New Years eve

   Starting to get into that zone... I'm hungry, a little short tempered and generally annoyed at the world. I defiantly needed to unwind a bit. Friday I got to hang out to hang out with my nephew Neal. We are pretty close, he has been training with me since he was really little. I've been teaching him wrestling since he was in diapers. He is 12 now and dosnt need me as much anymore and I worry sometimes that I'm not "cool" uncle Joshie anymore. Without trying he gave my heart and my ego got a much needed boost!

   I picked him up at noon on Friday, we had lunch and kicked around for a bit. The plan was get a quick workout and then head over to the party at Punishment Training Center. Afterward we would go over and see my dad, his birthday is on New Years eve. (The whole world celebrates his birthday!!!) 

   He hit the heavy bag for a round then hit mits... once he shook the rust off he looked GREAT! I did a few rounds on the heavy bag and some floor work while he played a video game. He was bummed because a character he was playing had "leveled up" to high to compete in an event and was "banned". Once I finished up he casually said to me... "You would totally get banned if you were in the game." I smiled and we laughed as I did my superhero-flex-pose. then ave him a sweaty hug. (He's not to big for that yet.) 

   We had a great time at PTC and he chowed down on pizza and brownies. I really needed the chance to just goof off and decompress with my buddy.

   It may seem silly and I know he wont really understand how big of a deal it is to me, but knowing that he still see's me as bigger then life is the best performance enhancer there is. I feel like a monster just because of how he see's me, his opinion counts for more then I can explain.  My workout this morning was super intense, my evening workout even more so. We laid on the couch and watch the Dream New years eve fights. Wrestling and grab-assing whenever I got up or he walked in by me. 2 really really good days in a row. 

 

   I am totally exhausted after this last workout but I feel bullet proof. My mind and spirit is ready to do another 5 rounds of ground and pound... No party for me tonight, no celebration. Just some turkey and veggies, a little water and maybe some dried fruit. I cant wait for morning to get here so I can run in the fog and be a superhero again. I know my opponent is training hard, but he doesn't have the edge I have! 

Uncle Joshie is...

BANNED!

Starting the cut early

 Talking with some of the guys at the gym about the upcoming fight. I found out that the weigh-ins are are the same day as the fight, which completely changes my preparation. there will be no time for a water cut and re-hydration. I might be able to get away with 2-3 lbs but anymore could seriously affect my performance. So I have had to tighten up my diet significantly and start cutting.

 Saturday and Sunday looked like this:

SAT

weight 167

coffee and 6 prunes

Thermafuse C4, milk thistle, L Carnitine (I am out of DIM, Cordyceps, L Arginine & Omega3)

20min jacuzzi, foam roller and stretching

a.m. workout- 

4 mile run with vest, 

30 min on bike, 

leglift/jump squat/push up-8min amrap

tuna, pear

coffee, mixed unsalted nuts

more coffee

p.m workout

Anabolic Ignition & Thermafuse, L Carnitine

10k row

3-5min rounds on heavy bag

10- 100m sprints (running)

Tomato, Tuna, dried apricot

diluted cherry juice and almonds

late p.m. workout

3 min jumping rope, 1/2 mile run

4-500m sprints 1 min rest (rower)

easy 30 min on bike

more cherry juice and mixed nuts

SUN

*same supplements, and jacuzzi-stretch

Coffee!

a.m workout

3 min jump rope, 10 pull ups/25 squats x 3

5 mile run

3-5min rounds on heavy bag (lots of kicking)

2-5min rounds of Ground and Pound

turkey, tomato cucumber

water and mixed nuts

1hour nap

coffee, dried apricots

p.m workout

5miles on elliptical (26min)

2 miles on treadmill

push up/ squat/ neck harness- 4 rounds

40min on bike

tuna and (mostly) spinach salad, apple

Weight 165...

 The plan now is to get my weight as close to 155 as soon as possible so that I have time to acclimate. I want my metabolism to adjust, and be able to focus on training more then cutting. I walk the line between weight management and over-training but I have never in my life missed weight. I have it down pretty good at this point but it will be different without doing a water cut. I usually am good for 6-8lbs of water that I can replenish without consequence as long as I have a full day but that option is out. 

