Training with Tristan

On gain and loss

2012-01-01T12:19:00.005Z

(This is to my friend in New York who is rebuilding himself)

Life is beset with ironies. It is difficult to know what is good fortune and what is bad. Remember that any fool can make the most of his victory, it is truly the genius who makes the most of his loss. To glean from it what he can and turn it to his favour. Learn to be objective in triumph and loss, endeavour to treat both equally. What does this mean? It means to neither be too high nor too low. Contentment lies somewhere here.

Try not to be haunted by the past, for it is gone and even God cannot change it. As for the future it isn't yours, so don't fret about things that are not, and may never be. Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have. Nothing more can be asked. Beware the critic, their words are wind.
Be your own judge. You will find yourself judging others, this is natural, but it doesn't necessarily mean you must voice it aloud or behind their backs,

The universal currency is time. You can lose money and make it back, lose time and it's gone and worse still you've no idea how much of it you truly have. Therefore you must make the most it everyday. Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Have the discipline to do this and the discipline to use your time well and for the right reasons. (the right reasons are only truly known by yourself) Discipline is painful but so is regret. Everyone whether poor, rich, young or old will suffer a measure of both these pains. It is inevitable. However, the pain of discipline weighs ounces and diminishes over time. The pain of regret weighs in tonnes and increases over time.

Ultimately the ground we tread on is uneven. Remain sangfroid, do not allow your equilibrium to be unbalanced for too long, but recognise and admit your emotions this is necessarily to know thyself. The first step starts from within. Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you deal with it.

Best,

Tristan

Insightful interview on Frank Mir

2011-12-11T17:21:00.000Z

Mixed bunch of emotions

2011-12-09T23:26:00.000Z

In twelve hours time I'll be weighing in for my fight. Can't sleep, emotions wild, turmoil.
Why do I insist in putting myself through all this I wonder? In search of meaning I suppose.
The path I am following, to me is a way to a fuller life. To imbue my life with meaning. To keep the light shining. The torch burning bright into the future, even if it means to give up life for a cause.

4 days out from the fight...

2011-12-06T22:08:00.000Z

This week is my taper week for the fight. Training is reduced by about 80% I have one more session tomorrow. Which will be light pad work, some bag work and shadow boxing. Thursday rest and Friday I'll sauna a bit to drop any weight, if required.

Right now I am quiet, calm- stillness. Every now and then I may feel a bit anxious or apprehensive or a bit excited because I want to know that I can execute without hesitation and flawlessly in the ring, that I can adapt outwit and outfight my opponent. But mostly I am feeling stillness.

Ultimately, the way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death. This is something I ponder everyday. Fear and death are two constants in life. Excessive concern over ones body and welfare prevents one from achieving anything meaningful in life and prevents one from truly living. There is a difference between living and surviving. Think about this.

Life is dear to me. But the way I see it, to live life fully, one must find something one is willing to die for.

Tristan

The white shirt is for him what the black dress is for her

2011-10-23T13:22:00.001+01:00

This article has been brewing in my mind for awhile. When I was in New York City there was a girl I vaguely knew and we would now and again bump into each other. After awhile I began to notice on her the regularity of the black dress. Not the same one, but invariably a black one. It wasn’t a common occurrence, because I would see her in different outfits and different colours, but black was a bit more common then the rest. I slowly noticed other stylish girls had something similar going on. This wasn’t just at parties but I also noticed this on the street, at galleries and so on. Then it slowly dawned upon my stupid head the versatility of the black dress for ‘her.’ I realised a lot of women look great in a black dress regardless of skin tone, size shape and build. Additionally I also noticed the versatility of the black dress. I saw them in dive bars, cocktail parties, work functions etc. It then got me thinking, ‘what about us guys?’ What’s our fall back plan? I mean there isn’t a plethora of choice for us as it is and Superdry t-shirts are becoming rather super dry and very 2009…

It’s the white shirt. The crisp, white shirt. Probably closely followed by the pale blue shirt. (I personally don’t like the black shirt) You can wear the white shirt in the fall, winter, spring and summer. You can wear them with a suit, jeans, shorts. Hell you can even wear them in your underwear whilst playing video games or brewing coffee for your misses. I am not sure what it is but the white shirt clicks. In the summer you can throw on a pair of slacks, navy, beige, pink, green (some guys can and do rock those colours well) with a pair of loafers three top buttons undone and you’re looking sharp, comfortable and most importantly sexy. The white shirt gives you that clean, immaculate look whether you’re sporting a two day stubble or a 6 month beard.

Two weekends before when we suddenly had a heat wave here in London. I wasn’t really in the mood for wearing shorts and decks. I wanted to go for a clean look. I ironed a white shirt, pulled on my navy slacks, jumped into a pair brown boots and marched out to the British museum (I had just finished reading the History of Alexander and wanted to see the bust of his that was found in Pompey or something) I was somewhere around Warren Street or Russell square where I stopped at the traffic lights, it went green so I started to cross the street This sexy woman about 10 years my elder pulled up, looked at me, lowered her glasses and hollered at me ‘hi sexy.’ I tilted my head towards her and grinned the naughtiest grin I could muster. Women hollering at me is a rare occurrence but I seriously believe it was the white shirt, I felt absolutely outrageous and the opposite sex could not help but notice. Maybe it wasn’t the white shirt, maybe I just felt a bit more Achilles that day for whatever reason. Who knows, we all end up believing what we want to believe.

Before I wrap up I want to go through a few pointers.

Do iron your white shirt. If there is a stain (underarms for example) try to bleach it. If that doesn’t help, recycle. It’s ideal to have several white shirts so that you can alternate and not have to wear the same one all the time. This should help prevent build up of stains and should help keep the shape of the shirt in tact through time.

Tuck or not to tuck? It’s up to you. But I personally tuck my shirt in. However, there are some shirts where the tail of the shirt just about extends to the back pocket or barely below it. This is probably more of a casual shirt, so don’t tuck because the tail end will start protruding out of your jeans, slacks trousers and you’ll show your underwear waist band. Or if it does just about tuck then it’ll look too constrained and won’t fit around the contours of your body.
If you own of those Ralph Lauren shirts where the tail is outrageously long, please do tuck you don’t want to walk around like you’ve got a cape on.
Obviously one cannot ALWAYS wear the white shirt. But it’s there, it has stood the test of time and that means a lot in the world that we live in today.

Tristan

How time flies....

2011-08-29T22:06:00.000+01:00

On my way to the library this morning I came across a sign that said; 'the present is a gift, that's why its called the present.' Yup we all have to learn to make the most of that flicker of a moment which is life. However that should not prevent us from dreaming of the future either. Both work in tandem. But how to work towards that dream when the daily tedium of life seems to encumbers us, and make us prone to drift?

Currently I can hit the level whilst focusing on two entirely different things that has strong meaning to me at any given time. (On top of work etc) But realistically the optimum is to concentrate on one thing, this I've found to be the overall best.
Anymore and I spread myself too thin and I find I don't focus properly. You'll always tell yourself 'if i had time to do this or that then I would' fact is you'll never have time! You just have to make it... this involves sacrifices and the fear of change. A sacrifice is to give something up now, for something better in the future. If people looked at their lives objectively a lot of what they do does not actually amount to anything, its just filling in space. 'The overflowing of the brain might have evaporated in mere futilities.'

And fear, fear of change. Fear, disbelief, what can I say about it? 'No fear no distractions. The ability to allow that which does not matter, truly slide =.' If you die, then you die. You have to understand, someday YOU WILL DIE. 'Excessive concern with the welfare of our bodies is almost the only obstacle to the success of any of our plans, when these demand rapid decisions and vigorous and determined execution. In reality, once you have made the sacrifice of your life, you are no longer the equal of other men; or rather, they are no longer your equal, because whoever has taken such a resolution instantly feels his strength increase ten times and his outlook vastly extended.-'

Give it a thought, what do I honestly want to do? Is it something I truly want to do? Is it for me? Am I satisfied with the current situation? What can I start doing TODAY to move me towards my dream as well as maintaining the current status quo- I mean you gotta pay the rent right? But how to pay the rent whilst at the same time venturing out towards what you truly wanna be? How to maintain this juggling act? If not, has it come to a situation where- fuck it I am gonna burn the boats and fight to the death with the samurai's desperateness^?

* The overflowing of the brain might have evaporated in mere futilities.'
The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter, The Abbe's Cell, page 160 Penguin Classics

= No fear no distractions. The ability to allow that which does not matter, truly slide.
Fight Club

- 'Excessive concern with the welfare of our bodies is almost the only obstacle to the success of any of our plans, when these demand rapid decisions and vigorous and determined execution. In reality, once you have made the sacrifice of your life, you are no longer the equal of other men; or rather, they are no longer your equal, because whoever has taken such a resolution instantly feels his strength increase ten times and his outlook vastly extended.'
The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter, The Vendetta, page 502 Penguin Classics

^ The way of the Samurai is in desperateness, ten or more men cannot kill him
Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Also check out this article:

http://www.gymjones.com/knowledge.php?id=15

Bernard Hopkins- Knowledge on boxing

2011-08-28T22:29:00.001+01:00

Invaluable knowledge from Bernard Hopkins on footwork, movement, defense, angles... all in a 8 minute clip.

The importance of conversation...

2011-08-05T21:53:00.001+01:00

With oneself..

Sharing ideas with your closest friends and advisors is extremely important. These are the people who will not be afraid to challenge you and at the same time can give you a perspective which you may miss as you sit within your internal puzzle. But ultimately, the conversation that matters most is the one you have with yourself. Now, I know its crazy to imagine one speaking to oneself, so why not try writing instead? When I lived in Argentina I use to write to myself on scrap bits of paper, unfortunately I think I may have lost them all now... I have been searching for them for the past two hrs!!! What I did discover was an old diary I kept prior and during my time living in New York. Heres an extract of my feelings at the time:

(11-08-07)
'I really hope I am able to get this internship in New York. It would mean a lot to me personally and career wise. The past few weeks have been quite difficult. First the interviews I had to schedule after my return from Argentina, then the on going job hunt afterwards.
It has been a trying few weeks and I suspect things will not get any easier. Waiting for this telephone interview call up sometimes feels me with a sense of frustration and apprehension. The former because of the long wait and the latter the fear of not impressing the interviewer.
But sometimes on the other half of the time I feel sanguine and hopeful...

15-08-07

Well I have a internship in NYC. It felt slightly inevitable but also a relief. I have dreamt of this in 2006 and it seemed impossible, then improbably and finally inevitable (Christopher Reeves). At this moment I can only say that I feel a combination of apprehension, calmness with a small dose of excitement. I have so much to write, yet I don't know how to, or where to start!

21-08-07
I have a visa interview to get this American passport. I've remained quite nonchalant about this NY internship. Perhaps because it has been work in progress since 2006 or maybe because I keep thinking something may go wrong...

12/09/07
I arrived in NYC on the 10th of September. The flight was uneventful. Since then I have been here for two days. I don't feel that I've quite settled in yet, I am literally living out of a suitcase! Being in NYC is so surreal! It feels like I am not here, yet I am! I am strangely confident and comfortable around my new environment and with my fellow interns. Perhaps experience has somewhat helped me adjust to change. Nevertheless it's still early days...'

Get writing!!!

Tristan

What does it mean to obtain the warrior spirit?

2011-07-27T21:55:00.002+01:00

I am not sure why, but after every training session I almost always promise myself that I shall rise the following day earlier to meditate and to envisage what one must become to obtain the warrior spirit. Because I am aware that I'll need every ounce of it once I go into my next fight. But the warrior spirit is not something that one obtains during the 5-6 weeks training leading up to a fight. Quite the contrary, it is something that must be lived and reinforced in your everyday life. It must be something manifested within your soul, everyday you must accept or at least try to accept that the way of the Samurai is found in death.

I am lifting this passage from Hagakure.

'We all want to live...however, to die without gaining one's aim IS a dog's death. But there is no shame in this. If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening one is able to live as though he were already dead, he gains freedom in the way and he will succeed in his calling.

How do I interpret this? Follow your soul and your heart and don't waiver and you'll succeed in your calling, despite the fear, disbelief and doubt.

Tristan

Training rules: Five year plan

2011-07-02T09:28:00.001+01:00

I read this on www.t-nation.com this morning. I think it's a very good article by Jim Wendler (www.elitefts.com) Straight to the point and applicable now.

Training Rules Of Being Awesome: The Five Year Plan
by Jim Wendler - 07/01/2011
Part Animal, Part Machine

I get an inordinate amount of questions on the EFS Q/A, email, and Facebook. Most of them are pretty easy to answer and just need a push in the right direction. But there are many, MANY questions from people that go into great detail about their special situation; how they’d like to do “this” but can’t do “that” or are so misguided due to the massive amount of information out there. I admit it can all get a bit confusing.

But without an anchor in your training, you will do nothing but float out to sea – helpless and taking in water. Eventually you will submerge, tread water for a bit and either get eaten by sharks or just sink to the bottom. I’ve seen it for 2 decades now. But it’s time to take a stand for what YOU believe in.

Besides not having the Training Anchor, people are too focused on tomorrow and NOT on today. The best example I can give is the game of football, something of which I can speak on some authority. Every team would like to win. But in order to win the game, you have to win the play. This means doing the right thing NOW. Maybe it’s a cut block, plugging a gap or simply making sure you have contain.

