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Mark Cox's Chatsworth Karate launched their Brazilian Jui Jitsu program last week. I've been interested in learning BJJ for a while, so I was really excited to get back from my vacation to discover it was underway. I jumped in this week, and had a blast.

The instructor, Christian, is incredible. Amazing teacher, and really moves you through. I'm already building up my ability to disconnect that "thrash and panic" instinct and instead work the technique.

I still suck, of course. But that will change.

The word is that the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga programs will also have homes in Moorpark and Simi Valley, so I'll have plenty of options when it comes to picking classes. I'll probably stick to Chatsworth (it's a great crowd there), but being closer to home might be convenient. More teachers and different atmospheres are always good for you, so I'll be bouncing around and trying to get the most out of every class.

What's interesting to me is to see how BJJ and Krav are completely different. Krav is about self defense. I take it to learn to fight, and that's why it's fun: I love knowing that I can ruin your day with an elbow to the temple. BJJ is a sport, and it's fun for completely different reasons: competition, learning, accomplishment.

So I've ordered my gi, and I'll be stretching even more than I usually do. Right now, it's after every cardio session, so maybe twice a week. I'll have to make it every day for a while if I want to open these hips up.

And the great thing: BJJ is right after Krav, so I'm getting everything I want just by adding another hour to my workout. Very, very cool. I don't have to commit to another night of training: just double the training on the nights I do go. (Which is fine with me: just an hour just doesn't tire me out like it used to!)

When I got into climbing, I thought it was the best workout ever. I was sore in my figers, forearms, back, abs, and feet.

When I got into Krav, I thought it was the best workout ever. I was sore in my abs, shoulders, chest, and hips.

And now that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is kicking my ass, I have to say that its the best workout yet. I'm learning drills and warm-ups that I'll use for the rest of my life. I'm sore everywhere: neck, shoulders, back, arms, abs, hips, legs (quads and hams), calves, and even the bottoms of my feet.

This is going to be fun.