 Tomorrow I wont do a morning workout. After work I'll head in to the gym and depending on energy level I may get on the bike after training. I had hoped to be a huge 155lb-er but it looks like that is out the window. After X-mas when the funds are better I will replace my stocks of supplements. Including L-glutamine, DIM, Omega's, and Cordyceps.

155, here I come!

Sunday12-18, 8pm

This might hurt a little bit

Rob Emerson Interview

Saturday I got a chance to interview my Muay Thai instructor and Pro MMA fighter Rob Emerson, at Punishment Training Center. Rob is a really knowledgeable and patient coach. Plus he is an absolute nightmare to roll with, his Vale Tudo made my wrestling seem like it was junior varsity. After a quick workout and the entire Muay Thai class singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Rudy (the big dog at Punishment Athletics), Rob and I got a chance to talk for a lil bit and here it is...

Big Friday

Scientific Wrestling

Morning workout is done. I started out slow... legs heavy, arms stiff, but by the end of my run I felt better. 4miles/38 min (with 20 lb vest) an hour on the bike, 30 min of heavy bag, 6min of box jumps and pull ups. Started rough but I felt like a BEAST when I was done... It just reminds me to train no matter what mood I'm in because eventually I will find that top gear.

Quick bite to eat and I headed out to watch Tito's open workout. Fans, photographers, reporters (Karyn Bryant fom MMA H.E.A.T.)... It was very cool. A couple of the other guys wanted to get a work out and roll for a bit, I checked with the boss first... Tito said, get to work! GAME ON!!!! We watched him sparring with Ricardo for a bit and we moved to the other side of the gym to to work some wrestling. It started out with take downs and a lil cage grappling, but it somehow morphed into CATCH clinic. We spent a lot of time on front face locks, Chancery, guillotine defense, and philosophy...

I may not be an old-school authentic Catch wrestler but I was raised by an old timer that believed everything should hurt! I refer to it as "pain incentive". It is a core element of Dirty Wrestling. The logic is, when your opponent moves due to pain incentive you are forcing the action as opposed to letting your opponent strategically set up his next move. A shin bone grinding into a cheek, or a bicep tendon can force your opponent into a rushed decision, that decision often times leads to errors as he is more concerned with stopping the pain then setting up a slick move. As Dad would say, "the best way to make someone stop hurting you is to hurt them more". When I roll, I joke all the time that I "left my crossface at home" Basically I try to play nice. When I am competing or going live, then I'm an ass. I am on top of you trying to make you cry. I want my opponent as miserable as possible and asking why I am mad at him. Its not a fun way to train but it is important to address it as a tool that is possibly as important as any "go to" technique.

I want him think about the pain, not his game!

Between the CATCH and watching Tito, I was really pumped and did some more cardio Friday night. Saturday morning I headed over to Punishment Training Center and the crowd was large, they were having a big Christmas sale on clothes and gear. I think everybody there is just as pumped as the team is to see him fight Little Nog (Antônio Rogério Nogueira) next Saturday. The whole building had a buzz to it today, I only imagine it will get more intense next week.

I sat down for a few minutes with my striking coach and fellow Punishment Teammate Rob Emersion for an interview. He is a really cool guy and I will get that interview to you in a day or two. Right now I am off to watch Mayhem Miller vs Michael Bisping, its been a good weekend so far!!!

video Log#1

Dirty Wrestler goes Crossfitting

I just wanted to say GREAT job to my buddy John Mustafa, he absolutely rocked this weekend at a crossfit competition in Costa Mesa! With one more superhuman performance at the final event he has a chance to win the whole series. 

Go get'em Moose!

For shirts and shorts email me at painburger@gmail.com 

They wont make you as tough as Moose, but you'll look good!

DIRTY for Sale!

 Front                                Back

 Front                                Back

 

Shirts and shorts come in black or gray. Show everybody you're not afraid to get Dirty!

