My Private class with Robert drysdale

Going to Las Vegas is cool for some people, and I have to admit the first few times was alot of excitement for me.  Now I enjoy being at home in MS, thats just where Im at in my life.   So the ufc flew me out along with the rest of the guys to participate in the 2009 ufc fighter summit.  Basically an all day event with back to back seminars with guest speakers telling us what the ufc expects out of us, and it helps the fighter some also.  The only way I would enjoy this mandatory schooling is if I could slip in a bit of training.  The only problem was, I had dabbled in the vegas training thing before and it really didn't turn me on.  So, the first night I arrive at the red rock casino arround 6 thinking i could check in then haul ass to a gym and train. Wrong, I was stuck three hours doing a photo and video shoot.  You will trip when you see the new ufc production, its amazing.  On to day two, like i said, all day seminars.  My favorite was Amy from digital royalty, a company that specializes in using twitter and facebook to build a brand, and as a news outlet.  It was really cool.  BTW follow me on twitter and facebook!!  I spent the whole day trying to set up a class or a private with Robert Drysdale at his academy.  He was the only person in town i was really interested in training with.  I never got a call back.  I always stop and visit master Toddy when i'm in town, i've know him for a few years now and work with him when im out there.  I called Master T up and he told me to swing by the gym for a 6 o'clock class.  I tried to make it but I didn't realize the cab ride was 40 minutes from red rock.  I had a great time.  Late that night right when i layed down my head to go to sleep my phone rang unexpectanly.  It was the guy from Drysdale's asking me if I still wanted to train. I was like "uh, hell yeah".  So I woke up the next morning, got a cab across townjlasjdfl;jasfas town.  There was  only a few hours to spare before i had to be at the airport.  I got there about half an hour early.  Robert  came in not a minute late not a minute early.  He rolled right out of bed and right onto the mats, typical jiujitsu style.  He introduced himself, super cool style!  Told me " take your time, well get started when your ready", I really wasn't warm but I didn't want to waste his time, and beside we were probably going to drill techniques for a while, nothing to intense.  He asked me about my game so he can improve on it rather than teaching me something totally foreign to me.  This was amazing, the first time someone took this approach with me.  This is really how I improve and probably you too.  A few minor details on my front headlock/frontchokes game and a couple of half guard details was just what the doctor ordered.  Before this day I was really starting to get to many techniques in my toolbox and they were not easy to work with.  Now I have confidence in  a smaller game and the timing is perfect with my fight against goveia coming up.  As a fighter this is what you want, automatic game, I will go back to the classroom after my fight but as of right now I feel like I have an answer for every problem.  

So, in conclusion, I thanked Robert, stocked up on some Drysdale BJJ patches and left vegas with a smile on my face.  If you ever get a chance, I recommend taking a private class with RD or at least go by his school and take a normal class.  I hope I have a chance to work with him again very soon.  The confidence you get from learning from the best is priceless!!!

Never stop evolving.  This is how we give back to our sport!

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