Training Log: Entry 166

Boxing class
Warm-up
Shadowbox (1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2-3-4)
Weighted Shadowboxing
PT
Glove up on bags
1s around bag
2s around bag
1-2 around bag
1-1-2 around bag
1-2-3-slip-2
1-2-3-slip-slip-3-2
Sheesh, a whole lot of combos.  Can't remember them all. 

Ab work

Note: My punches are getting harder on the bag.  My form is
improving.  Hands are staying up.  Must work on keeping on my
toes.  Great workout.  Cardio always improving.

Training Log: Entry 165

Another boxing class
Warm-up, Jump rope
Shadowbox
Shadowbox with weights
1-2s with weights
Put on the gloves
1-2 around the bag
1-2-3s around the bag
1-2-3-4s around the bag
1-2-3-2
4-3-2
4-3-2-1-2
1-2s  and then 4 strong hooks
Partner up
1-2 slip 1-2
40 fast straights on a shield, 40 hooks and 40 uppercuts on a bagX3
2X1minute rounds 100% power shots
Ab work

Notes:
I realized today just how awful my footwork is.  I made a focus to
get a strong bounce and stay on my toes.  Conversation of energy
is one thing, being a statue is another.   Must work on that
Cardio is back.  I remember what it's like to be a cardio monster.  I don't wanna lose this.
Gotta keep that left hand up.

Follow partner around and combo on shield, followed up with 100 straights

Training Log: Entry 164

Humbling experience at the gym today.  Sparred two rounds. 
Discovered my weakness to range.  Need to learn how to
sidestep.  Need to stop being the aggressor against taller
fighters.

Little fuzzy on the details.  I was told to work the body and fire
few headshots.  My problem is, I internalized that as "fire NO
headshots", and wrecked my game.

I chased, went for the bodyblows, he belted me with jabs playing the
range game.  I'd take 3 for every 1 I'd land.  Took some
powerful blows to the head, and landed some weak shots to his
body.  Pretty much repeated this for two rounds.  At least
remembered that I can take a beating no problem.  My coach was
pretty amazed with that much at least.  Bled from my nose.  I
bleed too much.

Worked on lateral movement on the bag for 4 rounds.  Did some
PT.  Got in the ring again for some bodyboxing against a shorter
opponenet.  Found my range, lured him in, scored some shots. 
Fun exercise.  I like being taller =P

Attended a grapling class. 

Warm up
Shrimping, rolling, etc.
Worked the double leg takedown.  My wrestling was rusty, but after
a few shots found it again.  Shooting with my right leg forward
was awkward, so I did left.  I fight with left forward anyway.

From doubleleg, worked guard pass.  I don't speak grapple, so it was something like
Hands on ribs
Center knee between legs
Stand up on toes, bring knee up between legs
Shoot other leg back to "get slim"
Step over with "slim" leg, trap leg between my two legs and press down on hip with elbow
Then it's work for a mount, slide shin over hip, and end up in side mount

I'm clueless.

Another basic guard pass, baseball slide

Left.

Total injur count:
Black eye, burns on face from gloves, cracked toenail from grappling.

Training Log: Entry 163

Best lifting workout of  my life.  My back is finally feeling better, so I got to finally deadlift.

5X5 Bench
5X5 Deadlift
5X5 Clean and Jerk
5XFailure Pull-up
2XFailure close grip chin

Before someone asks "Why no squats"
1: That's how I hurt my back in the first place, so I wanna rest a lil more
2: No squat cage at home

Might do lunges next time, but I figure my legs are getting hit pretty well with the deadlift and clean and jerk.

No training for past 3 days.  Sparring tomorrow hopefully.

Training Log: Entry 162

First Muay Thai class in a while.

Warm up.  Stretch, push-ups, etc.

Partner up. 
Boxing exchange end with low right roundhouse.  Partner eats kick
15 kicks to each leg, partner eats kick
Boxing exchange, partner blocks kick, counter right roundhouse
Boxing exchange, partner blocks kick, counter left roundhouse
Grab kick shield, boxing exchange, leg check and 1-3 roundhouse kicks
25 roundhouse kicks with each leg
50 pushkicks on thaibag with both leg
2 sets of 40 crunches with partner on shins

Notes: Way out of my comfort zone.  Defense is awful.  Cardio
held up really well today.  Legs are killing me.  Can block
high roundhouse alright. 

Sparring didn't happen tonight, but I'm still plenty bruised.

Training Log: Entry 161

Finally got to spar again.  Breath of fresh air.  The beast is back.  I felt like I was 18 again.

Fought 4 rounds.  2 rounds, 2 different opponents.

First guy.  Stocky, had a gut.  6 months of boxing experience.
1st round:
Saw he wasn't protecting his gut.  Fired some bodyblows to
it.  He guarded his head well at first.  Took a few measuring
jabs at it, then powershotted it.  I still have the power to knock
a man several steps back by striking his guard.  I followed him up
off balance and fired some shots.  When he woudl get his footing,
he'd launch some powershot combos.  They'd rock me a little, but
I'd clinch most times.

2nd round:
Was told by the coach that I need to keep my hands up more and work the
body.  Fired more bodyblows.  Jab up top, cross down
below.  Cross up top, jab down below.  He opened up his face,
and I launched some jabs and crosses into him.  More of the first
round, but I sent him flying a lot more.  He kept blamming his
head gear.

Second guy.  Smaller, but way more fluid.  7 years of boxing experience.
I watched him spar beforehand, and learned his pattern.  He was a
fan of headmovement, and loved to pat the jab and counter punch. 
I landed a jab square in his face at full power to put a scare in
him.  I gave him a few jabs and got some counter punches. 
Learned my lesson, and started my combos off with a right hand over a
left hand.  Caught him real good.  I basically out muscled
him.  He had the technique to put me away, but couldn't deal with
my power.

Second round:
Figured out the pattern to his head movement.  Abused it.  He
liked to duck low after two jabs, expecting the cross followup.  I
jabbed twice, uppercutted, hooked.  Threw another combo that
started with a cross.  He backed up into the corner thinking he
could counterpunch when I charged.  I threw a two punch and
avoided his hook.  I started to get winded from a bodyblow he
threw at somepoint, but kept going strong.  Hit him hard enough to
knock his headgear loose.  End of the round.

Goddamn it's great to spar again.  My cardio held up pretty
well.  Still need to work on defense.  Still need to work the
hook/uppercut more.  Still can't outfight.  Still have those
powershots that I loved.  My old strategy came back today. 
I'm hooked again.

Edit: Remember to circle left.

Training Log: Entry 160

No one showed up to the Muay Thai class, so I hopped into the boxing class.

Warm up
Shadowboxing with weights (Straights first, then hooks, then uppercuts)
Some PT
Put on the gloves
1
1-1
1-1-1
1-2
1-2-3
1-2-3-3
1-2-3-4
1-1-1-power2
1-2-power3
Two low hooks, two med hooks, two high hooks
4-4-3-3

10 jumping jacks, sprint to heavy bag, 40 straights, 20 hooks, 20 uppercuts (repeat 3 times)
50 straights on kickpad, sprint to bag 40 uppercuts (repeat 3 times)
Partner-up, 1-2 slip a 1-2
Ab/weight work

Sheesh, looking at it on paper is bad enough.  Monster of a
workout.  Good conditioning.  Shoudlers are killing me. 
Have yet to step into the weight room.

Training Log: Entry 159

Another boxing class under my belt

Warm-up
Weighted shadowboxing with combo of 1-1-1-4-3 and 1-1-1-4-bob-bob-3-2
(Note: those combinations were the major focus of the class)
Some PT
Put on gloves.  Drill combos with partners using boxing gloves as mitts
Drill both combos on heavy bag
Freestyle on heavybag while inserting these combos
Drill combos on kickshields
PT to finish

Throughout the whole day the occasional set of push-ups, squats, lunges, etc

Great workout.  Came back sweating buckets.  Cardio is still awful, but I'm keeping my hands up well.

Training Log: Entry 158

Pain in lower back comes and goes.  Resting more.

Finally stepped back into the MMA gym.  Had my first real boxing lesson in about 6 months.

Warm-up (stretches and such)
W/O gloves
Work 1-2 combos
Work 1-2-3
Work 1-2-3-4
Weighted 1-2s
Weighted uppercuts
Weighted upward punches
Two laps around gym throwing 1-2

W/Gloves on bag
Jabs around bag
1-2 step left 1-2 step right
1-2s in place
Work hooks on both sides
1-2-3-3
Uppercuts
1-2-1-2-1-1-2
1-2-1-2-1-1-2-3-2-3
A little more...it's all a blur

W/O gloves
Weighted 1-2s
Weighted uppercuts
Weighted up punches
Weighted arm circles (30/30)
Lunge side lateral raise
Squat front lateral raise
2 laps around gym weighted 1-2s
Medicine ball french press
30 second squat holding medicine ball out in front
Ab stuff (bicycle crunch, 90 degree crunch, leg lifts, etc)

Throughout the whole thing was some random lunges, squats, and push-ups.  No real biggie there.

Notes:
Was able to hold out on most of the muscular endurance stuff.
Lowerback was aching on ab stuff
Cardio is a mess.  Need more fuel in gas tank.
Solid class.  Great workout.  Looking forward to my next one.

Training Log: Entry 157

Lower back is still bugging me, but the pain has moved lower due to poor posture.  Have taken it light on exercise.  No squats today, just leg press, leg curl, leg extension, calf raise, and maybe lunge.

Can't wait to start training.

First MMA club meeting was a bust.  People forgot.  Need to crack some skulls.

Training Log: Entry 156

Completed a 10 minute swim in my class today.  Managed 28
laps.  Not too bad.  One length is 25m.  4 more than my
last swim.