(Board-shorts are high quality with double velcro fly and drawstring.)

Just send and email to painburger@gmail.com for ordering information.

Busy week...

Fast and dirty recap...

   I made the team!!! I did well enough at the tryouts to make my way on to team Punishment! I wont lie, I was nervous and Rudy at PTC seemed to enjoy that fact before finally telling me the good news. As I expected my wrestling made the biggest impression. But I'd like to think that my conditioning and tenacity helped play a part as well. I have a meeting with Tito this week to discuss the game plan, training schedule, when and at what weight I'll be fighting. Aside from being excited about the opportunity I am equally honored. I have experienced first hand what an outstanding coach Tito is, I may be an old dog but with his help I will learn some new tricks! I join the team with both zeal and pride!

   On the dirty Wrestler front... Shirts are done and shorts should be ready this weekend, so the website and advertising will soon commence. My lil brother fought thru a nasty cold and sore back to finish the artwork and get me some product, so it will be my job to turn the name into a brand. I will be expecting you ALL to wear the Dirty Wrestler gear and help launch this little company.

   Last, coaching... Today was the first full practice of the season. Live wrestling, 2 1/2 hours of the old familiar drills and I was in heaven! We also have a few other assistant coaches help this year so Coach Alix will have a full staff for the 60+ wrestlers. All of the coaches are amazing wrestlers and I had to fight like a dog to hold my own with theses guys. I expect to improve as a coach and an athlete in this environment. I have said it for years and I say it to the kids, "to get better you cannot be the best guy in the room!" And then of course I got to put them threw conditioning at the end!!!! We are going to be a force this year, no doubt about it.

   Time for me to get changed and go for a quick jog, then a little sprint work of my own. Bag sprawls and pull ups. I'm holding at 170lbs which will make a likely cut to 155 easier. I have to avoid the Olympic lifts and heavy weight training as well as limit my protein intake to keep from packing on any more weight. I am beginning to feel a bit like a triathlete, I should probably ask my buddy Bryan for some tips!

Train hard

&

  be sure to checkout all the links

Team Punishmnet Tryouts

2 days of EVERYTHING!

   The Tryouts for Team Punishment were held at PTC which is a great gym. The turnout was solid, lots of guys ranging in weight from 135 to heavyweight. Coach Tito Ortiz, Coach Ricardo Abreu, and Coach Rob Emerson worked us hard from the get go. At the same time were all very supportive and  positive as they got the most out of us.

   Day: 1 started with cardio, a 5 min circuit. 5 stations for 1 minute and then a 1 min rest, sort of like fight gone bad. We did 4 rounds ( I think... it was super intense). I felt like all the high intensity work I have been doing really helped me threw this portion. Then we moved on to BJJ. They ran us threw various positions and scenarios and we worked with a range of partners. My wrestling helped here a lot as did the CATCH, but I wont lie and say BJJ is my strongest skill. Still, I did what I know how to do best, push the pace and create a scramble, make my opponent uncomfortable and force him into action. The first day had ended and I felt much better about my performance then anticipated. (Landing the the occasional toe-hold or north south choke works wonders on my confidence!)

   Day 2: Morning arrived and I was feeling every bit of 37years old. I'm pretty sure I am the oldest guy at the tryouts and with striking up first I planed on using all the old age and treachery I could muster. We hit pads and the heavy bags before sparring to wear us down a little bit. But in the end its a tryout and we all want to make the team so sparring went as expected. HARD! 

   I may not have the best technique in the world but my cardio helped me immensely but I was able to push the pace and work to the clench without taking to much damage. Even with 160z gloves and headgear, getting punched isn't a lot of fun. So I did my best to put my opponent against the cage and work for takedowns while landing short punches. "Dirty boxing" for the Dirty Wrestler. There was a lot of cheering, and a general sense of camaraderie which seemed to help everybody make it threw a tough session.

