We did some conditioning training and practiced how to utilize the takedowns we’ve learned in the past weeks, including Ogoshi, Osoto Gari, Hiza Guruma, and Ouchi Gari. I’m still having trouble setting up the takedown, configuring my grips, and positioning my foot placement. I need to be more decisive while still maintaining control of the technique for the takedown to be successful. My cardio needs to be improved further, as I’m gassing out too quickly while working on the takedown, and my attempts get sloppier the longer the round goes on. There’s a local competition coming up in August that I’m unsure whether I’ll sign up for, since my wife is afraid of the possibility that I might get injured before the wedding. I will use the competition as motivation to get my weight down from 83 kilograms to 77 kilograms to fit the weight bracket. I want to be ready and in shape whether I do the competition or not.

After the class, we set up a makeshift ice bath with a portable tub and three big bags of ice. Each of us did two rounds, with 2-3 minutes submerged in ice-cold water per round. I was able to do three minutes per round; my fingers and toes were numb, and my skin felt sharp with pain, like ice needles piercing through. I got through it with a lot of motivation from my partners and coaches. The feeling afterward, as the cold subsided, was refreshing. It’s amazing to know that I fought the mental battle to stay in the discomfort, feeling grateful to surround myself with people of the same mindset, encouraging each other to become a better version of ourselves.

I’m looking forward to coming to training with the guys again soon!