The year began with the Pan Ams and World Championships. This year I got to meet three of my heroes of BJJ None other than world championships competitors, Marcelo Garcia and Rafael Lovato Jr. Both wonderful competitors were kind enough to stop for a picture with me and our team. I also got to meet one of the reasons I began studying BJJ, Master Lloyd Irvin and his fantastic team at this year's American National. It was great to finally meet that man that inspired me to begin training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. you never who you are going to meet at your next BJJ tournament.
One of the funnest tournament experiences I had was at OTM's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships. As almost a goof I entered three divisions of competition Master's Middle Weight, Light Heavy Adult and Light Heavy Masters. I came close to going for it and fighting in the Open as well but I had had enough for one day and ended up taking home three medals for my troubles.
All in all this year marked another mile stone in my path to my Black Belt and my goal of winning a gold medal at a IBJJF sanctioned event, the ultimate would be a gold medal at the World championships fighting in an adult category (that's me at 40 fighting 18 and older adult competitors, you gotta love a challenge). I've still got two silvers at the American National and one silver at the American International as my high water mark thus far but hope in 2010 I will have an opportunity to jump on the mat at many more tournaments.
To date I've got just 10 medals hanging on my wall in my office but over time I've realized it's not the tin on your wall that matters, but the memories and lessons learned on the mat during competition that truly endure and teach the most in your career.
A competitor never forgets the sweet sensation of victory, overcoming a nemesis or suffering a loss. Each moment is permanently etched in your mind and memory to be pondered and reviewed time after time. Hopefully to be recalled and used as motivating tools in future battles yet to be fought.
The reality of competition is the vast majority of individuals who walk on to the mat of a studio, gym or dojo will never enter the octagon, mat or field of competition. The lucky few who take up the fight to challenge themselves to be their best and endure the riggers of preparation, perfect practice, endless cardio workouts, drills, cutting weight and finally competition stand to learn more about themselves in a few minutes of battle than years of training can teach.
Each competitor winner or loser is a champion of his cause, a hero to someone in their life and possibly a role model for generations to come. I challenge anyone who reads this post to take up the challenge, sign up for your first tournament and experience the lessons to be learned within and without by stepping onto the competitive mat and hearing the words... "COMBATE"!
So it's almost Christmas, I'm happy, healthy, and fit. I look forward to seeing my friends, challengers and fellow competitors on the mat in 2010. All the best from C-Quence Jiu Jitsu and my family.
Best Regards and Happpy Holidays to You and Yours!
KK