   At last we got to WRESTLING!!! we wrapped up an intense day with a few rounds of IRON MAN. We called it king of the mat, it works like this. 2 men in the middle, if you get the takedown you stay in, if you get taken down your out and a new guy comes in. Repeat this over and over. (I pulled out every trick I could muster. low singles, ankle pick, sugar footing to invite the shot so I could work chin picks and pancakes.) I knew that being average in striking and BJJ I had to make an impression here. I feel like I succeeded and got to end the day strong.

   When it was all over, I felt pretty good. I  got interviewed for the video and I got some coaching requests from the other competitors. Mostly I think we all were glad to have survived and nervous about the selection process. I will find out on the next week (on the 1st) if I made the team. I'm staying on my cardio and keeping my weight down, just in case I make it...

Tito Ortiz, me, Ricardo Abreu

10-8-11

   This past week has been a mixed bag of mind and body...brains vs. effort. Let’s be completely honest, I'm not really using my brain. I am however smart enough to find talented people to help me with my weak points.

   As far as the mind/brain tasks, I have called on my brother to help. He has been working on the new website and saving me from the inevitable meltdown that would occur from prolonged exposure to technology. This has forced him to split his time between the Dirty Wrestler/ KWYK Fit website and making the new shirts, shorts and editing my videos. It is fair to say Dirty Wrestler would just be an "idea" without his help. 

   Now to my department, the effort!!! My personal workouts have escalated in intensity as I prepare for the team Punishment tryouts, but there is also a new or renewed source of motivation. I have been coaching (asst. coaching) for a HS wrestling team and it has been years since I have been in a pure wrestling environment. My training, as well as teaching, has consisted mostly of "civilians" or fighters that come from mixed athletic backgrounds (Some with wrestling, mostly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) looking to learn Catch Wrestling. While I have always prided myself on being a wrestler, being in the room is a different story. 

   Right now, it is off-season so it is 95% conditioning, but wrestlers approach everything as if it is a personal challenge, almost as if my workouts question their very worth. Really quickly I was reminded how special wrestlers are and how differently think. The way they step up and lead with their face. Some of these kids are animals and others still need work, but without question, each and every one is a WRESTLER. They accept every task, every workout as a challenge rather than a hardship. I am in awe of the work ethic and a bit nostalgic of my days in their shoes. These kids, these 40 tough lil' wrestlers have absolutely inspired me and I hope that I can return the favor.

   One thing I can guarantee is that come season they will not gas, they will not quit, and they are going to surprise the hell out of everybody. Nobody on my squad is going to tire in the 3rd period. They are going to be monsters with the cardio of ...well, a Wrestler!

(I better go get on the rower)

Stay Focused

  Life has been pretty eventful since my last post. I've been working on some things for the blog, I put on 20lbs in the week after the tournament, shot some videos, got a few requests for training (San Diego, maybe a trip out to Colorado to teach for a few days)... I had everything planned out, start lifting heavy again, maybe do a triathlon or crossfit competition with Moose. My next 6 weeks were set! Lots of plans quickly became lots of "change of plans". Just like in a match if you can adjust and not lose focus of the goal you will probably be alright.

Not so fast mister!!!

   First, I got offered a job as strength and conditioning coach for a local H.S. wrestling team (which of course I jumped at).  I also decided to take a shot at the Team Punishment fighter tryouts. Which means A LOT of that 20lbs has to come back off. I really like the gym and would love to be a part of the team at the same time really challenge myself and see what I'm made of. 

   Its been a while since I have done any stand up (boxing/ Muay Thai) so the focus for my training over the next few weeks is gonna be on my hands. (Thank you again Moose for letting me punch you). I'll always be a a Dirty Wrestler and unlike the grappling tournaments, Catch Wrestling moves aren't illegal in MMA so I will have that advantage. 

   This is gonna be fun and scary. I have no idea if I will make the fight team, but I'm training hard and ready to put my pretty nose on the line! Hold on, it's gonna be a wild month!

   Oh and a side note. I've been working with my brother Noah, putting together videos as well as shirts and shorts for Dirty Wrestler. The art and pics he is doing absolutely ROCK!!! Instructional videos will be on their way soon, but for now check out the pics he did.

2nd place stinks...

