Yesterday was side control, toreando passing and ankle locks. Lindsey was a huge help amd pushed me to exactly the right amount to feel progress click.

This morning I didn’t really feel up to going to train. I pondered scriptures on signs because I felt strongly led that I was supposed to go anyway. I’m grateful I listened.

I ended up having one of the most meaningful drilling sessions I’ve enjoyed this far. I partnered up with John and we worked on moving from closed guard to a few transitions where the legs end up around your partners neck.

We quickly figured out we learn the same way—counting steps, slowing things down, letting understanding settle before moving on. It was easy, natural, and encouraging. I even joked that if we ever competed, we’d be the tortoise and the hare—me being the tortoise, and his last name being Hare.

Afterward, Brother John H. took time to help me drill through a few things and offered genuine encouragement. He showed me that for most real life situations, I would use the “praying hands” motion to break their posture and grab the elbow to drag to under my armpit while my core is engaged and in motion. Each person has a different view and it’s fun putting all the pieces together

Well, let’s back pedal a pinch—— the outline of the pieces I have this far. 🤣

What struck me most is that just two weeks ago I had written about a conversation John and I shared around Lamentations 3:58—about connection, and the Lord meeting us there. Today felt like a quiet continuation of that moment, without any overt Godversation.

I’m thankful for obedience, for faithful teachers, for unexpected partners, and for the gentle ways God confirms His leading—even on the mat.

Thank you, for all of it, Jesus.