Beginner Grip Training Video Series

We are getting deeper and deeper into this series on Beginner Grip Training Methods. We’ve looked at entry-level plate inching, some of the aspects of gripper training, and even a thick bar training method you can do in just about ANY GYM. Now, it’s time to look at a way beginner grip trainees can work on developing their wrist strength.

Basic Sledge Hammer Movements for Wrist Strength

Sledge Hammer Levering can put a lot of torque on the wrist, and if you go too heavy, too soon, you can experience undue pain from the drills. In the video below, I show you some things you can do right now, as a beginner grip trainee, that are safe and entail less risk.

I hope today’s installment in the Beginner Grip Training Series has been helpful.

If you’ve got additional questions on developing your grip strength, be sure to leave a comment below, or contact me directly.

Either way, I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Ready to Graduate to Bigger Hammers?
Then Get the Workout That Will Show You How:
Pick Up The LEVER BIGGER HAMMERS WORKOUT HERE

Beginner Grip Training: Basic Thick Bar Work

This is the latest installment in my Beginner Grip Training series. Up to this point, I’ve already touched on Plate Pinch Grip Training, and Gripper Training, but did you know that even if you don’t have a single piece of grip strength training equipment, you’ve got perfect access to in just about ANY gym around?

It’s true – you can work Thick Bar in your next workout, and this video shows you how.

Thick Bar Training in Any Gym

What questions do you have about Grip Training, Thick Bar Work, etc? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Since January of this year, I’ve been teaming up with Allen Heineck, one of my long-time members of TheGripAuthority.com & Team Napalm on a (near) weekly podcast on GRIP, called This Week in Grip.

I’m a bit behind in posting those episodes, so I want to go ahead and get caught back up right now.

This Week in Grip – Episode 11

This Week in Grip – Episode 12

This Week in Grip – Episode 13

This Week in Grip – Episode 14

This Week in Grip is getting a lot of good, positive feedback. I really appreciate it!

As much as I’d like to continue adding in the videos for each feat, I literally just can not do it anymore, because it has been taking so very long.

My plan right now is to keep peppering in a few stills of some of the stuff that’s harder to envision, and some of the key moments from the week, and especially highlighting other gripsters around the world.

Please keep on using the hashtag #ThisWeekInGrip on your social media posts so Allen and I can continue to find the feats we miss, and connect with more and more gripsters that are out there!

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Beginner Gripper Training

I’m posting a series of grip training videos for beginner grip guys and gals, here: Beginner Pinch Grip Training. I’ve already posted beginner pinch grip training, and today, I’m sharing beginner gripper training.

Gripper Training is a way to build and measure how much CRUSHING force you have in your hands. Grippers are a lot of fun to train and close, and can be quite addicting!

Take note, there are a lot of things to know about gripper training technique, if you decide you want to go for certification, if you want to close the biggest grippers possible in your training, or if you ever decide to compete.

If you’re ready to take the jump into Gripper Training, then you want my video, CRUSH – Total Gripper Domination. Available as both a digital online DVD and a hare copy video, it will cover everything you need to know about gripper technique and the drills that will help you fully develop your crush.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Beginner Plate Pinch Training

I’ve got a new series of posts coming out to help beginners get started with Grip Training.

In today’s video, I show you some of the beginner level plate pinch combinations you can start with, as well, as ways you can progress on to harder plate pinching combinations.

If you’d like more beginner-level information on grip training, grab a copy of Basics of Grip Training DVD Set.

Thanks and all the best in your training.

Jedd

In October of 2016, I experienced the worst back injury of my life. It was then that I decided that as soon as my back was ready again, I would make this feat my primary focus, and possibly become the first person to do it.

I first pinched one pair of Old School York Deep Dish Plates in 2013, and since then I trained it sporadically, mainly during periods when I wasn’t training for contests and certifications.

Last week, on Tuesday, I was sure I was going to pull this feat off. So much so, I actually wrote down on a piece of paper that I would do it on that night. It ended up being the first time I ever broke both sets off the floor, which gave me some great mental momentum. On my 5th or 6th attempt, I nearly got them to lockout. Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite pull them all the way, as the set in my left hand slipped out about 6 inches before Lockout.

Finally, this past Tuesday, on 3/29/17, I focused in hard, took my time warming up and getting everything right, and was successful on my 2nd or 3rd attempt.

I waited to hear confirmation from Richard Sorin that he hadn’t heard of anyone else doing it yet, especially Chad Woodall, who I know was extremely close in 2011 at Summer Strong, and who has made other trips in recent years. Once Richard confirmed, I went ahead and uploaded the video.

After years of trying, and failing literally hundreds of times, this feat is in the books.

Thanks and all the best in your training.

Jedd

This video talks about the most important factors in preventing skin tears when pinching: what you’re lifting, the edge of what you’re pinching, the placement you use with your thumb. The video also will help you make some modifications so that you experience fewer tears.

For additional resources and information on reducing skin tears when training pinch grip, check out the links below:

Skin Tear Prevention Article

Get Your Napalm Pinch Device

Two Hands Pinch Training DVD

Two Hands Pinch Workshop

All the best in your Pinch Grip Training.

Jedd

(originally posted Jan 31, 2010)

If you do any amount of pinching, especially one-hand loose plate pinching (like lifting 6 tens with one hand), block weight pinching (like lifting the blob plus weight), or the Two Hands Pinch with the European Adjustable Pinch Device, you’ve probably had thumb tears before.

If you have had a thumb tear, then you know how hard it can be to continue training through it. The stinging can keep you from squeezing as hard as you can, the blood makes the plates slippery, and if you keep going, the rip keeps getting bigger and bigger.

If the tear is shallow, then you may be able to train again the next day or at least in the next workout, but if the chunk goes down deep, it may be a week before you’re able to hit a good hard workout with that thumb again.
READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Allen Heineck and I have been chugging along like a steaming locomotive with This Week in Grip.

Unfortunately, I fell behind in posting them on the site.

So, let’s get caught back up! Here’s episodes 9 & 10.

This Week in Grip – Episode 9

This Week in Grip – Episode 10

We will most likely be taking a week off this weekend, as I will be traveling back from FitCon 2017. I’ll be trying to get as much video as possible, so be sure you subscribe to my YouTube Channel <= Click That Link and Subscribe Today.

Grab Your Tickets for Big J’s FitCon 2017:

All the best in your training.

Jedd

This Week in Grip

This Week in Grip – Episode 7

This Week in Grip – Episode #5 – Best Feats of 2016

All the best in your training!

Jedd

This Week in Grip

This week, Allen and I cover what’s happening in the world of Grip Sport, Grip Training, and Feats of Grip Strength.

Be sure to subscribe and make sure to check out Indestructible Elbows.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

This Week in Grip Podcast

I’ve been wanting to hold a rundown show about Grip Sport for years, and I’ve finally hooked up with Allen Heineck to start doing it.

On 1/15/17, we did our first episode, and over the weekend, we did our second. I’ve got them both posted below, so be sure to check them out!

This Week in Grip Episode #1 – 1/15/17

This Week in Grip Episode #2 – 1/22/17

What were the Top 5 Feats of Grip Strength from 2016, in your opinion?

Weigh in with your vote in the comments below!

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Every year, it has been a tradition to post up on the site the Top 20 Videos from the past year, on my YouTube Channel.

Starting today, I’ll post 5 videos, and put up 5 more every day or so.

