Rockwell Rumble Sub-4-Santa Submission Tournament

Team Absolute had another great tournament tonight! Rockwell put on a great charity event that was a blast to attend and compete in.

I managed to take 1st in the Absolute Gi division. I had an awesome match in the finals with warrior Jacob South, (picture bottom right) and barely survived the wicked tricky guard of Richard Cesena. As well as two of my Absolute MMA brethren, Riley Peterson, and Braeden Kilpack.

The highlight of the event though, was the epic paper-rock-scissors battle for 1st place in the 205lb. division between Jacob and myself.

Mr. South had just fought through the 205lb. No-Gi division (1st place), the Absolute No-Gi division (1st place), and then in our finals match, the Absolute Gi division. And we were the only ones in the 205lb. Gi division. So, seeing as how we had just fought, we were both exhausted, and because of the tournament format we would have to fight best out of three, we decided to have a best of three ro-sham-bo contest. Oddly enough, the crowd seemed more into that battle, than any other match that evening!

Needless to say... I arose the victor, coming back from a loss in the first round, (his rock smashed my scissors) to a win with paper, then finishing via rock. The crowd went WILD!

Congrats to all my team mates, and the awesome competition that showed up for the event. Also thanks to Rockwell, and everyone who came out to support the fighters, we couldn't do it without you guys.

Quick update...

Things have been crazy busy at the shop as of late, so I don't have a whole lot to report on. I have been working on a BJJ Gi review for my next post, but I really underestimated how many Kimono's I have owned in the past 4 ish years of Jiu-Jitsu. Also, I underestimated what a nerd I am when it comes to MMA gear. So look forward to a lengthy, detailed report on that front.

Meanwhile, at Absolute MMA, we have been making a few big changes around the gym. Rob has invested in a new cage, and so the ring has been sold, and is gone. The new cage is still not complete, but all that is left is the door, and it's finished. We installed a new mat cover, to match the grey cage mat. And man, it looks sharp.

I had the pleasure this weekend, of covering a few classes for Rob and Pedro, while they were in Arizona teaching a seminar. I can't tell you how much I enjoy teaching Jiu-Jitsu. I love talking shop, figuring out the weak links in our game, and helping my teammates get better, and learn new things to make our team stronger. Also teaching gives you a chance to test your knowledge of pure technique, anyone can BS their way through a class, but actually teaching sound technique, that your world class professors would sign off on, is another thing entirely. I hope to one day be able to become a well rounded teacher, so that I can help others learn, and improve their Jiu-Jitsu, as much as my instructors have for me.

Another awesome seminar with Grand Master Flavio Behring!

Once again, Absolute MMA had the amazing opportunity to host the semi annual visit of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 9th Degree Red Belt, the Grand Master, Flavio Behring.
With over 60 years of BJJ experience, it goes without saying, that he is a wizard in the art of self defense, and arguably the most influential force behind the spread of Gi Jiu-Jitsu all around the world.
It is always a pleasure just having him in the gym, and his BJJ knowledge, and teaching technique is second to none. Its amazing to see the way his mind processes seemingly complex situations, with absolute simplicity, and grace. Every progression has perfect flow, and direction. Every movement has purpose, and reason. No time is wasted, no energy misspent. After over 6 decades of perfecting his system, he has trimmed off all of the unnecessary frills, and gimmicks. The result is 100% pure unfiltered, frighteningly effective Jiu-Jitsu technique. I am so grateful that my Professor Robert Handley, goes through the trouble to present us with such an amazing opportunity to train with the best in the world.


Master Sylvio Behring, GM Flavio Behring, GM João Alberto Barreto, GM Alvaro Barreto.

2011 Updates!

So, for the past almost year, I have been working some serious overtime at the shop. So I have had to neglect my Jiu-Jitsu competition schedule, and I have let it slip a bit more than I am comfortable with. I have done my best to keep up on training, but since my last post (almost a freakin year ago) I have only had the chance to roll in two tournaments.
The first, was the Utah Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Challenge. Held at Link BJJ in Ogden. It was a smaller competition, but its always a blast to have a chance to compete. I took home a Gold Medal in the Purple/Blue belt division, winning one match by points, and the finals match by submission. It was great to finish on the podium with my team mates at my side though. Chris Kennedy took the Bronze in 3rd place, and Sir William DaBell finished with the Silver in 2nd.

The second tournament I had the pleasure of entering, was the Hawaiian Triple Crown of Jiu-Jitsu State Championships. As well as being a mouthful, it is also one of the biggest events in Hawaii. It was a blast to roll with some new people, and although I was in awful shape, I decided to give it a try while I was on the island working. I had three matches, the first two I won by points, and the last, unfortunately my tanks were running on fumes, and I was gassed, so I lost by 3 points. But on the bright side, I can't be to upset by taking home a Bronze Medal, straight off the couch.

I must say though, with out a doubt, the biggest event this year, was the semi-annual Grand Master Flavio Behring Seminar! Its always an absolute pleasure when he comes to town, but this year, I had the honor of receiving my Purple Belt during his visit.

I have been working my ass off (literally) on the long road toward the coveted BJJ Black Belt. So now 50 lbs. lighter, and 4 years later, this marks the halfway point, to achieving that goal. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing team. Professor Robert Handley, and Professor Pedro Sierra, are the most patient, meticulous, passionate instructors I could have ever asked for. And I can't wait to see what the next four years has in store.