First Class at TBJJ, "Expectations"

Well folks, the day finally arrived. I can honestly say that since my decision to take part in the MMA world a couple of weeks ago, I have been a little more than nervous, mainly because I didn't know what to expect. I thought that since I was doing this blog that maybe I should get some first hand experience (put my money where my mouth is).

I scheduled the first training session with Dr. Mark Romano for today, Tuesday, May 5, 2009 and have been sweating ever since.

It took about 4 or 5 seconds for Doc to calm me down and get me into a rhythm. To my great relief he kept it simple, starting with some light weight lifting to loosen up. We moved over to the mat from there.

On the mat he showed me where to place my feet during sparring. I have to say I was surprised. I thought I had at least some level of understanding of the fight game... I was WRONG! My legs are still a little tight from the simple exercise. Once we got that into my head, which took some doing, he moved me on to a simple jab and then to a right cross. We finished up with how to jump rope... "Are you KIDDING?" I thought to myself. "I have been jumping rope since I was 4!" But one thing I have learned is not to think that I know anything at all about ANYTHING at any level of MMA.

Look, it is this simple. These guys, Doc and Chris (and I found out today, Lawrence), are dead set on doing things right. I learned one thing for an absolute certainty today.... Practice doesn't make perfect, "Perfect practice makes perfect".. (Dr. Mark Romano).

If I can get through today, anyone can. I mean they KNOW what they are doing and will make sure you are very comfortable in your training. So if you are reading this post, take a minute and get scheduled to visit this gym. I promise you will be proud of yourself for doing so. As of today, my goal is to get into shape and get down to 168 pounds. I am at 199 right now.

GREAT JOB DR. ROMANO! And thank you for your time.