RhodyRaybo's blog

Since I have begun wrestling I have found myself grappling in all sorts of settings. It has mostly been in either my home that I host in or someone else's home. This has included many basements, mancaves, living rooms, bedrooms, and even an outside deck. I've also wrestled in a couple private rings, one in a converted warehouse, one in an opponent's basement. In my college days I wrestled a few friends in various places because at that age, it was almost expected for us to do so. I've also done some wrestling under the banner of "grappling" in a self defense class that I took for a couple years, though we didn't grapple enough there, and more recently at a BJJ class I have been taking for the last couple months. Then there's the endless parade of hotel rooms that I've wrestled in. Most of the time, those are pretty decent. We all know what those are like. Anyway, last night I had a "grappling" or "fighting" experience (for some reason the term "wrestling was shunned) I had never had before, at least not in this setting. I "fought" AT MY CHURCH OF ALL PLACES.

Now getting into some sort of brawl at church actually is not new. There has been a young man at my church who is 2 years younger than my youngest son who thinks he can take me on. I've had no choice but to prove him wrong a few times. I've also rough-housed with several boys at my church. But this was nothing like that. A police officer who belongs to our fellowship requested use of the church to host "fight night" every other Tuesday evening. I had found out about it about a month ago and finally got the chance to attend last night's session. It was very structured and focused on first exercising then doing the fighting....so none of the liberties that we often take in our own private matches.... no stakes, no negotiating on gear, no making up your own rules. It was much like being at a dojo, except it was in the kindergarten Sunday school room at my church. The worst part for me was the long warmup drills. I found out that I am absolutely NOT a runner in any sense of the word. I pulled a hamstring attempting to do a sprint. (Sorry Rassle4fun and Pecs44) I also had a couple of muscle spams trying to do some of the other warmups. I guess at my age one needs to be careful.

Then after a period of time with these warmups, he let the "fighting" begin. He began with the 3 children that showed up. They went at one minute rounds with each other while him, myself, and the 2 teenage boys that showed up each stood at a corner of the mats where the kids were grappling and we lifted weights that were placed at the corners. After a minute the bell rang, we switched corners, the kids switched parters. After 4 rounds like that, it was the big guys' turn! I didn't go first but watched the first couple one minute rounds. I noticed how aggressively the officer and the teens wrestled. I had never wrestled any of them before, so I wasn't sure what I was in for, even after watching a couple rounds. Then came my turn to take on the officer in the middle. I was quite nervous, but we started. He always had us begin standing upright, whereas I always preferred starting on my knees, but I adapted. The struggle began with our hands around each others necks and taking swings at each other..(no headshots). When I saw I couldn't get him to the ground because he was so tall and gangly, I used my own strategy. I let him take me to the ground and then the tables immediately turned. Next thing I knew I had him pinned in similar pins that I regularly do to Twisterman and Kevinj8664. I was like "What the hell??? He's an officer!". But I made him submit. I couldn't believe it. Throughout the fighting we went back and forth in one minute rounds with each other, then the kids took over the mat again, then the big guys. While sparring with the officer and the 2 teenage boys, I was stunned to find myself constantly on top of them or having their heads caught in my grasps. I was just as surprised at how I fought as they probably were especially after they would take me down, then I spring to life and nail them. It was so sweet! While the kids were grappling, us older guys tried to coach them a little. The very last one minute round I did, I was spent, so I let the 18 year old I was fighting with have that one. Anyway, the officer asked me if I enjoyed it and if I would be back in 2 weeks. I said "absolutely". He told me that others have said the same thing, but have yet to return. I can understand what he's saying, but he doesn't know ME very well. I told him about taking BJJ and Systema. AND I told him about having a network of wrestling buddies. But whenever I reveal that so someone on the outside, I know they're not grasping what I'm saying. Oh well.

So now, of all places, I can add my church to places I've wrestled at. But wait, my former church affiliations, when I was in the young adults group, I wrestled with a few buddies every now and then, but that was before I was serious about it. It will be interesting to see what direction this bi-weekly session turns into. Hopefully others will join in and find out what joy this sport can bring. Peace out!

