10/20: WHAT A GREAT WEEK

Normally I have a little bit deeper message to share each week, but this week I just wanted to share a bunch of good news.... things that really put a smile on my face.  It was a pretty busy week this week as we re-started our advanced BJJ classes, had students competing, had GB Lake Orion hosting another seminar and hosted our annual Halloween party.

For those that are new, we have fundamental and advanced classes in each of our adult programs: BJJ and Muay Thai.  These classes are invite only classes for those that have demonstrated a good grasp of the fundamentals.  In BJJ, this typically requires you to have 2-3 stripes on your white belt as well as a good understanding of our fundamentals curriculum.  For Muay Thai, it requires that you have displayed a competent ability to protect yourself from basic striking attacks.

Friday we hosted our annual Halloween Party.  Many thanks, as always, to Colleen W for decorating the gym.  We had more than enough food, around 60 people inattendance, the Thompson family winning the costume contest as mom, dad, and both kids all dressed up, and I'm guessing many, many tired children after running around non-stop for almost 2 hours. Parents, you can thank me for a quiet evening at home later on this week.  : )

On Saturday we had 3 members competing at the Fuji BJJ tournament in Lansing.  I was super stoked to see the oldest first time competitor I've ever taught, Jimmy Walker, go 3-2 winning his gi division and taking 2nd in no gi.  Coach Maverick went 2-0 in his gi division winning first, but 0-2 in no gi.   Gotta see how the wrestler lost both no gi matches.  Coach Andriy competed as well and went 2-0.  I look forward to having them share their experiences with everyone, hopefully motivating more to sign up for the Chewjitsu Tournament in November.

Also on Saturday, I had the priviledge of attending a leg lock seminar from one of Michigan's, and one of Gracie Barra's, up and coming top competitors, Coach Wellington Andradge.  The progress Coach Wellington has made since I first met him about a year and a half ago until now has been incredible.  Coach Wellington shared his A-game leg attacks in one of the most organized and well thought out seminars I've ever attended.  We are very lucky to have someone this talented as part of the GB organization.  Mark my words, I believe he will start to receive global recognition as one of GB's top competitors.

Let's keep the energy rolling this week as we start to dial up the intensity in classes as we start prepping for the Nov 8th Chewjitsu tournament.