Buddy Lee: Olympic Wrestler, NCAA Division 1 Standout And Marine Shows You Why He's The World's One And Only True King Of Jump Roping

Holy shit that's a mouthful don't you think? Well guys, here's something for you that I think you'll get a kick out of. Let me paint you picture of a glorious masterpiece: You're stuck in a rut, grinding through the same old workouts that feel more like a chore than a conquest. I'm here to tell you about a legend that shows you one of if not the cream of the crop when it comes to Jump Roping: Jump Rope Training: Second Edition by the MAN, Buddy Lee. This isn't just a book; it's an epic map wrapped in a rope.

Buddy Lee, the former U.S. wrestling champion who's basically the godfather of jump rope mastery, has leveled up his best-selling guide. This second edition is bigger, badder, and bursting with more wisdom than a philosopher's beard. We're talking a system that's been battle-tested by over 25 U.S. Olympic teams. Yeah, you heard that right—Olympians, the elite of the elite, are skipping their way to gold with this stuff. If it's good enough for them, imagine what it can do for you, the everyday hero chasing that next personal best. Just learning about this book makes me want to get back on the rope again.

So, what's inside this treasure trove? Buddy doesn't fuck around. He breaks down jump rope training into workouts that hit every corner of your athletic arsenal. Endurance? Check—build that unbreakable stamina to outlast any challenge, whether it's a marathon or just surviving a killer workday. Strength and Power? Boom bro! Learn ropes that explode your muscles into action, turning you into a human catapult. Speed and agility? Dude, you'll be dodging like a damn ninja in no time, weaving through life's obstacles with the grace of a gazelle on caffeine. And don't forget balance—because who wants to be that guy toppling over mid-squat? This book ties it all together, making you a well-rounded beast ready to dominate. He even makes the basics look bad ass.

The second edition dives into the cutting-edge stuff: rehabilitation for sports injuries. Been sidelined by a tweak or a tear? Buddy's got your back with rope routines that heal without the boredom of traditional PT. We're talking smart, progressive jumps that rebuild the body stronger than before. And optimizing body composition? Say goodbye to stubborn fat and hello to that chiseled physique you've been dreaming of. It's not about starving yourself or living on kale shakes; it's about efficient, fun training that torches calories while building muscle. Buddy explains the science without making your eyes glaze over—think practical tips that you can apply today, not later.

Now, here's where it gets really interesting: sample sport-specific programs for over 40 sports! Whether you're a baller dreaming of crossover dribbles that leave defenders in the dust, a soccer star aiming for lightning-fast footwork, or even a golfer perfecting that swing with better balance—there's a tailored plan waiting for you. Tennis? Check. Boxing? Double-check. Heck, even sports like surfing or skiing gets the jump rope love. Imagine customizing your workouts to crush your favorite activity. I've heard of those who practice the wrestling program (nod to Buddy's roots), and their takedowns felt like they were powered by rocket fuel. It's inspiring stuff—makes you feel like you're training alongside pros, even if you're just in your garage with a $10 rope.

Let's keep it real, though. Jump roping isn't all sunshine and double-unders. We all have had our share of failed first attempts that hit harder than a bad first date—tripping over feet, rope slapping the shins like an angry serpent. But that's the beauty of Buddy's system: It's beginner-friendly yet scalable to elite levels. He starts with basics—proper form, rope selection (pro tip: get one that's adjustable, folks)—and builds up to advanced tricks that'll have you feeling like a circus acrobat. And the entertainment factor? Forget monotonous reps; this is playful, rhythmic, almost like dancing with gravity. Crank up some metal or hard rock like The Hu and you'll be swimming in a powerful state of being. Turning sweat into a symphony of destruction (Megadeth anyone?).

What makes this book truly inspiring is how it shifts your mindset. Jump rope isn't just exercise; it's a metaphor for life. Every skip teaches resilience—miss a beat? Jump back in. Build speed and see what your capabilities become. It's accessible anywhere: park, living room, hotel room on a business trip. No fancy gym membership required. Buddy's stories from coaching Olympians will fire you up—tales of athletes overcoming odds, ropes in hand, proving that simplicity breeds supremacy. It's not about becoming an Olympian overnight; it's about elevating your daily life. You'll feel better—energy in the tank and not drained. Look better—lean, mean, and confident. Perform better—in sports, work, life. It's one of the proven paths to peak you.

