Here is a day-by-day account of my "Pan-Ams" experience:
Tuesday – I arrived in L.A. in the afternoon.Once we got settled in, 3 of us went to Hollywood BJJ and trained with Shawn Williams and his students. Very cool class, as we covered a half-guard sweep/escape.I had seen it before, but Shawn added a few vital steps that I know I will be able to use in the future.The location of the school is awesome, just off of Santa Monica Blvd. After class (10:00pm PST...1:00am in my head) we went to the hotel and crashed.
Wednesday – We went over to the Jiu-Jitsu Pro Gear store and spoke to Gilberto.Having known him for some time, it was good to see him again.The Store is every BJJ guys dream. Living in Ohio, I would love to be able to just go to the store and buy all the latest DVD's, Fight Shorts, and Gi's...maybe one day.We also meet my new good friend, Penny Thomas.She had just arrived the day before from Durban, South Africa.For those that don't know, she is a very accomplished BJJ competitor, winning the Worlds as a Blue & Purple belt!She hung out with us for the rest of the day (and the week).From there, we went up to Hollywood Blvd and did the 'sight-seeing' thing...got board and called it a day.
Thursday – We meet up with Penny, and trained at Aloisio Silva's school.The class was being taught by Joao Silva.Since there was only about 8 of us there, we were going to just do some lite sparring....but since someone had to cut weight...the first 30 mins turned into and hell of a work out, one I will not son forget. Joao displayed amazing cardio, technique, and skill.We were very grateful, as he was very accommodating.Next time I am in L.A., I will be sure to stop back in.
We also stopped by the GracieAcademy and got a tour of the school and the GracieMuseum by none other than Ralek Gracie.Very cool kid.We also got to sit in on class that Ryron Gracie was teaching. Very cool experience for anyone that appreciates BJJ & its history.
Friday – We went back up to Hollywood to see the 'sign', but we stopped and ate at El Polo Loco...remember this place...as one for our team mates got Food Poisoning and was not able to compete on Sunday!
So, we went to watch the White Belt's compete, as this was the first year for that division at the Pan-Ams. One of my newer students (only had been training for 9 months) was competing in only her second competition!Although she lost her first match on points, she did very well, and I am very proud of her for just coming out and showing how serious she is about learning & training BJJ.
Saturday – Clint Crabtree competed in the Senior 1 Brown Belt Open...and as if the BJJ Gods had a sense of humor, matched him against the biggest guy in the division.After numerous takedown attempts, Clint was not able to overcome the 100lbs difference and tried to pull guard in hopes of getting a sweep. The guy passed Clint's guard, but Clint was able to get back to his feet. From there on, the guy just kept the fight standing, and would not even engage in any kind of take down.Clint fought hard, but the size was too much to over come in order to get his guys to the ground.
Sunday - I competed in the Super Super Heavy Adult Purple Belt & Open Purple Belt.
My first match in my weight class was against Justin Jacobs (Lovatos BJJ).First thing I noticed was that his grips were very strong, as he never really let me get into a comfort level.Once I realized I would not be able to close the distance the way I like, I started to lead with my leg, hoping he would go for the single and I could sprawl. The first attempt, he shot, but he did not get the takedown and we went out of bound. The second shot got me, but again landed out of bounds, but he was awarded an ADV. for that takedown. We started again standing, and I tried to pull Guard, but missed.I quickly had to recover and turtle, as he went for a Wrestlers hold and worked to get his hooks. He eventually got my back and the points. I started to remove his left foot, as he started to work for the choke. I got the foot off, as was trying to reach with my left arm to dump him over. The shock he has was not tight, so I was not worried.So, I almost get him dumped over, but he put his hook back in and the Ref gave him 4 more points (which did not make sense to me sense you have to change positions before he could have gotten back points again). None the less, I finally got the reversal and was in his guard. I passed which made the score 8-5.I did not feel very strong in side control, so I went back to half, feeling that I had more options there to finish, plus I knew that if I could pass to mount, I would be up by 1 point.I worked to pass, but got rolled and he ended up getting another ADV and there is where the match ended.
I felt like I did a good job, but I should have stayed in side control, as it is usually my strongest position....but you live and learn.My next Match would not be until the Purple Belt open...almost 8 hours later.
I won my first few matches in the Open (via Points & a Submission).I made it down to the final 8 competitors (out of potentially 78), I was matched against a very skill Brazilian that was coached by Marcio Fetiosa.Now, I am going to say there was some biased reffing going on...but I will say that there was 2 other Black Belt watching the match, and they too did not understand why I was not awarded several ADV for attempted passes. Needless to say, I lost by 1 ADV.
First, I would also like to send a "Shout-Out" to the following:
Clint Crabtree, Josh Souder, Bryan Atterson for being there and supporting me during the competition.You are all great team mates!
Penny Thomas is not only a phenomenal BJJ player, but one of the coolest ladies I have ever met!I look forward to having you come out to Ohio and having you teach at my school for a few days before you fly to Brazil for the Worlds.Everyone should keep your eyes out for her in the future...and it is not just for her good looks!
Shawn Williams & Joao Silvia for allowing us to come and train at your respective schools.The hospitality was much appreciated!
Gilberto (from JJ Pro Gear) for just being the same cool guy I meet years ago at the Arnold's.Your store is awesome, and I wish you much continued success with everything you have in the works... If you ever need help with anything out here in the Midwest...let me know!
Brad Hatcher for being supportive all weekend, even before I stepped on the mats.He also helped me out during the Purple Belt Open...Again, I say thanks... and congrats on your Gold Medal!
SPECIAL THANKS to my sponsors NAGA (Kipp Kollar) & BETONFIGHTING.com (Nick Kelikas)!
I look forward to coming back next year and having a slightly better showing.And though I came within one match from standing on the medal stand, the experience has only made me even more dedicated to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.I think that most of us compete in BJJ Competitions to see if what we have learned works and others for the enjoyment of a victory.Myself, I have always enjoyed both of those aspects, but this time, it was also about VALIDATION!I have competed all over the country, and I have placed at just about every competition, but the level of the competition at the Pan-Ams ALWAYS very high...I have often wondered how I would do against others that may train everyday with Black Belts or have competed other high level competitions like the Pan-Ams or the World's...That said, I know now that I can now feel good about the rank I have earned from my coach.
Yo Dustin, sounds like you had a great experience.
As far as your first match where the guy gets two sets of back points, I would have thought that was proper, if you were the one who worked to get the guy's hooks loose. So if he gets four points, you improve your position so that he loses the back, and then he gets it back again, it's my understanding he would get the points again. Same sort of situation if you pass guard, your opponent puts you in 1/2 guard, and then you pass again, that would be six points altogether. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Awesome Dustin thanks for sharing your experience with us.I couldn't make it this year.I'm house poor now ;) Hopefully next year I'll be able to afford it.I desperately want to medal at the Pan Ams.I lost in the first round both years I competed by 1 advantage.I'm glad you had a good time bro.