RossTraining.com Blog

A few weeks ago, I posted a link to the following video clip.  The blog entry was titled How Bad Do You Want It? 

After posting the video, I’ve received several messages from readers who had misinterpreted the meaning behind my original posting.  I was not suggesting that we make it a daily habit to train until we collapse.  Clearly, we need to push ourselves to improve, but a little common sense goes a long way.

I posted the video to demonstrate the potential of the body and mind. This ‘win at all costs’ mentality is very important as a competitive athlete.  You may never need to display this kind of courage, but it is something that great athletes have in their back pocket if necessary. 

For a combat specific example, take a look back at the first Ward vs. Gatti bout.  The 9th round says it all.  These two men were operating on heart and courage.  Everything else was depleted. 

Clearly, these men didn’t train to this level each day at the gym.  The extra reserve was there if needed however.  Unfortunately, not all athletes have this reserve.  Some athletes have heart, others will break when the going gets tough.  It is often heart that separates the great from the ordinary.  The physical qualities may be identical, but if one athlete has the drive to push through pain and fatigue, he will come out on top. 

And believe it or not, athletes do not worry about health when fighting through an intense battle.  The triathlete in the original video wasn’t worried about her health when she pushed through fatigue.  Only an athlete can understand.  We all know that it isn’t healthy.  Life isn’t just about health however.  Life involves taking risks and going after your dreams.  Some dreams may include danger along the way, but it is this danger that adds meaning to life.  As you push through the extreme challenge, you finally feel what it is to be alive.  If you quit along the way, you must live with it forever.  You can never go back and push through those final moments of pain. 

We only have one opportunity to live, and some have different interpretations of the world ‘live’.  This is similar to the deadlift thread from last week.  Some view the deadlift as dangerous, while others live to pull heavy loads from the floor. 

Once again, don’t worry if someone has different interests and motivations.  We must all live our own life.  Don’t try to live someone else’s as well.

Ross

I’m all for all combat sports, and happy to see boxing make a nice comeback this year.  There have been some great bouts, with many others lined up in the near future (ex. Cotto vs. Mosley).

Here is a brief video that shows some of the year’s highlights.

Enjoy,

Ross

I’ve seen this video clip several times, and I always bust out laughing.  Aside from the obvious entertainment value however, Bas does provide several useful tips within this short clip. 

Enjoy,
Ross

I just came across this Youtube clip

This was one of the greatest fights ever.  Just thought I would share.  RIP Chico.

Enjoy,

Ross

Look out world…

Randy Couture has done it again!  Only this time, he did it at age 44!  That’s right, 44 years old!  On Saturday night, Couture dominated Gabriel Gonzaga (28 years old) via a 3rd round TKO to retain his UFC Heavyweight championship. 

http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/7155740

Couture really has taken the age-doesn’t-matter saying to a new level.  Back in 1994, George Foreman defeated Michael Moorer at age 45 to become the heavyweight champion, but his victory was much different.  It was Moorer who dominated throughout, until Big George landed the single knockout punch.

Couture’s victory was also one sided, but he was the man who dominated throughout.  He didn’t land one punch.  He dominated the fight from start to finish. 

I actually receive emails EVERY week from someone who writes “complaining” about their old age.  These people actually complain about being in their 30’s! 

We can only hope that Randy Couture can change the minds of many, who have all but given up. 

Forget age.  It’s just a number, until you start believing that it is more than a number.  The body AND mind are much more capable than most realize. 

Sure there will be doubters and critics, but often times, these doubters simply hate on those who have done something that they couldn’t do or wouldn’t do. 

I’m sure there were doubters who told Randy that he was too old.  He didn’t listen.  At age 44, he is as dominant as ever!  I can’t wait to see him fight again!

Ross

Every so often, I’ll receive an email regarding the sample video clips contained within my site.  One of the most common comments/questions will sound something like this:

“Ross, this stuff seems crazy.  Who actually does this kind of training?”

One name that comes to mind is Michael Katsidis.  This unbeaten lightweight boxer put on a display of courage and relentless intensity on Saturday night (on the undercard of the Hopkins vs. Wright).  At 23-0 with 21 KO’s, Katsidis is definitely doing something right.

The crew from Maxboxing.com recently video taped one of his training sessions.  The session is discussed in the article below:

http://www.maxboxing.com/Kim/Kim071807.asp

A few quotes from the article include:

I was told by the Australian-based manager that his fighter’s regimen consisted of pounding on a tire with a sledgehammer, then pushing a flat-bed truck that was in neutral and then hauling a wheelbarrow filled with sand bags on the way back. He would then repeat this process over and over again. 

Folks, this workout only took about 10-15 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. 

******

Clearly, these exercises are familiar to those who regularly frequent this site.  More importantly however, I’d like to focus on statement regarding workout duration (this workout only took about 10-15 minutes).

******

The Greek poet Hesiod once said that “If you add a little to a little, and then do it again, soon that little shall be much.”

This is a powerful statement, highly relevant to the modern combat athlete.  Many will see supplementary drills such as swinging a sledgehammer and automatically assume that the activity is a waste of time.  You’ll often hear critics make statements such as, “He should just spend more time sparring or hitting the bag.”

What these people fail to realize is that no one is suggesting that the actual boxing work should be put on the backburner.  Drills such as swinging a sledgehammer are SUPPLEMENTARY.  These drills do NOT replace more pertinent skill work and “in the ring” conditioning.  These activities are BRIEF, but useful additions however.  10 or 15 minutes doesn’t sound like much, but you will be surprised at how much you can gain in such a short, but dedicated time period.

Focus on quality over quantity.  Less CAN be more, if the “less” is planned properly.

Ross

I’d like to direct some press/attention to tonight’s ESPN2 bouts.  A long time friend of mine, Mike Oliver, will be fighting in tonight’s main event. 

I trained with Mike for many years at the San Juan Center in Hartford, Connecticut.  I’ve seen him develop from a young amateur to a seasoned professional.  A win tonight will inch Mike even closer towards a world title opportunity.  Wish him luck! 

For those in the New England area, there are still tickets available.  Refer to the information provided at the bottom of the link below:

Interview With Mike

Enjoy,

Ross Enamait

Check out this Randy Couture interview.  I thoroughly enjoyed his discussion of boxing and MMA.  As we’ve mentioned before, both sports are incredible, and can (and should) coexist.

Ross

In his prime, Mike Tyson was the man to beat.  His power and speed were incredible.  But what many don’t realize is that his work ethic as a young fighter was also incredible.   

Enjoy,

Ross

I’ve made a few updates to the message board.

*****

1. Check out the newly compiled MMA Tutorial Sticky:

http://www.rosstraining.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14216

There are loads of video tutorials linked within this thread.

*****

2. Live Chat Room

http://www.rosstraining.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=12

I’ve added a live chat room within the message board.  Simply log in to the message board, and then enter the chat room.  Your username from the message board will transfer to the chat room.

***** 

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ross