   2nd place stinks, it stinks for hours and hours. You eat a bit, your friends pat you on the back everybody laughs and gradually the smell fades. You wake up the next morning in far worse shape then if you had taken first. Victory is a great painkiller. You watch the videos of your wins a couple times, you watch the losses dozens of times and see all the mistakes. Knowing you should have won... Could have won...  If there was any doubt before, there is none now. You're gonna do this again!!! You're gonna train harder. Train more! You are gonna spend every penny you can sacrifice on your training. You will not accept defeat. You're gonna eat, sleep and breathe on the mat! You did not simply get humbled, YOU GOT MOTIVATED!

  That said... I was very lucky to have so many friends and family show up to cheer me on. I won 2 matches and lost 2 matches, but my cheering section didn't seem to care, and it really surprised me away how affected I was by the support. I know I didn't do this alone.

   My dad put up with a lot of attitude during the weight cut, I owe him an apology as well as thanks. He is my first coach and my first fan...Thank you dad, for the understanding, support and setting me on this path!!!!

   My brother who has helped immeasurably, from the use of his truck to get to training, making the shirts and shooting the video. He has quietly made this possible. (And my nephew Neal who doesn't ever seem to care if I win.) Thank you Noah.

   My buddy Bryan at FitBlender for believing in the Dirty Wrestler product (Me) and for hooking me up with some great guys to workout with. I have to mention his wife Kate who lets me crash on their couch and wrestle on the living room floor when I come to visit. I'd probably still be "talking about Dirty, instead of getting Dirty!" without Bryan. 

   My roommate Moose who had to put up with dieting moods, late night 10k's on the rower and hogging the washing machine. He has been obnoxiously positive and encouraging and tolerant. Thanks buddy!

   The list can go on and on.... Lynn and Max (her dog and my new favorite running partner). Stacy my boss and friend (who really "gets it" even if she does think I'm crazy). The guys at Punishment Training center, Jake at Scientific Wrestling, Clint and Lawrence for there ridiculous loyalty to an old coach! Dana out in Colorado the best training partner ever. Betsy who always believes in me, even when I don't.

2nd place doesn't smell so bad today. Thank you everybody!

Saturday

   I had a very interesting night... attempting home repairs instead of relaxing. I had planned and managed everything very carefully leading up to this tournament. After some driving and hauling and cleaning the major crisis was averted, but it was late and not part of my plan! I wont lie I was all kinds of pissy. Hungry, dehydrated and ready to get this thing over with... I may have been a bit difficult to be around...

   LORD I APOLOGIZE!!!

   I woke up early and my weight was good. No more need for the sweats and plastics. But I was dieing for some coffee! So I drove over and picked up Dad. Early morning weigh-ins just like in high school. Funny enough, this tournament is being held at my old high school (I haven't been this light since i was 17). Just like the old days! 
   In the car was a bag full of goodies. Lots of water, plums, sweet potato chips, coffee all the things I couldn't have yesterday. I made weight (157lbs) I have never in my life missed weight and it is a point of pride for me... Quick as I could, I was dressed and eating again. My attitude slowly relaxing, and not nearly as edgy and rude but I cant afford to pig out because I still have to perform well Sunday. 

   Feeling re-hydrated, we went and watched my roommate Moose kickass at the NLI competition (crossfit style). 

   Back at dads, on the couch... Just gonna watch the fights on tv, eat a lil BBQ and get ready for tomorrow. My reward for all the hard work is 5 min on the mat!!! (YKWYK!!!!)

"in it"

I got the question the other day...

   I went in to pay my rent and the girl who works in the office asked; "Are you feeling ok? You look like you've lost weight."  I couldn't help but smile. Its one thing to feel lean and hungry. It's a completely different thing when others notice, even if they mistake what they see. Its as if mortals cant fathom doing this on purpose, it is so alien to the soft and undisciplined that they cant fully process what is in front of them... something must be wrong. 

   I am in it. In that zone, feral and a edgy, with a wild eyed hunger and I love it!