I noticed a few patterns in the countdown this year:

• Feats and Training videos fell short of the list, for the most part. I guess I need to try and spice up my videos a bit to make them more popular.
• Q&A Videos and Cook with Napalm Videos seem very popular. They make up close to half, if not more of the countdown.
• Arm Training Videos are very popular. There are several vids that feature arm training lifts, feats, and tests, and make up a good percentage of the countdown.
• Gripmas 2015 videos were extremely popular. Many of the clips and highlights from Gripmas 2015 got 4-digit views this year.
• Videos featuring other lifters surge in popularity. You’ll see videos from many other lifters on this countdown, including my partner, Luke, as well as Juha Harju, famoust gripper guy, Paul Knight, and Kody Burns, who set a new world record in the Two Hands Pinch at Gripmas.

I hope you enjoy the countdown, and the information can help you finish out the year on a strong note and make 2017 your strongest year ever.

Top 20 Videos – 2016

20. Dude Love Crossover Double Blob Lift – 709

This is one of the few feat videos on the Top 20 List, and I think it is the only time this feat has ever been done. It is named after Dude Love, a wrestler from the late 90’s WWF, who would do the criss-cross hands boogie dance, or whatever it’s called. This is a feat that feels very weird, and increases the difficulty quite a bit. Try it out and let me know what you think.

19. Meeting Juha and Arto for the First Time – Living Legends – 708

This is probably my favorite video on the countdown. It meant so much to me to be able to meet Juha and compete with him at the Living Legends competition. It’s a day I’ll never forget. You’ll see Juha later on in the countdown as well.

18. Strongman Training – Log and Giant Dumbbell Press – 709

I didn’t take the time to do much training outside this year, and the times I did, I didn’t shoot much video, but this clip is one of the few videos I put up this year from my outside training, and it registered in the Top 20. This one features the Giant Dumbbell that we plan to sell through the store in the New Year. It’s shot-loadable, and is a Beast to train with. What an awesome time!

17. Paul Knight – GHP#7 x 10 Reps – 739

We made several trips to Paul Knight’s this year, and I think we finally started to rub off on him, because he’s been dabbling in Grip again. In this video, which I was lucky to snag, he grabs a GHP #7 and casually reps it out for a set of 10. Unreal.

16. Juha Harju – Old School York 45’s Pinch – 765

Leading up to Living Legends, I asked Juha if he wanted me to bring anything with me for him to try that he didn’t have in his gym. His only request was the Old School York 45-lb Plates. He put together a lengthy cycle of training in preparation for his encounter with them, and was indeed successful in pinch-lifting them, becoming only the 4th or 5th person ever to do so.

15. Sick Muscle Building Finisher for Back and Triceps – 775

On Fridays, my adult guys train with me, and we usually do a Yoke training workout consisting of Back, Triceps and Traps. We’ve also begun adding Neck Training in there, as well. I don’t generally film too much of these workouts, because we pack a LOT of volume into just 60 minutes, and I don’t like monkeying with the camera, but this particular finisher ended up being pretty intense, so I went ahead and set up the camera.

14. 100lb Dumbbell Hammer Curls – STRICT!!! – 847

It’s pretty clear that YouTube viewers like Arm Training videos, because there’s a lot of them on the Top 20 Countdown this year. Here, I tried out 100lb Hammer Curls. I originally planned on emphasizing this movement during August of Arms this year, but I ended up getting away from it and mainly sticking to the programming. I’d like to focus on it at some point, though.

13. Table Top Curl – 127lbs – Luke Raymond – 1085

With this video, my lifting partner, Luke Raymond, breaks into the countdown. Luke has really put forth a big push in the world of arm wrestling over the last year or so, and it’s become clear that he’s well gifted, both by his winning performance at WAL Amateur Nationals this year, and by the numbers he puts up on the gym.

12. 3 Tips to Fix Elbow Pain – Tennis Elbow – 1175

What do you do when a guy like Devin Gage asks you to help out his gym members with some methods to fix elbow pain? You get your butt downstairs and shoot a video – that’s what! In a way, it kind of sucks that this video is in my Top 20, because it means that too many people are still dealing with elbow pain at the gym. If you’ve been suffering with elbow pain, be sure to check this video out.

11. Gripmas 2015 – Jedd Johnson Medley – 1243

I included the videos from December 2015 in the countdown, because they wouldn’t have qualified for the countdown last year, and there were many clips from the Gripmas Carol contest that ranked in the Top 20. The first one is my Medley run. I was able to seal the victory on the overall contest with this run, as I finished first in this individual event. It breaks my heart that I had to miss Gripmas 2016, due to dealing with my crappy back injury.

10. R.I.P. Vasily Alexeev – Cooking with Napalm – 1357

I have to admit, Clickbait on Facebook got me for this one. I saw a news headline that Vasily Alexeev has died earlier this year, and I totally forgot that he actually died a few years back, until it was pointed out to me by a YouTube viewer. Apparently, many people didn’t realize this that watched the video, because there were a lot of comments saluting him from viewers. Either way, I was able to put out a bit of dedication video and talk about a key time in my life where I began transitioning from just muscle building training to strength training.

9. Kettlebell Swings – Russian or American – What’s Better? – 1479

Kettlebell training is extremely popular, and even though it’s been several years since I had an active Kettlebell Certification, I still get questions about Kettlebell Training. For this video, I was asked by a viewer if I preferred the Russian or the American style of Kettlebell Swing.

8. Ivanko Super Gripper – Gripmas 2015 – Various Competitors – 1518

Another video from Gripmas 2015, this one shows several attempts on the Ivanko Super Gripper event. The gripper had a flash light mounted on it, and the objective was to close the handles so that the light turned on. As the handles moved close enough together, the power button would be depressed, you’d hear a click, and the light would turn on. It had to go on though – if it just bumped the button, or didn’t strike it hard enough to turn the light on, it was considered a miss.

7. The Wrist Wrench vs The Rolling Thunder – 1655

In the world of Grip Sport, probably the most well-known thick bar training handle is the Rolling Thunder from IronMind. However, in recent years, many more rolling handles have shown up on the market. One of them, the Wrist Wrench, is marketed primarily to Arm Wrestlers for developing wrist strength and finger pressure. In this video, I talk about it’s application to Grip enthusiasts, and especially for training to lift the Inch Dumbbell.

6. Kody Burns | New World Record 274.85lbs | Two Hands Pinch – 1702

Another highlight from Gripmas 2015, in the video below, Kody Burns sets a new all-time World Record in the Two Hands Pinch Lift with nearly 275lbs.

5. Arm Wrestling Training | The Mighty Hand Trainer from Stronger Grip – 2557

There’s no doubting the rise in popularity of Arm Wrestling, ever since the show, “Game of Arms,” came out. The last couple of years, many of my top videos have had to do with Arm Wrestling. This one shows Luke working with one of the arm wrestling tools that Ryan Pitts of Stronger Grip puts out, the Mighty Hand Trainer. This kind of training, a cumbersome object attached to a band, is a lot of fun. You get a good grip stimulus, along with plenty of forearm and upper arm work. Very fun stuff.

4. Gripmas 2015 – Trying 2x25kg Plate Pinch – 2617

One of the most difficult plate pinching feat involving just 2 plates is the 2x25kg plate pinch. Juha Harju was the first to do it, then Bob Sundin did it, and at Gripmas Kody Burns did it. Below, you’ll see he pinches them and then holds them, braced against his leg. Jake Sahlany and I tried them as well, and got decent breaks, but the pull to lockout just wasn’t happening for me, as my hands were tired and my thumbs were very irritated already.

