bjjfights

The power of jiu jitsu to change people never ever ceases to amaze me.  I've seen people's lives changed in huge ways. It is a beautiful thing to behold.  For myself though, I'm struggling daily with my ability to change, to commit, to stay on track. I'm tired of letting my depression and anxiety control me. It's been a difficult year. A lot of things have taken a toll on my mind and body. I pray for the strength to keep walking this journey. The grace to give in and let it change me. I know there's something inside of me that is scared of success. I have to stop sabotaging myself. Where will this journey lead me?  I don't know. I'm scared. But you have to want it more than you are afraid of it.

Usually I am a very private person; but, here goes...I've been struggling for quite a while with anxiety and depression.  Sometimes it paralyzes me.  Sometimes it doesn't.  It's painful and hard to explain.  If you ever see me drop off the face of the earth, you'll know I'm most likely struggling.  I've become quite the expert at going off the grid.  At times, training jiu jitsu has been life saving.  It keeps me grounded and surrounded by a loving, non-judgmental support group.  Your team is everything.  They can make you or break you in the journey.  It's also important having a coach who understands my struggles.  He pushes and pulls me just as the right times.  Then there are the times when even jiu jitsu doesn't save me.  These times are the worst...like falling into a dark pit without a light or a ladder...scratching and clawing to find your way out.  Every second wanting to be present and living your life; but unable to do so.  Feeling like a comp

The feeling you get when your kid goes to train without you.  You are under the weather and can't train. She packs up, gets ready and drives herself to class without you bugging or begging.  I can't tell you how good that makes me feel.  She's transitioning to a new phase in her life.  She's in college and in charge of her own time.  I'm starting to see that spark again.  As much as we want them to love jiu jitsu as much as we do, it has to be their own journey.  For a while now she has supported me and encouraged me and pushed when needed.  I'm glad for that.  I will be content to fan the embers of her tiny little spark.  Help that flame grow.  I hope one day she sees what I see when I look at her.  She's a fighter.  A survivor.  Beautiful.  Strong.  She's my Tasmanian Devil Girl.  And for you guys at Combat Nation who haven't been introduced to her, you will soon know why I call her that.  ;)

It's October folks. Time to get out your pink and honor those breast cancer survivors. To pay homage to those who fought a valiant battle and lost. To comfort those left behind.  Do a self breast exam. Get that mammogram you've been putting off. Wear pink and wear it with pride. I know some amazing survivors. They inspire me. They gave meaning to the words "fight like a girl".  I have that inked on my left shoulder. Whenever I get down or think I can't go on in my training, I remember them. Real warriors. In their darkest hour, all they could do was "Fight like a Girl". This post is for you. 

I have been feeling horrible lately. Feels like my body is betraying me.  Chronic joint pain. Pinched nerves in my neck giving me grief. Shoulder, well we won't speak of it.  What's an old gal to do?  Go train. Stay home and rest. Go and watch. Hmmmm.  It's a tough one for me. Last week I opted out. Now I'm thinking that was a mistake because I feel worse. So tonight I will dust off my pride and suck it up and go train. I know there is not a magic pill that will make all my aches and pains go away. Jiu jitsu has helped me survive the last 5 plus years. I fear that had I not started training I would have just given in to the pain. Jiu jitsu saved me. That's the thing I have to cling to. It's grace keeps me from ever going back to that girl I was before. Peace. Love. Beautiful Jiu Jitsu. 

I had the honor to learn and train with three of the Machado brothers last weekend at RCJ Machado Farmers Branch. Affiliate instructors and students from all over were there along with my coach and I. I don't think I've ever seen so many black belts in one place. It was just a tiny bit intimidating. But these guys were here to learn just like me. If I could sum up the message I got from training with Carlos Machado and his two brothers, John and Roger, it would be to work smarter, not harder. Simple, low impact takedowns. Disengaging from guard. I'm going to nickname this the passive aggressive bear guard pass. These were the two key elements I walked away with. Not to mention opening my eyes to deep half guard and hook flips. The longer I train the more I realize that I can conserve my energy, use less effort, make gravity work for me. So, basically, work smarter, not harder. Peace. Love. Beautiful Jiu Jitsu.