2022 United States Grip Sport Championship Entry Form
Tuesday, April 19th, 2022This is the link for the US Grip National Championship entry form: Entry Form
Author Archive>
How I Lost 20 Pounds This Year – Phase 1
Sunday, December 5th, 2021Eventually you get to what I call the Owen Hart Point.
This is where you finally feel like “Enough is Enough and It’s Time for a Change.”
That’s where I was this summer, and 5 months later, I’m 20lbs lighter.
All the best in your training.
NAPALM
How to Target the Lower Abs Effectively – Intense Contraction!
Sunday, December 5th, 2021I couldn’t believe the contraction I was feeling in these when I tried them.
All the best in your training.
NAPALM
The Biggest Mistake Grip Guys Make In Their Training
Sunday, December 5th, 2021Cannon Standard Grippers Review
Thursday, December 2nd, 2021Video #2 in the #31DaysOfQnA
Strength Exercises I Still Do Even When My Back is Injured
Thursday, December 2nd, 2021Video #1 in the #3aDaysofQnA
The #1 Feat of Strength YOU Should Start With
Friday, September 10th, 2021First Feat of Strength for Beginners
I’m often asked by readers and viewers what is the best way to get started with Oldtime Feats of Strength, like bending and tearing things.
There’s one single feat of strength that I believe you should begin with…
First off, feats of strength require you to be able to produce tremendous pressure with the hands, so you should begin with something that checks that box.
Next, aside from being able to latch onto something hard with your hands, you also need to be able to make what you’re bending or tearing do what you want it to.
You have to be able to overcome whatever it is that you’re working on, so this introductory feat has to involve movement as well as the tension requirement
On top of all that, your first feat challenge needs to test you mentally. Often, when trying to bend or tear something, your mind gives up long before you hands do or your body does.
So you can’t just start bending paper clips or wire hangers. There’s gotta be some sort of mental challenge to it.
Finally, and I think this is something that a lot of new feat fanatics forget about, is there needs to be a low level of risk involved. This way, you don’t hurt yourself, and screw up not only your new hobby, but also all the other strength training and other strength goals you have.
For instance, it’s really easy to go overboard with steel bending, or pop something in your shoulder, because of the increased levels of strain.
As a bonus, it’s nice if the thing you’re starting off with is fairly affordable and easy to get, so you’re not blowing through paychecks and combing the edges of the internet trying to find some rare stock to work with.
So with all these factors considered, I believe the perfect feat for you to start out with is CARD TEARING.
Card Tearing teaches you not only about the application of force from your hands into the cards, but also how you can direct this force into the deck at various angles.
Once you learn this, it’s a much easier jump to bending nails, steel bars, horse shoes, etc.
Before you know it, you’re bending and tearing everything in sight!
While it may not seem so, tearing cards also requires mental fortitude, because it isn’t by any means easy, and you have to push yourself to complete the tear.
Finally, cards are available EVERYWHERE! From the local super market, to the various dollar stores, to ebay, casinos, and more – decks of cards are constantly at your fingertips.
For all these reasons, and probably more that I’m not thinking of, if you’re thinking about getting started with oldtime feats of strength, your best bet is Card Tearing, and I’ll show you everything you need to know in my ebook, the Card Tearing System
Thanks and all the best in your training.
NAPALM
P.S. If you’re not sure if you’re strong enough to start tearing cards, don’t worry – I got you covered with an extensive exercise index in my Card Tearing eBook Grab Your Copy Today!!!
Be the First to Get August of Arms 2021!
Saturday, June 26th, 2021
The 2021 version of August of Arms is going to be completely INSANE!
It’s gonna be the best time you’ve had training all year long, and the 31 Most INTENSE Days of Your LIFE!
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, put your info in the box below.
This will ensure you’re among the FIRST ONES on the list who get access to August of Arms 2021!
Big Arms Finisher – August of Arms 2021
Tuesday, May 25th, 2021Hey DIESELS!
Today, I’m going to share with you one of the Finishers from the 2021 August of Arms Program – it’s one I came up with years ago, and I just recently added it back into my program.
This is called Rope Curl-ups, and yesterday I did these with more weight than I ever have.
It’s nice to know that all the Arm Training I’ve been doing has paid off in MORE STRENGTH.
Soon, it will be time to make these things SWELL UP BIGGER THAN EVER!
The 2021 version of August of Arms is going to be completely INSANE!
It’s gonna be the best time you’ve had training all year long, and the 31 Most INTENSE Days of Your LIFE!
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, put your info in the box below to make sure you’re the FIRST ONES on the list who get access to August of Arms 2021!
I can’t wait to do this program, and I hope you’re just as excited as well.
Thanks and all the best in your training!
NAPALM
King Kong 2020 Results and Videos
Thursday, October 29th, 2020Men’s Overall Standings
Position – Competitor Name – Total Points – Flask Points – Crusher Points – Grab Ball Points – Little Big Horn Points
1 – Tanner Merkle – 18.5 – 13.5 – 3 – 1 – 1 = “THE KING KONG OF GRIP”
2 – Jesse Pynnönen – 29 – 1 – 8 – 18 – 2
3 – Carl Myerscough – 32 – 17 – 1 – 3 – 11
4 – Jedd Johnson – 39 – 2 – 17 – 7 – 13
5 – Harri Tolonen – 39.5 – 5 – 4 – 10 – 20.5
6 – Arto Joronen – 41.5 – 3 – 10 – 8 – 20.5
7 – Gilbert Goodman – 42 – 11 – 14 – 12 – 5
8 – Luke Raymond – 47 – 4 – 35 – 5 – 3
9 – Joel Dircks – 51 – 10 – 5 – 13 – 23
10 – Pupchenko Ivan – 52 – 7 – 11 – 25 – 9
Complete results can be found here: https://www.gripboard.com/index.php?/topic/53144-2020-international-king-kong-grip-challenge-results/
<h1>King Kong Videos</h1>
<h2>Flask</h2>
<h2>2.25″ Crusher</h2>
<h2>Grab Ball</h2>
<h2>Little Big Horn</h2>
<h2>My Review of the Comp</h2>
Thanks for watching!
All the best in your training.
NAPALM
New Sponsor: GripStrength.com
Monday, October 19th, 2020Thank you to the new sponsor of the 2020 Wyalusing King Kong venue, GRIPSTRENGTH.com
Please check them out for outstanding products and resources, including many of my own, soon to be listed for sale there.
Thank you for your support!
All the best in your training,
NAPALM
Dynamic Band Training Variations You Can Try
Monday, April 13th, 2020Today, I’ve got a quick post for you, sharing some Dynamic Band Training that I tried out recently. I really enjoyed them, so I thought they might be good things for you to try if you’re looking to mix things up.
Curls with Weights Hanging from Bands
First up is curling weights that are suspended from bands. What a great contraction in the biceps, and an excellent pump!