If everyone does everything right EVERY PLAY, the game’s outcome is usually a win. Unfortunately, the eyes sometimes leave the grind of the ground and get too focused on the horizon. When this happens you lose sight of what is important – the play.

After much thought, here are the Training Rules of Being Awesome. You can make your own, using this template but make sure you have a reason and you believe in them. What I do ask for you is to stick to them for 5 years and see where you stand; if you are true to your rules, you will be part animal, part machine.

1. Your program will be based on 4 exercises: squat, bench press, deadlift and the press.

2. You will train in the weight room 2-4 days/week.

3. You will do some kind of “hard” conditioning 3 days/week. This consists of pushing the Prowler, running hills, running stadium steps or pushing a car. If it looks hard and awesome, do it. If your mom can do it, put it aside until you go through menopause.

4. You can do any kind of assistance work that you want provided that you do chin-ups/pull-ups and either barbell or dumbbell rows.

5. If you are fat and out of shape, you must do some kind of conditioning every day. If I were fat and out of shape, I’d be pushing a Prowler every day to combat the adipose.

6. You will not program jump and hop on the latest trend – your program should be flexible enough to adjust/tweak to include new ideas while maintaining the core principles and integrity of the program.

7. Diet –If you need to lose fat: eat good food, less crap and eat “right” 90% of the time. If you need to gain weight: eat more food. This is not a hard concept.

8. Your body is not different than anyone else but your attitude can be.

9. You will not be impatient; the grind is where character is made. Focus on what you have to do TODAY to make tomorrow better. This is a lifelong project.

10. Whenever you lose focus, consult this list to clear your head and get you back on track. And when in doubt, squat and run hills.

Its for the kids...

2011-06-24T23:30:00.000+01:00

I've been training in muay thai for almost a year now and I have slowly begun to realise just how difficult this is. And the extremely long term mindset you must keep, and you must be willing to maintain the same mentality that you set out with in the beginning if you stand any chance of being successful.

I just got back to training to a normal schedule last week, I was working a few things with my coach in the ring as I was taking a water break, this little kid about 6-7 years old ran up to me and said 'hey you, hey! Your technique is really cool!!!' I felt so happy and fulfilled during that short respite*. It's a small token of satisfaction from the sacrifice.

But when I look at it. I haven't really sacrificed that much or enough. Some of my team mates have sacrificed so much. One is fighting for a contendership status tomorrow. His married and has two kids, plus a normal day job. I think that is sacrifice. So, I have much, much more to do...

*Feeling a bit elated that I may have possibly inspired some kid, I returned home that night and developed a fever and cold chills, managed to get to the the following day. But was bed ridden the next. So much for my account on inspiration... haha!

Theodore Roosevelt..

2011-06-05T17:42:00.001+01:00

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

5 x P

2011-06-02T20:52:00.000+01:00

Preparation prevents piss poor performance!

Prove it to yourself and no one else

2011-05-28T09:04:00.000+01:00

Glad to be back to training (London)

2011-04-19T22:59:00.000+01:00

So I did not want to train today. I wanted to go home, read and sleep but I am so happy that I did not succumb, the mind always has a way of rationalising you to take the easy way out, don't allow yourself to give in!

I was so happy to see my stablemates and my coach Kru Cliff. (Especially my teacher Cliff) I feel like I have accomplished so much today and I felt I have used whatever ability I have to some good use. I felt I gained a better understanding of some techniques that were demonstrated today. Cliff has shown me these techniques before, but today I really felt as if I had a better grasp of them. I feel happy that I have done something of some worth, I also feel that the effort and sacrifice has purified me. Along with training in Paris at Jean Charles Skarbowsky and being back at my home gym, I feel as if I am back on track.

Bed time, training again tomorrow!

Tristan

"If your dream is big enough, the facts don't count." Don Ward

2011-04-17T22:51:00.002+01:00

Welcome to Paris... Mr Anglais

2011-04-15T13:38:00.001+01:00

I arrived in Paris late Monday night, made my way to Tory's (one of my stable mates from London who has moved back to Paris) apartment. I started training the next day. I was 'Anglais' when they forgot I was Tristan.

Day 1
Tristan was waiting for Tory at Ledru Rollin metro station, when he glimpsed from the corner of his eye a cyclist riding past wearing a big Red Bull motorcycle jacket. It was Jean Charles Skarbowsky! It took him a few seconds to react and realise this. By then Jean Charles was half way down the road. Tristan then raced after Jean Charles for surely he would lead him to the gym. A short moment later Jean Charles seemed to disappear into a wall... Tristan ran up to the spot he last saw Jean Charles and noticed it was in fact a door! He pushed the door and soon found the gym. The training session, was hard, Tristan's timing was off, but overall it was a reasonable start.

Day 2

This was a mid afternoon session. Tristan arrived early and was able to talk to Jean Charles for the best part of 30 minutes, Tristan could discern that despite Jean Charles sardonic like demeanour there was an undercurrent of deep philosophy within him, it was this philosophy that he was going to sample very soon. Training was similar to day one. A hard 15 minutes warm up, lots of skipping. Then clinch work technique.
Jean Charles threw Tristan around like a rag doll. Tristan ate many knees, he was kneed on the ground, he was kneed in the solar plexus. It was a tough lesson. But Tristan learnt from it and was smiling at the end with Jean Charles his coach.

Day 3
The next day Jean Charles said 'Sorry I was little hard on you yesterday, I dunno why I did it. You know why I did it?'

'No, I am not sure.'

'I don't know either! Actually I know, I wanted to show you what it is like in Las Vegas you know? To fly!'

'But I came here on the aeroplane..."

'Oh so you never came from Eurostar? So you already fly? Well you know what Las Vegas is like now eh? Well you are okay today, don't worry the body is okay, just some hurt feelings.'

Sparring was good for Tristan on this day. His leg kicks was trop bien, as was his jab, overhand right and inside leg kick. Jean Charles has helped free some of Tristan's mind.

Tristan

Returning soon

2011-04-07T22:22:00.000+01:00

I've been off training for about 3 weeks now I think. I've managed to wind down the training. I was in Lisbon for a few days with two friends I went to school with. Currently in Athens, just winding down. Haven't really done much, strangely I don't feel as rested as I would like to be. Haven't slept much, definitely haven't eaten as much. But mentally, I feel rested. I return to London on Saturday, then fly off to Paris on Monday to formally start the new episode of training, which will be at Jean Charles Skarbowsky's gym. It's gonna be war... and a good way to kick of my training.

That's all really :) will be posting more regularly soon.

Ciao

Tristan

I get the impression that the gym on a Friday

2011-03-18T23:28:00.002Z

are filled with people who have, or are either

No social life,
Athletes,
Weirdos
Loners... etc

I guess I am a combination of the above! (okay maybe a bit too judgmental, but you get the rough idea!)I think it's been about three weeks after the fight. I am really just working on specifics. For me that is the jab, the cross and the left round house kick. It's slowly getting there. I usually work on those three things separately, then string them together in some basic combinations. It's getting there.

During my warm down I walked into one of the studios, which had emptied from the yoga class. A spacious studio, with ceiling to floor windows. I looked out the window across cabot square. I could hear the voices and laughter from the bar below. Friday night drinks, people relaxing.
All of a sudden a sense of loneliness dawned upon me. I smiled a very melancholy smile, I suppose this is the life of a fighter. Everyday I live up to an ideal, an idea. Something that is bigger than me, something bigger than the art of fighting. I shan't go into details, but I realise that this ideal will often isolate me from people. But this is price, the sacrifice. Like the owner of pumps gym said, 'it doesn't get easier, so you sow today in order to reap tomorrow.'

Tristan

As society homogenises us, it's hard not to live a lie..

2011-03-12T21:53:00.003Z

For generations, men of my family have been rabbis.
In Israel, before that in Europe.
It was to be my calling. I was quite a prodigy.
The pride of my yeshiva.
The elders said I had a 40-year-old's understanding...
of the midrash by the time I was 12.
But by the time I was 13
I knew I could never be a rabbi.
Why not?
Because for all I understood of the Talmud,
I never saw God there.
- You couldn't lie to yourself. - I tried.
Tried like crazy.
I mean, people were counting on me.
But yours is a respectable profession.
Not to my family.
My parents were destroyed, devastated by my decision.
My father sent me away to New York...
to live with distant cousins.
Eventually, l... I found my place,
my life's work.
What then?
I immersed myself fully, I studied the minutiae,
I learned everything I could about the law.
I mean, I felt deeply inside that it was what I was born to do.
- And did your parents get over it? - No.
I always hoped that I would find...
some way to change their minds, but...
They were inconsolable.
My father never spoke to me again.
If you had to do it all over again,
would you make the same choices?
What choice?
The last thing I took away from the yeshiva is this...
We can't run from who we are.
Our destiny chooses us.

(From the movie Rounders)

First comp

2011-03-09T22:41:00.001Z

It's been one year...

2011-03-06T10:22:00.000Z

Since my school friend asked me to start Muay Thai with him. Even when I was living in America he would go on about it over the phone. After finishing a powerlifting meet in London I agreed to join him. I remember after the first session on the pads I thought I was so good. Two sessions later, I decided to turn up to sparring... I left with more bruises, knocks than I would have after three rugby matches. I soon realised the art of fighting takes time and patience. You must endure to develop the level of understanding and decisiveness to be truly in tuned in the art.

So, I want to thank Jak for giving me the push to start. Also want to thank my coaches and corner men. It's so important to have good cornermen and a good team. It's funny you walk to your corner. One guy puts an icepack on your head, the other takes out your gum shield and gives you water. Your head coach gives you instructions on what to do for the next round. During those brief moment, I've never felt so safe and secure in my life. To know you have the guys to back you up, it's a truly camaraderie feeling. Fighting is an individual sport, but your team will always be part of your foundation. Without them, you have nothing to fight for.

Tristan

P.S.

That music in the background is Thai cultural thing. I think it's supposed to encourage rhythm in the fighters, as the fight draws to a close the music gets faster.

Can exercise keep you young?

2011-03-06T09:20:00.000Z

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/can-exercise-keep-you-young/?src=me&ref=general

Fight pics!

2011-02-27T20:22:00.004Z

Been resting mostly this weekend no training. I am uploading some pics from the fight that my friend took. Will have some videos soon, probably mid week. The fellow in the background is Ekay who is one of my training/sparring partners. The bottom picture is Sahli, and Frankie (who was part of my corner team)

Yes, I noticed I still had my gum shield in, also I did get a hair cut the next day!

-Tristan

P.S.
These pics were taken in the locker room after the first fight.

One of my favourite fighters...

2011-02-23T22:02:00.002Z

Two a night..

2011-02-21T23:19:00.000Z

I had my fights last night. I ended up fighting twice in one night! Someone dropped out and one of my stablemates filled in, but he had to be somewhere at 5pm prompt. The promoter never managed to get the fight to happen at 5pm, so teammate couldn't fight. So I agreed to step in for Joe.

Overall I guess it was an okay performance. I didn't expect to fight twice in one night, but I managed fine. Because these fights are tailored for beginners (although some guys were not beginners to say the least) they don't announce the winner. However, I felt I did enough to win the first one, but I lost the second.

It's weird my teammates and I were in our locker rooms getting prepared with our coach and corner men. Cracking jokes taking the piss out of each other to, I suppose calm the nerves. But I just drifted of into a different planet all on my own reading Hagakure. Yamamoto's words kept running through my mind. 'Lay down your life and strike, everything else is down to destiny and faith.'

I suppose it was quite nerve racking, well it was actually. But after waiting for almost an hour to be called up. I soon got calmer, it's a very satisfying feeling walking down from the stage into the ring. You recognise some faces, but generally you just see a blur of people. But you feel everyone staring and looking at you. You can tell they're forming their opinion of you. They sort of look at you in a slight bewilderment and dare I saw awe.

The fight happens so fast as well, if you think too much you can't relax and you everything becomes skewed, you start eating shots and find yourself fighting off your back foot (like I did in my second fight, but also in my first of the night!) But slowly things start working on auto pilot, the things you start executing are the things you end up practicing the most in the dojo, I suppose because they're the most second nature.

During the fight I could hear my cornerman shouting, MOVE TO RIGHT! MOVE TO RIGHT! Because my first fight was against a southpaw, so you want to move to your left (his right) which is supposed to be his weaker side. I could hear them saying MOVE TO RIGHT AND THROW BODY KICKS! Generally speaking I seemed to be able to respond to their commands. It's so weird amongst all the noise from the crowd you can somehow distinguish the voice of your stablemates and corner man giving you precious instructions, and their voices also feel somewhat comforting as you find yourself lost in the abyss that is fighting.

The second fight was much harder. The guy came out on all cylinders. My inexperience really showed here. My left eye was bruised by the the time of the first bell. But I managed to listen to my corner and do what they instructed. I was knock down twice and given two 8 counts. Somehow I managed to rally, the third round (the final round) was probably my best, it was also where I learnt a lot too. I somehow heard my coach Cliff (who wasn't there) giving me instructions, parry and strike back. So I did and it hit the guy flush. I also remember catching his kick and landing a knee to his chest whilst pushing him back. I landed more knees in the clinch later on. But I am not pleased with my performance, I expected to have done way more damage but apparently not so. A friend in the crowd took pictures backstage and videos of the fight. I am dreading watching them... but I shall upload when he gives them to me.

Until then,

Tristan

The end is nigh?

