Bibiano Fernandez friended me!

Things are looking up! Monday was a terrific class at Hollywood BJJ with Rodrigo Gracie, who is teaching class while Shawn is out of town. His attention to detail matches Shawn’s, and I learned a few details for the armbar that are going to help me so much. Parker said that when he came to Hollywood BJJ he had to relearn most of what he thought he knew about BJJ. I can already see how that’s going to happen with me. (Did I write that already?)

Tuesday I went to NTT, and in addition to pulling off the techniques on Wen that Rodrigo showed on Monday (though Wen gave me the setups—thanks Wen!) I met Eric’s teacher and friend Kai Garcia, who is a black belt under Royler Gracie and a longstanding fixture on the surfing scene in Hawaii (Kauai and the North Shore of Oahu). His nickname is Kaiborg. He rocked our world too, talking about how it’s all about pressure. Gi grips are fine, according to Kai, but you really want to be focusing on using your body pressure to pass the guard, maintain side control, etc. Then when you do use the grips, you’ll be that much better. So then Joe and I tried what Kai was talking about…and Joe jammed his toe and we had to stop. But it was a really cool 5 minute lesson from a BJJ sage. And I missed my chance to get a picture with him!

In the evening it was gi class at New Breed. And Jason showed me the butterfly guard sweep I seem to keep ending up on the receiving end of (nice grammar).

I lost my voice earlier in the week too; I was described variously as sounding like “a grandmother,” “Demi Moore,” and “really hoarse.” So I’m a little sick, unfortunately, but getting better. I was going to go to Las Vegas to compete in the Grapplers Quest, but I think I’m gonna stick around here and train instead. I still haven’t decided completely, but I’m leaning toward staying here. We’ll see.

Today was my first day of work. It was a lot of fun! I learned how to work the register, started to memorize prices, sold a guy a blue belt, and got to meet Bibiano Fernandez, who apparently hangs out a lot at the store. And now we are Myspace friends!

Trying to think of other cool details. But other than irritating traffic, I can’t seem to think of anything. I think I’m just tired and not completely healthy. Well, all the more reason for me to get some sleep so I can get over it. But life is good, my illness notwithstanding.

PS: I’ve been spelling Leo Vieira’s name wrong, as I learned when I saw his DVD for sale at the store It’s got two “I’s.”