Weightlifting and Ju-Jitsu Training - Back in Action! »

Back to Kokuai Ju-Jitsu Training

Saturday was my first day back into full on training at Kobukai Ju-Jitsu. My shoulder held up and I was even able to spar at about 60-75% of my right arm strength. I tried to go full on with the rest of my body though, but it’s tough having limited right arm strength. I had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum and a bone spur. The shoulder held up, but like I said, didn’t have full on strength.

Training the Harai Goshi

During the class I actually got to get back to some of my techniques training. Lately I had been helping others with their techniques I worked with Jake (the toughest, nicest, lawyer you’ll ever meet). We worked on a variety of throws. One was the Harai-goshi, which is actually one of my favorites, that along with Uchi mata.
The Harai Goshi is a sweeping hip throw. It works well for me because I have longer legs and fairly tall. Its one of the original 40 judo throws and one of the 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo. It is a very effective throw and commonly used in Judo matches and I’ve even seen in used by Karo Parisyan in the UFC.
I found this video of Mike Swain doing the Harai Goshi. I was really watching his footwork and how quick he steps and switches his hips. One thing I did not see or notice as much was the off-balancing of his uke. Maybe its just because he is so good, that he is just able to do it very quickly and subtly. It also maybe that since I focusing and trying to improve the off-balancing so much on my throws that I just being over analytical.

So, back to training. I had some good rolls with Sensei Russ, Trey, Ryan and “Normal” Dave. It felt great being on the mat. I was remarking to Sensei after about how much his students had improved. Ryan was one that I saw had improved a great deal. He was very technical and his guard game was on fire. I was very impressed. Ryan even pulled of my favorite submission, the heel hook, on me! Again, very impressive. Ryan’s like our Kobukai encyclopedia. He also helps me with my Monday classes and it has been amazing to have him there

Lifting again

I FINALLY got back to the gym today. 9 weeks off…… fucking killing me. It was actually kinda lame. I really didn’t do much. Mondays I’ll typically work chest and pushing exercises. I didn’t go about 25 lbs at any time. Just really high reps and slow controlling movements. It felt good, but I really get off on moving weight. And when I can’t do that, it was frustrating.

Strong Abs?

One of the things I have always neglected in the gym is my abs. I’m not so bodybuilder, I really don’t care that much about a six pack. I’m sure my wife would love it, but I’m a eater and grower!! I just don’t want to get to “horizontal”. But at the gym today I decided to work on some heavy ab exercises. I got on the decline ab “apparatus” held on to a 45 plate and just did reps and presses. When I went down, I would press the 45 plate up, like a bench, and on the way up, I would bring it to my chest. It was a fun and interesting exercise. I did it for 5 sets with about 12-15 reps. Since I can’t do a lot of heavy lifting right now I think I’m going to spend some more time on my abs and grip.