steve kwan user experience designer

The Jiu-Jitsu American Nationals

(September 23rd, 2008- 3:34PM)

I just finished watching my friends Ron and Clarence compete in the Jiu-Jitsu American Nationals. We flew down to Huntington Beach for four days of fun in the sun, and competitive sparring.

Ron and Clarence did great, with three medals apiece. (Three silvers for Clarence, two silvers and a bronze for Ron.)

I wasn't sparring - not the competitive type. Kristi and I were on vacation. But after watching these guys and feeling the energy of the crowd, I think I might've been bitten by the tournament bug.

The competition doesn't particularly interest me - beating someone (or worse, being beaten) doesn't strike me as "fun." But it'd be a great learning experience, and it's the knowledge I want.

I have a lot to learn before I'll feel ready for competition - my offense is not nearly as good as my defense, and I have very little knowledge of takedowns - so I need to work those weak areas before I compete.

But I'll train those weak areas and we'll take it from there.