big congrats to the guys who competed,naga is a big step up, especially factoring that when you do move up in skill level you have to be very cognizant of strategy(time,scoring,and gas tank!!!)because skill levels start to even out and the thinker wins at that point!!!did anyone recognize the big ugly(ahem)''ref''!!!good work john,take it easy and if it ain't easy take it anyways...ttt
I took third in masters whitebelt gi. I didnt do no-gi.
It was interesting. Long time just to get to the mat. My first match I tried the ole foot on the hip and drop to my back and try to flip him but he got base. I then pulled guard. I sunk in my grips with a sleeve and cross collar. My strategy was to keep guard and sweep him when he made a mistake. I knew he wouldnt break my grips unless I wanted him to. I tried a few sweeps and he dodged them. As time went on I tried to create more space and he passed my guard for 3 pts. He had side control and about 30 seconds later I escaped and pulled guard again. With about 15 seconds left I tried an omoplata and he stood up and yanked his arm out. With 5 seconds left he dodged me until time ran out.
For the 3rd place medal I was angry and just decided to attack the next guy. I got my grips, put my foot on his hip and armbarred him from the standup in about 16 seconds. Ill try to post the video of that if I can at some point if anyone is interested.
I learned a ton. I need to keep track of time. My first match I spent too long trying to set up a sweep and really couldve done alot more.I also think I couldve attacked more, especially after seeing how fast I took the next guy down.
-- Edited by Flack on Sunday 28th of June 2009 09:03:23 PM
Congrats on third place, 16 sec is very fast! It sounds like it was a good experience for you. While the win was nice, you probably learned a lot more from the loss. Competition BJJ is just like any other sport. You have to learn the little things such as when to push and when to kill time. Knowing you game, I am guessing you never felt in trouble but just behind on points.
Great job and thanks for representing our academy well!
I took 1st place in the no-gi, beginner, middleweight division then promptly lost my first match in the gi division.
NAGA was real cool, a couple of things that struck me were how fast 4 minutes goes by, how small the black squared mats looked, and how big and fast the competitors were. I won my first two matches in the no-gi, Denis coached me in the second match and gave me good advice throughout. The third match almost didn't happen, my opponent was disqualified by the ref, after his second match for being too advanced for the beginner division, it turns out he was a green belt in Judo, and had been doing it for almost three years. The ref gave me the option of taking the match or not, I told him I was ok with it figuring I would stay low keeping a good base and stay far away from his hips. The match began and he made several attempts at leg sweeps but I was based out pretty good and never got off balance. I saw what I thought was an opportunity to get around to his back by an arm drag, but once I got about half way there I went for a ride over his hip or over his shoulder I'm not sure which and I landed on my head. I was dazed by the impact of the mat and by him coming over with me and landing hard on top,he quickly secured a scarf hold then armed barred me with his legs fast. I thought I had won silver but they came over with two swords for co-first places. I didn't really get to see anyone else compete other than Shelby, who looked awesome, transitioning from one submission attempt to another, he took 2nd place in his division, losing to a tough brazilian.
dan,the fault in your first match was just a matter of experience...you''ll put it all together one day,gold medals are in your future...sorry i missed mikes and shelbys matches a win is a win is a win...see ya tuesday.
-- Edited by phil on Sunday 28th of June 2009 09:29:46 PM
This was my 3rd NAGA event but it was definitely the smoothest run I've seen so far, and the largest number of training partners I've ever had at one event. I was able to see Cody compete in no-gi, he unfortunately got put against a beast of a kid with a strong wrestling base, but Cody hung tough and only lost by 2 points. I watched Mike's final match against the Judo guy and he was doing quite well in defending the sweeps and staying calm until that thunderous throw came, and it was great having him in my corner for my matches. My division had 40 competitors show up so Kip split us into 2 groups. I won my first match buy guillotine in about 15 seconds off of a sprawl, my next match I won by points against a very unorthodox fighter who was tough and unpredictable, my third match I pulled probably the best submission chain of my life switching from a triangle to a tee pee, to an omo plata, and finally finished with a figure 4 arm bar. My last match was against a very slick brazilian from Wai Kru who I almost submitted with a peruvian necktie but he managed to slip it and catch me in an armbar. I defended as long as I could but he hyperextended my elbow and I had to tap, after that my arm felt awful so I opted not to do the gi competition. All in all a great day for our team and I was really impressed with how composed and professional all of our guys were, congrats everyone!
What a long ass day. I'd say it was a good experience overall, but obviously I would've liked to come out with a win or two. My no-gi match I lost 2-0 when my opponent grabbed a single leg with 30 seconds left. I pulled guard immediately but he got the points for initiating the takedown. From there I just didnt have enough time to do anything. Good strategy on his part. I tried the elbow-pop/duck-under a couple times while we were still standing, but looking back on it now I realize I didnt have the duck-under part down. Lesson learned for sure.
In my gi match I lost on points as well. Once again I was taken down but got right to guard again. I attempted a cross-collar choke but couldnt get it completely under his chin. Cranked with all I had anyway and almost got him to tap anyway. After I gave up on the choke I attempted a scissor sweep but was unsuccessful and he passed my guard. I believe I lost that match 4-0.
I will echo what others have said about 4 minutes, it really flies by. Although on the plus side I was never close to gassing out.
Congrats to everyone who competed. I think I saw each of you fight at least once and you all looked great.
Things I know I want/need to work on now: stand-up(especially shots and defending shots) & not being afraid to open my guard and try more sweeps & subs.
-- Edited by NateW on Monday 29th of June 2009 10:42:41 AM
guys the best thing to me about jj is your the only man in the bullring!!!yeah it's great to have teammates but this sport is relentless on your ego!!!i admit i always expect to win but reality does not always workout that way!!!even better yet every tourney you do your game/confidence grows exponentially back at the academy..you guys should be expecting to win not hoping to,and i think everyone is on the right track to accomplishing that...
