Blog o' the Jimmy

Okay, so made some more headway today on my grappling dummy -

Using the suggestions from http://mattwilsonmd.blogspot.com/2008/11/lamont-you-big-dummy.html I added hinges to the knees and elbows -

 
I also took the hip width down to about 1/4 what I had it as previously, and then looped the cable as you can see to create some tension in the hips.  Just trying out the dummy’s guard with the previous setup was waaaay too wide -

I’m really glad I’m using the cable that I am for the arms and legs. It really seemed to simplify  connecting everything together.  The elbows and knees have a good amount of tension, but not enough to make things difficult.

The torso padding is a queen sized blanket.  It didn’t amount to much obviously once the ‘handyman’s secret weapon’ was applied.  I still will add some padding to the arms, torso, butt, and legs.  I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do for hands, feet, and a head.  I want the ankles and wrists to have some movement, but not be too detailed like with fingers of toes.

My reasoning for building a grappling dummy is simple;  I need more time to practice techniques on a partner that is only available for practicing techniques.

I train at a great place with a bunch of  technically minded people.  But more often than not, even on open mat days, most everyone wants to roll in order to practice their technique and my opportunities for mat time are limited. I am learning of course, but it feels at times that I’m only developing scattered bits of techniques.  I don’t expect a rock solid understanding of a technique from using a grappling dummy, human feedback is critical, but I do expect a much stronger foundation I’ll be able to tweak when I do get mat/class time.

My goal is to drill 1 to 3 techniques a week, 3 to 5 times a week, for 30 min or more.

To simplify things, I could just purchase a Submission Master or some other grappling dummy online.  My buddy Jason over at Jiu Jitsu Map got a Submission Master and really digs it.  But for me the price is a limiting factor.  I also want to be able to vary the weight and modify it’s height and width in the torso.

Here are the sites/links that I’ve used for reference -

http://www.thelivingexample.com/eljefe.html

http://mattwilsonmd.blogspot.com/2008/11/lamont-you-big-dummy.html

http://wtfe.net/dummy/

http://justinsrefuge.com/2009/09/28/how-to-build-a-grappling-dumm/

http://www.medfordtools.com/dummy/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxFNPNiGK40

And here is a picture of the beginning of my dummy -

My building materials so far have been simple -

• 2 10′ length of 3/4″ PVC pipe I’ve cut down based on my own body measurements. Yup, I got long legs.  If you’ve got a hack saw or even better a mechanical cutting device you’ll save a lot of money buying the long PVC lengths and cutting them down vs. precut lengths.  I like the way PVC holds the shape and feels more like actual bone.
• One PVC T section for the pelvis area and one 4 way intersection for the arm, neck, upper body connection.
• 2 lengths of 1/4″ electrical cable; one 7′ for the arms, one 9′ for the legs.
• Foam insulation thingys for covering the arms and legs
• 3 rolls cheap duct tape for finishing, and one roll packaging tape to get everything started
• I’ve spent $50 and some change so far. I don’t have a head yet.

Last night was for me my official return to BJJ and WestSide.  Since I’ve been absent a number of things have changed in my life.  But the biggest change I saw after last night was in myself.  I’ve spent a lot of time, since quitting in March, directing my thoughts more toward the journey and not so much the goal.  Granted, I do have dreams of how I’d like my future to be, but I’m spending less time focusing on the long term and instead enjoying more the short term.  I’m learning how to be more in the moment.

I still task myself with quite a bit.  But I’m not freaking out if I miss one or two or more things on my list that day (ie. studying French, mastering a new programming language, exercising, working on my motorcycle rebuild, etc.).  It also makes for a happier home because I’m also easier to be around and I’m enjoying and appreciating time with my family.

So as for class last night I can honestly say that I loved every minuet of it.  And I’m doing it because I enjoy it, and not because I feel that I’m missing out on something if I don’t.

After about 8 months, and $1800 worth of dental work finally paid off, I’m gett’n back into BJJ.  I’ve had some hesitation.  I’m no spring chicken, and I haven’t been real excited about the regular aches and pains I always came home with.  Fortunately West Side has got brand new mats. I went back on a Tuesday night, a week before Thanksgiving, and decided to test the waters.  See how I felt afterwards.  This was the first time I could remember that my back didn’t ache after class, which I attribute to the bad ass new mats, but Mark has changed things as well.  At least for this class he’s really refined his methods, focusing more on technique and drilling that technique.  I liked his classes and teaching style before, but even more so now.