Presses with Bambooish Bar
Somewhere along the lines I landed this replica of a Bamboo Bar. I don’t know why I don’t use it more often, because it feels great. Not the exact same thing, but offers a similar challenge. With about 50% of the weight I generally use, I was able to give my joints a much needed break while getting an even better pump, I’d say.
On this day, we hit 3 sets of Flat Bench, 3 sets of Incline Bench and 3 sets of Standing Press. Like I said, it was a fantastic pump. I’ll definitely be using more of this in the coming weeks, sprinkled in like special seasoning.
I hope you liked today’s post. If you’d like to try out more of my training methods, check out some of the product I offer, here: Jedd’s Complete Catalog
Also, might I suggest, Nuclear November <=Click Here
All the best in your training,
NAPALM
Top 20 Videos of 2019
Monday, February 17th, 2020I know I’m way behind schedule with this, but I still want to put it up.
The last couple of years, I have had a really hard time finding the time to update my websites, because my gym and online coaching businesses keep me very busy. I really want to do a better job of that this year.
So, let’s get the countdown rolling!
20.Sledge Hammer Finger Walk Challenge for Reddit Grip Training 731 Views
This was one of the challenges on the Grip Training subreddit last year, so we gave it a run. I have no idea where this put us or who ended up winning, but it’s a great drill to put into your program for hand recovery, in my opinion, so that made it worthwhile to go heavy and hard on it.
19. This Week in Grip Episode 90 – Which Rolling Handle is the Best? 744 Views
We try to mix it up on the This Week in Grip podcast with a show just on a certain type of training method or tool, and that’s what we did in Episode 90 of This Week in Grip.
18. Homicide Bell – PULLED OFF THE GROUND 752 Views
This was the first time I ever was able to get the Homicide Bell off the floor. This is one of the hardest thick bar challenge bells in the world. I’ve only been able to fully deadlift it on one day.
17. TWIG – Episode 100 – Surprise Guests, Jujimufu & Tom (Part 1) 759 Views
This show surprised me. With such an extremely large following on YouTube, I expected this show to get a lot more views than it did. Not sure what happened, but only Juji called in for the show. Tom didn’t make it, but he was supposed to and I never heard from either of them about what happened.
16. Best Exercise for Forearm Development 774 Views
This is the first video on the countdown that was shot during the 31 Days of QnA on my channel. While I don’t have real big forearms, I feel this is the way to go to build them and I would do this regularly if forearm size ever became a bigger priority than forearm and grip strength.
15. Homicide Bell: LIFTED! 762 Views
This is probably one of my biggest PR’s in a long, long time. It’s hard to describe how tough this dumbbell is, but I can wrap it up in one sentence: I’ve never been able to break this more than a couple inches off the floor again.
14. Barbell Curl Max Attempts with Globe Gripz 770 Views
Evan trains with me in my classes at the gym, and has become very very strong, especially at Grip. But, I had to remind him who the Champion is in a little Max Effort Curl comp last year.
13. 18 Year Old Evan Norton Lifts The Blob (see description) 790 Views
Like I said, this Big Fella, Evan, is strong and has a great grip on him, especially for Block Weights and other wide pinch implements.
12.The Arm Assassin Challenge Bell – 207lb Inch-Millennium Bridge Dumbbell 794 Views
Several years ago, Luke and I put in some money and got some thick bar challenge bells made, that we called the Death Grip Bells. They had a 2.59″ handle and are very tough to lift. The Homicide Bell, which appears in a couple videos up the page is one of the Death Grip Bells. Well, we wanted to make something that was more of a trainer for the Millennium Dumbbell, and we got this piece made from one of the previous Death Grip Bells we had.
11. This Week in Grip – Episode 83 – Larry Wheels 793 Views
I never would have guessed that the Larry Wheels episode of This Week in Grip would out-perform the Jujimufu video. Maybe it’s because in the LW video, the thumbnail is an Inch Dumbbell Lift and in the Juji video it’s the Iron Grip Monster, who knows.
10 Jedd Johnson – 50lb Dumbbell Farmers Walk – 400+ Meters 840 Views
One day this past summer, Mark Nolan, a CrossFit Box owner, tagged me in a challenge post from another CrossFit page. The challenge was to walk as far around a track as possible carrying a pair of dumbbells. I forget what the minimum dumbbell set was, but I know you had to go at least once around the track. I also remember that a big reason why I had to set the dumbbells down was because my anterior tibialis muscles were on fire and truly killing me. Another challenge I took part in where I never saw who ended up winning the cash money, which was supposed to be like $1000 or something like that.
9. Jedd’s Thoughts on John Brookfield’s Books 802 Views
This one was a response to a question I got on my YouTube Channel. These books were basically how I got my start and helped me out. They are certainly a good starting point, although if you want even better information, your best bet is http://www.thegripauthority.com
8. Dumbbell Curl Test: 100lb Dumbbell Curls 883 Views
Not really sure when I tried this, but seeing it makes me want to try it again!
7. How Big Are Napalm’s Hands? | Jedd Johnson Hand Size 918 Views
This is a question I get all the time, so I figured I would go ahead and get it on video for those interested. If you’ve got some time to waste, check out some of the hater discussions in the comment sections, especially those from Chris Stuart, Bamboo Training, Mentally Challenged Training, and there might even be some good ones from CE Parks. Enjoy.
6. Why Doesn’t Jedd Arm Wrestle? 932 Views
Dude, this is another question I get all the time, especially since I put up decent numbers in Barbell & Dumbbells Curls, plus my Grip Strength abilities. So, I just went ahead and addressed it on video.
5. How Often to Train the Grip and Forearms 932 Views
I think most beginning Grip Trainees make their training too hard at first, or think there’s some magic bullet method for training your grip, but in reality there is not.
4. 80lb Dumbbell Curls 960 Views
Every so often I like to just grab some fairly heavy dumbbells and start curling to see what I can get. One time last year, I did this and was able to get 5 per arm, with the last one on the right being very very ugly.
3. This Week in Grip Ep 93 – Rob Vigeant & Big Hand Stories 1065 Views
Rob Vigeant was one of the best Grip Sportists in the early 2000’s and I’m sure he still would be today if he hadn’t made the switch over to full time wrestling. This show was very fun. Rob tells some good stories and his delivery is very humorous.
2. 200lb Kettlebell Swings 1492 Views
For whatever reason, people just love watching me swing this Kettlebell. Somehow, even though this video is the 2nd most popular of everything I posted last year, I didn’t get too many comments saying I was doing the Swing movement wrong, since I was only going as high as my rib cage, as opposed to pulling it way up over my head, CrossFitStyle.
1. Strongest Man in History | Old York 45s Pinch Discussion 3227 Videos
And here it is, the most popular video of the year on my Channel. Some will say it is the most popular due to the controversial nature of what I’m discussing. Others will say that it got the most views because I have the name of the TV Show that Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, Nick Best and Robert Oberst are on in the title. But really, the reason it is so popular is because of the awesome highlights in my hair.
