KGC

The second training session of my holiday was going to be at an SBG affiliate located in the town of Killarney.  Aptly named, Killarney Grappling club, the gym was located in the heart of Killarney literally a quarter mile from my hotel.  Speaking of the town, it was very nice and clean.  It was typically European, with narrow streets, roundabouts and colourful houses.  There were pubs and restaurants everywhere you turned.  It was definitely worth visiting.   

I had spoken to the head of the gym, a purple belt named PJ,  a few times via email in the weeks leading up to my visit and he seemed very welcoming and friendly.  I set up my training day after a relatively quiet day of eating, shopping and wandering about the town.  PJ met me down the street from my hotel and we walked to his gym, talking about training and our lives in Ireland and America.  

The gym was a good size, one large matted room, with doors that could open to outside if more airflow was needed.  Class went from 6-10 pm.  The first hour was for review, if anyone missed a class the prior week or a prior training session, PJ was there to go over it.  A couple guys were there for that and there were also a few just drilling.  PJ and I talked a bit more and then rolled.  He was close to my height and weight, maybe a bit a few pounds lighter, but very fast and technical.  We rolled for about 20 minutes before the rest of the students arrived for the 7 pm class.  

Class began with some warm-ups: a light jog, then side steps, stretching and some core work. Then PJ started in with the technique which was lasso guard and some sweeps off it.  He would show the technique and then we would drill it as he made his way around and watched each of us perform the move.  He was extremely detail orientated and I feel his background and training as a school teacher helped both his Jiu-Jitsu instruction and game.  The technique was very good and I could see how its effectiveness could complement my game...needless to say, I've been trying them in class this past week. 

After about an hour and a half, I had to be on my way since I left my family back at the hotel (actually, they went to get gelato without me).  We grabbed a few pictures and I said my goodbyes.  I had a blast training with these guys and I will as you all should, make it a point to get in to train with them if you are ever in the area.