If you're skeptical, think about this: In a world obsessed with gadgets and gimmicks, jump rope cuts through the noise. It's ancient wisdom meets modern science—used by warriors, boxers, and now you. Buddy Lee isn't selling hype like some people who learned a few "moves" and thinks he's better than guys like Lee; he's delivering results. Over 25 Olympic teams can't be wrong. So, why not give it a whirl? Grab the book today—it's your ticket to next-level training and health. Start with a basic routine: 10 minutes a day, mix in some footwork patterns, and watch the magic unfold. I may join you in that, it has been a while but with Buddy on our side, things can have an impact more than we want to believe.

It's entertaining because it's empowering—turns the mundane into the magnificent. Engaging? Hell yes—Buddy's passion leaps off the page like a perfect crossover run. Inspiring? Absolutely—it reminds us that greatness is just a skip away. Don't just read it; live it. Rope up, level up, and let's conquer together. What's your first jump gonna be? Hit me in the comments, give me your insights.

Lastly, I got a comment recently that was pretty tedious and boring by some Anon that asked "Is jumping rope really necessary"? Here's my take.....

Necessary for what exactly? Be specific. This is where I question people sometimes especially their motives behind comments like this. From my POV, depends on the goals you have and what you want out of it. In truth, it's another tool to add to an arsenal that is old school and has a lot of benefits. I'm not the BIGGEST jump rope fanatic and sure as hell don't need to be on someone's ass if they're not into it, if you want to do it, go kill it and have a book like this on hand; not some offshoot bullshit cookie-cutter types like one I know of and he couldn't shine the boots of any of the greats. If you're not into the rope skipping thing, cool, there are plenty of things you can do to work your agility and conditioning. 

Be amazingly awesome whether you Jump Rope or not. It's not some do or die thing you HAVE to do, it's about benefiting you. Have a blast and like I said, if you WANT to skip rope, make it worthwhile and I'm rooting for your success. There is a 2018 Book from Buddy you can grab as well called 101 Best Jump Rope Workouts: The Ultimate Handbook for the Greatest Exercise on the Planet. Find even more workouts that will turn you into a machine that doesn't know the meaning of the word TIRED!!!

Why You Should Crush Workouts While Traveling

Lets talk about keeping your gains and your sanity intact while you’re out there conquering new lands or just making those pleasurable trips more interesting. Traveling—whether it’s for work, adventure, or just vibing in a new spot—can be a beast that tries to derail your fitness. however; we're not going to bow to excuses, are we? Hell no. Exercising while traveling isn’t just a flex; it’s a game-changer that keeps your mind sharp, your body strong, and your spirit unbreakable. Let’s break down why you need to pack your discipline alongside your passport and make every trip a chance to level up.

1. Stay a Savage, No Matter the Zip Code

When you’re bouncing between airports, hotels, or Airbnbs, it’s easy to let your routine slip. New surroundings, weird schedules, and that sneaky voice saying, “You’re on vacation, chill.” No way. Sticking to your workouts as best as you can on the road is a declaration of dominance. It’s you saying, “I control my destiny, not my itinerary.” A quick hotel room HIIT session, a run through the streets or on the beach of a new city, small town or hitting a local gym keeps your momentum roaring. Consistency is king, and kings don’t take days off just because they crossed a border.

2. Smash Stress, Jet Lag Or Those Long Hours In The Car Like a Boss

Travel can be a meat grinder for your mental state—long flights, time zone hops, and the chaos of navigating unfamiliar turf. Exercise is your secret weapon to crush that noise. A solid sweat session pumps endorphins, torches anxiety, and resets your internal clock. Studies back this up: aerobic exercise can cut jet lag recovery time by regulating your circadian rhythm (look it up, science is crazy). So, when you land, lace up your kicks, find a park, and sprint it out. You’ll feel like a god while everyone else is popping melatonin and giving themselves a hard time.

3. Explore Like a Beast, Not a Tourist

Ditch the basic sightseeing bus and turn your workout into an adventure. Run through the cobblestone streets of Rome at dawn. Do pull-ups on a beachside bar in Bali. Hike a mountain trail in Colorado with a weighted pack. Exercising while traveling lets you experience a place in a raw, primal way. You’re not just seeing the world—you’re owning it. Plus, you’ll stumble on hidden gems no guidebook will ever show you. That’s the kind of story that makes you a legend at the bar later or just taking it easy later at cool restaurant or whatever.

