Saturday, August 24, 2013

2010 Judo Randori in Russia


Here is a video of some randori fun in Russian back in 2010. The group I'm practicing with in the video are all international competition veterans and some of the best Judoka in Eastern Russia. They are very talented and excellent representatives of bushido and sportsmanship. It was a privilege to train with them. I look forward to next time.



Thursday, May 16, 2013

Dialing it in...

I was 214 after practice tonight. My weight hasn't been this low in years. I feel great too. Advocare is awesome!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Yakutsk again...

Well, here I am in Yakutsk, Russia again. This is my seventh time visiting the Republic of Sakha. On October 9th of last year, my father-in-law, Oleg Yemelyanov, lost his life after being struck by a train in Moscow. He was on his way to the U.S. to meet my daughter, Vera, who was born just six days before the accident. My wife and I were unable to attend the funeral because she was still recovering from the birth and the trip to Russia would have been too much for her and the newborn baby to take. The trip is difficult enough on a fit and healthy person. 

So, we are here for the one year anniversary of Oleg's departure to celebrate his life. Oleg was one of the best men I have met in my life. He was like a second father to me and a dear friend. He always put others before himself and was true to his word. He was the epitome of what a "good man" should be.

The last time I was here in Russia, the family decided that since we do not get many opportunities to gather together, we would in a single month, celebrate all of the holidays that we normally do not get to spend together. We decided this year to make it a tradition. We will have Christmas, New Years and every family member's birthday.

One great thing that Oleg did for me in my several visits here, was to establish many connections with martial arts schools and trainers in the area. I typically visit these schools and teach seminars on various topics. I also get to work with many international and world champions in different disciplines. For me, reuniting with the martial arts community here is one of the highlights of the trip. 

This is the first time I have come to Russia without something to read. Instead, I brought the rough draft of the Hadaka Judo book series to continue work completing and editing. I hope to have it ready for publication by early spring. So far, it is progressing very well.  

    

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Dialing it in again...

On July 22nd, my weight peaked at 254lbs. I am now down to 233lbs.

I began the Advocare 24 day challenge on September 3rd. At the beginning of the 24 day challenge, I was 244. Unfortunately, I have not been able to consistently work out while on this program, but have still managed to lose weight. The biggest thing I have noticed so far is that I have been energized throughout the day and sleeping well at night. I don't have a mid-day crash as in the past with typical energy supplements.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Ahhh!

Got to start trying to get out the door a little earlier. I was headed for the gym and have been rerouted on a diaper run. Now, I'm not sure if I will make it to the gym at all today. Atrophy setting in!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Dialing it in...

In July, I was able to spend a considerable amount of time lifting weights. I was supplementing my nutrition with multi-vitamin, 2-3000 IU of vitamin D, whey protein, creatine, and nos. Mid-July, by body weight peaked at 254lb. I felt in good shape both in strength and cardio endurance. However, knowing that I plan to visit/train in Russia  during the month of October, it was time to start a slow and steady weight cut (I don't want to be stuck with the over 100k Judoka there).

I am currently at 236 and continue to drop. My goal is to be under 220 by the end of September. If training goes as well as expected while in Russia, I plan to compete in the U.S. at some BJJ and Sambo tournaments this winter.

I have taken a couple of weeks off from lifting weights to let my body recover. Today is the first day back to it. Time to go.

Monday, July 2, 2012

July 2

I don't really have many commitments for the month of July that will interfere with my workout schedule.

If I can properly use the summer months to get myself into top shape, I'm confident I will perform well at tournaments in the fall/winter season.