hephaestion2014's blog

Well have been on the site, nearly a year now. Wrestled around a bit. Met some great people.

Still not found my inner heel. Not sure I have it in me. Just don't have that mean streak.

I mean, in my last match I apologized whilst pushing my opponent's face away.

Well, it felt rather impolite. ;)

Perhaps I am forever doomed to be a jobber. I don't think of myself that way and not a big fan of that label anyway.

I guess I don't have that confidence to go on the attack and control the mat. So will into the comfort zone of defence.

Even now when I am up against guys I know I could pretty much own. ;)

In some ways I have come a long way, and in others, not at all. There seems to be a bit of a mental block. Though each group meet I go to, each tip I am offered, each move I am shown, its gradually chip chip chipped away.

I think fighting which comes so naturally, and is instinctive to others, is something I am still in the long process of learning. So bear with :)

(But just remember that the puppy you kicked will eventually grow into one big dog ;) )

I often wonder when I should mark someone as a past opponent? Does a three minute, five minute bout count?

To me opponent means just that. A potential equal you have tested yourself against in a match.

I have wrestled some guys (a lot of guys) who have been a lot better then me and kindly wrestled down.

Some guys have wrestled with me to give me tips and has been more of a lesson. I am unsure about marking them down as opponents but would recommend them.

Not into the number collection of opponents. Always wanted my profile to be honest and represent my real experiences.

So if I have recommended someone but not marked them as a past opponent that is why. I have wrestled with them but not had a match per se as a lesson with a bit of give and take.

That's for those who have been asking ;)

Its that time of year in November when we remember all those who have fought in wars over the year.

There maybe debate about the rights and wrongs over wars but we can't forget the brave sacrifice of true warriors or true fighters who for a cause greater then themselves where prepared to lay down their lives for families, strangers and future generationz.

Now whilst we here fight for fun or sport, lets not forget those who fought for survival and freedom. They are and continue to be real heroes.

And my first ever time at barnet. What took me so long?!

Well first of all, I know it sounds silly but was more nervous of meeting all the people then the wrestling. But Andy was a great host and the guys were really friendly which helped settle my nerves.

I am still a newbie and was worried that the guys I were wrestling would be disappointed in a match with me. But hopefully, I made them work a bit hard for it and it wasnt too easy for them.

Luckily people were kind enough to share tips and hints too. Now just must remember them when I hit the mats.

It was good to also have other people to talk to about wrestling and hear their take on things whilst enjoying watching other matches. Like this site, felt part of a community.

Barnet is also a great set up too. Clean, comfortable and welcoming as a space and with a great host too. I
Actually felt quite relaxed.

I enjoyed my first visit, first group meet and look forward to many more.

Thanks again to everyone who wrestled me,I promise to make it harder next time ;)

Well, am now sitting in Waverley station thinking about the last two days in Glasgow and what I have learned.

1) long car journeys are not a nightmare if you have good company and are even preferable to sitting on a train for a couple of hours talking to no-one

2) rear naked chokes and leg scissors are not the best thing to have applied to you. Especially when applied expertly.

3) don't ask anyone "is that all they've got?" Especially when you are kind of fading. Lol

4) attack is better then defence, and something I have to work on. Got to learn to bring the fight to people, and know they won't break

5) friendships between wrestling guys are great, especially when they swap old war stories. (Love the sound of Belgium)

6) Glasgow is actually a nice city and not as bad as I thought it would be. The people are friendly though as a southerner I still find random people being friendly very odd.

7) and there are two blue police boxes in the city :-)

So thanks to everyone I met up there and wrestled. It was fun, sore but fun and it was good to met you. Till the next time ... :-)

Right, roll on Edinburgh. (Though I doubt ill get a wrestle, its all about the festival and friends, methinks)