My training program in prep for the big tournament is going gradually down the pan
but what can you do? Marriage, kids, parents, work - all these take precedence over silly hobbies such as martial arts. No wonder history's most eminent martial artists were either celibate monks or lone samurai!
All except Helio Gracie. The man who brought us 'Gracie Jiu-Jitsu' had 9 children. It beggars belief he had the time or energy. The trick I guess is the get your kids really into martial arts and then you have the best excuse to continue training whilst also being seen as the committed and active father. This too, will be my plan. Now breakfall Aimee!!!

Next Tuesday I'm hoping to hook up with a chap who is a student of Roger Gracie and is starting a BJJ club at Imperial College. I said he should pop down to our dojo and informally help us out with some ground work, which he agreed to do. Since there are a growing number of IJJC members who love the ground work, it would be a good opportuity for him to advertise his club. I'll report on how it goes next blog entry.

No more sightings of my Royler Gracie photo-shoot. Oh well, one obscure wrestling mag will have to do. So much for my budding career as a photographer to the stars. Never mind, I wouldn't have the time anyway.

Last Sunday I visited Blitz, the martial arts supplier. After my purchases, I asked the counter guy if he could point out any local parks since it was a lovely day and I cuold take Aimee for a walk. He looked at me, then silently beckoned me to follow him outside, which I did. Once outside, he looked at me and said, There you go, our local park. Following the direction of his finger, I stared for ages, but at last found the 'park'. He was pointing to a tiny square of grass where dogs crap and one lamppost stands. No more words were needed. The urban blight of decrepit underdevelopment that is Woolwich and Royal Arsenal (and I include the fancy new homes in that sentance) has left little in the way of public amenities. Shame.