NAGA Seattle. First Match. (Video)

[nathan orchard]

looking very solid Rachael. it is obvious you are putting in a lot of time on the mats.

[Daniel Valdez]

Awesome matches Rach. Congrates on first, you looked great.

[Brent Smith]

Thanks.
We'll see... I know I have things I need to work on. I show up to class and try to take as much in as I can. I am actually more nervous/scared to GET my blue belt than NOT to get my blue belt. I don't take it lightly.

Perfect attitude to have

[Amber Kamischke]

Thanks.
We'll see... I know I have things I need to work on. I show up to class and try to take as much in as I can. I am actually more nervous/scared to GET my blue belt than NOT to get my blue belt. I don't take it lightly.

I felt the same way! I almost didn't feel ready but now that I have it, it has given me even more motivation to keep training harder and start working on fine tuning the details of my game. I've seen, especially with women, Blue is when you come across the girls who are in it because they want to be, not because a boyfriend or someone else is training with them. The level of competition is much higher here in the Midwest when you get out of beginner.

As for the almost submissions, Naga is getting tough on forcing taps and protecting people from injury. I noticed it at my last naga and it got annoying having a ref in the way. I understand their reasoning but it still can throw you off when youre trying to do something with an additional hand in your way.

Great matches and keep showing those girls how tough you are!

[Rachael Kaulig]

looking very solid Rachael. it is obvious you are putting in a lot of time on the mats.

Awesome matches Rach. Congrates on first, you looked great.

Thank you very much.

[Rachael Kaulig]

I felt the same way! I almost didn't feel ready but now that I have it, it has given me even more motivation to keep training harder and start working on fine tuning the details of my game. I've seen, especially with women, Blue is when you come across the girls who are in it because they want to be, not because a boyfriend or someone else is training with them. The level of competition is much higher here in the Midwest when you get out of beginner.

As for the almost submissions, Naga is getting tough on forcing taps and protecting people from injury. I noticed it at my last naga and it got annoying having a ref in the way. I understand their reasoning but it still can throw you off when youre trying to do something with an additional hand in your way.

Great matches and keep showing those girls how tough you are!

I totally agree about blue is when you see the girls who really plan on sticking around. You and I both know there is a pretty big turnover of women in this sport. My gym stripes (even though we obviously don’t wear belts). I only have two so it will be awhile for me BUT I am here to stay!

And thanks!

[Aaron Gustaveson]

You have nothing to worry about, you're a badass, might as well have that blue now. I'm about to go tap some blues in about 3 hours here and you have better transitions than me.

[Kurzy]

I am absolutely stunned that she did not tap to that Americana. That hurt just watching it.
Great rolling Rachael!! Attack attack attack!!

[tobyshell]

Nice job Rachael!!

[Rachael Kaulig]

I am absolutely stunned that she did not tap to that Americana. That hurt just watching it.
Great rolling Rachael!! Attack attack attack!!

Well, The ref threw me off. He put his hands right on us. I honestly thought he was stopping it. But when he didn't, i was super confused. This is my first time doing NAGA and in reading the rules I read more than one time, you can be DQd talking to a ref during the match. I won both my match and took 1st, so I am not bitter!!

I always learn so much during my comp matches either way. This was my 5th competition this year...and I cant wait for my next one!