Emergency Valentines Day Gift Guide

It's February 13th, one day before Valentines day.

Quick, do you know what you are giving your wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend?

Yes, most WhiteCollarBJJ readers are married, so we know the importance of getting this day right, but it doesn't mean we actually get it right.

So, let's start off with the basics for my time starved readers.

1. Buy a card, preferably one that is actually addressed to your intended Recipient. Grandma Haz still talks about the "Happy Valentines to my favorite Aunt" card that she received from a well meaning family member who shall remain nameless.


2. Be smart with the flowers, if you know your wife/girlfriend loves flowers, more isn't always best. Trust me when I tell you that while she'll appreciate the dozen roses, you wallet won't and it won't get the effect your looking for. Instead look for something different, something more specific to her. Want a sneak peek at the Hazmat buying plan? Get an Orchid. Much like the afore mentioned "Spanish Inquisition", no one expects the Orchid.

Orchids, simple but effective.

3. Take a night off of training. Yes, I know, "but it's training!", that's the magic, showing how much you appreciate her by taking a night off will pay dividends.

Now, for those of you who don't mind dropping a hint, here's a few great gift ideas FOR the grapplers in your life (here's to hoping Mrs Hazmat reads this!)

1. Gift cards say more than flowers ever could. Quick, go to BudoVideos.com and get a gift card for your Valentine. Quite simply it says, "I love you and don't mind that you like to watch fight footage and instructionals, in fact, I encourage it!"

hint..hint..

2. Are they Internet savvy? If you are reading this there's a good chance your significant other is an avid WhiteCollarBJJ reader, making them a very astute Internet user. This makes a premium account at GrapplersGuide.com a simple and fast gift that is sure to pay dividends later. Just don't be mad if they stay up late doing research!

3. Let them take in training on another night this week. Yes, I know they gave up training for you on Valentines day, which makes them smart and thoughtful, but you can return the favor by letting them train on a day normally reserved for family time. It's simple, but will be appreciated.

Well, there's precious time left, so send this to your significant other, and stop wasting time you've got a card to get!

Good Luck!

-hz

Grappler's Gift Guide

Ok all you last minute Holiday shoppers out there, here's a quick list of gift ideas for that BJJ/Submission grappling/MMA athlete in your life (in no particular order).

1. Clothes - If your athlete is rolling no Gi they'll need something to train in.To me the rash guard is to me the perfect MMA/BJJ shirt. Now sure you can go to the mall and get a grossly overpriced Underarmour shirt, but.. here at WhiteCollarBJJ I recommend a small web only mail order shop... WetEffect.com. WetEffect's rash guards are very impressive, easily strong enough to take the most aggressive of rollers, plus their prices are steller, $20.99 for a long sleeve rash guard? unheard of. Next, MMA shorts or Fight wear is grossly overpriced, however the guy over at Truth Fightwear puts out some of the highest quality lowest priced shorts on the market. Check them out, very simple, clean, and above all high quality.

2. Instructionals - I really don't know anyone 100% happy with their game, we are all looking for something to add, learn, evolve, and try out. So why not add another instructional to your athlete's shelf? It's hard to know which one they need though....answer... I recommend Budovideos.com. Great prices, amazing selection, any grappler would gladly accept a Budovideos.com Gift card.

3. First Aid - Yes, I know, it's cheesy, but I personally go through athletic tape like water. I've got a buddy who gets Matburn better than any one I know (now that's something to be proud of!). I know another guy whose ears swell up like watermelons after a hard roll. So, when in doubt, most grapplers could use: Athletic Tape, New Skin, Ear Guards

4. Reading Material - So you are laid up with an injury? Stuck visiting in-laws over the holidays, no chance to train? It's late at night and you can't sleep? Time to get some reading material. Here's a few suggestions from my training shelf, basically anything from Victory Belt, those guys produce top quality BJJ/MMA/Submission Grappling material. Some of my favs...

Mastering the Rubber Guard, Mastering the Twister - Eddie Bravo - Like him or hate him, Eddie's got a very well put together game, enjoy the full glossy photos and laid back commentary.

Mixed Martial Arts: The book of Knowledge - BJ Penn - Amazing photos, very clean, I could spend hours pouring over the material.

Any other ideas? Comment here and let your significant others know, there's still a week left.

Shop Smart!

-hz

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