Gracie Regionals Pro/BB Division

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqa...ature=youtu.be
This is my match at Gracie Regionals in the Pro/BB Division. I wanted to hop in it and test myself against guys who are proven Blackbelt competitors or professionals, since I'll be making the trip down to the ADCC Trials so I could get the "professional" level timing. I know I'm lightyears away from getting a blackbelt, but I wanted to see how I'd fair against some of the top competitors at the tournament.

I got to go against one of my Idols in the game Eric Schafer. Red Schafer has competed in a myriad of tournaments over the past years and been beasting them. I was honored I had the chance to share the mat with one of my hero's in the grappling game.

The match speaks for itself. I put the pressure on him early, but he showed me why he's a blackbelt and I'm still a purple belt. :p

Your darce and rolling kimura look super polished. And Red is one of the best grapplers in the midwest, no shame there.

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Originally Posted by hespectnogi

Your darce and rolling kimura look super polished. And Red is one of the best grapplers in the midwest, no shame there.

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Thanks Brother. I'm not ashamed just hungry for the next one. Ya know? You looked excellent this weekend as well.

You looked fantastic John! Keep it up

That was a very smooth rolling kimura. Have you been playing with nathan/geo's finish of it with throwing your leg over their back. Nathan calls it reverse spider web - https://youtu.be/4A6rMbojhVA?t=101.

Sweetch Asian Jesus you've improved! I'm not saying you were shabby before but that's quality grappling with an assassin!

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Originally Posted by Tony "The Goods" Garcia

Sweetch Asian Jesus

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Blessed be his Bul-Go-Gi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he-R7RIWrck

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Originally Posted by Ben Eddy

That was a very smooth rolling kimura. Have you been playing with nathan/geo's finish of it with throwing your leg over their back. Nathan calls it reverse spider web - https://youtu.be/4A6rMbojhVA?t=101.

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Ben I have been, It's not my go to however, I think I'm gonna have to rep it more so it become engrained in those transitions. Thank you for the kind words.

John you looked good, and the kimura looked nice and tight too. You are a big boy so you should have no problem yanking the arm out depending on how strong your opponent was/is. Try looking at Cyborgs take on the kimura cause he has a great way as how to use your weight to yank the arm out. Other than that good luck and God bless you at ADCC trials.

Great job John, your super slick with that rolling Kimura, no shame brother "work till your heros become your rivals"

BARBARIAN!!!! No shame there at all;-)

Nice fight brother! You controlled that entire first half of the match and gave him a good fight the second half. Proud of you!

Mr. Mejia, major props to you. I admire the hell out your competitive fire. Takes a good deal of fearlessness to face black belts in comp just to test yourself.

I was super impressed man. Red is very skilled and a humble in his victories. You had some really good flows and pressure last night---ADCC trials this weekend---you got this!

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Originally Posted by Tony "The Goods" Garcia

Sweetch Asian Jesus you've improved! I'm not saying you were shabby before but that's quality grappling with an assassin!

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Thanks Tony! I'm trying!!!

Awesome John!

Look at the Barataplata if they plank on the darce/jnt. Its helped me.

Always proud of you John. That being said here is your "you ain't shit balloon" to keep you on the right path for this weekend.

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Originally Posted by bobby rivers

Awesome John!

Look at the Barataplata if they plank on the darce/jnt. Its helped me.

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I'm gonna keep that in my back pocket for sure Bobby, I've never even thought of that!

Congrats man!

gooooood shit brozinio

When this match was going down, I really thought John was going to take it. He was catching positions so solid at first but Red is a very high level grappler and his defense is incredibly solid. Red's the real deal, he's not just one of those instructors getting by on his name, he competes super regularly and always has a target on his back because of his name. A great match, can't wait to see John win the ADCC trials this weekend!

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Originally Posted by DanConway

When this match was going down, I really thought John was going to take it. He was catching positions so solid at first but Red is a very high level grappler and his defense is incredibly solid. Red's the real deal, he's not just one of those instructors getting by on his name, he competes super regularly and always has a target on his back because of his name. A great match, can't wait to see John win the ADCC trials this weekend!

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Believe me that's the plan Dan! I'm gonna give it my best go this weekend, Hopefully I can collect a few necks or limbs along the way.

You look great brotha!! Congrats ! Keep doing work! ;)

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Originally Posted by RobertGarza

You look great brotha!! Congrats ! Keep doing work! ;)

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Thanks everyone. I'm coming hard this comp season. I hope to see many of you at Gracie Worlds etc.

Bro you had the Kimora at the beginning and you gave up on it. You were sitting on him with two arms against his one. If you had stuck with it longer, you could have broke his grip in my opinion. Great job, I think you had him and caught him slipping early.

Barbarian

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Originally Posted by ErikLavigne

Bro you had the Kimora at the beginning and you gave up on it. You were sitting on him with two arms against his one. If you had stuck with it longer, you could have broke his grip in my opinion. Great job, I think you had him and caught him slipping early.

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Thanks Man,

I'm not sure I gave up on it, rather his reaction forced me to transition to something else. If I could have scooped the head it would have worked wonderfully. But ya live and you learn. Theoretically My two arms should, be able to lift his one, but that's not always the case. I'll finish him next time. :)

:D

Very impressive Mr Mejia.

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Originally Posted by DaveScott

Very impressive Mr Mejia.

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Thanks Dave, I'm trying. :)

No idea how he got through that darce

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Originally Posted by Brent Smith

No idea how he got through that darce

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That second attempt I came in a little too rushed, and over committed. At that level, it's a game of inches, and I was one or two inches too far over.

Great work john. Your a beast. No shame in losing to a guy like him