Join My Tribe

by adam on February 12, 2010

Some clips from this week.

We are about getting better, in every direction as fast as our biology will allow. We are about you doing what you want to do, and offer the tools to do it better, faster, simpler.

We offer a place to deal with like minded individuals. We have no preference on your tools, or your goals. We have no preference on your occupation or your income. We have no bias on your education or experience.

We are looking for open minds which will question anything and everyone. We are looking for open minds which are willing to put every belief system to the test, and move in the best direction for the task at hand.

You owe us no allegiance, you owe us no favor. You owe only yourself; we will help you if you ask in your quest to honor yourself.

We will ask you to fly your own flag now. We will ask you to make your path. If it so happens our trajectories and velocities match that is even better, but we will not demand adjustments.

I want you to join my tribe, but I need you to be your own hero.

Will you join me?

ATG

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{ 67 comments }

Casey February 12, 2010 at 5:11 pm

I like this. Joining something yet not being branded by any kind of name or style. Very Zen/JKD, and I’m in.

adam February 12, 2010 at 5:20 pm

Casey,

you know you are welcome here

josh February 12, 2010 at 6:37 pm

Casey, because I know you’re interested, I got that 40kg BUP tonight…times 7. (not consecutive, but still!)

Casey February 12, 2010 at 6:41 pm

Not even a month ago, more like two weeks ago you were telling me that bell was just shy of lockout! Well done Josh! I’ve got work to do.

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Bad ass, 48 will come and go fast and uneventful. I think we will race to 5 reps per side 48 BU

Casey February 12, 2010 at 5:22 pm

Also gave my first run with Gym Movements today. I can tell I still need to fine tune the ROM tests, but I nailed it with selecting the double VPP for today’s work. Tested well with 16′s and they provided an excellent workout, I haven’t moved that fast with VPP’s…ever. I cut myself short, but I felt like I could keep knocking out ladders for as long as I wanted to.

It’s tough to shake off the old dogma, but I’m liking what I’ve experienced so far. More testing is in order, and I’ll be sure to report.

adam February 12, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Simple rule for ROM (remember that is not the only test, it is just the easy one to observe) tension is the marker. What i do, put a dot of chalk on my finger, tap my pant or leg. work off of first tap for the testing (see above video where i quickly pick my lifts)

Joseph Reynolds February 12, 2010 at 5:40 pm

I’m in, Adam. I’m not sure what to call myself other than a philosopher who refuses the armchair. Your talk tugs right at the old heartstrings!

Casey February 12, 2010 at 5:51 pm

Got it. Chalk idea is perfect and everything is making sense with programming. One last question. How do you manipulate rest so that you can do conditioning work such as VWC. My guess was to monitor HR or breathing patterns as opposed to ROM and if those started to get out of whack, that would be the cue to stop. But before I get all VWC crazy I want to make sure I’m not working against myself.

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:25 pm

If V02 is goal, I would work with a HR monitor. Now as far s the Vo2 max research KJ did- I am pretty sold on that s far. He did a lot of work with it. Remeber specifics rules all, so snatching to up swimming numbers is most likely not best…For you i am guessing the extra cardio is directed at MA, fighting more often for longer rounds is worth looking at

Brad Johnson February 12, 2010 at 5:56 pm

I dig your attitude. I’m in, but I’ll try not to buy *all* of what you say.

gym movement = fitness + science – bullshit.

Keep testing!

josh February 12, 2010 at 6:36 pm

That’s about right. Not much else to say!

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Brad, what goals are you working on right now?

Brad Johnson February 13, 2010 at 10:20 am

My main goal is a 450 lb deadlift, which would be a lot for me (155 lb bodyweight). As a secondary goal, I’d like to maintain my endurance (10:31 two-mile).

adam February 13, 2010 at 10:23 am

Is this Brad Johnson the bad ass who can do rafter pull ups and one arm/onefinger pull ups?

Brad Johnson February 13, 2010 at 12:58 pm

yeah, that’s right. But not one finger and one arm at the same time. Yet.

And, did I mention I’m 17?

Doug Fioranelli February 12, 2010 at 7:20 pm

I’m in, can’t wait for my video copy to arrive. Been messing with it a little based on what I saw from these videos and I must say it is very intriguing. Interesting to see you perform the movements with only body weight and having it elicit such different responses with different movements.

Thanks

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Doug

Once you understand how the body operates is makes a lot of sense. As of now- test everything and make your own decisions.

Harlan Jacobs February 12, 2010 at 7:31 pm

I’m in Adam. As you know I am not an easy one to impress. I don’t buy everything that works for everybody. It has to work for me. I look forward to the journey !

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Harlan, for you- loaded movement will test much better than unloaded. That is why the Z shit didn’t pay off as much. That huge body wa built under load, so you need to start where you are at. We may need to talk about some very specific things for you. Email me your phone number and we will talk this week.

James Neidlinger February 12, 2010 at 7:41 pm

muhahahahahah!
I love watching you work, it is truly inspiring mate
knowing you are just an avg cat doing things we should all be able to do is the part that keeps it interesting

you in for the Indian Clubs?

