Training Log: Entry 338

Squats
5X5 of 250

Notes: Form is much better now.  No more bowing.

Bench: 3 triples of 275

Note: Haven't benched in weeks, so form was a little off.  Shouler was clicking, so stuck with triples.

Pull-ups: 5X5

Note: Haven't done these in a while either.  Will build up eventually.  Rest more between sets.

Did some rehab work on my rear delts.

CoC #1 gripwork.

2 sets of five reps of 15 second holds.
2 sets of five reps of 10 second holds.
1 set of 4 reps and one rep of 30 second holds.

Note: Right is nice and strong, left was releasing a little at the end, but mainly technique.

Training Log: Entry 337

Boxing and BJJ.

Boxing
PT to start. Getting easier.

Partnered up. One guy on offense for one round, one guy on defense.

Note: Coach had difficulty managing more than one group. My group ended up doing 2 rounds of one guy on offense, 1 round of one guy on defense. Still, defense was holding together all right, offense a little sloppy when its all I'm throwing. Working on my angles and combos.

Sparred for the rest of class. Something insane like 10 minute rounds. Defense is coming along much smoother with offense. Need more head movement, but that's coming around. Blocking was on fire, barely anything could get through. Need to work on drawing my hand back and straight as fast as possible. Was getting popped when I fired. Learned how to punch and draw head back to prevent the counter attack. Need to capitalize on openings. Would spend too much time blocking not enough time counter attacking. Doing a better job of not squaring up all the time and moving at an angle rather than straight back.


BJJ

I'm sucking here. Cardio is there, but muscles are gone and too goddamn slippery to grip anything. Oh well, if nothing else its mat time.

Didn't really drill anything today rather than situational grappling. First did some 20% rolling to warm up. Of course 20% means "OMFG try with everything you can to avoid getting tapped at ALL COSTS!", hate that ego stuff. Then did some free rolling at 100%. Guard passing and escapes from bottom/side need work. Coach congratualted me on my rolling, but I think he just has low expectations of me. Still, good to get my ass kicked to get some mat time. Drilled all sorts of stuff, from bottom, back, side, under mount, etc etc. Kimura is the only thing working for me, and the ocassional armbar.

PT wasn't tough.

Training Log: Entry 336

Lifting.

Deadlifts of 330
5,5,3,3,3

Notes: Form was feeling great today. Back a little stiff, but nothing major.

Overhead presses of 160
5,3,1,2,1

Note: Down of course after the pop out. Wrist bugging me a little. Maybe more rest next time.

Skipped the CG bench and just did some rehab work on the shoulder.

CoC gripper 1 deload
5 sets of 3.

Training Log: Entry 335

Holidays are over. Took a break, rested my shoulder, ate big, and only did a deload of grip work (5 sets of 3 on the number 1).

Boxing and BJJ today.

PT as usual, then paired off and did one guy attack one guy defend. My guy was one of those bench curler dudes, and he had back problems (suprise), so he couldn't do too many rounds without a break. I ended up only attacking, not defending. Sucked. Letting my hands drift from my face too much when attacking. Worked on attacking in angles and finding my range. Doing much better than before. Was able to catch his timing and rythum at one point and threw an uppercut right as he ducked into it. Beauitful.

Some new guys joined today. No longer the class punching bag. Worked my slipping and blocking as he threw nothing but jabs. Worked on getting in, throwing a hook or a straight to the body, getting out. He was much taller than me.

Sparred with the big dude my height and twice as huge. Worked on turning my body more to the side, despite my wanting to square off. Was able to slip his jab and block his right MUCH better than last time. Only took one good shot to the head and one to the body. Improving. Didn't really land much on him, just a few blows to the head.


BJJ

Warm-up. Shrimping and crap.

Paired up and did a drill, one guy in guard, one guy tries to pass. My partner was clueless, and I didn't realize it till the drill was over, so not much accomplished there.

Worked on way too much crap at once. My only gripe with BrikHaus is that we tend to fly through dills rather than drilling the move 100 times or so to really enforce it. Different styles I suppose though. Went over the kimura from NS, knees on either side of head, kimura from side control, guillitine, guillitine prevention of lifting the shoulder, sweep from that position, and some basic guard passing. From there, free rolling.

Cardio was there, but strength was gone. All slippery, couldn't get a damn grip on anything. Spent most of my time trying to survive rather than get a sub. Got tapped to some shoulder locks (still paranoid about shoulder so I tap early) and managed my favorite triangle to armbar sub. Need to work on getting out of side control. Was taught a cool technique by one of the guys about underhooking one arm, then brining your knee and elbow together to prevent the guy from passing, then sweeping him. Don't really remember the details, but I'll try to look it up.

PT afterwards. Was on an endorphine high at that point, so no sweat.

Shoulder bugging me a little. Prolly still take it easy on the upperbody work tomorrow. Deadlifts and maybe some rear delt work.

Training Log: Entry 334

 

Lifting today

Things didn't go as the usually do because of the shoulder. Typically I do Squat/Bench/Pull-up. Today it was Rear delt machine and squat, and maybe i'll throw in some one handed push-ups later for rehab.

Warm up on the rear delt fly machine, then 5X5 of 30lbs.

Note: Resistance on the machine was either too much or too little, but this is just to rehab. Later I'll switch to bent over rows or rear delt flyes with DBs to get more work.

Squat of 225
5X5

Note: Working on my form. Was squatting 315 for reps a few weeks ago, but my knees were bowing in. Deciding to cycle the weight down and focus on good powerlifting form.

Captains of Crush gripper 1 work.

Both hands: 2 sets of five reps of 12 second holds, 2 sets of 5 reps with 10 second holds, 1 set of 5 reps with a 30 second hold on the final rep.

Note: Left hand was slipping a little, but otherwise strong. Deload next week.

Training Log: Entry 333

Boxing today

Did some PT to start, and then 40 minutes of sparring w/6 minute rounds.

Notes: Popped my shoulder tonight, so my sparrign was a little messed up.  Too afraid to use the right for 2 rounds, and still a little hesitant to do more with it.

I need to work on not moving straight back when I get hit.  I also need to work on stayign strong when I get hit.  It seems whenever I got hit, my feet would fly away from me.  My coach thought I was runnign away, but I was just going where my feet carried me.  Need to move into the blow or angle away from it, but not directly behind me.

Right side of my face hurts more than my left.  Keep the right up.

Did a decent job of circling and throwing jabs for a little, but when I was paniced, same old crap of just moving straight and leading with my head.  Gotta focus.

Was able to work some body shots on a guy much taller than me.  He was a southpaw, kept stepping on my foot.  Kinda annoying. 

Did a decent job of covering up, and slipped a few punches, but gotta work on doing both together.

Footwork is a mess.  Plain and simple.  Anyone can evade me.  Need to work on this, or wait for the counter shot.

Gotta keep that guard tight.  Too eager to just let it drop when chasing after a guy.

Stamina held up better than last time.

I realized that I'm the smallest guy in my boxing class.  Made me feel better for getting beaten up.

Weights tomorrow.  Prolly restrict myself from upperbody pushing just to recover a little.

Training Log: Entry 332

Lifting.

Joined up at the 24 hour fitness for a month.  Place sucks, but its got a squat rack, so its better than my garage with the bench and free weights.

Following the 5X5 methodolgy.

Dealifts of 330
5,4,3,2,2

Notes: Grip was slipping a little towards the end.  Wish I had some chalk.

Overhead presses of 160
5,3,3,2,3

Notes: Always cautious on this lift due to my shoulder issues.  Still, making steady gains on it.

Close grip bench of 205
5,5,5,4,3

Notes: Switched from weighted dips to this because the 24 hour doesn't have a dip belt nor heavy enough DBs.  The motion is a little off, but I'll adjust.

Grip training with Captains of Crush #2
3 sets of 5 reps with right hand
1 set of 3 reps with left hand

Assisted reps to 5 for 5 sets each.

Notes: Hands a little slippery from dinner, but oh well.  Think I might deload next week.

No neck work today.  Neck is already plenty sore from grappling.
 Won't hit the MA place.  Gonna go there Tues, Thurs, Sat to box and jits, then lift MWF, then rest Sun.

Training Log: Entry 331

Tried out the new MMA club, BrikHaus Poway.  Did boxing and BJJ.

Holy crap what an awesome club.  Leaps and bounds over my old place.  No fitness bunnies, no fatasses trying to get in shape, no 13 year old girls, no posers, no bullcrap, no excuses.  Just a ton of athletic people that wanna fight.  I have reached Valhalla.

Boxing class:
Did some PT, lower body work mainly (wow, novel concept, power coming from the legs).

Did some drilling, one partner on offense, one partner on defense.

Note: My partner was the only jackoff in the club.  Came in late, didn't have wraps, didn't warm up, forgot his gloves, had an attitude, etc etc.  Needless to say, I ended up shadow boxing for one round and then defending for another.  All this time training my no strike sparring really paid off.  I barely got hit.  However, I need to keep my head up when I bob and weave.  Got demolished by a couple of uppercuts.  Of course, my partner being a jackoff was going way too hard and claiming it was only 30%, so I got pretty messed up, but oh well.  Pain is a good teacher.  My slips were going well, and my blocks were doing decent.  Need to work on blocking hooks, too used to straight shots.

We then sparred for I have no idea how many rounds.  Once again, supposed to be light, was way too heavy.  My defense held together better than usual, but still need to work on integrating defense and offense.  Was able to block and defend some shots, slip and bob and weave, but because my partner was trying to take my head off, fear kept me from really committing to anything.  Still, this was the first time in my life I landed shots on someone significantly taller than me.  Counter punching FTW. 

Gassed horribly.