Diesels, thanks so much for watching the Countdown.
My apologies for taking so long. I’m not kidding when I say I am beyond busy with my gym and my online coaching pogram. However, it is my intention to get back to business on my online ventures and that means more posts here at DieselCrew.com, more activity at TheGripAuthority.com, and more products being released.
Stay tuned for more and in the meantime, all the best in your training.
NAPALM
Top 20 Videos of 2018
Monday, December 31st, 2018Most Popular Videos of 2018
DIESELS!
Let’s just say 2018 was a tough year for me personally, but the one thing that kept me on track and focused and kept me from going absolutely crazy was my training. For that, I thank God.
One of the biggest highlights in my online business was finally reaching the 10,000 subscriber mark on my YouTube Channel.
And each year, I like to do a Top 20 Video Countdown of my most popular videos, based on the number of views they received during the 2018 calendar year.
And that’s what I’m bringing to you, starting today. Right now, I’ve got numbers 20 through 16 and each day I’ll come in and add 5 more videos for your viewing pleasure.
One thing I will say is I was surprised how much more popular videos where I just sit down or stand there and talk are, than the training clips I upload. I’m sure that has to do with a combination of A) people have no clue what the hell I’m actually doing in those training clip videos, and B) I think viewers are very used to watching videos of personalities just talking into the camera.
Anyway, without further ado, let’s begin…
20. Which Size of Fat Gripz to Help Close Bigger Grippers? 692 Views
Fat Gripz videos are always popular. There were MULTIPLE Fat Gripz videos on the countdown last year, I think. And I believe this is because Fat Gripz are so widespread and have reached people in all walks of the iron game. Combine that with the topic of grippers, probably the most popular form of grip training, and you’ve got an easy Top 20 ranking video.
19. This Week in Grip – Episode 61 – The Shaw Grip Dissension 705 Views
Another magic key-word for my YouTube this year was Brian Shaw. If I uploaded something in relationship to him, viewers gobbled it right up. And how can you find fault with that, when Brian has one of the strongest grips in the world. Throw in the fact that he promoted grip probably more than anyone on YouTube besides me this year, except for maybe Jujimufu, and it just makes people want more Brian Shaw to cure their grip fever.
18. How Does the Captains of Crush Certification Work? 768 Views
One thing I noticed this year is that a lot of people don’t actually understand the process of how to get certified as a Captain of Crush. Many, many people think you can just drive up to my gym, I can watch you close your #3, and that’s all that needs to be done, but in reality, there’s more steps to go through than just that.
17. What’s Better for Hand Strength? Pinching or Grippers 773 Views
One thing I tried to do this year was make use of dead time, like when I was driving around in my car, in order to make YouTube videos. Especially if I got good questions or repeat questions, I would just hit record and start making a video. Which, if I remember correctly is exactly what I did for this one…
16. Can Anyone Deadlift 600+ Double Overhand, No Hook Grip? 798 Views
This was one of the videos I did this year that I actually got a fair amount of disagreement on. I actually feel that even at my strongest for Deadlifts, there are still a lot of people out there that can Double Overhand Deadlift more than me, and lots of them can hit 600+, even guys who don’t train their grip sspecifically. What do you think?
15. Near Clean and Push Press of Thomas Inch Dumbbell 800 Views/
At the grand opening of my gym, PEAK Strength and Fitness, I did a quick show and made some attempts at the Inch Clean and Press. Here’s the best one I got…
14. How Often Should You Train With Grippers? 822 Views
In this video I address a question I answered a long time ago, but back then I wasn’t quite as good at answering questions on video, so I took another stab this year, to try to be more clear.
13. Where Can I Buy the Thomas Inch Replica Dumbbell | Who Sells Thomas Inch Dumbbells 823 Views
I’ve sold Inch Dumbbell Replicas for Steve Slater for years, but once Junimufu and Brian Alsruhe put up videos about the Inch Dumbbell, I realized not everyone knew that, so I put this video up talking about the process for ordering one and getting the best shipping price.
12. Hardest Gripper Jedd Has Ever Closed 826 Views
Despite all my years in grip training, I’m honestly not a great gripper closer, because I don’t really enjoy training them that much. Here, I talk about some of my best gripper closes.
11. This Week in Grip – Episode 69 – Jujimufu & Tom Visit 832 Views
Here, Allen Heineck and I discuss the time Jujimufu and Tom visited PEAK Strength and Fitness for a grip workout, on their way to Canada for the OK Tour.
10. Clarifying My Viewpoint: “Grippers Are a Waste of Time” 840 Views
As I’ll openly admit, when I first started doing QnA videos, becak in like 2010-2011, I wasn’t the best at it. I’d sometimes drag on and on and often not even answer the question that well, due to going off on a tangent. In my original video, that’s exactly what happened and lots of people called me on it, so last year, I covered this topic again, and this time I believe I did a much better job.
9. How Do You Know if Your Grip is “Strong”? 858 Views
Many viewers have asked me over the years, how can they know if they have a strong grip, and what kind of numbers, feats, and grippers should they shoot for in order to be able to safely say they have a strong grip, so I covered a few of those things during December.
8. Never Before Seen Grip Combination Feat 867 Views
Once I was able to hit the 2x25kg Plate Pinch, I knew I had to do something to push the envelope a little further. So, I did this combination feat.
7. Dennis Rogers: Pound for Pound World’s Strongest Man? 1073 Views
Dennis Rogers is easily the most well-known performing strongman of our time, and I received a question about whether or not he was legit this year, which really surprised me, since I have never heard one single doubt about this man, in all my years. Without a doubt, Dennis is as legit as they come!
6. Is Hanging From a Bar Good for Grip Strength? 1203 Views
Hanging for time from a bar is probably one of the easiest ways to begin training your grip, and I’d be lying if I said I’ve never done it. However, how much will it help YOU, specifically? I go over this in this video. Remember, it’s all about getting the most and the best results possible, in my opinion.5. Does “Greasing the Groove” Work for Grippers? 1254 Views
Always honest, in this video I address the question of whether or not grease the groove works for bringing up gripper strength.
4. If You Try to Trick Laine Snook, You Will Pay! 1217 Views
This was just a clip of the hilarious (and incredibly strong) Laine Snook, toying with a guy at the ice cream shop in Dubai. The dude would tease each person who wanted an ice cream cone, so Laine got his revenge.
3. Grip Strength: Jedd Johnson 2x25kg Plate Pinch 1329 Views
In this video, I become one of the few men who have been able to pinch 2x25lg plates, then I completely freak out at the end.
2. How does Jedd compare to Brian Shaw in Grip Strength? 1435 Views
Once Brian Shaw started pumping out Grip Strength Training videos last year, many new viewers came to my channel, and several wanted to know my thoughts about how I might compare to him. Seemed like a pretty cool topic to cover.
