rails
It was a rather interesting day today, aside from 50 degree temperature and the non-stop rain. Got up at half 6 and drove to the Metro station to catch the train to Grand Central. My girl got off at Croton-Harmon so she could head to Van Cortlandt to visit her friend, and my kid and myself continued on the train to GCT. From here we caught another train downtown to Marcelo Garcia's Academy.
We arrived around 1145, 15 minutes into open mat. My kid set herself up with her phone and book in the windowsill while I got my gi on. Managed to get three rolls in with two blue and a brown or purple belt (he was in grappling shorts and a rash guard). After open mat, everyone got ready and lined up for the Gi class. Bernardo Faria taught the class, and we opened with some jogging before doing a drill from turtle position which involved a lapel grip and hopping to the other side to pull your opponent into you to take his back. These were drilled for one minute each while Bernardo walked around and made corrections and answered questions. This was followed up by the move(s) of the day which were similar to the opening drill. Starting in turtle, and Ezekiel choke from the back and if this fails, a head arm triangle. Both techniques were pretty slick. After going over the technique and drilling it repeatedly, we sparred. I got a bunch of rolls in, mostly with Blue Belts (which was what I wanted) and I did well. Managed to do I few things that I have been working on.
Some observations...everyone was very nice and didn't try to smash/hurt me since I was a visitor...it was great to roll with different people who didn't know my game and actually see my technique work...Brian's teaching and my teammates are good, as I felt confident going in and confident rolling and held my own...this reinforced my realization that I've gotta keep working, especially on my passing/attacking, its gotten better then it was, but it isn't where it needs to be yet.
Definitely a good day of training, definitely gonna head back down, but I can't wait to go train tomorrow with the team and try out the technique I picked up today. Osss!