Traded partners.  New guy much more skilled, much more professional, almost my exact height.  We were going much lighter, working on exchanging, and my game got smoother as a result.  He had that mixed guard of one hand up, one hand down, and it mucked me up at first.  Good footwork kept me chasing after him and getting tagged, until I learned to calm down, bait a little, and counter punch.  I caught him with a few jabs to the face, and one great left hook when he went in for one of the same.  I actually managed to block and strike, totally new concept.  Still, i need to keep my chin tucked and breathe out of my nose.  My jaw took a viscious pounding.  Towards the end, I was finally shaking off my ring rust and fnding my rythym.  I finally stopped throwing isolated shots and started throwing combos.  My partner got tired, and I would treat his head like a double end bag, 5 straight fast jabs. 

My striking needs some serious work, but it's leaps and bounds over where it was last time I did this.  Specific drills have really helped.  Now I need to work on keeping the jaw tucked, breathing through my nose, throwing combos, and moving.

BJJ

My memory is pretty shot from being so gassed when this happened.  We did some PT to warm up, then some rolling.

Rolled with a guy prolly my weight.  Pulled guard right away and he couldn't break out, then realized I had absolutely no strength left and just spent my time defending subs.  Kept trying for the kimura, but no dice, dude had flexible shoulders.  I eventually tapped to a straight armbar from sidemount, but did a decent job of defending.  After that, I pulled my typical cattle catcher to get side control and basically stalled until the drill was over.  No strength left.

We drilled way too many things at once, but the main gist was guard passes.  The knee in the butt, then sliding the knee over their hips, then the falling down footlock and then the fall back kneebar.  Not enough time to comit to memory, but maybe I'll do them one day.

Did takedowns.  Somehow, 3 years of rusty wrestling cameback out of nowhere.  My sprawl was there, I was getting position, etc etc.  Still couldn't tap out crap, but couldn't be takendown.  Managed to pull an armbar from guard on one dude, no idea how. 

Not really sure what to work on with grappling.  Was so dead.  At least takedowns are still there.

 

This club rocks.  I am home.

 

Training Log: Entry 330

Worked the heavy bag tonight.  My form has gotten so much better on this damn thing after a break from it.  No more standing like a statue and throwing bombs, actually moving around and throwing combos.  Need to warm up better though.  Did one round of shadow at full blast, 5 rounds of bag work, then one half round of shadow to cool down.  My knee was starting to bug me when I would bob and weave.  Get those joints warm.  Maybe jump rope.

Training Log: Entry 329

Did just grip work today.  Taking a rest from other stuff.

CoC gripper 1
3 sets of five reps of 10 second holds, one set of five reps of 7 second holds, 1 set of 5 reps of 10 second holds.

Note: Keeps getting easier.  Left hand is hurting a little less.

Training Log: Entry 328

Squats of 315
4,1,2,2,1

Notes: Moved the weight up a little too high too fast.  Focused more on form this time.  Think I'm gonna do it more powerlifting style than high bar olympic, as it's helping to keep my knees from bowing in.

Bench of 285
5,5,4,3,2

Notes: Nice and smooth.  Focused on keeping my shoulder blades pinching and the results payed off.

Pull-ups w/35lbs
5,5,5,2,2

Note: Focused more on form.  Getting a good pull in those lats.

CoC grip work #2
Right hand
5,5,5,3,2

Left hand
Assistance versions of the one above

Notes: Ugh, my left hand is killing me.  Maybe I need to lower the resistance, or warm-up better.  I don't want uneven hand strenght, but I don't think my left is gonna catch up to my right very fast.

Think I'm gonna call an end to this cycle and start over again.  Maybe not, but it depends on what I have access to over winter break.  Hopefully I'll be able to get some training in at the local MMA joint.

Training Log: Entry 327

Coming off a deload with freaky strength.

Deadlifts of 330
5,3,2,2,2

Notes: 330 felt like nothing for 5 reps.  Grip was slipping.  Should invest in some chalk.  Bar felt slippery.  Hands should be plenty strong due to CoC.

Overhead presses of 155
5,5,5,4,3

Notes: Might have been able to eek out a 5th rep on the 4th set, but am still cautious of my shoulder.

Dips of 115
5,5,5,4,3

Note: Holy cow.  Tris are blasted.  No kicking this time.

CoC #1
10 Second Holds for 5 reps for first set on both hands
7 second holds for 5 reps for the second set on both hands
3 sets of 5 second holds for 4 reps and a 10 second hold for the 5th rep.

Note: Can squeeze this damn thing like its nothing.  Maybe should get the 1.5.

Training Log: Entry 326

Worked my boxing defense with the fiancee.  Much smoother than last week.  Shook off a lot of my ring rust and was moving pretty smooth.  Did 2 rounds of no-strike sparring.  Had headgear for the first volley and then got rid of it.  Couldn't see a damn thing.  I think I need a better brand than the cheapo everlast one I wear.

Notes:
+Doing a better job of bending at the knees rather than the waist when bobbing and weaving.  Apparently also doing a good job of keeping my elbows tucked.
+Did an alright job of "skeet shooting" with my elbows against straight shots
+Slipped a few punches.  Not many, but it's a bit hard due to the overhand shots.

-Only a few pats in there, and I was extending too far.
-My parries where way too far away from my body.  One ended up clipping my partner.
-Still turtling.  Doing a better job of not doing it so frequently, but it's hard not to do with no offense to fire back with.

I was on fire in the second round.  Could hardly be hit, and was skeet shooting a lot of shots.  Can't wait to spar sometime and see if any of this holds together.

Training Log: Entry 325

Deload day.

Squats: 3X5 of 300

Notes: Fixed my right knee from flaring, but my left knee is still a renegade.  Pulled a little on the inside, but not too much damage.  Just need to fix this.

Bench: 3X5 of 275
Note: This was nice and easy. 

Pull-ups: 3X5 w/35lbs

Note: Form was kinda crappy on this.  Need to master it, then move up in lighter weights.

CoC Gripper work
2,T,1,2,T

Note: Negatives weren't getting much work.  Think I'm just gonna stick with the basics.

Some pics from a beginning weight training program I created.

 

Training Log: Entry 324

Deload workout.

Deload on deadlift of 320
3 sets of 3, one single

Note: Dying on these.  Deload was just in time.

Deload on overhead of 155
5,5,5

Note: Went up pretty smooth.

Deload of weighted dips w/115
5,5,4.5

Note: Lost my balance on the last set and momentum carried a little of the weight.

Non-deload of gripper.  CoC 1.  5 second holds per rep with a 10 second hold on the last rep of every set.

Note: Getting easier and easier each and every time.

Training Log: Entry 323

Squats of 300
5,5,5,4,3

Note: Need to warm up better.  Was dying.  Noticed my knees bowing in, so worked on that.  At the end, my weight was shifting forward and my shoudler and forearm locked up.  Need to polish my form.

Bench of 275
5,5,5,3,3

Note: Smooth.

Pull-ups with 35lbs
5,5,5?,3,3

Note: Forgot what I did on my third set.  4 or 3.  Still, going up.

CoC 2
Managed 5 reps with right hand and 2 with left.  Making progress.  Did negatives for the rest.

Training Log: Entry 322

Got my ass kicked by my fiancee tonight.  Did some "no strike sparring", where I could only defend while she could throw serious bombs at me.  It's been too long since I've been hit hard, I was acting like a rookie.  First few hits triggered that "anger" instinct, but once I got over that I started thinking a little more.  Starting working my slipping, bobbing and weaving in there.  It's so tricky because of all the overhands she throws.  Really hard to work much of a defense.  Threw in a few blocks but she'd just draw my turtle and then go for the body.  Tried working the footwork, but she'd just keep on following.  Very powerless, but helped get back in the swing of things.  Did 3 rounds, and towards the 3rd I finally shook off most of my ring rust.  Used the parry in combination with the circular step to start evading better, however it ended up turning into a left hook (oops).  Dropped into a flicker stance and did a better job of slipping.  Need to do this more.

The top of my head hurts way more than my face, so at least I'm taking shots where they're supposed to go.

Training Log: Entry 321

Deadlifts 5x5 of 320

Note: I did it, but it was plenty ugly.  Getting too eager to move up.  Gonna stick with the weight for one last workout and make it smooth.

Overhead presses of 155
5,4,3,4,5

Note: Didn't plan it out that way.  Maybe more rest time.  A lot of it is psychological.

Dips w/110lbs
5,5,5,3,2

Note: Maybe a little more rest time.  Amazing the leaps and gains I'm making on this. 

CoC Gripper 1
3X5

Note: Deloading this week.

Training Log: Entry 320

Squats of 300lbs
5,5,4,3,3

Notes: Shoulders were too tight on the last two sets, mighta been able to pull off 4s instead.  Next time.

Bench of 275
5,4,4,3,3

Note: This felt really tight for some reason, I liked it.  Never cranked this many reps on 275 before.

Pull ups: 5x5 of 25lbs

Note: Up and away.  Little struggle at the end, but nothign major.

Switched up my grip training and did negatives with the CoC 2 instead of the normal routine.  Was able to crank out some reps before having to go straight to negatives.  Good gains.

Training Log: Entry 319

Haven't really been noting my neck work, but today I got 5X5 of 45lbs on neck raises.  Split my forehead though, need to be more careful.

Training Log: Entry 318

Deadlifts of 320
5,5,5,2,2

Note: Holy hell, I had no idea I was so sick.  I was dying from the first rep.  Way overheated, feaver broke, queasy, the whole 9.  Fought for every last goddamn rep, but at least made minor progress (1 more rep).  Next time I should blow through this.

Dips: 5x5 of 90lbs

Note: Felt so much better on these.  Flew up and cranked them out like it was my job.  More weight.

Overhead presses: 5X5 of 145

Note: Felt super easy, just didn't wanna push too hard because of being sick.  More weight.

CoC #1: 5x5 with 5 second holds per every rep

Note: Getting easier each and every single time.  Can't wait until this can be done with a 2.

Training Log: Entry 317

Took a little deload over thanksgiving.  Only did gripper work.  Can finally close a 2 with my left hand.  Can hold a 1 for ten second holds at the end of sets, gonna start doing the 5 second holds per rep now.

Knee is feeling much better.  Have been supping glutamine for the past week, and ate lots of protein and calories over the break.