1. Jedd Johnson – Misses Are Just Warm-ups – Thomas Inch Dumbbell Clean 1713 Views
Here it is! My most popular video of 2018, getting over 1700 views. Another feat that I worked hard for, for several years, the Thomas Inch Dumbbell Clean.
There you have it, DIESELS! The Top 20 Video Countdown from 2018.
I’m sorry I couldn’t make it go a bit more smoothly. I am just so super busy with my gym and coaching business, that it was hard to keep this updated like I wanted.
I hope you enjoyed the videos, and you keep watching my content down the line.
For this year, I have set a goal for my YouTube Channel to hit the 15,000 subscriber mark in 2019. I’ve got lots of plans for how to make that happen, but if you’d like to help me get there, there’s 3 things I’d like to ask you to do for me:
1. Like My Videos: YouTube is always changing things in their algorithm, but one of the things that is consistent is that lots of Likes shows YouTube the video is popular. So, I do ask you to Like my videos when you watch them by hitting the Thumbs-Up button.
2. Comment Under My Videos: I always welcome discussion and questions about my videos, and this also seems to be a way that YouTube determines that the viewer is engaged. That doesn’t mean I need you to go down and say, “Nice Job,” every time I put up a new video (although it is certainly appreciated). But, if you have a comment to add to what I said, or a follow-up question, please go ahead and post it in the comments section, and I will do my best to write back a response, or I might even do a video response to answer your question.
3. Share My Videos: The absolute biggest impact you can have on helping me grow my YouTube Channel is for you to share my videos – whether it be on your favorite social media outlet, a website such as the griptraining sub-reddit, or the message boards and forums that are out there. Despite my best efforts, I still run into people who train grip but have absolutely NO IDEA who the hell I am. So by sharing my videos around, you might just be introducing me to my next subscriber. Thank you, in advance, for sharing my videos around in 2019.
And if you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure you do so today, and opt in for new video notifications on your phone, by clicking the little bell. Click here: Jedd Johnson YouTube Channel
Thanks and all the best in your training!
Jedd
Pre-King Kong Training Clips
Tuesday, November 13th, 2018Man, I really thought I had it…
I thought victory #2 at King Kong was mine.
I knew I had the new Flask World Record all wrapped up, which I hoped would be good enough for a big point advantage.
I knew my Crusher was at an all-time high, and once seeing how different Joe Sullivan’s Crusher was, I knew I would be getting a much higher number than what I got in training.
The Moon Top was where I was going to slide in the standings, but I was nearing 50lbs in training before developing some sensitivity in my right middle finger.
And I thought for sure I was going to get 300lbs on the Jug, as I made gains every workout for like 4 weeks straight or something like that.
Here’s some footage of a couple big lifts prior to King Kong:
Flask Lift – Near Double with Current World Record Weight (118lbs)
299lbs on the 2.5″ FBBC Jug
As you can see, the strength was there on those two lifts. Unfortunately, despite the different model of Crusher giving me a nearly 25-lb boost in strength, I failed twice on 290, after succeeding at 280. I also screwed up the score sheet and didn’t report my lift of 50lbs on the Moon Top. Had I done that right and gotten 283 or 284, I would have been King Kong of Grip in 2018 and been the first man to win twice.
It just wasn’t in the cards.
But all that aside, my training was on point.
And if you’d like to try out what I was doing, it’s all in the King Kong Grip Challenge 2018 Workout Plan.
This went on sale in August, and it is almost exactly what I did.
So if you’d like to try it out and see where it can take you, you can pick it up by clicking here: Buy the 2018 King Kong of Grip Workouts.
All the best in your training!
“Napalm” Jedd Johnson
This Week in Grip Episodes 66-70
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018Time to get caught up a little bit on This Week in Grip.
Incidentally, I created a Playlist for the Podcast, so if you’re new to the show, you can start right from the beginning and get caught up: This Week in Grip Complete Playlist
Episode 66 – Hand Shake Power & Rich Williams’ 560 Axle
Episode 67 – Joe Sullivan and the Cross Canada Grip Challenge
Episode 68 – Follow Up on Rich W & What’s the Deal with Plate Flipping?
Episode 69 – Jujimufu & Tom Visit
Episode 70 – What is the Inch Dumbbell???
All the best in your training.
Jedd
More Big Feats in 2018
Monday, October 22nd, 2018Never Before Done Grip Strength Combo Feat
I’ve had my eye on a few goals this year, along the lines of grip strength feats.
The biggest one, I crossed off my list earlier this month – the Inch Dumbbell Clean.
I also recently was successful for the first time pinching 2x25kg plates.
Well, I took that one a little further, but doing a combo feat with the Inch Dumbbell, as well.
Inch Dumbbell Plus 2x25kg Plate Pinch
Training has been going very well, and I am very thankful. Probably 95% of my work has been dedication to King Kong. Luckily, the events have lined up well with the extracurricular feats I’ve been working on as well.
Now, it is Deload time, in preparation for King Kong.
If everything goes well, I will hit some PR’s on the King Kong events.
And maybe even go for some other cool feats, once the competition is out of the way.
How’s your training going?
Feel free to leave a comment below to let us know where you’re at, as the year winds down.
All the best in your training.
Jedd
Try This on For Size: The Dragon Pistol
Tuesday, October 16th, 2018The Dragon Pistol
If you think the Pistol Squat is tough, well you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen the Dragon Pistol!
Below is a guest article from Logan Christopher covering this mighty move.
-NAPALM-
I used to think that the pistol squat was the ultimate in bodyweight leg training. But I was fortunate to be introduced to a number of other one-legged squat variations from Al Kavadlo. One of these is the Dragon Pistol Squat.
The Dragon Pistol is one of the coolest looking one-legged squat moves. It’s also somewhat confusing the first time you try it. The free leg wraps around and underneath the working leg, requiring a good amount of active flexibility to hold it up off the ground.
Here it is as seen from the front:
And the side:
In addition to stretching your arms forward so that you don’t fall backwards, since the free leg is going slightly out to the side, you also need to lean your torso away from that leg. Also pay attention to the fact that you can get the leg fully extended, but still not be quite in the rock-bottom position.
As you become used to the position you can use your hands on the floor to help you find the balance. Simply holding the bottom position of the dragon pistol is a useful way to build up the ability. This is the hardest part, though transferring into and out of this position is not so easy either.
Give it a try and see how you do…
That’s how you do it, but how do you train for it? Enter the Assisted Dragon Pistol.
The best way to get started in doing the dragon pistol is to do the Assisted Dragon Pistol. In this, you use the opposite side arm to grab onto the free leg. I find it best to just grab onto the big toe, though you may find a different position that is more comfortable to you.
You hold onto the foot for the entire movement. This means you start out with the knee bent and behind you, kind of like a reverse figure-4. By holding onto the foot, you can support the active flexibility that is needed in helping to keep it aloft.
