The Real Prize of Competition
This past weekend the 10th Planet Santa Fe Jiu-jitsu team was in full force at two large
competitions in California and Colorado. Head coach and 10th Planet Brown belt Ruben Rivera
was represented Santa Fe at the Metachallenger Series finals. Metamoris, a promotion known
for their Submission-only superfights, organized the Metachallenger series. The
Metachallengers began with regional qualifiers across three major cities and culminated with the
finals in Los Angeles, California. Some of the best submission grapplers in the world competed
for the chance to win a $10,000 prize and a spot on a future Metamoris card. The team was also
in Denver, Colorado for the “Fight 2 Win” Nationals tournament. Hundreds of competitors from
across the Southwest attended this tournament. 10th Planet Santa Fe has always had a strong
showing in Denver, and this time it was no different. We had six people competing, and brought
back five medals. We continued to show that 10th Planet Santa Fe always has a strong
presence anywhere we are present.
These competitions though, meant more than few medals and a strong presence. They
allowed athletes the opportunity to show their skills and how hard they work in the gym, but
most importantly they allowed athletes to learn more about themselves. Jiu-Jitsu competitions
really force a person to step outside of their comfort zone.You are entering a fight with a
complete stanger while friends and family are watching. There are butterflies in your stomach
and elements of the unknown going through your head. Whether you are a white belt or a black
belt, this feeling never really goes away. You shake hands with your opponent and minutes later
there is a victory and a defeat. The real result is a learning experience for both parties. Anybody
that competes in anything knows that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. A loss does
not mean you suck and a win does not always mean you are the best. Wins and loses show us
either what was done right or what was done wrong. Regardless, they both show us how we
can improve and how we can grow. This growth can be in terms of technique,training, or pre-
competition rituals or anything else that needs working on.
BJJ Black Belt and 2015 IBJJF NoGi World champion, Tom DeBlass, said “Competition
should not define a jiu-jitsu competitor. In fact, competition should just be a consequence of
your love for training. It’s just an added bonus to learn more about yourself. To achieve victory
we must pay its price then perform when it’s time. Preparation without the ability to perform will
not cut it. The beautiful thing is, after every loss we have the chance to try again. Be thankful for
the victories you achieve, because everyone is getting better and better.” The best were not
always the best. They worked towards becoming the best by always seeking to become a better
version of themselves, a little at a time. Everyday there is always something new to learn. The
medals will fade, but the lessons you learn from competition will always shine.
-Coach Luis
On that note, we also had some great accomplishments this month with everyone in our community! Emily Metzolf did a 24 hour Tough Mudder run and completed 35 miles!!
Coach Nate received his 10th planet brown belt, coach Ruben and head coach Tait received their 10th planet black belts!!!
Great job community and coaches. This tribe is strong!
Workout of the Day
Push Press
Find your 1 rep max.
5-3-2-1-1-1 to find 1RM
then
Banded upright row
4×30
L sit scissor kick
3×20
then
“Annie”
50-40-30-20-10 reps for time of:
Double-unders
Sit-ups
Post your scores to the Whiteboard.
