2025 Training Log Part 4

On the stereo today- Metallica- And Justice For All

I don’t know sometimes if I even like Metallica. I think I owe it to my younger self to keep listening.

Some good sessions in last week. Pretty happy.

Monday

Good training, plenty of bodies. Nice rounds. I think about 8×5.

Tuesday

Hit the gym in the morning. I have a tight shoulder that’s playing havoc with my bicep tendon so I did some alternative work.

1. Elevated ring push ups 5×15
2. Single arm incline press 3×10
3. Bench Supported Dumbell Row 5×5
4. Bench row 3×10
5. Swiss ball “stir the pot” 3x60s
6. Cable kickbacks 3×20
7. Skullcrushers 3×10

I really enjoyed the ring presses as a change.

Monday evening was full of good Jiu Jitsu rounds. I did 8×5 minute rounds.

Wednesday

Morning lower body strength work. Well, when I say strength work I really mean movement.

1. A) Double kbell squat 5×15 B) Nordic Curl 5×8
2. Quad raise 3×15
3. Hip pops 3×15, 15
4. Plank 3x60s
5. Weighted crunch 3×12

Evening Gi sparring 7×5 minute rounds. Felt good and loose, even though my legs were a bit jellylike.

Friday

Friday pump in my own gym for a change.

1. Incline press 3×15
2. Gorilla Rows 3×20
3. Weighted incline push ups 3×15
4. Palov press 3x30s
5. Kettlebell hammer/wrist curls 3×10

Saturday

Some good work. Everyone seemed to be massive or very fast. Very enjoyable end to the week. I like the Saturdays because you can empty the tank and then go home and put your feet up and eat.

Training Thoughts of the Week

A few years ago I was following along with a Yoga youtube channel, and at the start of each session she’d go “Now set your intention for the practice”. I used to think, “Not me, that’s for new age hippies”, but then, after a while, I’d say something like “release my hips”, and lo and behold, I would work much better. So I started to do it for Jiu Jitsu.

“Work on keeping distance in your guard” would be one such thing, and lo and behold…

Try it.

Non-Training Thoughts of the Week

I watched Nathan’s fight from Dubai on Saturday, as always. He lost to a very good Dagestani, which wasn’t good of course. When I stopped coaching him, every fight was torture. It was much worse than being there coaching. There, you are busy, and to some extent, in control. When you’re at home, it’s brutal! But it’s getting a bit easier every fight.

See you on the mat,

Barry