Get good at the assisted dragon pistol, while also working on regular dragon pistol holds in the bottom position and you should be able to accomplish the full move in no time.
This is an advanced move and you may or may not be ready to go for it. I’m guessing that maybe one out of 50 or so it. The good news is that it’s also just one of many squat variations (both two-legged and one) that you can find inside of The Ultimate Guide to Bodyweight Squats and Pistols 2nd Edition.
If you want much more on training the Dragon Pistol, normal Pistols, all kinds of bodyweight squats and more then check it out here
This course is absolutely amazing. I never even considered how far you could take the bodyweight squat, but Logan Christopher has taken it ALL THE WAY. Check it out today and grab this newly updated edition!
-NAPALM-
How Did Napalm Get Started with Grip Training?
Monday, October 8th, 2018How Jedd Got Started in Grip Start
Lately lots of viewers on my YouTube Channel have been asking lots of great questions in the comments section of my videos.
I love it!
I have a whole list that continues to grow and I plan on answering all of them.
Here’s the first of many…
Question: Jedd, how did you get involved in Grip Training?
Check Out My Complete Diesel Crew Product Catalog
Join My Grip Instructional Site
Become a Member of My Grip Coaching Program
12 Years of Training – I Finally Cleaned the Inch Dumbbell
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018Inch Dumbbell Clean
On 10/2/18, I became, to the best of my knowledge, the 5th or possibly the 6th man in modern times, and perhaps ever to Clean the Inch Dumbbell to his shoulder in one movement from the floor. The term “Clean” infers that no part of the body aside from the one hand and grip strength are used to pull the dumbbell to the shoulder-catch position.
There have been 2 other men that I know of who have done this for sure: Mark Henry and Laine Snook. Ryan Green and Rich Williams have also pulled it to their shoulder, but in Ryan’s case the bell hit his chest first slightly and in Rich’s case the bell his his hip crease.
To me, both of those feats are legit cleans, and I respect all these men for what they have done. I also seem to remember there was someone else who performed a Clean of the Inch Dumbbell, with either no contact with the body, or only incidental contact, but my mind is drawing a blank.
I encourage everyone who watches this video to subscribe to my channel and hit the bell for notifications about future videos.
Also, please share this video with your friends, on your favorite forum, or put it up on your preferred social media platform.
For more information on the Inch Dumbbell, please check out these links…
Buy an Inch Dumbbell here: Where to buy an Inch Dumbbell
Buy my DVD that shows you how to train to lift the Inch Dumbbell: Inch Dumbbell DVD
Join my grip strength instructional site and invest in yourself and your training, for the best grip strength information in the world: The Grip Authority Membership Site
Tearing Phone Books & Lifting Inch Dumbbells
Friday, September 28th, 2018Tearing Phone Books and
Lifting Inch Dumbbells
Here is the second video from Jujimufu and Tom Boyden, when they visited PEAK Strength and Fitness recently.
In this one, we do a bunch of Grip Training Feats, and many of them were firsts or best performances ever.
This one is definitely a must see, because there were so many PR’s.
Are you training to Tear Phone Books?
Are you shooting to Lift the Inch Dumbbell?
Then pick up the products that will lead you to these 2 awesome feats. Click the banners below.
All the best in your training!
Jedd
Training for Grip Strength with Jujimufu and Tom Boyden
Thursday, September 27th, 2018Jujimufu and Tom Train Grip Strength Training
Jujimufu and Tom Boyden visited PEAK Strength and Fitness last week and we helped them out with their grip technique. Especially on Grippers, technique is a major factor. This is evidenced by the fact that Juji was able to close a #3 gripper for the first time ever, after we covered gripper technique with him.
They took a bunch of footage and put out the first video last night. Check it out:
I can’t put enough emphasis on the importance of technique for Grippers. If you aren’t doing it right, you’re holding yourself back.
The absolute best resources for Gripper Training are below. Grab one today, and get ready to close bigger grippers almost instantly:
GRIPPER RESOURCES:
CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination
The Must-Have Gripper Video for ANYONE Serious about their Gripper Training
Operation: Gripper Certification
Training to certify on the #3 Gripper, guys? Then you need to watch this video with Paul Knight, one of the best gripper guys in the USA.
Cadenced Based Gripper Training
Want an 8-week program, designed to build your gripper strength the way you’d build your Bench, Squat or Deadlift? Then you need this!
The Push and Crush Workout
Want to spice things up in the weight room a little bit? Try combining your gripper work with your upper body training to break through plateaus –
Full Sweep Crush Builder Is it time to specialize on the credit card set for a while? This workout helps build your crush strength by intensely working on the longer gripper stroke.
Do Grippers Get Weaker Over Time?
Wednesday, September 26th, 2018In this video, NAPALM answers the question, “Do grippers get weaker over time, with use?” Many gripper guys and gals have asked me this and it’s a reasonable enough questions. So, does the gripper “season” and get easier? Will the spring weaken and make it easier to close the gripper over time? Will the spread of the gripper eventually narrow, and make closing the gripper easier? Or will the gripper get HARDER to close over time? All of this is explained in today’s quick Grip Strength QnA video.
GRIPPER RESOURCES:
CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination
The Must-Have Gripper Video for ANYONE Serious about their Gripper Training
Operation: Gripper Certification
Training to certify on the #3 Gripper, guys? Then you need to watch this video with Paul Knight, one of the best gripper guys in the USA.
Cadenced Based Gripper Training
Want an 8-week program, designed to build your gripper strength the way you’d build your Bench, Squat or Deadlift? Then you need this!
The Push and Crush Workout
Want to spice things up in the weight room a little bit? Try combining your gripper work with your upper body training to break through plateaus –
Full Sweep Crush Builder Is it time to specialize on the credit card set for a while? This workout helps build your crush strength by intensely working on the longer gripper stroke.
Could Jedd Lift the Inch Dumbbell Right Away?
Friday, September 21st, 2018Is there a magic number you have to hit on the Rolling Thunder to be guaranteed you’ll lift the Inch Dumbbell? Is it a 1-to-1 relationship? And does the Rolling Thunder even work well for preparing you to Lift the Inch Dumbbell?
I cover all of this and more in today’s videos:
For more grip strength QnA Videos, be sure to subscribe to my channel here: Jedd Johnson on YouTube.
Grab This DVD Today!
Jedd Johnson vs Brian Shaw
Friday, September 21st, 2018I got a very interesting question recently, where a YouTube viewer wanted to know if my Grip might be stronger than Brian Shaw’s. I answer this and cover similar thoughts in the video below:
Flashback Friday; Lifting Heavy Stones
Friday, September 14th, 2018Atlas Stone Lifting
20-inch Diameter Stones weighing in the 320-530lb Range
Want to Learn to Lift Atlas Stones?