Things are looking good for Winter training.  Will be able to
train 7 days a week if I so choose.  Boxing, Muay Thai, and Jits.

Training Log: Entry 155

Injured my lower back doing squats.  Pulled muscles.  Nothing
major, I just don't like missing the workout.  Got to do 3 sets of
squats, one set of lunges, and one set of leg extensions.  At
least enough to let my legs know they're still there.

Personal entry:

I tend to do these only once a year, but I had to post this because its so awesome.



Much thanks to my friend Adam.

Training Log: Entry 154

Currently at 190-191lbs.  Stronger than ever.  Here are pics.











Went to another kickboxing class.  The instructor didn't show, so I lead.

Warm-up 2 minutes of Jumprope
Jab-cross-jab-cross-hook-hook-uppercut-uppercut-elbow-elbow-knee-front-side-round-front-side-round

Double kick drills with both sides

Skip rope

Shadowboxing with weight

Pyramid roundhouses up to 10

Burn outs

Kick the bags across the room

Abs

Training Log: Entry 153

Took one week off of lifting. 

Reaggrivated wrist injury after having it just heal.  Sucks.

My MMA club is now official.  Hopefully will hold the first meeting in the next week.

 

Training Log: Entry 152

Another kickboxing class.

Skipped rope for warm up

Jab-cross-jab-cross-left hook-right hook-left uppercut-right
uppercut-left elbow-right elbow-spin backfist-left knee-front
kick-front kick-side kick-side kick-roundhouse-sidekick-roundhouse

Done with both left and right lead

Burn outs for 5 minutes with gloves
Burn outs for 3 minutes without gloves

Pyramiding up to 10 for both sides of roundhouse
Alternate leg roundhouse
Another really long combo...I forget.

Throw in some jumprope and ab work along with some squat kicks.

Notes: Great workout.  Was ready to puke
Good way to focus on keeping hands up.  Love all the mirrors
Regrettably, have to fix my own mistakes as instructor isn't too concerned with form
Fewer cuts on hands.  Form is improving.

Training Log: Entry 151

Gaining great strength benefits from current program.

Cleaned up my diet.  Less fried foods, more salads and wholesome
sanwhiches.  Feels good to be heatlthy.  Losing bodyfat as a
result.  Looking bigger as a result.  Weight is decreasing,
but most likely its fat, not muscle.

Training Log: Entry 150

Went to a Crapboxing class today.  Crapboxing is like kickboxing, except it sucks awful.

This was some McDojo Indonesian martial arts studio that I had mocked previously on campus.  I knew I was in for a laugh when I saw it.

"Drills" (I use the word lightly)

Cardio crap at the start.  Combination between a Capo ginga and boxing jab-cross-hook-uppercut combos

Ginga+front kick, round kick, side kick (all TKD style)

After "learning" these techniques (by learn I mean mimcing) we tried them out on kicking large bags (ala TKD class).

4 stations.  2 front kick.  1 roundkick.  1 sidekick.

They had one fat man and 3 old ladies holding pads.  The fat man tried to bring me down on my sidekick, and I almost killed two of the ladies.  One held the pad frontways for a roundkick, and I promptly kicked her shoulder.  I apolgoized, and she didn't correct herself.  I was told to "be nice" for the second holder.  How am I supposed to progress if I kick light?

Some chick behind me was mocking how I hissed when I struck.  I confronted her after class.  She buckled and gave me a BS excuse.

After pad work, we did some basic calestentics and stretching.  They did a hardsell for their club.  I did my best not to laugh.  Total class length of 45 minutes.

Notes:
Holy Christ this club sucks. If you are in the Portland area, do NOT check out Tulene martial arts
I wanted to spar the instructors, but no go
The on campus MA clubs are way better...and that's a statement
MCDOJO!

 

I'd like to congratulate myself on my 150th post.

Training Log: Entry 149

Attended American Kickboxing class

Intro:
Greeted instructor.  Announced my desire to participate. 
When told to get some wraps, I produced my own.  After the crowd
gathered, drills started.

First drill:
On standing bag
Jab-cross-jab-cross-left hook-right hook-left uppercut-right
uppercut-left elbow-right elbow-left knee-front
kick-sidekick-roundkick-switch stance roundkick
Then repeat with left foot lead (previous was right foot lead)

Second Drill:
On standing bag
Jab-cross-jab-cross-left hook-right hook--left uppercutright
uppercut-spin backfist-front
kick-sidekick-3Xroundkick-front
kick-sidekick-3Xroundkickswitch stance roundkick
Then repeat with left foot lead

Third drill:
On standing bag
Burnouts.  Jab-cross as hard/fast as possible with good form.

Fourth drill:
On standing bag.  Tie a jump rope and stretch it from about chest height.  Jab-cross-bob/weave-jab-cross

Fifth drill:
On standing bag.
Pyramid roundhouse kicks.  1-10.  Switch legs.

Sixth drill:
On standing bag
from a squat-stand-front kick-squat-stand other leg front kick-squat
repeat with roundkick

After that, did some conditioning.  Mainly abs.

Notes:
Instructor has no problem with me doing things the Muay Thai way (ala
my roundhouses, elbows, and knees) rather than the KB way. 
Good workout.  INstructor is lax on correcting technique, but there are mirrors everywhere.
Mainly female crowd. 
Hands torn from improper punching form.

Was major fun.

Training Log: Entry 148

Taking an American Kickboxing class tomorrow.  Should improve my
handgame somewhat, although may possible wreck my already broken kick
game.  Oh well.  No real loss there.  'sides, the
workout will be good.  Sadly, no sparring.  My kingdom for a
sparring partner.

MMA club is almost official.

Training Log: Entry 147

Attended another TKD class.

Went over same old stuff.

Learned some funky spearhand/slap block.  Somehow we're supposed to stop a block with a slap.

Sparring, bag hitting, all that jazz.  I and the other student are way better at keeping our hands up than the frickin' instructor.  Pitiful.

Wrist is still bugging me.

Fun lifting day.  Did traps, forearms, neck, and concentration curls.  Not really a part of my routine, but was bored.

Personal Entry:

Just like last year, new halloween pic.



For those who can't figure it out
Marv from "Sin City" standing next to Crysta from "Fern Gully"

This costume was just about as easy as last year's Punisher.

Training Log: Entry 146

New weight training program is kicking my butt.  I like it. 
Replaced cleans with deadlifts in similar fashion of bench/squats
(can't do cleans in my gym, and hafta use a EZ bar for deadies). 
Have a persistant wrist injury that is annoying my lifting.  Can't
do push-ups very well on it, but lifts are ok.  I hope it's
getting better.

Happy 20th Birthday to myself.

Traning Log: Entry 145

Someone posted a new routine online that looks pretty fun

Pull Day
Pull Ups 5xfailure
Pulldowns 3x10
Dumbbell Rows 4x8
Upright Rows 4x8
Hammer Curls 4x8
Cleans 3x5


Push Day
Bench 10,8,6,4,3x3
Incline Bench 4x5
Military Press 4x8
Pushdowns 3x10
Dips 3xfailure


Leg Day
Squats 10,8,6,4,3x3
Lunges 4x10 each leg
Leg Curls 3x10
Leg Extensions 3x10
Calf Raises 3x10
Squat Jumps 1xfailure

Gonna modify it a little bit, but it looks like a pretty grovy change from what I've been doing.

Training Log: Entry 144

San Diego throwdown/sambo leg lock seminar results

Left ankle is killing me.  Possible minor sprain.  No
biggie.  Learned a lot of cool crap.  Got to work ankle
locks, heel hooks, and knee bars.  Definitely a fan of the heel
hook.  Lots of cool set-ups.

Suspicions confirmed: I fight much better from a boxing stance than a
Muay Thai one.  I also do better with wrestling shoes than
barefoot.  This didn't save me from getting an old fashioned ass
kicking from an old fashioned Kenpo guy.  Now need to work on
1: Being less aggressive.  Aggression is good, controlled
aggression is better.  I'm getting killed by counter punchers.
2: Not leading with my head.
3: Working away from a predictable pattern.
4: Finding my range.

Did get to make good use of front leg roundhouse kicks and spin
sidekicks.  Used some push-kicks.  My opponent was more or
less stationary, waiting for me to strike.
Got to tap a few folks with a headcrank that I made up on the spot.  Fun.


Still dropping that hand a little bit.  Still need to tuck my chin.



Picture of us all.  Dig me sporting the wrestling shoes.

Training Log: Entry 143

Back injury mostly healed.  Steady diet of motrin, bed rest,
water, and comfort foods.  Was able to do bench day.  Never
felt stronger in my life.  Benched 295 like it was nothing. 
Back injury kept me from cheating any of the reps.  Ensured good
form.

Found out the MMA guy at my school is my weight and only 1 inch taller
than me.  We need to spar.  He wants to learn some
striking.  He's mainly a grappler.  I'll probably get
dominated, but I'd love to box him.

MMA club is still in progress.

Training Log: Entry 142

Obtained back injury from deadlift day.  Hindered mobility.  Hurts.  Rest and medicine.  Hopefully will be better by Wed.

Played football over the weekend.  Got in a few hits.  Wanted to try some takedowns, but didn't have an opportunity.

Fight soon.

Training Log: Entry 141

Went from teaching girlfriend the rear nake choke to rolling with her.  Currently instructed her in
Armbar
Kimura
Gullitine
RNC
Achilles lock

There is of course a substantial weight difference, but it's helping teach me how to not muscle my techniques.

Training Log: Entry 140

Taught my girlfriend the rear naked choke.  She can do it better
than me.  I'm proud of her.  Also proud that I know how to
teach it.

Found an actual MMA guy at my school.  Am in the process of recruiting him.

