Posted this on my intro post, but figured I would share....

[GraytScott]

In General as well. Sorry if I turn out to be a blow hard on here, I like to use forums on things I do, theraputic for me as well...

I had class last night. (my 8th class) It was test night for a purple belt to brown, and another white belt to yellow. Night was tough, lots of working out for sure. The white belt who tested, I've only seen three times now in my 8 classes so far. (twice a week) I paired with him for the night, did some grappling, punching pad drills, etc. I honestly think I'm every bit as up to speed as he is, if not more. Perhaps he was smarter about energy conservation, I was DEAD at the end of class, giving it 80% or more on the punching drills, and he was maybe 50%, if that.

All that said, he broke his two boards, end of class, and received his yellow belt. I look forward to that baby step. I realize this is a journey, and the yellow belt is just a, "okay, you know a little bit" step. In fact, I think it's more that you've just stuck with it to this point, after having your butt kicked physically. I'll wait for mine, but left yesterday with an internal grin.

The purple belt, a woman, very strong, took about 15 minutes to do her break on 3 boards, spinning back kick. She finally did it, and I think at that point, the whole class was just as happy. It was pretty cool to see the "family" aspect of the class. We all wanted her to succeed.

I've never really done grappling, so I did learn some things. I'm 6'4, 250, (need to lose a good 20 lbs) so I used my weight and size to make a pretty good go of it. Loving my journey so far!

[MasterPain]

A bit of grappling advice: pretend you are small and weak. Don't muscle through anything. If things work because you're stronger, you don't improve your skills, and when you run into someone stronger than you, you won't have the skill to deal with it. Never feel bad about tapping.

[bushido_man96]

Sounds like you are having fun! Keep it up!

[kansascityshuffle]

A bit of grappling advice: pretend you are small and weak. Don't muscle through anything. If things work because you're stronger, you don't improve your skills, and when you run into someone stronger than you, you won't have the skill to deal with it. Never feel bad about tapping.

This is good advice and the only thing I'll add to it is: You should follow this advice, if you ever face someone the same size as you or bigger, your size and "muscling through technique" won't work. At that point, the winner is going to be the one with the best technique and/or conditioning.

[DWx]

Welcome Dimorte

[GraytScott]

A bit of grappling advice: pretend you are small and weak. Don't muscle through anything. If things work because you're stronger, you don't improve your skills, and when you run into someone stronger than you, you won't have the skill to deal with it. Never feel bad about tapping.

Thanks for the advice, makes sense!