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I am currently on a plane, flying over some part of the midwest. I see a lot of mesas out my window so maybe Arizona?

So since I’ve already slept half of the flight, and am bored of sudoku, may as well write a bit!

I’m so pumped to be on my way to LA! I’ll see my team mate tonight, then train with Eddie Bravo tomorrow. After that, it’s family time, disneyland, then tournament time on Saturday! Eeeee! Only thing that could make this trip more awesome would be if I could eat pizza.

I only brought carry-on luggage, so (as expected) my bag was searched by security. Apparently, large tubs of protein powder and bags of vitamin supplements look rather suspicious on x-ray.

Anyhow, I didn’t get a chance to hit up the gym yesterday. I was so busy getting everything ready to go! Didn’t do so well with my eating plan either – don’t think I had any solid food until after 11 pm. Did still get my protein shakes in every 3 hours, but man – I’d hate to be on a liquid only diet!

Did get to train on Friday, in the morning and the evening. In the morning we didn’t really have an official class, just rolled a bit. One of the guys is moving and it was his last class, so he got jumped and whipped.

The guys were still in a beating mood, so three of them jumped me when I stepped on the mat. They couldn’t pin me, gave up, and just started laughing. Nice to know I could handle myself in a group attack scenario!

I rolled a few rounds with an overly concerned blue belt. He’d get me pinned then get up, afraid of squishing me. I had to keep assuring him that I was fine and would let him know if he was using too much pressure.

That evening we had a small class taught by purple spider. We drilled a few sweeps from spider guard then rolled a few rounds. I got paired up with the same blue belt from earlier. Hoping I can use some of that in my tournament on Saturday!

That is all! My next update will be after training with Eddie, so should be interesting!

As you might be able to tell from the pictures, we decided to see if we could triangle ourselves. I’m just an inch shy of being able to lock it! (I’m in the purple/orange shorts) the other girl is our lone female blue belt who is making a training comeback – Yay!

Today was a really awesome training day! The guys did no gi rolling at 10 which I sat out from – didn’t seem too wise to participate, freshly broken toe and all. Our volcano black belt taught class at 11:30 and it was a really different format.

First drill: We got in 2 groups of 4. One person would run and do a takedown on each other person in the group, next person would do the same. 4 rounds of that. I just stuck with the snap/single takedown we drilled a couple weeks ago. Works well for me!

Next drill: partner up and take turns with each person securing 5 submissions from standing, and then from side control. Did that for about 5 mins.

Technique drill: armbar from side control when they frame their arms against your hips. There is a sweet kimura from here as well, but my partner and I were both too bendy for it to work effectively.

Technique drill: triangle from side control. Sit out, pull near elbow up and shoot your bottom thigh under it. Trap that arm in place by throwing your other leg over it as well. Let (or encourage) them to lift their upper body to defend their arm, then step your upper leg over their head – locking the triangle. You can also armbar the out arm if you don’t feel like choking them.

That was it for class – the guys rolled a bit after, but I decided to head out and run errands.

I am leaving for Los Angeles, CA on Sunday. I’ll be visiting a team mate, training with Eddie Bravo, visiting family, and going to Disneyland. I figured the only thing able to make it better (other than eating pizza), would be to compete. Looked it up, and would you believe, there is a tournament I can go to! The UGF is having their International Ladies Championship on the 25th! I fly out at 11 pm that day – so I can totally do that! Gonna enter in gi, no gi, and the open divisions in each. Downside is that I won’t have any team mates there, but I’ll have family for moral support and I think I’ll still be able to kill.

Class at 5 today was pretty much just open mat. I was feeling a bit lazy, but our little feisty black belt decided to wrap me up in an x guard while I was talking with someone, and how could I refuse that? We’re rolled around for a good bit – mostly with me trying to pass his guard, then recovering position when he’d sweep me. I felt pretty good about it!

Went with purple spider next. He warned me to never attempt a triangle from spider on someone bigger than me – if they have any amount of skill they’ll just shrug me off and use it to pass. He told me to go for the omoplata instead.