Training log: Entry 139

Cleaning up my diet.  Less fried food.  Metabolism has kicked up as a result.  Damn I'm hungry.

Down to a trim 196lbs.  Begin maintenence phase.

Starting a MMA club on campus.  Should be just the thing I need.  So far have:
2 former high school wrestlers (one former all state)
1 ex-Army ranger trained in the basics of BJJ
1 BJJ/Kyokushin student
1 Kajukenbo student
1 person I trained last year (refer to training log)

Will be recruiting more hopefully.  Lotsa variety with this crew.

Training Log: Entry 138

Another TKD class

Went over the same stuff, different day

"Learned":
Twin upset punch

I was contemplating the application of the twin upset punch in the
clinch before I realized that it was basically a double uppercut with
no defending hand.  I'll stick to the uppercut.

Sparring.  Destroyed the brownbelt.  She didn't get a single
attack off.  However, I played her game for a little bit. 
Stupid.  Can't slip back into this stuff.  Spent too long
trying to break these bad habits.

Sparred the assistant instructor blackbelt again.  Kicked him in
the balls twice when he was attempting a high kick on me.  Ended
up shoving him into a couple of rowing machines.  All of this
being "non-contact" of course.  I realized today that he wasn't
sparring to help me as a senior should (leaving openings, attacking
generoulsy, etc), but was instead sparring to beat me.  He does
the same with all junior students.  He has an ego problem.

Did some suicide sprints.  Felt good.  Need to do more.  Need to get cardio up for throwdown on 15 Oct 05.

Must have fight.  Been too long.

Training Log: Entry 137

Another TKD class under my belt.

Went over: Same stuff, same pattern, same jumpcrap.

"Learned":
Inner forearm block

Got "corrected" on having my backleg bent when it's "supposed" to be
straight.  He said "I think you're trying to push the punch too
much".  I thought to myself "I think I'm trying not to get my ass
takendown and destroyed in a fight"

Got to rock the heavybag.  Fun exercise.  Hit it hard and
fast as possible for 30 seconds.  Essentially HIIT heavybag. 
The blackbelt assistant instructor has bad spacing.  The brownbelt
has awful cardio, timing, and spacing.  Neither of them can keep
their hands up.  I did my best to show them real punching. 
My roundkicks were weird mutated versions of the Thai and TKD
roundkick.  Didn't even bother with hook kicks.  An
occasional front or side.  Threw in a few elbows and hooks as an
accident.  Can't let on that I know more.  Was complimented
on my speed.  Had to laugh.  Everyone always said I move too
slow.

Sparring right afterwards.  I was gassing.  Played the
defense game for a few kicks, then went too hard.  Forgot it was
"non-contact".  Heavybag put me in the wrong mood.  The
assistant instructor has been talking smack anyways about how he thinks
we're "evenly matched" and he could prevail in a fight.  Sent him
a message today.

Brown belt still has an attitude problem.  Working on it.  Abused her with boxing today.

Been brought to my attention that the lesson plan is suffering due
to my presence.  Apparently instruction has shifted from teaching
the new people to showing me up.  Regrettable. 

Training log: Entry 136

No sparring.  Kaju backed out.  Predictable.  I've been dogging him for years over a match.

Weights were tricky again.  I think my program wasn't well
written.  Oh well.  Can bench 300lbs for almost 2 reps. 
Definitely an improvement.

Training Log: Entry 135

Finally received whey protein through mail.  Cutting officiall begins.  No more using weight gainer as post lifting shake.

Experimentation with spin back/sidekick in bagwork is frustrating, but at the same time rewarding.  I used to rag on spinkicks, but this might be a nifty little tool to have in my arsenal.  Might attempt a few other things from TKD. 

First day of new lifting program had mixed results.  On straight legged deadlifts, I couldn't pick up the weight after adding 25%.  Two potential reasons:
1: The program wasn't designed with the idea of lifting near 400lbs on a lift (resulting in an addition of 100lbs when adding 25%)
2: The smith machine creates an inaccurate representation of weight placed on it through the use of pulleys

Either way, I'm going to be cautious on bench/squat days.  Might even get a spotter.  All other lifts went well.

Sparring tomorrow.  Should go well.

Training Log: Entry 134

Another TKD session under my belt.  Same old stuff.  Only new thing was introduction of spin sidekick and jump spin sidekick.  I kind of like spin-sidekick.  I'm contemplating being able to add it.  It's been used effectively as of recently in other MMA venues.  Will see.

Sparred assistant instructor.  He criticized my roundkick saying I wasn't hitting with the right part (he wants me to hit with the ball of the foot rather than the shin/instep).  I told him MT made my shins pretty hard.  He said it's okay now.

He talks smack about me behind my back.  Tells people he "Got a few good shots in on me" in sparring.  I'd kill to give him a few good shots, but must restrain myself.  Maintaining humility is getting difficult.  Still, I'm having fun, and working on some basic stuff like keeping my hands up and flexibility.

Current lifting numbers:

Deadlift day:
Narrow stance deadlift: 2X6@380
Wide stance deadlift: 3X8@360
Romainian deadlift: 2X8@205
Seated cable row: 2X8@250 (full stack)
Bent over row: 2X10@155
Lat pulldown: 2X10@170-180
E-Z bar curl: 2X10@100
Dummbbell hammer curl: 2X12@35-40

Note: for narrow and wide stance, I can only do smith machine straight legged deadlifts due to restrictions in gym.  Sucks.

Squat day:
Deep Squats: 3X6@235
Narrow stance squats: 2X8@235-245
Wide stance squats: 2X8@235
Leg curl heavy: 2X8@170 (full stack)
Leg press: 3X12@350
Leg curl light: 2X10@160
Standing Calf raise: at least 2X10@370 (still haven't found my limit on it)
Seated calf raise: 2X12@110

Bench day:
Bench: 3X6@275-280
Narrow grip: 1X10@225
Wide grip: 1X10@225
Incline Dumbbell press: 3X8@80 per arm
Dips: 3X10@bodyweight
Pec dec: 2X10@150
Skull crusher (machine): 2X10@170
Tricep pull down: 2X12@115-130

Also doing some forearm exercises and stuff for traps, but it's not part of the routine.  Also doing bodyweight stuff on my off days.  Have done 4 weeks of this.  New routine will be the same format, but increase heavy lifts by 25%, and supporting lifts by 15% 

Training Log: Entry 133

Have attended 2 TKD sessions.  They are kinda garbled in my head.

Went over same old stuff.

"Learned":
Outer knifehand strike
Double knifehand block
Outer forearm block
Double forearm block
All of Chon Ji Hyung

Have started "sparring".  Sparring is "non-contact sparring",
which is a contridiction of terms.  Be that as it may, I'm still
schooling this group.  The thai leg shield block ruins their day
on all kicks, and they aren't used to exhanging hands.  However,
they get away with a lot of pansy crap due to non-contact, and I feel
myself hit with a barrage of flick kicks and limp wristed backfists
while they retreat.  I shrug it off, but apparently I'm
"losing".  Still, it's fun being a no belt and messing with the
higher ranks.  One of the brown belts has an attitude
problem.  I'm fixing it.

Have a sparring session with a 6'2 Kajukenbo fighter.  He's
rustier than the Titanic (his last sparring match was against me, 2
years ago), out of shape, and poor skillset, but damnit he at least
wants to hit hard.

Apparently there's another hidden MMAer on my campus.  Must find him.  Must have fight.

Sambo seminar 15 Oct 05.  Sparring too.  Joy.

Training Log: Entry 132

End bulk phase.  Total weight of 202.

Pics












Compare with me at 192lbs









And just to be funny, me at 155



Am at week 4 of strength training program.  Will post maxes at end of week.

Training Log: Entry 131

Another TKD class

Went over everything from before in a similar way.  Still hate jump kicks.

"Learned":
Double knifehand block
Knifehand strike
High punch
Backfist
Highblock
Second half of Chon Ji Hyung

Got to rock the heavybag again.  This time practicing individual techniques on the heavybag in front of the class.  I'm fairly confident that my roundkick and frontkick were stronger than the instructor's (even though I'm using the TKD roundkick instead of my favored MT).  The instructor has a good sidekick though.  He doesn't keep his damn hands up either.  This whole entire class just needs one boxing lesson to set 'em straight.  They don't breathe well either.

Training Log: Entry 130

Second TKD class. 

Did some drills.  Forward and backward.  Nothing noteworthy.

Went over:
Front punch
Low block
Middle block
Roundkick
Sidekick
Hook Kick
Front kick

"Learned":
Upset knifehand
Outerforearm block
Backleg varities of all four kicks
Jumping varities of all four kicks
Jumping backleg variety of all four kicks
First half on Chon Ji Hyung (First form)

Did some combinations work with partners. 

Pulled my right oblique kicking too high.

Personal Notes: Jump kicks are asinine.  Even when I was in TKD, I
didn't do them because I thought they were stupid.  Needless to
say, my standing form on these kicks are decent, but can't even land
decent jump kicks.  Might help my jump power/flexibility to get
it.  There is not a single fighter at this school.  No one
can keep their damn hands up.  Their cardio is awful.  There
is no power in their techniques.  I just gotta bite my tongue
though.  I keep fighting like a boxer though.  Wonder how
long they'll take before they crack down on me.

Got to rock the heavybag in class.  It was kinda funny.

Bulk goes well.  Arms are at 16" cold.  Maybe cut soon.

Training Log: Entry 129

Week 1: 183.5
Week 2: 194
Week 3: 201
Week 4: 199

Seems my body is stablizing now.  Odds are it was a waterweight
issue.  Either way, have begun using weight gainer product for
this week of bulking.  Will note results as follows.

Training Log: Entry 128

Have adjusted bagwork yet again.