Resume lifting tomorrow.

Training Log: Entry 316

Squats of 300
5,4,4,2,2

Note: Maybe could have cranked out some more, but it was a new weight and wanted to play it safe.  Feels great.

Bench of 265
5,5,5,5,4

Note: Might've pulled a 5 on the last set.  Will move the weight up next time.

Pull-ups w/25lb plate.
5,5,5,3,4

Note: Had to rush at the end, but coming along nicely.  Next day should do the trick.

CoC Gripper
3 reps with a number 2 on right hand, 2 almost full reps with left, negatives to 5.
5X5 w/5 second hold on trainer
5X5 w/5 second hold on last rep of 1.
1 rep w/2 on right hand, negatives until 5, negatives for left.
5X5 with 5 second hold of 1.

Note: Getting so much stronger on this.  Can't wait to close with my left hand.

Training Log: Entry 315

MMA club meeting.

Helped the fiancee with some rolling.  Showed her a few sweeps and helped her positional game.  She's really putting it all together now.

Worked my boxing defense against three different sparring partners.  Didn't throw any punches, only defended.

First partner was the new boxer.  Was working on my footwork on this one, but we had such a cramped space with so little room that I kept running into junk.  It's hard to defend against a flurry of hooks when you can't throw a counter punch.  Did a lot of bobbing and weaving and not too much else.  He started getting really wild, and for the first time in my life I slipped a major hook that left him off balance and put him in a disadvantage.  Felt good.

Second partner was my fiancee.  Always a challenge dealing with the flurry of overhands.  Did a good job of blocking straight shots with my elbows.  More bobbing and weaving, getting tagged on the back of the head, but hopefully it meant I could throw some counters.  Gotta keep those eyes up.  Can't look down.

Third was the BJJ/KK chick.  Did a good job of working on my slips, patting and parrying.  Good job on noticing the telegraph.

Notes:
Good use of bobbing and weaving and blocking shots with my elbows
Need to work on parrying and patting
Decent job of slipping, but could be better.
Keep those goddamn eyes up.
Need spar.

Training Log: Entry 314

Deadlifts of 320
5,5,5,2,1

Note: Forgot to take my previous notes with me, and managed to blow my old numbers out of the water because I forgot what I was shooting for.  Hopefully sometime soon I'll move up.

Overhead presses of 145
5,5,5,4,5

Note: Same as above.  Felt really strong on these.  Might have been able to pull 5X5 but still concerned over my shoulder.

Dips f 75lbs
5,5,5,5,5

Note: Nice and easy.  Up we go.

CoC gripper 1
5X5 with 5 second hold on last rep of every set.

Note: Getting easier and easier.  Can't wait to do this with a 2.

Training Log: Entry 313

Squats: 5X5 of 280

Note: Feeling great.  Nice and strong.  Right knee a little sore, will monitor.

Pull-ups w/25lbs
5,5,3,3,2

Notes: Felt good to add some weight.  Almost made 3.

Bench of 265
5,5,5,4,4

Note: Might have been able to pull a 5X5, but didn't like how form was going.

CoC grippers
Right hand 2: 2 reps, 3 negatives
Left hand: 5 negatives, almost had it.
Both hands
Four 5 second holds of the trainer w/20 second hold at the end.
5 reps of number 1
5 negatives of 2
15 second hold of trainer

Note: Finally closed a number 2 on my right hand, for two friggin reps!  Left still needs to catch up.

Training Log: Entry 312

Deadlifts of 320
5,3,2,2,1

Note: Not bad for 90 calories and legs wasted from running stares the day before.  Expect much greatness in the future.

Overhead presses of 145
5,4,3,3,3

Note: Might have been able to go all the way, but still taking it easy with my shoulder.  Felt good to move up though.

Dips of 75lbs
5,5,5,3,3

Note: Maybe more rest was needed, but either way felt nice and strong.

CoC gripper 1
5X3

Still deloading.

Training Log: Entry 311

MMA club meeting.

Worked some subs with the fiancee.  Went over how to spin out of a triangle, and a wonky sub from under side control that I saw on youtube.  Wouldn't work against an effective grappler, but it has some use.  Worked positioning, rolling, etc etc.  Paired her off with the BJJ chick because she can go much faster/harder than I can without injuring the training partner.  Fiancee is doing much better.  Getting much better positioning, rolled out from under mount, stayed dominant for a good part, lasted a while.  I'm proud of her.

Very lite, low aggression sparring with the new boxing kid.  His guard is getting nice and tight.  Counter punching getting better, but lowers his head when he rushes.  No good.

Take downs with JKD/SW guy.  I won more of the exchanges than I lost.  Getting really good at the single leg from the clinch now.  Got a double underhook lock belly to belly takedown, that was cool.  Tried and failed at a hip toss.  Got spun out from under one one takdown and he got my back, no good.  It's fun.

Training Log: Entry 310

Off of deload

Squats of 275
5,5,5,5,3

Notes: Felt great.  Some lower than others. Might have been able to complete the full 5X5, but wanted to play it safe.

Bench press of 265
5,2,3,2,2

Note: Need to readjust to heavy bench.  Even shoulders mean I hafta adjust my style.  Nice to go so heavy though.

Pull-ups 5X5

Note: Finally did it.  More weight now.

CoC gripper #1, 5X3

Note: Deload.

Furthernote: Been doing some neckwork independent of my other workouts.  Getting bigger.

Training Log: Entry 309

My deloading week on lifting.

Squats, 3X5 of 260

Bench, 3X5 of 235

3X5 of pull-ups

Notes: Walked out of the gym fresh as a daisy.  See how this works out.

Boxed a WC guy.  Comedy ensued.

Training Log: Entry 308

MMA club meeting.

Been having them frequently, just not updating much.  Today was worth noting though.

Walked my fiancee through the Omaplata and triangle to armbar to triangle stuff again, then let her do some free rolling with me.  It was like she was a whole new person alluva sudden.  Working for great posistioning, tight guard, good sub game, good balance.  Was actually fighting at one point, then feeding her opportunities which she didn't hesistate to take.  Proud of her.  Good progress.

Set her up with some elbows and knees to work on the bag.  Little awkward, but give it time.

Worked for the takedown with the SG/JKD guy.  Fun stuff, reminded me of wrestling.  I worked for the clinch a lot because I wanted to shoot for a firemen's, but didn't really work.  After some scrambling, I got a bodylock from behind.  He hipped out, so I dropped my weight and crashed him to the floor, then took side control.  After that, I got an overhook, drug his head down, pulled his right arm and grapped a single leg on his left.  Got the takedown, but woulda gotten chocked out.  Wrestling instinct.  Third time he pulled a single leg on me.  Got low enough after my first sprawl to pull it off.  Fourth time something funny happend.  He shot in, I stuff the takedown, stayed on my feet, wrapped my arms around him, stiff legged deadlifted him, and had him set up for a piledriver.  If I was mean and went through with it, he'd most likely be eating everything through a straw.  Was kinda satisfied to know I coudl do that though.

Sprawl is still nice and tight, and my body remembers how to take people down, I just don't.  Can't teach it, can't articulate it, just do it.

SG/JKD guy didn't want to spar today...kinda sucks.  Skills declining.

Training Log: Entry 307

Workout B

5X5 of 295 deadlifts

Notes: Goddamn did I feel strong today.  Just punished these things.  Form is going great.  20lbs more next time.

Handstand push-ups against wall, 5X5

Note: Using these until I build up my confidence on overhead presses again.  Nice rehab.

Weighted dips of 55lbs, 5X5

Note: Still increasing, great day today.

CoC Gripper 1
5X5 of right hand with minimal assistance at end
3X5 with left, 1X3+2 negatives, 1X2

Note: The negatives last time apparently are a big hit.  Gonna switch off between one day being a number 1, one day being a 2 and a trainer.

Shoulder is almost 100% already.  More nervous than anything else.

Training Log: Entry 306

Squats of 260
5,4,5,5,4

Note: Felt really good on these.  Form is back, just gotta work a little more.

One armed push-ups
5,2

Note: Just did these to rehab the shoulder.

Pull-ups:
5,5,5,3,3

Note: More and more as time goes on.

Grip work:
Switched things up.  Did one set of 5 negatives with the CoC 2, then one set of 5-15 second holds for 5 reps with the trainer.  Did this for two series, and then finally a hold for as long as possible on the trainer.

Speaking of shoulder, amazing thing.  Alluva sudden, it's no longer sagging away from my body.  I think the overhead press finally slid it back into place.  More to  come

Training Log: Entry 305

Weight lifting day

Deadlifts of 295
5,5,4,2,2

Note: Hate training in this weightroom.  Too damn hot.  Still, making progress.

Overhead presses of 135
5,5,3-subluxed my shoulder on the third.

Note: Might sadly have to stop this lift. As much as I like it, if this happens, it's prolly not safe for my shoulder.  Might switch to raises or something less destructive.

Needless to say, end of lifting.  However, today for ROTC we did some cool stuff.  I did a van push with 3 other people, and moved a minivan across two athletic fields in 41 seconds.  Then did 91 diamond push-ups in an individual event, along with some hill runs and relay races.  Shoulder still a little tender, but no different than usual.

Training Log: Entry 304

Sparred a Wing Chun guy today.  Light contact stuff.

He was mostly defensive.  Fired these weird ass punches that didn't actually connect.  Just kind of a flurry of forearm strikes.  I got cliped in the mouth once, but in general nothing much.  Found out that I'm actually moving around and staying mobile while sparring rather than standing like a statue like I used to.  Very happy about that.  Head movement is getting better too...except no strikes to test it against.  Did something I had never done before, when my hands left my face because I was being a spaz, I actually pulled them back in time to block.  Was very happy about that.  No chance to check kicks because he threw at my arms.  Used a couple of roundhouses, but nothing much.  He was good at keeping straight shots from coming in, but beyond that not much.  He tried to armbar me out of nowhere, so I put him in a thai clinch, and it was over from there.  Apparently he's never been in that before, and I just threw him around and kneed him at will.  Makes me think I need to improve on my clicnh because it'll be important in the future.