Check Out This DVD:
Stone Lifting Fundamentals DVD
This Week in Grip – Late Summer
Tuesday, September 11th, 2018This Week in Grip Episodes 61-65
Episode 65: Brian Shaw’s Inch DB Incline Press
Episode 64: The Dinnie Stones
Episode 63: Tommy “The Heckler” Jennings
Episode 62: Grip Feats from Early August
Episode 61: The Shaw Grip Dissension
Training the Dragon Flag
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018What’s up DIESELS!
I hope you’re training is going awesome.
During July, I got a wild hair to try Dragon Flags.
The Dragon Flag is the sick core exercise that Silvester Stallone does in Rocky 4 lying on a table. It always looked so stinking hard, I’ve never really tried it.
However, I decided to give it a whirl a few weeks back, and to my surprise, I was
actually pretty close to pulling one off!
I enlisted the help of a former coaching client in the Grip Task Force, Rick Geise. Rick is AWESOME at Dragon Flags and can do them with LOTS of extra weight added to his ankles. Cray man!
Well, after just a couple weeks, I’ve gone from doing singles from the top position, to doing doubles from the top
position, and 2 Saturdays, I was even able to accomplish this: Click Here to See Jedd’s Dragon Flag Progress
To give you an idea of how hard this was, after doing this set of Dragon Flag practice, I did a hold for time on the
Crusher, and I ended up getting a bloody nose, for the first time ever, in training.
The crimson flow wasn’t enough to put a damper on my excitement for pulling off this feat.
Recently, after my buddy, Mike Rinderle, talked to me about producing maximum tension in the glutes, I was able to pull off 5 of them!!
It’s been fun pursuing this goal, and I look forward to perfecting it even more.
I can tell you without a doubt – if I hadn’t had guidance from Rick Giese, I’d be nowhere near where I’m at now with these.
Having direction from someone who’s been there makes all the difference, allows you to make fewer mistakes and waste more time, and get to your goals even faster than you ever thought possible!
I’m a core strength amateur, to be honest.
But, I know how to coach people who want stronger hands and a better grip.
If you want help in your Grip Strength training, let’s put our heads together and jump-start your progress.
Join me in the Grip Task Force <= Click Here I've got room for 3 more people right now, so if you want in, now is the time. All the best in your training. Jedd
Drop This Drill Like a Bad Habit
Tuesday, August 21st, 2018If you’ve been around my newsletter or my YouTube Channel for any amount of time, then you know I hate training methods that are a waste of time.
I mean, I want every single drill you do to mean something.
I want every exercise you do in the gym to get you closer to your goals.
And if it doesn’t help you out, then I think you should totally scrap it from your training.
One drill I thin everyone should drop like a bad habit is Blob and Block Weight Drags.
This is when you take a grip on your goal Blob, tilt it to the side and pull it along the floor.
To me, this is a complete waste of your valuable grip training time, because it takes emphasis away from your thumb and puts it on the fingers and wrists.
Doesn’t it make more sense to build thumb strength in order to lift the Blob?
Plus the “Force vectors” don’t match up, because in order to lift the Blob you need to pull it vertically. With dragging, you’re pulling it along the ground.
Doesn’t it make more sense to build strength lifting the Blob upwards, rather than across the floor?
Sure, if you work your Blob for a year or 2 with dragging, you might get it, eventually.
But wouldn’t you rather accomplish your goal quicker than that?
When it comes to Blob training, you need to focus on work that keeps the emphasis on the thumb and forces you to pull the Blob upwards. That’s why I feel that Deloading methods are the absolute best ways to train to lift the Blob or other Block Weights.
To see some of my absolute FAVORITE ways to Deload the Blob/Block Weights, pick up my ebook, LIFT THE BLOB, today.
I guarantee you will lift the blob or your other goal block weight FASTER if you get this ebook.
All the best in your training.
Jedd
P.S. There’s no resource on the planet that can touch Lift the Blob. Grab this ebook today and start forging your path to becoming a Blob Lifter.
This Week in Grip – Episodes
Wednesday, August 15th, 2018This Week in Grip Podcast
This Week in Grip – Episode 60 – Grip Feats From July
This Week in Grip – Episode 59 – Northeastern Grip Challenge
This Week in Grip – Episode 58 – A Legend, Lifts & a Lighter
Grab This DVD Set and Go Full Steam Ahead!
Northeast Grip Challenge – Syracuse NY – 7/21/18
Sunday, July 8th, 2018This quick video shows you how we’re running the Northeast Grip Challenge in Syracuse, NY, on July 7, 2018.
This Week in Grip – Episodes 55, 56, 57
Monday, July 2nd, 2018This Week in Grip
Finally catching up on This Week in Grip Episodes
This Week in Grip Episode 55
This week, we interview Luke Raymond, the 2018 North American Grip Sport Overall Champion
This Week in Grip Episode 56
This week, I cover some of the biggest feats from the month of June, cover some big announcements from Grip Sport International, and talk about a competition I’ll be running in Syracuse on July 21.
This Week in Grip Episode 57
This week we sit down with Mike Rinderle and he shared information from his experience with Rhabdomyolisis. We also talk about the history of the IronMind Captains of Crush Certification.
Click the Banner Below!
How Does the Captains of Crush Certification Work?
Friday, June 29th, 2018Captains of Crush Certification
I’ve gotten lots of questions recently about the Captains of Crush Certification, and how it works. Many viewers have asked about the process for getting certified on the Captains of Crush grippers, as well as the Red Nail. They want to know if they can film a close and send it in, or if they can use their own gripper or buy it from CPW, so I give my experience with it, based on what my coaching clients and friends have had to do in order to get certified by IronMind.
In today’s video, I cover all of that, to help set you in the right direction, once you’re ready to cert.
IronMind COC Certification
How to Train for the Captains of Crush Certification
If the Captains of Crush Certification is on your list of goals this year, then you need this DVD, that I put together with Paul Knight, one of the best gripper guys in the United States: Operation: Gripper Certification
This Week in Grip Episodes 45 through 54
Friday, June 29th, 2018This Week in Grip 45 through 54
Sorry for skipping over these. I was so proud of Luke for winning NAGS this year, I forgot to post the rest of the catch-up episodes that I had missed. They are below:
This Week in Grip – Episode 45 – California’s Strongest Hands
This Week in Grip – Episode 46 – 2018 Canadian National Grip Championship
This Week in Grip – Episode 47
This Week in Grip – Episode 48 – 2018 First Quarter Feats
This Week in Grip – Episode 49 – 25th Anniversary Issue of MILO
This Week in Grip – Episode 50 – Jedd’s Training for Philly
This Week in Grip – Episode 51 – Do Swearing and Grip Training Go Hand in Hand?
This Week in Grip – Episode 52- Odd Haugen Strength Challenge
This Week in Grip – Episode 53 – Clay Edgin and APL World Championships
This Week in Grip – Episode 54 – Looking ahead to the NAGS Championship
Grab This DVD Set, TODAY:
Basics of Grip and Strongmanism
When is the Next Grip Contest?
