The First 3 Months in JuJitSu

I been watching the UFC a while ago but I just started really appreciating the sport a couple of months ago when Roger Huerta was going against Clay Guida. This fight was amazing, both fighters had such a passion for the sport and a determination to win that they didn't hold anything back. Watching this fight all I could really do was appreciate, but I wanted to love the sport, I wanted to feel the same thing that all the fighters do. Yes I know it is hard work and no I will probably be no where close to the shape and the athleticism that most of these athletes are at but how many individuals can be?

I started taking JuJitSu classes about 3 months ago at Ricardo Almeida Academy, which is located right around the corner from my house. The academy is amazing for several aspects, first of all the hospitality and the respect is amazing. Everyone is positive, respectful, and they train hard but the most impressive is that they are safe. This was a big worry from me coming into the academy, I am some 300 pound dude that is so out of shape that my mom could run circles around me. I still remember the first time I put on the Gi, WOW was it heavy.... OK OK so it was 3 months ago but it seems like so long ago but I still had to run and train in this heavy and thick robe looking thing. My girlfriend and mom call my Gi a "Cute little uniform", it drives me nuts..... they just wish they were as cool as me.

For the past few months I have been watching and learning everything that MMA has to offer. I have strayed away from just watching the UFC. I watch the WEC, IFL, EliteXC and even the small venues in AC. On April 19th I will be going to Atlantic City to see Battle Cage Xtreme IV which four of the fighters will be coming from the academy I go to, Ricardo Almeida Academy. I also have just heard that Ultimate Fighter will be graced by Dante Rivera's presence who is also a Ricardo Almeida student. Talking about all this really just helps me bring up my point which is that you have no clue about the intensity, dedication and hard work each individual puts into his/her training until you see them training. I thought it was going to be somewhat of a breeze to do... throw your leg over and put a guy in a triangle or a arm bar, put all my weight on someone and dominate them on top. It wasn't easy at all! I have people half my size making me look foolish on the mat. The only thing some people in the my beginners classes cannot do is hip toss me, but I mean come on how many 155 pounders can really hip toss a 300 pound guy.

Since I started in January I have increased my energy level, lost a little of my stomach and gained more muscle. I have also started caring more about my health since I can not do everything as easily as everyone else in my class. I want to get better and I really appreciate all the time and energy the coaches and students have given me. I will update when I have more interesting things to talk about.