Showing posts with label Dinosaur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dinosaur. Show all posts

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Unleash The Essence Of A Fighter Dinosaur Style: 100 Strength Training Tips For Combat Athletes


 Do Dinosaurs fight? In this case, it sure as hell does. A legendary section from the Dinosaur Training course that first roared to life as a two-part article in The Dinosaur Files newsletter. We're talking way back in the late 90's, when the world was still chained to fluffy fitness fads and dumbbell curls for show. But, it has been seen that the mighty have risen! This wasn't just ink on paper; it was a thunderclap that shattered the status quo, and the echoes? They're still shaking the foundations of training halls worldwide.

Back then, The Dinosaur Files was the underground bible for those who craved real strength – not the polished, pretty-boy kind, but the primal, beast-mode power that turns men into legends. That two-part series on the "100 Tips"? It exploded like a keg of dynamite. Hands down, it may have been the most popular article ever to grace those pages. Feedback poured in like a tidal wave – letters, calls, smoke signals from the trenches. Trainers, fighters, and everyday warriors hailed it as the gospel of grit. Why? Because it wasn't about chasing mirrors or pumping for selfies. It was about forging unbreakable bodies for the real fight – combat, survival, dominance.

Fast forward through the decades, and watch the transformation unfold like a epic conquest. Those ideas Brooks unleashed? Once labeled "pretty far-out" by the skeptics – the keyboard critics and the barbell benchwarmers – they've clawed their way into the mainstream. Dinosaur methods aren't fringe anymore; they're the gold standard for combat athletes grinding it out on mats, in rings, and under the lights. Some of the best grapplers and strikers of all stripes adopted these secrets and ascend to glory. Hell, at least two World championships in grappling arts have been claimed by athletes who trained Dino-style. Think of it, a fighter wrapping his hands around gold, his body sculpted not by machines, but by the raw, unrelenting principles of old-school power. That's the Dinosaur roar echoing through victory!

But it doesn't stop in the cage or in a dojo. No fucking way, this revolution has stormed the fields, courts, and pitches like an unstoppable horde. Football players at high school, college, and pro levels? They're Dino devotees, bulldozing through lines with that unbreakable core strength. Rugby beasts? Charging like rhinos, thanks to the same brutal basics. Basketball phenoms? Leaping higher, enduring longer, all fueled by these timeless truths. One NFL head coach – a titan in his own right – was so fired up by these workout ideas and philosophy that he bulk-ordered copies of Dinosaur Training for every single player on his roster. How bad ass is that, an entire team of gridiron gladiators, each clutching the manual that turns potential into powerhouse. They didn't just read it; they lived it, pounding the iron with purpose, emerging as champions forged in fire.

And let's talk rugby royalty – the legendary All Blacks. One of their top strength coaches, a master of might, weaves Dinosaur methods into his programs like threads of steel. Those warriors from Down Under? They're not just playing; they're dominating with the kind of functional ferocity that only comes from embracing the basics: heavy lifts, grip work, odd-object training that mimics the chaos of battle. It's no coincidence they're perennial powerhouses. Then there's the NBA angle – a famous strength coach, back when he was molding the Chicago Bulls, was working with none other than Michael Jordan – the GOAT himself – and he credited Dinosaur Training for elevating their game. Picture MJ, soaring through the air, his explosive power amplified real-world strength over gym gimmicks. That's the ripple effect, brothers – from the hardwood to the end zone, Dino principles are the secret weapon.

Now, for those who think this is just sports fluff, let's crank it up a notch. Dinosaur Training isn't confined to arenas; it's infiltrated the front lines of real-world heroism. A man who specialized in tactical self-defense for Canadian law enforcement – yeah, the Mounties themselves – was a die-hard fan. He didn't just nod along; he integrated these methods into his curriculum, teaching officers how to harness raw power for survival scenarios. A Mountie, red serge and all, drilling Dino-style: sandbag carries for endurance, thick-bar pulls for unyielding grip, abbreviated workouts that build unbreakable resilience. In the heat of a takedown or a pursuit, that kind of strength isn't optional – it's life-saving. Yes, the guardians of the North train like Dinosaurs, proving these secrets transcend games and enter the realm of duty and defense.

What makes these 100 tips so enduring? It's the purity, the primal essence. We're talking about ditching the bullshit: no endless sets, no fancy machines, just heavy basics done right. Squats that build legs like tree trunks. Deadlifts that forge a back of steel. Presses that turn shoulders into boulders. Grip work that made the hands into weapons of destruction. Odd lifts – stones, barrels, anvils – that prepare you for the unpredictable grind of life. Mental toughness drills that turn doubt into dominance. Nutrition that's straightforward: fuel like a warrior, not a dieter. Recovery strategies that honor the body's roar, not its whisper. These aren't trends; they're timeless truths, drawn from the old-time strongmen who lifted before science tried to sanitize or even complicate strength.

