Firstly I am going to explain why I went to California. I went with my team to train with the Multi Time World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champions the Mendes Brothers who are also our affiliate club in Hamilton Ontario Canada. My team and I spent 6 days there training 2-3 times a day and and hour and a half each time. We (and when I say we I mean professor PJ and 15 teammates) brought back so much knowledge and skills from that camp that the next day back at Pura we were on the mats drilling the things we learned.
Since we are an affiliate camp, the things we learned at the camp we've drilled before but the brothers showed us how to tighten up the techniques which completely changed the way we looked at it and trust me...totally effective.
So now it's been a couple weeks since I've been back and I must say that my confidence has grown leaps and bounds that I have a total different outlook on training. I can look at training now and know that I am working towards creating my own unique game plan. Aside from the technical side of the camp, I feel like I learned a lot about myself. I realized that life can get so busy that we forget how to really enjoy what life brings us. I spent 6 days at the beach and did things that I love doing like training and not everyone can say that they've trained with the World Champions in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. I also got to meet some amazing people from all over the world which I will be long life friends with. The comradarie in the camp was unlike any other...50 fighters and everyone got along. We all had same goals but different stories to tell and all stories were different...not one was boring...each was a pleasure to hear and to be part of.
So what do I take from this...training can take you to many places and take different forms. Whatever you do train with purpose and goals because one day you may end up going to a place you never thought you would like California to train or the gold medal podium!!! I can say that I've trained like a champion and I want and crave every minute of it. If I could do it everyday I would...the lifestyle is everything I dream of and there is no reason why we can't train like that...yes work, family, commitments get in the way but you're mind doesn't have to change...think like a champion and you will be one. I met amazing people and experienced beautiful things...I realized that you never know when you are going to be back in that exact same spot so remember it and enjoy it and I'm not just talking the beach...I'm talking about the gym, the stage, the field, the ring, etc...Enjoy every minute of training and competing! Remember why you do it and use that to drive you to be successful.
I want you ask yourself "why do I train and compete?" "what drives me?" and use that to fuel your inner athlete. My experience in California not only made me a better fighter but a more peaceful person. I'm thankful for being able to train, fight and do things i love doing and I know along the way, it will bring me great things like great people, beautiful places, and unlimited knowledge. What more can I ask for??
THANK YOU GIU AND RAFA MENDES FOR AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! Truly amazing fighters, teachers, and roll models!
(Picture courtesy of Patricia Vandermeer)
