11/03/2025
Gratitude time. Even though it was "just" a semi final, this match felt extra significant for a few reasons:
First off, it was my first match back competing since suffering an adductor strain at Master Worlds, an injury I feared at the time would prevent me from doing this event, which is the most important event of the competition calendar to me. Thanks to the rehab program designed for me, I went into ADCC Vancouver fully recovered and totally confident my crotch would be a source of pleasure, not pain. As it should be...
Secondly, this was the first match where I truly felt the difference from my strength program created by that I have been following since the start of the year. My maximal strength, strength endurance, conditioning, and overall physicality finally felt like a match for an obviously powerful opponent. My grips felt almost unbreakable, keeping me on offense for practically every second of the match.
I tend to be more of a counter fighter, relying on technique to set traps against physically superior opponents. My few losses tend to come against stingy Brazilians who engage very tentatively and rely at least partially on the kindness of referees. In this match, I was able to impose my technical acumen with alacrity due to the added horsepower.
And finally, I want to thank for all the training sessions throughout the year where we focused exclusively on my top game and passing. With about a minute left in this match, though I was dominating, due to my opponent's defensive diligence, I ended up in top half guard with no points on the board. In the past this would have meant OT. However, due to the work I had put in all year, I passed the guard within 30 seconds of establishing top position and maintained the pin easily, going to knee ride repeatedly.
The most memorable matches for me aren't generally the quick, flashy submission wins. They are the matches where a bunch of hard work and preparation enables me to overcome significant obstacles.
Thanks Dr Mike, Peter & Rory for the huge help in allowing my work to show!
