Shooooooweeeeee. I am worn out. I just got in from a three hour training session with "the boys". For the first hour and a half we worked on kickboxing and striking power. The kickboxing itself is fairly easy for me- although there is always room for improvement. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to striking power though...a lot of the technical motions are just not natural for me and I am going to have to re-train my muscles. Looking forward to putting in the work though.
The last hour of training was strictly Jiu Jitsu. There was a new guy there tonight too. New to me- but apparently not to the class. He is a very experienced and he had no problem rolling with a girl. OH HAPPY DAY!!!!...yes..one more time..OH HAPPY DAY!!! I finally found a consistent partner to roll with. He actually seemed thrilled to be rolling with someone that is more his height. Obviously if he chose to he could wear me out- but he didn't. He let me work the techniques over and over-
When we had our open mat session at the end of the evening I used the technique I learned from TECH teacher Tim Mannon and immediately passed guard into side control. That was the best feeling ever. Almost so good that for a split second I freaked out and was going to celebrate...but I caught myself- threw him into a keylock and he TAPPED!!! My first tap!!!! WOOHOOOO..
Mucho Thanks go to everyone at TECH that helped me even get into side control to begin with. Kudos to my new partner Austin for being man enough to take on a girl. I am off to celebrate!!!
Goodnight All-
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Art of Marketing
Let's face it, the Art of Marketing is not new to me- those of you out there that truly know me know this already. On a recent trip to meet some new friends and fellow Jiu Jitsu lovers it hit me though-
What is the best way for people to know that you are into Jiu Jitsu?
Well- I guess I could buy enough shirts to walk around ina Jiu Jitsu shirt on a daily basis- but honestly I think that would get pretty old pretty fast. And as a marketing professional I immediately see the limitations of a shirt. Of course I could spend big money solidifying every single girls horror- Rent a billboard and publicly display my number...something like..
For a good roll Call *** *** ****
Pretty sure my mom would be so peeved she wouldn't bother talking to me about it, she would just haul off and shoot me. We are from Texas ya know- guns are a way of life. In her mind, at that point I would deserve it...and she may be right. Okay, moving on.
I could spend countless hours perusing the local gyms for any females (or males) that look remotely interested in something new...but time is not something I have a lot of, so again- moving on...
Figured it out yet? Car clutter. Essentially that is what it is. While I am not into bumper stickers or even packing as many possible random decals that may give away as many details on my life as a hacker on Facebook- a BJJ decal could be effective.
For those that know what it is, it could be an immediate in to a conversation...
"Really- BJJ??...and a girl is driving that car...if she can do it, maybe I can..."
And then for those that don't know what it is, once they get past the snickering behind your back because the first thing that comes to mind is of course what comes on everybody elses mind- sex...then perhaps it may be an ice breaker.
A new friend of mine has BJJ GRRL on her license plate. I think that is fantastic! While it does represent a large part of who she is, essentially it is also big time marketing for women in Jiu Jitsu. Since license plates obviously can't be duplicated in the same state she has her state locked down. Fortunately we live in different states- so I will be looking to lock down a similar plate for my state. I challenge all the women out there that are having trouble looking for rolling partners to market the fact that you are interested in Jiu Jitsu...and maybe it will grant you some good luck.
Here is a decal that I recently ordered..but there are tons to choose from. Find some that work for you!
What is the best way for people to know that you are into Jiu Jitsu?
Well- I guess I could buy enough shirts to walk around ina Jiu Jitsu shirt on a daily basis- but honestly I think that would get pretty old pretty fast. And as a marketing professional I immediately see the limitations of a shirt. Of course I could spend big money solidifying every single girls horror- Rent a billboard and publicly display my number...something like..
For a good roll Call *** *** ****
Pretty sure my mom would be so peeved she wouldn't bother talking to me about it, she would just haul off and shoot me. We are from Texas ya know- guns are a way of life. In her mind, at that point I would deserve it...and she may be right. Okay, moving on.
I could spend countless hours perusing the local gyms for any females (or males) that look remotely interested in something new...but time is not something I have a lot of, so again- moving on...
Figured it out yet? Car clutter. Essentially that is what it is. While I am not into bumper stickers or even packing as many possible random decals that may give away as many details on my life as a hacker on Facebook- a BJJ decal could be effective.
For those that know what it is, it could be an immediate in to a conversation...
"Really- BJJ??...and a girl is driving that car...if she can do it, maybe I can..."
And then for those that don't know what it is, once they get past the snickering behind your back because the first thing that comes to mind is of course what comes on everybody elses mind- sex...then perhaps it may be an ice breaker.
A new friend of mine has BJJ GRRL on her license plate. I think that is fantastic! While it does represent a large part of who she is, essentially it is also big time marketing for women in Jiu Jitsu. Since license plates obviously can't be duplicated in the same state she has her state locked down. Fortunately we live in different states- so I will be looking to lock down a similar plate for my state. I challenge all the women out there that are having trouble looking for rolling partners to market the fact that you are interested in Jiu Jitsu...and maybe it will grant you some good luck.
