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Friday, 29 August 2014

An Interview with The 2014 Purple Belt Absolute World Champion Edwin Najmi

I'm very excited to bring you guys today an interview with Edwin Najmi. He is one of Jiu-Jitsu's rising stars and throughout his career has captures many major titles in our sport. It has been a privilege to get the opportunity to interview him. I hope you guys enjoy. 

Source: Preston Smith

So first off, could you please introduce yourself to people who may not be totally familiar with yourself?

My name is Edwin Najmi. I’m 21 years old, BJJ brown belt. I train at Gracie Barra Northridge under Romulo Barral. I recently won the 2014 Absolute World Championship at purple belt and I believe I was the only featherweight in history to win it as a purple belt. I have also won the Pan Ams 5 times and won the 2014 Abu Dhabi Pro in the featherweight division.

What is your Jiu-Jitsu story?
Basically, my cousin used to wrestle and beat me up as a joke on his living room floor all the time. So I wanted to get back at him and the only way I could was to get better at grappling. So I walked in to the local grappling school and that’s how it all started.

What is Romulo Barral like to have as your professor? And how is your overall relationship like with him?

Having Romulo Barral as my professor is incredible. I get to hang out, train, and learn from one of the best competitors of my sport on the daily basis. It’s like hanging out with the Michael Jordan of your sport in his prime every day. I learn something new every day from him whether it’s about jiu jitsu or life. He is a great person to be around and look up too. He’s like the older brother I never had, that passes on a lot of knowledge to me and bullies me sometimes as well.

Edwin with Romulo Barral

Other than Romulo, who else do you look up to in Jiu-Jitsu?

I look up to Samuel Braga, Cobrinha, Estima Brothers, Felipe Pena to name a few. They all not only have sick jiu jitsu but are also great ambassadors of the sport.

Could you take us through what an average week is like for you? And do you do anything to supplement your Jiu-Jitsu?

I basically train jiu jitsu 2x a day every day. Each session is about 2-3 hours with a lot of sparring, specific training and some drills. I lift weights 2x a week and powerlift heavy 2-3x a month. I don’t like to do any running or conditioning to help my cardio. I don’t think it helps with jiu jitsu. I rather just train more jiu-jitsu. I don’t train on Sundays.

You are known for your very aggressive guard. Have you always been a guard player? And how has your game evolved since you began training?

I’ve pretty much been an aggressive guard player since day one. Every year/belt I added more tools to my game. I started just playing closed guard at white belt, and then added spider guard at blue belt, then de la riva at purple belt. I’m just trying to always evolve and figure out new techniques and tricks. I never played on top in a tournament until I was a purple belt, but that’s when I realized I really had to start evolving and getting better on top. I would say my top game might be better than my guard now.

You’re also known for your triangles and foot locks. What made you favour these submissions in particular?

They just came naturally and I was good at them. So I just stuck to doing what was easy and won me tournaments. I just had to start adding different setups and details over the years.

Source: IBJJF

Do you think drilling is important for Jiu-Jitsu?

There’s this big debate going on about this in the jiu-jitsu world right now. I think drilling is important if you’re not too good at the technique. But after a while I think specific training is way more important. Your opponent trying to escape and resist will make you way better at the position. But, honestly it all depends on the person and technique/position and what they feel like is better for them. For example, if I drill a straight ankle lock with no resistance, I’m probably not going to get better at it. But, if I do a specific training where my partner is trying to defend and get out. I will definitely improve at finishing the technique. On the other hand, if I’m doing a position that I’m not good at, like deep half-guard sweeps. Drilling is going to be the better option for improving my technique.

What is the training like at your academy?

The training when everyone is getting ready for the big tournaments is insane. We have so many tough guys that are pushing each other to the limits. I would name a few, but there is too many. Blessed to be surrounded by such great athletes every day.

If you could sum up your Jiu-Jitsu in three words, what would they be?

Challenge is exciting.

You are a very frequent competitor, and along the way have captured many of our sports major titles. What is it about competition you love so much?

Winning a tournament is the greatest feeling in the world. Competing is just something that is a part of me and it always will be. It’s hard to explain to people that don’t do it. Pushing yourself to new limits that you didn’t even think was possible is what it is all about.


Could you take us through your first competition experience?