3. Is Wrist Roller a Waste of Time – 2680

I ended up addressing a couple of controversial topics this year, and this is the first one to appear on the countdown. I’ve had lots of people push back on this, but I stand firm on my stance that the Wrist Roller, specifically the kind where you stand there and hold the wrist roller out away from you, is a complete waste of time for building grip strength, plus it can be very hard on the shoulders and elbows. It’s a much better idea to use a rack supported wrist roller, where you’re not limited by how much weight your arms can hold up. In fact, a rack supported writ roller allows you to roll well over 100lbs, which is enough weight to produce suitable grip strength adaptations, and not just pumping the forearm full of blood with light weights.

2. What is the Best Home Gym Flooring? | Save Money on Home Gym – 5988

It’s disappointing to me when I hear of people setting up their home gym, and they spend so much money on rubber matting marketed by fitness companies. In so many cases, the “fitness” rubber matting is severely over-priced, when in reality, horse/cow stall mats are practically the same exact thing, they work just as well, and they are a fraction of the price. I also talk about the underlying layers of wood that set on the floor to protect the concrete.

1. Why Grippers Are a Waste of Time – 15168

And we wrap up the countdown this year with my

There you go – the Top 20 Videos is complete. I want to thank each and every one of you for watching my videos throughout the year, and for following the countdown over the last week or so.

What was your favorite video on the channel this year? Post in the comments below.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Top 20 Videos from 2015
Top 20 Videos from 2014
Top 10 Videos from 2013 – Just shy of the Top 10 (11-15)
Top 10 Videos from 2013 (6-10)
Top 20 Videos from 2013 (1-5)
Top 10 Videos from 2012
Top 10 Videos from 2011 (10-6)
Top 10 Videos from 2011 (5-1)

       

I’ve been toying with the idea of starting up the Diesel Crew Grip Challenge for quite some time.

If you’re new to the site, you probably don’t realize I did a weekly challenge here on the site for most of 2011, but then got away from it and haven’t gotten back.

I want to make these something different from the normal cert lists and online stats for Gripboard.com and GripSport.com, things that we can all work on together in our own gyms.

These are also going to be feats that I feel are beneficial to training, things that will help you truly develop useful, functional grip strength, and not just silly stunts, or anything like that.

I also want to use this as a way to recognize people for their hard work. So, once you reach the top position, I’m more than happy to post your feat here on the site.

I’ll most likely add feats over time, and bring it to the front whenever there is something new.

If you want to take part, just let me know. Include DieselCrew.com Grip Challenge in the title, along with whatever feat it is, send me a link, and you’ll bee considered for posting, as long as your video is legit and you’ve followed the rules.

Here we go:

Block Weight Unbroken Reps

Rules: Can use either 1 or 2 Block Weights. Pairs can be made up of the same or different Block Weights, in order to get on multiple lists at once. Must apply your grip, lift to full lockout, return to the ground and then immediately pull back to lockout without resting or re-gripping. All reps pulled from the contact of the floor to lockout will be counted. This is where the term “unbroken” comes from.

Lists will include half 75 and up for Women and Half 90 and up for Men.

Double Half 100lb York / Blob 50

#1: Jedd Johnson (6 reps)
#2: Juha Harju (4 reps)
#3: Luke Raymond (1 rep)
#4:
#5:
#6:
#7:
#8:
#9:
#10:

Single Half 100lb York / Blob50

Rules: Can use either 1 or 2 Block Weights (the hand which gets more reps will be counted when using a pair of the same block weights). Pairs can be made up of the same or different Block Weights, in order to get on multiple lists at once. Must apply your grip, lift to full lockout, return to the ground and then immediately pull back to lockout without resting or re-gripping. All reps pulled from the contact of the floor to lockout will be counted. This is where the term “unbroken” comes from.

#1: Jedd Johnson (6 reps)
#2: Juha Harju (5 reps)
#3: Jon Vance (3 reps)
#4: Marco Buhl (5 reps – Gladiator Blob – 43lbs)
#5:
#6:
#7:
#8:
#9:
#10:

More feats to come. Any questions, please let me know.

All the best in your training!

Jedd

My friend owns a cool little company, and one of the things they do is produce these adhesive decals that can be placed on building windows, car windows, table tops, and even cornhole boards.

I’ve teamed up with him to make a few decals, as well, and right now they are all Grip-based.

I think they’re going to be awesome decorations for your car, your work station, storage devices, tool boxes, hard hats, etc, and they will make good conversation pieces and help spread the word about our little sport and hobby of Grip.

You can order yours here: Grippin’ Window Decals

Here are the three current designs, with a little explanation about how I came up with each one:

My Gripper’s Bigger Than Yours

Nothing wrong with a little bragging and smack-talk, every once in a while.

I took the massive arm crushing the gripper from the “Crushin’ Grippers Like It’s My Job” shirt, and re-purposed it for this one.

Are you the king of grippers in your crew? Then you need this shirt to brag about your Grip Glory.

How Man Inches Can You Handle?

A little edgy, this one was thought up by my old artwork guy from years ago.

We became good friends and used to talk all the time, even when we weren’t working on artwork projects, but I haven’t heard a peep out of him since July of 2012.

Fearing the worst, this one is kind of in memory to Rory Hickman.

Pinchin’ Ain’t Easy

Back in the late 1990’s, it was the “Attitude Era” in the WWF, and both the characters and the storylines were edgier back then.

There was a wrestler called the Godfather who was essentially a pimp, and brought prostitutes to the ring. One of his catch-phrases were, “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy.”

I borrowed that from him and massaged it a fit the theme of Grip, but the little dude is still a Pimp when it comes to Plate Pinching.

Again, these decals are supposed to be fun ways to get our sport out there a little bit more. I hope you choose to support this effort by making a purchase today. You can get yours here => Diesel Grippin’ Window Decals.

Thanks and all the best in your training.

Jedd

On August 13th, I’ll be in Wooster, Ohio, competing at the Living Legends Grip Challenge.

This field of competitors is going to be AWESOME.

Not only will some of the very best from North American Grip Sport be at the competition, but some serious monsters from around the world, especially the Grip Monster himself, Juha Harju. Most recently, one of the guys who frequently trains with Juha, Arto Jaronen, has also tossed his name in the hat.

This is going to be quite a field indeed!

Aside from the top level competition, the events in the contest are going to be very interesting as well.

The Legends category will feature 4 events that have rarely or even NEVER been contested before…

Andrew’s Axle 2-3/8″
Andrew Durniat’s event, Deadlift to Lockout

Glass Bar 2.5″ Pinch Barbell
Adam Glass’s event, Lift to crossbar

Cast Anvil Horn Trainer
Kody Burns’s event, Lift to Crossbar

4″ Climber Pinch
Jedd Johnson’s event, Lift to Crossbar

I’ve been doing my best to learn each of these new events. Little things like where to put your hand, how to position your thumbs and fingers, how far to have your hands separated, whether to go conventional or sumo stance – I’ve been going through each of these variables, trying to figure out what the best options are for me.

Training 2 & 3/8″ Axle

I don’t have an official Andrew’s Axle, but we do have a couple of 2 & 3/8″ diameter axles we’ve been training on, of various lengths. Here, I got in the 330’s for a few reps…

Training the Anvil Horn

We’ve worked with Anvil horn trainers, but I’ve been enjoying loading weight to an actual anvil much better.

