First class, dumb mouth guard fiasco.
Second, just precautionary I guess, still getting my feet wet.
Finally, in my third class, Avi the bad ass says,
"You ever roll before?"
"Not yet."
"Well you know, we like to get you acclimated to the routine, and have you learn some defenses and escapes, but don't worry, we'll get you in there today."
Today is the day. So after training with Liz and AJ I watch the first part of the rolling session.
The two fighters get into a position, each fighter had to advance their position in some way.
If they did so, they win, and the fighters restart in the beginning positions.
You roll until the instructors say stop.
I was ok with being left out of this part of rolling because it let me watch and learn and ask more questions.
It also got the other classmates good and tired (so you'd think) and gave me a fighting chance when I got in there.
"If you have any questions feel free to ask. While they roll" Bad Ass tells me.
I ask.
"So since I really don't know anything. Should I just try anything? For example, when I mess around with my friends I like to try and throw on triangles. I doubt I have ever done one right, but should I try that if I get a chance?"
"Go for it."
AWESOME.
Then Avi explains,
"Always remember we are training though, give a guy a chance to tap. We don't snap on submissions, and we are always careful. You'll find everyone is pretty respectable, and a great group of guys."
Makes sense, and I don't think I am in any position to "snap on" any submissions anyways.
Finally it's my time.
The timer sounds, and its time for part two of rolling; an exercise called "King of the Hill".
KING OF THE HILL
Again Avi picked a perfect activity for me to get my feet wet.
During this "King of the Hill" rolling session one fighter starts in guard and the other is on top.
If the person on top advances his position by getting side control, mount, or getting his opponent's back, they win.
If the person on bottom advances with a sweep or submits from the bottom, they win.
Winner stays in on the mat, in the bottom position, new guy from the sidelines jumps in and gets in top position.
Why is this perfect for a newbie you might ask?
Well it's simple. If I have to tap out in 10 seconds because I am rolling against an animal, I get to get up to fight another day and most importantly try a different training partner. I am not stuck rolling with someone I have no chance against.
I can even step out if I want, if I am feeling overwhelmed.
If I were rolling during a normal session, I am stuck with whoever I partner up with for a whole 3 to 5 minutes. That can seem like an eternity.
Imagine 5 minutes with a gorilla who knows kung fu? Scary five minutes right?
Opponent 1:
So I finally get the balls enough to jump in. I am rolling with a kid probably my height, maybe has 20 pounds on me. We begin, its a handsy grab fest for about thirty seconds mostly because I have no frickin' clue what I am doing. I finally go for the guard break I learned in first class. I forget step 3 putting my foot up against his ass. His guard is not breaking. I go to re-adjust my position, and I guess while I am contemplating what I am doing wrong, what felt like out of nowhere I am being choked with my own collar.
TAP TAP.
"That wasn't so bad was it?" Avi jokes with me.
With all seriousness I say "No it was awesome."
I never thought I'd have so much fun being choked out.
I take a sip of water, and after a minute or two I get my second chance.
Try TWO
This time I roll with AJ. I have to admit I am a little intimidated after training with him.
We begin. Again hand fighting. Again I go for the guard break. Again this time faster.
TAP TAP.
It was the same damn Gi choke!
That was annoying. As an athlete I know if my opponent gets the upper hand on me twice in a row the same way, I have a glaring hole in my game. What's so frustrating is I don't know what it is yet.
I am determined to find out though.
Third attempt.
I watch this fighter Andrew take on a couple guys in a row. Andrew is one of the few guys I would say is my weight, and a couple inches shorter than I am. He is also completely spent from the last 2 rounds of fighting.
I dive right in.
We wrestle for position. I manage to break his guard, and spin to side control. He spins out and I get his back.
I sink both hooks in, and Avi says it.
"Both hooks are in. Good job. Steve stay down."
SUCCESS. My first night. I could not be in a better mood.
Yes the other fighter was exhausted, but I did something right. I got his back.
Speaking of backs there is no time to pat myself on mine, because now I am on bottom.
Roll 4
Another fighter Eddie who is a similar size as me jumps in.
He manages to break my guard (damn it!), and I get into half guard.
I have a pretty strong handle on his leg, but I feel useless in this position.
Basically I am just hanging on for dear life.
I should have stayed there, because when I tried to improve my position Eddie got to half guard, and I was toasty toast.
The taste of success was fleeting to say the least.
Attempt 5. (Last one)
I re-roll with first guy. Again I try and break guard, but do not give up my neck as easily. We battle for position, and he pulls off some crazy monkey roll and I involuntarily roll as well.
I lose position, he gains. Round over. Roll over.
I loved rolling, but also hate how frustrating it is.
It's frustrating because of my lack of experience.
I am thinking too much, and when I do do something right, and get some position, I have no idea what to do when I get it. It will all come in time I am sure.
I am also sure, this is something I am really starting to get into.
I was a little late putting this post up, I ll try and recap this week, over the weekend.
Thanks for reading, and buy something from an ad!
Steve
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