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!