Rowan Draper - BJJ

17/10/2023

At the Longford store today learning about my new role and how to deliver feel good moments and effective training for crew in their roles.

14/10/2022

Hello! It’s been a while …

Sorry I haven’t posted for a while I’ve been concentrating on my Stafford by Night activities over the last few months.

Also over the last few months I’ve started a new job in South Staffordshire. I’ve been waiting a little while for uniform but now that’s all sorted I’ve been working there for about a month.

I’m still concentrating on my RPG activities but I am planning an imminent return to the gym to continue my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu education, so long as work allows time wise.

I have been continuing my driving lessons and I have my practical test booked for December so there is a lot in my life to be hopeful about.

I am going to try my best to post here more regularly. If I’ve not seen you in a while, drop me a comment, I’d love to catch up and find out how you are?

16/02/2022

17/11/2021

GB1 No Gi.

Escaping side control today with a hip bump and bringing in the knee into an armbar / triangle / omoplata sequence.

Some good specific sparring and surprised myself with a nice sweep.

07/10/2021

My review of the new Gracie Barra Association school in Stafford, UK led by Professor Martin Jones. Check it out!

Gracie Barra Stafford UK is Stafford’s only purpose built Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and has options for all interested students: juniors, teens and adults. Professor Martin Jones’ tra…

30/09/2021

How every adult feels on the inside when it comes to Graduation days.

22/09/2021

If you compare this image to the last time I walked to the GB1 class you’d think there was not a lot of difference in performance.

However for me there was a few major differences:
- I halved the number of stops I needed
- Whilst I was walking for 26 minutes (minus 50 secs based on last time)
- My stopping time was much less
- I reached my goal with half an hour to spare.

Last time my walk time was 26 minutes but my total journey time was 45 mins. My movement was a lot more fluid and less of a struggle so whether that’s the calorie reduction or more practice walking I don’t know but I’m glad it wasn’t as painful as the last time.

15/09/2021

Lineage. Legacy. Leadership.

08/09/2021

First Class at Gracie Barra Stafford UK in the books.

Glad to be back training and enjoyed my time on the mat.

My fitness wasn’t as bad as I feared but definitely loads of room for improvement. Set aside an hour to talk a half an hour walk and had time to spare even if I did have 10 stops to catch my breath and reset the pain in my lower back.

29/08/2021

Proud to have completed the Gracie Barra Foundations programme today developing my learning about Master Carlos Gracie Junior’s vision for Jiu-Jitsu in the world, the Gracie Barra legacy and the role we each play as Students in spreading that vision in everything we do.

The course given me a lot to think about to reflect on my personal journey and my goals for the future like returning to active training as soon as possible.