In this age of technology, you'd think that Microsoft and Apple would get their shit together, but no. Friday night, I attempted to download the latest version of iTunes on my laptop. Well, it wouldn't. At least, that's what my computer says. It spewed a bunch of error codes, which took me the whole of the weekends to trawl thru internet forums to find a solution. Turns out to be that I'm not the only one. Microsoft or Windows Vista has trouble with updates and software installations, that even tech geeks were having problems finding a solution for it up to now.
Now I can't access all my music. Sheesh.
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In the past couple of weeks, I have been diligently attending the beginners' classes over at BJJ School and have augmented it by attending the Friday mixed classes.
I must say, it is a totally different atmosphere (at least for me) in the mixed classes. It seemed more laid back and loose, as compared to the beginners' classes where we were put through our paces - teaching technique followed by drilling, then positional sparring, to be finished by full sparring (most times).
In the mixed classes, where there is a terrific abundance of coloured belts, it would be pretty much of the same format although there is more time spent on sparring. Also, people can just drift in or out during the sessions. On one class, Felipe taught two techniques involving leglocks and calf slicers that just went over my head. Duh. Good thing that there were two other white belts during the class, and sensing our confusion, he decided to teach us three a more basic technique.
As there were loads of higher belts, there is no dearth with sparring with blues, purples and browns, though I was kept busy enough sparring with the lighter coloured ones. One thing I very much like with sparring with different coloured belts is that each roll is terrific for learning and a good grounding experience with regards to seeing how I am progressing. It provides me with a valuable insight on my improvement, or lack thereof, as a BJJ player. With people that you train with regularly, this can be difficult at times, as you pit yourself with someone who is also improving, unless one's rate of progression is faster than the other person. I guess in these instances, an outsider, or someone who hasn't seen or trained with you for a while, might notice the improvement.
Now I can't access all my music. Sheesh.
---------------------------------
In the past couple of weeks, I have been diligently attending the beginners' classes over at BJJ School and have augmented it by attending the Friday mixed classes.
I must say, it is a totally different atmosphere (at least for me) in the mixed classes. It seemed more laid back and loose, as compared to the beginners' classes where we were put through our paces - teaching technique followed by drilling, then positional sparring, to be finished by full sparring (most times).
In the mixed classes, where there is a terrific abundance of coloured belts, it would be pretty much of the same format although there is more time spent on sparring. Also, people can just drift in or out during the sessions. On one class, Felipe taught two techniques involving leglocks and calf slicers that just went over my head. Duh. Good thing that there were two other white belts during the class, and sensing our confusion, he decided to teach us three a more basic technique.
As there were loads of higher belts, there is no dearth with sparring with blues, purples and browns, though I was kept busy enough sparring with the lighter coloured ones. One thing I very much like with sparring with different coloured belts is that each roll is terrific for learning and a good grounding experience with regards to seeing how I am progressing. It provides me with a valuable insight on my improvement, or lack thereof, as a BJJ player. With people that you train with regularly, this can be difficult at times, as you pit yourself with someone who is also improving, unless one's rate of progression is faster than the other person. I guess in these instances, an outsider, or someone who hasn't seen or trained with you for a while, might notice the improvement.
I told myself at the start of the year that I am going to make more of a commitment to training BJJ. I have set myself goals – really small ones, like, getting off work on time, getting to class, training at least twice a week, etc. I have had a chat with my wife about this, as well, as I needed her on board with this and supporting me, which she has always been, in her own little way (Thanks, hon).
My body is also adjusting to the increased demands brought about by training. Good nutrition and enough rest should take care of it (and painkillers and liniment).The key here is to resist the urge to overdo it, as injuries would only set you back, as I have learned last year.
Time spent away from my family is time that cannot be taken back. I need to make it count.