1X3 shadowboxing
1X3 shadow muay thai from boxing stance
1X3 shadow MMA from boxing stance
1X3 no glove heavybag boxing
1X3 no glove heavybag MT from boxing stance
1X3 no glove MMA from boxing stance
1X3 gloved boxing
1X3 gloved MT from boxing stance
1X3 gloved MMA from boxing stance

Noticing considerable increase in punching power now that I fight from boxing stance.  Power is still less so when doing MT/MMA than pure boxing, but better than when I fought in MT stance.  Able to shoot/defend takedowns better as well.

Have attended 1 TKD class so far.  Currently went over
Front stance
Side stance
Straight punch from front stance
Straight punch from side stance
Front kick from side stance
Roundkick from side stance
Sidekick from side stance
Hook kick from side stance
Low block from front stance
Middle block from side stance

Done some drills.  Basic stuff.  Forward and backward.  I am not confessing my previous TKD experience while attending these lessons, and instead ranked at white belt with others.  I still do my best to help out after class away from instructors.  Wondering how long I can keep playing dumb.  Also wonder if I'll ever get to do some real sparring.

Weight update either tomorrow or monday.  Look like I'm losing weight.  Getting hard to keep bulking.

Training Log: Entry 127

Week 1: 183.5
Week 2: 194
Week 3: 201

This is riduculous.  I have never gained so much weight so
quickly.  I'm hoping some of it is muscle.  I attribute the
rapid weight gain to a few factors.  First of all, water retention
from creatine.  Secondly, start of bulking phase.  Thirdly,
getting back to the weight room after a month.  I'm bigger than I
was to begin with.  I may cut my bulking period short at this
point and just go for one more week as opposed to one more month.

Looks like I'll be joining the local TKD club for classes twice a
week.  Non-contact sparring.  Must avoid bad habbits. 
Hoping it will teach me some balance and flexibility.  If nothing
else, I'll mess up some point sparrers.

Training Log: Entry 126

Stepped on a real scale today.  Weighed in at 194.  Reason to believe
1: My scale at home is not accurate
2: I am retaining water from creatine.

Possibly a combination of these factors.

I realized I was not taking enough creatine during my first cycle with
it.  My scoop was not a teaspoon.  At most, it was half of
one.  Lets see if things will be different now.

First day of lifting in a month.  Was amazed with how much
strength I still had.  Was deadlift day.  Things are going
smooth.  Will post my routine after a full week.

Training Log: Entry 125

Official weigh in at 183.5 with slacks on.  Not too bad. 
Bought weight gainer and creatine monohydrate today.  First time
using a weight gainer.  Hopefully good results.  Made sure to
buy one low in sugar.

Have had this training log for over a year now.  Hit the
anniversary during Field Training.  It's been a fun ride, and so
many things have changed in just one year.  I'll be starting my
new routine and focus in a few days when I get back to school.

Training Log: Entry 124

Back from field training.  Lost a bit of weight.  Some of it
muscle.  Will do official weigh in tomorrow.  Cardio is high,
strength is low, endurance is lower.  Not enough proper PT. 
Diet was horrible, yet more clean than I was used to.  Will be
starting a bulk when I get back to school.  Contemplating using
weight gainer.

Training Log: Entry 123

Maxed out on bench tonight.  Still at 300, but did it without a
spotter with an injured shoulder.  Leads me to believe I could do
more.

Went running in 95 degree heat.  I'm ready for FT.  Conditioned.

And since I've brought it up, will depart on the 27th, and be gone for 4 weeks.

Training Log: Entry 122

Been eating like crap as of recently to put on weight before FT. 
I'll get there fat, but I'm probably going to lose a lot.  After I
get back, gonna bulk again.

Subluxed my shoulder last night.  It's been damaged from work.  Rested and iced it.

Sparred with my bro.  I think I need to use less power in my
shots.  I was making him stagger a lot.  He's still a novice,
need to let him learn.

Training Log: Entry 121

Pulled a muscle around my shin today jogging.  Cut my run short.  Must remember to stretch properly.

Calfs are looking small.  New program will fix that.

Maxed out on chin-ups the other day post back workout.  Managed 20.  Old number was 12-15.  Laddering works.

Sparred my bro for a hard 6 rounds.  Need to remember that he
needs to learn.  He's hitting hard enough now that I find myself
trying to "win" rather than teach.  Still, showed him some holes
in his guard, and got him to counter punch.

Trying out a new boxing stance.  Seems to work pretty well. 
Instead of "peek a boo", I fight from a more traditional stance with my
lead hand forward.  I'm starting to think I can sacrafice some
defense for offensive speed.

Found out my scale has  been off for the past month or so.  I'm not 183, I'm 187.5 with pants.

Push up workout was a little screwy tonight.  Did them shortly
after sparring.  Gassed out early on, so made up for it in later
sets

Set 1: 100
Set 2: 70
Set 3: 50
Set 4: 40
Set 5: 30
Set 6: 25+10 knee

Total Push-ups:  315+10 knee

Came to the realization while resting for my last set that I could push
beyond failure by dropping to knee push-ups after failing at
traditional push-ups.  Must remember to utilize this in the future.

Training Log: Entry 120

Got a Playstation 2 eyetoy today after wowing a crowd at comic con
doing Eyetoy boxing.  Fun cardio.  Helps me keep relaxed when
shadowboxing as well.

Training Log: Enty 119

Finally feeling creatine effects in all manner of physical
activity.  Have broken past all platueaus on all lifts.  Feel
really strong.  I think I will make creatine a regular part of my
workout, if not at least cycle it during times of plateaus.

Will be implementing a new lifting program after field training.  It will go as such

Sun or Mon

Narrow-stance dl 3X6 weeks 1-4, 3X3 weeks 5-8*
Wide-stance dl 2X8 weeks 1-4, 2X4 weeks 5-8*
Box dl 2X8 weeks 1-4, 2X4 weeks 5-8*
seated cable rows 2X8 weeks 1-4, 2X4 weeks 5-8*
bent-over barbell row 2X10 weeks 1-4, 2X5 weeks 5-8*
lat pulldown 2X10 weeks 1-4, 2X7 weeks 5-8+
standing barbell curl 2X10 weeks 1-4, 2X7 weeks 5-8+
seated dumbbell curl 2X12 weeks 1-4, 2X8 weeks 5-8+

Wed

Bench Press 3X6, 3X3*
Close-grip bench 1X8, 1X4*
wide-grip bench 1X8, 1X4*
incline dumbbell press 3X8, 3X4*
dip 3X10, 3X5*
pec-dec/cable flye 2X10, 2X7^
skull crusher 2X10, 2X7^
tricep pressdown 2X12, 2X8^

Thur

Deep squat 3X6, 3X3*
Narrow-stance squat 2X8, 2X4*
wide-stance squat 2X8, 2X4*
lying leg curl (heavy) 4X8, 4X4*
leg press 3X12, 3X6*
lying leg curl (light) 2X10, 2X7^
standing calf raise 2X10, 2X7^
seated calf raise 2X12, 2X8^

*increase by 25%
^increase by 15%

One deadlifts, alternate wide and narrow stance each workout.

Will still be implementing bodyweight training on off days.  Got
this out of Muscle and Fitness.  It's not the best powerlifting
program in regards to getting high numbers on primary lifts, but it
should give me strength in general, which is my whole purpose to
lifting.

Contemplating a style shift next semester.  Still want to
strike.  Kyokushin is appealing when mixed with boxing, but the
main problem is getting to train.

Training Log: Entry 118

Training experiment proves challenging and frustrating.  As I had
desired, my punching strength increased.  However, kicking had
become incredibly weak when combined with punches, mainly because my
heavybag is not set up well for this type of training (have side
supports on heavybag stand, roundhouse kicks at two close of a range
result in broken toes).  I also need to focus on keeping weight
light on front foot, so that I don't sacrafice mobility for punching
power.  Still, I want to go back to being a power puncher. 
This should be a welcome change.

Arms are extremely fatigued.  Combination of pull-ups and strenous day at work.

Training Log: Entry 117

Lost a lot of weight.  Down to 183.  Will need to bulk when I get back to school.

Cardio is incredible.  Was able to run bleachers for at least 9 minutes, without being seriously fatigued.

Pull-ups are still improving.  Must remember to max out at some point.

Will be attempting a training experiment.  Will re-adjust fighting
stance from Muay Thai to boxing.  Given that my punches just
aren't packing enough power from the Thai stance, that I'm more a
wrestler than a grappler, and that the only kicks I fire are low kicks,
I think this may benefit me.  Will see.

Training Log: Entry 116

Cardio is doing great.  Went for a jog without any serious fatigue, and felt my stride had increased.

Chest seems to be shrinking.  Maybe my imaginiation.  After lifting it's alright.

New push-ups count

Set 1: 100
Set 2: 85
Set 3: 60
Set 4: 35
Set 5: 35
Set 6: 15

Total push-up count: 330

Pushed to the point of vomiting during push-ups.  Possibly due to crappy pre-workout meal.

Training Log: Entry 115

Went to the throwdown.  Got a chance to train with a professional
fighter and training today.  Incredible learning experience. 
Got to work on Rear Naked Choke and my grappling in general.  He
said I was in great shape after showing me a medicine ball drill that
he couldn't even complete.  He also made fun of me for being a
wrestler and muscling all my techniques.

Don't remember all my matches.  I remember actually succeeding at
grappling using some sorta headcrank from mount.  Managed to keep
positioning way better than before.  A million times better than
last time.  Working bodyshots from in guard with elbows.

My cardio died early on.  Almost puked.  Once I got my
groove, things went better.  My boxing skills are still
bad...don't hit hard.  Did a great job with leg kicks against a
guy my height, and got clinch and knee really good.  Learned how
to improve it.

