Cathy and I left for BWI for a direct flight to LAX. I suffered a neck injury the week before and thus packed in my carry on all the niceties I felt I would need to cure my neck during the five-hour flight. Slathered with Arnica (for those of you who don’t . . . → Read More: A Lawyer in Long Beach : My Experience at the BJJ World Championships – Part Deux]]> Wed, June 2, 2010

Cathy and I left for BWI for a direct flight to LAX. I suffered a neck injury the week before and thus packed in my carry on all the niceties I felt I would need to cure my neck during the five-hour flight. Slathered with Arnica (for those of you who don’t know what this is, see me), tiger balm, dosed on Ibuprofen, and with ice packs taped to my body we got on the plane. Coincidentally, our Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teammates, Evan Gideon and Tom Shrum were on the flight as well.

Our rendezvous with Team Gideon in Long Beach went off without a hitch!

We had an uneventful flight and arrived at LAX unscathed – my neck was feeling a bit better (from the Arnica of course). We picked up our rental vehicle and headed for the hotel. Halfway to the hotel, we got a call from Evan’s father who lived in Long Beach 30 years prior and thus thwarted all modern technological navigational advancements and instructed us to meet him on the corner of some miscellaneous Long Beach street. We found Evan’s dad, gave him a cartoon style map that we got from Thrify Car Rental, and Evan was off to Venice beach to spend some quality time with his father before his fights on Friday.

Evan Gideon was able to make it to The Pyramid despite Thrifty's Terrible Map

Cathy, Shrum and I were set to fight June 3, the next day, and thus wanted to get down to business and get mentally preparing. We checked into our very nice hotel suite and on our way to get a bit of salad for dinner, as we were all exactly on weight, found Bro Huffman (15 year old teammate from 3rd Law) wondering the streets of Long Beach outside our hotel. Of course, we picked him up and took him with us to get lettuce and tour Los Angeles. We got some salad on the waterfront in Long Beach and then went to Hollywood (to take a picture in front of Michael Jackson’s star on the walk of fame) and then to Rodeo Drive to get some quality American Express points.

After an enlightening tour of Los Angeles, we went back to the Hotel and all hit the gym for a last minute weight cut. We each ran approximately three miles and cut around four pounds. Kim Rivers made it to the room around 7:00 pm and as Roberto Torralbas (3rd Law proprietor and figurehead) was stuck in Atlanta and was in charge of the second room, we all hunkered down in the Zwanetz suite making makeshift beds. Shrum, forever taking crap from all of us, was left without blankets and slept wrapped in our GIs on top of two couch cushions, he says, to help foster a subliminal edge for the tournament. I fell asleep listening to a murder mystery book on tape and had insane dreams as the voice of the author piped scenes of gore into my ears while my subliminal mind refused to let go of the stress and anticipation of the pending tournament. I woke up at 4:30 am thinking I had missed the Worlds and was on the run from the law.

Aung La Sleeps in Full Jiu Jitsu Attire to Prepare for the Tournament

Thursday, June 3, 2010 – White & Blue

We arrived at the famed Walter Pyramid around 9:00 am. When we pulled up to the giant blue structure the reality of what I had been working for set-in. The giant staircase in the Arena’s front brought us into stadium’s upper deck. Upon walking in, I stood at the top looking down on the immaculate 12 ring set-up with impeccable iconic blue and yellow mats. 5000 empty seats surrounded me as the staff, reporters, photographers, and vendors scampered to prepare for the biggest four days in BJJ. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins and the thump of my heart against my sternum.

We went immediately to the scales in an attempt to get at least one of our many concerns out of the way. All in our group were on weight (due to our running the night before). We placed our bags in the area of the stadium that the famed Alliance team would own the very next day and throughout. From 10:30 am I sat and pondered my game plan – mentally battling my way through the nineteen-man bracket. My body felt good, my cardio had been tested through six weeks of circuit training, my hands were immaculately taped, and my ipod was shuffling through a playlist made weeks before for this time (a schizophrenic mix of sonatas by Frederick Chopin, hits by Lil Wayne, and oldies by Phil Collins). Minute by minute the bleachers began to fill and the divisions began to be called. Finally, at 1:00 p.m. on June 3 “the voice” called all blue belt Rooster/Galo weights to the bullpen. I don’t think a needle full adrenaline delivered directly to my heart by Vincent Vega himself could have produced the surge of life that those words produced. Off to the bull-pen I went.