I want to re-approach my study of this art.  I really want to not only put time in on the mat at West Side, but I want to make my study a daily habit.  I’ve decided a grappling dummy is a necessary tool.  Professor Pedro Sauer (who Mark Johnson is affiliated with) has outlined 88 techniques that he believes are essential for building a strong foundation, and which lead to receiving a Blue Belt.  I intend to practice at least one of these every night.

As for a grappling dummy, you’re typically looking around $500 for a ready made one.  My budget can’t accommodate that right now.  So instead I’m going to build my own.  I’ve invested about $50 for most of the materials I’ll need, and I’ve found a number of good links for reference on-line.  I’ll be doing a series of posts on this.

Here are a couple pics from my ride on Saturday 19, 2011 up the Souther Skyline trail.  This ride kicked my ass, but what a fun ride!

Trail info:  http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/skyline.htm

Tha Nite Ridahh

My first impression of my Ellsworth Evolution:  Woah!!

After over a month of riding, my impression now:  HOT DAMN!!!!

Here is my current build -

Shock: Fox RP23

Fork: Fox F29 RLC 120

Headset:  Came with bike and fork from Ellsworth, not sure of the make.

Stem:  Made by FELT.  Dunno specifics.

Bar:  Loaded AmX — Still 31″ in length, really nice on climbs

F and R derailers:  Shimano XT Dynasys 10spd

F and R shifters: Shimano XT 10spd

Hubs: Shimano XT 15QR

Cassette: Shimano XT 10 spd

Bottom Bracket:  Shimano XT

Crank: Shimano XT

Brakes:  Shimano XT 775 front and rear

Brake Rotors: Shimano 160 (6 Bolt)

Seatpost:  X-Fusion Hilo

Saddle: Serfas TGU-5 TEGU

Pedals:  Swapping back and forth between the Crank Bros. Candy C and Mallets.

Tires: Kenda Nevegal Tubeless

Grips: LizardSkin

Rims:  Stan’s No Tubes ZTR Crest 29″ 32h

Weight: 29.5 lbs

Built by the totally rock’n Skyline Cycle

My last bike was a Giant NRS2 that I’d been riding for about 6 years.  All my comparisons are based on this bike.   I typically ride 3-5 days a week from 35 min. to 3+ hrs.  I like climbing as much as a killer descent.  I live right next to some incredible riding.  I tend to spend my time on XC and AM.  I decided on the Evolution for crossing into a more AM experience.  This is my first 29er, and unless I go with a pure DH build I won’t be going back to a 26er.

My thoughts:

I’m still dialing in the rear suspension a little.  The RP23 has needed about 5-10lbs more air pressure than the documentation suggests to feel solid.  I weigh 205lbs, and I’m 6’1″.  Still playing with the rebound.

Overall the suspension is incredible.  Both front and rear flow together seamlessly.

The Evolution climbs like an animal with or without the pro-pedal engaged.  I’m going up stuff now easier than I have in the past.  I’ve noticed that with the longer wheelbase a 29er provides I’m able to keep it in granny gear longer on really steep parts without the front tire wheelie-ing.

My posture on the Evolution is more upright which I’ve found  easier on my back.  I’m not hunching my shoulders now as opposed to my old ride which now gives me very little neck strain.

I absolutely love feeling that I’m in the bike as opposed to sitting on top of it.  This has increased my confidence a lot in real technical situations.  I just feel more apart of the bike, like it’s an ‘extension of my body’ thing.

This bike just feels so light.  I keep getting surprised while heading downhill popping off small jumps or rocks. The bike just seems to float underneath me as opposed to  trying to hop a brick.  My last bike wasn’t that heavy, but that’s just how it feels now.

This bike eats up the bumps like they were candy.  It took a number of rides before I really let loose, and the stuff I was getting beat up on before is now hardly noticeable.  It’s like I went from a small pickup truck to a Jeep with the comfort and ride of a Cadillac.  More like a Range Rover I guess.

I haven’t really experienced any difference in cornering or navigating tight switchbacks compared to a 26er.  I can’t tell a difference there other than I need to kind of set my mind up a little sooner into a turn on climbs.   I was never reaching the limit when banking into a turn on my 26er, so I can’t really say  I can lay into it on a 29er more.

