Eric Hodge (on top) dominates Marcus Peloquin from Edmonton to record his first win at a recent jiu jitsu tournament in Calgary. Brad Simmonds – Imanari Photography
A former long haul trucker turned jiu-jitsu fighter has won his first match, which has compelled him to train even harder for his next battle.
Eric Hodge got his first taste of victory in Calgary recently in a competition hosted by the Canadian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.
Hodge won the five-minute match 4-2, winning with two sweeps.
Hodge, a white belt, was ecstatic because his goal going into the competition was to win a match.
Unfortunately, the match went the entire five minutes, and he had nothing left for the two remaining matches, which he lost by submission (chokes).
“It’s the first time I went a five-minute round. I was so focused that everything happened so fast. I didn’t know I won until it was over.”
The 44-year-old knows that he has to improve his conditioning if he’s going to reach his next goal – a medal in Abbotsford on June 13.
Hodge trains in Penticton two or three times a week, focusing as much on his mental game as his strength.
“It’s like a chess game – that (strategy) is what makes it interesting.”
Hodge tries to control his opponent and pressure him into making a mistake, which he then capitalizes on.
“The ultimate goal is submission (force your opponent to tap out).”
Hodge said some fighters don’t want to give up to a submission and soon find themselves going “night-night,” also known as losing consciousness.
Hodge first started fighting in the medium heavyweight division (194 pounds), but he slimmed down to 180 pounds in order to compete in the middleweight division.
“Since dropping my weight I’ve improved my speed and cardio . . . I’m lighter and faster.”
Hodge will have to be all that and more next month in the Abbotsford tournament.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Eric Hodge (on top) dominates Marcus Peloquin from Edmonton to record his first win at a recent jiu jitsu tournament in Calgary.
Brad Simmonds – Imanari Photography
