Well then, it's been a while since I have made a post on here as I've been super busy the last few month. I made a good few lifestyle changes towards the end of last year and its been hard trying to find a spare few hours to sit down and reflect on everything to be able to write some blog posts and keep you updated.
So..... I have a few spare hours and I'm going to try and catch up and fill you all in on what's been happening with my BJJ journey and my life over the last 9 month. I will be doing separate posts about my travels and competitions etc but I will give you the low down in short now.
Where to start?
Well the first big change happened last September when I quit my full time wedding planner job and took up the full time Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. I dived head first in to training as much as possible every day as well as teaching the future Checkmat Champions at the Kids classes and the Ladies beginners class at my academy. I also decided on a career change and enrolled full time on a Sport Science Degree.
So I was pretty busy, but the change was good. My degree fitted perfectly around my training and i was able to train hard to feel confident enough to start competing internationally at some pretty big competitions whereas before i couldn't get the mat time in with working long hours.
September saw me compete in the first female match up for Sub15teen, an event that is taking the BJJ scene by storm, with 15 matched fights on a 15 minute no points submission only basis. More to come on this in a separate blog post I think.
November was the start of my international competitions when I flew out to Lisbon, Portugal for the Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials. Which was a great experience and a reality check as to how different the level of competition is in Europe (Must up my Game).
In January I made a deal with my self to spend as much time as possible outside of the UK, Compete as much as possible internationally and travel and train with as many new people as possible. Off I went to the IBJJF European Open in Lisbon, Portugal. I had so much fun that week with some really cool people and this alone deserves its own write up.
February I won my first bit of Abu Dhabi World Pro bling at the UK Trial, picking up bronze whilst carrying a pretty nasty Elbow injury. I wasn't disappointed but I know I could of done better. I fought some really tough Girls and learnt a lot about my BJJ.
As part of my New Years resolution Pact I jetted off to Los Angeles in California for the IBJJF Pan Ams which was an amazing experience, spent some time with some amazing people and hung out with some pretty cool people to. It was great to see Lucas Leite again and also meet the Mendes Brothers. Competing in America on such a big stage taught me a lot about myself and how to deal with the pressures of competing and the experience has definitely made me a better competitor for UK competitions. I loved LA, and i cant wait to go back, such an amazing happy place to be.
The End of March was pretty rubbish, I had planned to go back to America and test my skills at the IBJJF World championships, but various obstacles were thrown in my path numerous times with I had to battle with and the rising cost of the trip, I eventually surrendered and called it quits. I was gutted, I had a little cry, I ate ice cream and chocolate (which didn't make me feel better). But there's always next year and hopefully i will be ore prepared.
So as I wasn't going to the Worlds any more I decided to divert my attention to other IBJJF competitions and headed to Copenhagen in May for the Copenhagen open and No Gi Open. I love Copenhagen, such a cool city and its always great to catch up with my Checkmat Denmark Arte Sauve team mates.
and now were up to date I think, British Open has just been and gone, my 3rd year competing at the event but in a completely different weight category. This time last year I fought in the Medium Heavy -74kg Blue belt division but since losing 18kg in the last year I fought Feather weight at -58.5kg. what a difference!! As always it was good to catch up with all the other competitors from around the UK over the weekend and see them on the podium. specially the ladies, the divisions have grown so much over the last few year which is fantastic for the sport.
Ciao for now! :) x