This is a great story, haha. So, I competed at Gokor’s in-house grappling tournament. I guess the rules were different than other tournaments, so I beat the 2 other guys in my division and I am dead tired lying on the floor thinking I’m done for the day. I thought I won the tournament, so I call my mom and tell her I won and start changing out of my rash guard. Then, a couple minutes later, they tell me I have to fight again in the final against the tough guy I just beat in my 2nd match. So I had to fight again and I somehow won, despite being completely exhausted. I had to win, because I already told my Mom that I had won first place, couldn’t end up letting her down

You’ve had the opportunity to compete in two Jiu-Jitsu Battle events. In the first Jiu-Jitsu Battle, you had a quick triangle on Wayne Ashford in your first match, and in the second you faced Michael Liera Jr to lose a very good match. Michael at the time was considered to be the best purple belt in the world and perhaps the favourite to win and he did. What was your opinion on the match? And did you see Michael as your biggest competition? 

I fought really badly in that match; I wasn’t really prepared at all and paid for it. Liera was definitely one of the best guys at the time and still is for sure one of the toughest guys I’ve ever competed against.

In the third edition of Jiu-Jitsu Battle, you came back and won the event. How did it feel? And would you compete in another Jiu-Jitsu Battle if asked?

It felt amazing to redeem myself. Jiu Jitsu Battle is one of the best events I’ve competed in. I can’t wait to compete at the next one. Jiu Jitsu Battle 4 is in the works, so stay tuned!

Source: GrappleTV

Are there any competitions you haven’t had the chance to compete in which you would like to in the future?

Yes, I’m looking forward to competing at the Europeans and Brazilian Nationals next year. Also the ADCC 2015.

Last year you were disqualified in your first match in the worlds. Did this motivate you to make a lasting impression at this year’s worlds?

It was actually my 3rd or 4th fight I think. But, yeah definitely I was hungry to come back and make a statement this year.

After taking silver in your division, were you determined to take gold in the absolute?

I honestly didn't know what to think. I just knew I had to do it. I had to redeem myself.

This year you became absolute world champion. How did it feel to achieve such a prestigious title? And has it always been your goal to get an absolute world title?

Best feeling of my life. It’s been a goal, but my main goal was to win the featherweight world title. My teammates have been joking with me, that I would win the worlds absolute with a flying triangle all year long. I guess they we’re right, haha.


You finished off your final match in the absolute division with spectacular fashion, submitting Nicholas Meregali with a flying triangle. Did you plan this? Or did it just come to you in the moment?

Meregali is a monster and much bigger than me. So I knew I had to do something crazy. I was confident in my flying triangle, so I just went for it.

(If you are viewing on a mobile device, please click HERE)


Of course, after taking gold in the absolute, you were promoted to brown belt by your professor, Romulo Barral. Did you feel it was the right time to be promoted? Or did you feel you had more to accomplish at purple belt?

I felt like it was the right time to be promoted. If you win the worlds at any belt, you should 100% get promoted. There’s no bigger title left to win.

Now you are a brown belt, who do you feel is your biggest competition?

So many tough guys, it would be hard to name them all. But pretty much everyone I fought the 1st year I was a purple belt, will be my same opponents at brown belt.

Do you think your style of Jiu-Jitsu will work well in the brown belt division?

I’m confident it will. I’m so excited to finally be able to use calf slicers, knee bars, toeholds and everything.

Do you think you will need to change your game a little bit due to new submissions available?

I think I’ll need a bit of time to adapt to some leg lock defense but after that I should be good. Before I trained jiu jitsu, I trained a bit with the guys at Gokors. They are the leg lock kings haha.

Source: GrappleTV

What are some of your goals for the rest of 2014?

Nogi Pan Ams Champion, Nogi World Champion, ADCC Trials Champion.

Looking at the big picture, what are some of your longtime goals?

Black belt world champion.

What is your opinion on Rickson Gracie’s new promotion, the JJGF? And would you be interested in competing in one of their tournaments?

I think it’s an awesome promotion. I’m looking forward to competing in their tournaments. Always good when new tournaments come forward with their new point systems and ideas.

Do you see yourself competing in MMA in the near future?

Not sure, when I started jiu jitsu at 16, my goal was to compete at the highest level in MMA. But I love jiu jitsu too much, so probably not.


What did you think of Metamoris 4?
It was awesome, great fights. Wish there were more fights in the GI though.