Tuesday, June 12th, 2018I am starting up a new list, devoted solely to communicating when the next sanctioned Grip Contests are taking place. I am contacted all the time by people wanting to know, and this will be the easiest way to keep everyone informed.
All you need to do is put your information in the boxes below and I will send you notifications when the next contests are scheduled, and when other important grip contest news becomes available.
Do you know anyone else who would like to stay up to date about upcoming competitions? If so, please share this post with them, and have them add their email in, as well.
Thanks and all the best in your training.
Jedd
The Basics of Grip Training and Strongmanism
2018 NAGS Champion – Luke Raymond
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018Here’s a write-up from 2018 North American Grip Sport Absolute Champion, Luke Raymond, 93kg weight class
Well to start I definitely did not think that I was going to win at the start of the day with Eric Roussin and fellow Canadians including Justin Major and Tom Bryson I was hoping to sneak into the top 3 overall.
To start the day I woke up at 4:15am super anxious for the contest which is normal if anyone knows me. My weight was somewhere near 205 but wasn’t too concerned whether i would be in the 93k or 105k class so i ate a small bowl of oatmeal and drank a creatine drink. I had a bunch of stuff I needed to load in my truck and planned on being at the gym early to help Jedd setup what he didn’t have done. After the 50 minute drive there it was 7:45 and only Jedd and Nigel were there. This was my first time meeting Nigel but following him on IG and FB I feel like I already knew him. After messing around with the two different scales we realized they were both about 1 lb over after checking them with the calibrated plates so we were both good for our respected weight classes. After getting everything settled in an people slowly coming in I relaized there must be something in the water in Canada that makes the people grow bigger because their smallest guy was over 6’ tall and the lightest Dan Fleming is a grip monster.
Chez had put together a list of the USA team for each event and after going through it, the lineup was set and knowing it was going to take some serious lifts to surpass the team from up north.
Event 1- Grippers– I hadn’t been able to train heavy grippers R handed due to injurying my R middle finger when chalking the hub in the Armlifting Contest in Philly (yeah quite the way to injure your finger); so I was unsure how I would do and I was hoping I could get 1-2 decent closes RH on the first two attempts and then if I had to go LH. First attempt I decided to go fairly high with a 155 and smashed it closed, immediate sharp pain in my finger but dissipated enough for me to try 160; close but no cigar. Next attempt I took LH and wasnt close and final attempt RH again no close. Finger held up enough to get me where I was hoping to end up.
Event 2- Euro Pinch – Last contest I was training and consistently pulling 227+ training but wasn’t able to reproduce those numbers in contest. This event I didnt even train Euro specifically instead training flask and IM blockbuster so I was unsure where I was going end up especially since tearing on my last flask session. Warming up I felt pretty good and was able to a few singles at 216 lbs on the warmup implement but is much more seasoned. After hitting my first two attempts at 203 and 208, Rob and I decided to jump up to 218 and both of us unsuccessful.
Event 3- 60mm Napalms Nightmare – thickbar has always been where I lag behind compared to the other elite 93k people and this was no different. I started light at 323 and took my next three attempts at 333, 338, and 348 all successful. The three thickbar giants from Canada still hadn’t even started; Eric, Justin, and Tom. I wasn’t paying full attention but I believe Tom finished around 380-390 and the Eric and Justin at 412. Justin was frustrated as he had pulled 430+ in training which is just unreal strength for both guys. I knew at this point I was close to the top 3, after figuring out the scoring I was indeed 3rd place behind Justin and Eric and felt I had a possibility of moving up based on the medley and wrist roller event.
Event 4- Medley – based on the items and the weights I was hoping to coming in at 53-56/60 but trying to determine the order to which I could maximize the points without fatiguing and failing on items I would normally lift is that planning part of the medley that makes it challenging. Knowing fatigued I wouldn’t be able to lift the 160lb crusher or the fatman blob those were the first two items I did. I was able to get everything I wanted except the 50lb inverted DB which I ended up with 55/60 which was the winning score wit the next highest being 51/60. After this event Eric and I were tied for first and Justin close behind.
Event 5- Wrist Roller – Ive had success with wrost roller events in the past and Jedd and I tried to figure out an appropriate weight that would lead to about a 40% success rate for the competitors and came up with 115lbs added to the sled. So 130lbs, 34’ and 60 secs was the course. As contestants went through the first competitor to finish was Nick Carigan (Canada) and then 3-4 more competitors coming in around 51-54 secs. Then in third place Justin Major sets a blazing fast pace with 39 secs with Eric and I still to go. In my head I now have to see how Eric does but also have to be able to stay within a few seconds of Justin to win the overall. Eric came up 2ft short of finishing and now I had to pick up my game as this was mine to win. No one else to help and all on me, I win or lose it’s all me. Prior to my attempt my anxiety was kicking in, heart rate was elevated, a little shortness of breath; so after chalking up I decided I would set a timer on my phone for 75 secs and when it said 60 I would start. As I am going I am focusing my eyes on the rope as it is winding on the wrist roller and nothing else, I could hear people yelling including Adam with the time but couldn’t decipher the words and the first time I looked up the sled was about 6’ from the line and I kept cranking on it until it crossed the line and looked at my phone which said 25 sec remaining so I had finished it in 35 secs and then In the excitement and couple yells I realized I had won my first overall contest and just happened to be NAGS.
Jedd had informed me that Brad Martin the gym owner had donated a prize for the overall winner and to find out it was a genuine replica of the 1988 Winged Eagle WWF Championship belt was truly badass.
It was a pleasure not only being in one of the closest grip contests but also competing with a bunch of new people that I had only ever seen on social media including; Nigel, Vinnie, Tom B (who made the trip from western Canada), Justin M, Nick C, and Bernie. Not to mention everyone that I had previously met an competed with. I look forward to many years to come and hopefully team USA can bring the team championship back!
There’s No Better Resource Than This DVD Set:
My 2018 NAGS Experience – Nigel Blackburn
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018Today’s guest post is from Nigel Blackburn, 66kg competitor from the 2018 North American Grip Sport Championship, which was held on June 2, 2018, at Titan Strength, in Elmira New York. Nigel is a virtual coaching client of mine in the Grip Task Force, and put this post together, reflecting back on his performance…
I’ll start off with a little background before the competition:
I come from a strength training background. I was a competitive powerlifter who also messed around with a few strongman events. Powerlifting inevitably became a “chore.” I didn’t look forward to training, which is always my favorite part of the day. I started brainstorming and realized that grip, to me, is the most fun thing to train. When I get into a hobby, I REALLY get into a hobby. I contacted @Jedd Johnson about getting serious about grip, and we started working together. In January, we started discussing possible opportunities to compete; we both agreed that NAGS 2018 was the way to go. I weighed about 158 at the time, so I hit the qualifying numbers for the 74kg class, but I knew 66kg was attainable (my previous powerlifting weight class). I was given the green light, so I booked a hotel and got my flight from Florida to Elmira.
