I am not one for goals and resolutions - mainly because I have rarely if ever accomplished them by writing them down.  However, I did want to take a bit of time to think about my jits game and put thought into where I really want to focus in the new year.

Here is my list:

1. Improve My Cardio: We roll every class of course, but we do take breaks, and that saves me.  I know that if we rolled hard for an hour straight I'd be gassed.  I just need to add some wind sprints and weights to my routine and I'll be there.  The added benefit of this is that it will improve my body composition and overall health as well.

2. Do A Competition: Everyone who does a competition comes back saying what a great experience it was for them.  I have never done one but I think it will help my jiu-jitsu out no matter the outcome.  Just going through the preparation and feeling the nerves of competition may not be enjoyable, but I do think it's time to jump into the fire.

3. Do Yoga: Although flexibility is not something I want to require in my game, I do think it helps bigtime in areas like guard retention.  Aside from that, it just feels good to be looser.  I really want to do this one more for health and spirituality, but since it helps my bjj too, it sounds like a winner.

4. Drill Positions Weekly: I am very lazy in this.  The guys in my club drill all the time and are making big improvements.  I read a long time ago that Eddie Bravo did this years ago and felt it really helped his game.  Obviously SBGi is huge into this.  I need to just get disciplined cause we all know it's way more fun to just roll.

5. Clarify Hubs and Transitions: I could say this in other ways, but what I mean is that I really want to become clear on what the control positions are, and how to move between them.  I also want to work controlling those positions very thoroughly and thoughtfully.  In 2009 I want to establish a core game of control and movement from everywhere - deliberate yet instinctual(reactive).  I know that if I can do that then the attacks will flow from there.

What are you working on in 2009?

Paul