Training the Climber Pinch

My specialty piece was supposed to be a loadable Fatman Blob, but it wasn’t completed in time for the competition, so instead, we’ll be using the 4″ Climber Pinch.

Training the Saxon Bar

I’ve never worked on the Saxon Bar too much, so I’m trying to figure out the best angles, grips, and other details. Here’s 220lbs x 4.

Like anything new, the events of this contest are a learning process. It’s been fun trying new things and implementing strategy for this contest. It’s really going to be a good time. I can’t wait for August 13th to get here, so the chalk dust can fly!

All the best in your training.

Jedd

In the world of Gripper Training, there are an incredible number of little things that are very important.

Mash Monster Level Four – CLOSED
Jedd Johnson – June 2016

Each one of these little details can give you a boost.

Sometimes that boost can be HUGE, like figuring out that you don’t just set the gripper with your hands, but rather your whole entire body.

Other times, that boost might be smaller, like where the dogleg goes in your hand.

Regardless of how big the impact that each detail makes, you should really be trying to get your technique as good as possible with your grippers. Remember, a bunch of little boosts will equal out to a really big boost!

While my DVD, CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination covers TONS of technique details that will add up to dramatic improvements in your gripper closing abilities, today, I’m going to share something with you that I wasn’t yet aware of until AFTER I released CRUSH.

Introduction

Putting It Into Action: Training Footage

Finding out how well this combination has worked for me, has definitely been one of the little details that’s given me a BIG BOOST in my Gripper Training, and I’ve heard several other top Gripper guys say the same thing.

I certainly think you should try this out and see how it works for you. And there’s a lot more things like this that you can do to get a boost in your training.

CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination – Just starting out with Grippers? This video will run down all the technical knowledge you need for Gripper Training. Available in digital or hard copy. Grab your grippers and grab your copy today, and watch the PR’s start coming in.

Top 10 Gripper Training Mistakes – Been doing grippers for a while, but need a little refresher? You better make sure you’re not doing these 10 things that will kill your gripper training progress.

Cadence Based Training – If you’re already doing the right things technique-wise, then the next step is to follow a program to tie it all together. This program isn’t about doing a bunch of sets and reps though, it’s about correcting your weaknesses, just like you would your Bench Press. CBT is what I follow in my training, and I’m turning my weaknesses into strength every single workout session.

And remember, several little boosts, add up to a BIG BOOST. Who knows where you can be in the next year if you take advantage of some of these small and easy-to-implement modifications.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

I am currently taking on 3 new Coaching Clients.

Grip Task Force – Monthly

Monthly Payments of $149

Grip Task Force – Quarterly

Quarterly Payments of $397

What does the Grip Task Force Entail?

1. Completion of Training/Health History Forms

I will send you forms which will need to be completed. These forms will cover various questions related to your training background and goals. This will help me get to know you and your training history. There are also some liability forms that must be completed.

2. Initial One-on-One Coaching Call

For 30 to 60 minutes, we will get on the phone or skype and discuss your forms and your goals. We will establish where you are at now in your development, where you want to go, the equipment you have to train with, the gym facilities you have access to, and other important information that will help us get going.

3. Weekly Programming Updates

Each week, I will send you a training plan based on your specific goals. I will email these plans to you and you will be expected to complete them after each workout. I must receive them completely filled out by the end of the training week so I can assess them and make adjustments to them for the following week.

Each program I design is individualized for each specific member in the Grip Task Force. To do one program for multiple individuals would be irresponsible. You are each different and will respond to different loads, volumes, rest, and other variables that we will monitor.

4. Bi-Weekly Coaching Calls

Every two weeks, we will get together again via telephone or skype to help move you forward with your training. During this time, I can answer questions that have come up, we can look and see what changes need to be made to your program, I can watch your technique on the more technical forms of Grip Training, such as Grippers, Two Hands Pinch, and Bending, and much more. These bi-weekly calls will be like attending a live Workshop with me, without having to miss the time from work or pay for travel costs.

5. Grip Task Force Facebook Group

I have a Facebook Group set up only for Grip Task Force members. Here you can ask questions of one another, as well as announce new PR’s and share videos of your success. That’s what it’s all about!

6. Complete Access to TheGripAuthority.com

In addition to the programming I send you, you will also get your own login credentials to my Grip Strength Coaching Site, TheGripAuthority.com. I started it in January of 2010, so it has 4+ years of content just sitting there, waiting for you to come and devour it.

7. Email and Text Access

In addition to the Coaching Calls every two weeks, you will also be able to ask me questions via email and text. I carry my phone with me everywhere, so you will be able to get a hold of me just about any time from 5:30AM to 9:00PM during the week and similar hours on the weekends.

If you are not happy with the results you have gotten so far this year, then let’s work together to make some changes and get you going in the right direction again.

In just a matter of weeks, you could see the following:

• Closing bigger grippers
• One-hand Pinching bigger plate combinations
• Bigger weights on Grip Sport Lifts (Axle, Two Hands Pinch, Sledge Choke)
• Bending bigger steel and moving closer to that certification you are shooting for
• Attaining big feats such as lifting the Blob and the Inch Replica Dumbbell
• Performing better on all your other lifts because your grip is getting so much stronger!

Look, all of these things are well within your reach.

The problem is, there is something holding you back from reaching them.

In many cases, it is a simple TECHNIQUE FIX that makes all of the difference.

I have seen people increase a full gripper size increase in crushing strength by making technical adjustments alone. In other words, jumping from the COC #1 to the #2, and even from missing on a #2 to routinely closing the #2.5.

Most recently, Dave Depew, went from MISSING on the number 2 to SMASHING IT, just MINUTES after watching a technical video I shot for him.

Then he went on to the #3 gripper and got it down to just 1/4″. (He would have tried a #2.5, but he doesn’t own one!)

How much improvement CAN YOU MAKE in just a few minutes after watching a short technical video?

You’ll have to join the Grip Task Force to find out:

Grip Task Force – Monthly

Monthly Payments of $149

Grip Task Force – Quarterly

Quarterly Payments of $397

Nothing is more frustrating than when you know you are busting your butt in the gym, only to see very little in return.

If the problem has to do with VOLUME, we will be able to iron all that out through our weekly training updates and bi-weekly coaching calls.

Sometimes, lifters aren’t familiar with the established drills that have the biggest impact on the grip goals you have.

You may not realize how much you are not aware of – TOGETHER, we can change that.

You may have a weakness that is holding you back. Weak wrists are an INFAMOUS progress killer. Another common thing – your thumb may be so weak it is crumbling on you when you need it the most.

These are the kinds of things we can only sort out through direct one-on-one conversation, and that is what the Grip Task Force is all about.

Now’s the time to take control of your training.

Let’s make 2016 YOUR YEAR by working toward your Grip Strength Goals TOGETHER.

Join me today…

Grip Task Force – Monthly

Monthly Payments of $149

Grip Task Force – Quarterly

Quarterly Payments of $397

Expect an email back from me when you sign up…

Can’t wait to get started.

Jedd

It’s the beginning of a brand new week and I’ve got an announcement I’m happy to be FINALLY making.

The DVD Sets of the Basics of Grip Training and Strongmanism Seminar ARE READY!

This seminar took place at the end of March, and the attendees had GREAT things to say about it.

This is a 2-Disk DVD Set covering the Fundamentals of Grip Training and performing Strongman Feats.

Here’s how the seminar flowed, and how the DVD set goes:

DVD #1

1. Welcome

Just a quick meet-and-greet where we do introductions and I cover how I got into Grip Training and Feats of Strength.