Our lone girl blue belt came back from a 2 month training vacation – yay! I tested out that triangle from side control that we learned this morning, and it works! I couldn’t get the choke, but fiddled with the arm until I got a kimura. I showed her some of the tricks the guys have been using to pass my spider guard lately – I figure the more people learn my tricks, the more I’ll have to adapt to make them awesome.

I rolled a bit after that with one of the white belts – the same wrestler I played with last Saturday. Was going well until I got my broken toe smashed and I kinda had to stop there since he smashed and ripped off the tape. Apparently purple spider was watching because he called me over and lectured me about rolling with large white belts.

I re-hydrated during the no gi class, then decided to weigh in. Even after a liter of water, I weighed at 132.5! Down from 141 2 weeks ago! 8.5 lbs with just 7.5 to go! Wheeee! I just might make my goal of 130 before I leave on Sunday for LA!

This week so far has been crazy busy! Finally got the bare bones moved into the gym. We spent all day yesterday hauling everything, painting, and getting the mats down on the floor. We got enough set up to have class this morning, and are working to get the bags up for the kickboxing class tonight.

I’m getting settled into my new office as well. It’s large enough for my massage table, massage chair, comfy sitting chair, and some shelving. They’re installing a dimmer lightswitch today, I think. One guy is bringing in some shelves for me, and another guy is giving me an ion air filter. I’ve had 2 guys offer me massage tables, as well! So overwhelmed!

Anyhow, I got the first opening day roll on the mats today… And I broke my little toe in a mat crack. Fun times! Got it taped up really well for now but it’s turning some really pretty colors.

We have a new girl in class who just transferred from another school. She’s also in the Muy Thai program so I think she’ll stick around! She has been training for 4 months so far, I showed her some of my anti-smash techniques and open guard tricks.

I got a new Gameness Feather to use as a competition only gi. It’s very bright! Need to get a team patch put on it.

Anyhow, gotta get back to settling in! Looks like I have my first new client tomorrow!

I think the dietary changes all hit me at once today. I managed to sleep for 12 hours last night then went in to roll at 10.

I still didn’t have much energy so was just playing around with one of the guys until coach hollered at me to quit messing around, stand up, and pass his guard. What followed was a pretty ferocious scramble that ended with me playing some de la riva guard. We went at it for about 20 mins before I finally gassed and waved him on to play with someone else.

Talked to coach to see what I should eat before class to give me some energy. He told me to try a teaspoon of honey and a handful of raw almonds 30 mins before class. I’m allowed a total of 22 almonds during the course of the day. Went right out and bought some to test out in the evening classes.

It worked! We just had an open mat sparring session at 5 since coach was busy getting the new gym ready. I drilled a bit with pink gi girl. She was helping me work how to get a triangle from closed guard – not my best move for sure! Also drilled hip escape from mount. I’ve noticed that instead of using my hips, I just turn on my side instead – not entirely useful. Need to drill that more!

I decided to pick a fight with mr lightening blue belt. He is probably one of the most athletic of our blue belts, never seems to slow down or get tired. I love rolling with him because he uses pure technique on people smaller than him.

Good roll! Did well with my guard passing and even tapped him a couple of times. We went for about 20 mins before he went off to roll with another blue belt. No one else seemed too motivated to roll after that so I went to cool off and make sweat angels on the mats.

I “ate” during the no gi class. By eat, I mean almonds and a protein shake. There ended up not really being a 7:15 class since coach was still busy setting up the new gym – so I went home. Need rest anyhow.

Starting to get sick of protein shakes. Need to start testing out some new varieties me thinks – it’s getting very boring. Working though!

Weight: 134.5

Weight cut status: down 5 lbs already and feeling good! Bouncy and still have energy! 10 lbs to go and I think I’m on a pretty good track.

I’m really enjoying this eating schedule. I think I may stick with it even after the tournament – with a little more leniency on the weekends. I think I’m due a cheat meal – but I really don’t want it. At any rate, I’m not hungry – just get occasional cravings.

Been staying on the up slide with my training still. Had a small bump this morning when I allowed myself to be goaded into rolling with someone I shouldn’t – nearly got my jaw broken because I couldn’t tap and he didn’t recognize my foot slapping on his thigh as a tap.