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:16 pm

James, I am out on the clubs. I train with heavier ones, but 1 pound clubs for high rep sets- pass. I don’t need the rehab sell either, I train smart now so i am not all busted up when I am 40. I do think it will be a good time with DC Thomas, and if you go i would like to hear your revew

Sean Geddes February 12, 2010 at 7:42 pm

I’m in. The biofeedback videos and now gym movement have changed the way i look at everything and anything to do with training for both myself and my clients.

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:14 pm

Sean, I am looking forward to your feedback and what you are learning

Kira February 12, 2010 at 7:56 pm

Ha! I’m all ready my own hero ;)

I’m wary of groups … but given the stated aims, how can I resist?

I’d be honored to join your tribe, if you’ll have me :)

Cheers!

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:13 pm

Kira what are you working on as of late?

Kira February 12, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Hey Adam,

Got a few things on the agenda …

In April, me and the dudes I train with have a Tactical Strength Comp against the local kettlebell club (max deadlift, max pullups and 5 min snatch test—24kg KB, alternate hands any time.)

I’ve revised my goals up (since I hit my initial targets all ready) … New goals are …

Deadlift 200 kg (I’m at 185kg at the moment. Got a sticking point a few inches off the ground that I’m working to improve … When I deadlift from above the sticking point I can lock out and rep 200kg quite easily.)

Pullups 20 (I’m only at 12 at the moment … Still getting used to the thumbless grip. And I’m not sure how ‘strict’ they’re gonna be so I’m being very careful about not using any swing from my legs and getting correct height with each pull. )

Snatch 125 (I’m at 115 ‘good’ form, with very little impact on my cardio … it’s pacing, local muscle endurance, and maintaining good form I gotta work on)

And in July, me and a few of my guys/gals are headed to Thailand to train at a muay thai camp and have a fight or two. I’m using the Tactical Strength training as the ‘strength and conditioning’ side of my muay thai training, and doing pad/mitt/clinch/sparring work for the ‘technique’ side of my muay thai training.

I’ll have to cut down on my lard a fair bit after the Tactical Strength Comp … I’ve been eating a lot to help gain strength … Whilst the extra calories have certainly helped, I am carrying too much fat at the moment to fight … well, at least to fight a Thai … those guys are tiny ;)

That’s about me training-wise for the next six months :)

Cheers :)

david February 12, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Kira,

When I trained for the TSC in the fall I never did more than 6 pull-ups per set, 6-5-4-3-2 type ladder. BUT, I trained with +45lbs. When the TSC came I knocked out 17 pull-ups and I had 2-3 more if I had just kept going.

Mark February 12, 2010 at 8:11 pm

Dude, you know I’m in.

adam February 12, 2010 at 8:13 pm

Thats good because you know i need you buddy

Frankie Faires February 12, 2010 at 9:38 pm

Looking forward to meeting more
Weirdos, Freaks, Troublemakers and Free Thinkers

Just aren’t enough of us in the world!

Brad Johnson February 13, 2010 at 10:25 am

Fuckin’ A.

Joel Graham February 12, 2010 at 10:31 pm

Adam,Sounds like a plan.Count me in.

josh February 12, 2010 at 10:44 pm

What? What’s going on? What are we doing?

Frankie Faires February 12, 2010 at 11:02 pm

A BYOK party.
(Bring your own Kool-Aid)

Joel Graham February 14, 2010 at 12:14 am

What’s with the bring your own kool aid comment?

josh February 14, 2010 at 9:13 am

That’s just Frankie being sassy. We’re all mixing our own stuff.

Dustin February 13, 2010 at 12:24 am

Adam,
You know I’m in.
I was pulling 245 with ease on the DO Axle today after about 40 minutes of 90%1RM Triples with a standard Barbell Deadlift. A 450 pull and double bodyweight DO Axle pull will come soon!
Thanks
Dustin

adam February 13, 2010 at 10:12 am

Dustin, break in on the DO axle pulls smoothly, that is a huge stress on the thumb joint. closely monitor your body, and beware of any elbow or wrist strain.

ali hart February 13, 2010 at 1:45 am

i’m very interested but still sceptical. looking forward to starting testing next week. current goals are nailing a 500lb deadlift i have been chasing for some time (last personal best has been 440). also rehabbing a left shoulder issue, last summer could press the 40k for singles on each side, currently my left shoulder struggles with a 24 for reps). i need to work on my cardio conditioning too, at the moment it is poor.
cheers
ali.

josh February 13, 2010 at 8:44 am

Ali, stay skeptical and come back with a report, whichever way it goes.

adam February 13, 2010 at 10:11 am

Ali, it is good to have you here, make your own decisions.

Ryan Pitts February 13, 2010 at 1:19 pm

StrongerGrip is in! This is where training makes sense. Not, do this or that, do what you do, and let your goals and body be your guide. Use what you like, use what is testing well and start your journey. Ditch the dogma, throw away the sifu, guru BS and set your mind free. Do you think that is really air your breathing?? Again Neo..

adam February 13, 2010 at 1:33 pm

Ryan, I have been playing with the clubs you made me this week. Mills and swipes have tested better over snatches 4 days in a row. Great stuff. The new leverage curl is a beast!

josh February 13, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Ryan, have you recovered from the savage hammerstrike?