2. Warm-up (03:24)

I knew the rides in to the seminar would be pretty long, and the last thing the guys wanted to do was just sit there, so the first thing we covered was the importance of proper warm-up, and I put the guys through the exact Warm-up protocol I go through each training session.

If you’re not Warming Up prior to your Grip Training sessions, you’re leaving strength on the table!

In my experience 2 out of 3 lifters do NOTHING before hitting grippers, besides doing a few reps of light grippers.

That’s a surefire way to not only never progress in your training, but how to GET HURT, as well.

Start implementing this routine ASAP to start instantly seeing benefits.

3. Grippers (23:06)

When you watch the Warm-up section, I encourage you to jump right down on the floor and go through it yourself. Then, grab a gripper and enjoy the Gripper section.

This section covers the importance of the Gripper Set. If you don’t have your set technique established, no drill will be able to get you where you want to be with your Gripper Training.

You’ll want to have a gripper there with you when you go through this section, so you can make sure you’re doing everything correctly with your gripper placement.

Before this section wraps up, you’ll also get to see what I consider the best gripper training drills. Most of these I do every single week, because I know how big of an impact they’ve had.

4. Pinch (1:04:54)

Now it’s time to focus on my bread and butter – Pinch Grip! Easily my favorite form of training, I do more of this than anything else.

In this section of the Disk, we talk about all the different types of Pinch Grip Training, and how the techniques for each type is similar and different from the others.

You’ll also see he nuances of how to place your thumb and hand on what you’re trying to pinch. One size DOES NOT fit all and you HAVE to make subtle adjustments depending on what you’re trying to Pinch.

DISK #2

1. Thick Bar

If there is any form of Grip Training that is a MUST for a true Strongman, it is Thick Bar, and we cover the topic in detail in this section.

From the use of Axles, to Fat Grip instant thick bar handles, to the most challenging types of thick-handled dumbbells like the Inch and the Death Grip Bells, you’re gonna see a host of ways to train Thick Bar for open hand strength.

You might be surprised how similar the techniques are between some of the Pinch Grip training methods and Thick Bar lifts, but when you learn about the importance of the thumb adductor pollicis muscles, it will all make sense.

2. Hub Q&A (32:01)

Before we branched out into Strongman Feats, we did one last Q&A session on Hub Style training.

Hub training is one of the few types of Grip Training where smaller hands are an advantage, believe it or not.

3. Feats of Strength (38:18)

In this section, you’ll see a little primer that I covered regarding something that many new Strongman Featists aren’t familiar with – Tension.

Feats of Strength are all about Creating and Managing Tension. Until you know how to use tension to your advantage basic feats like Card Tearing, Nail Bending, will give you trouble. But, once you master tension, the more complex feats like straightening Horseshoes come more within your reach.

4. Card Tearing (49:26)

The first Strongman Feat we jumped into was Card Tearing, and for good reason, too.

Card Tearing is the perfect feat to learn the production and management of tension.

With the techniques you’ll learn in this section, you’ll be ready to take your first steps as a strongman. You’re gonna love what it feels like to destroy a deck of poker cards!

5. Steel Bending (1:05:20)

My products have produced more certified Red Nail Benders than any other source out there, and with the info included in this section, that number is going to go up once again.

Steel Bending is easily the most addictive type of strength feat out there. There is something about how it feels when steel buckles under your might.

You get hooked on it, and before you know it, you want more and more. This portion of the video will show you how to do it the right way to see great progress and stay injury free.

6. Programming (1:23:04)

The biggest challenges about Grip Training and Feats of Strength isn’t how to get started or understanding technique. I’ve got all that covered for you.

The hardest thing is actually how to mesh Grip and Feats with the rest of your training. In this section I lay out some ways you can go about doing this the best way possible, without disrupting the rest of the training your doing and the goals you’re working on.

7. Soft Tissue (1:37:46)

As a special bonus, one of the attendees of the seminar, Dr. Jim Wagner, put us through a quick demo of some instruments he uses with his clients, called Hawk Grips.

We captured everything on video, and now you’ll get to see exactly what Dr. Jim does with his clients to get them out of pain and recovered from injuries and surgeries.

In total, this 2-Disk DVD Set is almost 4 hours of awesome content.

Order Your Copy TODAY => Basics of Grip Training and Strongmanism DVD

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Learned More in 5 Hours Than the Last 5 Years!

“I got to spend the day at a seminar with the grip legend himself, Jedd Johnson. I learned more in 5 hours than I did in the last five years. It was an awesome day and Jedd is one of the nicest guys you could meet! I’ll be seeing you again Brother, hopefully at the next contest!”

Chris Fritz

One of the Most Informational Courses I Have Taken!

Jedd Johnson CSCS is truly a national leader in the sport of Grip and Strongman competition!

Jim Wagner OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CPAM, CSCS
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Certified Hand Therapist
Certified Strength and Conditions Specialist

Empire Classic Grip Challenge

Empire Classic Grip Challenge Info

Pat Burke, Jedd, Shawn Snider

In a neck-and-neck battle from the very start of the competition, Pat Burke and Shawn Snider, two Washington state lifting partners called an end to their friendship for a matter of hours in order to see who would become the very first Empire Classic Grip Champion.

Empire Classic Grip Challenge – Grippers

The first event was Grippers. Pat pulled ahead out of the gate, edging Shawn by 12 lbs, closing a GHP #6 to Shawn’s IronMind #2.5.

Attempts:
Pat: 125, 134(m), 130, 137
Shawn: 125, 142(m), 134(m), 142(m)

Empire Classic Grip Challenge – Two Hands Pinch

Shawn evened the score, taking the second event, the Pinch, lifting 183.8625lbs. Pay got 153.025, but missed 163.4375 on his final attempt by a few inches.

Attempts:
Pat: 134, 143, 153, 163(m)
Shawn: 153, 183, 193(m), 193(m)

Empire Classic Grip Challenge – Axle Deadlift

Next up was the Axle, and it proved to be a mighty challenge for both Shawn and Pat, as they indicated that the IronMind Axle had a tougher surface than the Rogue axle they had been training on. Shawn extended his lead here with a pull of 323.85 to Pat’s 284.7875. Pat tried valiantly to lockout 305.05 on his last two attempts, and although he got the bar higher on his second try, the 20+ lb jump proved too much to lock out.

Attempts:
Pat: 264, 284, 305(m), 305(m)
Shawn: 305, 310, 323(m), 323

Empire Classic Grip Challenge – Sledge Choke

The final event to settle it all, the Sledge Choke, was next. This was a 12-lb Sledge with a US. Quarter on the head. The athletes gripped it behind a distance marker and then lifted it atop an 18″ Washington tree trunk, from a 150 year old tree that had recently been toppled due to construction.

Pat was able to edge out Shawn on the Choke, lifting the hammer at 17 inches to Shawn’s 16.

Attempts:
Pat: 16, 18(m), 17, 18(m)
Shawn: 17(m), 16, 17(m), 17(m)

In the end, Pat’s victory in the Sledge Choke proved too slim in order to jump past Shawn in the standings. Shawn maintained his edge on Pat, finishing the comp 38.5 points to 37.1.

Once the dust settled, these two gentlemen buried the hatchet, and shook hands, knowing they had more to gain by re-aligning then continuing their feud past this day.

They also took comfort knowing they had done what they had committed to doing – attacking the Empire Classic Grip Challenge with full force, and testing themselves where it counted the most – on the platform.

