Day Six at the Gym: Wrestling, MMA, and the Power of Consistency

A Long Thursday

I didn’t sleep well last night. I slept late, and as usual, had to wake up early for work. My alarm went off around 5:10 a.m., and I dragged myself out of bed to get ready for another long day of teaching. The moment my feet hit the floor, I felt the weight of fatigue still hanging over me, a clear reminder of how restless the previous night had been. Yet, I knew that there was no time to dwell on it.

It was Thursday, the last day of the work week. The students were full of energy, as they always are before the weekend, and I had a full schedule of classes. Hours of standing, talking, and managing a room full of young minds left me completely drained. The laughter, the chatter, and the questions seemed to electrify the atmosphere, but maintaining that energy took everything I had. It was rewarding to see their eyes light up whenever a concept clicked, but the exhaustion was just as palpable. The day felt like an endless cycle of activities, from the moment I entered the school to the moment I stepped out, almost as if the clock had slowed down to match the pace of my fatigue.

When I finally got home, all I wanted was a short nap before heading to the gym. But I overslept and missed the boxing and Muay Thai sessions at 7 p.m. It was disappointing because I had looked forward to boxing all week. I knew I had to find another way to make up for it. So I decided to join the wrestling class that started at 8 p.m., followed by MMA at 9. Wrestling was something new and uncharted for me, and even though it felt like a second choice, it also appeared to be a hidden opportunity waiting to be discovered.

The Wrestling Session

When I arrived, the wrestling session started a bit late, around 8:15 p.m., because the boxing and Muay Thai classes were still finishing up. I felt the mixture of anticipation and nervousness wash over me as I stepped onto the mat, unsure of what to expect. There were more students this time compared to the previous session, and most of them were younger. You could tell they were full of energy and enthusiasm. One of the senior students led the warm-up until the coach arrived, and when he did, the intensity went up instantly. His voice carried authority, and the atmosphere shifted, becoming charged with adrenaline as everyone focused on the task at hand, ready to leave everything else aside.

We went through a solid warm-up with lots of stretching, mobility, and core activation. It was tiring but effective. I liked it. It got the body loose and ready. The stretches felt like a release, and I found myself sinking deeper into the movements, letting go of the stress from my day. After that, we got a short water break, then we moved into partner drills. The camaraderie was uplifting as we exchanged laughter and friendly competition while working together. It felt good to share this experience with others who were equally invested in their improvement.

My partner was a guy named Yousef, also fairly new to wrestling. He shared his experience and said he had only been training for a short time. His fresh perspective resonated with me, and together we navigated the techniques, Finding a rhythm that worked for both of us. We worked well together, supporting and encouraging each other throughout those challenging drills.

Drills and Techniques

The first drill we practiced was a basic front grab, trying to gain control and then move behind the opponent to lock position from the back. It sounds simple, but it requires timing, balance, and focus. I found it more challenging than I had anticipated, often ending up tangled and off-balance. Yet, after several attempts, I began to feel a sense of improvement and competence. Next, we worked on the one leg takedown. We took turns trying to lift and control each other’s legs while maintaining balance and resisting. It was tough but fun. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed tackling these challenges; each small victory fueled my determination to learn more, and the laughter only enhanced the camaraderie around us.

The last exercise was more dynamic. We started with one partner holding the other’s leg high, while the person whose leg was lifted tried to stay stable and escape without falling. It really tested coordination and core strength, keeping my heart racing as I focused on my balance and the position of my limbs. I relished the challenge; it pushed my limits and made me realize how far I could go if I committed myself to this training.

The End of the Session

By the end of the wrestling session, everyone was sweating and breathing heavily. The coach, who also teaches MMA, asked us to line up against the wall. Those who were staying for MMA got ready for their session, while those who weren’t had to hold a seated squat. That squat felt never-ending; I could feel the tension in my legs intensifying as we held our positions. He asked Yousef if he wanted to stay for MMA, but he refused, saying he was too tired. I asked if I could join, but the coach told me that my time would come once I was ready, since I was still new. It was both disappointing and reassuring to hear; I appreciated the guidance as it showed he cared about our growth and learning process.

I stayed a bit longer to watch the Jiu-Jitsu and MMA sessions before leaving the gym around 9:40 p.m. Observing the more advanced students grapple and strategize was inspiring and educational, adding to my understanding of techniques and styles that I could later incorporate into my training. On my way home, I planned to do some late-night shopping to get the nutrition I needed, then take a shower, eat well, and get a good night’s sleep. The day had been long and challenging, but it filled me with a sense of accomplishment that followed me into the evening.

Reflections

What I liked most about today’s training was the stretching and mobility work. Even though it was intense, it felt great. My body was tired, but my mind was calm. I’m starting to understand that martial arts is not just about power or endurance; it’s about showing up, learning, and staying consistent. This realization resonated deeply within me, igniting a sense of purpose and motivation to pursue this journey further.

By the time we wrapped up, I was exhausted but proud. I didn’t plan to train this long, but I did. I took one more small step forward. That night, as I prepared to sleep, I reflected on the lessons of the day and mentally prepared for what was to come. There was still a long journey ahead, but every step counts towards becoming better.

Day Six Lesson

Sometimes progress doesn’t look perfect. It looks like tired eyes, sore muscles, and late nights. But every session counts, and every lesson adds up. Embracing the struggle is part of the growth process, and even the smallest improvement matters. As I conquered my doubts and stepped into each class, I reminded myself that it is okay to not be perfect, as long as I remained committed to bettering myself, day by day.

Day Six complete. The grind continues.

👉 What’s harder for you: getting started, or staying consistent once you begin?