This shoot was a ton of fun ! I have never shot at Downtown Disney before but I loved the colors and the movement of people. We were able to find a lot of great light and even some cool settings to be in. Richard is the brother of a former bride that I photographed and both he and Laura were great and fun to spend time with. Their wedding is June 13 in the LA Area.
Author Archive for pesh
Here is a sneak peek of a recent engagement session. It was a great day to shoot - even though it had rained of the 3 or 4 prior days !!
This past weekend there was a special class that was only for the women. Since Heather has been training lately, this was right up her alley. Many of them showed up in their pink GB Gis (Heather being one of them) to train hard and learn more. Heather is getting MUCH better at sprawling and is getting better at sinking in a killer armbar from her closed guard. Afterwards, they all enjoyed a a nice breakfast of fruit, yogurt, juices and some bagels. The training was really great to see but the family-like gathering of all the women was a VERY COOL site. They do not know it but these ladies are helping to pioneer this great art, they are the future… FOR REAL !
One last thing… Here is a shot that Jordan took of Grace… he asked me to entertain her while he nailed this ! He is getting good!
This past weekend we were hanging out at Gracie Barra Irvine for a special class and I took a few of the family…
Tonight’s training was more about me learning. I was asked to teach the fundamentals class. I felt that I started off a little rocky but picked it up after teaching the first technique. Jordan recorded me so that I could review it afterward. He even offered some constructive criticism. Now, In my daily job when I speak with my prospects, I pull it off well. I have internalized the content and am concise. I can get as detailed as I need but I can convey the message in a nice tightly wrapped presentation. In teaching BJJ, I still don’t have everything fully internalized so it leads to me saying…. “um”. That is my pause-word of choice 
Jordan picked up on that and when I looked at the video, I counted 9 “um”s in the portion he was referring to. Note …um… to self …um…, silence is …um… ok sometimes….
All in all, I liked the class. We went over the guillotine choke and scape, and worked on attacking from the back with the 2-collar choke. I learn a lot when I share what I know, it is true that if you teach once, you learn twice.
It was also a special night as I was able to promote my first student. Michelle was my first promotion, she now has her first stripe on her white belt… I’ll never forget you Michelle !
So I will keep taking the opportunities to teach whenever possible and next time I will focus on removing my pause-words
After seeing a facebook post that my friend Mike was going to be promoted, I HAD to run over to GB America to photograph. It is not often that the photographer is photographed, so I thought it would be fun… besides, I had to drop off a camera body and a lens to Canon in Irvine At the end of class, as is customary, Mike was presented his new rank to the applause of his classmates and training partners. I know he was excited an I could see that he was happy. Here are some shots of him training before and after his promotion. For some of you that do not know, Mike is an AWESOME photographer and guy. He is someone that I look up to in the business world of photography. You can see his work and learn more about him here (http://mikecolon.com/)
Learning from Professor Marcio Feitosa
Practicing the 2 Collar Choke
Rolling with a Purple Belt
Locking in a Triangle Choke
Looking to sink a Cross Choke from Mount
Transitioning to a technical mount, working towards an Armbar
Beautiful 2 Collar Choke
Awaiting it’s new proud owner
Promotion
Mike with Professors Ulpiano, Marcus and Marcio
His first training as a Blue Belt
Rolling with Brown Belt Anna Laura
Oh Brother (That’s his brother, another GB Blue Belt)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEEY !!!
Today was special for a couple of reasons:
- Ashleey is able to vote
- She is able to buy lottery tickets and actually WIN the money
- She can enlist in the Military
- She can vote
- She can be tried in the courts as an adult (not a real benefit…)
- She can drive
- She got a car
She looked so excited when everyone piled out of the house to the driveway where she was presented her new classic Cadillac Coupe de Ville. She stood stunned and after hugging her mom, she repeated “This is my car !!” over and over. She was truly surprised, happy and thankful. Enjoy your new ride Ashleey !
And of course I had to snap some of the kids and family