Congratulations to these guys for putting it all on the line and doing the competition. I do wish more people would have come out, but they did not.

Looking forward to next year. All the best in your training.

Jedd

Click the Banner to View This Awesome Workout

My grip training workouts are always changing, whether it be the main feats I’m emphasizing, the main events I’m training for contests, or the supplemental drills I’m doing to bring up individual aspects of Grip.

But, one thing that has been consistent over the last couple of years is my favorite way to finish my grip workouts: Grip Rushes.

Grip Rushes are 60-second blocks of as many reps as possible of a certain lift. By going for as many reps as possible, it enables you to train some very high volume, plus it brings about a level of conditioning, which is very important for Medley Training.

I really like using Block Weights and Thick Bar devices, because pulling them to lockout makes the quads, hamstrings, glutes and lower back really burn at the end of the 60-second period.

Recently, I tried a couple of new types of Grip Rushes.

Grip Rush: Blobzilla for Reps

Blobzilla, the half 125lb York Legacy Dumbbell Head, is starting to feel easier, so I’ve begun using it for Grip Rushes. My short term goal is 3 full lifts per hand during the 60-second period. You’ll see here, I get a couple full lifts, a partial or two, and then try a Cheat and Hold at the end.

I think by doing this, I will eventually be able to lift Blobzilla at will, and even begin adding significant weight this year as well.

Grip Rush: Blob Hula Training

I also recently gave Blob Hulas a try with my Winter Blob, a Blob I left outside for an entire winter trying to make it super rough, but when I brought it back in, it had actually become very, very smooth. Hulas are a great way to get more time under tension with your Blob, plus they force you to maintain your grip without setting it perfectly on the Blob each time you make a revolution.

If you’re stuck making only 1 rep on your Blob Deadlift, more time under tension might be what you need, so be sure to give this a try sometime soon, and let me know how it worked out for you.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Grippers – Are You Wasting Your Time?

In many of my videos and DVD’s, I have said that Gripper Training is a waste of time.

This is a statement that catches many people by surprise when they hear me say it, since I do Gripper Training on a regular basis.

After about the 50th time getting asked what I mean by this, I decided to put together a quick video to explain.

Why Grippers are a Waste of Time

Want the BEST Grip Training Methods for MMA?
Then You Want Grip Training for MMA Athletes:

As you can see, sometimes Grippers ARE a Waste of Your Time.

Naturally, if your objective is to close big grippers just for the sake of closing big grippers, then you NEED to train grippers, and you need to train them the right way.

If you want to maximize your Gripper Training, then you need these resources:

CRUSH – Total Gripper Domination: The Video Encyclopedia of Gripper Training Technique and Crushing Strength Development. If your gripper technique is lacking, there’s no drill that will help you get to your ultimate gripper goal. This video will make sure you’re doing everything right.

Cadence Based Training: This is an 8-week Gripper Training program that works by helping you strengthen the entire range of motion of the gripper sweep. The drills in the CBT program will help you strengthen your set, improve your sweep, and ensure that you’re strong enough to finish off your goal gripper.

My hope is that the information in this post will help you get the best results from your training, and maximize your training time as well as possible.

Thanks and all the best in your training.

Jedd

Man what an awesome time last week, DIESELS.

As you know, on Thursday, I help the Basics of Grip and Strongmanism seminar.

Here’s a pic, with Dr. Jim Wagner on the left, me, and Chris Fritz on the right.

I got this message posted on my wall on Facebook, after the event:

“I got to spend the day at a seminar with the grip legend himself,
Jedd Johnson. I learned more in 5 hours than I did in the last
five years. It was an awesome day and Jedd is one of the nicest
guys you could meet! I’ll be seeing you again Brother, hopefully
at the next contest!”
Chris Fritz

Here’s how the day’s content rolled out:

9:00AM Start, meet and greet

Warm-up
General to specific
– General Full Body: Mobility / Activation / Light Stretching
– Move to Weights
– Move to Specific
Magic Formula for Success

Grippers
Technique
– Placement
– Gripper Angle
– Wrist Angle
– Tension
– Set to Close
– Skin Stretch
– Hit
– Thumb Strike
– Roll the Dice
High Impact Drills
Other Considerations

Pinching
Technique
Chalking Considerations
Plate Pinching
Block Weights
Odd Objects
Euro Pinch
High Impact Drills

Thick Bar and other Open Hand Training
What is Open Hand Training? Is Thick Bar “Support Grip”
Support Specificity
Technique
High Impact Drills

Intro to Feats
Tension
Beginner Conditioning

Card Tearing

Steel Bending

Programming
Individual Based
Setting up YOUR Program
Formulating Workouts – Think Energy Economy
Specificity of Grip Training

Injury Prevention & Recovery Methods

2:00 / 2:30PM Close

Man, I’ll tell you what, I absolutely love talking GRIP with people.

As an added bonus, before we called it a day, Dr. Jim Wagner got out his Hawk Grips, a special set of soft tissue massaging devices, and worked on us a little bit.

We got EVERYTHING on film, and I’ve already begun editing the footage, and will be making it available on DVD.

If you want to be the first to add this information to your library, add your information to the box below:

It will be ready as absolutely fast as I can get through all 5 hours!

In the meantime, Make it a Great Week.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

P.S. Sign up for notification as soon as this seminar becomes available.

By request of the Diesel Universe, I was asked to hold a 1-Day Intensive Grip Training Seminar.

I have set this up for Thursday, March 31st, starting at 9AM in Wyalusing, PA

We’re covering the 3 main areas of Grip Training: Grippers, Pinching, and Thick Bar.

These are the foundations of developing a Mighty Grip, and you’ve gotta train them right to build your Grip right.

The goal is make sure each person there is setting Grippers correctly, and knows the ins-and-outs of Plate Pinching, Thick Bar Training, and other Open Hand methods.

We’re also gonna get into the basics of Card Tearing and Steel Bending, because these feats make up the foundation of Strongman feats.

There’s going to be a BIG EMPHASIS on hands-on training.

After all, you learn by doing, not by hearing me talk.

This is going to be an AWESOME session for a small group of 5 individuals.

However, there’s already 2 slots filled.

Which means if you want to grab 1 of the 3 available slots, you’ve gotta act fast.

Click Here to Join the Seminar

It’s gonna be a sweet, comfortable and intense 5 hours of learning on March 31st.

Get ready to learn a ton, have a bunch of fun, and get your hands chalky.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

P.S. I’m also looking to set up the cameras to capture everything on film. Gonna be awesome.

Grab Your Spot Now: Click Here to Join the Seminar

The WRONG Way to Train for the Inch Dumbbell

This is probably gonna surprise some people, but I’m dead serious about this.

People are always asking me, “Hey, how much do I need to lift on the Rolling Thunder to know I’ll be able to lift the Inch?”

To me, the RT and the Inch are so different, there’s no way to even give a good number.

In fact, if you’re training to lift the Inch Dumbbell by using the Rolling Thunder, you’re wasting your time.

To be honest, basing your training to lift the Inch around Rolling Thunder training, is easily the biggest mistake you can make.

Here’s my top 3 reasons why the Rolling Thunder doesn’t work to get you strong enough to lift the Inch:

1) The Action Doesn’t Match Up

Although the Rolling Thunder spins, the action doesn’t match what happens when you try to pick up the Inch Dumbbell.

2) The Pull Height Doesn’t Match Up

When you lift the RT to lockout, most people only have to lift it about 8 inches or so. When lifting the Inch, the pull distance is at least doubled, so the time under tension factor is much more intense on the Inch.