Tell us one thing which we do not know about you?

I’m the founder of BestofBJJ.

Besides Jiu-Jitsu, what other things do you like to do?

I play futsal once a week; work on social media for some of the biggest companies in jiu jitsu.

Okay, time for the quick fire questions, they are:

1. Spicy or Mild? Spicy
2. Personal Chef or Personal Fitness Trainer? Chef for sure.
3. Zaptos, Articuno or Moltres? Articuno.
4. The Big Show or Andre the Giant? Andre The Giant.
5. Roller Coaster or Ferris Wheel? Roller Coaster
6. DC or Marvel? Marvel
7. “Ready, aim, fire” or “Ready, fire, aim”? Ready, fire, aim.
8. Frag or Semtex? Frag
9. NWO or DX? Not sure
10. Modern or Classic? Modern
11. Top Gear UK or Top Gear US? UK
12. Cell Phone or Internet? Internet
13. Sharks or Snakes? Sharks
14. Facial Hair or Clean Shaven? Depends if I’m lazy or not haha
15. Sudoku or Crossword Puzzles? Crossword
16. Orange Juice or Apple Juice? Apple Juice
17. Royler Gracie or Eddie Bravo? Both Legends
18. De la Riva or Reverse De la Riva? De La Riva
19. Sean Connery or Roger Moore? Sean Connery
20. Bacon or Sausage? Turkey Bacon

Thank you very much Edwin for the interview, it has been an honor. Before we end is there anybody who you would like to thank?

Thank you for the opportunity. That was a fun interview. Thanks Storm Kimonos, Max Muscle Fullerton, KILL CLIFF for supporting me!

Where can we follow you at?

You can follow me on social media at:

Facebook.com/edwinnajmi

Friday, 22 August 2014

An Interview with BJJ Funny Man Kit Dale

Today, I bring you guys an interview with Kit Dale, Australia's finest BJJ talent. He is probably best known for his rapid fast journey to black belt, his Jiu-Jitsu related comedy and of course his beard. I hope you guys enjoy the interview.


For some people who may not be familiar with you, could you please introduce yourself?

My Name is Kit Dale. I am a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt competitor and coach, I have a comedy channel with my brother Scott in which we both write and act. I do what I enjoy in life and say what I think. Life is about having fun to me and that's what I do. I'm passionate about my work but very laid back and down to earth. 

So how exactly did you get started in Jiu-Jitsu?

I started in 2008 with my cousin. I was playing football at the time and was getting beaten up by some of the bigger tougher players so I wanted to build my confidence by trying some MMA. Soon after joining an MMA school I started doing the BJJ and really enjoyed it. In 2009 I started competing and bar from taking one year off in total from injuries I have been very consistent.

Why did you decide to move to Checkmat?

I decided to go to Checkmat after having a disagreement with the instructor about the way my old academy was being run. I wanted to help the level grow by teaching. He wanted to keep teaching himself even though he was way out of touch. Then I heard Yuri Simoes was moving over and I was really interested to do some training with him as he is an unbelievable grappler. We got along really way and I trained under him for about 5 months until he left back to California and I took over the club.

Your head instructor is Yuri Simoes. What is relationship like with Yuri? And how is it to have him as your instructor?

It was good; he is like a brother to me and helped me a lot not just technically but mentally and still does to this day. I don't see him often but he always messages me before big comps or after it and lends some advice.

Yuri Simoes and Kit Dale

Yuri has recently left the Checkmat team, and has since joined Caio Terra’s team. He has previously left Checkmat before only to return shortly later, do you think that will happen again?

No I don't think he will. He is really enjoying it with Caio Terra and so I see no reason why he would leave.

So currently you are with Checkmat, and Yuri is with Caio Terra. Are there any problems, since you are with two separate teams? 

The only people who have problems are the political extremists. I train with who I want when I want. I'm not bound to the laws of politics and if someone tries to control me that way then I would no longer represent them. I represent Checkmat but I do my own thing and they let me which is why our relationship lasts.

How is the Jiu-Jitsu scene in Australia? And how does it compare to the rest of the world?

It's very far behind at the moment, but there are a few working really hard to catch up. Unfortunately the numbers are much smaller and most people here are more interested in making money then growing the level of Australian BJJ. Otherwise we would have been a lot closer by now.

