Grip Hogs Day – A Success for New Grip Athletes
Grip Hogs Day 2015
In December, I decided to run a contest with the primary objective to help get new Grip Sport Athletes involved in the sport.
I chose 2/7/15 and since it was right after Groundhog’s Day, I decided to name it Grip Hogs Day.
There were two divisions: the Open Class and a Super Match between my partner, Luke and myself.
I am happy to say that the entire contest was quite a success, as 7 out of the 12 lifters were first-time competitors and ALL of them reported they loved the contest and can’t wait for the next one!
Before I get too far into this, I want to send out a thanks to Luke Raymond, my Dad, and my wife. With everything they did, it was the easiest contest I’ve ever run! Thanks everyone!
Grip Hogs Day
Here are videos of each of the events:
Silver Bullet Hold
This event involves holding the IronMind Silver Bullet between the handles of a #3 Captains of Crush for as long as possible. Everyone got one chance to get their best time on the #3, and if they could not do get a legal hold, they could try the #2.
I have been dancing very close to the World Record in this event for the last few months. I was close again this time, with 43 seconds, but just didn’t have enough to break the record.
Two Hands Pinch
The Adjustable Pinch Device was used, so each competitor could use the width that felt best in their hands. Each got 4 attempts to lift the biggest weight possible.
I broke a new World Record off the ground in December on this lift and I was hoping to complete it at GHD, but a rash of thumb tears really affected my training the last couple of months and I had to settle with 248.
Double Overhand Axle
This lift is like a regular deadlift, only a 1.9″ OD Axle is used with a double overhand grip, both of which tax the hands more than a regular deadlift. The highlight of this event for me was watching newcomer, John Stepien, pull 383lbs, matching my lift, in his first ever Grip competition.
I truly thought this would be the day I hit 400lbs in competition, as I hit it recently in training, but I couldn’t quite pull it to a legal height, or control it as needed to be legal.
Pickaxe Lift
This event is similar to the Sledge Choke, only instead of moving away from the head of the hammer in order to increase the difficulty, everyone grips in the same spot and weight is added to a loading pin at the front of the handle. To keep the lift strict, a shot is balanced on a nut on to the top ridge of the Pickaxe.
The record prior to the contest was something like 11.4lbs. I had broken this several times in training, as had my partner Luke Raymond. As we anticipated, the end of the event ended up being a shoot-out between Luke and me, as we both set new records of 11.77. I won the event, lifting 12.18 and 12.51lbs in my later attempts. Luke tried 12.51lbs on 2 separate attempts, but his wrist power just wasn’t there due to an injury he sustained in December.
The Bull Ring Extensor Lift
This is a brand new event that was introduced at GHD. You place your hand inside the ring and lift the weight with the strength of the extensors.
The Bull Rings are available now. Contact me for ordering details at jedddotdieselatgmaildotcom. Aside from effectively allowing the extensors to be worked heavy and progressively, the Bull Ring can also be used as a hub device.
Looking Back on Grip Hogs Day
I would say this is easily the most fun I’ve ever had at one of my own contests, despite failing to break the records on the Silver Bullet and Two Hands Pinch. The group was all great, and I was so happy to meet all of the new competitors!
As you can see, we started everything off with a Flexing Pic, and aaalllmost everybody took part. Eli Thomas couldn’t believe the size of the guns on Napalm.
Mike Chaffee, Jedd Johnson, John Stepien
Mike Chaffee, who won the Novice Class award (first time competitors), and John Stepien, who came in 2nd place in the Novice category, both said they were hooked! I can’t wait to see what else they are capable of down the road!
I wish you would have been there, brother. You GOTTA make it to the next one!
Until then, all the best in your training.
Jedd
Articles You Might Also Like:
- Woodall Grip Highlights
- 245 Lbs Two Hands Pinch
- International King Kong Grip Challenge 2014
- Gripmas Carol Grip Contest Write-up
- Diesel Video – The New Two Hands Pinch Record
Tags: grip contest, grip hogs day, grip sport
