Category: Reviews

Circuit Training Motivation

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Well I had a great time this morning with my good friend known only as “The Circuit”. I look pretty beat in this picture, but this was actually my less exhausted take. I looked so dramatic in the other ones that they appeared fake!

I did 5 rounds of a 6 minute circuit with a 2 minute rest in between each. This circuit included burpees, prison walks, tire pushups, overhead weighted squats, etc. By the end, I managed to punch out just over 100 burpees!

Halfway through the 4th round, my quads started trying to give out on me. I’m definitely going to feel it in the morning. Shoot, I feel it now!

I’m really focusing on my conditioning for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams. Last year I got gassed in the finals, and lost by an advantage. I don’t want that to happen again! I want to go, knowing that I am in the best shape of my life and can trust in the techniques that I drill for hours a day. If that’s not good enough, at least I know I gave it the best that I have to give now. I have no qualms loosing to a superior opponent, but I refuse to lose because I didn’t prepare like I should have.

I found this amazing motivational cd on itunes by “Muscle Prodigy TV” entitled “It’s All On You” – I think it is going to be my new favorite thing to listen to in the mornings. Shoot, I even had it set as my alarm on my ipad! I highly recommend it – you can purchase it on iTunes for just under $10. Best money I’ve ever spent on a digital item before. I listened to it through my circuit, and it kept me pumped up and focused!

It’s a collection of inspirational speeches, with dramatic background music. That’s the kind of thing that gets me going – I’m curious what sort of music/soundtracks get you going! Please comment below!

Girl-Jitsu Ranked Rashguard

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20130921-202108.jpgI suddenly realized while preparing for the Chicago Gi/No Gi tournament, that I did not have a ranked rashguard! So I set out on the hunt for one ASAP!

I decided on the Girl-Jitsu Ranked Rashguard for the simple reason that they sponsor several of my friends. If they are going to support my friends, I’ll support them in turn!

Preamble aside, I decided that they deserve a quick review since I have received quite a few questions about it already!

Delivery was freaky fast! In less than 5 days I had it in hand! I have ordered a second one since that first order, and it was just as fast the second time around.

This was my first official Jiu Jitsu rashguard because, hey, I didn’t really need one since I wasn’t participating in any IBJJF No Gi tournaments as a lowly white belt. As a blue belt, a whole new world of No Gi, wrist locks, and absolute divisions was opened up to me!

I was astounded as to how silky and light it was! I didn’t even want to take it off once I tried it on the first time! The sleeves are 3/4 length and I was surprised that they were a fairly loose (unlike my skin-tight underarmor!) the “Pretty. Tough.” lettering on the left sleeve was a really nice touch! The little things such as the contrast stitching along the bottom show that this rashguard was designed with care. I got quite a few compliments on the look of it at the Chicago Open.

Sizewise, I’m 5’3″ish, typically a size 4 (USA) waist, and the small fit me perfectly. I’d say if you’re lightweight or under, you’d probably fit a small as well.

The cost was $42, which having never purchased a rashguard before seemed a good chunk of change to me, but after comparing prices with the larger companies it’s actually a bit cheaper. I could tell at first touch that they did not skimp on quality in the slightest either.

So ladies, support the company that supports you! I highly recommend it to every female Jiu Jitsu’er out there!

I think I’m going to be turning into a rashguard hoarder – already showing the signs. I’ll review each one and eventually learn to compare them properly! So far my collection is:

Girl-Jitsu Ranked Rashguard

Raijin Fight Wear Rashguard (pre-release from my sponsors!)

Meerkatsu/Kenka White Tiger Rashguard (In the mail now!)

IBJJF Limited Edition Ranked Rashguard (Won raffle for No Gi Worlds, pick up there)

Side note: the reason I had to purchase a second Girl-Jitsu rashguard, is that my first one magically disappeared. On the off chance that it didn’t show up in time for Pan Ams, I figured I would be best off getting another one. Good thing too since it has now been missing for two weeks. Wherever it is, I hope it is happy!

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