2026 Training Log Part 5

It is utterly depressing that we’re 8 weeks into 2026 and this is just week 5 of my training. I can’t believe how little I’ve got done in the gym or on the mats thanks to a series of viruses.

Monday

First night in the new gym! First night on the new sprung floor.

I just set the timer and we rolled. I did 7×5 minute rounds in the Gi. Loved it. The mew matted area feels great and it’s comfortable to train in. No more cold feet for coaches, the weather was about 4 degrees outside and we were nice and toasty.

Tuesday

I warmed up but then just stepped in for the positionals and sparring. Daniel was taking the session (new Black Belt Coach here just in from Rio de Janeiro via Germany). I think I did 5 rounds and 4 rounds of positionals.

Wednesday

Big group session on the mats with everyone involved. Nice sparring and training. I did 7×5 minute rounds once again, but felt a bit off still. Thought it was the hangover from the virus from last week and paid no mind to it.

Thursday

Intended to get some gym work in this morning, but instead found myself sick as a dog once again. Man, will these winter viruses ever end. I’m sitting here still clearing my throat and blowing my nose from it. My whole family are the same.

Training Thoughts of the Week

I have loved the first week in the new gym. I can’t tell you how much better it is to train there in a place that’s not leaky and damp, freezing cold, and without all of the other bullshit that went along with the old industrial estate.

But very little training done unfortunately. I’m pretty much done with this current virus and I’ll go back lifting in the gym this afternoon after a long break from the bar.

Non-Training Thoughts of the Week

Culture is everything in a club. And I saw firsthand the great culture we’ve got going in Kyuzo the past month. People popping in to hold a paint brush, do a coffee run, lift, sweep, saw, mop or whatever needed to be done. It was great to be involved in. And then, of course, you get to train in what you built afterwards.

See you on the mat,

Barry