Health

I call this one Health because my focus lately has been on my health - which affects my performance. Recent health issues with bronchitis and my back have forced me to reevaluate some of my training as well as consider cutting back on some of the things I've been doing.

I still train with the UST group as my core group, Bob's school recently became a Gracie Combatives shop which I've begun training Sat mornings, so training UST on Weds and GCBJJ on Sat. mornings.

I stopped going to Modern Arnis, mostly because no one shows up anymore, including Divinci, so I'll be training with the newly formed FCS group in Orlando. Although I like Steve's Judo classes I just dont have the time or money anymore.

I also picked up the study of Kyudo which Lisa Lietl heads up in the newly formed Central Florida Kyudo group we started, which we hope to have a building for through ACAS.

I took a Muay Thai seminar through a meetup this past Sunday, 3 hrs non-stop, killer workout. Not sure I want to do that again, just too much for me, Im surpised im not more sore than I am today.

I started taking a nitric oxide powder to help out with training/oxygen consumption in the help it will enhance my endurance/performance. The jury is still out on that one.
My chiropractor recommended i take magnesium suppliments for muscle tightness, cramps, headaches. Ive just started taking these along with the forslean for asthma. Also taking a multivitamin and mixing in metamucil with my bottled water for high triclyceride levels.

Im starting my own exercise program with kombatas, weights, Martial Arts, pullups, etc along with back maintenance with the roller the chiro sold me and my inversion table and stretches.

Im also considering yoga to help with my flexibility and stiffness I've been feeling to counteract the hard training ive been doing.

Good news is I've lost quite a bit of weight. Will see over time if these methods work.

Updating

It's been awhile since my last posting, change in jobs and moved down to road into a condo with my son. Still training at UST but we're now a Gracie Combatives shop, I'll be training in the blue belt curriculum. Been training in Modern Arnis with Divinci and recently with the FCS group which Jeff Moldovan's group hooked up with as well. Had some good meetups as well in my group. More on this later.

Wednesday Class

No Monday class due to July 4th holiday. On the downside of this bronchial infection, coughing but feeling better. Used the new bronchial dialator from the doc but still had trouble breathing. Was told my triglycerides are 679, even with all the exercise and eating right was put back on chlosterol medicine. I find it strange he doesnt require fasting before a blood test. I have some natural alternatives in mind I want to try for this. I despise medications.

Class went very well, my friend Hanif went and I was able to introduce Fred Stone - a long time Uechi practitioneer to Bob. They hit it off really well. Class was alot of knife and ground work. I was really short on breath by the time we got to ground work. Trained with Joey, one of the Uechi blackbelts. We tipped the training knifes red, i was cut on the back of the arm and across the liver but I got a good thrust to his heart. I used a technique I've been working on with great success, Cesar picked up on it since the REAL training and has been using it. John Riddles seminar was canceled until the fall.

Mon and Tue Night Classes

My nephew Casey is staying with me for the week, always a pleasure to have him around and he has a keen interest in martial arts. Monday we had a captain from the Orange county sheriffs office teaching Gracie BJJ from a self defense perspective - great class - we plan on having him down at least once a month - we were invited to train with them at the sheriffs office on Saturdays. The guy is 43 and still competes......an inspiration to say the least.
Casey enjoyed it especially since he wrestles in high school, he took a couple of things away he thinks he can use.
Came down with a bronchial infection but went to Wed class anyway with Casey - I did better than i expected - i felt strong despite being under the weather. Canceling Sat. hiking meetup though. Looking forward to John Riddles seminar next weekend.

Went to my dr. yesterday, he was suprised i lost so much weight - a testiment to the UST training, picked up some expensive perscriptions for asthma, migrane, cholesterol and others. Wishing there were more natural alternatives.

Monday Night Class

It was a very hot and humid night and I had the most diffculty breathing. Had to take several breaks to catch my breath, felt like i was going to pass out. Making an appt. for the doctor next week.

On the plus side I jumped on the scale for the first time in 2 months, I lost 13 lbs - from 195 to 182. I havent been this weight in over 10 years.

Next Monday all Gracie BJJ.

UST Class - Wednesday

The intensity went up for this class. I'm having a hard time running even if it is only 5 mins. My ankles and back are still giving me problems. Good workout though, seems like its just barely under the max of what I can take but I need to do this more often than 1x a week to get any more benefit, or at least suppliment with something equivocal such as bike riding, home training or a training partner. I did notice its a 96 mile round trip to class, it would be expensive if I went twice a week. The ladies in the wednesday class make it a nice mix. Im a little sore and stiff today - think I'll take a dip in the jacuzzi tonight to relax the muscles.

Got an email back from Donny B about the old style muay thai seminar were putting together here in Orlando. Nice that he has family in Casselberry so I dont have to pay for his plane ticket or a place to stay. Just the cost of the seminar. I'm liking this guy more and more, he has the same philosophy and outlook as me about martial arts. Should be an intersting meet.

Wednesday UST Class

First time attending class on a Wednesday instead of a Monday. Usually Wednesday is when the women train but there were plenty of the guys there as well. I went in short of breath, asthma will do that, and I was having a bad couple of days with it so I considered sitting it out but decided that since Wed nights were supposed to be a little easier I would at least try. I also thought that perhaps the activity would open up my lungs a bit.

Well Wednesday nights are not easier but Im glad I joined in, great workout with just the right amount of techniques and drills mixed in and I actually found I had more wind than I thought. I think my cardio may actually be improving - at least thats the hope........my cardio has always been bad but I'm hoping with this kind of training it will improve despite having asthma.

I felt strong tonight because I wasnt so much out of breath. Good rapid fire drill on the bag at the end. I need to do this more often so it has a cumulative effect - improved cardio and strenght.

My biggest regret was having dropped out of any martial arts training for nearly 10 years. Having only returned to it 3 years ago I feel the effects of negligence and letting my health go........its a long road back. But I press on. Move or Die !!!!!