Motivated!

A week ago on a rainy day, I sprained my ankle on my way to work. I should have gone home because I almost broke my other foot that same day. X-rays and CT scans later, I have a few small longitudinal lesions on my tendons which is disabling my ability to bend my toes. I decided to tough it out last Friday and head with R to the gym to start training again.

I think I lasted all of 10 minutes into the warm up when I jammed my toes horribly and had to get a bag of ice to calm down the re-aggravated injury. Needless to say, I didn’t start training that day. I stayed to watch the class but it made me even more frustrated knowing that it’s difficult for me to learn without actually putting my body through the paces. Class was attacking from the turtle position and the resulting clock choke. R promised to drill this with me at home when the foot starts to behave itself.

Saturday was a local BJJ tournament hosted by our gym. R spent the day refereeing on one of the mats and I brought the pup along to watch the competitions. It was exciting to see old friends and teammates compete and do extremely well on the mats! It just made me realize how much I seem to have fallen behind in my own training.

So.

I have just under one month to get back into it and hopefully register for my very first tournament! I would have been officially training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for eight months at that point and want to get used to that ‘OhmygodI’msonervousIneedtothrowup’ feeling. I’m told you don’t really get used to it per-say. It’s more that your body is accustomed to the adrenaline and doesn’t think it’s nausea. Superb.

I’m on a goal to drop weight and train hard for the next 5 weeks.

Here we go, wish me luck!

52 Cards

…and a helluva lot of burpees.

 

R’s newest idea for our training sessions include his idea of some sort of ‘fun’ card game.

 

He went out and purchased a deck of cards JUST so we could train with them. Tell me I’ve got a dedicated boyfriend.

So we decided this week’s training session we would break out the cards. Since I’ve been waiting to officially transfer over to R’s gym my cardiovascular tolerance has decreased. (sad face) We warmed up with jumping jacks, BJJ drills and pommeling before we drew the cards.

 

 

I asked to split the deck so that we would take turns flipping cards. Hearts – burpees (because, apparently I love burpees), Clubs – pushups, Diamonds – situps, Spades – squats.

1/3 of the deck!

We would do the number of reps as dictated by the value of the card. Face cards equalled to the number 10, the lucky Ace was 11. We started off at a fairly good pace but I burned out pretty quickly. We drew mostly average deck numbers (7,8,9’s) and a helluva lot of squats and burpees. My lungs were burning near the end and R called it quits when it was clear that I was lagging behind. I was nauseated (the good kind) from the workout and paced around the mats and sipped water.

Then it hit me. My legs started burning, then got weak and I was stumbling and laughing as I tried to control the jelly-like feeling in my legs. R counted the cards – and we did 1/3 of the deck for our first time through! He’s optimistic that we’ll be going through the deck easily in a couple of months. Me, I’m a little more reserved. In any case, it was a fun workout and a nice change from our usual cardio sessions.

Onwards and upwards! Except, next time I get to shuffle the deck.

 

Delays

It’s been almost a week since I’ve had the chance to train, and it’s making me antsy.

Because I’m in the process of transitioning to a new gym, certain other responsibilities are keeping me away from the gym. Looking forward to getting back on the mats and training again next week.

One thing I’m not missing: Training in a gi in 35C weather. (95F for you American folk) I hear the new gym doesn’t have any air conditioning. Ack.

 

 

A New Beginning

I never thought I would leave.

But I suppose that’s the way things always end up. I made a tough life decision this week to leave some of my BJJ family behind and join a new school. It was nothing personal, but some of my own life decisions had to be made and I’ll be switching schools this week. The benefits seem to outweigh the disadvantages but only time will tell.

R and I are moving on with our lives and it didn’t make sense for us to train at separate schools especially since our time spent together was already limited by our opposing work schedules. If we wanted to train, it meant spending an additional 3 hours apart when we wanted to go train. This way, we’ll see each other more and we get to share in something we’re both passionate about.

I was reading up on some threads on Sherdog and MMA.tv about training and an experienced BJJ practitioner made an interesting point. If you can, you should try to get your black belt from the same instructor who gave you your blue belt. The thing with R’s school is that I can envision myself going all the way to black (hopefully) with the same instructor, and training with the same team.

I’ll never forget my first submission, the fun times, the ridiculous jokes and the great team camaraderie from my old school. They’ll always have a special place in my life – they were the ones that helped me fall in love with BJJ. In some ways six months seems like a short amount of time. But when you’re sweating it out on the same mat with all your other friends, it also seems like an eternity.

Here’s to all the new friends I’ll make, the trials and achievements I’ll find at my new school. Cheers.

Thanks to all my friends who were concerned when I posted about this on other social media sites. Glad to know you guys have got my back. 🙂 *hugs*

Girls and Boys

I’ve read a few recent articles about why guys should roll with girls and vice versa, and would love to hear your input! I’m putting together a brief FAQ, and thoughts from a girl’s perspective that would probably be appreciated by other BJJ practitioners. All answers will remain anonymous.