Training Log: Entry 303

Behind again.  Two workouts under my belt.

Thursday:
Deadlifts, 5X5 of 265

Note: Was feeling sick.  Gym was packed, way overheated on a heavy lift.  Still, completed without trouble.  More weight.

Overhead press of 135
5,4,4,4,2

Note: Love this lift

Dips of 55
5,5,5,4,3

Note: Always a favorite.  Try not to lean foward so much.

 

Sunday
ATG squats of 235, 5X5
Note: Love going this deep.  More weight.

Bench of 225, 5X5
Note: Embarassing how close to my squat my bench is, but most likely just motor skills.

Pull-ups
5,5,5,3,2

Note: Feeling it in my lats.

Gripperwork on both days isn't going too great.  Right hand stronger than left, completing about 3 sets of 5 on both and from there falls apart.  Use some negatives.

Happy Birthday to myself.  21. 

Training Log: Entry 302

First day of new program knocked out

5X5 of 225 on below parallel squat

Note: The more sets I did, the easier it got.  Less about strength and more about coordination.  Should be putting good amount of weight next time.

5X5 of 185 on bench

Note: Way too easy.

2X5 of pull-ups

Note: Ran out of time, but felt really strong.

Gripper work
About 2X5 of the number 1 on both hands, then about 3X2-3 of full reps and a few partials.

Training Log: Entry 301

Week off was very productive.  Shoulder stopped bugging me after about 2 days of rest (although as of now there is a little pain, but I feel that's more from lack of use than anything else).  Only really focused on grip work and boxing, no real major lifting.

Got some new grippers.  A CoC 1 and 2.  I could close a 1 straight out of the box, and about 1-2 mm shy of closing a 2.  Gotta owe it to my training with the Trainer.  The timed holds and building up have been an asset.  Can't wait to get that 2 closed.

Did a little running.  Ditched the MP3 player so that I'd run at a faster pace.  Killed myself early in the runs on hills, not really smart, but really only doing this to pass my PFT.  I'm a fighter, not a runner.

Downcycled off of creatine.  Going back on tomorrow with a 5 or so day loading phase.  Also going to follow a new routine, much simpler and more general than the previous routine.

Following an ABAB format on a TRS split (normally MWF, but works out better this way)

Workout A:
Squat/Bench/Weighted Chins or Pull-ups

Workout B:
Deadlift/Overhead Press/Weighted dips

Following the 5X5 rule on this work.  Test it out for 6-8 weeks and see where I get.  Throw in some work with the grippers.

Training Log: Entry 300

DE upperbody day

DE bench: Tripes of 155.

Note: Speed was insane on this.  Way explosive.

Close grip bench of 185
10, 8, 5, 5

Note: More on the second, killed the others.  Needed to warm up better before speed bench, my body was dead.

Straight bar pulldown of 145
10,10,8,8

Note: Gradually progressing.  Soon all 10s.

Lateral raises of 25
11, 10, 10

Note: I'm getting so strong on this lift.  Such a big fan.

Pull-ups
5,5,4,3,3

Note: Not making much progress, but the first sets are getting easier.

Hammer curls of 25
8,8,8

Note: Felt good to move up weight on this.

 

My fall break has started, so I'm taking my week off.  All I did yesterday was some grip work (can now knock out 10 second holds after every set).  Might do some pull-ups and bag work, but in general not much. 

Training Log: Entry 299

Have had two ME days in the past two days.

ME upperbody day
ME bench, triples of bar, 135, 185, 225, 275
1X295
1X315
1X320
0X320

Note: Finally broke past my plat!  Great lift, got the whole body in it, burnt out my triceps, screamed, the whole 9.  Felt good to slap on more weight.

Close grip bench of 205
10, 7, 6, 6

Note: The increased weight feels good.

Tricep pull down straight bar of 145
10,10,9,8

Note: Still a little failure.  Need to fix that.

Lateral raises of 25
10, 10, 10

Note: Last few reps a little sloppy, but overall good form.  12s until next weight.

Pull-ups
5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 2

Note: Gonna treat it like a 5X5.  Get all my sets up to 5, then start doing 4X8

Hammer curls of 20
10, 10, 10

Note: Form a little sloppy at end, but finally made it.  Moving up.

 

ME lower body day
Partial deadlifts at lowest pin
Triples of bar, 135, 225, 275
1X325
1X365
1X385
0X395

Note: Struggled on the 385, but managed it with a lot of pulling.  Could literally not move the 395.  That was a first for me.  Next time, try the 2.5 plates.

Lunges of 65
8,8,8,8

Note: Alrighty, time for more reps.

SLDL of 175
10,10,8

Note: Back was dying, so no 4th set.  Still, more reps than before.

CoC trainer
5X5 with 5 second holds on last rep.

Note: Grip is way stronger.  Noticed it today while bending some silverware into the shape of a dragonfly.  Much easier than before.

Training Log: Entry 298

DE lowerbody day

ATG speed squats doubles of 185

Note: Didn't have a box to squat on.  Felt a lot of my glutes in this, but was feeling more explosive than before, so meh.

Lunges of 60
10,10,10,8

Note: Legs were feeling fine, grip gave out.  Gonna move back up to 65s next time.

SLDL of 175
10,9,8,7

Note: Well, doing better on this.  Realized that I started good mornings some time ago and never followed up.  Whoops.

CoC trainer grip training
5X5 with a 10 second hold on the last rep

Note: Still kinda easy.  Only about a week till I get some stronger grips hopefully.

Training Log: Entry 297

DE upperbody day
Speed bench triples of 155
Note: Lighter weight means more speed.  Felt much better here.

Close grip bench of 185
10,10,10,6

Note: Working my way up.  Next time, might push it all the way.

Straight bar pulldown of 145
10,8,8,7

Note: Lighter weight meant better form.  Stick with this for now.

Lateral Raises of 20
12,12,12

Note: Finally made it.  Next time, 25s.

Pull-ups
5,5,5,4,3,2

Note: Liked this set-up more.  Might follow a traditional 5X5 routine with some weight to build this up.

Hammer curls of 20
10,9,10

Note: Next time, all the way.

 

Been hitting the heavybag more often.  They got a new wavemaster that's pretty fun.  It's base is independent of it's stem, which is one a spring.  Combination of double end bag and heavybag.  It moves around a lot, get to practice my timing.  Doing a lot of slipping/bobbing and countering drills.  Hooks are getting strong.

Using this as a weight lifting log has really helped my progress in the gym.  Before, I'd never progress.  Now, it's always one more rep or more weight.

Training Log: Entry 296

ME Lowerbody day
Deadlift.  Triples of Bar, 135, 205, 275
1X325
1X355
1X375
0X385

Note: I've acheived my goal of a higher deadlift than my squat.  I can taste that 400.  The summer of lifting with the shorter bar really helped improve my form on this lift.  Next time, I'll either use smaller plates for a deeper squat down or set the pins high.  My sticking point is about 3 inches off the ground.

Lunges of 60
8,8,8,8

Note: Last set was a little shakey, but overall good set.  More reps next time.

Stiff legged deadlifts of 185
8,8,8

Note: Maybe a little less weight next time, and some more rest between sets.

Captains of Crush gipper
5x5 of trainer.  Last rep of 5th set, held for 10 seconds.

Note: Gonna need to do more holds till I get higher resistance.

Training Log: Entry 295

ME upperbody day

ME upper lift: Rack lockouts with low pin setting
Triples of bar, 135, 225, 295
1x315
1x325
1x335
0x345

Note: Lower pin setting meant less weight than before, but felt really strong in the rack.  Maybe 1 more week.

Close grip bench of 185
10,9,7,7

Note: More and more reps each time.  Can't wait till it's all 10s

Straight bar pushdown
8x165
9x145
7x145
8x135

Note: That's it, no more ego.  Gonna set it to either 145 or 135 and go for all 10s.  This is stupid.

Side raises of 20
12,12,10

Note: Liking the form much better than 25s.  Try for 11 or 12 next time.

Pull-ups
8,5,3,3,3,3

Note: Not quite enough sets, but was running short on time due to a leach in the gym who kept bugging me between sets.

Hammer curls of 20
10, 10, 8

Note: Went to failure on the second set.  Too much ego, not enough power.

Training Log: Entry 294

DE lower body day
8 sets of doubles at 175
Note: Lower weight than usual.  Working in w/someone who was using the same routine as me (I gave him the link).  However, he had completely slaughtered it.  Frustrating.  Speed still not feeling as explosive as it used to be, not too sure what I'm doing wrong.  Form is good at least.

Lunges of 55
10,10,10,9

Note: Grip gave way, rather than legs at the end.  Up to 60.

Partial deadlifts of 185
10,8,7

Note: Need to lower the weight more.  Form was getting pretty bad at the end.

CoC training
5X5 of trainer

Notes: Left hand struggling more than the right, but can complete my sets.  Can't wait for the harder stuff.

Training Log: Entry 293

DE upper body lift:
8 sets of triples at 155lbs

Note: Not feeling as explosive as I used to, but tooled around with pulling the bar apart and exploding upward from a dead pause.  Hopefully not losing any progress on this.

Close grip bench of 185lbs
10,8,6,5

Note: This was real easy at first, but I found it really hard to pull the bar apart.  I should rest more between sets.

Tricep pushdown w/straight bar
165-9,8,7
145-8

Note: Feeling a little burned on this.  Didn't want some crappy reps at failure.  Still, had some power in this.

Lateral raise
10X25
11X20
10X20

Note: Form was getting a little bad at the end of 25, so I'm going to work up to 3 sets of 12 at 20 instead.

Lat pulldown
8X120, 8X120, 8X110, 8X110

Note: Was running out of time, and couldn't split up my pull-ups the way I wanted, so I stuck with the machine just so I could get the reps out there.  Minor shoulder inflexibility means I can't pull all the way down to the chest.