I sat out a round then coach motioned me over to check on me (apparently I looked pissed). I told him I was fine, just got caught and couldn’t tap. He let me roll a round with him and that got me feeling better. He showed me how to do a “crotch rocket” mount (which I used later!)

Next up I rolled with one of the large purple belts. I haven’t rolled with him in quite some time, not since before I broke my rib I think. Anyhow, I quickly remembered how much he loves butterfly guard sweeps. He gave me a new trick (which I also used later!). He told me I’m getting good.

My final match was with a smaller purple belt who was pretty tired. So I (of course) took advantage and used the sweep the purple butterfly had just shown me. Then I went to that crotch rocket mount coach showed me. His favorite mount escape is to bring his feet into my armpits and push me off over his head: and I found with my heels in his hips I could nullify that. Anyhow, he was too worn out and had to take a break after that. He promised to whip me soundly tomorrow.

I was pretty tired myself afterward so I skipped the 11:30 class and went home to eat. I had to get up at 5:30 this morning to open the gym and I just didn’t get enough sleep to keep at it like usual.

It was a slow day at work, so I went back to roll at 5. Coach wasn’t there so it was fairly informal. I rolled with the big blue mountain for about 20 mins. He’s a huge blue belt whose leg is probably about the same weight as me – but he’s very good to roll with. I practice my top game and attacks – and he practices his reguarding skills. It’s a good tradeoff – and has been REALLY helping my movements on top. He said he is noticing improvements himself. Yay for teamwork!!!

I was really beat after that, but I had a friend come in to visit, and I figured I should do something other than sit on the side panting. So I snagged the purple neutron star for a roll. I tried to stay standing and pass – got swept a couple times. I did manage to pass once (briefly), which made me happy; that’s the first time I’ve ever done that. He landed a beautiful toss on me – which I wish had been on video!

After that, I needed food again. So I left to go eat with my friend.

That’s it for today. Highlights of the week:
1. Been getting closer to nailing that snap single takedown.
2. Got a massage yesterday. Still detoxing a bit from that.
3. FINALLY learned how to do a wrestling shot double leg takedown.
4. Lots of new guys coming in – getting to beat up a few of them (nicely of course).
5. The new gym is almost finished! Should be moving soon!

That is all. Need to remember to update every day while I still remember details!

Big week! First off, I sat down with coach and we talked out a contract for partnering up in the new gym. I’ll have an office space to work out of, and they get a percentage. Pretty sweet deal for all parties!

I also asked coach about how to do a weight cut properly (vs. Killing myself like some of the guys do). He wrote me down his eating plan involving eating every 3 hrs:

6am – Protein shake with 1/2 c blueberries, 1/2 cup oats

9am – Protein shake, apple

12pm – 6-8 oz fish/chicken, 1 c greens (spinach/green beans/broccoli)

3pm – Protein shake, 1 c greens

6pm – 6-8 oz fish/chicken/steak, 6 oz sweet potato, 1 c greens

9pm – Protein shake or 2 c greens

I’m enjoying this plan so far! I have energy and am feeling pretty good! I have a couple different flavors of protein so I’m able to mix it up a bit. Need to get some hemp powder too during my next trip to the store.

Coach said it’ll probably be a couple weeks before I start dropping weight on this diet, but it’s what he uses to cut for his tournaments – so it works.

I had a great time tuesday morning! At the 10am class we had 3 black belts, 2 brown, 2 purple, and myself. Fun times! We drilled a spider guard sweep then rolled for a bit. I rolled with all the black belts and one of the purple belts. Of course I got trounced, but I learned lots! Especially from the black belts.

One of the black belts instructed me to avoid full mount on someone much larger than me. I’ll be able to maintain side control, or fat boy position much more easily.

Rolled around a bit with my newly returned purple belted spider guard friend before the 5pm sparring class. We didn’t really have an organized class since coach was busy with running a new initiate through his paces. I rolled several rounds with the purple spider then was assigned the timekeeper position where I remained until one of the guys passed out – then I got to jump back in.

We have been really working on the snap single takedown this week – drilling it every class. This is good! It’s actually starting to feel smooth to me. I think I’ll start trying to use it before a guard pull.