Dave Z Marvels at the Superiority of the IPad vs. His Blueberry

After waiting in the bull-pen for what seems like a day, I heard my name and saw the representative from Mat number nine waiving me to the scales. My Gi was checked and my weight was verified. Three pounds under despite the Acai bowl I ate to quench my hunger pains only two hours before. I was escorted to my mat and on the way was able to make eye contact with the team that ran to the rails to coach. “Fighters are you ready,” “do you have any questions before you begin,” “shake hands,” “fight.” I establish my grips and sit-guard, a small scramble ensues but I am able to quickly stand, reposition, and re-pull, I slap on my left hand overhook, and begin to fish for my opponents right wrist. I can hear instructions from Julius and Jon and see nothing but my opponents forearm across my face. I feel a space on the right side and latch on a triangle (the focus of my plan). I pull my opponents head and squeeze my knees so hard that I feel random cracking of joints. I remember hearing the reassuring “AYYYY” coming from my teammates as my plan progressed. Then I felt what I had been waiting for “a flurry of taps on my thigh.” I had won a match at the Worlds. There is no greater high than the traditional hand raise that comes with a win.

Squaring Off for Match at the BJJ World Championships!

My second match went exactly like match one. I was one step closer. At this point I had to have a teammate massage the lactic acid from my arms. The second my third match began, I knew it would be different. The grip position that had worked for me in the last two matches was torn off by my opponent in a quick controlled burst – he was fast and strong. I immediately switched to my plan B game plan centered around sweeps. Match three was a battle! Master Lloyd’s distinctive voice along with familiar voice of Julius guided me through the match. After seven minutes of high pace action I prevailed – winning on two points. I was entering the finals at the 2010 Mundials.

I was told that I would have ten minutes to prepare. I could do little more than shake-out my arms and rehydrate. The match began with a double guard pull, something that we had worked repeatedly during the training camp. I immediately popped up for the advantage and was able to score another two during a scramble. Just as things were going my way, my opponent locked on a kimora. With the fierceness I would expect in the Finals of the worlds, my opponent wrenched my arm backwards. I attempted to roll out of the move and in mid-air I could feel my tendons stretching against my opponents’ push and my counter pull. Simultaneously I heard and felt a pop – my shoulder popped clear out of its circular cradle. Fierce pain followed and just like that my run at the title had ended. Medic to mat eleven.

I did not win gold at the 2010 Mundials. However, I learned more in my four matches than I could ever express in any blogpost. I became a more confident in my jiu jitsu and overcame many hurdles relating to the mental aspects of competing. The experience I obtained, the lasting memories that will forever help me in all things that I do, are the real value that I attribute to my trip to the Worlds. The silver medal is an amazing tangible reminder of what went into Thursday June 3, and the years before. However, the most important thing that I see when I stare into the shiny medal is my own reflection. I have always said that “when one points their finger at someone else they should pay very close attention to the four fingers are pointing back at them”. When I look into my medal, and stare into my own eyes, I am reminded that I won three matches in the biggest tournament in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but also reminded that I lost one as well. This image, these fingers point back at me, are going to assist me in this new season prepping for the Mundials 2011, where I will again leave it all on the mat yet again and get one step closer to the ultimate goal.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Glamour Shots

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Something like a paleontologist excavating his first fruitful site or a young astronaut making his first step on the moon, my dedication, sacrifice and embracement of the brazilian jiu jitsu lifestyle had culminated into a great opportunity. I was headed to Brazil to compete in the Brazilian Nationals, better known . . . → Read More: Blogging About Brazil by Tye Ryan]]>

Enjoying the View from Barra Bella

Something like a paleontologist excavating his first fruitful site or a young astronaut making his first step on the moon, my dedication, sacrifice and embracement of the brazilian jiu jitsu lifestyle had culminated into a great opportunity. I was headed to Brazil to compete in the Brazilian Nationals, better known as the Brasilero’s. Every serious bjj practitioner dreams of an opportunity to test themselves against they who created, cultivated, refined and dominate our beloved sport and my chance had arrived.

When preparation meets opportunity, success is highly likely and I was ready. My body was strong from early mornings and late nights of training on the mats supplemented with a strength and conditioning regimen. My focus was unwavering leading up to the tournament. Meditation and visualization are powerful mental tools I employed to give me an athletic edge. I was prepared. A Swiss vault could not bottle my excitement to compete. The beach, beautiful people and the tropical climate were just an after thought, a mere luxury to enjoy after competition. It was time to put my blue belt on the line.

Day 1 saw me off from BWI to ATL and then an over night flight directly to Rio de Janiero. We landed early in the morning, collected our bags and headed off to find Roberto Torralbes and Mike Fowler. A cab driver correlated Jon’s bleach blond hair and his jiu jitsu t-shirt with Fowler’s signature look and he whisked us away to Barra Bella, the hotel that the team was staying at. After much confusion and a serious language barrier we landed an apartment for 4 days, 3 nights and put our luggage in the unit.