Took some good shots, but still have a good jaw.  Head is spinning now, but at the time, just shrugged them off.

Got to break out 16oz.  Opponenet had way too much height. 
Was tricky.  Got hit in the groin a lot.  It eventually
caught up to me, and I had to quit because of fatigue.

Sparred the instructor of the joint.  Him and I have a lil
semi-rivalry.  I actually managed to sit-up in his armbar attempt
(did that a lot today...no idea how/when/where I learned how to do it)
and get in his guard and slam him a few times (lots of slams today
too...love them too much).  We stood up and called it good.

Had a rematch with the guy who tapped me out twice last time.  My
ground game is still awful, but I at least reversed on him a few times
and landed some good shots to his head (including a great knee).

All in all, I walked away happy.

Training Log: Entry 114

Feeling creatine effects in lifting finally.  Could push much
harder during close grip bench.  Took a while, may have been
taking too small an amount before.

Got to practice axe kicks all day at work.  Had to break
boxes.  Technique is still good after years out of TKD. 
Wonder if I can actually apply it.

Training Log: Entry 113

Need to eat better.  My cardio was awful during bleacher
runs.  Would have puked, but there were workers around, and I
didn't want to make them clean it up.

Seeing improvement in my bodyweight leg workout.  Was able to
complete 3 full supersets of hindu squats and bootstrappers. 
Normally can only do 2.

Taught my bro clinch, clinch straight knee, clinch up knee, clinch cup
knee, and free standing straight knee.  Gave him a good drill.

Did 5X3 rounds of boxing sparring with bro.  Trying to help him
with his "panic" response, get him to stop opening himself up, and have
him search for openings.  I'm also working on my defense.  Making more use of overhand right. 
I'm glad to have a regular sparring partner, just wish I could hit
harder.  Still, this will help shake the ring rust before the
throwdown.

Need to lift more.  Work makes me resort to more bodyweight stuff
than lifting.  If nothing else though, bodyweight will be better
for FT.

Training Log: Entry 112

Finally seeing results from creatine in my chin-up/pull-up routine

Chin-ups
Set 1: 6 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 2: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 3: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 4: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 5: 3 laddering reps+1 failure

Pull-ups
Set 1: 4 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 2: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 3: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 4: 2 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 5: 2 laddering reps+1 failure

Commando Chin-ups: Right over left
Set 1: 4 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 2: 4 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 3: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 4: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 5: 3 laddering reps+1 failure

Left over right
Set 1: 4 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 2: 4 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 3: 4 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 4: 3 laddering reps+1 failure
Set 5: 3 laddering reps+1 failure

This an improvement of 1 more laddering rep per set

Went for long jog.  Heat killed me.  Thankfully South Dakota will be better.

Training Log: Enty 111

Bleachers were closed.  Ran 10:00 of stairs.  Like some mutated form of HIIT

Current Push-up routine
(Rest between sets 300 seconds)
Set 1: 100
Set 2: 80
Set 3: 55
Set 4: 30
Set 5: 30
(Rest between sets 90 seconds)
Set 1: Plyometric push-ups till failure
Set 2: Plyometric push-ups till failure

Played a short game of tennis with Mike.  Decent cardio, good for footwork.

Diet has been horrible since work started.

Fitness is through the damn roof.  I blame it on the creatine,
however the question is if it's the actual creatine that is causing it,
the fact that creatine leads me to drink more water so that I'm finally
properly hydrated, psychological effects of knowing I'm "on creatine",
finally being conscious of the fact that I have to push myself as hard
as possible to get results, or a combination of all factors.

Training Log: Enty 110

Ran bleachers for 8:30 today.  Could have gone for longer.  Will need to remember to push myself harder.

Training with my bro is getting better.  Him and I come from
similar martial backgrounds, so he has all the same bad habbits I
did.  I'm able to give him a ton of tips.  We sparred for 4
three minute rounds.  His cardio may suck, but at least he goes
all out.

I'm trying to correct him, while at the same time work on my defense.  So far, my slipping is getting better.

Working my bodyshots more.  Landed a very good short hook to my
bro's ribcage/stomach when he overextended on a right cross.  I
didn't intend to hit hard, but all the momentum took the wind
away.  For once, I'm starting to use angles.  I think
straight boxing rules sparring is just the thing I need to work on
technique.  Just need to avoid bad habbits.

Training Log: Entry 109


http://s32.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2PZ5D6HV109CM1U3UDMED9MAGN

Highlight video of me sparring.

Witnessed benefits of training.  Had to get cement today. 
Was able to move 90lb bags as though they were nothing.  Felt like
I could carry them all day.  Combination of both powerlifting and
endurance training.

Ran bleachers for 7.5 minutes.  Killed me.  Almost puked.  Great workout, need to do it more.

Push-ups workout was best in a long time

Set 1: 100
Set 2: 75
Set 3: 50
Set 4: 25
Set 5: 25

Possible creatine effects.

Training Log: Entry 108

Training my older bro in standup.  Have a sparring partner. 
New 16oz gloves are working great.  Finally slipped my first jab
in a sparring match.  Going slow with him will allow me to work
defense.

Training Log: Entry 107

Creatine effects are going well.  Incredibly intense bag training
session followed by decent run.  Longest cardio session in a long
while.  My body actually outlasted my cardio.  That's a first.

Have altered bag session as follows
2 rounds boxing shadowboxing
1 round Muay Thai shadowboxing
3 rounds bareknuckle boxing heavybag
3 rounds 4oz glove boxing heavybag
1 round of sets of 10 roundhouse kicks
1 round of alternating roundhouse kicks at leg, mid, and head level
1 round doublekick drills

1 round=3 min
Rest between rounds=30sec

Training Log: Entry 106

Regained weight from flu through dirty bulking

Retooled bag training.  Will be working kicks more.  Found out I can still roundhouse head height.

Creatine not really showing up during lifting, but effects definitely present during cardio.

Bought new 16oz gloves.  Should help sparring to provide for two people.

Training Log: Entry 105

Feeling creatine effects.  Went running for the first time in one month, and felt no muscle fatigue whatsoever.

Illness Update:

Lost 10lbs.  Frustrating as hell

Training Log: Entry 104

Caught a 24 hour flu.  No report on the weight damage yet,
although the 3 weeks off of cardio as a combination of ankle sprain and
my time in China may make it balance out.  Stopped creatine, will
restart loading phase tomorrow.  Obviously, no training
accomplished.

Training Log: Entry 103

Have introduced the supplement "Creatine Monohydrate" into my
routine.  I believe I have transgressed as far as I can naturally
without sacraficing on the productions possibilites curve as a
"natural" lifter (in reality, I coulda used this a year ago, but we'll
see).  I will update any significant changes.  First thing is
that my water intake will once again be through the roof.

Training Log: Entry 102

Begin Powerlifting: Phase 2

Have begun the second phase of the killer strength program on http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/david3.htm

Slight modifications is that instead of light chest day, I'll be doing
push-ups for muscular endurance.  I'm doing Chest day 1, Squats
day 3, and Deadie day 5 along with my standard muscular endurance
training.

Brother has asked for my fight instruction.  Should keep me occupied for a while.

Am attempting new training method.  Trying bodyweight abwork
everyday instead of every 3 days.  There are so many different
schools of thought on abs, I figured I'd attempt this.  Will not
be drinking a post lifting shake after ab work.

Injury: major ankle sprain from running.  Currently employing RICE
(Rest Ice Compression Elevation).  Hopefully will not set training
back to far.  Keeping my fingers crossed that I didn't injure my
stress fracture from last year. 

Training Log: Entry 101

Back from China.  Was actually able to hit the weightroom
everday.  Not every place had enough weights, so did some
bodybuilding and endurance training.  Tore open a callous on my
hand.  Did very little cardio.  Diet was crappy.  Will
update weight tomorrow.  Did some shadowboxing, no access to
heavybag.  Had a chance to actually train at the Wudang temple,
but things didn't workout.  There will be other chances though.

Starting powerlifting back up on Monday.

Training Log: Entry 100

Will be departing for China for 2 weeks.  Will probably not
update.  During said time, will be on a complete trainforstrength
program using workout2 every other day.  Will probably lose a lot
of weight.  Oh well.

100 entries in my training log.  I'm honestly impressed.

Training Log: Entry 99

Cutting update: 2 weeks
Bulk pics





Cutting Pics







Good thing I don't bodybuild...I'm so lacking.

Still, cut progress goes well.  Lost 5lbs...that's about as far as I wanna go.

Training Log: Entry 98

Weight is down to a trim 185.  Lighter than I want, but I'll just bulk when I get back to school. 

Got a workout buddy.  He keeps quiet, doesn't joke around, wants
to progress.  It also is a good way to kill time in between
sets.  Hope he progresses. 

May join a gym.  We'll see.

Training Log: Entry 97

http://politiquote.com/~camus/emevasvcamus.WMV

http://politiquote.com/~camus/emevasvcamus2.WMV

http://politiquote.com/~camus/emevasvcsinca.WMV

http://politiquote.com/~camus/emevasvcsinca2.WMV

Clips from the other throwdown.  Painfully obvious I need more ground experience.  I still panic and post. 

Striking is cleaning up a little bit though, and I at least move more fluidly.

Training Log: Entry 96

Did sprints at the high school track.  Much better for knee. 
Went twice as long as last time with very minimal pain.  Will make
a habit out of it.  Sprints feel better than bike.

Training Log: Entry 95

Tried some sprinting HIIT.  Left knee is still bugging me. 
Really wish I could rehab it.  I'm just gonna try a gradual
approach.