Learned the coolest armbar ever at the 7:15 class! I really would love to pull that one off in a tournament. Your opponent is turtled and you bait them by planting your foot next to their head. If they grab it, you hook, extend, and rotate.

Wed:
I started my nutrition plan today. Went ok but timing got a bit off in the evening thanks to work. I managed to keep my feeding times within an hour though so all is well.

I was REALLY hungry after training so I ate a can of tuna with some spinach. Glad meals fall after training!

Thurs:
Very good day! The guys were getting ready for a no gi sub only tournament so I stayed out of the rolling at 10 – that way they could have at it. Got some awesome video though!

At 11:30, I was the odd duck out in a class full of large white/blue belts. I did get to drill a bit, but wasn’t gonna roll. However, coach nabbed me for a few rounds, yay!

Instead of waiting for him to get a grip on my lapel and sweep me (like usual), I immediately jumped through his guard into side control. He declared me to be a “cheater.” Fun times!

I went to the health food store after class and got a bunch of protein powder samples. So far I’ve tried 3 today. Two were okay, one was pretty gross. The problem with a lot of the non gluten/soy/dairy options is that they are: A. Expensive B. Not very high in protein. I think I found a few that might work though.

At 5 we had a pretty intense sparring class. My BBB was there and we rolled a bit before class started as well. Anyhow, once class actually started, I stayed paired with him for the first rolling session. We had a really good match! I did make a pathetic attempt at a snap single takedown before getting dumped on my head. Good times!

(Insert Champion Pushups)

Next I went with pink gi girl – who incidentally wasn’t wearing her pink gi today. She’s got a bit of weight on me, but I kept the upper hand through most of our round – even managed to get that rear collar choke we’ve been working on in class this week!

(Champion Pushups)
(More pushups for “being lazy and slow”)

Next up I rolled with purple spiderman. He got me with a few kimuras – need to work on that! He was really cranking up the intensity which was good! I need that to get ready for Atlanta.

I managed to snag Mr lightning blue belt for my next round. He’s great to roll with because he’s quick, and makes me work really hard, but doesn’t ever hurt me. He always keeps my heart rate up!

(Champion Pushups)

Next I went with one of our white belt guys who I have dubbed “breaker of my ribs” – since he was my partner when my rib cracked a few months back. He’s all right though – I was pretty tired from rolling with spiderman and blue lightning, but managed to play some solid defense. Yes, that’s my way of saying I was smashed most of the time. Notable achievements: foiled a butterfly sweep, and passed guard a couple times.

Final round I went with purple neutron star. We danced around a bit, I pulled guard, he passed, then proceeded to armbar me in a cool inverted way. He keeps telling me to “hip escape” – but it never seems to work on him. Maybe I should just practice doing hip escapes while dragging the grappling dummy across the mat? But then that means I’d have to touch it… Ew. Anyhow, I need to keep rolling with people like him who know my weaknesses and won’t let me work around them.

After class I was staggering around like a drunken sailor – just short of throwing up. Signs of a good class right there! Purple spiderman checked with me after to make sure he didn’t go to hard on me. I told him it was just right – pushed me to nausea but didn’t cause injury. He’s gonna work on some knee on belly stuff with me. He also pointed out that when he had my back, I was more interested in his feet than his arms. Bad Nicholle! Did get some kudos though, he said I was avoiding his sweeps that he had to snap them as aggressively as he did in order for them to work. Yay!

Anyhow, I went home after I had a chance to cool down. So tired! Sleep time!

I’ve really been focused so far this week with training. I got to register for Atlanta on Tuesday, so far it’s 25 Alliance members, and me. This will be my first tournament flying under the Team Lloyd Irvin banner – hope to do the team proud!

Anyhow, went fairly easy on Monday – was still fairly sore from the tournament on Saturday. I popped my biceps tendon out of the bicepital groove – man that hurt! Very thankful I’m an amazing massage therapist and was able to manipulate it back in place. Ice and an evening of anti inflammatories took care of most of the ache. My amazing chiropractor patched up the rest of it in the morning. Good as new!

Good thing too! Training on Tuesday was pretty hard core. Team training at 10, rolled around non-stop in and out of gi. Then went into Coach’s advanced gi class. This week we’re working on mount escapes. Drilled a few options, then set to rolling for about 5 rounds. Yes, I got my butt whipped. Seems to be how I learn.