Waves -1, Team Lloyd Irvin - 0

Roberto, Mike and crew were nowhere to be found so we hit the beach for some sun and to test the waves. Lets just say the waves owned us. They sucked us up, tossed us around, crashed over us and showed us who was boss. It was fun though. Heading back to the hotel we found the team and we stopped at a local food and drink spot for some fresh coconut water directly from the fruit and some icy cool acai. They are two amenities that you have to have when visiting Brazil. Acai blended with banana, granola and honey serves as a great meal replacement when watching your weight for a tournament. I am convinced that Jon can live off of it.

After the beach we cleaned up, visited Barra shopping, stopped at Bibi Succos for a bite to eat, trained at Tata’s to work off the calories we consumed and then ended our night at Copacabana in the flea markets looking for grass root souvenirs for family and friends. We turned in early that evening to rest well for competition.

Bibi Sucos

We woke early to head to the venue. We had a 45 minute drive up and around the mountain through some beautiful scenery to reach the venue, Tijuca Tennis Club. It was a long day at the venue as the kids and teens hit the mats prior to the adult blue and purples. You could feel the deep rooted tradition of many a battles waged on those signature green and yellow mats when you walk into the arena.

The Battlefield

I sat in the bullpen for an hour after they called my weight class. There were many competitors and I had a first round bye so I sat for a while, warming up, stretching and visualizing my game plan. My first opponent was tall, athletic and nimble. I bullied my opponent on the feet to which he jumped guard. I opened the guard still standing and pressured passed. The match went as such: pressure pass, to half back, to the bottom, an x-guard sweep and back on top, a guard pass, back to the feet, another guard pass and finally a back take for a big point win. You can check this match out on my facebook page, search me as Tye Ryan.

My second opponent was observant and pulled closed guard immediately. The match was uneventful in that he was cautious not to open his guard and I worked diligently to do so. The match ended with me opening the guard, smashing down in half and then a scramble to finish. No points or advantages were awarded to either player and the decision was contentiously handed to my opponent.

Reflecting on my experience brings me both frustration and motivation/inspiration to make the trip again. The middle weights in Brazil play a different game than their American counterparts. My opponents were quick, not so much muscular as they had lean wirey frames and the game was about mobility and technique. I found myself having to cut off the ring and stalk my opponents and once the match hit the mats the guards were intricate and a pleasure to dissect. My opponents were patient and calculating. There was little barbarism in their game. I must admit that even in defeat I enjoyed the competition and various styles I was up against.

In retrospect I truly believed that I was going to win my weight class. I left it in the hands of the referee and I was not the hometown competitor. I must refine my transitions to dominate positions and execute finishes more fluidly and more frequently. I felt great physically but I can be better. I was mentally prepared but I can still push the limits of my mental game to new heights of concentration and focus. I left Tijuca with an internal fire of desire ablaze inside me. As we descended down the mountain back to the hotel, I soaked up the scenery knowing that I would be back soon to perform and to perform better as a better me.

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To many times, competitors get focused on a single opponent rather than focusing on the big picture.  A common situation would be as follows: Adam loses to Bill.  Adam then focuses all his efforts on beating Bill.  He trains with Bill in mind. . . . → Read More: Go After Titles, Not People]]> Some of the best advice I ever received from Lloyd Irvin was regarding rivalries.

To many times, competitors get focused on a single opponent rather than focusing on the big picture.  A common situation would be as follows: Adam loses to Bill.  Adam then focuses all his efforts on beating Bill.  He trains with Bill in mind.  Studies film on Bill.  Formulates a gameplan to beat Bill.  Finally, the day of the rematch comes and Adam wins.  Sounds great, right?

Now what if both matches were in the first round of the novice division?

When a competitor focuses on a personal rivalry, he becomes defined by his rival.  In some cases, both individuals rise to the challenge and it creates epic battles such as Ali vs. Joe Frazier or in current BJJ, Rafael Mendes vs. Cobrinha.  On the other hand, it can sometimes limit the competitor by taking the competitor’s eye of the final prize.

Now in the examples above, both guys were at the absolute top of their sport – but that is often not the case.  A White Belt should not be focusing all his efforts on defeating the White Belt from the last tournament but rather focusing on developing the skills necessary to face and defeat the multitude of blue belts that await him at the next level (and who most likely are better than his white belt rival).  Would you rather be the BJJ World Champion or the guy who beat the returning Champion and then was eliminated next round?  Set your sights on the end goal, and don’t worry about the little speed bumps on the way.

This is one of the reasons I send my Baltimore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors to different tournaments all over the United States rather than have them fight the same guys over and over in the Mid-Atlantic.  Because we were competing so much, a lot of the competitors started to focus on facing so-and-so from another local school – which was pointless.  I want them to focus on developing the abilities and gaining the experience to win the big international and national IBJJF tournaments rather than being the best team in Baltimore.  After all, constantly producing IBJJF champions would lead to that title but that title doesn’t lead to IBJJF champions.

That is why we make a solid effort to send the team around the United States.  Next up is the Houston International Open!

See everyone in Houston!

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