3) Specificity is the Key

There’s no single factor that can help you lift the Inch Dumbbell than actually having one to train on. People knock their head off the wall trying to build thick bar strength with the Rolling Thunder only to be stopped in their tracks when they cross paths with one.

To give you an idea of how it worked with me, I trained my butt off for over the year using the RT and other tools, and failed to lift the Inch on many occasions.

Once, I bought one, I lifted within like 2 months.

Naturally, I don’t expect everyone to run out and buy an Inch Dumbbell, because of their expense.

However, if you do intend to one day lift the Inch Dumbbell, I do expect you to pick up this video: How to Lift the Inch

My Inch Video will set you straight on proper Inch Dumbbell training.

• The best drills to do with the Inch Dumbbell so that you lift it faster
• The best tools on the market to use for lifting the Inch – believe me, I’ve got just about all of them
• One single drill to do that can make the Rolling Thunder worthwhile for training to lift the Inch
• And there’s TONS of other great tips and tidbits in this full-length DVD

Now, I’m going to be completely honest with you…

I feel so strongly about the information in this video, that if you DON’T have it in your collection, I have to doubt
your desire to ever accomplish this renowned feat of strength.

Inch Dumbbell DVD

Pick up your copy of the Inch Video, in digital format or hard copy DVD today by clicking here.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Which Feat Should You Start With First?

I’m often asked what is the best feat of strength to start with.

I think card tearing is the best way to get started with feats of strength.

Not bending nails, not tearing phone books, and not horseshoes.

There’s three reasons why I suggest you start out with tearing cards.

Why You Should Start With Card Tearing Before Anything Else

1) Cards are Cheap

Cheaper end cards, the kind that are perfect for beginners, cost only $1 at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and similar stores. Sometimes they’re even cheaper than that!

2) No Other Gear Required

With nail bending and many other feats, you need wraps, cutters, rubber bands, etc. With card tearing, you don’t need any of that. You just take the card out of the box and start tearing.

3) Perfect for Hand Conditioning

Although made of paper, tearing cards still requires appreciable tension in the hands. Cards allow you to get used to straining and putting for sustained pressure, repeatedly in order to get the job done.

Once you’re used to this, you’ll be ready for the stresses associated with nail bending, horseshoes, and braced bends as well.

If you want to get started with feats of strength, Card Tearing is your ticket.

And I’ve got the perfect resource for you, to help you get started right: Card Tearing ebook.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

(L to R) James Fuller, Jedd, Luke Raymond, John Stepien

A few Saturday’s ago, John Stepien from New Jersey, and James Fuller from Maine, swung up for a killer workout.

We got started about 10AM and everyone was gone by 3PM.

Yes, by the time the dust settled, we had been training for a solid 4.5+ hours.

While not the norm, every so often, I love hitting a GIANT session like that. It’s almost a guarantee that within a week, you’ll hit a MONSTER PR, and this time around was no different.

Here’s a look at many of the things that we did that day, although it was impossible to get everything on film.

Deadlifts

The main movement for the day was Deadlifts, and we did several variations, but mainly we stuck with Double Overhand. Not everything got filmed, but most of it did.

Round Robin Deadlift

One particular Deadlift feat I wanted to isolate was the Round Robin Deadlift that James Fuller did. With 495lbs loaded, he hit the following reps in quick succession: 1 – Sumo Style, 2 – Jefferson Style, 3 – Hack Style, 4 – Conventional Style

Luke Raymond Curls a 62lb Anvil

The feats began early on, and continued throughout the day. Luke got the ball rolling by curling the 62lb anvil I borroed from my Dad’s place.

Double Anvil Clamp Lift

I was happy to complete this feat, so quickly after getting the new addition anvil in. This is a pretty darned tough feat with one 55lb anvil, let alone 2, and the 7 pound jump, plus the different shape, made it even tougher!

Double Anvil Key Pinch

Key Pinch is done with the thumb and the side of the first finger. As far as I know, no one ever lifted a 55-lb anvil with a Key Pinch prior to December 2015, when Eric Roussin and I did it. It took many tries, but I finally was able to Key Pinch 2 Anvils at the same time, during the Epic Grip Session.

James Fuller – 127lb Turkish Getup

The Turkish Get-up is an excellent test of full body strength. Here, James Fuller hits a new PR, lifting 127lbs on a nearly 2.5-inch handle, shot-loadable dumbbell.

100lb Plate Hub Key Pinch

An old challenge that got started, right here, at DieselCrew.com, is the 100lb Plate Hub Key Pinch. You should definitely give this a try when you cross paths with a 100lb Plate.

127lb Slater Bell Clean Attempts

Next, we had to try some Dumbbell Cleans with the Slater Bell, which weighs 127lbs with a nearly 2.5″ handle.

4 Inch Dumbbell Medley

Another thing we each did was take Medley runs with 4 Inch Dumbbells. Starting with the hardest, and working down in difficulty, we did our best to lift them as strictly as possible. The guys who aren’t Inch lifters yet stopped the rotation of the bells with a finger from their off-hand. Unfortunately, I didn’t get all of the dudes taking their runs.

Axle Clean Workout

With James Fuller being such a fan of the Olympic Lifts, we couldn’t go through the day without hitting some Axle Cleans. John Stepien handed me my ass in this lift, without a doubt. James Fuller had the absolute BEST technique though. I was pretty sore after this, due to the dynamic nature of the lifts.

Grip Rush #1

Next, it was time to finish the workout with some Grip Rushes, 60-second AMRAPS with various Grip Implements, usually lifting them to Lockout over and over.

Grip Rush #2

Grip Rush #3

Grip Rush #4

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Best Videos of 2015

Several years ago, I started going back and taking a look at the videos that I uploaded that got the most views during the year.

It’s been interesting to see which videos were most popular this year. I can tell that the Cooking with Napalm videos, the new Q & A show I began producing, were a hit this year, as several of them showed up in the Top 20.

I’m also interested in seeing how everyone likes the “new” intro’s I’ve been using in some of my training clips videos. Actually, I’ve used it off and on for about 5 years, but was very inconsistent with it. I’ve gotten good feedback on it so far.

Speaking of Feedback, I’m always interested in your opinion on the work I’m doing. Please let me know your thoughts, by either leaving a comment here on the site, beneath the video when you watch it on YouTube, or by contacting me with a private message or email.

Before letting you loose, I invite you to subscribe to my channel. I’m trying my hardest to get to 7,000 subscribers by the end of the year, and I need about 120 or so. Can I get there in the next day and a half? We shall see. Click here to subscribe to Jedd’s YouTube Channel

And new, here are the Top 10 Videos, of 2015:

1. Grip Training for Climbing Part 1 | Beginner Campus Board Training HD

2. New World Record – Pickaxe Lift – 12.51 lbs

3. How to Train with Fat Gripz – Cooking with Napalm

4. Sidewinder Pro & Sidewinder Pro Extreme Review

5. Are Wrist Roller and Wrist Extensions Good? | Cooking with Napalm

6. Grip Twister Review

7. Wrist Strength | 20lb Slim Lever | Slim the Hammer Man HD

8. Bigger Arms with Arm Wrestler Curls

9. GIANT KETTLEBELL: 200lb Kettlebell Goblet Squat

10. Build Your Back with Pendulum Rows

Thank you so much for making 2015 one of the best years ever. I absolutely love what I do, and I have every single one of you to think for it.

