Coach Sanderson: American Paragon

Cael Sanderson is a legend. He was once introduced to Wanderlei Silva, as "The Wanserlei Silva of wrestling." I'm not really sure how true that is, but it sounds fucking cool. It was meant with admiration. It was a metaphor that crossed sports, but implied great reverence.

We like to do this as fans. We compare legends and debate the who is the GOAT over forums, comment threads, and in the company of friends. There are many wrestling fans that would argue Cael is the Greatest of All Time, but there are a lot of GOAT's in American wrestling. Where Sanderson stacks against other legends is debatable.

If judging by accomplishments than look no further than his NCAA career. In that sense, he is on a short list of 4x NCAA Champions, but the only one to have done it undefeated. American GOAT?

Dan Gable is a fucking legend, and as a coach, he set the gold standard for success in NCAA wrestling. Is he the GOAT?

Bruce Baumgartner and John Smith are fucking living legends too. Their dominance on the international scene ensured that American wrestling will forever be respected on a World and Olympic level. GOATs?

One can compare Cael's success with any of the aforementioned legends, but Cael is a legend in his own right. His legend tells a unique story, a story that encompasses all the best aspects of this sport- he is the paragon of American wrestling.

So, I offer a different metric. I make the argument that Coach Sanderson stands as the best incarnation of what wrestling has to offer. He is the shining example of the character it can build. A character forged through hardships. Character developed over years of hard work, dedication, fortitude, and honesty.

Coach Brands once wrapped up the essence of the sport when he said, "It's not what you deserve, it's what you earn." This is wrestling. It is brutal, cruel, humbling, honest, and empowering.

Your success and triumph come at the cost of another person's dreams. Brutal. A whole lifetime's work can end in a matter of 6 minutes. Cruel. But if you can see beyond yourself, through humility, and be honest- the sport is as empowering as anything. These are the values all our coaches told us to strive for- the virtues the sport hopefully instills. And I don't think I'm being hyperbolic when I say Cael Sanderson lives up to these better than anyone.

There was a story I once heard through the grapevine in high school wrestling. It was around 2003 and I was hitting the open mats in Southern California. To high school wrestlers across the nation, Cael was God. Omnipotent. The story essentially said that he had a tough match once, and he came back the next time and her beat the shit out of the dude. Cool.

The part that always stood out to me wasn't that he nearly lost once and came back better, it was his initial reaction to having a close match. Legend has it, that he immediately went over to his coach and said, "I never want to have a close match again in my life," (or some shit like that) and then he trained his ass off.

That may or may not have happened, but the impression left on me was obvious. He set an expectation for himself, and was humble enough to recognize he was still not there. He understood that his destiny was in his own hands, and worked hard to earn it. Eventually, Sanderson earned that shit; he earned his NCAA legacy, his Olympic Gold medal, and his status as the greatest wrestling Coach in Penn State history.

I remember watching Real Pro Wrestling and seeing him in a commercial for a wrestling dummy. He did a fuck-load of shots on it, looked exhausted, and did some more. The message being that he works harder than the other guy, but hard work is not unique to Cael Sanderson. American wrestlers work hard. All of the aforementioned GOATs worked hard. Fortitude is not an exception in wrestling; fortitude is the standard.

But that is what makes Coach Cael so unique, it is how much of a cliché he is. It may sound disparaging, but it's not. Coach Cael is a cliché, because he lives up to every ideal of wrestling.

I'm not saying anything new. He told you so here. He tells you exactly why wrestling is more than a sport. He explains that it is an experience that prepares one for life. It lets you know things are going to be unfair. It lets you know you can only control yourself, and that thinking outside the box is a better road to success than complaining. Most importantly, it lets you know that hard work pays off. Cliché.

At its best, America is a place where innovation, fortitude, competitiveness, and altruism flourish. His ankle-pick game was innovative. His wars with Lee Fullhart showed his Fortitude. His Olympic gold exemplified his dominance. The success of his athletes is a testament to his altruism. I guess what I'm saying is that Coach Sanderson is American as Fuck and that's why he's a cliché.

I find Sanderson's best representation of himself (and thus the sport and the country) here. It was after finishing 5th in the world in 2011. There was controversy about fairness, but you never heard him say it. Some calls were questionable, but not to him. He focused on what could be done better. He understood that calls are tough and that sometimes Freestyle scoring can get chaotic.  You can see the disappointment, but not the petty anger of "what could have been?" You see acceptance. He is not shaken by his failure. It clearly hurts, but he accepts it.

