Introduction and Special Thanks to Nathan Orchard!
Hi all,
I've been lurking on the forums for about a year and a half (since I started training jiu-jitsu). I am 39 years old, 6'6" about 250lbs and had zero fighting, grappling experience. I got involved to fulfill a bucket list item by competing in an MMA match, after my second class I was hooked (especially on jiu jitsu). I have 7 no gi matches (3 Subs, 3 Draws and 1 Sub Loss) and I am trying to schedule my first MMA match for the end of April. I have great flexibility for my size; I can double bag and have not run into a technique that I was unable to perform.
My original MMA / jiu jitsu instructor had trained all over the country with the likes of Miletich, Couture, the Gracies and at the Lab. Out of respect for him, I never worked any of the 10th Planet techniques at his school but I already knew that 10th Planet was my future. My instructor recently moved and our remaining students are really excited about now learning the 10th Planet system (in large part thanks to a visit from Nathan Orchard whose Uncle trains with us).
I want to publicly thank Nathan for all of the advice, tips, techniques, and help he so generously provided to us. He is a fantastic representative of the 10th Planet system! His visit further cemented my feeling that 10th Planet was the perfect path for me and I know he converted some of my friends who were on the fence (I noticed one of my friends took home my copy of Mastering the Rubber Guard). We are still talking about how great it was to have someone of Nathan's talents and character visit our gym.
I plan on running through all of the 10th planet techniques with my friends over the next few months and then making a trip to headquarters to get a realistic assessment of my progression. :)
