NAGA Memphis (My first competition as a Ronin)(Advice Appreciated)

[Trey Hicks]

This weekend was my first ever competition. It was a NAGA event located in Memphis, TN. Prior to the event I only had roughly 1 month of actual mat time, training at a nearby Gracie Barra school. For the most part everything I've ever learned about jiu jitsu has come from the 10th planet system (books, dvds, etc.).

For the first time though, I finally got out of my comfort zone and registered for a competition. When it was all said and done I felt glad that I had participated, but knew deep down I could have done better. I have so much room for improving in every aspect of my game.

It was truely eye opening to experience the feeling of the competition matches. My nerves without question got the best of me. Once I stepped on the mats it was a complete blurr pretty much every time. My legs and arms both felt like they were just bags of sand, it was very humbling to say the least.

I ended up taking the Silver medal in my weight division (140-149). I lost in the finals during overtime by points. Below is my fist match. I will post the match of the finals once it uploads to youtube. I have on the black and white rash guard.

Any advice from a fellow 10th planet member would be truely appreciated. I respect a great deal of the people in this community. Lots of Love

[darkrobo]

Good job man!! I can't say much, but maybe be a bit more patient? I'm sure it'll come with time because like you mentioned it was your first tourney. You'll be fine

[Trey Hicks]

Thanks a lot brother. This will be the first of many competitions to come. I have a bunch to work on and look forward to getting on another shot out there.

It's was a humbling experience to feel that level of fatigue and understand I have work to do. I feel like my training will improve now, as I really got a taste of what it's like to be gassed and stuck in a battle. I'm going to grow from it and continue the journey.

[darkrobo]

Hopefully I'll see you in one, one of these days. Keep on training homey! Rule #1 - Cardio

[Tony "The Goods" Garcia]

Hand fighting is an art bro. During that battle you must control and create angles for your take downs. Congratulations on the competition!

[John Mejia]

Excellent job for a first competition. Like anything your adrenaline will spike and your arms and legs will feel heavy, in between matches I suggest you have someone shake out your arms to get the blood flow going. That feeling is the worst. The other thing I've learned is to not squeeze 100 percent in a death clinch ( on top and on bottom) IMO it only fucks your arms up more. Just keep on having fun and I'm sure you'll continue rising up in comp.

Additionally, stay patient take your time in there and make each movement deliberate and methodical. (Easier said than done, I still get spastic in my rolling) just keep on keepin on

[Trey Hicks]

Thank you all very much for the kind words and advice. I'll do my best to get the second match up before class tonight.

John, you pretty much nailed it on how my arms and legs felt. After walking off the mats my legs were as "wobbly" as could be. I'll definitly take your advice on doing a better job between matches on recovery.

I think in both matches once I clinched while standing, I didn't do a good job of staying calm.

[bobby rivers]

Rule #1 is technique. Or you really on cardio. And that's just tiring.

Good job Trey.

[Trey Hicks]

Here was my finals match. The guy I faced was for sure a lot stronger than me. I learned a good deal from this match. I just wish I would have been less exhausted looking back.

[DavidBaut]

That adrenaline dump is the worst feeling, rep that lockdown. Your lockdown will save your ass, it gives you just enough time to collect yourself and calm down.Plus you have a great arsenal at your disposal.Great job on your tourney!! Some people cant even bring themselves to jump in one . I'm still trying to get some of the guys that have been training with us for almost year to jump in their first tourney.Congrats on your accomplishment.