Arm Bar from Gogoplata - Chris Piper - BJJ - Submission Grappling

CHris Piper of Red Scahfer MMA is sick and shows you why here!

"Jiujitsu Heals All..."

Last June, I was awarded my Blue Belt from my coach Red Schafer. Everything seemed as though, I’d be on the fast track towards Jiujitsu Heaven, but it wasn’t. Roadblock after roadblock sprang up and another yet, again. It seemed as though; I couldn’t get a strong foundation to being rebuilding my training and jiujitsu way of life. I mean think about it, I’m over 40 with a family and full time career. When would I have time to train and train seriously? It isn’t like I’m one of these young gunners who can kick it late night and still make it to train with few hours of sleep. Dude, I need as much rest as I can possibly get.

Unfortunately for my children and I, we lost my wife in early March of this year. Her passing was truly devastating to the family. Daniela (my wife) was my greatest supporter in Jiujitsu and would push me when I didn’t want to go train. She is truly the reason I succeed in life, not just Jiujitsu. Trying to find normality after such a loss seems hopeless, but the children and I are steadily pushing forward, never forgetting her or her spirit.

As I try to get back to being semi-normal, I run into the obstacle of clashing schedules. My work schedule and my Jiujitsu schedule are like opposing siblings. Both supposedly working for me, but steadily warring with one another. I’d have to train during the morning schedule because my work schedule starts at 12:30 PM. Jiujitsu is at 11:00 AM-to-12:30 PM, which would leave me having to rush out and miss rolling with my team. I would get technique, but not much rolling. This is a problem because my coach isn’t seeing me and my technique in action. Well, I have “FINALLY” gotten the okay to begin work later on Jiujitsu Days so I can stay all session and roll with the team.

For me, Jiujitsu isn’t about competing, but about having something that I enjoy doing and can see improvement each time I step onto the mat. Renzo Gracie said, “The mat don’t lie!” I agree with him. I know the pain and distress of loosing my wife and the mother of my children won’t vanish because I train, but it will help to redirect and emit the pain and stress towards something more positive. I apologize to my team for not being able to be there as I’ve wanted to be. I’ll make it up when each of you choke me out, =D!!!! See you on the mat. 

"Friends Collid In The Octagon..."

This coming Saturday, former Light-Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans has his chance to shut everyone up and give Greg Jackson and his former team a dose of the "told you so" when he fights the current champion, Jon Jones. This fight has been very long over due. I truly doubt this fight will go the entire five rounds it's scheduled for. This is a lot of hate and pen tup frustration from both fighters.

Combat Corner Vol. 9 was thsi past weekend. I haven't heard anything pertaining to how things went or didn't go. I'll talk to the team in a few. I went down the Kenosha and talked with Dave Rosenmarkle (Gracie Barra Black Belt) and hsi wife Kelly. They were super-cool and happy to see me. They are true family...

Where's my brother Rob C? Is he home yet? I guess I'll have to find out tomorrow...

King Grappler...

Congrats to my team, Red Schafer MMA at King Grappler in Madison today. - Posted By Radolph "Ray" Matthews

UFC Tonight...

It’s 2:26 A.M. on Friday, December 30, 2011 and later tonight, we will be watching another UFC Event. This one is sure to be a barnburner with knockouts and submissions playing all through the night. Let’s see how it turns out…

…I’ll write more later today about it. I have some business jto adhere to first!!!!

Getting Back to Form

Now things are getting pretty interesting. I’m trying my hardest to get back to my training. I wonder if I’m a little reluctant or even afraid. “Nah, I doubt I’m afraid!” Why would I be reluctant then, I wonder. If Jiujitsu is that important to me, we must meet and dance on the battlefield once again. I need to rebuild my muscles and stretch those joints out from three months of not being used in the manner, which they are usually used. 

Jiujitsu in America...

Last night, I did what I do for every UFC Event. I order food, invite my closest family and friends, and I order the fight. Well, until last night. My work schedule was changed last minute and I had to work an event at the center. My nephew, De Angelo, kept me informed though. He called me and kept me updated between each fight.

Although the Jones victory over Machida (via Guillotine) was very impressive, I believe Frank Mir’s submission victory over Big Nog has to be the most impressive victory of the year! Frank caught Big Nog in a Kimura and committed to it ending up breaking Big Nog’s arm. “WOW!!!”

This victory is proof that Jiujitsu in America by Americans has reached a new and amazing level. Frank Mir, trained under Robert Drysdale, submitted the one man who dominated PRIDE with his JIujitsu.

Damn, this fight was amazing. From the pre-fight hype of Big Nog claiming the first fight was due to his having Staph Infection. Mir cleared all excuses and rumors with this devastating victory.