Training Log: Entry 94

New schedule worked out

Day 1:
15-30 minutes bike HIIT
Chest day lifting
    Bench 3X4@85%
    Close grip bench 4X10
    Incline dumbbell press 4X6
    Dips 3X10
    Seated shoulder press 3X8

Day 2:
10 rounds heavybag
30-60 mins jogging
Chin-up day
    4 sets laddering pull-ups
    4 sets laddering chin-ups
    2 sets laddering commando chin-ups
    2 sets laddering commando chin-ups opposite hand placement

Day 3:
15-30 minutes bike HIIT
Leg day
    4 sets weighted lunges (walking my driveway)
    4X10 weighted calf raises
    3X10 verticle jumps
    2X10 jump tucks
    3X10 box jumps
    3X10 drop jumps
    Weighted crunches

Day 4:
10 rounds heavybag
30-60 minutes jogging
Push-up day
    4 sets of max reps.  Rest 300 seconds between sets

Day 5:
15-30 minutes HIIT
Back day
    Deadlift 3X4@85%
    Shrugs 4X10
    Bent over rows 1X10, 1X8, 2X6
    "Chainsaws"3X8
    1 arm standing dumbbell rows 3X8

Day 6:
Either rest or heavybag

Day 7:
30-60 minutes jogging
BWE leg/ab day
    Shootfighter squats/bootstrappers 4X25
    Siscors 1X10
    4X25 flutterkicks
    3X15 full range crunches
    3X30 crunches/twist crunches
    4X25 seated flutterkicks
    1X10 atomic sit-ups

Am at my comfortable bodyfat level.  Hope to not lose too much more weight.

Training Log: Entry 93

Went to throwdown.  Was not on my A-game.  I did alright
rolling at first, but just got dominated by everyone.  Had a bad
morning, rushed, just wasn't feeling it, they were bigger, excuse
excuse =P

Got a cut above the eyebrow from a headbutt.  Cut things short.  Here's a pic for your enjoyment.



Took some film.  Can't upload.  Will watch and see any mistakes.  Think I made a lot.

Training Log: Non training entry

Just for a means of comparrison:



Ages 17, 18, and 19 respectively

Training Log: Entry 92

Bulk pictures.  This is with 4 days of cutting.









Will hopefully post more in 1-2 weeks

Training log: Entry 91

Cut phase going extremely well.  Cardio gradually building
up.  Already lost protruding stomach.  Now must work on
muscular definition.  Will hopefully have pictures soon.

Semester evalutation:
Am a sprawl and brawler.  No use denying it.  Wrestling game
me some good positioning, but my submission skills are severly
lacking.  GnP might work in FC events, but in sparring and limited
striking tourines (ala: Pankration) it ain't happening.  Until they day comes about that I get into some real FC events, I
gotta just stay on my feet.  Thankfully, my striking (though ugly)
seems to do the trick.

Speaking of striking: Need to work on integrating kick and punch game,
rather than making them seperate entities.  Also need to become
more confident in kicks in general.  When shit hits the fan, I'm a
boxer/wrestler, as displayed by my tourny performance.  It gets me
by, but I'd prefer more.  Knees seem to be doing the trick
though.  Elbows non-existant: no one spars with them.

Boxing improved amazingly.  Video evidence showed me all my
holes.  Now making sure to bring hands back after punching. 
Also learned that the reason my left hand dropped instead of my right
after the "correction" was that during shadowboxing/bagwork I only
throw 2 punches instead of 3+.  I was used to a "1-2" combo,
meaning I could return my right hand just fine, but would drop my left
hand in anticipation of my "3" whenever attempting anything else. 
Hoping I fixed that.  Video will show.

Really wish I could be back in wrestling, but as it stands, just gotta rely on what I got.  Greco would be awesome.

Have to find a new school.  I scoped out a new boxing and MMA
place close by my college, but would need to see if it had a working
schedule.  Transportation would be geat.  Old place got way
too big way too fast.

Or, I may go a new route.  San Shou would be cool.  Maybe
some Judo.  Might even go the cheap/free route and join my schools
American Kickboxing club.

In regards to physical fitness: Started powerlifting.  Got
hooked.  Long rest times are a killer though.  Remember to
bring a book.  Got my bench back up to it's old number even with
injuries constantly setting me back.  Will need to struggle to
find a new way to get by without a squat rack while I'm at home. 
Lack of olympic weights sucks as well.

Added on 10ish pounds during bulking phase.  Am now around 20lbs
heavier than when I started the blog (numbers may be off. 
Originally took weight with crappy electronic scale).  Cutting
phase is a go. 

And of course, results: Still going great at throwdowns, and even
managed to score a win at a pankration tournament, so I know I'm not
all bad (especially given I had about 0 sub knowledge at the time, so
won with wrestling and striking).  Can only hope to improve from
here.

Miller-out.

Training Log: Entry 90

Begin cut phase. 

Am home.  No high carb food available, so starting cutting
phase.  Whey protein will be my stable breakfast, followed by
extensive low carb/high protein diet.  Very much like what I was
eating at the start of log.

Cardio will be as follows.
"On days"-30 minutes HIIT in morning after breakfast, Bag work in afternoon/evening
"Off days" 1 hour of jogging in afternoon, bagwork in evening.

Need to devise a new lifting program for next week.  Will finish off powerlifting split with weights available.

End of school semester.  More time to train.  Will write post semester evaluation as per last time.

Training Log: Entry 89

Week 1: 182lbs
Week 2: 184lbs
Week 3: 186.5lbs
Week 4: 188lbs
Week 5: 189lbs
Week 6: 190lbs
Week 7: 191lbs

Recently tested out max on bench.  Back up to 300.  Though no gains were made, this was my first time accomplishing this on an olympic bar, and was after a series of shoulder injuries through out the year that marred my training progress (total of 2 more subluxations and a bunch of crunching and popping in grappling practice that would knock me out for a week), so I'm calling the powerlifting routine a success.  Have to devise a new routine soon.

Have one more week to meet my bulk goal of 195.  Don't think I'll make it in time, but I'll be pretty frickin' close.  Maybe it's a good thing I didn't gain so much weight at once.  Could mean not too much fat gained.  We'll see when I start cutting.

Training Log: Entry 88

Week 1: 182lbs
Week 2: 184lbs
Week 3: 186.5lbs
Week 4: 188lbs
Week 5: 189lbs
Week 6: 190lbs

Slowly but surely.  At this rate though, I won't reach my bulk goal in time, but oh well.  I have the rest of the summer to do so.  When I get home in a week though, I want to start cutting.  I miss cardio and training way too much.  Might bulk a little bit before fieldtraining because I can get away with it.

Watched some old sparring tapes frame by frame for fun.  Was actually impressed with my boxing combinations, and with the power in my punch, but my footwork is a mess.  More to work on.

Training Log: Entry 87

Week 1: 182lbs
Week 2: 184lbs
Week 3: 186.5lbs
Week 4: 188lbs
Week 5: 189lbs

Had a cold.  Reduced weight gain.  Should still be able to get to bulk weight before end of semester.  People are noticing my weight gain, asking my advice.

Possible chance to spar an all state wrestler.  Guy is pretty strong too.  Should be a good challenge.  I might need to outstrike, or perhaps beat him with sub knowledge.  For once, may not have strength advantage.  Will be good to be out of my element.

Training Log: Entry 86

Went to another Aikido class.  Lot of work on standing wrist locks.  Fun stuff.  Picked up some good principles on control.  Managed to help correct my training partners.  Seem to be picking this stuff up pretty well.  Chalk it up to previous experience.

Training Log: Entry 85

Milestone hit: Weighed in at 191lbs w/clothes on empty stomach this morning for ROTC.  Have never in my life seen 190 on the scale.  Was satisfying.  Will give official update later tonight when I can weigh in with PTs.

Back is healing.  Will continue muscular training today.

Training Log: Entry 84

Took a Physical Fitness Test with ROTC.  Scored a 90.75 out of 100.
Waist: 32.5
Push ups in 1 min: 83 (23 over max)
Sit ups in 1 min: 62 (12 over max)
1.5 mile run: 11:06

Need to work on run.  Waist won't be an issue after cutting.

Wrench my back during the PFT.  Will be off of lifting today.  Hurts to move.

Training Log: Entry 83

Went to an Aikido class yesterday.  Really cool stuff because it was essentially a one on one lesson.  Learned some stuff that actually seemed applicable to the submission grappling game.  Also helping the instructor find how well the stuff works "against a wrestler".  Learned "Tenshin Nage", Heaven and Earth throw.  Has a nice little subtle movement at first that I need to remember.  Also need to focus on footwork.

Everytime I go to the Aikdio class, I walk away impressed.  Extremely logical system.  I'm just curious how well I can apply this is a live environment.

I may be done training at my current MA school.  I think my contract has run out, and I won't be renewing.  Place fell apart while I was there.  Got too big too fast.  Still, learned a lot of valuable lessons.  Possibly learning Judo this summer, and might venture into San Shou when I get back.  We'll see how things go.  Future is still open.

Training Log: Entry 82

Screwed up left knee at PT.  Was doing Indian runs, and up until
the last sprint, everything was cool.  It's a nagging injury,
possibly from running with ankle weights when I was 16.  Still, it
had been a while since I've encountered it.  Rehab must be going
well.  Regrettably prevented me from doing much lifting today (leg
day), but all things considered, I'm f-in' happy that I actually got a
workout from AF PT for once in my life.  Cardio is still strong
despite inactivity. 

Training Log: Entry 81

Weight Update
Week 1: 182
Week 2: 184
Week 3: 186.5

Slow but steady.

Training Log: Entry 80

Shadowboxed in the rain.  Gym was closed today.  Muscles
became tired quickly.  Possible combination of not being used to
doing so many rounds of shadow (typically only 3) along with muscles
being cold and not being able to warm/losen up.  Drew attention of
local campus security.  They wanted to watch for a while.