2011-02-19T22:45:00.000Z

Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so we ask ourselves, will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we're gone? And wonder who we were, how bravely we fought and how fiercely we loved...
-Odysseus

Tomorrow is my fight. I went to the gym this evening with one of my sparring partners to do some super light touch sparring, 30-40. Just to break some sweat, talk a little about the fight, get some food etc.

Right now I feel very melancholy but calm. But it's a very untroubled and tranquil feeling. When I step into the ring, there is a chance I may not come back. The thought of the failed relationships temporarily enters my mind, perhaps if I had been a little more compromising she would be here? But then I realise it's all pointless to wander down that path. So I smile a coy and woeful smile and sit alone in the gloriousness of sadness.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo: If a warrior is not unattached to life and death, he will be of no use whatsoever. The saying that 'All abilities come from one mind.' sounds as though it has to do with some sentient matters, but it is in fact a matter of being unattached to life and death. With such non attachment one can accomplish any feat.

-Tristan

Romeo and Juliet Overture...

2011-02-07T20:12:00.000Z

It's on!

2011-02-05T09:18:00.000Z

My fight: Sunday 20th Feb 2011.

It's short notice, but it's not as if I am going from completely not training to intense training. I am always training, so we'll see.

Tristan

Julie London..

2011-02-03T23:03:00.000Z

Is this a song or what?!

At lost of what to read next..

2011-02-02T22:14:00.000Z

Currently reading Tolstoy's biography, that a friend gave to me for xmas. But I usually read two books, one during the day, and another at night. I started The Three Musketeers of which I am half way through, however I just cannot quite get into it. So I began leafing through Michel De Montaigne's Essay's of which I am growing fond of. However, this evening I started leafing through Love by Stendhal which I had finished last summer... I want to share this.

'Woman of sensibility, you who seek to know whether you are loved passionately by the man you adore, examine your lover's early youth. Every man of distinction was at the beginning of his life either absurdly fanatical or else dogged by misfortune. A man of cheerful, gentle disposition, easy to please, can never love with the passion your heart demands.
I call passion only what has stood the test of protracted misfortunes of a kind carefully avoided by novels, and which indeed novels cannot convey.'
-Stendhal

Also by Stendhal, this line which I particularly love..
A dependable character is one which has long and unshakable experience of life's disappointments and misfortunes. Such a man desires constantly or not at all.

Tristan

My schedule & stress and training

2011-01-15T21:42:00.000Z

Rise 6.30am
Breakfast 2-3 eggs, cup of tea.

In the office
7.45am 2nd meal 3 eggs, 1 hash brown, baked beans, oatmeal. Sometimes I skip the hash brown and oatmeal and have a pain au raisin instead.

12pm
Lunch- something wholesome. I usually snack in between as well, like a candy bar or something. Kit Kat's Twirls etc!

3pm
Something with 600-800cals usually a toasted sandwich from Pret a Manger.

6pm
Practice/training

8.30-9.00pm
Finish practice, protein shake EAS Myoplex.

Home
9.30pm-10pm
Eat again something wholesome, usually a steak, rice something green or Spaghetti Bolognese, sometimes I might have fish. Snack red or black grapes with Greek yoghurt.

Read, in bed by 10.00-10.30pm. I never like to go straight to bed. I love to read and reading helps to bring my intensity down a notch or two from the training. This has a soothing affect and helps me relax better. I also dim the lights, light candles and listen to music, usually something classical.

Weekends is similar though I usually wake a little later, 8am or 9am. Train longer and eat a lot more.

On days that I am off, I eat more and read more.

I also wanted to note something about stress and training. Recently I've started a new role at work. I knew my stress levels could increase, because I am learning a new product, new team, new schedule etc. I scaled down my training accordingly to not allow myself to out. But I am still training. The key is to either reduce duration, frequency or intensity. Not necessarily all three, use your discretion. But a reduction is necessary to factor in the stress of change.

Tristan

Bag work

2011-01-10T20:27:00.000Z

Been working on my technique a lot, I have seen some improvements. But I haven't done any sparring for almost three weeks. I need to do some sparring to really see if I have taken on the changes. Its a whole different ball game trying to a moving target, that hits back, as opposed to a punching bag!

I've been really focusing on hitting and moving out at different angles, then moving in at various angles. Also been trying to work the left kick to the body as well as keeping my hands up.

Tristan

P.S.

I also started lifting heavy again. If you can call it heavy anymore!

Front squats 25's x5
Box squats 40's x 5
Bench 32's x 1

Anna Karenina- Love is a serious mental disease*

2011-01-08T22:39:00.003Z

Tolstoy has this unique way of conveying feeling with words in such manner that you cannot help but sympathise with each character regardless of where your stance may be in relation to their actions or conduct.

I am sure my interpretation of the novel Anna Karenina will change once I have read it several times. If you want to read a great book on relationships, career, men, women and life in general then I would recommend this.

--SPOILER--

Love, the passionate and amorous kind. The kind that makes one loses ones mind and feel as if death is the only release once it has gone... I imagine this is what Anna and Vronsky experienced.

It is soothingly entertaining how one can flit from Anna's point of view to Vronsky without ever breaking the flow of the story. One can feel and understand the cause of Anna's temperamental behaviour (but we all know just how whimiscal women are!) her absolute and total exclusion from society, not to mention her son. Her only hope of some form of joy is invested in Vronsky whilst she waits for her divorce. Whilst doing so she fabricates all sorts of activities to occupy her time. Reading, adopting an English girl, all the while having to contend in waiting at home for Vronsky, who is able to continue his everyday affairs in society. Of course this is a recipe for the ignition of jealousy!

On the other hand one sympathises with Vronsky, who has to deal with her erratical behaviour, her jealous outburst's. He is patient, totally in love with her and has demonstrated it by sacrificing a rather promising career in the army. Instead tries to fill his life by running his estate, racing horses and mingling with society. In the end they both loved each other wildly and were like fire and wind, one unable to live without the other.

Tristan

P.S.

The film with Sean Bean and Sophie Marceau is a pretty decent adaptation.
*Plato

If you are fit you can take it easy...- to a certain extent

2010-12-29T22:56:00.000Z

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/phys-ed-if-you-are-fit-you-can-take-it-easy/

Anna Karaenina - Serpukhovskoy advice on women to Vronsky

2010-12-26T20:05:00.000Z

'You may have known a greater number of women than I have. But I am married, and believe me, knowing the one wife you love (as someone wrote), you know all women better than if you'd known thousands of them. And here is my opinion for you. Women are the main stumbling block in a man's activity. It's hard to love a woman and do anything. For this there exists one means of loving conveniently, without hindrance - that is marriage. How can I tell you, how can I tell you what I am thinking? Yes it's as if you're carrying a fardeau* and doing something with your hands is only possible if the fardeau is tied to your back - and that is marriage. And I felt it once I got married. I suddenly had my hands free. But dragging the fardeau around without marriage - that will make your hands so full that you won't be able to do anything. Look at Manzankov, at Krupov. They ruined their careers on account of women.'

*burden

Why Exercise Makes You Less Anxious...

2010-12-20T10:45:00.000Z

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/phys-ed-why-exercise-makes-you-less-anxious/

and...

How Exercising Keeps Your Cells Young

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/phys-ed-why-exercise-makes-you-less-anxious/

Are you a G.A.M.E.R?

2010-12-18T17:28:00.002Z

Joe DeFranco stands in the middle of his warehouse gym in New Jersey, surveying the action.

In one corner, an up-and-coming welterweight MMA fighter is deadlifting with a trap bar wrapped in chains, hitting 500 pounds at the top.

In another area, a top college football player is preparing for the NFL Combine, dragging a weighted sled, engraining the forward lean necessary for short bursts of juggernaut acceleration. His chances of turning pro are good; DeFranco's gym has become a breeding ground for professional athletes.

DeFranco sees things here that you and I do not. He has a knack for spotting the pro athlete hidden inside the high school linebacker or college baseball team's utility man. He knows who has it, and he knows who doesn't.

But what is "it?"

What qualities do those with "it" possess? And if you don't have "it," can you develop "it?"

I asked Coach DeFranco. He said, "Easy. You have to be a G.A.M.E.R." – Chris Shugart

Game On

"It" is hard to define. But get to know enough people with "it" and you begin to see a pattern emerge.

I call people who have "it" gamers.

Earlier in my coaching career, I didn't bother to define what that meant. I just knew that some people had the ability to step up when it was time to step up. These are guys that other people want to be around. People just want to listen to them and be on their team.

Guys who have "it" share the same attributes as all the other people who have "it." When I realized that all these athletes have the same traits in common, I came up with the G.A.M.E.R. acronym.

People who have "it" are:

G: Goal Oriented

A: Accountable

M: Motivated

E: Exact

R: Resilient

Are you a G.A.M.E.R.? Let's break it down and find out.

Original source and link below:

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/are_you_a_gamer

Shida Kichinosuke

2010-12-08T21:47:00.001Z

said:

"At first it is an oppressive thing to run until one is breathless. But it is extraordinarily good feeling when one is standing around after the running. More than that, it is even better to sit down. More than that, it is even better to lie down. And more than that, to put down a pillow and sleep soundly is even better. A man's whole life should be like this. To exert oneself to a great extent when one is young and then to sleep when he is old or at the point of death is the way it should be.
But to sleep and then exert one self... To exert oneself to the end, and to end one's whole life in toil is regrettable." Shimomura Rokurouemon told this story.
A saying of Kichinosuke's that is similar to this is, "A man's life should be as toilsome as possible."

Incidentally this is very much in line with Theodore Roosevelt's belief of 'The strenuous life.'

Tristan

Think that you'll live forever?

2010-12-08T03:40:00.002Z

I think Dumas says it best:

'I accomplished astonishing feats which, more than once, proved to me that our excessive concern with the welfare of our bodies is almost the only obstacle to the success of any of our plans, when these demand rapid decisions and vigorous and determined execution. In reality, once you have made the sacrifice of your life, you are no longer equal of other men; or, rather, they are no longer your equal, because whoever has taken such a resolution instantly feels his strength increase ten times and his outlook vastly extended.'

Bertuccio to the Count of Monte Cristo. Chapter XLIV The Vendetta.

This incidentally is also bushido.

Tristan

Temperance of elation

2010-12-04T20:26:00.000Z

It is said that much alcohol, self-pride and luxury are to be avoided by the samurai. There is no cause for anxiety when you are unhappy, but when you become too elated, these three things become dangerous. Look at the human condition. It is unseemly for a person to become prideful and extravagant when things are going well. Therefore, it is better to have some unhappiness while one is still young, for if a person does not experience some bitterness, his disposition will not settle down. A person who becomes fatigued when unhappy is useless.

-Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Life's worries...

2010-11-29T21:42:00.000Z

There is no point in worrying about what is. Because what is, is what it is.

Nothing can be done about it. One could be dead in a moment, thus all energy would be wasted on worrying about something that is. Or worrying about something in the future. What is in the future is not yours, neither that which has past. For one has departed and the other has yet to arrive.

So do not waste your energy on such concerns. Live in the moment. This is providence leave providence to providence. (Marcus Aurelius- Meditations) or Karma. Below an extract from Shogun - John Clavell;

Karma is the beginning of knowledge. Next is patience. Patience is very important. The strong are patient ones… Patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: hate, adoration, happiness*, anger, grief, fear. If you don't give way to the seven, you're patient, then you'll understand all manner of things and be in harmony with eternity.

*I changed joy to happiness, because I feel that joy can be an almost constant state of mind, such as peace and tranquility. You can be suffering in training at the gym, but still feel the joy or a suspended state of being, e.g. when you're in the zone.

Opportunities...

2010-11-28T21:01:00.002Z

Jump at them! Don't hesitate for they're few and far!

Benjamin Franklin said: To succeed jump as quickly at opportunities as you do with conclusions. (Not quite sure about the conclusions bit though, sometimes its good to reflect before rushing to a conclusion!)

Anyways to lead me onto my point. Last week I had the opportunity to work pads with Prahet, a very successful Muay Thai fighter... of course I jumped at it. I was expecting him to work my real hard, but I am such a rookie that there were too many required corrections before I even get to that level! Nevertheless it was a great couple of rounds and I learnt substantially from it.

Tristan

The first step to success...

2010-11-26T23:33:00.002Z

Is turning up - Woody Allen

I have a cold (yes another one!) since Monday. Runny nose the lot! But I went to practice on Wednesday. It was good, was fortunate enough to do some pad work with Prahet. But once I returned home body was aching and nose running even worse. Today was better. But almost didn't go to practice, you know when your mind tries to rationalise and tell you to take the easy way out and conjures up thousands of excuses. But I did go to practice and I am so glad I did. Because I learnt some little tricks in the clinch today, and Kru helped point me in the right direction with my kicking.

I try upload some videos tomorrow... on my new macbook, still figuring out how to use half the applications.

Buenos Noches

Tristan

Yamabushi

2010-11-22T23:06:00.000Z

I copied this from a book I was reading in waterstones this evening. I like its serene affect.

My parents are the heaven and earth,
My home is my body,
My power is my loyalty,
My magic is my training,
My life and death is breathing,
My body is control,
My eyes are the sun and the moon,
My ears are sensitivity,
My laws are self protection,
My strength is adaptability,
My ambition is taking every opportunity with fullness,
My friend is my mind,
My enemy is carelessness,
My protection is right action,
My weapons are everything that exists
My strategy is one foot in front of
the other,
My way is ninjutsu

-Yamabushi

Affection of Fathers for their Children

2010-11-21T12:06:00.000Z

I am reading Essays; Michel De Montaigne and found this to be interesting...

