Hangin' Out in CT

While on the road to Boston, I stopped to spend a few days at my girlfriend's place in South/Central Connecticut. I had her ask around to try and find a place near her where I could get some mat time in.

Luckily, she knew of a few people that trained at Ultimate MMA (www.ultimatemmact.com) in North Haven, CT. I headed down to catch their 6:30 Blue and Purple belt Gi BJJ class on Thursday and the Open Mat on Friday.

The class was taught by Ryan Gracie blackbelt Renato Migliaccio. Unfortunately, I arrived a little late (it was pouring out, and a got a little lost), so I wasn't able to catch warm ups. The crew was preparing for an upcoming competition next week, so instruction was passed up in favor of rolling, rolling, and more rolling. I went all four or five rounds, and don't regret a minute of it. Ultimate has some tough guys (including a Mundials purple-belt winner), and I'm sure they will do well at the upcoming competition. On top of that, everyone there was extremely nice, friendly and hospitable. I am sure that I will be returning whenever I am in the area.

Thanks guys!




(Pretend my belt is tied...)

Leaving the 'Nati

Unfortunately, getting my blue belt also marks my departure from the Cincinnati. I will be moving to Boston, Massachusetts in a few days for school, and for a change of scenery.

I am really going to miss all of my training partners and owe a huge debt to everyone at the Cincinnati Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, especially my instructors Jim Kelly and Justin Christopher. They have provided me with an amazing understanding of the fundamentals of jiu jitsu in such a small period of time. It's just a shame that I was only able to spend such a short of amount of time at the academy. Hopefully I will be able to come back and train often, because I adamantly believe that their jiu jitsu (and more importantly, ability to communicate their jiu jitsu) is unparalleled.

Thanks for everything guys!

Blue Belt

After taking the intense 240+ item test over Gracie Self-Defense techniques, various BJJ postures, positioning, and techniques last night, my training buddy Zach and I were given our blue belts from our instructor Jim Kelly. I feel truly honored to receive a blue belt from Jim, as his belts are a true representation of the skill and knowledge accumulated, and certainly something to be proud of.