2025 Training Log Part 35

On the stereo today- Massive Attack

This is the first update in 3 weeks. This is because I was running the Shamrock Cup and the Ireland BJJ Invitational. I read this thing about Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie. She would wear a boiler suit to work every day while directing. Why? Loads of pockets, but mostly, one less decision to make in the morning- what do I wear? I relate to that after the last month. I found myself in the same hoody and cargoes every day for a week as I just pulled them off the top of the pile and got to work.

But I did change my underwear, I feel that’s important to note.

So this is just last week’s training. I did train for the 2 weeks before that, but I just squeezed sessions in where I could, and didn’t make notes.

Sunday

Exhausted after a 21 hour shift on the Saturday that had followed 3 days of hectic preparations, training was the last thing on my mind. But we had a seminar at 12pm with Fellipe Andrew and Leticia Cardozo, and honestly it was the best thing I could have done. I came away energised about Jiu Jitsu, when I thought I’d have fatigue. I did a little positional sparring, but I was physically exhausted, if not mentally.

Tuesday

Seminar with Fellipe Andrew. Okay forget about the excellent technique that he taught, this was all about watching and absorbing. I think you get so much out of watching great people move. You note how they spend a lot of time thinking about positions, pressures, and small details like grips.

We then did an hour of sparring, which was excellent. I did a round with Fellipe and one with Leticia. The difference in training with someone high level is time. You have no time. No thinking time, no breathing time. There are no gaps. Of course you’ll say “Well I train with this guy and he’s always moving”, and of course, that’s difficult. But with high level, it demands so much of your concentration that a minute is exhausting.

Wednesday

Strength work.

1. Single arm incline press 5×5
2. Neutral dumbbell push up 100 reps (25/25/20/15/15)
3. Rope Cable row 3×12
4. Bent over raise 3×10
5. Plank 3x60s
6. Hammer Curl 3×15
7. Pushdowns 3×15

Evening Jiu Jitsu, about 8 rounds of good fun rolls.

Thursday

Yoga at home. Ow.

Friday

Conditioning

1. 30/30 rower pulls for 10 reps.
2. Sled drag/Push 15 minutes

Doesn’t look like much but that was enough.

Saturday

NoGi Competition training. Nice session.

10 mins bad position start- any escape finishes

10 mins bad position start- defender must get top. Attacker must finish.

5x7min rounds.

Tough session. Everyone on point I have to say. Nothing came easy.

Training Thoughts of the Week

I had (have) a knee thing. I have no idea what happened to it, or what it is, but it was bothering me so much the last while that I had to take my foot off the pedal a bit. I can still feel it’s there, but it’s not as bad now so I can push on this week again I think.

Non-Training Thoughts of the Week

I ran a huge event last week and to be perfectly honest, it took a toll on me. I was totally exhausted in a way I’ve only ever been a few times in my life. It was great, but once the post-event buzz wore off, I could barely string a sentence together. I spent the week just walking the dog, doing very little work, and having coffee. Every training session felt like running a marathon until Saturday.

But it’s all good. I know this is the price of doing what I do, and each event like this does get easier.

See you on the mat.

Barry