Next Edge Academy of Martial Arts

Tomorrow I'm getting an early start for a drive to Next Edge Academy in Sioux Falls, SD for a Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros seminar. This was originally going to be the Rigan Machado seminar, but he was forced to cancel due to an injury. Bruce Hoyer did some scrambling and was able to replace Rigan with Rodrigo. Comprido has competed at every world championship and is one of only four fighters to have ever won the Absolute World Champion back to back. He is a seven time World Champion.

One of my goals for the upcoming year is to take part in as many learning opportunities as I can. I'm getting to the point in my training where I feel like I need to step outside the confines of the dojo and broaden my perspective. When I first decided to do this, I wondered what Shihan would think about me doing this. I sat down with him the other day and talked with him to find out what his thoughts were.

Shihan put all my concerns to rest and let me know he supported what I was planning and even encouraged me to do so. He said it would be good to see first-hand what's out there. So with his blessing, the journey begins.

I'll have a full report when I get back.