Kids and Adults Take Home Gold From Helena, MT BJJ Tourney

Team Integrative/Grapplers Guild students took home their first golds this past weekend in a BJJ and Judo tournament that took place in Helena, MT. Seven competitors jumped on the opportunity to compete last minute and notched some of their best performances yet. Results are listed below. Pictures- Above: Jacob DeLeon submits his opponent with a standing guillotine in the first round of his grappling (no-gi) division. Below: Mike McCray (far right) proudly displays his gold after many grueling matches and flawless subs in his gi division.

Congrats to all who competed and thanks again to all the parents and friends for your support!

Adults:

~Mike McCray: 1st BJJ white belt division, 2nd Grappling Novice division (6-1 overall!)

~Chad Spade: 2nd BJJ white belt division, 2nd Grappling Intermediate division (stellar performance)

~Danny: 2nd BJJ puple belt division (lost 3-2 in the finals...a heartbreaker haha)

Kids:

~Tyler Hammack: 3rd BJJ mixed belt division, 1st Grappling division

Others who competed and showed improvement:

~Stryder Miller

~Jacob DeLeon

~Grant Simmons

Small Town School Proves Big Time Competitor

Team Integrative/Grappler's Guild sent 8 competitors out to "The Revolution" BJJ/Grappling tournament and didnt leave without making its mark among other bigger and more well-known Seattle and Portland schools. Highlights of the tournament included Cole Thompson taking 3rd in the kid's BJJ division (his first tourney!), Forrest Therrian taking 4th in the white belt division out of 20+ competitors in his bracket, Curtis Mickelson taking 5th in the same division, and me (Danny) sweeping both divisions (purple belt gi/advanced no-gi) without a single point or advantage lost. I was a candidate for the "vicious submission" award but ended up lossing it to a gal who landed a flying triangle choke in :14. Definitely got me there! Everyone who competed came away with some impressive victories and, as a coach, I could not be more proud of those who stepped out on the mat and let it fly. All our matches were victories in my eyes as I witnessed a beautiful combination of impressive technique, excellent conditioning, and tons of heart on the battlefield.

Congratulations to all 8 who competed: Spencer Dawe, Mike McCray, Curtis Mickelson, Forrest Therrien, Jacob DeLeon, Dakota Kivett, Cole Thompson, and myself. A special thanks to the parents, family members, and friends who came and supported us so far from home. Nothing was more rewarding than all of your cheers as we stepped on and off the mat! It means the world to those who train so hard and go out there to put themselves to the test.

Remember...Promotions for all Jiu Jitsu students tonight and Kids' BJJ students Saturday morning!

-Danny

Team Grappler's Guild of Sandpoint Prepares For Next Tourney

The troops are being rallied...some of which are under 5 foot tall. The excitement is building up as Team Grappler's Guild of Sandpoint prepares to return to Seattle, this time with a full force (including kids!). Danny, affectionately (?) known as Sensei to the kids, prepares to return to competition as well. So, how does one prepare for a Jiu Jitsu tournement? We condition our athletes with the standard protocol plus some. Longer sparring rounds, plyos in between rounds, situational live, to say the least. Add in some Russian Kettlebells and even some "Yoga for Martial Artists" and top it off with with your instructor pushing you past your comfort zone and you end up with a pretty sweet formula for success. We appreciate all the support of our parents and friends as we prepare and lead a not so typical lifestyle... Look forward to hearing about some stellar performances.

