I’ve never really tried to keep a log before, so I figured I’d give it a shot here. Some background 1st. I started karate at age 5 and trained mostly in that until I was about 18. Then I started boxing in college and working some japanese jujitsu.
After 2 years at Miami of Ohio, I came back home and opened a karate school. I hosted a seminar taught by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt Chet Schemahorn, and fell in love with jiu-jitsu. After training with him for some time, I decided to give MMA a shot.
I initially trained some at Modern Gladiator Gym in Indianapolis where I was really exposed to Muay Thai and wrestling a lot. I fought a few amateur fights and then decided to turn pro. I now train with Integrated Fighting Arts in Indianapolis.
I am lucky to train in the same gym with UFC veterens Chris Lytle, Jake O’Brien, and Johnny Rees. I also train jiu-jitsu with James Klingerman in Greenwood, IN. I consider myself to be much more of a technical figther than I do a powerhouse, or great athlete. I love to drill technique and be a student of the game.
Some stats for training information: I am 5’9", walk around at 185 lbs or so, fight 170 lbs. I’d say I’m around 12-13% body fat, though I have to admit I haven’t had it measured. I train with Mike Robertson and Bill Hartman at Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training
(www.indianapolisfitnessandsportstraining.com) in Indy. I also consult with Shelby Starnes (www.troponinnutrition.com) for all my diet needs. I just started with Shelby about a week ago, so I’m excited for some results!
Current Goals: (Next fight scheduled for Feb 14th)
- Mike and I agree that my biggest weakness is lower body max strength. Though I haven’t done a 1RM in quite some time, I can reasonably estimate my max deadlift to be around 350lbs and my max squat to be around 265 lbs.
Therefore one of my major goals in training with Mike has been to increase max strength in my lower body. There are difficulties here, of course, because it is hard to do that and train full out for fights. But we are working on it.
- Improve power. I have never been a great leaper or sprinter. I do punch and kick hard, but that is mostly a function of having good technique due to the many years of training. We are always working on increasing power output.
One main area of focus is improving my ability to get up from guard, or just explode off bottom while on the ground.
- Lower body fat. Shelby is helping me to shed some body fat. This is partially a goal for performance, but also a goal just for personal reasons. About 2 years ago I was 225 lbs and quite fat, so I want to finish this journey by seeing my abs.
This log with mostly cover my diet and weight/conditioning work, but I will answer any questions that you may have about my skill work as well.
Schedule: Please note that I undergo different schedules based on how far out from a fight I am. This is the schedule at this point
Monday
Jiu-Jitsu-10 a.m.
Weights-around 2-3 p.m.
Focus today is power development-power cleans, speed squats, speed bench, band pressdowns (I have some elbow health issues), kettlebell windmills, glute-ham raise
High Carb Day
Tuesday
MMA practice-4 p.m. (about a 90 min practice)
Moderate Carb Day
Wednesday
Jiu-Jitsu-10 a.m.
Rehab/Prehab work with Bill Hartman (ART and such)-2 p.m.
MMA practice-4 p.m.
Moderate Carb Day
Thursday
MMA practice-4 p.m.
Moderate Carb Day
Friday
Weights- around 2-3 p.m.
Focus is strength-Trap Bar Deads, Good Mornings with safety squat bar, Walking Lunges, DB Rows, Supine Med Ball throws (an explosive sit-up with med ball throw), Prone Scapations
High Carb Day
Saturday
Long, slow run…keep HR at about 65-75% max. 35-45 min run.
Low Carb
Sunday
Sprint Intervals-45 sec easy, 15 sec hard 15 reps
Low Carb
As for supps, Shelby has me taking BCAA’s, green tea extract, fish oil, evening primrose oil, R-ALA, creatine, beta alanine, and obviously a quality protein powder. I also take Vitamin D because I live in cloudy Indiana and have had issues with seasonal affective disorder before. Any Questions will be great…I’ll be updating this regularly