Those of you who know me know that I not only wrestle but have also been taking martial arts for the last couple years. The martial art I have been taking is a form of Russian self-defense called "Sytema". It does involve some aspects of wrestling and can very much be a good way to get your desire to "fight" out, though all too often, the drills can involve little or no wrestling-type of contact. So, it could be hit-or-miss in that aspect.

Well, recently I felt the need to move on from Systema. I still loved the concept and several of the guys who attended the class, but because of the way the class was being managed, I decided it would be best to see what else was out there. So I am writing this to those of you who may have been considering a martial arts class and let you know what I found in my search. And for those of you who merely view wrestling as foreplay, this blog may not be for you.

The first type of school I checked out was a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) about 10 minutes from my house. The class was regimented with lining up by rank and bowing and rituals regarding folding your belt similar to what they would do at my son's karate class all those years I had to drive him there. The warm-ups were do-able and the students were very welcoming. But when the drills began, I was told to go drill with the only young girl there, everyone else was guys from their 20's to 40's. I was also made to stay with her while everyone else changed partners. To say I felt uncomfortable with this is an understatement. Had the instructor let me partner up with one of the guys there, I probably would have signed up that night, but I politely informed him that I would "let him know" if I was coming back.

I also checked out another BJJ class and signed up for a free class. It too was somewhat regimented, though because of the size it was more "uniform" than ritualized. I knew I was in trouble when the instructor told us to warm up by running! Running is something I absolutely HATE doing. They after running he screamed to start tumbling, and because I had been running the tumbling brought on a muscle spasm. I had to tell him that I should probably just sit and watch. One lesson to learn, avoid schools where the "warm-ups" completely take everything out of you. The manager told me that I didn't need to do all the warmups and I could go at my own pace. But I didn't like the thought of sticking out like that. So I continued looking.

I also just observed a self defense class that sounded interesting. So I showed up and observed the class. There was a female teacher teaching six students, 3 guys, 3 gals, all looked like they were under the age of 25. I knew immediately this wasn't for me.

My next inquiry was with a Wing Chun class. I wasn't sure what to expect but the teacher was very laid back and looked like a big tough guy. So that alone had me interested. But I soon learned Wing Chun is done entirely on your feet. It's all about swinging your arms. I liked the instructor and didn't mind the class, but I knew this wasn't what I wanted to commit to. Moving on....

Next I tried a Krav Maga class, which is an Israeli form of self defense. I purchased one of those 3 class deals for 19.99. I must admit, I was impressed. The warmups were intense, but doable. The self defense techniques were hit or miss for me, but was willing to inquire further. But what got me backing away from this place after the 3 classes were over was their method of nickel-and-diming you with their fees and purchasing their equipment. I told them I was hoping to try another BJJ class before I made my final decision.

This brings me to where I finally did sign up. I found a BJJ studio that has some warmups but nothing intense. The class was about 15 minutes from my work and had some early morning classes that I could take before work. Sweet! But the class itself is awesome! The instructor is very laid back and doesn't care about lineups or bowing or anything like that. Gi's are encouraged, but you can go buy whatever BJJ gi you want. I bought mine on Amazon for $40. And I tell you, it's mostly guys in the class. They are very friendly and very knowledgeable, and best of all THEY ARE A LOT OF FUN TO ROLL WITH in the drills. In the evening classes they even have "roll time" where you just grapple with different partners. How sweet is that? Also the monthly fee is somewhat lower than most of the other schools I looked at either on-line or in person. I knew after the first class that this one was what I was looking for.

So in summary, I strongly recommend BJJ as a martial art for those who can't wrestle too often because of lack of wrestlers in your area. For me it's a way to keep the grappling going without getting into too much trouble. I'm still wrestling the guys here, but keeping it at the guys I know will give me a good sweaty workout or that I am very comfortable with. When they can't rumble, then it's off to BJJ! Peace out everyone, and God bless!