But then a kid from Fresno by the name of Jake Varner is brought up. Jake is one of his athletes, and at the time, a future gold medalist. That day, he took 3rd at that same tournament. Suddenly you see a new side to Coach Sanderson. Vulnerability. He can't help it. He's so proud. He is proud that he was a part of his wrestler's story. He was proud of being part of a greater narrative. That's America at its best- a greater narrative than one's self. Wrestling is bigger than any individual glory, even though individual glory drives the spirit of this sport.

There can only be one winner; every time the whistle blows- one person eventually loses. Your job is to make sure it's the other guy with his head down by the end of it. But at the end, we are expected to shake the opponent’s hand regardless. The unwritten rule being that you accept the truth and you don't complain. You just work harder. You go back to your teammates, and you help each other improve for the next one. Hopefully, you win, and your small individual glory is added to the greater glory of your school or your nation. Carry yourself well, or potentially stain the legacy of your team.

Everyone lives up to this spirit as best they can. We all fall short in one way or another, but we tend to aim at its truth. We shake hands to start; we shake hands to end. We work to accomplish our own goals, and in the process help those around us. In this way, Coach Cael represents the best of the American spirit in the sport of wrestling.

There are a lot of ways we can argue who was the best. The metric is always arbitrary, and the conclusions are always delusional. But one thing is for sure- Cael Sanderson was the best the United States had to offer at 84Kg in 2011. He placed 5th in the world that year, and we should all stand taller for it.

The Machine and the Key to Jiu Jitsu

Long Beach is fucking dope. Everywhere. Dope. It feels good to be there. Everything. Like God is smiling at you. Like you figured everything out. I don't mean that figuratively. When the weather is shit in Orange County, Long Beach shines. When LA beaches and cities are cloudy; there is a good chance Long Beach is partying in sunlight. Everyone is happy to be alive.

These are the kinds of places where Jiu Jitsu thrives, and Long Beach is where Eddie Martinez opened a Jiu Jitsu club. I met my wife at his club actually. In the early 2000's. Love at first triangle. It was so awesome. UFC fights at Brian's, and Longo d'arcing the fuck out of everyone. It hurt great. Both the neck and the liver at times, and it is where I learned the key to Jiu Jitsu.

"If you're trying hard; you're doing it wrong."

simple.

That's it. That's the secret. so simple.

But we fight that shit. Through all our training, through all our moments of understanding, we fight that shit. I think it's because of our fear.

Fear makes us panic, and panic leads to disaster. It's almost stupid to point out. We all know it, and we've all felt it. The force and the exhaustion.

It's cliché at this point, we know it's true. Yet how often do we find ourselves forcing things. Making things happen rather than letting them happen?

Be honest. All those moments that you found yourself wondering "What to do next?" Getting yourself from one trap to the next. Fucking up at every step. How often did you follow the logic? Follow the feeling?

There's no answer really. The logic leads to its own problems, and feelings do too. But the key to Jiu Jitsu is not to make things happen. It's to let things happen.

That's what Eddie said, and it made sense to me.

I would say that the Jiu Jitsu journey is defined by the understanding of this principle.

I happened to learn it as a white belt while listening to a purple belt explain the basic butterfly sweep (a move I didn't get until I reached purple belt and started actually doing what he said instead of trying to Ryu-back-throw my opponent).

Jiu Jitsu is creating the situations- where positions happen. Whether by choice or not. It is both  creating and reacting at the same time. It's weird.

The complexity of it is what draws us to it. Those that fail to see what it is- don't last. Those that accept it are put on a fascinating journey.

That day in Long Beach, Eddie explained the whole thing in such simple words. "If you're trying hard; you're doing it wrong." Of course.

That does not mean there are never situations that call for trying hard. Rather, it means that there are situations that we can create through our actions and reactions that call for trying hard to be efficient and beneficial. Afterall, if Eddie ever had the neck of his opponent in his grasp, or an opponent beginning to wilt, he absolutely tried hard to put his man away.

They called him "The Machine" once in the South Bay. One of Bob Bass's boys. He's a proud father now, but still one of Bob Bass's boys. And he taught me the key to Jiu Jitsu, and I am forever grateful.

Understanding the Narrative: Kamar Usman Vs Colby Covington

Few fights come around that really embody the socio-political atmosphere of the time. Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling and Larry Holmes vs James Cooney come to mind. The fights carried the geopolitical and racial tensions of the nation respectively. Another example is when Jack Johnson won his Heavyweight title in Australia. That night he fought for more than just his pride. In the eyes of African-Americans at the time he was fighting for their validation. The upcoming title fight between Kamal Usman and Colby Covington seems to fall in the same category as those classic heavyweight scraps. The difference being that the boxers who fought in those matches did not put themselves in the positions they found themselves in. The "Black vs White" or "America vs Nazi Germany" narrative were thrusted upon them. In the case of Usman vs Covington however, the two fighters are more than happy to proclaim themselves as champions of their sects. Knights going into battle for the honor and pride of their respective houses. Usman, representing the immigrant struggle and Covington the MAGA American resentful resentful of losing his country.

