This past Saturday was the 2015 IBJJF Spring NY Open at CCNY in Harlem and I had been prepping and looking forward to this tournament for a while.  Last year, I went to the Summer Open here and lost my first and only match.  So for the past couple months my focus was on one thing and one thing only...showing improvement which hopefully translated to winning my division.  I modified my routines to put in more focused time in the gym and on the mats.  I made the effort to do everything with a purpose, eat, lift, cardio, agility and train.  I set a small goal to reach, which was have a solid showing at NAGA, working my technique and I went in an accomplished that.  

So when Saturday came, I felt pretty good for.  My weight was on point so we hopped the Metro North to 125th and caught a cab to the venue.  My division was scheduled to go on at 1400, so I changed into my Gi and checked my weight which was 166.6 lbs.  Then I wandered about for a bit, talking to some people I knew and then nerding out watching some matches. At 1330 I went to the bullpen to check in (it was an 8 man division) and wait to be called.  I don't get overly nervous anymore, just anxious to get started.  Game time.  It was shortly after 1400.

Let me preface this by saying I still have to go back and really watch my matches and really assess what I did and didn't do properly.  My first match went well, establish grips, pull guard and start to work a sweep and then I got his back and the tap.  The second match was back and forth.  He attacked and brought a ton of pressure, but I got a sweep and passed his guard and went for an armbar that I didn't get.  We each got a few more sweeps in before I managed to win by points and advantages.  In my third match the guy came with pressure and used it very efficiently and deliberately (I need to do this better).  Because of this combined with a longer body type, he reminded me of Jeff in the gym (who I need to roll with more I feel).  He ended up taking my back and catching me with a bow and arrow choke for first place in the division.  

My final match of the day was in the Open Weight division.  As soon as I got in the bullpen to check in, I knew who my opponent was just based upon the comedic way fate has a tendency to work.  It was the 6'4, 280 lbs guy.  I laughed out loud...We had a decent match I thought.  He didn't sub me and I almost had a sweep on him but he ended up beating me on points, almost crushing me and also winning the whole division.  It was a great, albeit funny, experience.  I saw some pics and we looked pretty comical next to each other.

Overall, the day went well I guess.  I didn't win the division but got second place instead.  Also, I came away with a bunch of things to work on some of which I am still sorting out.  I'm glad my girl is patient while I roll around in pajamas with strangers, and I'm also thankful my coach and teammates beat my ass and make me a better jiujiteiro.  Hopefully I can return the favor for them.