   It's funny, but after a point during a weight cut my body always acclimates. (I do a long and slow lead up. I would rather make weight early and eat my way back up, restoring some of my blood sugar. I may lose something in the weight advantage by not cutting a lot of water but I gain it back in energy.) My body adapts quickly to the long, intense workouts and the insufficient calories. My body relinquishes the hunger pains and lethargy. I feel loose and light, ready to fight, using body fat for fuel. I feel like a machine.

   I completely enjoy the weight cut associated with an event or competition. Yes the abs and the sharp cheekbones are cool too, but the discipline and sacrifice add an intensity and sense of purpose far greater then just trying to win a medal. It turns everyday into a quest. The harder I push, the more spartan my existence, the better I feel. My mind is as sharp as my body and I live each day in the bliss of exhaustion. Feeding off endorphins instead of food. I sleep hard and deep. I savor little things.

   You don't really know how amazing a strawberry tastes until you eat one at 11pm on a day (or the 5th day) that you've worked out for 4 hours and eaten only some tuna and a handful of almonds and maybe a tomato. 

 -Drained -Slightly dehydrated -Low blood sugar-

   Your skin wrapped so tightly around your muscles the veins pop out like road maps. You know you can stop bullets, crush granite in your fist. You ARE discipline and sacrifice, and there it is a small bright red reward for a day of commitment. You take a bite and BANG! It tastes like happiness...  

"Yeah I'm fine. No I'm not sick. I'm cutting weight."

No holiday for me!

    I thought, rather then talk about the workouts I've been doing I'd put up a quick video of me actually doing them... This weekend has been pretty intense. I'm gonna hop on the bike for an hour then going to bed early!         

9-1-74 a Dirty Wrestler was born...

   Thought it was time for another post on my favorite subject (wink wink) ME! 
   Yes it is my birthday, I am officially 37 years old and I feel every bit of it this morning. I got up early and swam. took it really easy on the bike and tried to recover a bit. I spent a LOT of time in the jacuzzi, on the chi machine and on the knobby foam roller. My roommate Moose didn't let my birthday pass without pranking me a bit but came threw with an OUTSTANDING gift. New board shorts for the competition, size 30! Yes I fit in 30's... last time i wore them was in Jr. High.

   Now the presents didn't stop there. I dragged my tired old butt into the gym for evening wrestling. Once again my take downs lacked grace and precision but that's why we train our weakness not our strength! Iron man drill time and I feel good once again defending the take downs. My really solid workout partner Tommy was there to really push me but its a young group and coach decided I needed to be taken down a notch. 

   So, the gracious Mr. Tito Ortiz decided to step in. I was, to put it mildly... taken to school. I couldn't budge him, it was like wrestling a bulldozer. Regardless of the weight advantage, I was at a serious deficit in skill and took my lumps as best as I could. It was all in fun and I wouldn't trade it for anything. After enough of the public humility lesson we wrapped up and despite my lack of success i came away feeling very good about the tournament. For the first time since I decided to compete, the anxiety and nerves seem to have disappeared...   

   While i still have some big holes in my game and Coach is gonna have his work cut out with me, I have no doubt I will get better every time I set foot on the mat. there is no more grappling for me at this point. Weight management and recovery is key. I've emailed everybody I can think of about the tournament and hopefully I will have a pretty good cheering section. To steal a quote from my buddy Clint "luck plays a factor in everything but when the time to perform comes the time to prepare has passed"

                                                     I believe I'm ready!

From 8-31

   Ok I'm really sore! I had a great workout at Punishment. It was so nice to finally have guys my size to work with. I seem to be a 30lbs disadvantage with all the guys I know so this was a great opportunity to gauge my actual strength and speed. As I suspected it was fine, but my "mat fitness" is still lacking. No amount of cardio makes up for good old fashioned wrestling!

   First off let me say Tito is an Outstanding coach. I come into the class with my own habits and baggage, and I never heard "that's wrong" "that's not how you do it". Instead he focused on adding details, correcting form or offering suggestions on how to clean up my game. It was really easy to learn from him, and I feel I improved noticeably after 1 workout.