Ryan Pitts February 14, 2010 at 11:05 am

Hey Josh, Yes, everything is clear now. Adam, Have you been using the 3″ Ball on end for those or the handle?

adam February 14, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Ryan

I have been using both the handle and the ball. The ball worked well for the swipes, on the mill i am still getting comfortable with the movement.

mike sheehan February 13, 2010 at 2:23 pm

adam you know i am with the movement nobody knows my body better than me , i am just trying learn and listen to what it telling me to do or not to do

Eetu February 13, 2010 at 4:16 pm

I’ll have a go with the biofeedback techniques after the next week of making sure my groin tendon won’t begin acting up with exercise. I’ve played around with them and truth be told, both the arm reach and toe touch tests showed better results as I ramped up in the KB C&P, resulting in a new PR, I could say: first a couple reps with 16 kg, a single with 24 kg, single with 16+12 kg stacked and then a couple singles with 32 kg, my current max weight I previously was able to press for one single only. Also, I haven’t been pressing lately but just to keep up the groove: barbell getups and pullups have been on my plate for the last weeks.

I’d say my goal lifts are DL, pressing, snatching/swinging, bending/levering, pinching, pullups weighted/bodyweight and also attaining the one-arm chin (I have the top half covered).

The problem is that due to not having a barbell home, I have to go to my company’s gym; they don’t have kettlebells, so to use them I have to train home. Training at both wouldn’t work out time-wise. So, I’ll train three days in each, alternating. I’m sure I’ll find something to do in each concerning the goals I have.

It’ll be interesting to see how the exercises will spread over the training log, and if there will be any sorts of steady intervals.

Brad Johnson February 13, 2010 at 5:05 pm

whoa, it’s kind of surreal to see my name on that stuff. He seems to be carrying the name quite well, as I intend to. Although it would be confusing if I wanted to produce some kind of fitness product later in my life.

The guy even looks kind of like me. Weird.

adam February 13, 2010 at 5:08 pm

LOL don’t get too spaced out over it. Johnson is one of the most common last names in America, Brad is a very common name first name. Open a major citys phone book and you will a lot of Brad Johnsons.

Joe Zubiena February 13, 2010 at 7:00 pm

ATG love the site brother!

adam February 14, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Thanks my Russian Jew Friend!

George February 14, 2010 at 6:13 pm

Adam, I’m in. Enjoying the journey and moving better.

Rachael February 16, 2010 at 11:11 am

You can count me in too.

I prefer the term “Quirky” “Strange” or “Geek” but that’s another story.

My goals are not very defined, well besides pressing the 28kg. I want to be able to move more and better. Weight loss (10kg down from the 1st of the year) is a side effect. I am more interested in getting my hips to fit into a roll coaster seat then a pair of skinny jeans.

ScottA February 22, 2010 at 6:56 pm

Hope the Tribal invite is still ON! Count me IN!!!

adam February 22, 2010 at 7:58 pm

Absolutely

PJ February 24, 2010 at 10:57 am

I might be mistaken but in the video where you are testing ROM it looks like your knees bend more for the ones that are positive, hard to tell but just wanted to ask about it. Also on dips it looks like some facial tension, again hard to tell. But since a calm face and locked knees seem to be points driven home in the GM PP dvd I wanted to ask about it. Does your advanced experience let you get away with some stuff b/c you know your body so well or maybe I just didn’t see things correctly. Thanks for clearing things up.

B-Rad Nelson March 1, 2010 at 9:23 pm

Rockin’ the Nitro Shirt. BNA

adam March 2, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Brad+Nitro is like 4 and 1/2.. epic-awesome-ness

Piers March 14, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Figured I should go back in time and officialyl put myself into this. God knows I’ve been hanging around, posting and PRing long enough to drink the Kool-Aid as my recovery shake, haha.

adam March 14, 2010 at 6:06 pm

No Kool Aid here Piers, i can point out some awesome places where they serve both purple drink and Red along with orders to DO THIS and Shut up and do the WOD.

I need free thinkers, not zombies

Piers March 14, 2010 at 6:32 pm

I’m sure I can keep up my side of that bargain. Zombies work to plans. Plans are based on averages. I refuse to just be average. Rather eat beef than brains anyway.

adam February 13, 2010 at 1:32 pm

No you are not the same Brad i am talking about.

Brad Johnson February 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm

There’s another Brad Johnson? I gotta meet this guy.

Now that I think about it, it makes no sense that you would know me. I sent an email a couple of months ago, but I didn’t mention rafter or one-finger pull-ups (for the record, I can do those, although it’s a little easier at 155).

My bad, bro. I guess I’ll have to keep working to attain the title of “badass”.

adam February 13, 2010 at 3:27 pm

If you look at the Ironmind website you will find a book written by Brad Johnson detailing extreme body weight training. He does fantastic feats of strength, some are old school, others are completely new innovations.

josh February 13, 2010 at 5:45 pm

I’m the only bad ass. I’m the only one whose business card says it.

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