You have claimed a lot of titles in your very short career, but what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment? 

Well you can compare coloured belt titles to black belt matches. But at the time the Abu Dhabi pro purple belt gold was one of my biggest achievements, beating DJ Jackson, Felipe Pena and many other high level guys.


Last year, you had the opportunity to compete at the Copa Podio middleweight Grand Prix. What was that overall experience like? And would you do it again?

That was great. I only received my black belt shortly before then, so to be invited was an amazing thrill for me to share the stage with so many high level guys. I will never forget that experience. I really hope to be invited back soon as I want to visit Brazil again.

You have had the opportunity to fight Paulo Miyao twice, once at the 2012 Asian Open, and the second being at the 2013 WPJJC. Both of these matches are very close, but how was the overall experience fighting Miyao? 

Well he is a difficult opponent to face but a fun one. Because it's not going to be a physical war so I'm not going to be super tired, which I am glad, but technically it is very difficult. He is a specialist and the best in the world at what he does, I enjoy trying to fight him at his own game and so far have done very well losing both times by one questionable advantage. Next time I fight him I will try and enforce my will onto him instead of playing his and see how the match goes. 

Kit faces Paulo Miyao at  the 2013 WPJJC

What was your strategy going in against Miyao? And did it change at all between both of the matches?

The first time I was more interested in seeing what he does and trying to come up with a strategy then, but I couldn't figure it out in time, and lost by an advantage for his near back attack. The second time I was a lot more ready and felt I did a much better job at defending and spent a bit less energy. Unfortunately it was too little too late and the match finished with me starting to push the pace but running out of time with a near late pass.

At the worlds in 2013, you went up against Keenan Cornelius in the first round. Many consider that to be Keenan’s hardest match to date at the brown belt level, how does that make you feel? And were you concerned fighting Keenan first round? 

It's nice to know as he destroyed many people and fought many hard people at brown belt. I was concerned but more excited to get to fight him. He was bigger and more experienced so the pressure was not in me. I had a good strategy for that fight and think I did enough to win a refs decision but unfortunately a phantom advantage was given to him somewhere in that match and it was the cause of my loss in the end.

Kit against Keenan Cornelius at  the 2013 Worlds
Source: Mike Calimbas

What has been your most challenging competition match? 

My most challenging would be fighting Metamoris against Garry Tonon. This was made more difficult by the rules. 20 minute submission only No-Gi is not my style. So it was difficult trying to come up with a strategy for someone like him in this situation as it is a great style for him.

At this year’s Pan Ams, there was some confusion on your entry into the tournament. Can you clarify what exactly happened?

Well it was a last minute thing as I was originally opening a new academy at that time, but due to a building problem it was postponed till later, opening time for me to compete at the pan ams. I left two days later but wanted to see how my weight was before registering in a division. I waited three days in San Jose to see my weight, then when deciding to register it turned out the divisions closed 3 hours earlier and they would not let me enter late. It was disappointing but also good because I got to enjoy the pan ams without the stresses of competing.

Source: BJJPix

What are some of your goals for the rest of 2014? 

Get more experience at black belt. Get more exposure and spend more time acting. 

Are you considering qualifying for the 2015 ADCC?

Yes I would like to. Unfortunately there are no trials in Australia so I will have to go overseas for this. But it is definitely on the cards.

You were promoted to black belt after just four and a half years of training. Could you take us through how you achieved it so quickly?

This is true and I got it because I was smart about the way I trained and I found a method that speeds up your learning time by 4x. It was a bit of an accident from just being lazy but proved to help me a lot in the big picture. 

Has anything changed since you were promoted to black belt?

Yes the level in competition is much much higher so I need to be a lot smarter with my preparation and strategy. Otherwise still the same game just different colour belt.



You recently moved to a new gym, how is everything going with that?

It's going good. I have a lot of more serious high level competitors with me now, and we have all grown together like a family. It is run very different to what you will see in your normal gym but everyone there trusts my judgment and can see the results.

You’re pretty well known for your online funny videos. What inspired you to start making them? And do you get to do them as often as you would like?

I don't do them near as often as I would like unfortunately due to many reasons. One being free time, but ever since me and my brothers were younger we always enjoyed making films and acting. So it's only natural that we kept doing them. My brother bought a camera and started leading about how to film, direct and write and I enjoy acting in them so it's a good relationship. 