Fast forward a few months:
After a full day of traveling, I made it to Elmira. My meals consisted on protein bars, unsalted cashews, and a small amount of water. I have always had a lot of anxiety about weight class sports. Making weight is something that scares me. After a poor night of sleep, it was game day. Jedd picked me up and drove me to the gym a few hours early. I had about 3 hours until comp time, and I was damn near ready to get it going. I made weight–not by much. It was a figurative sigh of relief. Weight was taken care of (66kg); now I could shift my focus to the competition. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to all the competitors, which was great! Everyone was friendly and supportive–surely a nice change of pace from the near-toxic level of competition I have experienced in other sports. Time was flying; before long, it was go time!
The first event was a 20-mm block set close. This event worried me because I had discovered very close to the competition that the block I had been using was closer to 19mm. I ended up packing a Jenga block of all things. I was a tidbit wider than 20mm, but I was set on using my own block so I could place it in my teeth for a super quick transition into the block set. Once it was announced that the lightest weight class starts it off, a fire was lit; that meant I was the first person to take an attempt. Immediately my nervousness transitioned into laser-sharp focus. A deep breath, and I was off. I started off with a BB rated at 130. The set felt spongy and easy, I quickly transitioned and slid the block through, and crushed the first attempt. I was off to a hot start and confidence was high. My goal was to close a gripper rated at my bodyweight, so my sights were set on the 145. My confidence got the best of me for my next attempt. I took a big jump and missed the 140. No worries. My third attempt, I got the 135, but not very convincingly. I ended up fumbling around with the block set and had trouble opening it wide enough. The fourth and last attempt crept up on me, and I retried the 140; close but no cigar. I was admittedly a little discouraged as I closed much heavier in training, but it seemed like everyone had a rough gripper day, so I couldn’t be too mad. Regardless, the 135 gave me a WR by a wide margin, shattering the previous 115 in my weight class (although it was not contested many times).
The 2HP was next. I had my number in mind: 172. 172 would break the recently set WR. I was really thrown for a loop here, as I ended up unintentionally halting the competition as I was trying to find out exactly what I needed. I felt like I was inconveniencing everyone and felt a little embarrassed as a result. After hitting 160 convincingly, I attempted 173, which was the closest it could get to 172. I broke 173 off the floor, but I couldn’t lock it out. Not only would this be a WR but also a 10-lbs PR. I was visibly frustrated, but I tried it again. This time, no budge. Hindsight bias really got into my head here. I knew I could’ve gotten 170 and posted a better number, but I got greedy.
The Napalm Nightmare followed shortly after. My goal was the hit around 260. I knew this would likely be my worst event, and I was right. I hit my opener at 235, and it went downhill from there. Despite hitting 238×4 in training, I couldn’t get 245 on my next 3 attempts. I was actually just happy I didn’t bomb out on this event.
The medley room was a sensory overload–12 objects in 90 seconds. I never got to practice medley because I ended up resting about a week and a half before the meet to mend up a few aches and skin tears. Once the timer started, I moved quick and efficiently. I had a plan, and I executed very well. I made two huge mistakes, one of which I did not even notice until after: I forgot the anvil completely and did not lift the crusher. The clip on the Crusher got stuck on the loading pin, so I skipped it and came back at the end. By that time I was gassed and failed to lift it. Rookie mistakes, undeniably.
Last event: the dreaded wrist roller. I can’t write much about this. It was honestly a blur, and I’m 100% convinced I have already repressed the memory. All I can tell you is made it about 26 feet and my forearms nearly exploded. So, yeah…. that’s all I have to say about that.
Initially, I was very disappointed in my performance. I took gold and set a modest WR, but my main goals remained unachieved. I then gave it some though. This was my first ever grip competition–WHO CARES. It was that simple. I’m 23 years old, and I just finished my first competition. My main goal was to get my feet wet and experience what gripsport is all about; I did just that. I also got the meet the community–every single person I met was kind, encouraging, and well-spoken. I had competed and had a blast doing it. With that being said, I would consider NAGS 2018 is be a great success and a day I won’t forget. I’m already looking forward to all my future competitions where I will get to meet more people and run back into the great people I have met. I would list everyone out, but I feel this post is already way too long as is.
My Note to Nigel: I thought you did awesome my man.
Grippers can get sketchy in a hurry, bro. And like you saw, lots of people were having trouble, despite the fact that they had all be freshly cleaned and the springs oiled. What is great is that you had complete command of the gripper, the set, the block, etc. I was happy to see all that.
On the Pinch, don’t ever think you’re holding the contest up by verifying a number for a record. That is part of the game, ever since weight classes were instituted. I think for most people, it actually adds to the excitement and suspense, that someone has a big number in mind to break, and they want to pay attention more and witness the whole thing.
On the Nightmare, I think it could have had something to do with the slowing of the pace, due to everyone’s energy levels being low after the second event, plus eating pizza, etc. I thought everyone seemed totally dead after that, and remember thinking, “What the heck is going on with these guys?” Ha ha.
The Wrist Roller is just plain tough. And Medleys are an experience all themselves. In your time training grip, you haven’t done a lot of the “oddball” stuff that shows up in a Medley. With more time under your belt, you’ll feel more comfortable with all of the different implements. I like to lay out almost a grid-pattern in my head, surrounding all the items with invisible lines, to make more sense of it all.
Take note, that many of the guys who’ve only done contests like King Kong or Grip Games, where there is no Medley, also make tactical errors. Once you go through a Medley or two, you get an idea of how to cut your time down, and maximize your potential on each item. It will all come, my man.
To wrap up…awesome job. You attacked everything, bro. That’s what you need to do. Can’t wait to see you at the next contest, now that you’ve gotten the taste of grip competition!
And Start Reaching Your Goals Faster Than Ever
Click Here to Join
Is Hanging from a Bar Good for Grip Strength?
Monday, June 4th, 2018Grip Strength Question
I see lots of beginner grip guys and gals talking about hanging from a bar for time. I’ve heard of people looking to do ninja warrior, obstacle course training, and fun runs talking about hanging to build grip strength too. Heck, I’ve even heard of lifters who want to bring up their holding power for the deadlift talking about hanging or time in order to work on their lack of grip strength.
So is this form of training beneficial?
Does it work for making your hands stronger?
I cover this question in today’s video:
Is Hanging from a Bar Good for Grip Strength?
That answer might surprise you, but thinking along the lines of strength training specificity, I feel that it is the right one.
And so, doing bar hangs to improve your grip strength might be a good idea for some, while it might be a complete waste of time for others.
I hope this helps you out, and I welcome any other questions you might have.
Please feel free to leave a comment here, or in the comments section of the video on YouTube.
Also, make sure you subscribe, as I’m on a push for 10,000 subscribers now! The goal is to eclipse that mark by Halloween!
Thanks and all the best in your training.
Jedd