Many have seen the evolution firsthand. In the '90s, folks scoffed at abbreviated training – "Too short? Not enough volume?" Now? It's the smart path for busy athletes who want results without burnout. Grip training was niche; today, it's essential for grapplers locking in submissions (Imagine trying to get out of a Double Wrist Lock when the guy applying it is like a vise). Functional strength over isolation? Combat sports live by it. Even periodization with Dino twists – waves of intensity, deloads like a beast in hibernation – has become staple. And the community? It has exploded. Forums buzz with Dino stories, gyms echo with the clang of real iron, and social media warriors (the good kind) share their triumphs.

Don't just read about these incredible tips – embody them! Whether you're a weekend warrior, a pro athlete, or a first-responder honing your edge, these principles are your forge. Start simple: Pick three basics, hit them hard, recover smart. Build that Dinosaur mindset – relentless, unbreakable, ever-evolving. I've done a few things in honor of this course because I believe in the power of the primal. From those newsletter pages to world stages, the proof is in the pudding.

As we charge into the future, remember: Strength isn't given; it's seized. These are your arsenal. Grab 100 Strength Training Tips For Combat Athletes, apply the fire, and watch your world transform. Are you in? Drop your Dino stories below, I want to know what it did to help you in your journey. Be amazingly awesome.


Here's a powerful song to amp you up that makes Pre-Workout look weak. WarChants man. Hear the Goblin War Drums....





Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Unleashing The Power Within With Brooks Kubik’s Isometrics And Iso-Hold Strength Training


Time to talk about a course that may be overlooked in the modern age of Strength Training. Ready to learn some kick ass stuff? Then be prepared to forge strength, where sweat, focus, and raw power collide to sculpt bodies and minds into unbreakable steel. Today, we’re going to go into a tome of physical culture that’s as primal as a saber-tooth’s roar and as effective as a sledgehammer to a nail: Isometrics And Iso-Hold Strength Training by the legendary Brooks D. Kubik. If you’re chasing superhuman strength, tendon-snapping power, and a physique that screams “I conquer worlds” this book is your battle-axe. Strap in, because we’re about to tear through this masterpiece that's raw, real, and unrelenting.

Brooks Kubik, the five-time national bench press champion and author of the cult classic Dinosaur Training, doesn’t mess around. His Isometrics And Iso-Hold Strength Training isn’t some fluffy fitness pamphlet peddling quick fixes or Instagram-worthy poses. Hell nah, this is a manual for building strength that echoes the old-school greats—think Gama, Zass, and Jowett—while delivering practical, no-BS methods for modern iron soldiers. Kubik has been in the trenches, hoisting heavy iron for over half a century, and in his late 60's, he’s still crushing it in his home gym. The man’s a living testament to the power of his principles.

So, why isometrics, especially coming from one of the all time great Drug Free Lifters? Let’s cut through the noise. The internet’s full of keyboard warriors who’ll scoff, “Isometrics are worthless!”—probably parroting some bro-science they read somewhere where an "expert" wouldn't know his ass from his elbow. Kubik shuts that crap down with a single glance at his cover photo: a chiseled, muscular frame that screams, “I’m built by hard work, not hashtags.” Isometrics—exercises where you push, pull, or hold against immovable resistance—aren’t just effective; they’re a cornerstone of strength that’s been forging strongmen for a VERY long time. From Alexander Zass snapping chains in a POW camp to Bruce Lee’s shredded power, isometrics are the secret sauce for strength that lasts.

Kubik lays out the case with the precision of a blacksmith hammering steel. Here’s why from his perspective that Isometrics deserve a place in your training arsenal....

Isometrics are a godsend for older lifters or anyone nursing dings and dents. No ballistic movements to aggravate injuries—just pure, controlled tension. Kubik, a Dino who’s seen six decades of iron, knows that intensity, training doesn’t have to mean wrecking your body. Isometrics let you push your limits while keeping joints happy.

Got a sticking point in your bench press or deadlift? Isometrics let you zero in on specific ranges of motion, turning weaknesses into strengths. Push against a bar at your sticking point, hold it with max effort, and watch your numbers soar. It’s like laser-guided missile training for your muscles.

