Check Out The New View!

We've moved again. This time we at least have a view. We are "across the tracks and through the woods to CBJJ we go!" 975 Jim Smith Lk. Rd. is our new home. It is the first left after you cross the tracks, heading up Jim Smith.

Times have also changed a little, Sunday at 5:30, and still 7 0'clock on Wednesday and Friday nights.

For those wishing to try out at our club, give me a call, email me, or just drop by.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Safe Rolling!

Bird was not the only word!

During a private lesson on Moyie Lake, Sheila Bird demonstrates her devastating double upkick, which she uses frequently in airborne situations. There was much speculation among those present whether this move might replace her patented "Sheila Choke". Sheila's only comment was "aarrrghhhh, ooofff." Or something like that. It was tough to catch.

Long Overdue Update

OK. Time to catch up. You toast one little hard drive and the wheels can really come off your life!

We had a tournament in Castlegar, back on April 30, four fighters in and three medals home. Chad and Jeremy took bronze, Kyle snaked a silver, and Rob put on a great show. Fighting for points was a little foreign to us, but we'll learn. It was a good experience, and we had a good time.

Then there was the Harris International Seminar at Brian's gym and I pity the people that missed that one! Rich Martens dissected the arm triangle for us, Roy Harris gave us clinch work and guard control, and Lee Mein taught us some of his system of stand up domination. So much information. I burned out a couple of pens and still didn't get everything down. But incredible training.

Now we've got people off to Vancouver to watch Nick fight in UFC 131, and then on July 8th a bunch of us are headed to Calgary, where Sheila fights in her hometown for the first time. Don't miss this!

Life in the Fast Lane

Well, life has been anything but slow at BDB. There has been a pile of fights, and as usual, BDB training pays off. On Feb 19, Brad Cardinal won his Championship defence, Shae and Calum won their fights, and Christine put on a wicked battle.

On Feb 26, Nick Ring took the decision in Australia against Riki Fukuda in UFC 127.

Then on Mar 4, Sheila won (big surprise here) her fight in Edmonton.

But even with all that going on, Brian and Sheila will still be at the club tonight showing us some of the moves that make them champions. See you there.

Calgary Tournament

I just snagged some pictures of Chad Roberts from Sheila Bird. She's everywhere with that camera. I don't know how she finds time to be a champion! Thanks for the pics, Sheila.

BDB Tournament

So, great day in Calgary! Packed house at the tournament. 78 fighters representing 18 clubs showed up and there was not much room to move. Sidelines were all packed, but it was a lot of fun. Chad Roberts and Darryl Stettler were there with me and racked up some good fights. We always learn something and the experience is invaluable. Darryl pulled a Bronze Medal out of his division in his first BJJ competition.

Then off to Ceilies for the fights with Brian and Sheila and a whack of BDB members. We saved a seat between the urinals for any Koscheck fans that showed up but it stayed vacant. Strange, it was a nice enough seat . . . . . Anyhow, things went good, GSP ruled, and all was well with the world. My ears are still ringing, but I wouldn't have missed it.

Best part, BDB donated all the proceeds, $2700, from the day towards Igor's recovery. And Global news was there to catch the action.

Thanks again, Brian and Sheila, for your hospitality and a fun time!

Invermere Visit

Had a nice experience the other day. 4 members from the jui-jitsu club in Invermere came out for a class on wednesday. Although their style differed from ours, the comraderie was almost instantaneous. They fell into step with what we were working on and we all got down to training. The level of respect that was shown was both impressive and appreciated and we thoroughly enjoyed having them drop in. And thanks to Don Nguyen for venturing out and opening the gate!

All too often, it seems, this world has become a place where relationships are disposable, commitment means "only until I change my mind", and to live a life devoid of honor and integrity is not even shameful. So it's refreshing when a group of guys will drive that far just to get on the mat and swap sweat; learning, but helping others learn too; trying to win, but looking after your partner the whole time. If the population at large showed each other the respect displayed at most jiu-jitsu gyms, who knows what this world could look like. Rhetorical question, and just my thoughts, but another of the many reasons why I love this sport!