As a follow up to yesterday’s entry, the full Judoka documentary can be seen below within the two embedded videos (thanks to Sean for providing the links).

The short film is about a self taught Judoka (Doug Rogers) who traveled to Japan to train with the legendary Masahiko Kimura.  Rogers eventually won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

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Fall seven times, stand up eight. – Japanese Proverb

Below is a short video about training with the legendary Masahiko Kimura.  Kimura is widely regarded as one of the greatest judoka of all time.

The video is quite brief but the narration includes a few valuable lessons about training as a fighter.  For example, in response to some of the daily requirements, the narrator offers the following:

This is unreasonable, we know that, but it pushes us beyond a physical limit, to another place, way outside or way inside. I don’t know where exactly, but I’ve been there.

In today’s world, such an approach would be considered excessive and unnecessary.  I’m not here to argue one way or another, but what I can say is that there are times when the best work makes the least sense.  I’ve done things both personally and with my fighters that wouldn’t make sense on paper.  The illogical approach was necessary at the time however to reach that place discussed by the narrator.

Masahiko Kimura is a legend.  He didn’t become who he was by training like everyone else.  He took himself to another place and stayed there throughout much of his life.

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Well done is better than well said. – Benjamin Franklin

Below is the official 2011 show reel from former gymnast and current parkour/freerunning enthusiast Damien Walters.

Damien’s videos are some of the most popular on the Internet (for good reason).  His athleticism is incredible.  Many of the movements that he performs with ease would be considered impossible by most.  In many ways, he has defied what logical thinkers believe is possible by the human body.

And while I don’t personally have interest in freerunning or parkour, I enjoy watching athletic displays that I have never tried or cannot perform.  It serves as a valuable reminder that we are all much more capable than we will ever realize.

Additional videos from Damien Walters can be found within his Youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/damienwalters

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Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. – Doug Larson

Below is a brief video of Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu demonstrating a few exercises to improve reflexes and balance.

For those unfamiliar with Kostya, he was first an amateur world champion (1991) and eventually became a professional world champion as well.

Perhaps his most memorable highlight as a pro was his knockout victory over Zab Judah in 2001.  Footage from that fight can be seen below:

Following his retirement, Kostya was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and now trains fighters as well.  He has been working with cruiserweight Denis Lebedev for several months now.  Kostya is certainly someone who others can learn from.

Vasyl Lomachenko is one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time.  He has already captured one Olympic gold medal and plans to add another in London in 2012.  I’m sure I speak for many when expressing my excitement over his eventual professional debut.

Below is a recent feature story about his amateur success.

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You can also see footage of Vasyl training in the video below.  It should come as no surprise that the greatest amateur fighter in the modern era relies on many traditional methods.  Within the video, you will see him perform pull-ups, dips, weighted rope climbs, medicine ball throws, neck bridges, jump rope, and bag work.  This all comes on top of loads of sparring, mitt work, and actual competitions of course.  He even spars with multiple partners at times to help develop reactions (as seen here).

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In summary, Vasyl is yet another example of a dominant fighter who thrives on the basics.  He works hard, focuses primarily on the sport itself, and performs time tested movements for the bulk of his supplemental training.

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Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci

Below is a short video of boxing trainer Nazim Richardson.  Within the clip, he shares some simple advice for aspiring trainers.  And while his message may sound like common sense, I’ve come across many trainers who do everything but heed his advice. Rather than working to better their athletes, they seem to waste more time telling everyone what is wrong with every trainer but themselves.

A trainer’s job isn’t to highlight the faults that he sees within every other coach.  If you need to step on someone to elevate yourself, it is only a matter of time before you come crashing down.

The message here should be quite clear.  Focus on improving your athletes.  Living as a hater doesn’t benefit anyone.  If you are passionate about your athletes, let your work and their success speak for itself.

Anyone with legitimate talent doesn’t need to tarnish others to market himself.

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It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. – Judith Martin

Below is a new video tutorial where I discuss how to create an inexpensive pair of gymnastic rings.

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As mentioned within the tutorial, the rings were created from 1 inch PVC and flat nylon straps (each 15 feet in length).  The straps were purchased from strapworks.com.

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Each flat nylon strap has a moto cam buckle that allows for quick and easy length adjustments.
The moto cam buckle is stronger than the standard cam buckle at strapworks.com.  The upgrade will cost you less than a dollar each.

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PVC handles are easy to make.  The gymnastic ring handles are 23.5 inches long.  I also created a smaller set of handles that can be used with a suspension trainer.  Below are a few pictures that detail the process.

First, you will cut two even pieces of PVC.  I then suggest sanding the ends to remove any rough edges.

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Next, you will cap one end of the PVC with duct tape.  You will then fill the PVC with sand.

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You will then cap the remaining end with more duct tape to keep the sand in place while the PVC is heated.

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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  You will then place one piece of PVC on a cookie sheet.  Let the PVC heat for 10 minutes (the area should be well ventilated with fresh air).

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Finally, remove the PVC with oven mitts and immediately shape the handles.  You will need to hold the handles in the desired shape for a few minutes.  I wrapped the full size ring handles around a paint can to achieve the circular shape.

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Lastly, you will remove the duct tape and pour out the sand.  Some of the duct tape may be stuck to the ends of your PVC but it will not interfere with the performance of the handles.

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For more homemade equipment ideas, please refer to the link below:

Homemade Exercise Equipment Archives

I was recently interviewed by the Bare Essentials Magazine.  This month’s magazine is available for free viewing online at the following link:

Bare Essentials Nov/Dec 2011

The interview can be found on pages 23-25.

The issue can also be found by scrolling to the bottom of the link below (click the FREE ISSUE link).

Bare Essentials Magazine

After being out of power for the last 10 days, I wish I returned with a positive story to share. Unfortunately, an all time great fighter has passed away.  Former heavyweight champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier died yesterday from liver cancer at the age of 67.

I was fortunate to meet Joe over 10 years ago at the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  He was as personable and entertaining as they come.  It was an honor to meet such a legend of the sport.  Joe Frazier was one of my favorite fighters to watch as a youngster.  I could spend all day watching footage of his career.

With that said, I will post a few links below that highlight his amazing life inside the ring.

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First, here is a brief compilation video:

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Next, a recent news story from ESPN:

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A final interview of Joe Frazier from July 2011:

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A full documentary can be seen at the following links (Part 1 of 6 is embedded below):

Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6

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Lastly, the classic Thrilla in Manila can be seen in its entirety (Part 1 of 6 is embedded):

Part 2 – Part 3- Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6

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When I go out there, I have no pity on my brother. I’m out there to win. – Joe Frazier

Just a quick update to let everyone know that power has been restored in my area.  It sure is nice to have power, water, and heat!

I will start responding to all of the emails that have piled up in the last week.  I appreciate all of the kind messages that I received throughout the ordeal.

It is nice to be back and I will begin updating the blog later today.

Ross