Soon I’ll be headed to San Diego for my next tournament held by NAGA. I’ve competed at this location and with NAGA as a white belt and they are one of my preferred tournaments. I’m feeling back in the game after my last one and hope my nerves have diminished when it’s go time. I know they have warm up mats and I will have teammates there to roll with before my matches. So, I already am feeling more comfortable about feeling relaxed and ready.
Even though I won both of my last matches my breathing felt horrible and I was exhausted after both of them. Regardless of my placing, I always strive to be at my best and I am most pleased with myself when I am. I did well enough to win the last match, yet wasn’t at my best. Ideally, I would like to have my breathing under control, get a takedown for each match, and finish all matches by submission.
My instructor for private lessons has been out for a while with an injury and then surgery. At first I felt like the break was good since all the techniques he showed me were able to sink in. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I need them to up my game a bit. On the other hand, I’ve been enjoying my wrestling lessons and practicing to not hesitate and following through on my takedowns.
Besides the rolling at jiu jitsu, I’ve been doing my weekly conditioning along with lifting weights to keep my cardio in check and to stay strong. Taking BetaTOR before my training and HMB after is a huge help in keeping me on point. I have a quick turnaround in terms of recovery, so I can train hard every day.
After this competition I will be getting ready for No Gi Masters Worlds at the beginning of November, which might be my last tournament until 2015. I have some other projects I’m working on and will decide after that competition. Regardless, my time at the gym doesn’t change as I’m always eager to learn new skills. Stay tuned for results from NAGA San Diego!
Happy Training!
-Jennifer Dietrick, IFBB Pro/Martial Artist