BJJ - Australian Grappling League Competition
31.01.2025
So in one word I’d summarise my efforts as ‘sluggish’. I was reasonably fresh but was not amped or primed like my last comp where I was in full on attack mode from the start. Took me that first match to ‘get going’ despite a warm up prior etc.
Fewer weight brackets and different system being the first comp organised by these guys.
So entered the over 35 masters, under 75kg. I’m currently at 68kg ish - previous comp there was an under 65kg which I cut down for. No issues given the higher weight bracket. But of course that means I’m giving up weight and size to my opponents typically. And a foot in height at least!
Only 3x of us in Masters, and given the knockout and second chance layout they have, I was in the first match, then my opponent (as the winner) faced the 3rd guy. Then the winner of that match into the final, and the loser faced me for the other final spot.
Match 1
I was slow out the gate, trying to maintain pressure. He had a decent armbar as we rolled out. Reset cue same story and an armbar/triangle where I’ve tapped reasonably quickly. It still hyperextended the elbow a bit (was sore as yesterday but on the mend nicely today).
Match 2a
First 4min round was a draw. Same opponent (as he lost his 2nd match thus vs me for the final) But I felt more at ease and into the pace of things. Then there’s a 2nd round (if that’s a draw then it’s 1min with first points deciding the winner).
Match 2b
Fought hard, he almost had the same armbar, but I hustled through it somehow, got to N-S, side control, mount, then felt in control. Granted he was tired by then but I had gas in the tank (forearms were pumping by the end!) so went for the arm triangle - couldn’t get the depth but he ended up tapping due to my shoulder smothering his mouth. Either way I’ll take the win! And into the final.
Match 3
Bigger opponent (found out after he cut 6kg and was 0.2kg over - so he went for a run etc to get down to weight in the morning, so he’s circa 82kg (down to 76 - 1kg allowance at weigh in) to my 68kg fully clothed (nearly 20lbs difference there), it defo makes a difference mass to mass…! He attacked early and I never really recovered. Fought hard using all I had to get out from his mount, alas gift wrapped into back take. Then really focused on trying to get my legs to swivel/scissor under his leg, to unlock the body triangle, but i’m defending with arms and legs at this stage and he’s worn me down nicely. Tapped once he closed the RNC.
Overall - great people, and atmosphere (was 40dec C (over 100F outside) but the aircon worked a treat). I need to work on my approach and attack more early, posture up more (less hunching over!!!). Subconsciously maybe up against physically bigger guys defo adds that ‘hesitance’ into the mindset though. Was away the 3x days prior for work/travel/flights, which included a few good steaks (But also a number of pints of beer - carb loading? haha). Solid coaching from the sidelines. I could hear my coach in early matches, but couldn’t work out what he meant by ‘posture up’ as I was busy fighting for my life out there… haha. Later on different coach was softer with his words and I didn’t hear any of it! (but you can hear it in the video clear as day). Onward and upward though, next comp tbc!
@burien_top_team @throwawayfitness @simo74 @kleinhound @twojarslave @redsol1 @dchris @SvenG @T3hPwnisher @TrainForPain and all you other legends following along I hope you enjoyed the vids!