Isometrics demand focus sharper than a samurai’s katana. When you’re straining against an unyielding force, there’s no room for daydreaming. Kubik emphasizes that this mental intensity builds not just muscle but a mind-muscle connection that elevates every lift. It’s you versus the resistance, and you learn to own it with incredible intensity.

No gym? No problem. Isometrics can be done with a wall, a strap, or even your own body. Kubik shows how to integrate them with barbells, dumbbells, or bodyweight exercises. Short, intense sessions deliver massive gains without eating up your day.

Here’s where isometrics shine brighter than a supernova. While dynamic lifts build muscle, isometrics forge tendons and ligaments into iron cords. Kubik channels the wisdom of old-time strongmen like George F. Jowett, who swore by heavy holds to build unshakable strength. Stronger tendons mean bigger lifts and fewer injuries.

Muscularity and Definition

Pair isometrics with a solid diet, and you’ll carve a physique that’s both powerful and aesthetic. Kubik’s not about the comic book bodybuilding look—he’s about functional, rugged muscle that works. Isometrics crank up time under tension, sculpting slabs of lean mass that pop.

Isometrics And Iso-Hold Strength Training is part of Kubik’s Training Series, and it’s a lean, mean 100+ pages of pure gold. No filler, no bull—just actionable advice delivered with the grit of a man who’s walked the walk. Kubik breaks down the science and history of isometrics, from the ancient warriors who used static holds to modern studies proving their effectiveness (like those showing 70-75% MVC for hypertrophy gains). But this ain’t a dry textbook. Kubik’s writing is like a pep talk from a grizzled coach who’s seen it all, laced with stories of old-school legends and his own journey.

What does it cover?

The Why: A deep dive into why isometrics work, debunking myths and showcasing their benefits for strength, recovery, and performance.

The How: Practical protocols for integrating isometrics into your routine, whether you’re a powerlifter, strongman, or weekend warrior. Think 6-12 second max contractions, 60-90 second holds at 30-60% effort, or iso-holds in a power rack.

The What: Specific exercises, from wall presses and strap pulls to power rack holds and bodyweight isos. Kubik even throws in tips for using chains or belts, nodding to strongmen like Steve Justa.

The Who: Guidance for everyone—young bucks, grizzled vets, injured athletes, or desk jockeys looking to get strong without a gym.

The Mindset: Kubik’s all about mental toughness. Isometrics aren’t just physical—they’re a forge for your will, teaching you to push through discomfort and emerge stronger.

One standout is Kubik’s nod to “isometronic” training—short-range movements followed by static holds in a power rack. This hybrid approach, inspired by Jowett’s heavy partials, builds insane strength by combining dynamic and static stress. Picture squatting a heavy bar a few inches, then holding it motionless for 6-10 seconds. That’s the kind of brutal, effective work Kubik champions.

I’ve been hammering isometrics for years, inspired by the likes of Bud Jeffries, Steve Justa, and, of course, Kubik. It’s not just about the lifts or using your bodyweight. Isometrics, as Kubik teaches, are a mental game-changer. Holding a 90-second plank at 40% effort (try it—it’s harder than it sounds) or straining against a strap like Gama wrestling a tree forces you to confront your limits. You learn to breathe, stay calm, and push. That mental grit spills over into life—meetings, challenges, whatever. You become a force, unyielding and unstoppable.

I also love Kubik’s versatility. I travel at times and with his bodyweight isos—like pressing palms together or pulling against a towel—I can train anywhere. That’s the beauty of Kubik’s system: it’s simple, brutal, and effective.

Kubik’s no lone wolf. He stands on the shoulders of the all time greats—Jowett, Sandow, Zass, and Peary Rader—while carving his own legend. His Dinosaur Training revolutionized strength training in 1996, reminding a world obsessed with machines and steroids that real power comes from hard work and heavy iron. Isometrics And Iso-Hold Strength Training continues that legacy, shining a spotlight on a forgotten art and making it accessible to all.

What sets Kubik apart is his ethos: strength for life. In his 60's, he’s not chasing trophies—he’s chasing health, vitality, and the joy of hoisting iron. He and his wife, Trudi, grow their own food, hike, and live a life of rugged simplicity. Kubik’s not selling you a supplement or a gimmick; he’s giving you tools to forge your own path.

If you’re serious about strength, Isometrics And Iso-Hold Strength Training isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s a masterclass in building power that’s functional, sustainable, and badass. Whether you’re a powerlifter busting through plateaus, an older lifter preserving your edge, or a newbie looking to get strong without a gym, Kubik’s got you covered. This book will make you rethink what’s possible, push you to train smarter, and ignite a fire for old-school training.

Be amazingly awesome and continue building your own journey. 

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