Hammer curls of 20lbs
10, 8, 9

Note: Finally improving on this.  Less failure, more power.

MMA club meeting:

Nothing too significant here.  Trained the new boxer on evading wild hooks.  Taught the WC guy how to slip, bob and weave, and face punches.  Drilled some focus mitts with a new guy (MMA guy).  I need to relax more when I throw.  My traps were bothering me.

Need to spar more.

Training Log: Entry 292

MMA club meeting

Lots of people there today, didn't have a chance to drill with most of them.  Instead, I spent my time doing some rolling and working my grappling.

Rolled with the BJJ/KK chick.  She was exhausted beforehand, so I decided to go light and really work technique over strength today.  I tried to pull guard, and she cut it off and passed.  She stood up, then pulled guard on me (need to work on stopping that.  Usually use a knee on thigh pass).  I tried not to gracie gift her, and instead went for the knee in the butt, elbows in the thigh guard pass.  She went for an arm triangle that wasn't working, but started to crank my neck.  Immediate tap there.  Don't need to mess with that crap.

Drilled the omoplata with her.  I still know the mechanics, but not nearly smooth enough to pull off rolling (which I discovered very soon).

Had an epic roll with the JKD/SG guy.  Right off the bat, I pull guard and slap on an armbar.  He rolls with it though and cuts off the leverage.  I try to keep my hold on his roll and change it to an omaplata, but he's too slick, and is in my half guard.  Most epic posistioning war ever.  Kept constantly shifting from under his side control to rolled with me mounting or in half guard, taking his back, putting him into my guard, constantly shifting, over and over again.  On a positive note, my cardio is doing great.  He started breathing hard before me.  However, I tried the omaplata about 3 times, and every time it failed.  Need to be smoother on it.  Ended up with a mutated kimura due to his insanely flexible shoulders.

Not too much of note.  Toe is about 100%, just need a nail on it.

 

Got my "Trainer" Grip from Captains of Crush.  I had no idea the strength imbalance between my hands.  Can't wait to get the stronger ones.

Training Log: Entry 291

Slacked off a little on my entries.  Had a ME upper and lower day.

ME upper

Bench
Triples of bar, 135, 225, 275
1X295
1X305
1X315
0X320

Note: Ugh, felt so burnt out at 320.  My sticking point is really low.  Either low set rack lockout or board press next time.  315 went up easy at least.

Close grip bench of 185
7,5,6,5

Note: Real inconsistant here.  Trying for at least 6s on all sets next time

Straight bar push down
10X145
2X8 of 160
8X145

Note: Higher weight next time.  Getting stronger.

Lateral raise
10X20
10X25
10X20

Note: HIgher weight on this to start next time.

Pull-ups
8,3,4,3,1

Note: Was running out of time.  Attempting to break up more sets of fewer reps, ala Pavel's method.  Made sure to stretch my lats in between sets.

Hammer curls of 20
10, 8, 8

Note: Shoulder not clicking anymore on this.  More confidence.

 

ME lower body day
Me lift: Deadlift
Triples of bar, 135, 205, 275
1X325
1X345
1X365
0X385

Note: Got greedy on this one.  Next time, try for 375.  Still, a 25lb jump after having not deadlifted for over a month is pretty awesome.

Good mornings:
8Xbar
8X95
6X145
8X145

Note: still adjusing to this movement.  Really hurts my shoulder to hold the weight, need to warm them up more.  Still, it's such an awesome move.

Training Log: Entry 290

DE lower body yesterday

Speed squats:
2 sets of doubles at 185
6 sets of doubles at 175

Note: Much faster at 175.  I'll stick with that for now to build up my speed.  Feet are coming off the floor a bit too much

Partial deadlifts (2 inches off the floor) of 175
10,10,8,9

Note: Little more rest here, but feeling good.

Side bends of 55
10,10,10

Note: Getting stronger here, move up even more.

Swiss ball low cable crunch of 85
10,8,9

Good to move up weight here.  Feeling the pull in my abs.

Training Log: Entry 289

Xanga keeps eating this entry.

Long story short, another MMA club meeting.  Lots of people, worked lots of stuff.  Boxing sparring is coming along well.  Working my bodyblows more.  Tore off part of my toenail, so off my feet for a few days.

DE upperbody day

Speed bench at 165
8 sets of tripples

Note: felt my speed reduce on these.  Less weight next time.

Weighted dips of 45lbs
8,7,6,6
Note: Change to close grip bench next time, or less weight.

EZ bar pushdown of 145
10,10,8,8

Note: Finally progressing on this one.

Front raises
10X25
2X10 of 20

Note: Broke past my last barrier here.  Gonna either do rear delts of sides next time.

Bent over rows of 115
10,10,10,9

Note: Loving how easy I can hit the reps on this.  Switching to pull-ups next time.

Straight BB curl
10X55
8X45
6X45

Note: Ugh, just not doing much here.  Thinking of switching back to hammer curls, or maybe cable curls.

Training Log: Entry 288

MMA club meeting.

Rolled with the fiancee to warm up.  She's doing a better job of securing her guard high and flowing.  Helped her work through a kimura from guard.  I knew it would come up soon.

Strikers clinic tonight, I loved it.  At one point, everyone was drilling strikes, no one on the mat.

Worked some defense from the peek a boo with the fiancee.  Had her fire a 1-2,  the bob and weave against two hooks.  Her hands are staying glued to her face, and smoother on the bob and weave.  Added a lead hook to the end of the combo to show her how to use her defense as an offense.  Later drilled the slip off of a 2-1 and a counter overhand right to the exposed head.  She was slamming me good there.

Drilled some focus mitts with the new boxer kid.  He expressed a hesitation to unload after an evasion, so drilled fast reactions to hooks.  2 bobs followed by a hook counter.  His left hook lacks serious power, so I showed him the technique and had him drill the heavy bag.

Rolled 3 times with the JKD/SG guy.

First roll: We fought for supremacy from the knees.  This is really stupid, I should just pull guard and work from my back from now on.  It's not a competition, it's a learning environment.  Scrambled a lot until he eventually put me down and I pulled him into my guard.  Immediately went for the kimura from guard which he defended.  Started toying with the head, faking for a guillitine, until I managed to buck and roll into mount.  Worked to place knees into armpits.  Good habit, but was put off balance and rolled.  I made the most of it, and wound up taking his back.  Need to sink in my hooks before trying for the RNC though, as I ended up on my back with him in my guard.  He went to pass and I went for a crappy triangle.  It failed, but switched it to an armbar for a quick tap.  Much smoother this time.  Love that set up.

Second roll: Much like before with scrambling.  Did a good job of passing his half guard by placing his leg down and getting over it.  Using some muscle, but only when I know he's off balance.  Tried for a kimura from mount, but dude has flexible shoulders.  Had to use my hand to apply force.  I feel like that's going to get me in trouble some day.

Third roll: Felt really bad about this one.  I started toying around with some head and arm stuff.  I actually gator rolled him from the bottom to gain posistional dominance (only seen it on TV, never actually learned it).  Ended up on my back with his arm across his throat.  Went for an arm triangle, but it ended up being a neck crank.  Really didn't want to do that, but he was cool with it.

Did some really light sparring with the new boxer.  Just threw some lazy shots for him to capitalize on.  He's getting good, he just needs to frickin' relax.

Showed the WC dude some very basic boxing.  Will teach him more tomorrow.

 

ME lower body day

Squats:
3XBar
3X135
3X225
3X275
1X325
1X345
1X365
Walk out with 375
1X325

Note: Legs way burnt out from Air Force PT.  Felt like I was dying in the squat rack.  Most likely over trained.  Still saw a jump in my max, but was not happy with my form.  Need to pick up more glutamine.  Can't wait until my bulk.

Partial deadlifts
8X135
8,8X185
6X185

Notes: Feeling stronger on this lift.  Form good too, just too burnt out.

Skipped my lunges.  Felt like my legs would benefit more from the rest than a workout.  Still, at least I saw another 10lb jump here. 

Training Log: Entry 287

ME upperbody day

Bench
3Xbar
3X135
3X225
3X275
1X295
1X315
0X325
0X320

Notes: Finally broke this damn platue, and was just a hair away from 325.  I'll definitely nail it next time.  Too burnt out to hit 320 afterwards.

Weighted dips w/45lb plate
8,6,6,5

Notes: Much stronger on this.  Form a little sloppy at first, but doing much better.

EZ bar tricep pulldown

10,8,9 @ 145
9 @ 130

Notes: Little more rest time to nail these after dips

Front raises with back against wall w/20lbs
3X10

Notes: Never realized how much it really hits the shoulders to put my back on the wall.  Still getting stronger though.

Bent over BB rows of 105

3X10, 1X7

Notes: Really strong, but crapped out at the end.

Straight bar curl
10X55
8X55
10Xbar

Notes: Forearms really getting torn up on these too.  Very good.

Training Log: Entry 286

DE lower body day

8 sets of doubles at 185

Note: Most explosive lifting done on lowerbody day.  Form much better than before.

Lunges at 60
9,9,8,9

Note: With more rest in the last set, was able to polish off with 9 before failure.  Next time, gonna do backwards barbell lunges

Partial deadlifts of 130
4X8

Note: Lower back was sore, so stuck with a light weight and getting the motion down.  Seems to place more emphasis on the hammies.

Ab circuit: Weighted swiss ball low cable crunches of 70, 50lb side bends, sets of 8-10

Note: Abs feeling nice and strong.  More weight.

Training Log: Entry 285

Another MMA club meeting.

New kid.  MT/BJJ.  Talks way too much, but knows a lot of stuff, so once you cut through the crap, he offers some decent material.  Brings a lot of crap too, like me (thai pads, heavy bag, etc etc).

Worked with the new boxer.  His rush is getting much better.  He can time my wild swings and rush in.  Now I'm working on getting him fluid.  He's too rigid and jerky, and gasses out way too quickly.  Told him to drill fluidity by weaving across the floor slowly, then explode on the heavy bag.  There were some other folks using the space too, boxers, and they helped him with his footwork.  I'm glad, because mine sucks hard.

