2.1.08 #26

Buttercup invited me to work with him during open mat at GT on Friday night.  We got started about 6:40 or so and spent more then an hour on the mat.  It was a good night of rolling, for Butter.  I outweigh him by twenty-five pounds and still can't answer his offensive explosiveness or deal with his stingy defense.  I wasn't disappointed with my time on the mat, I feel like I had some little wins throughout our rolls.  I was able to explode out of Butter's side control a few times, not always going back to neutral, but I am still working on the escape.  I think it is coming along nicely.  I was also very happy with a few sweeps I had from bottom half-guard.  I was able to take mount a few times and even maintain long enough to bug Butter's neck - not being able to mount any real attacks was a bit of a disappointment.  The closest attack I had all night was a gift wrap to back, which Butter quickly worked out of and thirty seconds later was able to get his last submission of the night. The key point to take away from last night is still relax. I am still too tense, too strong and get spastic trying to work into submisions at points. I am going to have to continue to work on pace and relaxing while still working.

It was great to be back on the mat after being out almost ten days, due to month end at work.  Adjusting to my new schedule at work next week is going to continue to stand in the way of regular training, but I am going to figure out a solution.