both American and have trained in the United States and abroad. We have both competed several times in national and international tournaments. We are long distance besties but usually get to spend about three weeks a year training together, and those three weeks are the BEST. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want your questions and feedback! Email us and comment below! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our email is </span><a href="mailto:liz.meg223@gmail.com" style="line-height: 1.38;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">liz.meg223@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Liz and Meg</span><br />
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