Day 1 in the can

Yesterday was a very LOOOONNG but very fun day of grappling tourney. Chrissy and Brian were real troopers; staying long after they would have wanted to leave, because we had a bunch of white and blue belt competitors from New Breed. And sometimes they went at the same time, which means Johnny would be at one mat and some of the rest of us would go to another. Learning to coach is the next step in my BJJ evolution, and I'm getting some on-the-fly experience!

Quote of the day:

"Where are my teeth?"

Courtesy of Danny, a Chicago New Breeder who came back from an injury (his opponent illegally reaped his knee) to take 3rd in his blue belt division. (Danny wears a bridge and takes it out to fight. He also keeps it in his shoe, apparently.)

What a great day. At first it smelled like feet, then it smelled like feet and nerves, and then it smelled like feet, nerves, and regret. Then it also smelled like acai and tri-tip steak. A Brazilian jiu jtsu tournament has something for everyone!

LOTS of dignitaries in town. Migliarese, Vieira, Jacare, Ribeiro, Macauley, Moriarty, Paixao, Yamasaki, to name a few.

More soon! Right now we need to get back to the tourney.

Oh, and BTW, happy birthday to Brian (today), Jennifer* (last Wed), and my father (last Mon)!!