It's starting to look like I've got a few tournaments coming up on my radar, two of which will be in NYC while the other one is in FL.  The Fl tournament will be the same one I did last year, the UAEJJF International Pro.  I would like to think that the outcome will be a bit different this time around.  

Last year I went down to FL to compete with two things not quite in my favor.  First and foremost I was coming off an injury which had me off the mats for 3 weeks followed by only light training.  Secondly about a month prior to the tournament I had just been promoted, which inherently is not a bad thing.  Brian had promoted me to Purple Belt, so I went in to my first first and only match as a new Purple against seasoned Purple belt and got smoked.  No big deal, those things happen (frequently in my case) and I used it a learning situation.  This time, barring any unforeseen issue, I will have had a whole year of training and drilling under my belt.  Like I mentioned in one of my previous posts, the plan this year was to take care of house projects, train and drill as much as possible and do one or two tournaments to see how I am progressing, all of which I have been doing (aside from the 2 week holiday in the Azores).  

Since returning from my holiday, I have been doing well in regards to putting in time both on the mat and in the gym.  Yes I did definitely eat (nothing unhealthy, just larger portions) and drink more then normal, but I will keep grinding and return to form sooner rather than later.  Training has been going well and I'm hoping to feel more comfortable working my game.  I've managed to make it in an extra day per week since returning from my holiday and I think that will help me get into a good rhythm. 

Another thing which will be helping get me into a rhythm are some of my teammates.  Julie has been really moving well and is exuding a ton of confidence since she won her Purple Belt division at the Pan NoGi tournament.  Her game has leveled up and I find myself trying to play catch up when we roll since she seems to be at least a half step ahead of me.  Marc is another one making me work hard.  He has really been really working me over when we do get a chance to roll (new job for him means less opportunities to be on the mat at the same time).  And finally Julian is his typical self, fast, accurate and strong.  The best I can do against him is to gamely hold out trying not to tap while he takes my back almost every time we roll.  Brian has also been gingerly rolling.  His rehab/pt has been going well and he is healing nicely.  The amazing thing to me is, even down a wing he still is light years ahead of all of us.