It nice to train with Anthony yesterday. We learned so much from Professor James. I hope we can do it again. 🙏

I have been dealing with low back pain and sciatica for many years, starting with CrossFit which I quit and then went to Functional Patterns. Then I started jiu jitsu 2 years ago more or less and started getting pain flare ups. What I have been dealing with mostly lately is sciatica. My last bout on my right leg was finally 98 percent gone and I was feeling great but during a hard spar on Friday I was taken down by my opponent and crashed on my hip on the mat. I didn’t feel much at the time but by Friday afternoon the sciatica is now present in my left leg. I know it’s important to spar but being in pain stinks and I am less able to defend myself while injured. I’m curious to hear from others about how they deal with injuries and keep the long term goal of being strong and healthy and able to defend themselves vs testing learned skills by sparring. Right now I think I’m going to take a long break from hard sparring, at least from stand up, I think it’s better to train takedowns and takedown defenses by drilling for now vs sparring.

What's everyone's everyday carry? I had my CHL but let it expire and carry a small knife every once in awhile. Pretty lax gun and knife laws where I live but most places I want to visit and carry ban firearms and have metal detectors.

Have you ever had a lesson with Rickson before? If so tell us about it. What did you think of your lesson?

In case there’s any Florida folks in here. Indian Harbour Beach…one hour East of Orlando. All are welcome.