Here is a decal that I recently ordered..but there are tons to choose from. Find some that work for you!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Anger Management Momma
I guess I should introduce myself first. I am new to blogging...while I have dabbled a bit in it, my lifestyle doesn't really allow for any type of consistency. Having some sort of consistency is a big part of the issue for me. I am a schedule lover. I adore lists, organization, and details. I detest chaos, spontaneity and unplanned surprises. While I thrive on schedules I am keenly aware that the more hectic my schedule becomes the more stressed I am. Undoubtedly it is due to lack of quality "me time". While I made a resolution three years ago to fix the issue- my hectic schedule is only just now allowing me to do so. Pitiful, I know- but Hey, at least I am doing something now.
I signed up for Jiu Jitsu. There are several different things that appeal to me.
1. The physical aspect. I may be completely out of shape, short, and chubby- But I am ridiculously strong still and I know it. Since Jiu Jitsu doesn't rely on strength, I am hoping to get my flexibility back. It is one physical sport that I cannot immediately dominate- because it is not based on strength alone, but endurance.
2. Essentially it is a physical chess game. Come on, who doesn't enjoy continuously outwitting their opponent. Let's face it- after repeatedly mentally sparring with kids all day long, a girl could use a little competition.
3. Being honest- the fact that one day I may easily be able to beat the ever living hell out of my hubby at the drop of a hat is insanely appealing. Hell, it single handedly may be the very motivation carrying me through.
I have never considered myself to be a girly girl. I do not wear Pink. I do not need to fix my hair or put make up on to have a good time or go run an errand. I do not require weekly manicures. Crying is not a normal reaction for me and most likely never will be. I grew up competing with boys in various aspects and assumed that practicing the art of Jiu Jitsu would be no different.
Oh to the detestable surprise. Boys don't want girls in the Boys Only Jiu Jitsu club. Being that I live in a small, backwoods area I am extremely limited to my Jiu Jitsu resources. There is only one dojo that is willing to train girls within my driving area. At least they say they are willing. They seem to be quite willing to take my money every month- However none of the guys actually want to run drills or roll with me.
Knowing that my Anger Management plan is seriously in jeopardy of back firing I started researching women in Jiu Jitsu. I was thrilled to find tons of women across the country that not only practice Jiu Jitsu, but also regularly beat the crap out of the local boys they train with. One blog in particular caught my attention. The author has experienced similar situations and has dedicated an entire blog to helping herself and other women work past the stereotypical gender issues. I highly suggest any female- or male interested in upping their Jiu Jitsu knowledge read up on BJJ GRRL. The advice given is priceless.
Since our local class is small and only meets a few times a week I most likely won't have a lot of new information to post. But should anyone out there be going through similar circumstances- know that you aren't alone.
I signed up for Jiu Jitsu. There are several different things that appeal to me.
1. The physical aspect. I may be completely out of shape, short, and chubby- But I am ridiculously strong still and I know it. Since Jiu Jitsu doesn't rely on strength, I am hoping to get my flexibility back. It is one physical sport that I cannot immediately dominate- because it is not based on strength alone, but endurance.
2. Essentially it is a physical chess game. Come on, who doesn't enjoy continuously outwitting their opponent. Let's face it- after repeatedly mentally sparring with kids all day long, a girl could use a little competition.
3. Being honest- the fact that one day I may easily be able to beat the ever living hell out of my hubby at the drop of a hat is insanely appealing. Hell, it single handedly may be the very motivation carrying me through.
I have never considered myself to be a girly girl. I do not wear Pink. I do not need to fix my hair or put make up on to have a good time or go run an errand. I do not require weekly manicures. Crying is not a normal reaction for me and most likely never will be. I grew up competing with boys in various aspects and assumed that practicing the art of Jiu Jitsu would be no different.
Oh to the detestable surprise. Boys don't want girls in the Boys Only Jiu Jitsu club. Being that I live in a small, backwoods area I am extremely limited to my Jiu Jitsu resources. There is only one dojo that is willing to train girls within my driving area. At least they say they are willing. They seem to be quite willing to take my money every month- However none of the guys actually want to run drills or roll with me.
Knowing that my Anger Management plan is seriously in jeopardy of back firing I started researching women in Jiu Jitsu. I was thrilled to find tons of women across the country that not only practice Jiu Jitsu, but also regularly beat the crap out of the local boys they train with. One blog in particular caught my attention. The author has experienced similar situations and has dedicated an entire blog to helping herself and other women work past the stereotypical gender issues. I highly suggest any female- or male interested in upping their Jiu Jitsu knowledge read up on BJJ GRRL. The advice given is priceless.
Since our local class is small and only meets a few times a week I most likely won't have a lot of new information to post. But should anyone out there be going through similar circumstances- know that you aren't alone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)