Did BWEs instead of Powerlifting due to gym being closed.  Pisses me off.  Hate Catholic holidays.

Training Log: Entry 79

Push-ups suffered due to paranoia about shoulder.  Only did 80 before stopping.  Still felt a good burn.

Bulking is psychologically taxing.  Hard to eat so much without
the cardio.  Fear of reverting back to fat state of childhood, but
at least I know I have the will to burn it off this time.

Depression starting to affect training.  Losing will to eat and
exercise.  Hopefully once Easter passes, it'll be over. 
Otherwise, this log may come to an abrupt close.

Training Log: Entry 78

Shoulder still hurts, but I managed to lift still.  I figure light lifting is good rehab.

Official weight gained
Week 1: 182lbs in PTs
Week 2: 184lbs in PTs

Need to eat more.  Need to make eating a chore.

Training Log: Entry 77

Went to grappling class.  Worked on getting double underhooks from
head and arm and over/under, then worked on ground with "ketsa" (sp?)
and getting short and long branch, then worked on reversing it. 
Dislocated my shoulder during class.  This time, it didn't hurt at
all.  I didn't even know it was popped out until it slid back
in.  However, when my training partner cranked on the same
shoulder and I heard a lot of cracking and popping, I started getting
pain.  That's the second time he's injured me.  I hate
training partners like that.

Training Log: Entry 76

Results are in for new lifting program.  I've literally reached full body soreness.  Pecs, back, legs, traps, even obliques are killing me.  Unfortunately, made me skip bagwork because I didn't want to enforce poor form while training.  Still, program is good.

Training Log: Entry 75

Knee is too beat up to do a full squat workout.  Leg is gashed from desk.  In general, ability to walk is reduced.

Attempted high number of push-ups.  Could only do 200.  Need
to rebuild my muscular endurance on this exercise.  Hope to add at
least 10 per week.

Training Log: Entry 74

Went to my boxing class.  It was stuff I had done before, so not going to update.  Only real difference is that my partner was a southpaw, so it changed up drilling, but was a good learning experience.

 

First day of powerlifting went well.  Looking forward to rest of program.

Training Log: Entry 73

Start of a new training program.  First, will be on a bulking diet with a goal of reaching 195lbs bulked and cut down to 190.  Most recently weighed in at 182.5 on an empty stomach.  This will be a clean bulk: whole grains and pasta for carbs.  Will be stealing loafs of bread and bagels from the commons.

While bulking, will start an official powerlifting program while maintaining my muscular endurance training.  My week routine will be this.

Day 1: Bench Press

• Week 1: 60% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
  
  
• Week 2: 65% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
  
  
• Week 3: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
  
  
• Week 4: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
  
  
• Week 5: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
  
  
• Week 6: 85% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
  
  
• Week 7: 90% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep

Close-grip bench press - 4 sets 10 reps
Incline Bench Press - 4 sets 6 reps
Dips - 3 sets 10 reps
Dumbbell shoulder press - 4 sets 8 reps
Triceps Pushdown - 4 sets 8 reps

Day 2: Pull-up laddering

Day 3: Squats

• Week 1: 60% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
  
  
• Week 2: 65% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
  
  
• Week 3: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
  
  
• Week 4: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
  
  
• Week 5: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
  
  
• Week 6: 85% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
  
  
• Week 7: 90% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep

Barbell shrugs - 4 sets 10 reps
Leg Press - 4 sets 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
Wide stance smith squat - 3 sets 6 reps
Leg extension - 3 sets 10 reps
Leg curl - 3 sets 10 reps

Day 4: 1 set of max push-ups (deviating from previous muscular endurance training because I want to get my max up for field training)

Day 5: Deadlift

• Week 1: 60% of ORM for 3 sets of 8 reps
  
  
• Week 2: 65% of ORM for 3 sets of 6 reps
  
  
• Week 3: 70% of ORM for 3 sets of 5 reps
  
  
• Week 4: 75% of ORM for 3 sets of 4 reps
  
  
• Week 5: 80% of ORM for 3 sets of 3 reps
  
  
• Week 6: 85% of ORM for 2 sets of 2 reps
  
  
• Week 7: 90% of ORM for 1 set of 1 rep

Barbell shrugs - 4 sets 10 reps
Bent over rows - 4 sets 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
Seated rows - 3 sets 8 reps
Pulldowns in front - 3 sets 8 reps
One arm dumbbell rows - 3 sets 8 reps

Day 6: Rest

Day 7: Leg muscular endurance training (same as previously)

Powerlifting program from http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/david3.htm, muscular endurance training from www.trainforstrenth.com

I might take out week one and start at week two due to the fact that I only have 6 weeks of school left, but we'll see.

I will also be doing heavy cardio during this time.  Want to keep my gas tank up. 

End result should be a total body transformation.  I'm looking forward to it.

Personal Note: Body is thrashed from tournament.  Feels great at the same time though.  Can't wait till the next one.

Training Log: Entry 72

Walked away with a 1-2-0 MMA record. Finished 4th of 8. Not too bad for
my first tourney, 'specially without a coach in my corner =P

First
match I won on points. I had great positional dominance, and reversed
every single takedown the guy tried. I got some decent strikes on him
to. He landed one late illegal headshot and got a warning.

Second
match, I got mauled. This guy had age and experience on me, and it
showed. He rushed in, got the clinch, and fired knees. I kept catching
his knees, but wasn't fast enough on the takedown. He attempted to take
me down, but I stopped him, until he eventually reveresed my takedown.
He attempted to break my halfguard with strikes, but I held strong. I
even reversed him and got into his guard, but he somehow took my back
and got a RNC.

Third match I lost on points. Guy rushed in for
takedown and I reversed it, struck for points, stood up, he rushed
again, I stopped it, but he got me in the corner and got in my guard.
From there, I stalled badly, and that's where time drained. I needed to
be more active and scoring points. I kept attempting the guilltine, but
no luck. He got 3 illegal head shots, but the refs only saw 1. If we
were playing by the rules, I'd have won by DQ`=P

I'm happy. First tourney ever, and I scored a W.


Lessons Learned: Need more experience on bottom.  Need more
experience in general.  Need more submission knowledge. 
Takedown defense is tight as ever.  No head strikes is a
completely different experience.  All in all, good learning
enviornment.

Training Log: Entry 71

Worked on being on bottom.  Still have a non-active guard/being
mounted, but I can fight off submissions well based on arm
strength.  I think I'm gonna call this "Sprawl, Brawl, and Stall"

Takedowns are going well.  Can still slam and suplex.  Also
doing a great job with the akilles lock.  Shame ankle locks aren't
allowed.

Training Log: Entry 70

Last training day.  Quick jog and some bag work.  Gaining the
weight back thankfully, now just need to make sure I come in under my
class.  Should mean I just shouldn't drink my gallon of water
beforehand.

Shadowboxing has become phenominal.  I've caught a few glimpses of
myself now that I have a reflective surface, and I'm moving much
smoother.  Starting to actually look like a boxer.  If only
it looked that way in sparring...

Training Log: Entry 69

Tourney in 6 days.  As it approaches, taking week off from muscle
building exercises so that I will be in peak condition for
tourney.  Last day of HIIT for the week tomorrow, with minor
cardio (ala jogging) until 3 days before along with bagwork, then cease
and rest.  Back to 1 gallon of water a day.

Bought some underarmor.  Black short sleeve.  Will be what I fight in.  I like it.

Training log: Entry 68

Back to training full force.  Have gained back 6lbs.  Cardio is still good.

Training Log: Entry 67

Grand total of 10lbs lost from flu.  Finally got back into lifting today.  Still had to be light.  Was getting winded.  Am force feeding protein shakes to gain weight.

Have restarted teaching one of my students.  Will be showing him clinch range next time.

Sickness update:

Final Damage: At least 5lbs lost.  Hopefully water.  Missed 3 days of training.

On the plus side, lots of rest.  Good for injuries.

Training Log: Entry 66

Getting over a case of food poisoning.  Have been on my back for 1.5 days.  Puked for about 9 hours yesterday.  Still a little queasy, but finally have enough strength to walk.  Have not eaten well in 2 days. 

On the plus side, no worries about making weight at this point.

Training Log: Entry 65

Extremely good news.  No more shoulder pain during movement, and now have full range of motion.  Occasionaly situational pain, but still leaps and bounds better than it's been in the psat week.

Started lifting again after taking a week off of upper body work to heal.  Stayed a little light, but still a decent workout.

Contemplating doing an actual powerlifting program rather than what I'm currently on during my bulking cycle.  Will see if it's a possibility with my weight room.

Still taking the day off of striking training, just to play it safe.

Training Log: Entry 64

New cardio program.  30 minutes of HIIT cardio, doing 2-3 minutes hard, one minute light, along with another HIIT session of 15 minutes later in the day.  Have been doing this for this week.  Already noticing better cardio.

Shoulder can perform combative motions just fine, but basic motions still cause minor discomfort.  Fear of permanent damage.  Will do my best to rehab.

Training Log: Entry 63

Diet has gone to hell as a result of cutting before the tourney.  Am eating few meals less frequently.  Doing tons more cardio as well.  More carbs for the energy.  I've decided that I'll keep this way until the tourney, and then start bulking until before field training.  Only difficulty will be that I still want to keep up on the cardio, so I'll need to eat a LOT.

Shoulder is feeling stronger.  Found some ok rehab programs.

Training Log: Entry 62

Vids from WA throwdown.

http://oregonstate.edu/~blackd/Videos/ head there to download. I'll give ya a lil background on each match.

E_CXM.WMV-MMA rules with light headcontact. He gets an eyegouge in the first few seconds

E_Jk.WMV-MMA rules. We stopped because we got too close to the mirrors, and then he didn't wanna go again.