Something Worth Committing For

The word commitment is often associated with fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and impatience. Take a minute to ask yourselves why? Why can I not stick with something long enough to see the outcome that can completely transform my life and well being in a positive way. Committing to something such as yoga, martial arts, writing, mountain biking, etc can help you become more confident in yourself and your capabilities in life. You know how people say its not the top of the mountain with the glorious view that they look back and remember and feel, its the journey to the top. Once you begin to climb up that rocky, challenging, and strenuous mountain you know that deep down you have just committed to yourself that you will reach the top no matter what it takes. You have committed to go through pain, joy, peace, and challenge to achieve the goal only you have set. The greatest thing about this is that nobody else told you that you had to achieve this goal; that you had to get to the top to be a better person. You know that you must reach the top because it is something that will help you become truer to yourself. So you begin your climb, you stumble over a few rocks, sweat, and even get stung by a wasp. You have the fear that a grizzly bear can smell even your thoughts from miles away, yet you keep going. Why? COMMITMENT! So with physical obstacles, fear, and mental obstacles you still climb with one foot in front of the other taking one step at a time. You know that there is no easy way out or quick fix to the top other than to keep moving. So just keep moving, tell yourself you are almost there and how good it will feel to know that you have accomplished something so mighty like hiking this vertical climb to the top of a mountain. There is no time to procrastinate or to hide from fear or dwell on self-pity, you only slow yourself down. The climb down is always so rewarding and gratifying. You tell your self, "I did it, I committed and did it with everything I had in me and I achieved my goal!"

Bottom line, whether you are training for a specific event or sport, general fitness, or just for fun find something to strive for and to live for. Give your heart a run for its money and release the adventure from within. Committing to a practice can and will transform your very existence not just your physical appearance . Whats the fun in taking diet pills and yo-yo dieting or only pushing yourself in areas that you know are possible? Go beyond and dive deep. LIVE! COMMIT!

"Practice and all is coming" Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois -Ashtanga guru/founder

"Find your limits or edge and start there"-Abby

-Abby

Team Grappler's Guild Sandpoint Competes in Seattle

Congratulations to Jon Adams, Cord Rink, Curtis Mickelson, and Spencer Dawe for stepping into their first tournament and representing newly assembled Grappler's Guild of Sandpoint! We travelled together all the way to Seattle to compete in "The Revolution", a highly regarded tournament that drew many competitors from all over the Northwest.

Lets be honest, it takes some guts to step into a large competition for the first time after only training for under 3 months. All factors considered, the guys did excellent. The brackets were stacked with upwards of 20 men per division and we were proud to get great experience as well as take home a bronze for the team. Congratulations to Spencer Dawe for taking home our first medal!

We are all looking forward to our next tournament (competing is addicting) and I will be preparing for my return to the World Team Trials in Phoenix, AZ after taking forth last year (highlight was submitting the former World Champion of Team Grappler's Edge in Denver).

-Danny

Tim Miller's Workshop

Over this past weekend I had the opportunity to learn under Tim Miller, the first American to get certified in Ashtanga Yoga. Tim has over 30 years of practice and it was very evident in his teaching. I shared a very sweaty Mysore and Led Primary experience with about 40 other people while Tim strolled the room with confidence and grace giving adjustments. His adjustments transformed my practice. Tim's presence alone seemed so calm yet confident; masculine yet nurturing; strong yet graceful. He had this way about him that you just had no other choice than to want to just sit and absorb every word that came out of his mouth and every action that moved from his body. The energy among the practitioners who attended his workshop was very uplifting. I cannot express enough what it feels like to have about 40 people in one room practicing yoga, creating this energy through movement, breath, and focus. The more I put myself in learning situations like Tim's workshop the more life and my purpose becomes clear. Knowledge is a very powerful thing to have and the hunger for it is what keeps you alive.

Knowledge is power; The question is what are you going to do with the power?

Namaste,

Abby

Now We're Rolling...
Transformation of the Martial Arts Space

Before...


After...

PS - Very excited about the Kid's BJJ program starting Monday June 15th!

Tribute To Guruji

On May 18th 2009 I received an email from my yoga teacher in Richmond about a ceremony in honor of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. I wondered, what was the special occasion, an anniversary or birthday maybe? Sadly, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois who is also referred to as Guruji to many Ashtangi practicioners passed away. He was 93 ( he would have been 94 this July) years old and lived a long life teaching hundreds of thousands of people globally about the beauty of yoga.

The Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system that Guruji has passed down over the course of 70 years has transformed not only my physical practice and health but my overall being. Entering womanhood I have grown to appreciate myself and to be thankful for the path that I have been following and who I have met along the way. My story has transformed from a girl living in a small town with big dreams to a girl not only living my big dreams but thriving and growing. Ashtanga has helped me to continue my pursuits of athleticism but to also take time to train my inner self and my mind. Having a balanced mind and body has affected my relationships, choices, and subsequently my outcomes.
Guruji has left a legacy that will fill the history books and his method will continue to prosper through everyone who practices. I can feel his wisdom around me, and his teachings will live forever for those who open their heart to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.
Namaste-
Abby

The Kid Inside

The other day I found myself on my hands and feet sprinting up the side of a mountain. Not for a workout, but moreso because I let myself go and it just felt good. The sprint was, of course, short lived but as I collapsed and panted on the ground I felt a beat inside me that I hadnt felt shaken up in such a long time.



"That's just a kid. That's what I miss. Oh take me back, take me back to that beat again" - Dave Matthews Band



One of my favorite songs of all time, Dave puts it so simply, yet so truthfully. Take me back to that beat again. Being a kid isnt just tons of energy and no responsibility...its a totally different beat. Getting lost in the vitality of your body and mind is so natural; you dont even think about it because it feels so good to engage. But many of us are stripped of this gift as we age and forget to take care of our whole self. Just remember though... its never too late to get it back.

-Danny

Before and After of Our Studio

On April 3rd 2009 Danny and I opened our studio in the Cedar Street Bridge located in the heart of Sandpoint, Idaho.  We spent at least 3 weeks preparing and creating our space and along the way took some pictures so that you can see the changes we have made.  The space itself is awesome.  It is suspended over Sand Creek which flows into Lake Pend Oreille and  you can see Schweitzer Mountain (the ski slopes) from our studio window.  It took a lot of time and hard work but I think it really paid off.  Everyone that has walked into our studio comments on the positive energy and feels welcomed...exactly what we wanted. 

Before...

After...

-Abby

Protien Test and Supplement List

Sun Warrior protein, you are our hero.

In a long search for a clean, natural protein that doesnt leave you bloated and nasty feeling after a workout, we finally came across a rice derived powder that actually tastes great and sits well.

When you are fed heavyweight gainer whey protein shakes from the age of 7 and used to the gut bomb induced coma that follows, a light concotion that is just as effective in the development of lean muscle mass and recovery is a huge relief.

We take protein within an hour post-workout in order to harness the "anabolic window" and give our bodies the building blocks it requires for recovery.


Here is a list of other supplements Abby and I have found extremely effective:

-Acetyl L-Carnatine, an amino acid (focus, clean feeling energy)

-MACA, a peruvian root powder (energy, hormone regulation)

-Taurine, an amino acid (clean energy)

-Cissis Quadrangularis, an herb (joint and connective tissue support)

-Systemic Enzymes, naturally occuring enzymes (general wellness, joint support)

We both are very picky when it comes to what we put in our bodies, so we only take these supplements in pure, free form powder and mix them up in the ratios we decide.

Also, Coming Soon to our site: Our warrior circuit workouts will be posted and archived on our website.

-Danny

Our New Home In Sandpoint, Idaho

 So this is a glimpse of beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho.  The mountains in the background are the Monarch mountains which surround Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced ponderay).  This has become our new home and we are thrilled.  Sandpoint, Idaho is located in the north western panhandle area with Washington, Montana, and Canada being its neighbors.  There is so much activity and places to explore that you could spend a lifetime exploring this region and still never get bored.  Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, swimming... man the list just goes on and on.  We decided to move here after an intensive and fun road trip from VA to the midwest hoping to find our new home sweet home.

We had a great time exploring the west but we did not find a town that really fit with our lifestyle.  After some research on the internet Sandpoint popped up.  We immediately flew out in January to check it out...AMAZING. We returned to VA in packed whatever we could into our cars and drove for 4 long days across country in the middle of winter (more of that to come later) and well, here we are! 

Welcome To Our Blog!

Thanks for checking out our blog!  Here, you will find posts written by both of us on....well, whatever we feel inspired to write about and share.  We opened our doors to our new business in April and are very excited about sharing our passions with other people.  So check back regularly because we will frequently share our thoughts, workouts, and philosophy.  

Expect the unexpected: we are two different people that have an incredibly wide range of interests and passions.  What we hope to share on this blog is our common ground: a thirst for living, finding adventure, and rising to challenges.