"I married at the age of 33, and agree with Aristotle's reported opinion, that 35 is the best age. Plato would have no one marry before 30... the ancient Gauls thought it was reprehensible to have relations with a woman before the age of 20, and particularly urged those who wanted to be trained for war to preserve their virginities till they were well advanced in years, since courage is weakened and diverted by intercourse with women...

ma bor congiunto a giovinetta sposa, Lieta bomai de' figli, era invilito Negli affetti di padre e di marito.*

When a gentleman is 35, it is too early for him to give place to a son of 20; he is still able to make a good showing both in military expeditions and at his prince's court. He has need of his possessions; and though he should certainly share them he should not part with so much as to neglect himself in another's favour.

* 'But by now, wedded to a young wife and blessed with children, his affections as husband and father had weakened him.' Tasso, Gerusalemme liberata, x, 39.

John Lewis Vs. The Apple Store

2010-11-20T22:36:00.000Z

After a light practice session at the gym today I headed down to pick myself up a macbook pro. I've been running my old pc on safe mode for four weeks and it has been seriously pissing me off.

Me and a work mate initially stopped by at the apple store on Regents street. As expected it was packed, and buddy had to queue up to BUY an imac. So I sat around peering at the pouting and hip looking female customers (as you do), and everyone else looking absolutely miserable. Because one they weren't getting served by any one. Two if they were getting served, the attitude of the staff was, to say it kindly, shocking. People from all over the world (most of the customers seemed to be tourists) are visiting the apple store not just to pick up a piece of hardware, but also to expect a reasonable level of service.

Needless to say, after forty five minutes waiting around. I suggested we go to John Lewis on Oxford Circus. (I worked there briefly after graduating from University) In fact I was so irked that I wasn't even sure if I wanted to buy anything apple related. The apple store is an extension of the apple brand. If the service is so poor, what does it say about the brand?

Upon our arrival at John Lewis I immediately felt more at ease. The energy and vibe was much more soothing and homely. None of this apple aggro. I spoke to a friend of mine who works there and he answered some questions regarding the mac. No hassle, no pretense, concise and straight forward answers. The store was busy, but everyone, customers and staff members alike all seemed at ease and not agitated as opposed to those at the apple store.

So morale of the story, buy your apple products from John Lewis. (Also John Lewis gives you an extra years guarantee)

Tristan

Sorry for you

2010-11-13T23:19:00.000Z

Sometimes you feel sorry for yourself because some things didn't work out as planned and you become discouraged by such setbacks. But realise that your worst day could be the best day of many other peoples lives. I sometimes feel like this too. Trekking to the gym several times a week after work. Waking up early to get my meals in. Then training some more during the weekend. But whenever I feel this way I take a step back and remember that;

In the end all the suffering, the training, the hard work, the effort, the studying, the striving through adversity is what tempers you and prepares you for the moment when you have to step up to the plate to bat. *Without first going through fire, how are you to forge steel?

You don't have to be that person who endeavours to do the least and expects the most.

Tristan
*Not sure whose quote this forge steel is. Can't locate the owner.

P.S.

I need to get to bed because I have practice tomorrow, heres a short clip from today's practice. Liam was my pad man.

Two glarring errors, and maybe more.
1- Opposite arm of kicking leg should be pinned to my head, not pumping up and down. Thanks for the spot Chali
2- Need to get my left leg to come up the middle more rather then the side, also need to pivot hip and lean more forward

Fight cancelled

2010-11-11T20:49:00.001Z

My fight is cancelled due to scheduling conflicts with several other fights on the same weekend. Frankly I feel a slight weight off my shoulders because the chest infection caused me to miss a week of practice and I felt that week could have been crucial for my preparation. At the same time, I also feel pressure because this fight was supposed to happen in October, then November... now maybe December. Its like a taking a deep breath and everyone just waiting for it to happen. All the guys that I recall who started when I did, have already fought their first bout, and some are on their second or third! But I'll bide my time, as Tolstoy would say 'Time and Patience by son, time and patience.'

I am not sure what else to add. My weight sits at around 66kg. I've never been so lean or cut before but still feeling strong and explosive. Next week I'll be taking a week off Muay Thai and lifting the big three. (Bench, deadlift and squat) I have been adding swimming to compliment my training, more as a therapeutic activity to loosen my body up. I have enlisted the expertise of my friend, who use to be a lifeguard and he has helped me learn and develop proper swimming technique. On Monday I swam a one an a half length, no floats! I cheered my own progress like a child!

I would like to leave a Benjamin Franklin quote:
'Industry need not wish!'

Tristan

Less than 20 days away

2010-11-03T22:32:00.001Z

I don't know what to write really, but I know I ought to write something. The fight isn't far away now. Just under 20 days. Generally speaking I am feeling very calm. Practice has been good. The intensity slowly rising, as we have a number of fighters preparing for bouts. Overall I feel that I am improving, but just not fast enough! I barely lift weights now. Just focusing exclusively on Muay Thai. Trying to get my form tighter, whilst staying loose.

It can be a lonely lifestyle. We commit a lot, not just time. But also emotions too. This is a sport where your emotions are stripped down bare. Theres no hiding, the spectators will see everything.

Yet few witness our struggles in the gym as we spar and run through our pad work. The room is stifling, yet the steam can be visibly seen evaporating from our bodies.

So what is this all for? I feel at peace when I train and suffer- and you have to suffer to be on top. After training I feel like I see the value in the bare essentials in life. Sleep, food, water. I feel more grounded and humble. I become more and more sangfroid as the need for frivolities are simply washed away.

Tristan

Curb your Enthusiasm and energy conservation

2010-10-17T00:14:00.004+01:00

It is late, and I have practice tomorrow. But this is something I must write.

Everyday I see people at work, on the street, in the gym, and sometimes in the dojo waste their energy. They waste their energy thinking about what may be and what has come to be. They forget about the now the present moment. The only thing which they have any form of control over.

Whether it is Marcus Aurelius or Bushido. Both schools of thought are extremely similar...

"In any predicament, have before your eyes the case of other men who greeted a like crisis with indignation, astonishment and outcry. Where are they now? Nowhere. Then why wish to follow their example? Rather, leave another's humours to their own master or servant, and give all your attention to turning the event itself to some good account. In this way you will be making the best use of it, and it will serve you as working material. In every action let your own self approval be the sole aim both of your effort and of your intention; bearing in mind that the vent itself which prompted your action is a thing of no consequence to either of them." Meditations- Marcus Aurelius
--

"Karma is the beginning of knowledge. Next is patience. Patience is very important. The strong are the patient ones, Anjin-san. patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: hate, adoration, joy, anxiety, anger, grief, fear. If you don't give way to the seven, you're patient, then you'll soon understand all manner of things and be in harmony with Eternity." -Shogun James Clavell

So curb your enthusiasm, focus your energy at one moment which requires your attention and do not fret over things you have yet to claim control over.

Bliss

2010-10-12T23:01:00.000+01:00

After a long day at work and a few hours in the gym... oh how blissful a plate of warm food is, how refreshing a glass of water can taste and how comfortable the bed can feel! Below practicing leg kicks.

14th November...

2010-10-09T21:06:00.004+01:00

Is the date of my first competition. Its a fight, but not really a fight. More akin to a glorified sparring match with an opposition from a different gym.

Location: unknown
Preparedness: limited!!!

I need to reduce my weight further to 65kgs (145lbs) Currently I am 67kgs (150lbs) Six months ago I was 70-72kgs 155lbs-162lbs. Below I was sparring with Courtney middle weight MMA fighter. I need to continue to improve everything...

Its a long road.

Tristan

A simple guide to recovery

2010-10-03T18:53:00.005+01:00

Training is quite simple for me, its one of the things I love doing. But I can damage (exercise damages the body in order to force it to adapt; to be faster, stronger, leaner more athletic...) my body a lot faster then it can heal itself. There is always a time lag. I use a range of things to help my body heal faster, below are a list of the things I like to do. Even if you don't train you can still use some of my ideas to make the body and mind feel better.

1- Sleep.
You heal the fastest when you're asleep. A good nights sleep is amazing and can be quite a rarity! To prepare for sleep I try to have some down time after training, anywhere from half an hour to an hour. I switch off all electrical appliances in my room. (If I need lighting, I use candles) I make sure the blinds are drawn and my window open, I like my room rather cold. If you can, try to buy some sheets you can appreciate, and comfortable pillows. I really like goose down pillows. They aren't expensive if you consider how often you ought to be sleeping and how sleep is such an important commodity for your body.

2- Eat properly
The usual; eat plenty of lean protein, fruit and veg. Avoid processed foods e.g. anything in a cardboard box! Another easy rule I read from t-nation was:
If it can fly, has two or four legs, can swim, is the colour of the rainbow you can eat! Also go easy on the alcohol.

3- Contrast showers and sauna
I have ten minute cold showers followed by ten minute sauna. I do this for at least an hour twice/thrice a week. It loosens my entire body, my muscles relax and I can feel my spine lengthen. If you don't have access to sauna. Take a cold bath, throw in ice for extra measures sit for ten minutes and the ensuing hot shower will almost feel like heaven.

4- Sports massage/Chiropractic
Sports massage helps to loosen tired or stiff muscles. It also releases lactic acid, and quite importantly breaks down scar tissue which can build up over time as you train. Blood is released into these area, which is conducive to healing. Sports massages can help increase your mobility too. The chiropractor can help you identify muscle imbalances or posture problems and help you address these issues.

5- Fish oils
I take a few grams of fish oils and feel that it does help to reduce inflammation when I am training really hard, I also think it helps me to sleep better to. Although I don't have any scientific proof to substantiate this, its just from personal experience.

Tristan

Perfect practice = perfect (God willing)

2010-10-02T20:57:00.007+01:00

It's never crowded along the extra mile.
-Wayne Dyer

Extra hours at the gym this week and for the foreseeable future. Alex^ has been kind enough to help me work on my boxing. Also, on Friday, Prathet* was generous enough to help me improve my kicks and stance.

*Prathet in orange has 250+ fights and will fight at the Reebok Stadium next week.
^Alex filming.

Anyhow, its raining in London. So I shall go for a run!

Gute Nacht

Tristan

And you thought you had it hard...

2010-09-28T19:22:00.003+01:00

The people watching was one of Jason's favorite things about Vegas. He'd sat down next to the motorized walkway outside the Bellagio hotel to sip his Slurpie, contemplate his life, and of course watch the people, or in this case, the babes.

He'd just spent seven hours at the poker table and he was up a few hundred dollars. Still, he didn't know if he'd made the right move; not the right move at the poker table, mind you, but the right move in life.

Back home in San Diego, Jason owned a little neighborhood café that served coffee drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. He was a success, but my God how he had to work! He woke up at 3:45 in the morning and he usually didn't get home until 9 or 10 at night.

Weekends were a little better, 12-hour days instead of 18-hour days, but he still felt like the walking dead. Luckily, he had the alarm clocks, 6 of them. The first one, right next to him, would hopefully start to rouse him from what was closer to a coma than sleep. He'd take a bear-paw swipe at it, either turning it off or knocking it across the room, but it was hardly enough to rouse him... the rest of this article linked here:

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sex_news_sports_funny_grok/atomic_dog_a_mobius_strip_life

Tristan

Does leg training have to be so hard?

2010-09-27T22:26:00.006+01:00

“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Its Monday evening in London and Alexandre has almost finished ten hours at the office. He peers out at the gray London skyline and hopes the clouds will hold, but they seem heavy and threatening. He can almost picture a torrential downpour of rain to be followed by an insistent drizzle. Today is legs. He could hear the rationalising comments floating about his head. “I trained pretty hard last week, you know I can take it easy today. Get an early night you know? -although more realistically he’d probably end up on his PS3 and not retire to bed till 12.30 pm pondering the various ways he could have not been killed playing MWF2... his missed leg session just an afterthought.

“No I have to train legs today.” He heard himself mutter. Then he stretched on his chair, his back felt a little sore perhaps I shouldn’t squat? He thought. Decisions, decisions...

His phone vibrates shaking him from his meandering thoughts. Its his fiancée.

Emile: I found this really cute sushi bar can you come pick me up for 7?
Alex: Sure.

"I can always train legs tomorrow." He rationalised.

Many put off training legs because they're SCARED. Scared of effort.

Your body quivers under the strain of the bar across your back as your core struggles to contain the weight above you, your lungs gasp for air between reps your vision blurs and your head swims. A few minutes later your set has been completed and you lay exhausted and victorious in the squat rack. It takes ten minutes for you to regain some form of composure. You head home to eat, and sleep like a cow. The next morning you're blissfully aware of this deep throbbing ache in your thighs, glutes and upper back. Evidence of the toil from the previous night.

Training legs is pretty much the training of the entire body in one session. I remember reading an article where the author felt that doing heavy squats was like running a marathon in fifteen minutes. It can feel that murderous. But if you want to become more athletic, if you want to be more explosive, stronger, faster, leaner, then training legs is something you cannot ignore.

It can be an arduous process. To find a gym with a squat rack, to set the pins up, to get the bar ready, to be warmed up and more importantly to be mentally prepared to push yourself towards the threshold and beyond. There can only only be profit in such toil.
Gentlemen, leg training is necessary. Quite frankly, when winter fades and spring arrives, we'll all know who amongst us has done his home work, when the shorts replace the jeans.

