<div class="bbWrapper"><b>FUJI<br />
<br />
Weight</b><br />
I woke up at 164.2 lbs. 165 was the goal. 167 was the allowance. Weigh-ins aren't til tomorrow at 8am, so I just need to manage what I eat and drink today. No water fasting needed.<br />
<br />
<b>Divisions</b><br />
None of my opponents are competing in more than 2 divisions. Some are only in 1. I'm competing in 4 divisions. 2 Adult divisions (Gi and NoGi). 2 Masters divisions (Gi and NoGi). <br />
<br />
<b>Matches</b><br />
I'll have a minimum of 9 matches, the most I've had in a tournament. The big challenge is there are no lengthy rest periods between Gi and NoGi, nor between Adult and Masters. I think the most time between matches all day is 10 minutes, so I'm going to have to pace myself and be strategic about finishing opponents quickly whenever possible.<br />
<br />
<b>Opponents</b><br />
There are 3 opponents that could be challenges, 3 others who are wildcards, and 1 who looks like the lowest threat. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Challenges: </b>A brown belt in Judo, a wrestler, and a kid with more wins than me. Each of these guys is 18 - 19 years old.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Wildcards: </b>My Masters division opponents are wildcards because none of them appear to have competed before, so there is no indication of skill or experience. They could be 3-year white belts. They could be 6 monthers. Who knows.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><b>Lowest Threat: </b>This guy did one tournament. He lost every match. There are indications he has less experience than me, but I'm doing my best not to underestimate him.</li>
</ul><br />
<b>Age</b><br />
All of my opponents except one are younger than me. A 43 y/o got dropped into my NoGi Masters division. The thing is, I'll be 4 - 5 matches in by the time I face him, and he'll be fresh, so I can't discount him based on age. <br />
<br />
<b>Back Strain</b><br />
Last night, I was showing coach a takedown counter. They take me to the ground, I roll backwards over my shoulder and pop up to my feet. Psychologically, it's a real killer because it's a lot of work landing a takedown. When I roll out to standing and they don't even get points, it's pretty disheartening for them. After I did it a few times, I guess I strained my lower back. It's sore now.<br />
<br />
<b>Level Up</b><br />
Across the last 2 tournaments, and in my gym rolls, I noticed a change in stamina and awareness. It's clear once I get to mount. My opponent flails underneath me. I can hear their heavy breathing and see the strain and tension in their face. Meanwhile, I'm chilling on top of them, breathing easy. I watch them switch positions, and switch my own. I've gassed several opponents this way until they couldn't fight back anymore. Then finished my submission. <br />
<br />
Last night, I rolled light with two white belts. I didn't even apply pressure or strength, but I controlled them completely. They resisted, but it was like seeing the code in the Matrix. Everything was so clear and predictable. They bump my mount, I land in standing squat. They try to shrimp out of my legs, I drop my weight back down and control their hips. I touch the arm, it pulls away from my hand across their neck, where my other arm is ready to catch it under their neck for a giftwrap to a back take. <br />
<br />
<b>Coach</b><br />
He's going with me, so I won't be doing this alone. It will help a lot to have a coach there. Especially when fatigue and doubt set in during my final matches which will be Adult NoGi division. <br />
<br />
This will be the hardest division of the day. I wish one of my masters divisions were last. This division has the most opponents. It also has the wrestler who will be fresh, the Judoka, the 19 win kid, and the low threat kid. All of them will have had time to rest since the Gi division, but I will have been fighting constantly in between.<br />
<br />
Despite all of this, I still intend to bring home 4 gold medals tomorrow.</div>
