Here’s a picture of me and Professor Larry on my last day at the Ricardo Almeida academy in Hamilton, NJ.  I feel very fortunate to have had an opportunity to train with this team.  They showed me the most generous hospitality and were amazing representatives of Ricardo and the sport of BJJ.  I hope I get another chance to learn from Professor Larry and Ricardo under better circumstances.

I met Ricardo Almeida today when I went to train.  He knew who I was and he walked over and gave me a big hug and welcome.  After the crummy week I had with my mom I practically started crying.  Kindness costs nothing but it is worth so much.  Here’s the pictogram for Jin (kindness), one of the seven virtues of bushido.

After class I stayed for some randori and Professor Larry tied me in knots.  I notice that when I spar with black belts everything I do is the wrong thing and I have no idea I’m in trouble until I’m starting to black out…