My experience at the East Coast Training Camp.
Leaving Montreal friday morning was the beginning of one of the most defining Jiu Jitsu experiences of my life. Ever since the conceptualization of the E.C.T.C, I knew it would be epic. In the almost 3 years I have been a part of the 10th Planet family I have had the good fortune of running into some members of the Rochester crew a couple of times. From those very few, very brief and very educational encounters, I believed beyond a doubt that I would come away from this weekend a better grappler.
We arrived in Rochester a couple hours before Herzog's free friday class was scheduled to begin. Max and me stopped off at Chris Urbanski's (a.k.a Gnomie) house to unload our bags and touch base with our hosts. Chris and his fiance (soon to be wife) Jen are the epitome of kind and hospitable, which can be clearly observed in how amazing their pets are, 1 dog Johnny Cash and 2 cats Chester and Gunther. After rendezvousing with Louis, Sam and Scott we all made our way to Empire Academy, home of 10th Planet Rochester and an obnoxiously large banner. Greeted by the unmistakable Coach Herzog, the ensuing class was nothing short of spectacular. I was finally able to experience the unique coaching style of one of 10th Planets Jiu Jitsu's theory and leg lock masters. Seriously, the way Chris Herzog breaks down the theory and mechanics behind the techniques he shows provides a priceless understanding and appreciation for the successful execution of them. After a great class and a very long day I was happy to finally get some sleep.
Saturday morning was full of nerves and excitement. Coach Herzog and Stew Landry of 10th Planet Peterborough were lined up to teach us some bad ass shit and my 4 teammates were set to represent MTL in the 8 man tournament. Once again I was introduced to a completely different style of teaching and tact coming from Stew Landry. If he fights the way he teaches, I do not envy whoever stands across the mats from him. By the end of saturdays lessons I learned at least 2 techniques from both instructors that I am making a point of implementing into my game. Some crafty, some explosive and all of them effective.
The tournament was awesome. It was my first experience even witnessing the game changing rules of submission only tournaments. Both devisions were stacked with well known limb collectors, dominating position gurus and plenty of young bloods vying for the 1st place spot. I wish I could do a play by play but I am sure the HD videos will be up very soon. Scott Yockel of 10th Planet Rochester took 1st in the under 155 devision while simultaneously explaining why so many people in Rochester have their ankles taped up, and Jeff Doherty from 10th Planet Peterborough displayed awesome technique and athleticism subbing his way to the top in the over 155 devision. After watching UFC on fox and that spectacular match between Paul Haris and Alan Belcher and showing up way late for Scott's bachelor party, sleeping was welcomed.
Even though we were down in attendance on Sunday, the energy had not dissipated (except for Scott Yockel who surprisingly was unable to roll afterwards due to forseen circumstances). Montreal's very own Louis Ho was opening today where he took us step by step through his personal competition go to techniques, basically Ho'mie Control from hell. Second we had Brandon Mccaghren of 10th Planet Decatur, showcasing the devastating Monoplata work he and his crew have been doing (This is the shit that nightmares are made of). Wrapping up the seminar were Scott Yockel (Rochester) and Jon Helton (Charlotte) giving us a couple techniques each with some super practical and some super snazzy finishes. After the seminar and some very nice, long and drawn out words from Chris Herzog, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to roll with Jon, Brandon, VJ and Gabby (Scott was no where to be found).
My favorite part of the entire training camp was having so many different teachers and teaching styles under one roof. No matter what your game or preferred style there was something for you to add and build upon whatever foundation you came in with. No one was left out to dry and if you look at the entire experience in terms of value, it was the fuckin' greatest deal in Jiu Jitsu history.
Thanks to all the coaches making the trip and sharing their knowledge and love for Jiu Jitsu with us, to Chris and Kathy Herzog and the entire team at 10th Planet Rochester for hosting the 1st of many training camps to come, congratulations to Scott and Liz, and finally a personal thank you to Chris Urbanski and Jen Meigs for their generosity and epic shower pressure.
Thats how 10 do!
