Originally Posted by
Chris Odell (Datsusara)
Well folks I've been working without Rubberguard and lockdown for a few months now. I've basically been told that I can't get my blue at this gym if I'm going to use those techniques. So I thought I'd try just going without it for awhile. It did help open me up to other parts of my game at first, like more open guard. But it fucking kills me when I have a guy broken down in guard and I can't use my RG to Oma or when I have someone in half guard and I really need that lockdown to keep them off me.
I think I'm about to just snap and drive a lot further to go train at another gym that won't be so ignorant. It's breaking my heart a little since this issue aside I like the gym, it's a few blocks away (which makes it easy to get in often) and the students are a good bunch of guys that I would miss. I have improved greatly in my short time there but I have also lost a big part of my game that I love.
It came to head today when I asked my coach if it would at least be ok if I used all my techniques in a tournament setting even if not at the gym. I could just feel the frustration and annoyance that I even asked the question. He more or less said he's rather have me compete then not but that if I use those techniques he'll be yelling at me to stop doing them. Oh yes and along with all the usual that shit doesn't work, why would you do that etc.
I feel like I'm betraying myself if I just give in and give up on things I love. Would you guys let it go?