September was an amazing month for me. My training has become more technical, I

learnt a few great moves, new and old injuries healed well, and my energy seemed

to have reached an unprecedented level.

At the end of Mark and Jay's seminar early in the month, three of my training

mates, among whom Gel started almost the same time as I, were promoted to

bluebelt. Standing in line, I thought next they were going to call me and was

scared as I didn't feel ready at all. In the end, I was not and I felt relieved

and then a bit disappointed.

But I didn't dwell on it. I hate to bring up age but time shapes a person. I

don't feel eager to prove myself at all. And that was why I said no when Brenda

(who by the way is ranked IBJJF world number one in her bracket for the second

year) asked if I would compete, shortly afterwards. Then, the biggest lesson

dawned on me: I really should focus on learning instead of fighting. I got

similar advices a few times (from coach Jeremy most memorably) in the past but

never paid attention. Now I suddenly understood what it meant and felt able to

execute that idea.

Why didn't I see this before? Ego, sure. But that sounds vague, simplistic, and

useless. I have a theory. A relatively small guy like me (5'6", 152 lbs) often

feels physically insecure and more pressure to prove himself. Taleb once said

that there is a hidden physical threat behind every interaction between men. I

totally agree. The bigger guys are less threatened and therefore conditioned to

relax more. This also explains why big strong guys stay and others, those that

need the art the most, quit. After one year, I am the small guy who's still

here. Isn't that amazing in itself? Now that I have shown the world that I am

tough, I can focus on learning.

We drilled important techniques this month including

- butterfly arm drag (Pablo)

- butterfly counter (Jay and Mark)

- kimura transition to knee pinching on the neck (Pablo)

- triangle attack (Brenda, Jay)

- triangle defense and escapes (Brenda)

- shoulder trap and following up triangle (Jay and Mark)

- half-guard pass by switch and trap his bottom lower leg (Jay)

- sequences from inserting the hook for battle stance (Jay)

- cross-side armbar and paper-cutter entry and combo (David)

- three very effective cross-side bottom escapes (Pablo)

I didn't think it was possible to improve physically as I was not getting

younger. The last week, however, I trained five days and on the other two,

lifted weight and swam, respectively, without feeling drained. I think it might

have to do with both regular training and a better diet. As I grow older, I have

found that it is easier to control my stomach and only eat good food and for the

right amount. There is still a lot of room for improvement for my body.

I kept reviewing Henry's techniques, especially the defenses. At the end of each

escape, one not only returns to safety but also often ends up in a better

position to attack. The Von Flue choke, for example, is sneaky. It usually

follows defending the guillotine. Less experienced folks who headlock me but

couldn't finish with the guillotine and yet have the choking arm trapped. I often

follow up with a nice Von Flue choke.

It has never been better. Thank You!