What burning questions did you ever want to ask your female/male teammates before you rolled with them without the awkwardness of another 7th grade pre-pubescent school dance?

Training for Longevity

R trains at a different gym than I do, and I have much respect for his head instructor. I was listening to the Fightworks Podcast (It’s free! Go download it!) the other day on an interview with him and he was talking about ‘training for longevity.’

I knew it wasn’t the first time I had heard that expression. When a visiting black belt came to give a seminar at our school a few weeks back. I know that I plan on training for a long time and being riddled with little injuries here and there makes me frustrated. I’m sitting here blogging with a tweaked knee and sore ribs.

Even before I began to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I was a bit of a klutz. Now, little things on the mat seem to get the better of me. For example, I was rolling with T in class earlier this week when he did a simple sweep and I landed at an awkward angle on my right knee. I felt a jarring pain instantly and grimaced with disappointment. I was looking forward to staying after class for open mat and working on the test requirements, and I knew this would force me to sit out for the rest of the day. I left right after class to avoid being asked to roll and explain my cause.

However, I’m sitting here blogging after a second class earlier today where I wore my knee brace and grumbled under my breath as settling into mount brought discomfort to my knees. Of course, we’re working on mount escapes this week.

I can’t help but think that in the long run, I won’t be worried about all these little tweaks as they tend to be inevitable in a sport that’s so physical. Keeping my eye on training for the long-term, I’m learning to sit out when it’s appropriate and take a break when my body needs it. It also means that my training and progress might be a little slower than I want  since I tend to go full tilt when I commit to learning something new. If I want to avoid more injuries, it means being more deliberate with my movements and more aware of my body. Especially when I’m injured.

Fenom Kimonos – Lotus Gi (White) Review

Finally I have a chance to sit down and write this all out!

With our recent training trip to NYC (more on that to come later), I’ve now had my Fenom Gi for approximately one month and have washed it countless number of times, and used it extensively. I’ve worn it for approximately 20 classes.

I won’t give specific measurements because each gi shrinks and changes shape as they’re washed and used. The following gi review is my personal opinion only and not endorsed by any individual or company.

For reference, I’m 5’4″, 136lbs and my measurements are: 34″, 28″, 36″ (Bust, Waist, Hips)

Fenom Kimonos – Fenom Lotus Gi – White (Size A1)

The Fenom Kimonos website is easy to navigate and I quickly found the standard white gi I was looking for. They advertise the following qualities regarding the Lotus gi.

• Single Piece Crystal Weave Top
• Rubberized Collar
• Embroidery on Sleeves, Jacket and Pant Leg
• 100% Cotton, Light-Weight Canvas Reinforced Pants with Drawstring
• Stays Soft with Air Drying
• Shrink to Fit

Now, I opted to purchase the A1 gi even though I tend to sit on the higher end of the suggested size scale for this gi. My lack of experience with sizing made me hesitant and I still e-mailed the website for further insight. Triin (the owner) from Fenom Kimonos contacted me in a prompt manner and suggested that the A1 gi would be a good fit. I took her suggestion and ordered the gi that same day.

The gi took a little over 2 weeks to ship to Canada and there were no issues with shipment. It came packaged in a clear ziplock back with the gi top and pants folded neatly inside.

My first impression was that it was surprisingly soft to the touch. The gi top sports a Crystal weave which is a cross between a Gold and Single weave, which allows for durability and a lighter gauge thickness. In fact, once I unpacked my gi top, I immediately tried it on and there was no stiffness as there was with my other gi originally. The detail in the embroidery is unique and looks even more impressive in person. I’ve had quite a few compliments at the gym regarding the quality and look of my gi.

As for the gi pants, there seems to be quite a bit more room in the buttocks which is great for movement. The drawstrings for the pants doesn’t bunch awkwardly in the front when cinched down for the right fit. The drawstrings are stitched cotton strips rather than a string and needs to be tied tightly to avoid loosening. As the photo suggest, the length of the gi comes up right above my ankle and slightly higher when sitting. It’s the perfect length for me.

After multiple washes in cold water only and a dry cycle once in a standard commercial dryer there was minimal shrinkage and the gi still fit quite well. The gi has only been air dried after each subsequent wash after the first dry cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts:

I was looking for a summer gi for the upcoming hot summers in the city. However, while training in my Fenom Lotus gi, I don’t find any noticeable difference in the amount that I’ve been sweating. My legs occasionally stick to the inside of my pant legs as I’m rolling, but that’s expected as my gi becomes drenched in sweat. Otherwise, the gi allows for a full range of motion  and the collar is stiff enough while still being comfortable to wear. I like the subtle feminine quality of the branding and embroidery without it being too obvious on the mats. Overall I would give the gi a ranking of 8/10 for a combination of comfort, fit, design and durability.

The collection of photos are after one month of use.

A weekly update!

INSANITY!

3 weeks until I leave for NYC, and with 5 days lost in Chicago for a work-related trip, time is flying by! I’ve only made 2-3 classes/week these past few weeks. Because I’ll be away for almost 2 weeks from May – June, I’ve picked up lots of overtime at work which subsequently leaves less time to train. 😦 On the other hand, R has concocted some stupidly crazy cardio workouts to push me through. I don’t usually quote him, but here’s his idea of a ‘fun’ workout.