Rolled with the new kid.  He was way sweaty and greasy, pretty gross.  A lot of stuff wasn't working due to the lack of friction.  I was trapped in his guard for a while.  Was trying to pass, but kept slipping.  He wasn't working too much from there, so I just decided to bait the triangle in order to get a pass.  Pass the legs over my head and go for side control.  Still couldn't get a grip.  Lots of posistioning, trying for anything but not having much luck.  I fell victim to an armbar at one point, and just quit fighitng.  Was getting too frustrated, and just wanted the tap to be over with.  Worked a basic armbar escape from there (step over, stack, go loose, pull out).

Rolled with the JKD/SG guy.  Working my posistioning.  I should just pull guard from knees, instead of the stupid dance we all do.  Eventually I just shucked him to the side and took side control.  Slipped into full mount from there, and managed to trap an arm against his throat with my chest.  I took this time to attack his unguarded arm with a kimura, and got a verbal tap.

Rolled with KK/BJJ chick.  She pulled guard, which I passed to half guard.  We scramble, with her bucking me off balance and trying for the guilltine.  I get rolled into guard, which she passes for half guard.  I grab her waist and roll her onto her back (pure strength on that one), then work for the full mount.  Ended with an eventual kimura.

Did some pad drills with the thai pad.  Need to relax more.  Basic 1-2 kinda stuff.  New kid moves the pads too far in, but got to work my precision and power a little.  Held for him, he was gassing bad.

Did some boxing sparring with the new kid.  We agree on 50%, and as soon as we touch gloves, he tries to take my head off.  I immediately go into survival mode (stupid of me), and forget almost all the crap I worked on over the summer.  Back to my old tactics of fending off with the jab, hiding behind it.  Eventually, I start to calm down more and adjust to his rhthym.  He's a one trick poney, with a big looping right hook and not much else.  He fires a low body jab to draw my hands, and goes for the haymaker.  Not enough power to really phase me though, but hard to dodge without just ducking.  Can't slip or back away, too looping.  Instead, I start using my offense as my defense, and firing hard jabs into his face.  His hands are like a skiball game, shot right up the middle.  I slip a few punches, and we clinch.  He starts firing hooks from the clinch.  That really pissed me off.  It was supposed to be a 50% spar, and here he is throwing dirty hooks.  I let my anger get the best of me, and just pop 3 very hard jabs right into his nose.  That ended it.  We stop, touch gloves, and call it a day.

Note: I at least could see what I need to work on.  Circular movement when moving back, not just straight back.  Work those pats in there, don't just use head movement.  My fiancee watched and said my gloves were glued to my head the whole time, and for that I'm thankful.  At least I know my chin is still doing strong.  Finally able to work a hook into sparring.  Lead left.  I was really proud of that.

Lifts

DE upperbody day

8 sets of triples on bench with 165lbs

Note: Form bad on first set, everything smooth from there. Nice and fast.

Close grip BP with 165 lbs
10,10, 7, 8

Note: Lift is real easy now.  Love the strength gains.

Curve bar tricep pushdown
10X130
3X8 of 140

Note: Getting stronger here.  Form great.

Front raises

4X10 of 20lbs

Note: Form was great, and not to failure.

Bent over rows of 125lbs
10, 10, 10, 8

Note: Had a few hours rest here, so came in nice and strong.  Felt the pull in my back.

Straight bar curls

10X55lbs
8X55lbs
8X45lbs

Note: Form doing well until last set.  Work on that.

Training Log: Entry 284

Another MMA club meeting.

Rolled twice with the fiancee.  Worked for those smooth transistions, escaping mount, rolling, getting a base, basically building up her fundamentals.  She's doing better, can't wait until I can start putting the full weight on.  Caught me in a guillitine twice, and I was fighting against it.  She sinking it much deeper and more natural now.  Showed her the kimura from the guard as she just about had it at one point.  Expect to see it appear in the near future.

Rolled with the JKD/SG guy.  Started from knees, threw a cattle catcher on him but didn't pass his guard.  Right away he starts going for a shoulder lock, and ends up sweeping me off my base so that now we're stuck in a half guard situation with him cranking on my shoulder.  I focus on wrapping around his back and snagging his arm to cut off the lock.  From there, I pull him into my guard and start working the kimura.  He fights it off well, and then I switch for an armbar attempt.  He passes my legs over his head and works for half guard.  I use my hands to cut off his hips from walking around me, and eventually rock him off balance and roll on top of his half guard.  We scramble for a bit, I get in mount, go for the kimura, he bucks me off but I still have it in guard.  I drew his attention with the kimura attempt, then alluva sudden shove his head away and slip the crappiest armbar of my life on him.  Pure strength for the tap.

I need to work the armbar from guard more, and not give up my arms from top of guard so much.  He was picking shoulder locks at will.

Worked with the new boxer kid.  He's still training his defense, but I told him to take some shots on the rush in.  He got some good gut punches, and even tagged my face on my wild swings.  He says that whenever he spars, he's gotten much better at closing the gap and taking much fewer punches.

Sparred with the fiancee, boxing rules.  The first couple minutes was me working my defense and taking a few shots when I saw openings.  I don't know how to fight her.  It's a flurry of ridiculously fast and powerful overhands (left and right).  She punches harder than the guys, and too fast.  Whenever I slip one overhand, I get snagged with 2-3 on the way back.  Doing by best to just evade and block.  Best bet would be rope-a-dope.

She pulled some dirty boxing on me.  Grabbed on glove and slammed some overhand rights at me with the other hand.  I was so proud of her.  I taught her some other dirty tactics. 

Second round, I toyed around a little.  I was using a high stance like in MT, and decided this time to go full peek a boo.  Legs nice and bent, real crouched, eye level with her at 5'6 against my 5'9.  I had no idea how much of a difference the crouch makes with peek a boo.  I was untouchable, and felt a million times faster.  At the same time, I told her to glue her hands to her face, making it much harder to get an opening shot in.  Much better on both parts.

Good meeting overall.

Training Log: Entry 283

ME lower body day

ME lift: "Dead squats" I set the pins at parallel and racked the weight on the pins.  Working purely the Concentric portion of the movement.  Warmed up with traditional squats.

3XBar
3X145
3X235
3X285
-Concentric squats from here
1X235
1X255
1X285
0X295

Note: Was using a 55lb bar (we have them).  Next time switch to a 45 for psychological purposes.  This was a fun new addition to ME days.  Hopefully should pay off in the end.  I use the stretch reflex a lot in my lift, and separating it from the movement should make my eccentric movement even stronger.

Lunges
9X60
3X8 @ 60

Note: Forgot to change my lift here.  Next time, reverse barbell lunges.  Still, form was tight and strong the whole way through.

SLDL
4X8 @ 195

Note: Working on not training to failure.  Form good on all movements.

Training Log: Entry 282

ME upper body day

Rack lockouts at halfway point

3Xbar
3X135
3X225
3X305
1X315
1X335
0X355
1X355

Notes: Failed at 355 the first time from a bad start (bar was uneven).  Managed it again by recruiting my legs at the end.  Need to do that more.  Did a concentric and eccentric rack lockout, not just eccentric

Dips
4X5w/45lb plate

Note: Hit 6 the first time.  After that, didn't want to go with bad form, so cut it short.  Next time, 6s all around

Tricep pull down with bent bar
10X115
2X10@130
1X8@130

Note: This was really easy.  Try the 145 next time

Front raises
10X10
3x10 @ 15

Note: Suprisingly strong at this.  Form was good the whole way through.  Try 20s next time.

Bent over BB row

4X8-10 @ 115

Note: Form was really bad at first until I took off my glasses.  Made it easier to check form in the mirror.  Looking up halfway through the lenses was messing me up.  Not really feeling it in my lats though.  Stick with one more week, then back to wide grip pull-ups/pull downs.

Straight bar curls
3X8-10 @ bar

Note: Great lift, felt strong

Note in general: After reading Pavel's "Beyond Bodybuilding", I'm focusing much more on not training to failure in order to get gains.  It's tough to shake the HIT brainwashing, but the results are worth it.

 

MMA club meeting.

Didn't really do much rolling or sparring this meeting, but got to work on fundamentals.  Went over the kimura possibilities from side mount from this summer (I still remember them all and can pull them off without trouble), and helped out the new boxer by throwing some shots at him and having him dodge.  He's still really manic, and it's gonna get him exhausted, but his defense is at least increasing at a near exponential rate.

Worked my defense with the same kid.  Just told him to fire some shots at me.  I was parrying everything he threw at me, patting was good, slipping and bobbing ok, but fell victim to his long looping hooks a lot.  Kept tagging me in the back of the head...danger zone there.  Either need to move in, move out, or bob away.

Rolled with the fiancee.  Her transistional game is getting better.  She knows what to do, but is afraid to use it because she doesn't want to hurt me.  Can't say I'm not the same way. 

Got to spar her too.  Boxing rules.  She had bag gloves on, so it made me really on guard with my defense.  A lot of circling and defending against some shots.  Fired a few blows to her body off of a slip/bob and weave (found out later she thought we weren't doing bodyshots...whoops), and dodged her overhand right by moving my head back (not too sure if that's the proper defense...I've never gone to a school that went in depth on the overhand).  She landed a beautiful shot to my right eye though.  Perfet timing, hands down, not paying attention, BLAM!  I thought it was gonna be a black eye at first.  No such luck.  Always next time.

Training Log: Entry 281

DE lower body day

Box squats
8 sets of Doubles at 185

Notes: Form a little off at first, but towards the end speed was doing great.

Lunges
4X8 @ 60lbs each

Note: Much more comfortable weight.  Work from here

SLDL
4X8 @ 185

Note: Form a little sticky at end.  Maybe a little lower weight.

Swiss ball cable crunches
3X8 @ 75lbs

Note: Going well.