Was back at 5 for sparring. We did about 9 rounds of nonstop sparring – and made sweat angels on the mats afterwards. I jumped right into the no gi class at 6 and I think I did all right. I landed my first guillotine in perfect form!

I was pretty beat after that. I am pushing myself a lot harder now that I’ve got Atlanta on my mind. That said, I went home and was passed out by 9.

Wed was pretty light comparatively. No 6:30 training still – coach is needing to help his wife with their new baby. I came in and rolled at 10, then we had our intro gi class at 11:30. Usually it’s a drill only class, but we didn’t have any real new people, so we got to roll a bit as well. Yay! I’ve discovered the wonders of what a properly applied knee on belly can do for your game. There are a few upper belts that have put me on their hit lists. I trotted off to get some actual work done at the spa for the rest of the evening.

Today: Thursday, was REALLY busy! Went to the Chiropractor again in the morning – I was feeling pretty good!

Got trounced a bit at 10, then had some fun at the 11:30 class. I teamed up with one of the new white belts – my spidey senses said he was ok. I was explaining to him the concepts of staying relaxed and not working so hard. Demonstrated by staying stiff in mount and letting him dump me over vs staying relaxed – and he couldn’t budge me. At rolling time, I went fairly light. Went with two newer white belts and I don’t go hard on anyone until I know how they’re gonna react (spaz much?) It was fun! Got caught in a triangle and coach just gave me a “why the hell did you do that!?” Kind of look.

Came back at 5 to spar. It was bloody hot and people didn’t seem too motivated to get rolling. The ball started rolling when one of the purple belts offered me a fist. I felt honored as I was his first roll since his mma fight on Saturday (which he won by rnc).

Yea, he ate me for lunch. If I started slowing down or acting tired he called me a pansy – then laughed when I glared at him. We went at it for about 15 minutes and our session ended against the wall when he walked his feet up, did one sided shoulder stand on me… and I punched him in the stomach. It was pretty funny and he told me I did really well. It was a great roll – I need more like that to get me ready for Atlanta. By the time I make the rounds with my teammates, the competition will be a joke.

Anyhow, I made more sweat angels while the no gi class warmed up – I counted myself already warm. We did a really fun mount escape, then sparred for a bit. I did really well for the two rounds I got to roll. Afore mentioned purple belt was teaching class and was (thankfully) picky about my sparring partners. Destroyed my first partner, then had a very good match with one of our blue belts. We apparently have similar game and therefore had some awesome scrambles.

After class I went home to chill and write this up before bed. Oh, and I finally got the video of my no gi finals match from Saturday. The video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYMemGGYta8&sns=em

I gotta admit, I watched the video and was fairly pleased with myself – only one no gi class and all.

Okay. Warrior needs sleep now. Gonna be a light training day tomorrow since I have to work at 12. Hopefully I can get a couple rolls in at 10.

Well the tournament is over and I did all right for myself. Took 2nd in gi, and 1st in no gi.

In my first gi match, I went against a 15 year old intermediate girl. She actually passed my guard for a brief second, I re-guarded quickly enough that no points were awarded. I then spent a minute messing with a cross choke that I didn’t have deep enough. I held on and waited until she let go of my bottom arm and shot it in. Tap.

In the finals I went up against a blue belt with a truly amazing base! This chick was keeping me on my toes! She ended up winning off points (guard pass and mount), but I didn’t give up – so I’m happy! She made comment after about my knees being everywhere – at least I made her work!

I watched the video of that match, and I should have had her several times. Twas my own fault – I goofed and she was skilled enough to take advantage. Next time!

The finals in no gi were pretty eventful! I found out halfway through that I forgot to tie my shorts – so I hope no children were scarred by seeing half my butt!

I’d like to find out who is teaching people to try to open guard by digging elbows into the inner thigh. I’d like to slap them. I was still bruised from last week and after a minute of being stuck in my guard, this chick added on a new layer. It didn’t work, but man was it annoying! Our ninja brown belt showed me a triangle setup for next time that happens.