Who cares?

2010-09-26T21:21:00.003+01:00

I think when we start something new there tends to be a hint of embarrassment. Its unfamiliar we're bound to feel awkward at it. A lot of the times this feeling of putting yourself out there can prevent you from achieving your hearts desire.

This is often coupled with the fear of failure. Precisely because of this, most will never approach anywhere near their full potential. Oftentimes, even when we work hard it seems as if progress comes in drips and drabs yet we must continue to persevere, because it is precisely at these points that people give up.
Success comes in inches, and those small margins will always make the difference. Lets no care what others think, because what people think of you is absolutely none of your business!

I've been practising Muay Thai for almost six months now. Its getting there... haha! I took a v short clip of me on the bag after practice today. From my rookie eye I can identify a host of necessary adjustments:

1- When I kick my eyes blink (closes) for a split second. My coach has mentioned this to me already, but I had to see it for myself.

2- Hands!!! My hands are so low! Especially after a combo! Hands up and chin down!

3- When I kick my right hand seems to load up a little (it moves up and down ever so slightly) someone with some experience will pick up on that will be able to telegraph my movements.

4- My punches aren't long enough- I have already been told about this. But I only realised how close I am to the bag when I am throwing the cross after viewing footage. Have to step in and roll the shoulders a little.

5- Need to work the hips more on the left kicks.

I wanted to end this with an extract from the book the Count of Monte Cristo:

"I do not think this is the moment to give way to sterile misery: that may be good enough for those who want to suffer at their ease and have time to drink their own tears. There are people like that, and God will no doubt reward them in heaven for their resignation on earth; but anyone who has the will to fight will not lose precious time, but immediately strike back at that fate which has dealt a blow."
(LXXIII- The promise)

Tristan

Time and Patience

2010-09-12T19:24:00.003+01:00

I keep repeating those two words (from war and peace- I love that book) whenever I feel too impatient about things. But I still retain my sense of urgency. My coach says I am not ready yet, and his probably right. So time and patience. I don't think I'll be taking those full one week breaks from training again. I'll take maybe 4-5 days but even then I'll go to at least one Muay Thai practice just to stay sharp and keep the rhythm.

This week I trained five times.

Monday: Box Squats 285lbs, x 5 295lbs x 2 and hanging leg raises 22lbs 3x 10
bag work 5x2mins
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: Muay Thai
Thursday: Bag work 30mins
Friday: Muay Thai
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Muay Thai
--

Felt fine. This week I am scheduled for:

Monday: Off
Tuesday: Box squats/hanging leg raises
Wednesday: Muay Thai
Thursday: Off
Friday: Muay Thai
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Muay Thai

I might try get some videos this Tuesday, will see.

Tristan

P.S.

Also haven't heard this song for ages, I like it...

Temperature

2010-08-29T09:48:00.002+01:00

I did not sleep well on Friday, on Saturday morning my temperature rose. I was a about 37.5? degrees Celsius. Felt very tired and my body was aching terribly. Mostly from training, but I suspect also from my high temperature. I gorged myself with fruits and water. (on top of all the food I normally eat) By evening I was much better.

Today is the last training session of the cycle, I then have 5-7 days off training.

2010-08-28T15:41:00.000+01:00

The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.

Suffering then Salvation comes

2010-08-27T22:56:00.002+01:00

OMG our trainer had us training hard it was akin to committing seppuku. Theres me crawling on the floor after fifty kicks, oh look theres me on all fours after fifty knees. Good thing was, at least I am recovering faster in between combos.

I was enlightened by an article on www.gymjones.com (a gym where perfection is always strived for and subpar performance punished.) it talked about how our lives evolved around comfort and the achievement of comfort leads to the forfeit of mental toughness and performance.

For me comfort is no longer spending the nights clubbing away, watching TV, shopping for stuff... Nowadays, comfort derives from the most simplest of things. A good meal after training washed down with a Cherry Coke (i luvvv Cherry Coke) Lying in bed listening to Bach and reading with candles to provide my lighting. Sitting in the sauna. Sleeping.

Training of course provides me with a strange sense of comfort. It gives me salvation, a sense of peace, it empties my mind and sharpens my body and soul. It allows me to attain the values and traits that cannot be bought, but only tempered from effort and sweat.

Time for bed.

Tristan

Now

2010-08-26T21:25:00.000+01:00

There is no past, there is no future, just now, so live.

I don't believe

2010-08-24T21:18:00.002+01:00

“I don't believe there is pleasure in life. I believe there is only a relief of pain. We have to suffer to be on top.
-Georges St Pierre

When I first heard this I didn't quite understand it. But I think I do now. Today was simply bag work, working on the jab, cross, left and right kicks. I found a new bag in the gym. Which is by far one of the hardest objects I've kicked so far. Both my shins are bruised, it was painful. But I kept reminding myself during my competition things will be much harder, so I better get used to it and continue to train hard and harder, with some reasonable rest intervals (off days) in between.

Also lifted today. Speed deadlifts:

235lbs 4x3
Pull ups 2x10 and 1x10 behind neck pulls. All done before bag work.

Bag work 7x3mins

Tristan

Bulking and Cutting

2010-08-23T20:19:00.002+01:00

http://www.t-nation.com/testosterone-magazine-641?s=indexTitle#dave-tate-talks-bulking-cutting

Read this from t-nation, interview with Dave Tate.

I love this bit the best:

"You ever go out with a bunch of people for dinner when you're dieting? Isn't that a fucked up situation?

Let's say you're at a table with seven people and everyone's ordering their food. You're at the end so you're ordering last. They're getting ribs, chicken strips, spaghetti, and whatever. No one in the group cares what they're ordering. The conversation stays the same. Then it comes to you and your first question is, "How do you prepare your chicken breasts?"

People start looking at you.

Then you order two plain chicken breasts with a side of broccoli with no butter or seasoning. The waiter writes it down and off he goes to the kitchen. Now everyone's looking at you like you're a freak.

They didn't care that your other friend was eating ribs. They didn't say shit when the guy ordered his chicken strips. So how is your meal selection any different? It blows my mind.

If you ordered something that was complete shit, no one would say anything. But because you ordered something to help you achieve a goal, it's a problem. And now for the next ten minutes you're having that stupid fucking conversation.

"It's so easy for you to lose weight," they say. "I can't do it."

And you're thinking, really? Here I am at Outback Steakhouse ordering two plain chicken breasts and broccoli – which is gonna cost me 40 bucks by the way – and it's easy? This is something I want to do? You think I want to sit here and watch you fuckers eat wings and ribs? I'm here for your company, not to give you dieting tips you're not gonna listen to.

And the same shit happens when you're bulking, too.

Let's say you're at the same restaurant. They order their food. Then it comes to you and you get three racks of ribs and two sweet potatoes. They say, "Holy shit, do you eat like that all the time? I wish I had that kind of metabolism!"

And you want to say, do you seriously think I want to sit here and eat 36 fucking ribs? Do you think this is going to be pleasant for me?

Three-quarters of the way through the meal you're sweating with napkins piled by your plate, the bones are stacked and are the size of the Eiffel tower. There's a heartbeat in your stomach. Then you finish eating and they say, "Well, I guess you're going to order dessert now."

All you're thinking about is how the hell you're going to get back to the car. Then you get to go home an hour later and make a fucking shake before bed. Then wake up the next day and do it all over again for however long it takes.

That's why there's so few people who are doing this shit and why it helps to be around people with similar goals. They understand. It's a rare breed, man.

Yeah, you can stay in the middle, take some supplements here and there, take time off for whatever reason, change your program every other week and stay absolutely the same as you are now.

But that's bullshit."

Dave Tate

Curious

2010-08-17T21:09:00.001+01:00

Just had two days off training, spending most of my evenings listening to stuff like this and watching the old Matt Serra video blogs...

back training tomorrow, Thurs and Sunday.

Tristan

The Fight- Sept/ Aug Preps

2010-08-08T16:56:00.003+01:00

So the fight is scheduled sometime in September. At the earliest the fight is going to be on the 5th of September. From what I have heard most of the fights are on Sundays. This means I have three weeks and a little bit to go. Am I scared? Am I excited? Hell yeah! Do I feel fully prepared? Not really, but I don't think you can ever be for your first time, you just have to do it.

I returned from Amsterdam on Wednesday night. Hit the gym on Thursday afternoon. Just did bag work. 4 x 2.5 mins then 2 x 3mins. Friday I had some scheduling problems with my sports massage therapist and training so I didn't turn up to practice. Instead hit the bag 6 x 3 mins and then went for my sports massage. My right hamstring has been feeling slightly tweaked and my hip flexors just felt tight. I am pleased to say Ana seemed to have sorted both out.

Yesterday I went out for sushi with Blair, a friend of mine. I returned home and slept for about 13hrs?

My schedule for next week is going to be roughly:

--

Amsterdam was a fun trip. But returning to the gym just felt so good and invigorating, I felt like I was back home again.

Tristan

What to pack when traveling...

2010-08-01T04:39:00.003+01:00

I am going to Holland for a few days.

I've gotten better at packing, here are my tips!

1-I like to bring plenty of underwear, so if i am going for 5 days I will bring at least ten pairs of boxers. Its always nice to have clean underwear and it doesn't take much space.

2-I bring 5-6 pair of tees, half of which are white I just like white. But thats me I tend to like my clothes fairly plain and classical. Always bring a white shirt, you never knew if you have to go somewhere that requires you to dress up a little. For me, a black shirt is too suave and saying too much, but that is me. Do what is comfortable for you.

3-Shorts bring a few of those.

4-Flip flops if you don't like to wear decks/loafers. But even if you do, you can bring them since they don't take much space.

5-Bring a scarf, even if you are going somewhere relatively warm. Scarf can keep the chills at bay even whilst wearing a t-shirt.

6-If you have a penchant for white slacks, like I do! Iron them before leaving and pack them in last. This should ensure they don't crease too much.

7-Don't bother ironing your shirts. Just iron them at the hotel/hostel. Unless of course if you're going on a business trip, in such case you should bring a suit/shirt bag.

8-I don't really wear aftershave. But because of the flying restrictions its probably best not to bring your favourite aftershave even if its in a 75ml bottle. Because security can still tell you to bin it if they want to. As for deodorant, bring a small roll on stick. Or abandon that idea totally and get some when you arrive and bin after use.

9-Sweaters. Pack one or two even if you're going somewhere warm. The night may get chilly and you'll need something warm to wear. It also gives you more options to mix and match your limited wardrobe whilst abroad.

10-Towel, if you're not staying at a hotel you may not have access to towels. I know you can buy quick drying towel. They're great, but feel rough. I have a towel from United colors of Benetton. Its a wrap round towel with a velcro strap. Great if you have to walk out of your room to use the shower...

11-I am not sure if this is the case for other countries. But in London you can convert your pounds at the post office without paying commission. So if you have the time you could do that, I only discovered this a few days ago.

12-A notepad to write your thoughts down. (And a copy of War and Peace to provoke them!)

Tristan

Have a plan...

2010-07-15T18:46:00.004+01:00

and stick to it! I think having a training plan/program (the simpler, the better) really helps to keep you on track. I had a Muay Thai session scheduled last night. Though I felt so tired, I really wanted to go home and well, do nothing. Like 99% of the population. But I said to myself 'after Wednesday night I have two more sessions for the week (Friday and Sunday) then next week I am only training thrice so stop making excuses!

What a great session. I was so surprised to find most of my sparring partners theres too.

Summary:

Write an achievable plan. Schedule in generous amount of off time to give your body and mind rest and to give you something to look forward to. Stick to the plan, have a goal and keep moving forward.

Below is an example of my training plan for this month. So far I have pretty much been on track. But this plan is a rough guide, I will change it around if needs be.

I ease my body in the first two weeks. Then I hit a four session week, followed by more of a recovery three session week. I try to take at least two consecutive days off several times a week. Even when I don't feel like it. Strength training wise at this point I am more tweaking my body in preparation for heavy front squats and probably a push variation for the month of August. Then I shall scale back the heavy lifting as the fight comes closer in September or around that time.

Tristan

My first fight due... September

2010-07-13T20:07:00.003+01:00

My training schedule is split roughly 80/20 Muay Thai and lifting weights. Haven't really pin pointed on what I want to write about on the blog hence the lack of posting!

I am training quite a bit too. I do have an announcement though, my Kru (teacher/coach in Thai) dropped a hint that I might be ready for my first fight in September we have to see how things go for now.

Its an inter club. Not really sure what that means, I think the beginners amateur level. Just have to be consistent with my training. I told Kru that if he has faith in me, then I will have fight for him and the camp. I am touched that he has faith, I truly am.

I feel calm now, although of course as the the time comes closer I cannot be sure that I will feel the same.

Tristan

My take on War and Peace -

2010-06-27T21:17:00.003+01:00

If the world could write by itself, it would write like Tolstoy.
-Isaac Babel

I am roughly one hundred pages away from completing war and peace. Never once during the three weeks of reading did I ponder how much I had left to cover. I took it everywhere with me (even to Serbia) and simply read and lived it. I suppose I am expressing my views now, because of fear that once completed, I shan’t have the motivation to write about it.

The version I am reading has been translated by Anthony Briggs part of the Penguin Classics range. I have also skimmed through the version translated by Richard Pevear & Larissa Volokhonsky. I find both to be quite pleasurable to read.