This is not a commentary on the validity of Convington's character, nor is it a criticism of conservatism in America. Instead, I hope to bring a historical context to a fight that represents much more than just two men looking for fight immortality. The UFC will sell the fight, Dana will promote it, and the fans will tune in. But the fight will also be a reflection of today's socio-political environment; much like the boxing matches mentioned above. At no point will the UFC forthright state, "this represents a fight between immigrant Americans and white nativists!", but it will be an underlying narrative that has come around before. By no means does that mean that Covington himself is a white nativist, but it does mean that white nativists will be cheering for Covington. And fuck it, they should. 

Race and ethnicity have always been part of the appeal of combat sports. It is of no surprise that my favorite boxers were Mexicans, and white folk have every right to support their guy. Just like black America put so much of its identity and pride in the bravado of Jack Johnson, the bravery of Muhammad Ali, and the perfection of Floyd Mayweather- so should angry white dudes back Colby.

The beauty of MMA lies in the multifaceted perspectives in which fans can appreciate a fighter. I often find myself cheering against Mexican or American fighters when they face Jiu Jitsu practitioners. I can cheer for Usman as an immigrant, I can cheer for Ronda as an outsider, I can cheer for BJ Penn as a Jiu Jitsu fighter, and Matt Hughes as a wrestler. Personality goes a long way as well. I love Clay Guida for being a Lebowski fan, I love the Diaz brothers for being stoners, and I love Jon Fitch for his blue-collar work ethic. Though this also applied to the days of boxing, MMA gives fans a lot more reasons to support fighters.

However, in this specific fight the dominant narrative will be that of MAGA vs liberalism, and I think that's okay. No matter what side one chooses, it is undeniable that the narrative is intriguing. At a time when the nation is so divided among cultural and political lines, it will be refreshing to see those angst play out within the confines of the Octagon. Better there than on the streets of Charlottesville.

The Digital Renaissance: How ADCC 2019 Marks the Start of Media Independence

On September 29th, 2019, the Abu Dhabi Combat Club put on the most watched, hyped, and successful event in the organization’s history. This was thanks to the countless hours of dedication put in by the staff, athletes, and even the fans. Afterall, it was grappling fans that created the demand for such a well-run and visually appealing product. Grappling finally saw the most prestigious prize in submission grappling have its due respect. The public asked for unparalleled access to the athletes competing-and Flograppling delivered. The public demanded a spectacle worthy of the crown it represented- Seth Daniels and the F2W crew delivered. The public expected drama, action, and dope shit from the best grapplers in the world-and the competitors delivered. The event showcased the best grappling had to offer to an audience long ignored by mainstream media outlets. An event like ADCC would be laughed out of the offices of NBC or CBS. Under the old media guard, there was zero chance of watching live grappling without being there. But that was then, and this is now. Today, we are living in the age of a digital renaissance; it started on September 29th, 2019.

ADCC 2019 is a bigger moment than what was witnessed that night in Anaheim. The event itself was the perfect combination of fantastic production and well executed buildup. The tiny little jiu jitsu community that spreads across continents and languages was brought together for one weekend. Though dedicated and growing, the global bjj community was not worth the effort of major sports coverage, nor is the community large enough for major media outlets to air it. Simply put, Fox, NBC, and ESPN weren’t buying what ADCC was selling.

In the 20th century, the inability to get on a major channel meant limited growth and exposure, but the 21st century says fuck that noise. ADCC’s success represents the freedom the internet can afford creative people. It is a moment in time so perfectly placed that it seems imagined. By every account, the event was a staggering success. Promoters, staff, athletes, and fans all shared a common elation with how well the event went. A hungry audience got what it wanted without going through a cable provider or even a network approval board. This is the beauty of the modern renaissance- the old way of doing things is gone. Dead are the days of needing approval from a bunch of network executives to put out content. Creative artists are free to take control of their own content. They can choose to partner with like minded thinkers to produce quality content for an audience desperate to be served.

In the 1950’s the music industry abided by the payola standard of distribution. Record labels would bribe DJs and stations to play their songs more often and give positive reviews. The radio stations held such a tight grip on what went out on their airways that the artists had no choice but to comply. Fortunately, the internet has shifted the power balance. Now the artist has many available avenues to present his or her content to an ever-growing audience. Technology has uprooted a path to exposure that was deeply established in mainstream society. 