Eventually, I opened guard, shrimped out, and we both stood up. I jumped half guard and managed to snag a funky “armbar from hell” for the tap.

I also found out that the girl I beat in no gi finals took 3rd at worlds this year. Kudos!

So I ended up leaving with a silver medal, a battle ax, and a t-shirt. I skipped the absolute category because my gut was telling me it was a bad idea – and when I don’t listen to my gut, injuries happen. They let me have a t-shirt instead.

So no more tournaments until the Atlanta opens in Sept – which I need to register for asap. But to pacify myself, I’m flying to LA next month – gonna go to Disneyland with my bro and his family, hang with a teammate, and train some with Eddie Bravo. Twill be a most excellent week!

Well twas a fun filled day! This morning we drilled some knee on belly escapes. I paired off with one of our purple belts and we were doing well until the heat hit me and I completely collapsed. He peeled my gi top off and gave me a wet towel for my neck. I just watched the rest of drilling with fuzzy vision.

I cooled off just in time to do a little rolling. Coach snatched me and did some game planning with me. He taught me a new sweep from my open guard that is gonna be my money move for the tournament on Saturday. My directions: pull guard, hit sweep, pass/crush.

I did manage to completely surprise coach! I hit a slight variation of the sweep + a step through that made him yell an involuntary “Shit!” – and he fully admitted that I got him with that. Kudos to me! He told me to be sure I write that down!

I did a little no gi rolling this evening as well. Didn’t take class, but our purple belt, doctor death, rolled with me a bit. He helped me think through a few things since I really don’t train no gi and just needed an adjustment for tournament mode. He showed me how to escape a locked down triangle – which was very useful!

Didn’t go so well in the gi class. It was myself, two newer white belts, and a big purple belt + judoka dude. He kinda let it be known that he thinks of open guard as a weak position after I asked him for tips to avoid getting passed. He did show us a really awesome way to control and submit someone from N/S that involved an inverted triangle. A bit rough rolling with him – I sensed some ego inflation. I tapped to get out then sat on the side. Was a little too late and wound up with a hyper extended ankle that is already bruising. Kinda sucks. Hope it’ll be ok for the tournament!

Good news! Coach told me he doesn’t want me doing a water cut for this tournament. So happy!!!

We have MMA fights going on tomorrow (friday) night at the same location as the tournament the next morning. I’m gonna weigh in then while I’m there. We’ve got several guys on the cards so it’s gonna rock! A buddy of mine won ringside tickets and invited me to join him – so I may just do that!

Next update will be post tournament! Hopefully it’ll be good!

Well I skipped training yesterday – needed some recovery time from that pounding on Saturday.

Still went fairly light today. I’ll be skipping the 5 pm hard sparring class this week since I don’t wanna be beat up for the EGO tournament this weekend.

At 10 I rolled with one of our black belts who has been out with a bum knee. I call him mountain man – since he’s so huge. I’m small enough that his knee wouldn’t be in too much danger. He remarked that my movements would be very well suited for no gi since my guard passes aren’t grip dependent. He recommended I take some no gi classes.

11:30 we drilled some knee on belly escapes. I got to roll some with coach. He said he’s gonna regret teaching me shit because my legs were giving him all kinds of hell. He showed me an awesome lapel choke from a wizard – and by awesome, I mean excruciating.

I came in at 6 and watched the no gi class. Blue spider was there and decided to ask coach if I’d be getting my beat down for my blue belt. Thanks dude – apparently I’ll be having the skin peeled from my backside.

Class at 7 was run by our neutron star purple belt. I call him that because he’s very small, but can weigh a ton when he wants to. I told him that today and he seemed quite pleased – mentioned making that into a patch.

We drilled some spider guard sweeps – yummy! I had another girl to drill with and we rolled for a nice 15 min round after drilling (neutron forgot the timer). I got her in a cross choke and a triangle. She gave me a small black eye with her elbow, and I made her almost throw up. Twas a good night!

I’m gonna start circuit training in the morning with blue spider. He’s gonna be cutting 25lbs for the IBJJF Chicago Opens next month. I’ve only got another 8 lbs to go with my cut – started early to make it easier. Started 141, down to 134. I need to get to 125 for feather weight. So far so good!