On a minor concussion

27yo male presents 5days post-fall with occipital contact on semi-padded surface and no loss of consciousness.


Waking up on Saturday, I felt a little groggy. Not sure if it was the ice cream binge of black cherry talenti, or the late night of studying combined with a low pressure system rolling through the morning, or the mild brain trauma of Monday finally showing itself.

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On relaxing for long-term gains (or the perspective of competition)

It’s been a week since my first grappling competition. A week until C7T2, the next exam for the final block of medical school. The afterglow of adrenaline has fully faded and I’m back in the world: attending lectures, writing my reflections, returning to jiu-jitsu classes, recording interviews, and grinding for Step.

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On a New Year (or winter break in Yuba City)

After leaving the warmth of a Florida winter, with a quick layover in Minneapolis, we arrived in Northern California on the 28th. Yuba City, which is north of Sacramento (or ‘Sac’ as the natives say), is less a city and more a collection of orchards and rice paddies with some low buildings sprinkled in. My partner’s family lives in a small ranch home nestled between rows and rows of pruned trees waiting out the cold. Here, we enjoyed the second half of winter break with deliciously cold showers, slow wifi, and lots of comfort food.

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On getting my groove back (or returning to my practices)

On Thursday, I experienced my first arm-bar: a submission technique where the elbow is cranked open into hyper-extension with the power of an opponent’s hips. While sparring earlier in the week with a different partner, I had been put into the position, but they did not apply pressure, did not force me to tap out of discomfort and panic. This partner did and I am truly grateful for that experience.

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On the rhythms of life and riding the wobble (or the end of my CrossFit Gaspar journey and the start of Jiu Jitsu)

Goodbye CrossFit Gaspar. I love you all.

Hello Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This going to be a wild ride.

Continue reading “On the rhythms of life and riding the wobble (or the end of my CrossFit Gaspar journey and the start of Jiu Jitsu)”