Training Log: Entry 280

Another MMA club meeting.

New member.  TKD guy.  15 years of experience.  Wirey, lanky, the usual.

Worked more boxing with the new kid.  Threw some straight shots and sloppy hooks to get him used to charging in when he saw an opening.  He needs to work his bodyhooks more, so I gave him the drill of head on the bag and power hooks.

Grappled with JKD/SG guy.  He's got decent technique, but needs the power to back it up.  I literally flipped him over while I had him in a guillitine from half guard and transistioned to side control.  He did a good job of keeping out of my guard, but I eventually managed and landed a kimura.  We rolled again, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get a RNC from his back.  He managed to bump out, and he ended up in my guard.  I failed at a armbar, and he put me in side control.  I cut off his hips with my hand, slid him back into my guard, tried for a triangle, messed up (need to work this sub more), but pulled a transistion into an armbar for a tap.

Rolled with the TKD guy.  His first day, so i'm playing it cozy in my guard while he goes crazy.  Good strength, but not really oriented towards anything.  He stands up in my guard when I go for a ankle lock.  I forgot that we don't roll with them in the club (new policy), but the TKD guy mimiced me, and when I let go, he cranked it for a tap.  Kinda lame, but he learned a new sub.

Rolled with BJJ/KK chick.  She always brings the agression.  I took mount and worked for a kimura.  She bucked me and rolled into my halfguard.  I worked a crappy guillitine that wasn't doing anything (stupid panic response), then planted her head into the mat and rolled over into her guard.  I worked her into mount, sat back into guard, the eventually forced a tap from a kimura (love this technique).

Need more strikers.

 

Lifting went very well today.

DE upperbody

DE lift: 8 sets of triples at 155

Note: Bar speed much faster than before as form is getting better.  6th set was kinda crappy.  Pull the bar apart on the way down.

Close grip bench:
10X155
7X155
6X155
8X155

Note: Don't know where that extra boost came from in the last set.  Move weight up.

Straight bar pull down:
10X135
8X135
8X115
8X135

Note: Form was getting bad on the second set, so switched lighter.  Finished off with good form.

Lateral Raises:
2X10 @ 20
2X10 @ 15

Note: Getting stronger and stronger with greater form each and every time.

Pull-ups
10, 7, 6

Pull-downs
9X140

Note: For some reason, first set was easy, everything afterwards difficult.  Love my lat growth.

Hammer curls
8X25
8X20
6X20

Note: shoulder still an issue, but strength is there.

Training Log: Entry 279

Second MMA club meeting of the semester.

Much more effective use of time.  Still spent most of my time teaching, but managed to get in some rolling and some boxing.

(I realized I forgot my fun titles last entry, so here they are)

First roll with BJJ/KK chick.  We both have some new tricks, and it showed.  She was still the more aggressive one, but I spent much more of my time flowing and securing posistions rather than simply working for the tap.  Worked on keeping my mount high, and managed to roll and take the back twice, but couldn't complete my RNC.  Did a decent job of passing half guard.  Fumbled my triangle attempt (had my legs all jacked up), and though a smooth transistion to armbar from guard, wasn't able to break the defense.  Managed to defend most sub attempts, and eventually utilized a kimura from guard for the tap.

Second roll with my fiancee.  Worked much more on my transistional game and upa from the bottom of mount.  Threw in some kimuras for her to defend against.  Did a good job of keeping the flow going.  Eventually she caught me in a strong guillitine which I tapped to.  I'm proud of her.

Boxing with the new kid [Training in JKD (looks like your typical MT/Boxing/trapping stuff), kali, and sub grappling.  From this point on, JKD/SG dude).  I was so proud of myself.  Literally right off the first punch (left jab), I bob and weave and counterpunch with a right hook to his gut on the way up.  This set the mood for the fight, and he became much more pensive to punch with me.  I had the reach advantage, and eventually learned how to time his rhythm and would land a jab to his face everytime he threw a jab at me.  My jab would land because I could find my distance, while his would come up short.  However, he showed me a flaw in my game with a well executed left hook.  I instinctively slip/bob to my right almost always.  I need to mix it up.  Still, didn't take much abuse, much better than previous attempts.

I'm currently training a kid new to boxing.  I've seen him fight before, and he's like I used to be.  All offense, no defense.  I'm currently drilling him on how to counter punch, move in, etc etc.  He's almost my exact height at 5'9, so I'm teaching him how to fight taller guys.  He's adopting peek a boo too.  I can't wait to see him win something.  Taught him to keep his gloves on his face, croutch low, move in, and rein bodyblows.

Taught some new folks the real basics of the jab/cross and stance.  Wasn't able to stick around for much longer than that.

Polished off the night with more of the defense drill.  New element this time.  I put my back against the wall, and told my fiancee to throw any kind of punch she wanted (jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, and overhands).  The only stipulation being nothing but headshots.  Defense is getting nice and crisp.  Worked my parries much more effectively, focused more on my slipping, and didn't stay in the bob and weave long enough to take an uppercut.  A few punches got through, but for the most part I walked out feeling good.  Even managed to do a little skeet shooting (blocking with the point of the elbows).  Loving this drill.

Outstanding meeting tonight. 

Training Log: Entry 278

ME lower body

ME lift: ATG back squats

3Xbar
3X135
3X225
3X275
1X295
1X315
1X335
1X355
0X365

Notes: Outstanding work today. Accidentally threw in an extra single in there, but it failed anyway.  Can't wait to see what my parallel squat is now.

Lunges
3X8-9 @ 65
1X4 @ 65

Notes: Making progress, but should maybe cycle down on the last set.

SLDL
4X8-10 @ 155

Notes: Moving weight up.  Getting stronger.

Training Log: 277

First MMA club Meeting of the year.

Spent more time teaching than training.  Worked with a new kid on some boxing defense (his weak spot), basic pats, slips, parries, bobbing and weaving.  Did some focus mitt work with the fiancee showing her how to use the peek a boo stance.  Showed her some sweeps from being mounted and a new guard pass, along with a kimura from in mount.  Worked with a new kid on the basic posistions of grappling and the kimura and armbar.  Then finally got to drill my defense the same way as before.

Gave my fiancee 7oz gloves instead of 10oz.  The difference was way more noticable.  More shots got in.  Need to work on not panicing and just covering my face and bobbing and weaving.  I was informed I'm open for a lot of uppercuts.  Told her to hit me if she sees it again.  I hope my defense gets incredible.

Great lifting day tonight.

ME upperbody

Bench
Triples of bar
Triples of 135
Triples of 185
Triples of 225
Triples of 275
1X295
1X305
1X310
0X305

Notes: Broke a new record, the first time in years.  And here I thought I was in a rut.  This program rocks!  The DE must of had a huge impact.

Narrow grip bench
4X6-9 at 155

Note: Up the resistance and the rest period next time.  Try 165 of 1.5 minutes

Dips
2 sets of BodyweightX8-10

Straight bar pull down:
2 sets of 130X8-10

Notes: Had a "cable guy" tying up the cable station, so decided to try some dips instead, thus the weird split.  Getting increasingly stronger on the push down. 

Lateral raises:
3 sets of 15X10
1 set of 10X10

Notes: Getting constantly stronger on these.

Wide grip pull-ups
3 sets of 8

Wide grip pull-down
1 set of 10

Notes: Feeling an uneven pull on the pull-ups, possibly due to my shoulder imbalance.  Moved onto pull-downs when form was getting too crappy

Hammer curls:
2 sets of strict form 25X8
1 set of strict form 15X8

Notes: Shoulder always clicks on these.  Still, biceps felt murdered.

Great day.  Next week, switching everything up and using rack lockouts for singles.  Felt my sticking point past halfway up.

Training Log: Entry 276

DE lower body day

DE lift: box squats, 8 sets of doubles at 165lbs

Notes: Form a little bad at first due to soreness, but got into my groove

Lunges: 4X8-9 at 50lbs

Form much better than ME day

Everything else the same.

Training Log: Entry 275

DE upper day

DE bench
8 sets of triples at 155 (little over 50% of max)
Note: Form needs work.  Not pulling shoulder blades together.  Good job at keeping max speed.

Close grip bench: 4X10 @ 155
Note: form just doesn't feel right on these.  Curious if it's from shoulder.  Need to see if I can replace it with dips or BB skull crushers

Flat bar pushdowns: 4X10@115
Note: Swayed between 100 and 130 at first, could maintain good form at 115.  Use triceps, not deltoids.

Lateral raises: 4X10 @ 12lbs each

EZ bar strict form curl: 2X8 at 65, 1X6 at 65

Form crappy at end

Did my lat work earlier that day.  2 sets of 10 wide pullups, 2 sets of 130 lat pulldowns to front.

Training Log: Entry 274

Worked the heavybag today for the first time in a while.  Started off with some shadow boxing first to warm-up and look for openings in my game.  Handspeed doing alright,  

From there, put on the 16oz gloves and drilled a little boxing.  My punching power is way up after switching my stance, and trying to do a better job of working parrying, patting, slipping, bobbing and weaving, and blocking into my bag routine.  Worked some roundhouse kicks, knees, and elbows as well. 

Did some more shadow work focusing on footwork and moving forward agressively while defending and moving back at an angle when evading. 

From there, did a drill I really like.  Put on my headgear and mouthguard and gave my fiancee her 10oz bag gloves and let her fire punches at me while I could only defend. Great way to train my defensive skills.  Spent a lot of time bobbing and weaving and slipping, and threw in some patting and blocking.  Parrying wasn't happening much.  Need to learn how to use that in conjunction with other defensive skills/against multiple punches.  Focused on planting myself and defending rather than running away.  She did an outstanding job of keeping the pressure up, and I found myself inevitably backing away, but much more gradually and slower than I would usually do.  Hopefully I can make this drill a staple of my routine.

Note: Do not face down when bobbing and weaving.  Gonna eat a knee or an elbow that way.