I am not sure what people find so daunting about War and Peace, perhaps the sheer volume of the book? Or the thought that it is a translation from Russian… once I read the first few pages I was hooked.

The book is set against the backdrop of Napoleon’s rising fame and power within Europe and later on his aggression towards Russia. Within this backdrop the reader is enchanted with the intricacies of Russian aristocrat society- all the political, love, power, fame and fortune maneuverings one can possibly imagine seemingly occurring simultaneously. Through this we witness the development of several pivotal characters, the Bolkonsky’s, Pierre Bezukhov and the Rostovs.

It is difficult not to live through the book and sympathise with the characters. Especially when they become overwhelmed with uncertainties that life can bring. Its joys, love, anguish, disappointments. Looking in as a reader all you can do is gasp, cry or laugh and hope that they will find their place in Tolstoy's world.

Lets get Demonic

2010-05-30T22:24:00.003+01:00

'If your training is like everyone else's you'll be like everyone else.'
FIRAS ZAHABI

You have to train hard. You have to lift weights, increase the time on the bag work, look to spar with better opponents, be willing to work on your weaknesses, you have to push the barrier.

I am still trying to incorporate lifting with my Muay Thai with reasonable success. I am pleased my strength hasn't tapered off too much. Lifting weights gives me this added strength mentally as well as physically against my opponents.

Few can understand what I go through in the gym. They cannot comprehend where and how far I am willing to take myself mentally and physically. When you know you are willing to go to places no sane person is willing to venture to, you have more than an edge, you have a winning formula.

Lately I haven't been posting much because I am training so much and work is really busy. I am training Muay Thai four times a week, plus a lifting session in between. Thats my life right now. Training and work. I will try to get some training videos. I have uploaded two videos from about three weeks ago.. :D

Decline bench :205lbs 6x2
Alternate db press: 80lbs 2x8- each side. (I have gone up to 90lbs 9 each side, I am VERY pleased with that!)

An interview also with Demi, owner of Pumps Gym.

Tristan

My own mortality

2010-05-10T20:57:00.003+01:00

There are many reasons why I am drawn to sports. Particularly powerlifting and of late Muay Thai- or MMA whatever you want to call it.

Theres this wildness inside me that needs to express itself. Muay Thai and lifting are two of the ways I am able to express this emotion. The sweat and pain I go through in the gym is a reminder of my own mortality. There is so much to learn and every time I step into the gym I feel humbled, but free and uplifted. Its so bare and pure in its form of teaching. When I make mistakes during sparring I might eat a punch, but I stay calm and I learn. When my lifts aren't increasing it causes me to reevaluate my training program, nutrition and rest.

The gym is so simple and pure it keeps the flame burning within. It reaches into your core to draw out the truth. Whether you're willing to face it, is entirely up to you.

Tristan

Tune up

2010-04-19T20:49:00.003+01:00

Just had my tune up at the osteopathic clinic. It was good, I feel loose. Tomorrow I have a max effort lower body day, followed by bag work.

Weds/Thurs- are scheduled off days.

Fri-Sunday Muay Thai.

I am not even sure if I'll lift on Saturdays now. It makes me feel tired for sparring on the Sunday. So I am not sure how I'll plan this. We'll see...

Tristan

What I can do and who I can be...

2010-04-15T20:55:00.001+01:00

Nip it in the bud!

2010-04-13T20:16:00.005+01:00

I felt the onset of a cold this morning. You know the sore throat runny nose, not now please! Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised. Last week I had total of seven training sessions. Two weights sessions, a few bag/pad/mitts sessions and two sparring sessions. I also went out as well after two training sessions on Saturday. So not surprised I am feeling a little under the weather. I did not train legs today. Maybe tomorrow if i can starve this cold off tonight.

I have Saturdays training footage from the lifting session. Haven't reviewed the stuff from Sundays sparring sessions though. But I can say i gassed badly half way through the session. Probably a combination of lack of sleep and way too much training sessions during the week- and going out on the Saturday night! Otherwise I am slowly getting comfortable sparring, but it takes time, that I know.

This week I am going to taper it down a little, feed my body with plenty of food and hopefully get more sleep.

Mon:
Bag work 3 x 3 mins 30 secs rest

Tues:
Goodmornings 135lbs (60kgs) 6x2 30 sec rest
Reverse bb lunges 95lbs 3x10
45 degree raise with 25lbs plate 3x10

Weds: Off

Thurs:
Bag work 4x3 mins 30 sec rest

Fri:
Muay thai- technique and super light sparring

Sat:
Flat bench 215lbs (95kg) 2x2, 1x1, 1x1 then drop set
Dumbbell rows 100lbs 3x12- Hard but a good set.

Sun: Sparring

Tristan

Dieting and more on FAT loss

2010-04-05T20:53:00.005+01:00

Demi is preparing for a show in about three weeks, so some thoughts from him on losing fat and staying in shape.

Also I found some good articles from elitefts.com below regarding fat loss.

(Why cardio alone is not enough)
http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/why-cardio-alone-doesnt-cut-fat/

(How metabolism helps with fat loss)
http://articles.elitefts.com/nutrition/your-metabolism-is-the-key/

Saturday - Two a days

2010-04-04T18:23:00.002+01:00

Flat Bench; 205lbs 6x3
DB rows; 90lbs 3x12
--

How to lose 10lbs in one week..

2010-04-03T10:04:00.005+01:00

The unhealthy way! You might have a wedding coming up, your buddies may have a stag do. You may have a beach vacation next week! Who knows? But whatever it is, you need to desperately lose some weight fast!

First I want to caution, this is not losing FAT. This is pure weight. Most of what you'll lose will be water and sugar. I am writing this from first hand experience because recently I lost a bit of weight wasn't sure how, until I wrote it all down.

1- Cut your sodium, any food or food product that contains sodium cut it and cut it drastically. Examples inc crisps, fast food, sauces etc.

2- Don't eat breakfast until you arrive at work, then have some oatmeal.

3- Get on the treadmill, hit the weights do something that will make you sweat A LOT for an hour to hour an half

4- Hit the sauna for about one hour cycling with cold showers for 10- 15 minute intervals

5- Keep your carbohydrate (sugars) relatively low to moderate. Try to keep to SLOW absorbing carbohydrates (e.g. oatmeal) to unsure a steady supply of energy AND to help you through the torture.

6- Cut alcohol... -look you can binge once you get to the beach!

Doing this over the short term (one-two weeks) is probably okay. But I wouldn't recommend anymore than this, over the long term you'll probably start gaining weight. This is emergency level weight loss. The best way to lose fat is to lift weights and eat properly, regularly. (This applies to females and males)

Tristan

P.S.

Tomorrow I am going to write how to gain 10 lbs in one week! (The unhealthy way)

This song reminds me of Argentina!

2010-04-01T22:27:00.001+01:00

I was placed in discomfort today...

2010-03-28T20:23:00.003+01:00

And enduring through it I was able to learn and get a little better.

My first training video from the actual gym. I was really interested to learn how to set up the clinch and engage within it, its quite exhausting. As you can see near the end my hands were almost by my waist, it ought to be up protecting my head.

The trainer I am working with is a retired fighter from Thailand. He is our honorary trainer with 200+ fights under his belt. He might look diminutive, but kicking him or checking his kicks is akin to hitting a metal bar.

This is what i ate today;

Two eggs, baked beans, toast
Protein shake
Steak + salad + chips
Salmon + rice
Pizza
Spaghetti Bolognese
And maybe a protein shake later- Gotta get the calories in...

Tristan CS 2
Uploaded by mongo1prince. - Discover the latest sports and extreme videos.

Its been four this week...

2010-03-27T21:51:00.006Z

Four training session and the week hasn't ended yet!

I haven't done any max effort upper body work for almost 5-6 weeks. I was anxious to see where my bench was. I am very pleased to say I banged out 225lbs (100kg) for one rep. It wasn't as clean as I would have liked, however I'll still take it. When you haven't lifted so close to your one rep max, mentally you have a few doubts. But I shook them away and banged it out. Five weeks without lifting and my upper body base strength hasn't changed much.

After lifting I had a shake and a medium pizza, and I just remembered I have ANOTHER pizza sitting in the microwave... but i can't eat it now because I've already had a piece of salmon and some spaghetti bolognese.

Got back home at 2 pm rested for a short while then pad work and some light sparring with my friend. Anyway, I have the video clip, so laugh away! But I can only get better.. Tomorrow my day starts at around 8 pm. I need to get to the gym at 11.15 am for a session of sparring.

Tristan,

Last Friday

2010-03-22T21:48:00.004Z

We did counter striking, i don't know the full definition of the term. But I suppose it's learning how to deflect/slip a blow and counter with your own. So far in Muay Thai i have been taught several different ways to accomplish this, i am sure there are thousands more!

On Saturday, Jack a friend that i went to school with dropped by my apartment to help me internalize fundamentals that I had learnt on a Friday. In fact, I think, thus far we've spent every Saturday of this month rehashing things we are taught from the Friday before.

Below i have a short clip of us doing some light counter stuff- looks amateurish i know :) . Anyone who happens to stumble upon this blog who has any experience of striking will probably see all our flaws, and for that i apologise now!

Tomorrow i have another lesson. So me and friend are slowly increasing the sessions each week. Maintaining a level of consistency by not allowing our enthusiasm to get the better of us. This week our aim is to end the month with four training sessions. A general class, usually focused on pad work/conditioning. A fundamentals class on Friday. Finally an internalizing session on Saturday to prepare us for the sparring on Sunday.

This sport is new to me. I am going to use whatever potential i have to succeed. In a few weeks as my body adapts to Muay Thai I'll start to integrate my power lifting into my schedule...

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SSsRIBNXNQ ( insert video belows cuts the frame out a little so here is the link)

In between the lines

2010-03-18T20:34:00.002Z

Reason why I haven't posted much is due to my switching of sports. This blog was primarily used to track my injury rehab progress. Which, thank God ended several months ago. I also used the blog to open up ideas on power lifting and help people lose fat and gain muscle. Right now I am in between the lines.

I am really not lifting as much as I used to. Its more important for me to grasp the fundamentals of the art of Muay Thai, to understand the importance of timing and distancing and to build up a respectable level of conditioning specific for the sport. To accommodate this, I have considerably tapered down my lifting to once a week for now. I did a max effort lower body day on Tuesday.
(Box squats-
3x2 250lbs
3x2 275lbs)

Obviously, I have no intention of taking a hiatus on my blog. Instead what I plan to do is shoot out a few articles on how I'll try to fit strength training to compliment my Muay Thai. Maybe sneak in a few sparring videos too. In addition to this I'll start writing some articles on basic programs in time for mid spring.

So, stay with me, I am going nowhere. I am just really occupied with work and the transition is taking time for me to adjust. If theres any questions or something anyone would like me to write about you can either leave a comment. Or reach me @ trainingwithtristan@googlemail.com

Tristan

Everyone wants to win, but not everyone is prepared to win

2010-03-13T14:01:00.002Z

...they do it tomorrow. - Athlete from Strong the movie.

If you want to at least stand a chance of winning, of gaining some measure of success you have to be prepared, and you have to work for it.

I have another live sparring session tomorrow. I am part looking forward to it, part daunted by it. I am a rookie which means its one tough learning curve. But if you want to learn something about yourself, if you want to become better you have to go through the hard knocks.

"Its impossible to become a champion without getting your butt kicked. You can't have the experience if you don't go through that. The Bruce Lee days are gone, its not a movie. This is reality you have to walk in there and fight.- Renzo Gracie on Georges St Pierre.

Update y'all tomorrow.

Tristan

Starting something new

2010-03-07T23:04:00.003Z

Yeah i been away for awhile... doesn't mean i haven't been training though. I mentioned in an earlier post that i have been encouraged by a school friend to take up Muay Thai. I watch the UFC and i do follow some of the fighters. I am a big fan of GSP, Shogun, Lyoto, Mir, Randy, Chuck... etc. After watching enough of those fights you think to yourself "you know what i can do that..." So i thought why say it? Lets go do it. I joined a Muay Thai/ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym on Monday. Including today i have been to three classes. Deciding to concentrate on the Muay Thai for now. (One thing at a time)

Monday was some cardio session (which i think tbh wasn't that great) but the pad work was good after. Friday was more technique, pad work and shadow boxing with a partner at say 10%

Today was live sparring sessions. Basically means you get some experience of what its like to be punched and kicked to the body and head. (everyone wearing shin pads, cups and gum shields)

I felt weird going without my friend whose also signed up at the gym. When your with someone else you have that friendship security to lean on. But a lot of times in life you have to go at things alone. In the end i decided to go to the live sparring session after only two session of Muay Thai under my belt- and no other mixed martial arts/fighting experience to boot. I wanted to see what it was like, see if this sport is for me. See if i could take it. Sparring is one of the main parts for me. The competitive side, the avenue where your weaknesses are exposed and where you are able to practice your craft. If your not going to spar then i don't see the point. The first two sessions of the week i was feeling pretty good about myself, picking things up well. But i knew i needed a session where i felt at lost to what was going on, i wanted to feel vulnerable. Almost to feel embarrassed- because hitting pads makes you feel good, then you get a bit over confident think you're amazing, think you know everything.

