Took part in my first BJJ competition abroad this weekend, the Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials in Birmingham. I'm not too happy with the results obtained, however I guess I've learned some valuable lessons. I competed in the 76kgs category, and since there were no other competitors in the Senior 1 age group (36-41 year olds), I was put in the Adult category (18-25 year olds).
My match in the 76kgs category vs Adam El Hamri. The match ended 0-0 on points, but my opponent took an advantage so got the win. The match was sort of split in 2 parts. First half we both tried to get the takedown (he nearly got a foot sweep, my ass actually touched the floor but somehow I managed to spring back up). Once we ended up on the floor, I was sitting in his guard for the rest of the match. I attempted to pass his guard a number of times but was unsuccessful. At the end he attempted a cross collar choke which I countered, however it was enough for him to get the win via advantage.
My open weight category match, I got paired up with an 82kg guy (didn't quite get his name but I guess he was Scandinavian). I tried to go for the takedown early on, he countered by pulling guard and we spent a couple of minutes me trying to pass, and he trying some sweeps. I think I was doing well up to that point, but eventually he got a sweep and from there it was downhill for me till he submitted me via armbar.
Overall, as I said I wasn't thrilled about the results. I worked my ass off in training these past couple of months and was hoping to get a medal in my weight category at least. On the other hand, it was my first time competing abroad and I guess nerves took their toll. I felt as if I was moving in slow motion for most of the time and played well below the level I normally do in training.
A valuable lesson learned was "no matter how good you think your cardio and conditioning is, it's never good enough". My arms were practically shot after my first match, couldn't even open my water bottle my hands were shaking so much. Never known that to happen to me before, even after 8 rounds of sparring during training.
My next target is my first amateur MMA fight, which I hope to do this summer :)
My match in the 76kgs category vs Adam El Hamri. The match ended 0-0 on points, but my opponent took an advantage so got the win. The match was sort of split in 2 parts. First half we both tried to get the takedown (he nearly got a foot sweep, my ass actually touched the floor but somehow I managed to spring back up). Once we ended up on the floor, I was sitting in his guard for the rest of the match. I attempted to pass his guard a number of times but was unsuccessful. At the end he attempted a cross collar choke which I countered, however it was enough for him to get the win via advantage.
My open weight category match, I got paired up with an 82kg guy (didn't quite get his name but I guess he was Scandinavian). I tried to go for the takedown early on, he countered by pulling guard and we spent a couple of minutes me trying to pass, and he trying some sweeps. I think I was doing well up to that point, but eventually he got a sweep and from there it was downhill for me till he submitted me via armbar.
Overall, as I said I wasn't thrilled about the results. I worked my ass off in training these past couple of months and was hoping to get a medal in my weight category at least. On the other hand, it was my first time competing abroad and I guess nerves took their toll. I felt as if I was moving in slow motion for most of the time and played well below the level I normally do in training.
A valuable lesson learned was "no matter how good you think your cardio and conditioning is, it's never good enough". My arms were practically shot after my first match, couldn't even open my water bottle my hands were shaking so much. Never known that to happen to me before, even after 8 rounds of sparring during training.
My next target is my first amateur MMA fight, which I hope to do this summer :)