   I've never been comfortable with shots, single, double or high crotch, so it was good that we worked those very moves. I've always been more of a counter wrestler and would rather tie up and work for trips or throws, maybe get to "collar and elbow" for the duck under/ankle pick option. It was valuable time spent shaking off the rust, I've spent so much time with Catch and submissions that my Wrestling fundamentals have gotten very weak.

   Of course once we got to the live sparring (takedowns) I instantly reverted back to my countering ways. "sugar footing" my way in, inviting my opponent to shoot so that I can get to sprawl and head control. N.S. is still my favorite position, it opens up power-half and chin pick twist and a host of front chokes. I find the same style I use on the ground is the one I use standing. Find a way to control the opponents head, get his eyes facing the floor, grind grind grind. The transition into Stockade sets up a host of submission possibilities as does CPT (chin pick twist) which gives me a tight head &arm or even a 5 finger guillotine after the turn...

   So what is the point of this rambling entry? 

   Simple I found a gym and an coach that really fit my style, the other wrestlers are really cool and there is not a drop of ego to get in the way of learning. I felt like one of the gang as soon as we shook hands. I think I've found a home at Punishment, and I cant wait to go back on Thursday. 

             (I'll try and get a pic for the next update)

From 8-29

       My weight is holding at 165ish so I'm right on pace. (I'd like to drop a couple more pounds so i don't have to dry out too much. I'm just too old to sweat off more 8 or 9 lbs.) My target is 158 on Saturday for weigh ins as I'm not certain about my scale and I really REALLY don't wanna miss weight and have to go up or wring out 1 more pound from a tired and dehydrated body.

    My workouts for Monday went like this: 

am: 4mile run easy,                                                                   30min amrap... 200m run, 10- pull ups, 20-hip heists, 20-100lbs sit ups. (amrap= as many rounds as possible)     

finished with 30 min on the bike.

pm: Bike for 45 min, 10k row-41min

10min amrap... 20-burpies, 20-bag sprawls, 20-35lbs kettle bell swings

Finished with 1k row HARD                                                               Tomorrow will be a long and easy am workout then off to Punishment Training Center to work on wrestling in the evening.         

From 8-25

   Had a great day of training today. Went down to San Diego yesterday to train with Cyborg (Evangelista Dos Santos). Took a no-gi class with Jake Mapes, who is an great instructor, in the morning. Then came back for a second session with my buddy Bryan and Cyborg. We spent the time working clinch and takedown defense on the cage. We worked head control, crossface, pancake, power-half, all the classics!

   It was beyond fun getting to share Dirty Wrestling with Cyborg as well as learning from him. Considerably bigger and better then me Cyborg was still a great training partner and I cant say enough about how genuine he is, the language barrier made very little difference as we both speak grappling.

   He is preparing for a fight in Strikeforce on the 10th, my tournament is on the 11th, so it is a little late in both of our camps but more wrestling workouts are in the works and this gonna be a regular road trip. 

   I got cleaned up and began the long drive home to the O.C. with a ton of new bruises and a huge grin.

    

The Purpose

   My main goal of creating this blog is to talk about and share my knowledge of catch wrestling. I have learned from CACC and Olympic wrestling coaches, bjj world champions and from my dad. I would not consider myself a purist with slick authentic CACC, but i do find my Sub-grappling game to be most compatible with Catch. Simply put... a Dirty Wrestler.  

   Before I being sharing moves (videos, pics and notes) I thought I'd get started by posting some journal entries as I prepare for my first grappling tournament in a LONG time. This will be my first no-gi submission tournament as well. I will talk about the workouts (fitness and wrestling) and how the weight cut has been affecting me. 

   I began the cut at 178lbs and fairly lean (eating Paleo helps) I'll be competing at 160lbs. Not belonging to a gym, I roll when i can with some buddies, part of the time teaching part sparing, but the bulk of my preparations will be cardio. Lots of sprint work with weight vests, sand bags and rowing coupled with the grinding slow and long workouts to get the fat burning. 
   Now I have to figure out a way to hold my own without the benefit of Toe Holds and neck cranks.