5/17/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 35
Great Monday morning no-gi class. Instructor Ryan was very gracious in working with me for a bit after class. These morning classes mean a lot to me. I’m learning and having a ton of fun with jiu-jitsu. Onward and upward.
5/16/21 - Deadlifts and KB Thrusters
I went over to Bill’s to train for the first time today.
Block Pulls (~2”) - 315 x 3, 345 x 3, 365 x 3 - wore belt and straps
Double KB Thrusters - 24s x 10 x 5 (EMOM) - I failed the very last rep on the last set. This was tough and not what I planned on doing today but whatever. It made me push myself a bit at least.
Fun session with a buddy.
5/15/21 - Bike Ride with Cali
The weather was absolutely beautiful this weekend so Cali and I took the bikes out for a nice Saturday afternoon ride. We did about 14.5 miles in 1:10:00, from Collegeville to the top of the big hill at Spring Mount and back. This was just a nice pleasant time with my wonderful wife.
5/14/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 34
Small but fun Friday morning class. I got some good rolls in despite getting choked. Purple belt Jay is always gracious and instructive. Ryan told me I need to use my knees and legs more when trying to defend. I’ll work on this tomorrow. Onward and upward.
5/13/21 - Box Squats, Press, Chins, and Mace
I didn’t feel super strong this morning but my body was moving well.
Cambered Bar Box Squats (14”) - 205 x 3 x 5 - no belt, barefoot - low box was an ass-kicker
Barbell Press - 125 x 5, 115 x 2 x 5
Quad Mace 360s - 4 x 10 superset with
Chins - BW x 4 x 5 - various grips
Really grateful to have a healthy body and a home gym where I can get in a good session.
5/12/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 33
Small but awesome Wednesday morning class. Worked on some more moves from spider guard. I really enjoy Anthony’s instruction, and I just found out he does a Tuesday morning no-gi class. I think I’ll have to check that out. Onward and upward.
5/10/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 32
Excellent no-gi class on this fine Monday morning. There was a new guy there today, and rolling with him really let me know that I have learned a lot and gotten better. As always, great to work with everyone at the gym. Onward and upward.
5/9/21 - Block Pulls, Bench, One-Arm Rows
Trained in the basement this morning. I didn’t feel very strong but I’m glad I got this done.
Block Pulls (5.25”) - Worked up to 335 x 5
Swiss Bench - 155 x 3, 175 x 3, 195 x 5, 155 x 3 x 5
One-Arm KB Rows - 36 x 3 x 6
5/8/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 31
Fun Saturday class. I got to meet some new folks and got some good rolls in. I sucked it up big time against instructor/black belt Tom, but what can you do? Brown belt Jerry was very gracious in working with me and helping me along. Onward and upward.
5/7/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 30
Great Friday morning training session. Ryan showed us three different basics on passing from half guard. This is elementary to most, but incredibly useful for me to see. I am so enjoying the process of this journey. In a way, I think it’s good that I didn’t start BJJ until I was 36 years old. Compared to my early 20s, I am much more patient and can see the big picture much better. I am very process-driven and am really taking the long view on learning BJJ. Hopefully it’s something I can practice for decades to come. Onward and upward.
5/6/21 - Front Squats, Swings, Presses
Really awesome training session this morning. I felt like a million bucks after some good rest in my own bed.
Front Squats - 195 x 3 x 3
Two-Handed KB Swings - 48 x 10 x 6 (EMOM)
Double KB OHP - 20s x 5, 24s x 3, 28s x 3, 32s x 2
Feeling strong and excited for jiu jitsu tomorrow.
5/3/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 29
Great no-gi class on a Monday morning. I was grateful to get this class in before having to drive to Connecticut for work. Awesome group of training partners. My plan is to rest up Tuesday, Wednesday, and maybe even Thursday. Onward and upward.
5/2/21 - Squats, Dips, Rows
I wasn’t sure if I should lift today but I got on with it and felt good.
Squats - 250 x 3 x 5 - The weight felt fine but my shoulders felt like shit.
Dips - BW x 3 x 5 superset with
Blast Strap Rows - BW x 3 x 6
I’m glad I got this in.
5/1/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 28
This was a great Saturday class with some wonderful people. I feel like I’m starting to “get” a couple things. Hopefully I can keep improving and having fun. Onward and upward.
4/30/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 27
Really awesome class this morning with three top notch instructors. Not only was this a great workout, but I got to see a bunch of belt promotions including three white to blue. This was important for me to see, because I roll with these guys all the time. Yes, they are all much better than me, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that I will get there one day. I am really loving BJJ, the culture, and the people. Onward and upward.
4/29/21 - Rounds of 6 on a Beautiful Morning
It's finally starting to warm up around here so I took advantage of a beautiful morning and got after it out in front of the house. I started at 0500 and it was already 65 F.
Six Rounds of Six - EMOM
Press - 28 x 2 x (5, 3, 2)
Chins - 5, 3, 5, 3, 5, 3 - 5s were neutral grip, 3s were regular pronated
Quad Mace - 360s for 10, 10, 15, 15; 10-2s for 20, 20
Push-Ups - 6, 10, 8, 8, 8, 8
Farmer Carries - 32s to Chase’s driveway down and back
Goblet Squats - 44 kg x 6 x 5
This was a fun workout and a perfect way to start the day. It felt great to do some basic movements and get a sweat going.
4/28/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 26
Really awesome 0530 class today. Just a great group of people with excellent instruction. I worked hard and enjoyed every minute. Onward and upward.
4/26/21 - Jiu-Jitsu Day 25
Awesome no-gi class this morning. I’m really starting to learn from the instructor Ryan and the other guys in class. I’m really loving BJJ. Onward and upward.
4/25/21 - Sumo Deads and Swiss Bench
Basement training this morning. My legs were a little tired from yesterday’s bike ride but still felt strong.
Sumo DL - 275 x 3, 295 x 3, 315 x 3 - wore straps but no belt - I could tell it had been a while since I’ve done these.
Swiss Bench - 160 x 5, 180 x 3, 200 x 5, 160 x 3 x 6 - felt solid and smooth
Rear Delt Flyes - 5 kg x 3 x 12
This was a fun time and left me feeling good.
4/24/21 - First Bike Ride of the Season
It was a beautiful Saturday and my bike was tuned up so I hit the Perkiomen trail for a roughly 20.75 mile ride in ~1:30:00. I was definitely not in top form but it felt great to be out in the sunshine turning some pedals. Hopefully many more to come this summer.