Roseberry's Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu in Olympics? No time like the future.

Some amazing sporting news came to light yesterday. The 2016 Olympics will be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Of course there is no surprise that it is intriguing that the possibility of having Jiu Jitsu become an organized sporting competition within the hallowed grounds of the Olympics is somehow more attainable in my eyes. There are roughly 5-6 years to get the nod for the sport to see the Olympic floor. With the exposure Jiu jitsu has seen within the last 2-3 years being on television, showcased by the UFC and other MMA organizations, there may be a positive light that is being shined on the sport. ADCC in Barcelona, Spain this year had great viewer turnout around the world, it was broadcast live (semi-live) this year on the Internet. People are willing to pay to view the best JJ competitors in the world, so why not have this for free on the great sporting event that happens every 4 years? I am not one to stir the pot, and I believe that this is pure speculation, but there are many out there who feel that Judo is the main reason for keeping Jiu Jitsu out of the Olympics. I have seen on numerous sites that there is a worry that Jiu Jitsu would take top Judo practitioners away from Judo, the sport that is widely considered the top martial art throughout Asia. I have also seen criticism by some that say that Jiu Jitsu on the highest level can be very boring to watch. I guess my rebuttal to that would be, have you sat through an Olympic sailing event? That is probably the best part of the Olympic games if you don't like what is on at the time, switch to another channel carrying a different competition or wait an hour. Not every sport translates well with everyone. We can't all be Kobe Bryant and smoke Finland in basketball. Sure a sport like basketball is going to get most of the attention, but if you are able to get a GSP representing Canada, or a Dean Lister representing the USA, within the Jiu Jitsu community these names register. These names even register to the casual fan at this point. Think about it, GSP is 28 now, in 2016 Georges will be 35. For St. Pierre I would believe winning a gold medal in Jiu Jitsu would be the icing on the cake that in one of the most illustrious carriers in MMA. I know this is a bit of a long read, but just some food for thought. Keep your fingers crossed and your ears open, the age of Olympic Jiu Jitsu could be coming!

Training during Cold Season

It is amazing that anyone gets anything done now a days with all the hype behind H1N1 and all the other nasty crap that we endure through our immune system this year. I recently was sidelined for an entire week with a severe ear infection, my first. I actually went in to see the doc thinking that I, in fact had the Swine Flu. I was relieved, yet puzzled when she checked my ears and asked me if my ear hurt. I couldn't believe the pain my body was feeling was from an ear infection.

On top of trying everything to stay healthy and active, sinus infection after sinus infection is beginning to weigh me down, literally. I have set a goal of dropping down to around an even 200lbs by the end of the year. This now seems like a huge deal because of the fact that I just can't push myself during training like I want to. I honestly can't wait to get that first freeze and kill all the spores in the air for the year. I have found that I actually perform better and can really get after things athletically during the winter months.

So, for anyone who is out there with the same affliction, training during the cold/sinus season, I feel your pain. Keep with it and you will be ok!