DL Day 5

Got to class a few minutes early. Enough time to change and catch some of the rolls from the prior Black Belt class. Lots of guys speaking Portuguese. Xande, Leo, Paulo, Cadu, and a few Brown Belts I didn't recognize. Xande and Leo were rolling harder than I've ever seen anyone roll during training. Almost seemed like an actual fight. Unreal.

Completed warm-ups with a bit of knee-induced apprehension, but sat out the first set of drills. Worked a little core instead. Very sore still from Tuesday. Lower back cramped with only a few dozen reps.

Joined a group for the technique portion of the class. Worked De La Riva set-ups followed by two sweep options. First sweep was standard De La Riva. Second included a roll over sweep if opponent only gives you the inside arm/sleeve. Basically spin under to almost X-Guard and roll opponent over to take side control. REALLY enjoyed this. Read about it in Saulo's book dozens of times but haven't had much success implementing during training.

Sat out the rolls. Spent about 12 minutes or so on an exercise bike that works both arms and legs. Sit ups until cramps. Leg lifts with ankle weights. Hip work with the stretch chord. Rotator cuff work with 8lb free weights. Finished with balance exercises on bosu ball.

Collin (Blue Belt) said he had a very similar knee injury a while back. Recommended I stay off it for a while and get a wrap. Picked up a knee brace this afternoon. Icing as I type. Will try to make open mat tomorrow and see if I can find someone to work sweep/pass the guard drills and other light technique work.