Sparring brought me right down to earth. I probably got punched about 30-50 times in the head. Kicked almost as many times. My right shin has bruises all the way from the ankle up to just below the knee. My left shin isn't as bad, but still bruised up. My neck, from all the clinch work has major DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) i have a bruise on my right bicep. My forearms and elbows are sore from checking body kicks and i have a bruise on my temple.

But i learnt more from that one session then the other two combined times ten. I know my kicking feels quite natural, i know i like to clinch up, but i also know my punching is pretty shit. I learnt a lot sparring live. I realise now just how much studying i have to undertake. I feel more willing to be patient, focusing on one step at a time.

Tristan

The ballet was good... food poisoning was not!

2010-02-18T20:23:00.005Z

Saw Romeo and Juliet on Tuesday night, a few hours later was throwing up... practically slept in the bath tub. Even at the time i was laughing at the comedy of it all. I kept having the picture in my head of Bradley Cooper in the wedding crashers wrapped around the toilet bowl throwing up... On Wednesday morning i felt about 50% recovered and somehow managed to struggle out of bed into work. I was shivering, i was cold, my mouth was dry. I don't know how i managed to get into work but i did. I left at noon, tried to sleep but couldn't because i had a splitting headache, naturally i was not at work today.

Anyways i lost 10lbs in like two days... of course thats pretty much all water. But that sucks still. My strength feels like 70-80% and i have a trip to Norwich with my pal to see a school friend, i am still not 100% certain on it.

Not even sure what it was. I had oysters and a steak (cooked rare) on Monday evening. Felt fine after. Then i had ice cream THE NEXT evening at the ballet, and a packet of crisp before bed- which i later found out was a month out of date. Was it the combination of everything i had eaten over the past two days? Or was it just the crisps?

Though before i all this i had managed two training sessions. Broke two records...

Monday:
Box squat
295lbs (130kg) x2
315lbs (140kg) x2

So yea i have 315lbs on my back after two years away from that weight. It felt good, didn't feel like a house crashing down on me. Though i am still slightly cautious, because i don't know how much this will carry over to my conventional squat. A note on the form. I've been told NOT TO rock back so much on the box.

Joe Defranco advised:

If the box were a scale, it should only read half your weight when you
sit on it. So if I weigh 220 pounds, when I'm sitting on the box, it
should only read 110 pounds if it were a scale

So i have to work on that next time. I did lunges afterwards. Again i need to work on the form.

And when doing the reverse lunges, "break" at the knee earlier. The
knee of the stationary leg should actually travel slightly over the
toe. And you can incline your upper body more forward as you're
reaching back with the back leg.

Something else i need to work on too! This is why its helpful to film your training sessions so you can break down mistakes and correct them.

I finished off with 45 degree hyper extensions and abs.

--

Tuesday:

I HAD to squeeze in a quick session before going out for repetition day. I did Dumbbell press on the medicine ball
70lbs 1x21, 1x15 = 36 max reps. Thats five more then last week. But i was a little annoyed at the end because i didn't get the first set on film!

Then pull ups with the reverse grip with 10lbs on my waist for reps
1x15, 1x10, 1x10

I was supposed to have max effort upper body day tomorrow. Which will be canceled. I need to get my weight back to its natural level by Sunday. I may hit 315lbs again on the box squat with the modified form.

Tristan

Staying with the west side for skinny bastards

2010-02-13T20:42:00.003Z

I am sticking to the plan, and the plan is; to keep getting stronger, faster, explosive but a new one too, strength endurance! But i am still trying to work out what i need to do for strength endurance though!

I actually four times this week. I've never train four times in a week on a first week cycle. Its usually on a second week cycle. Perhaps my tolerance level has increased since returning from Defranco's in America.

This week i did:

Monday: Lower body day max effort-
Box squat 275lbs x3 280lbs x2 I am going to hit 290lbs or 315lbs next week. Either way the goal is to end on 315lbs by the end of this three week cycle.

Reverse barbell lunges 95lbs 3x8

45 degree hyper extension with 25lbs plate 3x10

Abs Spread eagle sit ups, seated russian twists (45lbs plate) sprinter sit ups super set x 20 for 3 sets

--

Tuesday: Upper body repetition day
Dumbbell press on the medicine ball 73lbs (32.5kg) 1x20, 1x13. On the thirteenth rep i was probably stuck on lock out for almost two seconds. But i just held the weight up there until i could lock it out slowly. It was MAGNIFICENT!

Lat pull down with V grip 157lbs (70kg) 1x15, 1x10, 1x10

Shoulder movement TW clean. Gotta get a clip of it 3lbs x15

Hammer curls 45lbs 2x8
--

Thursday:
Dynamic lower body day

Sprint (tread mill) 12mph 5x 10 sec sprints.

Db split squats 55lbs 2x8

Romanian deadlifts 225lbs 3x8

Abs weighted leg raises 25lbsx 4x10 <--- These are difficult! -- Saturday: Max effort upper body day Floor press 235lbs (105kg) x1 205lbs (90kg) x 6 I woke up late (11am) didn't get two meals in, didn't feel like training. But i did manage to make it up and get my lifts in. I was really annoyed i didn't hit more on the 235lbs. But i know i should have had more to eat in the morning and been more mentally prepared for it Friday night. But i have a decent bench mark to work off from and will see much better numbers next time round.

Dumbbell rows 80lbs (35kg) 3x15 Felt pretty reasonable. Going for 90lbs next week then 100lbs week after. For similar rep range. I've hit 8-10 reps for a few sets with 100lbs before so i know i can do this.

Tricep push down (with rope) 80lbs 2x8

What i've eaten today:

Breakfast 3 eggs (whole) half cup oat meal - then training

Post workout shake 5 scoops of reflex instant mass, 2 scoops (10 grams) creatine

Large lamb shish

Two medium pizzas

Got one more large shake AND maybe spaghetti with meat sauce as well before bed.

Calories: 4,200-5,200 Thats right baby!

Tristan

P.S.

Another thing, well happy France beat Ireland in the rugby :)

Candle

2010-02-07T21:39:00.007Z

Never much been a fan of them candles. Someone at work gave me one before i left for New York. This candle is strange though, it crackles like a baby firework!

I have such a hard time winding down that this candle comes as a surprise relief to me. It has a quiet reassurance about it and the faint lighting makes everything feel prehistoric and tranquil.

I begin training again tomorrow, i forced myself to take a week off after spending time training up in New Jersey. So i am glad i can get back to my training lifestyle again. Most people don't understand why i do it. Fuck, even i don't understand. But i accept that when i am training life feels simpler and i feel like i am doing something i should be doing, it feels natural, innate and inherent. When i am training i don't care about anything else. I don't think or care about all the frivolities of modern day life. I live so simple. I train, i eat, i sleep- okay that sounds kinda caveman style, its not literally like that! I do see people, but i love my solitude.

Its a four week program geared towards a more MMA base. Because come March 1st my friend is going to take me down to his gym to try out some Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu. What am i going to expect from this? I don't really know, but i want to have some conditioning preparation for it so my training will be modified slightly to take this into consideration. I am still not sure if this is my thing, however i am willing to give it effort and take it for a ride...

Now i am just going to lay on my bed in silence and watch this candle.

Tristan

p.s.

Oh i hope the New Orleans Saints win, but i know its going to be a tough job against Peyton- who is damn good

And another major thing, i thought i mentioned this previously but i obviously hadn't, and i was made very aware of it! LOL! I want to thank my osteopath who helped me bounce back from injury. She understands where i am coming from, and we work together to keep myself in tip top shape. I think, what is more meaningful to me is, she has never ever told me i should stop doing this or that. Shes always been quite supportive, accepting of what i do.

Random things whilst in NYC/NJ

2010-02-03T22:51:00.007Z

1- To gain weight in very short period of time (i am not talking muscle- just pure weight/fat etc) eat chinese food. Defranco: Cos of the sodium, there is so much fucking sodium you can gain in a few lbs within days.

2- Having a hard time getting all your calories in? Try taking a shot of olive oil with every meal or every other meal... (Courtesy of Mike Guadango)

3- Or/and eat a snickers bar after every meal. Snickers bar: 300 cals. If you eat 4-5 meals a day thats a potential 1200-1500 cals!

4- Wearing Nike waffles could possibly help you run a faster 40 time

5- Don't out wear your sprinting sneakers. You want them to retain that tightness to keep the reaction time (of when toe is contracted on the ground- hope that makes sense) as low as possible

6- Sled pulling and the prowler are good for sprinting and conditioning

7- Apparently Adrian Peterson wears a new set of cleats for every game (go back to point 5)

8- Got a hang over? Drink coconut water after a drinking session AND during the day AFTER. Why? Hangover is dehydration, coconut water helps replenish fluids. (Again, courtesy of Mike Guadango)

9- 24inch rims on a truck is cool

10- No box for box squatting? Try stacking those exercise steps on top of one another to substitute- i'll test this out in a few weeks time

11- American transport are almost always on time... even when it snows

12- Miles Austin can't lift weights too often... because he gets way too jacked- even on a 1,800 restrictive diet

13- Nowhere to do your sprint workouts? Place both feet outside of treadmill. Turn up the speed, jump on and sprint for a few seconds. Hold onto sides and jump off. Rest and repeat

14- Seated good mornings will bullet proof your hamstrings

Training at Defranco's part II

2010-02-02T02:15:00.003Z

Below was my schedule @ Defranco's last week. I am going to quickly go through what we did on each day, how i coped and what i felt about it.

MONDAY: Dynamic Lower Body w/ conditioning
TUESDAY: Max-Effort Upper Body
WEDNESDAY: Running/40-yard dash technique*
THURSDAY: "Extra" recovery workout - mobility, soft tissue, light
lifting
FRIDAY: Rep Upper Body lifting
SATURDAY: Running, Change of direction
SUNDAY: Off

--x--

Monday:
Kettle bell swings for hams/glutes 2x15
Box jumps with 10lbs weight vest about 10 sets of 1 i think.
Then the tred sled... i haven't ran or done any conditioning work for well over a year. I knew i was going to bleed on this one! Its difficult to describe it, so i just inserted a video clip example from the gym. (I didn't work out with this crew)

I can't remember what else we did after this, but i do remember i was close to throwing up. Luckily i didn't.

Tuesday:
We did this movement- (i just did a search of the movement on youtube) again its a bit difficult to describe.

Obviously i didn't use the same weight, and not even half as many chains. I think we used one or maybe two sets of chains.
I did a set with 209lbs on the bar x2 (i think i only got one rep though) then 185lbs 2x2 followed by drop set 135lbs x10 plus the one or two chains.

Dumbbell rows:
85lbs 2x15
Then because we were kinda hanging out a bit, Joe decided to make us do another set of 15. We did something else after that, can't remember what though...

Wednesday:
Okay this was one of my favourite days. I mean loved the other days, but sometimes its nice to see how all the lifting in the gym can help you on the field. This was the first time i've done a 40 yard dash. My technique at the start was horrible. But i had decent top speed. Defranco has a video of me running this, i am gonna try get it off him. (my time was 5.2 and 5.4 - shit, but tons of room for improvement!)

Thursday:
I was thinking Thursday would be chill out day, some foam rolling, maybe dumbbell lunges. Nothing serious, and it was nothing serious to begin with...

We did broad jumps. I kinda gave Defranco a surprise by jumping over 9 feet haha, but i've done this movement before as part of his west side for skinny bastards so it wasn't as if it was brand new. It was great, because he was pin pointing areas of my technique which was wrong.

Tip:
Keep feet close together - slightly closer then shoulder. Swing arms back FAST, and throw them forward just as FAST. Just as you jump stay on the balls of your feet, have a 45 degree lean and power forward. Whilst in the air, try get your heels as close to your arse as possible. I like to imagine myself as a Olympic swimming just about to dive into the pool.

After this, i thought we were going to chill... We ended up doing box squats! (with chains) a few speed sets with 185lbs. Then four sets of heavies at about 85-90%. (255lbs + chains- maybe one or two?) I admit it caught me off guard, because i was expecting a chill out day. But i loved it, i've always love the movements that strike fear into your heart and forces you to face your them. I mean i wasn't going to train at Defranco's and not have a squat day, c'mon now? I feel if your flexible and your core is decent you really should squat. Its nasty and you feel like fainting after. But it pays dividends, not only physically but also mentally. It takes your mind and body to a place you don't want to go, but once done your soul is renewed.

Friday:
Dumbbell press on the medicine ball. I've tried this movement once and HATED it. But this time round i liked it. I definitely will be utilising it in the future. Usually when i get to sticking points on the pressing movements i dig my back further into the bench to help lock out. But with the medicine ball when you push your back into it, it gives way, because its not stable. So really your triceps taking a real better and you only have your abs to stabilise. So its a great alternative movement and challenges the body on a different plane.
60lbs - 1x24, 1x16

V grip pulldowns 3x15 (150lbs) super set with band pulls 3x10

Push ups. Gymnast use the hoops. Well imagine two hoops suspended from the ceiling about 7 inches off the floor. You grip the hoops in a push up positions feet elevated on a box and bang out the reps.
1x 34 1x 20 or something (body weight)

Saturday:
This was more 40 yard dash technique. Focusing on the first 10 yards. E.g. the start. If you can lower the time it takes you to hit 10 yards you can significantly reduce your overall 40 time. We also sprinted with a weighted sled holding 45lbs. We did a few sets of this. Before that we pushed the prowler for 10 yards. I didn't have cleats, so i couldn't pick up any traction on the turf grass... So my first prowler push sucked... i decided to take off my sneakers and go bare foot, yes my feet were sore after but you just have to do what it takes. So the guys i were training with have given me a nickname. "Shoes." (my best time was 1.84, worse was 1.94)

Things i can remember about the 40 yard dash technique.
-If you primarily push off with your right foot, your right hand should be positioned backwards, and vice versa
-Push off with BOTH feet
-Drive your arms like CRAZY
-Stay REALLY low for at least the first 10 yards, almost as if your trying to fall over
-Defrano described the first 10 yards as if your hitting first gear.
-Keep your chin pinned to your chest, at least up until the 20 yard line
-DON'T drive your knees upwards, drive them forward at sort of 45 degree angle...
-When you bring your knees down drive and push into the ground and backwards
-Another tip from Defranco, with all the technique going on you sometimes forget to run fast. So remember to RUN FAST!