What is your weekly training regime like?

I train once during the day at lunch time in the competition class for an hour of just rounds of sparring. Then at night I teach the advanced class and sometimes jump in the specific training.


Do you do a lot of strength and conditioning workouts?

My warm-ups consist of many acrobatic exercises like flips, hand stand as such. So that is the only conditioning I get. And it's more about making me more nimble and aware than about strength and conditioning.

Personally, do you take any supplements? 

Sometimes I will take BCAAs but that's all. I eat well now so that's all I need.

Except for Jiu-Jitsu, what do you get up to in your spare time?

Filming, writing, talking to people on social media, playing console games and watching movies :)

And finally, are you ever going to shave your beard? 

Possibly, if I lose to Garry Tonon in our rematch I promised I would :)

Okay, time for the quick fire questions, they are:

1. Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur? Charmander
2. Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart? Shawn
3. Automatic or Manual Transmission? Manual
4. DX or NWO? NWO
5. Honey Mustard or BBQ Sauce? BBQ
6. Resident Evil or Silent Hill? Resident Evil
7. Marcelo Garcia or Rafael Mendes? Marcelo
8. Rodolfo Viera or Roger Gracie? Rodolfo
9. PC or Console? Console
10. Frieza or Cell? Freiza
11. Hotel or Tent? Hotel
12. Tea or Coffee? Coffee
13. Spiderman or Batman? Batman
14. Dark Chocolate or White Chocolate? White
15. Berimbolo or 50/50? 50/50
16. Half Guard or Spider Guard? Half guard
17. Sting or the Undertaker? Sting
18. BBQ or Restaurant? Restaurant
19. CD or Download? Download
20. Cycle or Walk? Walk
Thank you very much Kit for the interview, before we end is there anybody who you would like to thank? 

Just the fans for being awesome supporters on what I do :) thank you.

Please like my fan page Kit Dale, and subscribe to my website (www.kitdalebjj.com) and check out my newest DVD which shows the secrets to how I got my black belt in just over 4 years (www.gobeyondtechnique.com).

Thursday, 21 August 2014

Update (21/08/14) - Match of the Week Success and New Interview Tomorrow!

This is probably going to be the shortest update post you will ever see from me!

To start off, I would like to say thank you for making this week's edition of 'Match of the Week' a tremendous success. It received a little over 2100 views in 24 hours, making it my most popular edition to date, and the second most viewed on my entire blog. 

Now, the main reason I am writing this is to tell you that my interview with Kit Dale will be published tomorrow. Personally, I think it's my best interview to date, so you'll not want to miss it.

Make sure you come back tomorrow and take a look!

Catch you later,

Giordano

Monday, 18 August 2014

The Berimbolo Kid's Match of the Week - Week 7 - Rener Gracie vs. Eduardo Telles - 2004 Pan Ams

(Last week’s edition can be found HERE)

On this week’s edition of Match of the Week, the match I am sharing with you is Rener Gracie vs. Eduardo Telles from the 2004 Pan Ams. Yes, you did hear that correctly! I did say Rener Gracie. 

If you follow Jiu-Jitsu or even MMA, I'm pretty sure you are familiar with Rener Gracie. He is the son of UFC founder, Rorian Gracie and is a 4th degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Some of you might know Rener from the popular YouTube series, Gracie Breakdown which he presents with his older brother, Ryron. 

In terms of accomplishments in competition, Rener Gracie has very few. He did compete in the 2003 Pan Ams, and most notably submitted three time world champion, Fabio Leopoldo, but was eventually eliminated from the competition after losing to Roberto "Gordo" Correa on points. Probably Rener's biggest accomplishment in competition came later that year when he took part in the Southern California Pro-Am Invitational. This was a 16-man single elimination tournament with no time limits. Out of all the 16 competitors, Rener was the only one to wear a gi and still managed to submit all four of his opponents. His opponents were Joe "Daddy" Stevenson (UFC Fighter), Cassio Werneck (BJJ World Champion), Jason "Mayhem" Miller (UFC Fighter), and Tyrone Glover. 

Rener retired from Sport Jiu-Jitsu competition in 2004, in order to focus his attention more on the self defense aspect of Jiu-Jitsu.  

