Wrestled yesterday - an hour with Paul coaching. After a pretty hardcore warmup we wrestled round-robin then practised leg-laces and gutwrenches. Two things stood out. Firstly, as a last ditch defence to being turned, particularly in a leg lace, sitting up and going hand-to-hand works well for me. But, it's all about timing; contracting the abs into a sit-up and putting an arm out straight at the right time.

The second thing is the grip. I prefer to grip both of my own elbows, rather than one hand on the opponent's hip-bone, but regardless of the method, yesterday was a good lesson in gripping up tight. Every time I tried to roll with even a slightly loose grip I failed, every time I rolled with a tight grip it came off. This is, of course, elementary stuff, but it's nice to see the theory reflected in practice. It also clued me in to why my reverse headlock isn't working as well as I'd like, and it's the same reason; not tight enough in the lock up. In sparring I hit one on Shaun and as soon as I'd locked up the arms tight enough the difference was amazing; an easy twist down to the floor then run towards the head for a pin. Something to really keep in mind; it's worth the extra second or so to lock up the arms tight, or the move isn't worth doing.

Sore as hell through the neck from bridging to gut-wrench. Still got to get my feet closer to my glutes and really push up through the turn. I'll have to spend some time on the mat practicing that one.

No pilates today; Cindy had to go home sick. More's the pity for my neck, especially with more wrestling tomorrow. Oh well, can't win them all. Or, in my case, really, any of them.