Tristan

P.S.
I didn't take any training videos. Partly because i was kinda embarrassed... i mean i am not really that strong. But more importantly, i wanted to keep my focus on just training and not concerning myself about filming this or filming that and distracting myself and the other athletes.

*40 Yard dash is a test to time how long it takes for athletes to sprint 40 yards. Commonly used by the NFL during the combine/college pro days. Differences in time could mean millions of dollars lost or gain in potential earnings.

Training at Defranco's Part I

2010-02-01T13:17:00.003Z

I am back from NYC/NJ. Just had a 12 hrs sleep. Feeling pretty fresh, i still have a few more days off. Which ARE actually what i call TRUE vacation day. Because i don't count my trip to the states as vacation, it was work, but work you live to enjoy!

My first trip to Defranco's was about one an a half years ago, i was injured and turned up to watch. Those three hours sustained a fire within me for well over a year. This time round i spent a week there...

I feel renewed. Ready to move away from my previous goal (which was getting back to squatting, deadlifts and improving my athleticism) to something more specific, which i will gradually reveal from late Feb/March onwards.

This January i was supposed to go snowboarding, but i wanted to do something more meaningful -I don't think i deserve to be playing so much yet. Being a person who can make decisions on a fly the idea of training at Joe Defranco's flickered through my mind, i grabbed onto it before the thought could disappear. The thought was probably simmering in my mind for months already, but the decision to go took a mere few seconds, if you know what you want, you know what you want.

The American east coast is a very cold and dry place to be in January. Imagine it being like England, but three times as windy. Instead of rain, you have snow. If not that, then the cold is enough to chill you to the bones.

I still haven't decided on how i am going to write about my experience there, but i should have a better idea tomorrow. Now i am gonna eat and sleep!

Flying back tomorrow...

2010-01-31T05:18:00.004Z

Trained six days out of seven, my body is kinda wrecked. Will update once in London...

Visiting old roots

2010-01-23T11:01:00.003Z

Today marks the first time i will return to a country which has helped me achieve some of my dreams.

This is significant, because i have never returned to the cities that marked as building blocks towards dreams and goals i wanted and have attained. Some memories are dear, i fear they would be tarnished if i were to return.

So, i sit here half packed and ready to go, ready to bring the intensity and train. I dislike traveling, done it many times before, i travel light. I don't keep much possession. You know what, i am just so calm right now. Not expecting anything. Just like the first time i came to New York.

Tristan,

P.S.

I think i should be able to add some informative articles- something i haven't done in ages. I'll be quizzing the coaches i meet. Fat loss, gaining muscle, all those myths/questions to be cleared up! So if ANYONE has uncertain questions about ANYTHING related sports/nutrition/lifting either email me or post it on the blog and i'll ask the coaches! I won't always be doing this, so take this opportunity to ask!

Back against the wall...

2010-01-21T22:29:00.003Z

Sometimes that is just what we need, our backs against the wall. No longer able to run or hide. With only two options left, plowing forward, or sinking downwards. Some people, unfortunately are never in this position. Self preservation, angst and hurt are such powerful emotions when channeled positively...

I was having dinner this evening with a close friend of mine. He outlined his plans for the coming year and revealed to me the mortified comments of those around him. He is planning to quit his lucrative job to take some time out to realign his life goals.

I support and sympathise with him. Because i remember being at a lost place at twenty one, after graduating from university. (my buddy's twenty five) At the time i recognised i was in a self destructive pattern, possibly slightly depressed- but can't quite remember. I understood something drastic had to be done to pull myself from the brink. I figured hey this can't go on i needed to prove to the world something. But what, i did not know.

I can't quite remember how i came to this particular decision. But one afternoon i woke up and decided i was going to be a cowboy. (Yeah i know its fucked up) i decided i was going to move to Argentina to do this. Then i looked for a job, any job anything that would pay for my ticket out there. Slowly people discovered my intentions. I had just one supporter. I was alone. My back was against the wall. Failure was not an option. If i failed i could picture the smirks on all their faces, the wagging fingers. The i told you so crowd. Those fuckers.

Eventually i arrived. I barely managed to make it through the first hurdle. Boy nothing could have prepared me for it. I was so naive, i thought all Argentinians living in the city could speak English. I was shocked, to discover this was not the case! (duh!)

When i finally arrived on the ranch, i realised i was so out of my element, honestly i thought i was going to die in the first week. I cannot even begin to express the alienation i felt out there. Most of it came from within, the rest externally. (no, the people there were very hospitable towards me) But for all i knew i could have been on a different planet. Here you are taking a city boy and throwing him onto the farm and telling him to survive.

I kept asking myself, why? Why are you doing this? Why are you forcing yourself to go through all this difficulty and pain? For what end? I don't know, well i do know. But that is a story i am working on. I suppose, what i am comfortable revealing is, i wanted to prove something to someone, but more importantly to myself. At the time i felt i had lost anything, the loss had in effect cleansed me, unshackled me. It forced me to make a difficult and life changing decision. I followed my heart and sought the questions which i had no way of answering without first treading down that unknown path.

So, to my good friend. Listen to your gut instinct, follow your heart and stick to the game plan.

Tristan

Bad weather should not be an excuse... and who said girls can't lift weights?

2010-01-14T19:47:00.005Z

Okay its been awhile. Lets start from last Saturday. It was snowing here in London... but i had to train. I got off the bus and was about half way through my 10-15 minute walk to the gym when my cousin drove by. She parked up and gave me a lift for the rest of the journey.

Her: OMG are you crazy! Its snowing out here what are you doing going to the gym?!
ME: Gotta train in all weathers... back to work. I said as i got out the car.

Its good she saw me go to the gym. We do this mainly for ourselves, but every now and then it helps your morale to have people see what we have to sacrifice and how much we're willing to commit to get better. Because sometimes, honestly, i don't even know why i do this, i am not even amazing at it. But its one of the few things i am okay at. I just keep trying and keep pushing. At the end of the day, we're not guaranteed anything, but if you don't try i can guarantee you'll get NOTHING.

Saturday 09/01/2010
Floor press:
225lbs x2 (warm up)
235lbs x3 I should not have warmed up with 225lbs i should have jumped from 205lbs to 235lbs.

Incline bench press
190lbs x7

Pull ups
Body weight (as many sets/reps to 40)
1x15, 1x10, 1x5, x5, x5 - i had some serious doms the next day!

--
Tuesday- I caught a cold on Tuesday... still recovering, its bad. But i had to push it a bit and train... i am going to New York soon to train you know...
Max effort lower body day
Deadlifts 365lbs x3 (160kg) Just a feeler really about 20lbs below my pb i didn't plan on doing anything heavy, just psyching the central nervous system.

This is the video i have from last Saturday

--

Who said girls can't lift weights?

When i first started...

2010-01-03T17:54:00.006Z

OUT lifting, it was primarily for rugby. At the time, i was bone and bone. Now i am kinda bone and some muscle. Two guys really helped me out in the beginning, gave me a crash course in lifting iron. My older cousin Dutch and his training partner Valentino. We all live in different parts of the world/city now. But every xmas spring break or whatever we go back to the old haunt of a gym in north London to train together. So this time we hit upper body. I've called this workout the exhibition workout, i know, i know its cheesy. But i can't think of another name for it!

Everyone was up to their old tricks again. For example for my work set on the close grip bench i was supposed to do 225lbs (100kg) but obviously when i went to the water fountain the two clowns must have had a discussion, for there was an extra 5lbs loaded on each side. I returned to see smirks plastered on both their faces. When i tilted my chin upwards to let them know i knew what they had done, they laughed and think, one of them even howled.

Close grip bench press
205lbs x3
235lbs (105kg)x1

Incline bench
180lbs (80kg) x9
205lbs (90kg) x3

Dumbbell shoulder press
67.5lbs 2x8

Rear delts
Plate number 8

Body weight= Roughly 70-71kg

WS4SB leg day 29-12-09

2010-01-01T16:30:00.004Z

Wooo... squats. Back squats, ugh why? Its a nasty exercise that makes your whole body shake, but brings out that nastiness in you! Teaches you to fight for that extra inch, face your fears, and makes you appreciate a hard days work ;)

I had some new tracks on my ipod. Old music, (Eminem and Fifty) got me going. At the end of the day, sometimes you just don't feel like squatting, but you know you have to because its good for you.

We all have to pay our dues under the bar, and one scheduled squat session missed for no good reason is not good enough. You miss one squat session here and there and over the year it could be a dozen of squat sessions missed. That could be 5-10lbs of potential muscle. It could mean the difference between making that tackle, bursting through the hole, knocking that guy out in the cage, or making that extra yard. Those inches add up and do make a difference.

The aim was to hit 275lbs (120kg) for a couple. But when i got to 225lbs (100kg) i thought this weight isn't light! I worked my way to 275lbs, it felt fine. Then went for 280lbs felt okay. Took a deep breath and thought am i going to walk away satisfied i hit at least my last squat pb set 6-8weeks ago? Or do i go for 285lbs? (130kg) My all time best was 315lbs (140kg) set two years ago. I thought i have to test it, so it was on. During my set i was listening to 'Put on' Young Jeezy and Kayne West. After i finished my set i could feel some tears run down my cheeks. Heh I dunno what it was. Its never one thing is it? Last year this time i couldn't even squat the damn bar. Now i am 5% from my best. I kinda felt the pressure valve ease off a bit. All that hard work to get back to form it all seem so long ago, and coming back from the states, the goal seemed so far ahead at the time.

When you go it alone, you have to build a strong foundation of self belief. Basically i call it a 'fuck y'all' mentality. It insulates you from the people who do not support you. This wall is made up of myself and people who are close to me. They tend to share similar beliefs, similar attitudes. Its just us and them.

It's about attitude

2009-12-31T17:13:00.008Z

Your attitude is important, because it sets the tone of things to come. I think what i've noticed recently, especially when i am dialing down my training (e.g. when i don't have to be 100% focused) is a lack of care. People don't care about any thing. They don't care about the quality of their training, they're just going through the motions. Because it seems, by simply being in the gym or turning up to work is sufficient to garner some form of reward.

People lack that nasty mentality in the gym, the 'cut throatism' - i stole that from an NFL commentator who was describing the New England Patriots. Part of that mentality comes from commitment, you have to give enough so that failure is something that can frighten you, because it would make all that work and effort seem a waste. Thus we're tempted to half arse it, so if we fail we have an excuse.

Why not look at it the other way? Give it your all and take a risk, IF you come up short at the least you can live without those 'what if' questions, and be proud that you gave your best with your God given ability.

Dan Henderson is an MMA legend. He was on the U.S. Olympic team, he never won a medal... but he kept trying and working. He got introduced to MMA eventually becoming the Pride Welterweight and Middleweight champion. He never made it as an Olympian, but the setbacks and the lessons he learnt as an Olympic caliber wrestler pushed him to become an MMA legend. Gotta go after inspiration with a club, its not going to come to you whilst you sit at the bar or couch watching car crash tv.

So this year was loooong and kinda tough, every year has been tough since my early 21 year old life crisis :P After graduating i had to stop being a student and start taking accountability, earn some bread and make a mark! But hey, better a life with challenges then moping around like a teenage zombie. I always liked this quote when the pressure started hitting me:

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.
Phillip Brocks

In January i shall be going to NYC to train, its going to be bitterly cold. Its going to be tough, the guys i am going to train with are going to be so much better than me, training out of my comfort zone will push me to become better. The gym (i've been there before) has this no nonsense get down to business mentality that so many facilities these days lack. I believe this environment will bring out a newer level of intensity not yet seen in myself... which will set the tone for the rest of the year. We're all going to be fired up. Its going to be a rough.
--

Saturdays training

225lbs (100kg) flat bench (warm up) x1
245lbs (110kg) flat bench -no good
90lbs (40kg) flat db press 2x12 - just repping out

Chins 35lbs x6 bw x10

Post up the rest of the sessions soon...

Okay my schedule caught me...

2009-12-30T23:12:00.004Z

off balance a bit, i haven't written my year in review, well i haven't finished it. But i must do, and I WILL do by tomorrow, obviously! I also have a backlog of training sessions to load up on here from Saturday! I booked today and tomorrow off from work. Today i just trained... it was almost a 3 hour session, but i had two of my old training partners back so it was great. Usually i train alone, it was good to feed off the energy from others. Then i ate, then ate some more... watched the film SWAT. Going to have my protein shake and cheerios (gotta be the honey flavour!) and to bed. Actually i was gonna head to Germany for the new years eve, but flights... are 200GBP + you kidding me?

Tomorrow, i shall write a nice post, and will get round to answering emails...

Ciao.

Tristan