We Have Video At Last
Well, here it is; video of my latest matches at the Canadian Open. Special thanks to Ben Kane who, not only shot the footage, is also the one who cut these clips. Thanks must go to Shayne Sholdice who provided a secondary camera angle when it was needed. See the video on Google or download the high-quality versions (big files).
Legal disclaimer: opponents of mine may not use this footage to study my attacks or risk facing litigation.
Video 1: No-Gi Quarter Finals
My opponent seemed to be very athletic and fast, difficult to hold down. And it may also account for my failed takedown attempt. Of course I’m happy with the end result. One day I hope to own people with Karelin-esque wrestling dominance. *practices suplex*
Watch it on Google Video
Download the high quality version
Video 2: No-Gi Semi Finals
This turned out to be my hardest match of the day, and the most tiring. It is the only match that went the distance. The triangle choke was too much on his face, and not the neck. I couldn’t break his freakishly powerful grip and switch to an armbar. That, and my legs were tiring. For all the conditioning you do leading up to a competition the intensity of a match is a whole different beast. I think you have to find ways of coming as close as possible to that level of intensity. When I watch the video it doesn’t even look that intense. There were so many little, invisible battles going on – struggling for inches.
Watch it on Google Video
Download the high quality version
Video 3: No-Gi Finals
A mix of luck and opportunism. When he was going for my arm I thought, “thank god, this won’t be another long-ass match”. Benny’s choice of music is deadly cool. A few details: This was the VERY LAST match of the entire day, which is why there’s hardly anyone around in the background – just some people cleaning up! The truth is, I had a lot of supporters positioned behind the camera. It just looks funny. Over 600 competitors there, and I get the final match. Also, while we’re fighting for grips he accidentally slaps me in the face (or not so accidentally…? Hmmm…). And finally, notice after I pick up Dragan, and he lands, he does so on his injured leg. Jeez, that guy really goes through a beating for his students.
Watch it on Google Video
Download the high quality version
Video 4: Gi Semi Finals
I got a bye in the quarters – which I don’t like. I like to earn my way. That, and have a chance for more cool footage! This guy felt crazy-strong. Tough to break his base. Hardest guy to sweep all day. You can’t see the finish too well in the video (only had one angle). I managed to land a reverse triangle from north-south and then lock his left arm.
Watch it on Google Video
Download the high quality version
Video 5: Gi Finals
About a week earlier I saw a video on youtube of Imanari demonstrating a falling/rolling kneebar and decided to try and spring it on someone. Didn’t work. Damn. I threw the whole book at this guy and he kept escaping. This is my favourite match of the day.
Watch it on Google Video
Download the high quality version
» COMMENTS