A deck of 52 cards… the goal is to work up to the point where we can complete the deck of cards at the end of the workout as the final cardio “push”. For example: After a good hour of technique, dri…lling, sprints etc. we would break out the deck of cards. Hearts would be burpees, diamonds would be burpees, clubs would be crunches, spades would be triangles. Final goal to work up to – the entire deck completed without rest between sets.Shuffle the deck thoroughly – if you get an ace you would do 11 of that exercise, J/K/Q you would do 10 and then just follow the numbers from 10 – 2.For example; if the following 4 cards came up: Ace of Hearts, Jack of Diamonds, 3 of clubs, King of spades – that would be 21 burpees, 3 triangles and 10 crunches.

If we were to make it through the whole deck of cards that would be a total of 190 burpees, 95 triangles and 95 crunches – all completed without rest.

This is a slightly modified version of a routine I stole from an old boxing coach. Mine is better (or more evil) depending on your point of view.

I don’t think we’d make it through the whole deck on the first go of course, but it would be a cool thing to work towards. I figure if we’re able to sail through that at the end of the main part of the workout we’re in pretty good shape.

Did I mention I love burpees?…

Our big grapple party is this weekend as well! I’m spending the day cleaning the loft and giving the mats a good cleaning before our friends come over! It’s looking like it’ll be a great mix of friends from both gyms!

My new Fenom Gi also arrived a few days ago! I’ve already washed and sent the Kimono through the dryer once to shrink it slightly. The Fenom A1 gi is a little larger than my Red Star A1, but a more detailed review will be coming once I’ve run it through a few classes! On my first attempt at trying it on, it’s incredibly soft weave was definitely noticeable!

Cutting weight, the girly way.

With 5 weeks and 8lbs to go, this will be the first time I’m going to experiment with ‘cutting weight.’

Now, first off most of you may think that this isn’t very much, but given that my measurements are currently 33-28-36, (bust, waist, hips) I don’t have very many areas to lose weight. Ever since I started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu four months ago (January 2011), I’ve actually gained a few pounds and lost approximately an inch everywhere. Even though my measurements are smaller, it’s the last push to find myself in the under 130lbs weight category. I’m travelling to NYC for a grappling match, and even though there’s no official weigh-in, I’m pushing myself to see how well I can stick to a strict diet/training regiment and make weight.

There won’t be any aggressive measure like saunas, sweat suits or dehydration. I’m going to stick to just plain old good habits and the basic theory of eating less calories than you burn. It’s the sane and safe way of cutting weight.

In additional to training BJJ 6 times/week at the gym, I’m sticking to 3 cardio sessions per week. If I’m not training at home with R, I’m planning on heading to the pool to swim intervals. I’m cutting the alcohol completely out of my diet (except for on my actual birthday this month which I may or may not drink my face off.) and meal proportions/sizes are strictly regulated along with lots of green tea, fresh vegetables and lean protein.

May is going to be an important month when it comes to training. I’m almost hitting my half-year mark and it feels great to have found a rhythm of  going to the gym, eating healthy and feeling great! There’s likely going to be a few big changes coming up in the summer, so building my good habits ahead of time are going to serve me well when the patio/park/beach season hits. Summers in Toronto are always jam-packed with stuff to do!

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Addendum:

Ugh, I almost dropped 2 lbs in the last 24 hours due to a quick onset of food poisoning. I threw up 3 times in 4 hours and once the nausea finally passed I think I was able to hold some water down. This was not how I was planning on making weight. I wouldn’t have traded the aggressive vomiting for those two measly pounds.

Feels like burning.

I’ve been fairly consistent with training the past few weeks and I’m now officially down to the last 6 weeks before heading to NYC. I’ve got 8lbs to lose to make 128lbs. (with a 2lb allowance with my gi on)

I still tend to favour guard attacks from one side, and it’s become fairly obvious as I’m nursing repetitive mat burn on both my left knee and left elbow. I’m hoping to pick up a pair of knee pads this weekend at UFC FanExpo being held here in Toronto. Speaking of which, it’s only 4 days away until UFC 129! I conceded and decided I’m going to watch the fight with R and his gym after we spend the day at FanExpo.

I’m noticing is that I only tend to get mat burn when I’m wearing my gi. I don’t seem to have a problem when it’s bare skin exposed to the mat or wearing a rash guard. Considering my gi is made of 100% cotton, I can’t imagine it’s abrasive enough to give rash burn. I’ll definitely have to test it against my new Fenom Lotus gi that’s hopefully going to be arriving sometime this week.

(I do want to document and share my journey online, but you’ll notice I don’t use real names, nor do I name competitions or the gym I train at. As much as I have only good things to say about the instructors and the school, it’s a matter of privacy. If you do read my blog and would like to comment, my only request is that you do keep the names/details away from the posts. Thanks!)