2008 No Gi Mundials for the interested

[Merryprankster]

Hi folks. Some of you will care, some of you won't, but I posted 4 new vids of me competing. These are from the four matches I had at the No Gi mundials about a week ago. Brown Belt, 187 lbs weight class, master's division and the absolute as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ9t5Kyegmo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsfWLszke5A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYDiebbj45w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce_tG1UxKvo

These are not the most exciting matches on the planet truthfully, at least in my opinion. No taps, but I didn't get scored on the whole day. So that was kinda cool. It may have seemed like I was in danger from leg locks rather frequently, but I never really felt that way. Anyway, enjoy!

[Oso]

nice rasslin!


so you took both divs? congrats!

[Merryprankster]

Thanks Oso. I did take both divisions. It was a long day, but I had a good time!

[rogue]

Very nice and congratulations!

I haven't watched many (any?) BJJ comps so these may be ignorant questions, but do most matches move in such a seemingly relaxed pace? Does anybody try to go for take downs?

BTW (not so) Little Rogue was impressed.

[Merryprankster]

Rogue,

The pace was a little lackadaisical, I felt. "Styles make fights." I didn't feel compelled to push the pace too hard, because it was clear I was up in every match...why take the risk. I did have some takedowns in there, a couple of inside trips and such, but there was a lot of fast guard pulling.

It was very clear to my opponents that I wrestled, after a few seconds on the mat with me, and that I was very comfortable on my feet, so all of them pulled guard very quickly after they figured that out, and did not want to stand up anymore. I don't blame them. When I feel somebody is superior on their feet to me, because of the point structure, I pull guard too.

Normally, I push harder to pass, but the pace wasn't very quick, I felt secure in my top positions, and I was up points or advantages, so I just didn't see the need to use my conditioning as a weapon (which I did at the pan-ams).

All of my opponents were very slick, however...in large part, I didn't move so much because there were many times I felt in danger of losing positional dominance or getting swept, and my instructor gave me very strict orders to stay on top :)

BTW, tell little rogue to keep at it, and I will give tips on the margarida/knee cut across guard pass, and the violator guard break ;-)

[rogue]

Oh great, more stuff for him to do to me. :D

He's been looking over some old VHS Gracie JJ tapes I had laying around and trying some of the moves out on me. Kind of fun.

[Three Harmonies]

Congrats bro!
My coach took silver in the BB lightweight division.
Cheers
Jake