Something caught my eye as I was looking for something to watch while eating my breakfast sandwich. Destination America is airing something called "Underground Fight Clubs". That caught my eye so I tuned in to see if it is reporting on what we do here on Meetfighters. All I can say is "HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD!!!!". These clubs are seriously OUT FOR BLOOD. I just saw a snip of a fight involving breaking chairs over each others heads. These guys actually WANT blood and injuries. They are fighting with chains, chairs, fake knives, ....HELL, they are even hitting each other with computer keyboards! Some clubs they are covering are saying that blood is mandatory! Wow! Whenever blood is seen with matches I've been to with the wrestlers here, we immediately stop! I thought I was over the top because I love getting into next to nothing and make Pecs44 or Rassle4fun or Twisterman or KEVINJ8664 (who is overdue for a serious beating!!!!) feel my muscles and sweat subdue them and render them helpless. But smashing each other with object, TRYING to extract blood? I'm afraid that's just a little too much for me. I gotta show up for work the next day. I gotta teach little kids at Sunday School. I got neighbors and non wrestling friends to face. I love what we do, and gonna keep doing it as long as I can. But that's one level I can do without. The special I am watching is going onto MMA, so that might be more of what we like to do. Have a great day guys! God bless!

It's been almost 2 years since I wrote a blog entry. A lot has happened since then. As you can tell by my videos, I am still actively wrestling, especially with my mentor, my buddy "Ron" (not his real name), Kevinj8664, Rassle4fun,and a couple of new guys that I love rolling with. But many of you know I had a setback when a guy came to learn some wrestling moves in my basement about 18 months ago and proceeded to have a heart attack while there. That night was the worst night of my entire life and almost ended me wrestling forever. But I bounced back, with the help of friends like Pecs44, Twisterman, Rassle4fun, and Average Joe. But I have a main reason for writing this and hopefully everyone reading it will take it to heart.

A couple times in the last couple weeks, 2 very nice guys who are decent wrestlers have either decided to call it quits or came very close to calling it quits, and I known others in the past who have done so for similar reasons that I am about to go into. It seems there are just too many guys here who regardless if they are active or more observers to our sport seem to have no problem toying with the guys here. It seems there are guys who promise to wrestle and meet when they have no intention of doing so. Another reprehensible act is when they start spreading rumors about sincere wrestlers that are not true in the least. I am guessing the reasons for this is that some are getting a "charge" out of just talking to these guys, then when they get their thrill, they move on. Another reason could be because they have expectations from guys that go beyond their boundaries. Other reasons could be just plain rivalry for each others' affections. (that seems to be a problem in the Boston area)

Is there something we all can do? Absolutely! As a man of faith, I believe our Lord's command to "do unto others as you would have them to unto you"...in other words, treat others the way you want to be treated. For those of us who have been hurt by some of these clowns? I have found there are ways to avoid this. If someone expresses interest in wrestling and asks for specific details on what you would do, I always stay general. If they press for more, then I just tell him to schedule a match so I can SHOW him. If the conversation ends, then the guy had no intention of meeting. He just wanted to get off. Another way is if a guy seems to just want to talk about it, don't lead him on thinking you can change his mind about meeting. I have found that if they have no intention of meeting, all the begging and pleading and telling them what they want to hear will NEVER change that. Do each other a favor, tell him you're not interested. There are plenty of guys here who are more into verbal than physical. There's no need to waste each other's time. Also, my final recommendation is that you should do your best to make friends with the guys you actually do wrestle. Quite a few men are not interested in friendship. I've wrestled guys who just come in, don't discuss anything more than wrestling, and after the match, they go home. There's nothing wrong with that, and I'm perfectly ok with that. Some guys you can become friends with, others not so much. Make wrestling the priority and friendship a benefit that some will be happy to provide. The others, just enjoy the body contact.

