Archive for the Notes from Martha Category

…Nice Leotard

17. January 2010 by Martha Benavides.

It’s officially been seven days now….and you are doing great, Don. It’s been exciting to see you there and your enthusiasm towards learning the sport is tremendous. Keep it up! These are some of the tools that will help you towards success. Consistency is key. Coming to West Coast regularly is vital and sometimes you will have to tell yourself to get there NO MATTER WHAT. Know that as the weeks go by, it will become more of a challenge to create a balance. “Life” will want to get in the way but training will have to become a part of your day like brushing your teeth and taking a shower…….Shut up, Todd.

I was happy to work with you today! But as we briefly spoke about notes afterwards, I can tell you that time and time again, it is the same with new students. I got the very same notes myself.

1. Do not expend too much energy while rolling. Listen to your breathing, if it is sounding like there is a man chasing you with an axe….relax, Jiu-Jitsu translates as “gentle art” or “soft art”. Watching some of the senior guys will show you that taking it easy is just as effective if not more so.
2. Don’t get too grabby. As I was just starting I would be frustrated that I didn’t think I was learning anything and Todd told me “At this point you should be concentrating on staying safe”.  The more you expose yourself, the more open you become to submissions.
3. Work on the cardiovascular fitness that will help you with Jiu-Jitsu. We need to get you past the stage that is gassing you during the warm-ups. That definitely ties into relaxing into this sport.
4. Definitely keep asking questions as you have been doing during each practice.
5. Utilize your training partners as much as possible. We can help drill many of the foundation moves including arm bars, triangles, hip heist and so on. Never stop working on the basics as they are essential in building a solid foundation.  There are a ton of special people at West Coast of all sizes and skill levels that would be totally excited to help as they would be getting in work themselves. It is one of the main reasons that I was attracted to the school and a huge factor in why I am still there, everyone has something to offer.

And, remember, to be successful in this sport is to be humble. Use the time at West Coast to practice the things you will be applying during competition. Take those risks during practice, there’s no one keeping score and we don’t give out medals at the end of every class.  And, let’s face it; there will be times during your learning process where it ain’t gonna look pretty.

And, thank you for including me as a part of your team. As your time has begun here at West Coast, I have thought to myself, “What do I have that I can offer him on this journey?” I mean, Brian is the head instructor, legit black belt, Todd is a pro, and a more senior blue belt, Mervin is the man when it comes to fitness and nutrition. Me?  Well…what I have to offer is my support. Whenever you need it, brother.

 Here we go…..  

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