E_MSK.WMV-San Shou rules. Lotta time in between matches because the other guy needed to catch his breath

E_NT.WMV-MMA rules, light head contact. I get armbarred like it's easy

E_QF.WMV -Boxing rules. Guy had a good weight advantage on me. We stopped because his cardio was draining and I was taking a beating

E_Unknown.WMV-K-1 rules. Stops due to blood on my part.

I'm keeping my right hand up when I throw my jabs thankfullly, but hands are still dropping all over the place in the mids. Footwork was good at the start of the JK match, but got crappier as the day went on. Obviously, I have no game from being mounted. Still not thrownig teeps with any efficiency.

 

Training Log: Entry 61

Went to another grappling class.

Worked on guard sweeps.  Learned how to push forward with knees in open guard and how to close off the guard at the knees and climb up into mount.

Learned my two new favorite moves.  Achilles lock, and ankle lock.  I was pulling these ALL through practice.  We did a drill where one guy has guard and the other stands and tries to pass, and I just kept pull sweep and achilles on the bastard.  It's the same training partner I hate, so at least I don't feel bad about it =P  I also passed his guard about a billion times.

Shoulder became rice crispies in practice (snap, crackle, pop).  Doesn't seem like too much damage was done.  It's better than when I hurt it lifting, and a lot better than when it popped out boxing.  However, I think I'm going to look into doing some phsyical therapy on my own with it to strengthen the joints/tendens/ligaments.

Barring injuries, I will be participating int he Pankration tournament.  Got the "ok" from my folks.

Training Log: Entry 60

Took another Aikido class.  Made the instructor struggle with some techniques.  Still trying to offer resistance to make the class a bit more realistic.  Once again, very logical system, just hard to find application.  I am enjoying the concept of putting my entire body against the weakest point though.

Adding new levels to my training.  First, will be attempting to implement some manner of stretching program into my routine.  Lack of flexibility has been a hinderance.  I've also been told of the benefits of stretching.  The Aikdio class does an alright job (oddly enuogh, better than the yoga club), but I still want more.

Should seriously increase water intake.  I used to drink a gallon a day, but running to the bathroom has gotten inconvinient.

I am retraining certain parts of my TKD aresnal.  Specificially, the sidekick.  I can see some value in this kick, and have been able to launch one from the Thai stance without too much alteration.  I have come to the conclusion that variety is going to be essential.  Almost everyone is out there training Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, and BJJ, which means everyone knows how to stop everyone else.  I think adding a little bit of variety could give me an edge.  I have witnessed this when watching a Shorin Kempo guy do exceedingly well in "throwdowns" due to the fact that he had clinch work that was completely unorthodox along with a set of strikes that were foreign.  If nothing else, it'll be good for my flexibility.

Training Log: Entry 59

Got a photo from the WA throwdown

I'm the guy on the left if you can't tell.

For the first time in my life, I can see my abs.  It's very interesting.  I was always a fat kid, so this is a first.  I'm wondering if I should try for the 6 pack, or start bulking.  If I cut my bf% down, I could fight in a lighter weight class for the tourney.  I dunno if that's what I wanna do or not though, and field training will also take off some weight.  It's an interesting circumstance.

Strength is through the roof.  I'm lifting more now than I have ever been able to do before, and paired with the reduced weight, I'm stronger proprtionally now more than ever.

Training Log: Entry 58

I apologize if my thoughts aren't coherent.  I have taken many a shot to the cranium today, and am hopped up on IB Profuen. 

Throwdown went alright.  Not too much talent in my weight class.  Most people were 155-160lbs: 20-25 below me.  However, I did get to box a person who was 205 of mostly muscle.  He destroyed my skull.  Good right hands.  I'm amazed I survived, but happy as well, because it means I can take a power shot from a guy 25lbs heavier (way out of my weight class) and still fight. 

Rematch with Mark was awesome.  I love San Shou rules.  Shame it did not last longer.

Was eye gouged.  Got revenge.  Destroyed the bastard's abdomen with bodyblows. 

Got armbarred.   Pissed me off.  Need to be smarter on bottom.

Right hand is staying up on jabs.  Makes me happy.  Left hand is still dropping somewhat on right hand attacks.  Hands still drop somewhat on kicks.  Still, overall improvement of form.  Jab still stays out too long, but the snap was a bit better.

Good clinch work.  Managed a half suplex.  Looked and felt cool.  Poor little bastard.

Mouth bleeds badly.  Need a fix, or else competitions will suck.  Thankfullly my folks sent me my mouthguards.

Fought hungry.  Might be a good sign.  When fully nourished, performance should be excellent.

Hopefully will have videos soon.

Final damage count: 1 black eye, 1 cut below eye, 1 burst blood vesel in same eye as result of eye gouge, 1 banged knee, rug burns on legs, slight burns on chest, no bruising on body, two internall busted lips.

PFT is coming up.  Once it is over, back to old training regimine.  Strength was progresing phenominially, as was endurance.  Shoudl time out so that during Pankration Comp, I will be at peak performance.

Training Log: Entry 57

There's a tourney happening in San Diego while I'm home for Spring Break.  I have intentions of entering it.  It's at www.socalpankration.com  If all goes well, it'll be my first amatuer tournament ever, and maybe the start of much more.

Cardio is breaking it's peak.  I haven't been in this good shape since high school.  I did my heavy bag training after a week off due to my shoulder, and I wasn't breaking a sweat, nor did my heart rate rize.  Only side effect is that now the exercise is borring.  Need to push myself in new and inventive ways.

Muscle definition is incredible.  Been a while since I've looked this good =P

Throwdown is coming up soon.  I'm winding down my training so that I won't be exhausted when the time comes.  I've been reveiwing the tapes of guys I'll be sparring, and strategizing in my head.  I know what I need to focus on.  Should be a blast.  Will run for 4-5 hours, and then all you can eat seafood/sushi at Todais.  I'm not a fan of either, but oh well.

Training Log: Entry 56

Boxing/Muay Thai class:

Warm up

Drills:
Jab w/defense of outside parry/counter
Jab-Jab-Cross-Cross-Left Hook-Left Hook-Right Hook-Right Hook w/defense of outside parries and blocking where appropriate
Jab-Cross w/defense outside parries+Jab-cross counter
Jab-Cross w/defense outside parries+Jab-cross-low left hook-high right hook counter

Timing Sparring for a few rounds.  Kick work.  Banged up my shins.  Knee is killing me.

During class: worked on snapping punches back and keeping hands up.

After class sparring: Boxing rules

Pros: Great cardio, Strong straight punches, good hits off of the clinch, good jaw, using bodyblows and combos

Cons: I go too soft, still drop hands, will flurry instead of combo, lack of power in hook

Training Log: Entry 55

After a week off of martial arts and heavy lifting because of my shoulder, I'm back in business.  Went to my grappling class tonight.  Was basically a takedown lab.  My wrestling background helped me excell.  I got paired up with a great training partner.  He has the size, weight, strength, and experience on me (He's at least 210, pure muscle, and has a wrestling and Judo background).  I was amazed I could hold my own against him.  We performed a drill where one person went for the takedown and the other defended for 3 minutes, and I stopped him from scoring on me for a good amount.  The clinch breaks I learned from "Savage Strikes" were an asset.  When it was my turn to score the takedowns, I lost a contact lense -_-'  Meant I didn't get to go for long. 

Cardio is insane.  I can go for days.  I'm in the greatest phsyical shape I've ever been in for a damn long time.  Can't wait for the throwdown.

Training Log: Entry 54

I don't know if I feel fit to include this as training, but it's worth mentioning.  The sparring match with the ROTC guy was a sad dissapointment.  Much as I had suspected, the guy was a point sparrer.  It was light to no contact, striking area was belt up, and below the knee.  No contact to face, light contact to rest of everything else.  I had a spectator...I felt embarassed.  The guy was sucking wind after 25 seconds into the first round.  I fought for 3 rounds without even breaking a sweat.  I still tooled the guy even using his own rules, although I think it's because he felt that the strikes that didn't actually hit me still "counted".  I've been laughing either since.  He said he did "Karate", but when I asked him what style, he was at a loss. 

Don't get me wrong though, I still give the guy props for sparring me.  He's still a helluva lot braver than the other people on my damn campus.

I worked on snapping my punches back while punching, and for the first time in like ever, managed to work kicks and punches in a combination (rather than having a punch and a kick game, I had both working).  I also focused on staying light on my feet.  Kinda sad I had enough time to look at myself in the mirror though -_-'

Training Log: Entry 53

Took an Aikido class offered at my campus.  It's a logical system, but a bit too slow paced for me, and requires an amount of relaxation and calm that I don't think I could possess during a fight. 

Instructor made an example of me as "the big guy".  I hate that crap.  I actually tend to offer very little resistance in these types of situations beacuse I fear hurting my training partners.

I may continue taking the Aikido.  It's free: can't beat that.  I wanna spar the instructor sometime.

Sparring tomorrow.  Got my gloves today.  Black.  Favorite color.  Can't find my mouthguards, so I might need to use my "in case of emergency" spare. 

Training Log: Entry 52

Shoulder near 100%.  Did my BWE for chest/triceps/shoulder today, and only had to skip one exercise due to strain.  Will hopefully still be able to spar on Sat.

Development of minor shin splint on left leg.  Byproduct of running 3 days in a row for prolonged periods of time on pavement with bad form.  Been a while since I've had consecutive training injuries.  Reminds me of high school.  Actually a "good" sign, in that at least I know I'm pushing myself harder than before.  Also developing minor burns on palms from push-ups on carpet.  I used to have callouses, but I stopped doing Push-ups for too long.