I don’t feel any problems or difference really in getting up to speed on a 29er as opposed to a 26er.  I have seen a bit of difference on the downhill, feels a bit quicker.  I’ve only been riding so far with one other guy who is a seasoned DHer, and aside from slogging around super tight turns (due to the lack of my ability, not the bikes) I’ve been able to keep up for the most part.  That’s been my only chance to compare so far. I haven’t timed my rides or anything.

Tubeless tires frigg’n ROCK!!  I live in an area where there are goat heads (thorns) all over the place seemingly all year long.  I have not as of yet had a flat with the tubeless tires.  It took a couple days initially of the tires settling in where I had to pump them up over and over but now the only time I’ve lost air pressure has been right where the valve meets the rim.  I’ve untwisted the washer/screw holding in the stem by accident causing a small leak that caught up with me later.

I absolutely love the fork!  I use the lockout constantly.   This thing is so incredibly stiff locked out that I can’t tell I even have a shock. The rebound has been set at the factory recommendation, about mid way, and I haven’t had a need to mess with it yet.  Compression I’m still fiddling with just for fun.  Most of the trails I’m riding right now do not vary much.

I can’t really say much about the Dynasys.  10spd is nice, but I’m not seeing that big a difference.  Shifting is tight and that’s all I really care about.  Be aware though that the Dynasys chain is directional.  It will break if put on backwards.  Mine did on the master link pin first ride out.  The writing on the chain goes on the outside.

The X-Fusion Hilo I have mixed feelings on.   It holds it’s position firmly, but when rising it slows up about an inch before full extension.  I didn’t realize this was happening until I moved to the remote switch on the handlebar from having the lever right under the seat.   The factory brochure said if this was happening increase the air pressure to 25.  Well, mine is now at 30 and there hasn’t been a noticeable difference.  This isn’t really hampering my ride, but I have to either pull it up the extra inch when extending or wait to a count of 3 for it to rise completely.

All in all, this bike is a dream come true!  I am completely sold on Ellsworth now.  I feel the ICT performs just as described.  I highly recommend this bike!

I’ve been hitting CrossFit now here 2-3 times a week since the beginning of January ’11.  It took about a month before I didn’t feel totally spent and worthless after my workout. I also began the Whole30 diet plan on January 31st. Beginning in February I was able to resume my BJJ practice after a month and a half hiatus due to family concerns.

So, the first thing I noticed was that my recovery time after my BJJ class has dramatically improved.  So much so, that now by the time I make it home I feel like I’ve only done some light exercise.  Before, I’d come home and my wife would make comment as to how red my face would be.  Not anymore.  I’m not drag-assing into bed either.

The biggest difference though was this past Monday and Tuesday I actually took my huge volleyball knee pads off during my BJJ class and my knees weren’t killing me during or afterward.

MY KNEES DON’T HURT ANYMORE!!!!!!

For anyone who has had chronic knees issues I’m sure you get how big a deal this is.

I’ve talked to a number of other people at Wasatch CrossFit who have similar success stories.  I’m so thankful for the opportunity to do this.  If you haven’t tried CrossFit yet I suggest you give it a go.  It’ll change you in ways you will never expect.

I got the opportunity to sneak out for a couple hours last night and do some boarding during our first decent (in my opinion) storm this year.  Thought that while I was at it I’d try out my helmet camera and see how it does at night.  Not too bad.

Trying out the Go Pro Hero at night from jimmyDean on Vimeo.

Yesterday saw the passing of one of WestSide’s finest, Miles Vigil.

What I liked about Miles was that I always felt safe around him.  Kind of a funny thing to say when I think about how many times he had me folded up, suffocating, and struggling to tap with one of the only available limbs I had, which was usually not an arm.

I liked that whenever I had the chance to train with him I always knew that I was going to walk away okay and have learned something.

I liked watching Miles reaction when he got excited over something, like a kid in a candy store.  You couldn’t help getting caught up in his enthusiasm.

I wish there was something I could have said or done to help.  I didn’t know him well enough really to see that something was wrong.  Kinda hard when the only side you ever saw was that of a happy, cool guy.

I’m glad I got to meet you Miles. You will be missed.