I had an amazing time at HQ last week as always. Everyone is always so good to us there, and we are always treated like family. It's a really special week for me each year; seeing the HQ atmosphere and structure and spending a week learning at the feet of the great instructors and players there always sends me home with a tremendous zeal for improvement, and usually sparks a big growth period for me as both a grappler and a teacher.
This year we had a group of 5 Alabama boys: myself, Matt Skaff (Decatur), Sam Davis (Decatur), Manny Rocha (Decatur), and Sean Applegate (Gulf Shores). They work so hard and I think they really showed at HQ this week what we are all capable of out here in this little hick town. It makes my heart swell with pride to be associated with people like this.
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to every one in Los Angeles that took the time to speak with us and help us; whether it was technical grappling instruction, helping to answer a question, rolling with us, or simply offering kindness. You guys are the best.
Eddie, thanks for everything you do for all of us. You really are a great teacher and a visionary within our community. I think plenty of 10p recognizes that, but I think sometimes we may take for granted how lucky we really are to be spear headed by such an open minded and good-hearted man.
Scott Ross, you're a great teacher and were very generous with your time. Thanks for letting me sit in and watch the way you run the fundies class. And thanks for the ankle lock tips and the Dog Fight shoulder lock!
Einstein, thank you for letting us stop in at your school. You run a really professional show and I picked up some really important details on that Japanese Neck Tie. It's really obvious that you are a passionate instructor and care about your students.
Barncat, thanks for wearing that rib sauce and blood all over your face all week and for entertaining me so completely. You've got to be one of the nicest guys on the planet. And a heck of a leg-locker, to boot.
Compella, Geo, Boogey, Dempsey, Slick Rick, Patrick and everybody else: Thanks for all the good rolling! I learn so much from each match.
And to my favorite dude in the system, Lo Pan: move to Alabama right now.