Rener Gracie

Eduardo Telles is said to be one of the most creative Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world. He is known for his unique style of grappling, which is referred to as "Esquijitsu" (Weird Jiu-Jitsu). This is due to two types of guard which he created, the turtle guard, and the octopus guard. 

He is also best known for creating the legendary TT Team with his best friend, Fernando "Tererê" Augusto. The team is responsible for producing a few of today's stars such as Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles and André Galvão

At the black belt level, Telles is a one-time NoGi world champion (2013) and a one-time Pan American Champion (2007). He has also taken medals at numerous other major IBJJF competitions. He has taken bronze twice at the world championships (2008, 2010), three times at the Pan Ams (2002 - weight and absolute, 2008), and silver twice at the Pan Ams (2005, 2006). 


Eduardo Telles

In this match, since Telles is considered the veteran, you would expect him to make easy work of Gracie. However, this is not the case. Throughout the match, Rener throws a barrage of submissions at Telles and makes it no easy task for the far more experienced Telles. 

The video of this match can be found below. I hope you guys enjoy! 

See you next week!

(If you are viewing on a mobile device, please click HERE)  


Sunday, 17 August 2014

10 Years of BJJ - My Jiu-Jitsu Journey - Part 11 (I Came Back)

(If you haven't seen the last part, it can be found HERE.)

So... I decided to come back. At this point, it's January 2009 and I had just turned 14 years old. Even though I had only been gone a few months, I had changed a bit. I started to take life a bit more seriously. Realistically, I was in the eyes of most people still a kid, but I felt like I was maturing as a person and everything wasn't just a game anymore. So when I returned to training at the start of 2009, I was extra determined to make the best of what I had around me and start to become good at Jiu-Jitsu. 

At my academy, my instructor’s mother is always at the front desk to collect payments from each of the students as they enter the academy. On my first lesson back, I remember her asking me where I had been, to which I replied nervously "Uh... I had exams at school" which was the best thing I could come up with on the spot at 14 years old. 

When I came into the academy itself, a few things had changed. Firstly, the bare jigsaw mats we used to have were now covered in a nice blue covering, which we still have to this day. Also, my instructor was now a brown belt, which I had no idea about. I know I could have probably found that out on the academy's website or on Facebook, but hey, I was 14 years old! The only thing I used the internet for was to go on YouTube or play games on Miniclip.  

After a few weeks, progress was going okay, and I could feel that I was improving. I forgot to mention this last time, but around April 2008, I was promoted to white/orange belt, which is a white belt with an orange stripe going through the middle. The kid’s belt rank system was different back in those days, and a white/orange belt was the next belt up from yellow.

It was around this time that my instructor told me that there was a grading coming up one Saturday around mid-February, so that made me a little excited about the prospect of becoming an orange belt (that's at least what I thought) and getting one step closer to becoming a green belt.

Fast forward to mid-February, and the day of the grading was here. In terms of a grading, it is everything you would expect from rolling to demonstrating techniques from a variety of positions. Although, one thing happened during the grading which I'll never forget. Whilst my brother and I were demonstrating some techniques from the guard, my instructor turns to me and asks me to show him how you would pass spider guard.

Man, I can remember looking at my brother in total confusion. The truth was I didn't know what spider guard was. After about 30 seconds of umming and ahhing, he had to come and show us what spider guard was and said "You should know this guys" in a rather displeased tone. The spider guard pass we showed was just awful! It was just botched together. That was one of the most embarrassing times I've ever had in Jiu-Jitsu. 

The truth was I was stuck in the past. I had been doing the same moves for the last 4 - 5 years all from a copy of a Wallid Ismail DVD that my dad bought on eBay. I had my set of moves in my head and I didn't want to change. 

Once the grading had finished, we were told that we would receive our new grades on Thursday. Now, in my mind I thought I would be receiving an orange belt, but that's not what happened. Instead, on that Thursday evening, I received an orange/white belt (an orange belt with a white stripe through the middle) and somebody else in the class received an orange belt. Oh boy, disappointed was an understatement. 

I don't know this for a fact, but it must have been down to not being able to pass spider guard. I mean, what else could it be? 

From that day, I was determined to change my game and get better as a whole. I see that day as the turning point in my Jiu-Jitsu. The next day however, I received a phone call.

I hope you guys enjoyed this part of 'My Jiu-Jitsu Journey', and part 11 will be published soon.

Catch you later,

Giordano