Now regarding those that I have been able to be friends with, I make the most of it. One wrestling bud I text regularly just to say hi and see how things are going. One buddy that I have wrestled many times since I began is an example of how to become and STAY friends. Like myself, he's a man of faith, very active in his church, though our churches and approach to scripture is significantly different. So what to do? I've found that the best way to relate to each other is to avoid the controversial differences and find our common ground, and you know what? It works! We have had many, many encouraging, spiritual conversations even though we may not always agree, there's plenty we do agree on. There's one wrestler, and he knows who he is, I've only wrestled once years ago. The reason we haven't wrestled since was because of some health issues he's had and his moving even further away, but we kept in touch. We text, we talk on the phone, and he's always kidding with me about how "hot" I am. (I think he's kidding, he knows I'm not leaving my wife for anyone else). We're hoping to meet up in the spring at a halfway point. But even if we don't meet, we will remain good friends from a distance. One guy that I do meet up with in hotel rooms when he's traveling is also a very close friend. when we're not rolling around trying to torture each other, we have meals together, we talk about our families, current events, or just joke around. I absolutely LOVE this guy.

One other thing I recommend is when communicating either in person or through messaging, try to avoid controversial topics or anything that might set the other guy off. I actually have to do this with certain non-wresting friends. I'm a registered Republican in a very Democrat part of the country. So guess what? I generally don't discuss politics. One former opponent refuses to have anything to do with me for that reason. oh well, no big loss here. There are guys I that I can't discuss with them too much about other matches. Sometimes I wrestle a guy another friend can't stand. That can get sticky if I say too much. There are a few guys that I have no problem staying with in a hotel room overnight or staying at their house, but others I'm not comfortable with doing that. This can cause significant rifts with some guys knowing that I will do all nighters with some guys but not them.

I could go on, but I will stop here. I guess because I've been wrestling for so long in these circuits, I've acquired a lot of experience and have much to share. If anyone has any questions or insights to this blog, please feel free to message me. Peace out and God bless.

Wish I could write this guy a review. As much as I love Meetfighters, I
do try to get matches from one other source .... Craig's List. What can
I say? I got fed up with the nickel and dime policies of Globalfight,
plus I hadn't gotten any matches through there in months, so I left.
Bearhuggers isn't that active, sadly. And Wrestlemen is just another
money making site. So I often get matches from Craig's List and hope for
the best. I can say, it's not always bad. Most guys lately have been
"one and done", but at least they are willing to try it at least once.
This brings me to my most recent CL opponent. I will call him "Mike".
Mike was visiting the Providence area from Florida to attend a
conference for his job. I guess he did frequently use CL to meet guys
for various reasons, but in his initial response he told me that
wrestling sounded like fun and he could host at his hotel, which was
only 10 minutes from me. I told him I was game.

Anyway, after exchanging texts all day long on the day of his arrival, I
got to his hotel room not quite sure what to expect. I was greeted by a
man about my height, a couple years older than myself, with salt and
pepper hair. He was about 25 lbs heavier than I am, though I am the
more muscular one. He wasn't in the greatest of shape, but he did have
a lot of stamina for someone who hadn't wrestled much. Anyway, we
greeted each other, chatted a few minutes, then when he was sitting on
the bed, I ATTACKED! I had him pinned and scissored in a matter of
seconds. (insert more here). After we were in appropriate attire, we
continued for over an hour of exchanging holds with me showing him some
holds and letting him administer a few to me. It was fun and sweaty. He
loved my scissors and my bear hugs. He cried for mercy, I gave him
none. He pinned me and I showed him how I have learned to get out of
various holds. I had a lot to tell him and show him. Time seemed to go
by quickly with him. Anyway, His stay was for about 4 days, so I
managed to meet him two more times for more wrestling. It was fun,
though he had a couple of physical issues that caused us to have to go
at a slower pace than we began with.

I wish I could write a review of "Mike", but seeing he was a Craig's
List guy and not on Meetfighters, I can only blog about him. But we hit
it off quite well. I don't know if we will ever see each other again.
The conference he was in Providence for is in a different city each
year. But nonetheless, he really enjoyed it and told me we would
probably be meeting again sometime down the road.