MMA and me; day 22

Some days I get more of a sweat going than others, and kickboxing was one of those days. We warmed up with 10s, then went right into punch and kick combos. Throwing a 1-2-3-10, can really screw up your balance if you don't throw each punch properly before the 10. My partner, Ryan, is only 18, and can really dig that 10 in. Thank goodness for kick shields. Just when I am starting to get comfortable with my hook, and adding it to combos, we toss a kick into the mix, and it all goes to hell. Nothing like a little humility to keep you pushing hard. We finished up with medicine ball sit ups, planks, and leg lifts. I'm telling you, these abs are going to be great!

Grappling was just that, grappling. No technique, just free rolling with other guys in the class. I'll be better once my gas tank gets a little more full, but I still am doing okay, all things considered. I went against a new guy in the class, Michael, who has done some training in Israel, and he was a fantastic partner. He submitted me a bunch of times, but was helpful in telling me what I had done wrong, and to my credit, I swept him several times to an advantageous position.

At the end of class, our instructor jumped me from behind, and put a very tight, inverted triangle on me. I didn't panic, and worked my way out of it, until for a brief moment, I had his back and went for a choke. Unfortunately, I also crossed my legs around him, and found out there is a good reason you don't do that. I was submitted, but learned a lesson, don't cross your legs when you have someones back! I love this stuff.