As some of you know Mark has chosen to close the school for a short time.

Li'Dragon belt testing.

March 2, 2009

I hate this. I need to get back into shape, and practice more regularly. I can't do that because of my Ph.D. work. I'm cutting back on caloric intake, but no amount of weight loss can make up for the lack of rolling. I'm also trying to get as many reps as possible and make each practice count.

February 23, 2009

I learned a new philosophy of mount defense today. Once again, it's a major departure from the basic ideas that I have been taught in the past. I has some really good logic behind it and it makes say, "Why didn't I think of that?" This reminds me of a quote. Intelligence makes you say, "Why didn't I think of that?" Genius makes you say, "I never would have thought of that."

February 21, 2009

Well, I've finally competed in a tournament. Granted it was only an in-house tournament, but I was extremely nervous. It probably didn't mean that much but it was a big deal to me. I was scared to death. As it turned out, it was a truly great experience and I had nothing to be afraid of. I met a lot of great guys, got to compete, and even managed a win. I'm still not ready for any big tournaments, but for different reasons then I thought.

February 8, 2009

Congratulations to Barone, Brian, and Chad on their much deserved rank. Also, Mr. Hill recieved another stripe on his purple belt and Justin recieved his blue belt. I had to mention them becuase I've rolled and worked with them quite often. I also recieved another stripe on my belt, for which I owe someone a thank you. With me jumping around so much I didn't think anyone had seen me enough to give me credit for the time and I'm pretty sure the instructor didn't see my underwhelming skill and decide I needed another stripe. Oh well, I will take it.

February 7, 2009

I haven't written in a while because I've been busy with my PhD. work. I recieved a reminder today that people read my blogs. This reminder wasn't near as good looking as the last one. So I thought I'd try to chronicle my poor attempts at jiu-jitsu once again.

karate tournament

We would like to send our sincere condolences to the Gracie Family for the passing of Helio Gracie. It is important that we pause to recognize the loss the Gracie Family and the jiu-jitsu community share today. Gracie died this morning in his sleep in Itaipaiva, Rio de Janeiro. The cause of death appeared to be of natural causes. “I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood."-Helio Gracie
Rest in Peace

Today was the first time i saw mark since his accident. This is also the first time i witnessed how much the human spirit can endure. After something so traumatic mark is still as charismatic and humble as ever. These characteristics are what make him a champion and a hero in todays world. Most men will be lucky to be half as strong as Mark Norcross. I was very pleased to see him doing well and cant wait to see him make a full recovery and get back on the mats like we all know he will.

I have seen so many people that say they are still coming to the website for updates on Mark's condition.

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. GOD BLESS US ALL IN THE NEW YEAR.

Mark is doing great. He is getting stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually everyday. It has been a very slow healing process but he is going to make a full recovery! This is not info from the doctors.
IT'S FAITH...

"In the heart of the Warrior there is no surrender, when the mind and body say quit, the spirit screams NEVER!!!!"--Unknown

Wow, I thought Razak Al-Hassan's arm breaking was bad... this was from an unaired preliminary fight... just wow

It's been a while since we have seen any of you. Garrick and I had been preparing for the AAU Powerlifting World Nationals in Las Vegas after he qualified through his wins at the Junior Olympics.

Garrick won 5 first place gold medals, broke 2 world records, and 1 American record. He Bench Pressed 270 pounds after weighing in at 129 pounds.

He won the Teen RAW and Equipped Bench Press, The Open Raw and Equipped Bench Press, and the Lifetime Open Raw Bench Press.

I am very, very proud! I think now that we have that out of the way, we will be comming down to the gym more often! See you all there.

Sometimes it's better to tap out as Razak Al-Hassan learned the hard way at Ultimate Fight Night 16 in his matchup versus Steve Cantwell.

MMA Videos from www.myvideofight.com

Ok, so I guess the people linking videos thought it would be in poor taste to show the extreme closeup of his arm breaking, but you can pretty much see it in the video... the close up view was outstanding and showed a clean break .... ouch!

I just want to welcome Mark home. We will be looking foward to you joing us just as soon as you can. We have missed you.....

I also want to thank Deon for coming to the gym last Tuesday evening. We had a great turn out. Thanks to all of you. Deon has some really good stuff. The guys had a great time rolling with him.

turns out i sprained my toe and now it's brusied all over and it getting big so sorry.

We are going home tomorrow! Mark had a wonderful week. He is really excited about going home. He is going to be discharged tomorrow before his facial CT scan at St. Vincent's. Many of the therapists and nurses are amazed at his progress.

God is awesome!

We will follow up with outpatient rehab for speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Mark says he will be ready to compete again by December. I don't think his surgeons will agree with him, but it is nice to hear him set a goal.

I will bring Mark to the gym soon. I know he will enjoy watching the classes.

Goodnight, Chrissy