2025 Training Log Part 13

On the stereo today- REM- Monster. Underrated in my humble opinion. Bang and Blame is a great tune.

I trained actual Jiu Jitsu for the first time in 7 or 8 weeks last week. Actual, real Jiu Jitsu. I was ecstatic.

Monday

First I did some strength work in the morning (BFRs on)

1. Floor Press 30, 15, 15, 15
2. Lat Pulldown 30, 15, 15, 15
3. Single arm pulldown 4×12
4. Weighted crunches 3×15
5. Plank 3x60s
6. Tricep pushdowns 30, 15, 15, 15
7. EZ curl 30, 15, 15, 15

Monday night, I went to my mate Henrique’s gym in Lucan to teach, and while I was tempted to roll, I decided against it. Tuesday was to be my big comeback!

Tuesday

Lower body work first.

1. Bike 10 mins
2. RDL 5×8
3. Nordic Curls 5×10
4. Step Ups 3×12
5. Crunches 150
6. Swiss Ball Push Ups 5×5

JIU JITSU!

First real rolls in 8 weeks. I did 4×5 NoGi. I was dreadful of course but it felt so good to be back doing it. I coached for another hour afterwards and I was still on a high. I went home and slept like a baby. What a game!

Wednesday

3km run.

Then Wednesday night, I trained again! Oh how I love it so. 4 rounds of not very high quality Jiu Jitsu, but with nice technical partners.

Thursday

Repping recovery session. No BFRs on me this time out.

1. Floor Press 5×8 @40kg
2. Seated Cable row 5×10
3. Supinated pulldown 3×15
4. Face Pull 3×15
5. Stir the pot 3×45
6. Hollow holds 3x35s
7. Alternate concentration curls 3×20
8. Pushdowns 3×12

Today was the first day I felt my chest and tricep re-engage. Up to now, I’ve felt that the injury was like training with a pinched hose in my arm, like the muscles were disconnected. But today it felt good, and although 8 reps of 40kgs doesn’t seem much, it was the first time since the injury that I felt like there was some strength there.

Friday

3k run. Stiff and sore in the low back, so I made a mental note to keep the hip mobility work in the programme as I come back to Jiu Jitsu.

Saturday

6.5 rounds of NoGi. I decided I’d do 2 rounds on, 1 round off. I was getting my ass kicked but having fun. In round 7 I felt my back a little so I just stopped.

Training Thoughts of the Week

Nothing compares to training Jiu Jitsu. You can run, lift weights, cycle, scoot, swing kettlebells, and you can lie to yourself and tell yourself you’re enjoying it, but you’re not. You’re only pretending until you can train some Jiu Jitsu.

Non-Training Thoughts of the Week

I had a busy week last week, and it should have been slightly stressful, but instead I went around with a spring in my step, hopping from job to job, appointment to appointment, typing emails with a flourish. Wherever I went, small birds would light on my hands, and the animals of the forest would come up to me and climb my leg.

No, not quite, but being back on the mat training meant I was considerably lighter of heart. Not that I was miserable, in fact I was quite philosophical about the whole thing, but I don’t like being out of the game. Even if I can just train a little bit it I’m fine.

See you on the mat,

Barry