In the coming years technology will continue to disrupt long established institutions and redefine the way in which consumers get their content. To try and predict how that will go exactly is asinine, but the trick is not to know what’s coming- it’s how to move with change as it arises. This is where jiu jitsu is the key to the future. It teaches us to adapt to change, to move with it, and to capitalize on it. 

The digital renaissance is only getting started, ADCC gave us a glimpse of where future online media can go. Those with a vision can now let their passions manifest without restriction or influence from the major media establishment. That is not to say that ADCC 2019 is perfect and went on without issues, but the gorgeous reality of living through a renaissance is that nothing is dogmatic- anything can change on a whim. The crew at ADCC and Flo do not need to be perfect today, because they have shown that they will only continue to get better. They do not live in the world of network television where conventional wisdom says “don’t rock the boat”. Instead those at Flo and ADCC live in the real world- a world where change is the only constant, where adaptation is inevitable, and traditional authority has less and less power. 

The artists of the 21st century will find meaning in knowing their creation can be as true to their visions as they choose. There is unprecedented access to consumers today, and creative people need only reach out and present their projects. As automation slowly replaces workers, those without jobs may find refuge in knowing they can build a following and create content for those willing to consume it. And as ADCC 2019 showcased, with enough hard work and dedication, artists of the future can create monumental moments for eager audiences around the world.

The Great Guard Hope: Can Tony Ferguson deal with Khabib's pressure game?

155 is completely fucked. There are three guys walking around with championship belts, and a backlog of contenders crowding at the gates waiting for their shot at the title. Meanwhile the division's biggest star is undecided about returning, and won't do it unless everything is right for him. It is therefore unclear what match-ups will and won't happen. But if the MMA gods are fair, I hope they grant us Ferguson vs Khabib.

This fight has been promised before, and each time a freak accident derailed what was sure to be a classic. Sure, the fight would be a fun one to watch. It has all the right ingredients: neither guy gets tired, both are well rounded, both rely on attacks and steadily breaking opponents. All that adds up to a "Fight of the Night" bonus for both guys, and maybe even be a "Fight of the Year" candidate. That the fight will likely be fireworks is without question, but the real intrigue about this fight is How will Tony fare off his back? 

The guard in MMA has lost a little luster over the years. Some have argued that its lack of appreciation by the judges that has caused the guard to all but disappear in MMA. I've read articles saying Jiu Jitsu's progression into a specialized sport rather than a martial art based on self-defense is why many decorated Jiu Jitsu fighters struggle in the cage. The Unified Rules of MMA may even bear some of the blame, but the fact remains that fighting from the guard is not a preferred place to be in Mixed Martial Arts.

There are a number of fighters that prove me wrong in this instance, but for the most part MMA fighters don't like the guard. Fighters focus more on avoiding the takedowns in the first place, or getting back up by wall-walking whenever they land on their back. But then there is Khabib Nurmagomedov. There is no avoiding the takedown; there is no wall walking. This strategy has been tried 27 times; it has failed 27 times.

But Tony is different. Tony's relentless offense style is what makes him a fan favorite inside the Octagon. He attacks with kicks, punches, elbows, knees, forearms, and is never afraid to open up. That same style doesn't end when the fight goes to the ground either. Time after time Tony has shown he is more than a wrestler-turned-striker. A fantastic finisher, Ferguson is happy to end the fight by either knockout or submission.

This offensive-heavy style got him in trouble many times in the past, both in striking and grappling. He's been dropped multiple times in fights. Against Kevin Lee he wound up mounted, and against Danny Castillo he found himself defending a side choke at the final bell. Still, Kevin Lee got triangled and Castillo was forced to play defense throughout the majority of the fight. Typical Tony Ferguson- offense at the risk of defeat.

Ferguson's hips allow him to take the risks he takes when on the ground. When fighters find themselves in dominant positions against him, they rarely mount any offense. Kevin Lee had the mount and landed decent shots, but nothing of real consequence while Tony recovered his guard. Josh Thomson, a tremendous grappler, found little success from the top position. Ferguson's offense keeps fighters on the defense, and his ability to recover and immediately mount his attack is taxing for anyone on top. Tony will give up position, but trying to keep position on him has proven to be exhausting and so far, futile. 

The question is, can Tony afford to give position to Khabib? Will he have to be more defensive against such an exceptionally dominant wrestler? Or will Tony utilize this style to wear down the Russian?  I don't know, but whether for a belt or not, I hope one day to gladly tune in to the ESPN app and find out.