Training Log: Entry 273

ME lower body day

ME lift-ATG squats.
1X3Bar
1X3@135
1X3@225
1X3@275
1X1@285
1X1@305
1X1@315
1X1@310

Note: Form was a little bat at 315, so dropped the weight a little.  Once again, haven't squatted for over 4 months, and have never done ATG (always squatted to parallel before).  Murdered my quads and hammies

Lunges: 4X10-12
2X8@65
1X7@65
1X3@65

Note: Hammies were killing me at this point.  Lower weight next time

SLDL: 4X8@135

Note: Form doing great on this lift.

 

Love this program.  Sadly, might have to cut it short for 2 months because of my beginning weight training class, but we'll see.

Training Log: Entry 272

Started a full fledged westside barbell template as of today.  Lovin' it.

ME upperbody
Singles on bench
  3XBar
  3X135
  3X225
  3X245
  1X275
  1X285
  0X295
  1X285
Note: Can almost make a single of 295.  Haven't done max effort bench all summer, so haven't lose much progress on the lift.

Tricep work-Close Grip Bench press
3X5 of 185
1X7 of 135
Note: Form was getting bad at the end, so lowered it

Tricep pushdown-straight bar
1X12 of 70
2X10 of 100
1X8 of 100
Note: Having trouble finding a good weight here

Shoulder work-Lateral raises
4X10 of 10lbs each

Lats-Wide grip pull-ups
3X8
Note: Form got bad towards the end
Lat pull down
1X10 of 130

Biceps-EZ bar curl with strict form
3X8 of 55lbs

Lovin' this routine, can't wait for more.

Pics of summer cut

Training Log: Entry 271

MT tonight

Warm-up
Drills
Conditioning

Warm-up: Still sinking power into those hooks and loving it

Drills 1: Attacker boxes and low kick, defender defends boxing and eats leg kick.

Note: Defense was on fire tonight.  I realized in the last few classes that the reason my defense was so crappy was that I kept moving rather than planting and trying to actively defend the blows.  Plated myself, and let my hands go.  Throwing out pats, shifting my guard, slipping, even a bob and weave. From my modified peek a boo, remember you need to slide gloves up to block headshots, down to block bodyshots.  For once, I finally learned how to cover my face while slipping and weaving.  Pats don't have to go far from the face, I was able to pull it off with a glove on my face.   

Drill 2: Same as above, but check the now arm kick.

Note: Knee goes inside elbow on armkick check

Drill 3: Same as above, but defender throws counter arm kick.

Note: Pay more attention to leg before checking.  Focus then react.

Conditioning: Nothing I ca't handle.  Pyramids.

 

Last class of the summer training sessions.  Overal summary

MT:

Focus was on defense this summer, and that focus paid off in spades.  Finally can slip, bob and weave, parry, block, duck, etc etc.  Before this, was all about offense and a strong jaw.  Must not lose this!

Movement got better as well.  No longer just straight in and out, learning how to use lateral movement and angles.  Next session, make this the focus.

Offense, though not a focus, is getting smoother.  Pulling off combos rather than isolated shots.  Letting go with both hands.

Conditioning raised to a whole new level. 

Knees/clinch/elbows not really improved much.  More of a focus on basics.

BJJ:

Skipped out on last month due to not liking the class structure of the new coach and paranoia of shoulder.  Affected results.

Learned how to use my legs more effectively. 

Furthermore, learned to work off my back more, my major weak point.  Upa and roll, triangles and armbars and kimuras.  Really awesome to have confidence there.

Learned more about where to place my weight for stability

Not much from mount.

Almost no takedowns improvement, but at least learned I like to use a firemen's carry and cattle catches.

Lifting:

Deadlift numbers didn't increase much, but form has gotten so much better.  Feel much more of the pull from my legs than my back.  Learned I respond much better to singles than triples.

Found out I have a good overhead press considering I haven't trained it in forever.

Body responded well to the shift in training styles.  Looking forward to getting back into heavy lifting.

General Health:

Bodyfat way down, weight is down, cardio is up.  Haven't run much this summer, but I got PT to make up for that.

 

 

Training Log: Entry 270

MT Tonight

Warm-up
Drills
Conditioning

Notes: Feet still very torn up from before.  Spent most of tonight flat footed.

Drill 1: Partner teeps, defender evades by scooting body away while keeping feet planted.

Notes: Stick ass back, rather than just bending forward.  Otherwise, gonna get kneed.

Drill 2: Same as above, but attacker throws boxing combos

Notes: Defense was doing better.  Keep hands higher on face.  Decent job patting and slipping.  My second partner was a jerk.  He wouldn't throw punches, he'd throw teeps with no set-up, hindered learning experience.  First partner was cool.  Still got a defense flinch.

Drill 3:  Same as above, but defender throws leg kick and arm kick

Note: Same lame partner as the one that messed up last drill.  Wouldn't throw counter kicks.  Got to practice my own at least.  Keep hands up on kicks, but didn't get defense penetrated too bad.

Sparring with goal of evading teeps and countering.

Partner 1: Got to work my outfighting.  Throwing long straight punches, leg kicks, etc.  Defense was doing good, evading most teeps.  Still need to point lead leg away when checking kicks.  Wanna work that lead hook more.  Hook, don't slap.  Step in to throw it.

Partner 2: More outfighting.  Didn't get to throw too many rear leg roundhouses.  Worked my punching combos more.  Used a knee to deflect a lot of teeps.  Not the greatest idea.  Still stick that leg out on checked kicks.  Keep those hands up and guard.  Work active defense.

Conditioning: Feet are torn apart badly.

 

Personal Note: Have now completed 2 years of this log.  When did I get so old?

Training Log: Entry 269

MT tonight

Warm-up
Drills
Conditioning

Notes: Back to basics.  Working on the MT cirriculum from scratch.

Personal note: After so many nights of bad defense, I glued my hands to my face tonight.  Huge improvements, not just in defense, but punching power.  With better defense comes more confident offense.  Whole new fighter.

Drill 1: Attacker teeps, defender sweeps

Note: Did alright here, but pay more attention to which leg is coming.  Too easy to get faked out.  Still, even when faked out, did a good job of moving sideways rather than backwards.  Loving lateral movement.

Drill 2: Same as above, with counter leg kick-switch arm kick.

Note: Get better spacing on that arm kick.

Drill 3: Same as above, but block the counter shots.

Note: Retarded partner, took time away to teach him how to block a leg kick.  Didn't attack me with any power, but oh well, I worked what I could.

Conditioning: Tore up my feet pretty bad on the mats.  Couldn't pivot much as a result.

Worked boxing on a shield today.  My punches were popping, and I kept sending my partner flying into other groups.  I managed to work my circular movements and hooks as well.

Training Log: Entry 268

Best leg day of the summer.  Shifted from triples on sumo deadlifts to singles.  Huge improvement.  I kept shifting weight up to an eventual 340.  Legs were shaking, quads and glutes blasted.  For some reason, I have a much easier time pulling singles on deadlifts and triples on squats.  Keep this in mind.

Training Log: Entry 267

MT tonight

Goddamn did tonight suck.

Drill 1: Boxing sparring.

Note: Had a partner that couldn't break wind with his punches, furthermore he thought we were fighting in slow motion.  None of his punches came close to my face, yet I still chased after them to parry.  STOP DOING THIS. 

Drill 2: Attacker jabs, defender throws leg kick or armkick counter.

Note: Jab is sloppy.  Straight in, straight back.

Drill 3: Attack jabs, defender throws leg kick.

Note: Partner sucked again.  Kept throwing kicks to my knee and groin, running away from jabs, closing his eyes. 

Drill 4: Sparring, one guy boxes, one guy boxes and kicks.

Notes: Same problems as before.  Stop chasing lame punches.  Was rocking the head movement at least, but need to keep my gloves pinned to my face.

Different sparring partner, smae lame ass problems.  Peppered him with leg kicks.  I punched him once, knocked out a contact lens, and he stopped.  I really hate this crap.  Don't wear contacts if you're affraid to lose them.

Conditioning: Was off tonight.  Got to work thai pads with coach.  I need to relax, torque my hips more, and bring my hands back to my face.

Based on all the problems I had tonight, I've decided to go back to peek a boo style guard.

Edit: Now that I'm in a better mood, all was not lost.  I still managed to work my angles really well tonight.  I lured a guy with a lead hook and then slammed him with an overhand right. Another guy I kept luring into my leg kicks.

Training Log: Entry 266

MT tonight

Drills
Conditioning

Drill 1: Attacker boxes and leg kicks, defender defends and eats kick

Note: Ugh, defense went out the window tonight.  Need to work on stance and focus.  Bring gloves closer to face.  Maybe experiment more with peek a boo.

Drill 2: Same as above, but step lead leg back away from kick and counter with armkick

Note: Partner was kinda being a dick here.  He'd always back me up into another group before he'd throw the leg kick, basically making me unable to step the lead leg back without stepping on another group.  Oh well, good way to train in a chaotic atmosphere.  Defense was still crappy.

Sparring with boxing and leg kicks+counter armkicks

Partner 1: Nothing really to note.  Good exchanges on both sides.  I can defend much better when I can punch. Stick the jab out to stop a charge.

Partner 2: This guy pissed me off.  Doing alright until he panics and kicks me right in the balls.  Partially my fault for not defending well enough, partially his for kicking me in the goddamn balls.  Thankfully I had my cup on.  We go some more, and out of nowhere he kicks me in the face.  That's just plain disrespectful.  At least I know my chin is strong enough to take a suprise full force Thai kick and not stagger.  I let my anger get the best of me though.  Kid had long hair, and I just kept punching till it got in his face, then launched everything I could at his face while he tried to get the hair out of his eyesite.  Did this for the rest of the round. 

Partner 3: I love and hate sparring this guy.  He's got some great hooks, and I get to test my chin out.  He rocked my body pretty good too.  Was about ready to puke between the groin shot  before and the body punches.  I held my own, attacked his legs, and fired straight punches.  I need to work on getting in with hooks and uppercute.

Conditioning: Rough tonight.