Tag Archives: brazilian-jiu-jitsu

Apr22

Redemption!

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Ilsa Rey

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I studied up. I watched the videos and did multiple mental reps to prep for the next mini Reflex Development class.

I knew the moves before the first mini RD, yet they eluded me when I needed them. Not this time, brain. Not this time.

I messaged Mrs. Instructor:

Since I was the only one staying for RD, lounging solo on the mat, waiting, Instructor walked over and said something roughly to the effect of, “When Surfer Dude is ready, just do a minute each of mount control.”

“Okay,” I said, disheartened. I wanted to prove myself by doing the moves I had utterly failed at the first night.

However, SD sauntered over, not having been given instructions, and said, “Let’s do the stuff we did the first night.” That you utterly failed at was kindly left unsaid.

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Apr18

Well, THAT didn’t go well.

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Ilsa Rey

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In one Jiu-Jitsu class, Instructor was watching me do the moves and pointed out that the position the “bad guy” wound up in was perfect for Twisting Arm Control from a different lesson.

Do I know how to do Twisting Arm Control? Why, of course I do.

Could I remember in that moment how to do Twisting Arm Control? Why, of course I couldn’t.

Instructor had to remind me of the steps, but, before he could say, “Jump into side mount,” I proudly jumped into side mount! Facing. The wrong. Direction.

Later I reflected on what had gone wrong there and realized it was probably because it was his left arm, when I’ve only practiced this move right handed.

Knowing I need to work on that, I was excited to learn of new mini-Reflex Development classes happening after most regular classes.

In the first one, run by Surfer Dude, it was just me and one other student. I’ll call him…

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Feb4

They’re baaaaaack!

Posted on February 4, 2024 by Ilsa Rey

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I paused mid-hairbrush and smiled.

They’re back, baby!

Jiu-Jitsu bruises! See it near my elbow? (BTW, I have to set a featured image, which then appears in the top left corner of the post, so you may see this picture twice.)

Later, I discovered two on my forearm.

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Jan21

The Jiu-Jitsu Diaries: Day Three

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Ilsa Rey

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While writing my last post, I had a bit of a revelation: What if partnering with Sensei is the problem?

When in doubt, Sensei is always the problem.

But maybe it’s a combination of me being distracted by my desire to show that man up because I’m so annoyed at him being better at me in everything, and his inability to turn off the teacher switch. Like, dude, stop telling me what to do and let me think for myself a moment. (I’ve since said this to him, and he said, “Sorry,” so we’re cool.)

After this revelation, I considered asking Instructor to put me with someone else. Then I thought better of it and decided to leave the partnering to fate.

As fate would have it, Sensei was late, so Instructor partnered me with someone else. How’d I do?

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Jan19

An unexpected pick-me-up

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Ilsa Rey

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I was having an Andy Dwyer moment.

If you haven’t watched Parks and Recreation, Andy is the endearing yet not so smart character played by Chris Pratt. In one episode he’s trying to win over the girl he likes, April. A friend tries to help him formulate a plan by asking, “What are your skills?”

Andy responds, “I’m nice. I’m in a band.” The friend waited for more, but that was the extent of Andy’s CV.

I feel on par with Andy. I’m one of those things. The other, no one in their right mind would have me do.

Side note: I was recently telling a friend I had zero musical ability. “I like to dance, though,” I said.

She perked up. “Really? What kind?”

Evidently she was expecting salsa, swing, ballet, heck, even tap would probably do.

“Uh, just to music I like.”

She turned her attention to someone else.

Probably a good thing I didn’t mention head banging.

So, I’m sticking with “nice,” and some people think I’m funny. That’s two. I have to accept that Jiu-Jitsu is not in my skill list, despite how much I wish it would be.

Here’s an opportunity to use two of those 149 pics I’ve been stockpiling. I spotted this and another t-shirt two years ago and snapped pics in case I ever had cause to mention Parks and Rec. I hope fellow fans will appreciate them.

Mouse Rat just happens to be the name of Andy’s band!

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Jan17

Betsy goes back to Jiu-Jitsu aaaaaaaaannnddd you can probably guess what happened next.

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Ilsa Rey

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Betsy goes back to Jiu-Jitsu aaaaaaaaannnddd you can probably guess what happened next.

Okay, so I did that free seminar thing with Sensei back in November, right? And we snagged coupons for two free weeks of class, making plans to use them this month. I eagerly awaited our first class, last night at 8p.m., a time that seemed far too late. I kept watching the clock, trying to find ways to fill the time.

This is taking forever. What should I do? Wash dishes or something?!

Don’t worry, I didn’t stoop that low.

Finally, the hour drew near. Once again I perceived the heavenly choir of angels as I pulled my plastic-wrapped gi from the back of the closet.