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: Click Here

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Several Years ago, Zach Coulter, an avid grip competitor and steel bender during the mid-2000’s, decided to try to make an Inch Dumbbell replica out of 8″ round-stock steel for the bells with the thick handle welded into place.

With giant cylindrical heads and a 2.5″ handle, Coulter produced an extremely hard Inch Replica.

Over the years, I’ve tried many times to lift the Coulter Bell, never getting it completely to lockout without having my hand butted up against the back bell to reduce rotation.

I have gotten better though! In March this year, I broke it a few inches off the ground, before it toppled out of my grip.

Struggling with the Coulter Dumbbell

Then, in June of this year, I got it to mid-shin, before it squirmed away from the lock of my fingers.

In the video below, Eric Roussin also gets a nice pull on it, as well.

Coulter Dumbbell Attempts at NAGS Championship

And in December, after months and months of thick-bar emphasized training, I was able to get it a bit closer to knee height before it popped loose.

However, Andrew Durniat, the current owner of the Coulter Bell, took it to another level. Not only did he stroll over and do a 360-degree spin, effectively saying “IN YOUR FACE, NAPALM!” he also added 22lbs to it.

Check this out:

Andrew Durniat Destroys the Coulter Bell

There’s so many great challenge implements out there, to test your grip strength with.

And no matter how strong you think you are, there’s always someone stronger.

That’s what keeps me going, knowing that there’s always dudes out there like Andrew Durniat who are stronger than me in certain disciplines, and I will continue to train them all, with the objective of reaching and surpassing them.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

How to Lift the Inch Dumbbell
click the Banner Below:

One of my most favorite type of grip work is Block Weight training.

You can’t go wrong by including this kind of training in your routine.

Not only does it build your thumbs, but it increases your lumbrical strength, the fingers get worked, and your wrist and forearms get blown up.

At Gripmas, I was introduced to a new block weight challenge item, the “Unliftable” Manna-Nuff.

This was originated by John Manna and eventually another gripster, Nate Brous, ended up with it, and until Gripmas, it had supposedly never been fully lifted, although John Wojciechowski was successful in breaking it free from the ground…

The Manna Nuff is what’s called a “drop.” It’s essentially a left-over piece of steel or iron that didn’t get made into anything and was just left as scrap.

I’ve got a couple drops in my collection. Here’s one we call the “Chunk.”

The Chunk

The Chunk only weighs 56 lbs or so. The Manna Nuff is 88.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been presented with “unliftable” Block Weights.

At Nationals this year, Andrew Pantke introduced me to his “unliftable” Fatman Blob, half of a 100lb old-school York dumbbell. The original ones are quite a bit harder to lift because of their shape, and up until June of 2015, nobody had been able to do more than break it off the ground…

The Unliftable Pantke Blob

So, there I was, faced with the challenge of another unliftable block weight.

Would having experience on the Chunk be enough to lift this “unliftable” block of metal?

When you’re presented with a challenge, you can’t just stand around analyzing things.

Sometimes, you just gotta go after it!

The Unliftable Manna Nuff

Like I said, Block Weights are an extremely valuable manner of Grip Training, with all the benefits they provide.

The strength I’ve developed from my years of Block Weight work has helped me out greatly in being able to tackle many other grip challenges.

I strongly suggest you make Block Weights an integral part of your grip training, if you’re serious about developing your hand strength.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

After just about every contest, it’s a free-for-all of feats of grip strength.

Juha Harju, 1st Person to Pinch 2x25kg Plates

Lots of times, especially at Gripmas, people bring cool stuff for other people to try that others might not normally get the opportunity to get their hands on.

One such item is the 2x25kg Plate Pinch.

Up until this year, no one in the world had ever pinched 2x25kg plates.

Then, all of a sudden, Juha Harju did it (shown to the right).

Then Bob Sundin did it a short time later.

Funny how once you see something can be done, it becomes that much easier for others.

Bob was nice enough to bring his set of 25kg plates with him to Gripmas, and several of us took tries on them.

So, the list of people who have achieved the 2x25kg Plate Pinch has grown again, with Kody Burns becoming the 3rd person EVER!

And you can bet in 2016 the list will keep expanding. The only question is who will be NEXT?

Stay tuned for more awesome feats that went down at Gripmas. Sign up for my free email newsletter:

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Turn Steel Bars into Strongman Works of Art
The Art of Scrolling Steel

This past Thursday, Luke and I used Thick Bar Handles for just about everything on our Back Day, please we went pretty darn heavy, as well.

Here’s how the workout went:

Rolling Thunder Pull-ups with Weight Added – 3 sets of 3

Luke (203lbs) went with a 24-kg kettlebell added

Jedd (255lbs) went with 90lbs in plates added

I had to re-grip for all my 3rd reps. We also threw in some holds at the top of some of the reps.

Narrow Handle Thick Grip Pull-downs

We worked up to 305lbs and did 6 to 10 reps per set. These were extremely heavy, and resulted in some partial reps, as well as holds. We focused on controlling the weight, not throwing it.

Thick Handled Loadable Dumbbell Rows

I used a plate loadable handle with a 2.5″ grip. I started with 165lbs, then dropped it down to 150lbs.

Luke used the 120lb shot loadable dumbbell. Aimed for 5 reps per hand. We did 3 work sets.

Banded Straight Arm Lat Pulls

These might have a different name, but I’m drawing a blank. They hit your lats, teres major, posterior deltoids, rhomboids, and your glutes & hamstrings as well. They’re VICIOUS. 4 sets. 2 with black bands, 2 with purple bands.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

I’ve got a sale going on right now, on my DVD, “How to Lift the Inch Dumbbell.”

Grab it today and you’ll save yourself $20, and you’ll be instantly closer to lifting what was once considered “the unliftable dumbbell.

The Thomas Inch Replica Dumbbell, at 172lbs, with a nearly 2.5-inch handle, is a massive construction of cast iron that has tormented grip enthusiasts for too long.

This DVD gives you the weapons you need to do battle with the Inch.

From technique and grip application know-how, to training drills and programming expertise, the next time you face the Inch Dumbbell, you can rest assured that you will be ready.

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You’ve struggled with the Inch Dumbbell long enough.

It’s time to ram your sword into the heart of the Inch Dumbbell, right now.

Grab this DVD today, and get the knowledge you need to take the Inch Dumbbell down, and conquer one of the most widely known feats of grip strength in the world today.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Grip Training with Kettlebells

Juggling a 20kg Kettlebell
While Pinching the
50lb Blob Block Weight

For many kettlebell lifters I’ve talked to, Grip Strength can be a concern.

I’m sure everyone’s familiar with grippers and the occasional thick bar work for grip strength, but have you tried Block Weight Training for a well-rounded Grip?

Block Weight Training is much more effective than something like Grippers for developing full-hand strength. Block Weights tax the thumbs especially, but they also work the fingers, wrists, and forearms well too.

Block Weight Training is often done with heads of dumbbells which have either been cut or broken off the handle, but you can actually accomplish the same open-handed strength by using your own Kettlebells.

Here’s one simple example, a Kettlebell Pinch Deadlift.

Block Weight Grip Training with Kettlebells – 16kg

Block Weight Grip Training with Kettlebells – 20kg

I just hit a single here for an on-line feat list, but you can hit these for multiple reps or even holds if you’d like.

These are great for making your entire hand strong, plus they get your wrists and forearms as well.

I hope you like them.

Jedd

Take Your Grip Strength to the Next Level with the Block Weight Training DVD