Training this week was a bit more relaxed as competition was near. Monday held the celebration of the labor day holiday and BJJ classes were cancelled though open mat was fortunately held. During the open mat session, I learned a fundamental alteration to the mexicana as Joel instructed me on using the far side leg of the body to pin the leg and to pinch the arm in then cup the elbow and allow your body to bridge upwards. Tuesday's wrestling session was substituted by a new BJJ friend named Bobby and he illustrated a take-down set-up when the opponent pushes in and at that point of cupping his armpits, I flick my arms upwards allowing the opponent to fly to the ground. In the moment of the opponent's imbalance a sly take-down can be enacted. Thursday was an easy session conducted by Lucas as he went through some fascinating yet mildly tough warm-ups, then showed an over/under pass with emphasis placed on driving the shoulder into the opponent and getting the pass. He also went on to illustrate how my leg should go upwards after the pass as the pass is enacted. Saturday was another competition with the IBJJF nationals and I lost yet again. The match started with my opponent going for an immediate take-down while I fruitlessly strived to defend it by placing my arm in front of my opponent's face. I went to guard from there and then conducted a high risk action and attacked a baseball choke as the opponent passed. However, the risk did not pay off as he easily passed the guard and established a strong and formidable side mount. The paramount lesson to be taken into account is that I should be extra careful in attacking the BB choke on the guard pass; furthermore, as instructed by Aaron the next day, I could have flipped my knees to the side and from that point a X-guard pass would become apparent. Fortunately, there was open mat at Barums on Sunday. In the open mat session, I applied a generous amount of thought to my rolling and was able to make the session extra progressive. One transparent point learned at the session was the risk that comes when performing the kick-back pass since the opponent can flip his leg over to the other side and set up a foot lock. I also learned of a fundamental defense against the kimura from the top side by angling my arm inside my legs and not allowing my opponent to pull it out. Additionally, I learned a method of defending the bow and arrow choke as it is advisable to not loosen the gi on the downwards side unless it is at the very last minute.Progression is becoming ever more present as I continue attempts to utilize the tripod pass, and success should be an eventuality as I keep on attacking it.

 I am continually learning and shooting for the stars which will be reached.