4. Keep Your Gains, Don’t Let ‘Em Ghost You

Let’s be real: skipping workouts for a week or two can start unraveling your hard-earned progress. Muscle loss kicks in faster than you think, especially if you’re eating like a tourist (pizza in Naples, croissants in Paris, you know the vibe). A quick bodyweight circuit—push-ups, squats, burpees—takes 20 minutes and keeps your muscles engaged. No gym? No problem. Use the WorldFit Iso Trainer for isometric sessions or a park bench for dips. You didn’t grind for that physique just to let it fade because you’re “on the road.”

5. Build Mental Fortitude That Shatters Limits

Exercising while traveling isn’t just about your body; it’s about forging an unbreakable mind. When you’re in a new environment, tired, maybe lost, and still choose to crank out a workout, you’re training your willpower to laugh at adversity. That’s the kind of mental toughness that spills over into every part of your life—business deals, relationships, you name it. Every rep you push through in a cramped hotel room is flipping off to the stereotypes of just laying around. That’s how you become a force of nature. Micro Workouts are very powerful.

How to Make It Happen: No Excuses, Just Execution  

Pack Light, Train Heavy: Bring a jump rope, resistance bands, or just your bodyweight. You don’t need a full gym to go beast mode.

Plan Like a General: Scope out local areas for some kick ass sessions, trails, or parks before you go. Apps like Strava or Google Maps are your recon team.  

Time It Right: Morning workouts beat jet lag and free up your day for exploring. Plus, you’ll feel like a champ while others are still snoozing. Things like loosening up the joints or DDP Yoga, HIIT ect. 

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome: No equipment? Use stairs, benches, or your own luggage. Can’t run outside? Crank out a Tabata in your room. Adaptability is power. I've even used my duffle bag full of clothes as an alternative to the Sandbag. 

Fuel Smart: Travel food can be a trap. Hit local markets for protein-packed snacks like nuts or jerky to keep your macros on point if you're into that sort of thing but overall, keep a good level of eating good while you have fun.

The Bottom Line: Be Unstoppable

Traveling is a chance to test your mettle, not an excuse to slack. Exercising on the road keeps your body chiseled or maintaining your energy and strength, your mind razor-sharp, and your soul fired up. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being relentless. So, next time you’re packing for a trip, throw in your sneakers and your grit. The world is your gym, and every workout is a chance to prove you’re a cut above. Now go out there, dominate, and make every mile a masterpiece.

Stay strong, stay amazingly awesome.

The Jump Rope And Its Impact

Rope Skipping has been around for ages and has been used by some of the greatest boxers and wrestlers ever from Olympic gold medalists to the pros. I love to play around with the jump rope every now and then and would use a ropeless or cordless jump rope indoors so I don't hit the ceiling or anything and it's one of the most portable pieces of equipment you can use. I'm not the most coordinated and just do a couple basic exercises but I know how much of an impact it can be on conditioning and saving time and money. 

Now it's no question some of the best athletes around skip rope and have taught some incredible workouts. However; there are some people out there who claim that they're course is the best in in existence like this one Jump Rope Mania but I hate to break it to you, it really isn't. Learning from this dude is not the way to go and quite frankly, this course should not cost you $150 for a fucking book or close to $55 for Kindle, like seriously why buy a book that costs you an arm and a leg (maybe a few other organs too), it's ridiculous man. If you want to learn the best of the best when it comes to Rope Skipping, go to a guy who's not only an Olympic Wrestler but one of the most underrated as well and that's Anthony "Buddy" Lee. In his book, he shows you over 100 exercises with a jump rope from very basic to some of the most incredible jaw dropping exercises you'll ever witness and this book is around $15. There's also another book Jump Rope Training by Lee for under $20 on Kindle that has better quality training than some Fitness hack that rips off guys like Matt Furey.

Building a foundation for conditioning and stamina is very important and one of the key aspects is to learn from those that have not only been through the ringer but know the true secrets to those that came before them. Lee was not just an Olympian but was one of the best College Wrestlers of his time and was a Marine that could mop the floor with just about anybody. One of the best teachers when it comes to conditioning training with minimal equipment and making fitness fun and exciting while kicking your ass. 

Mike Tyson, Karl Gotch, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Mohammad Ali, Dan Gable and many others are legends of their respective field and all did rope skipping. Talk about an all star lineup. Learn from people like them, you don't even have to do the crazy advanced stuff, just get good the best you can with the basics and you can't go wrong. Jon Hinds' father Bobby was a hell of a skipper in his time and could do 68 jumps in 10 seconds which was a record at the time, that's pure badassery. 

Be versatile and when it comes to minimal equipment, you can't beat a good Jump/Speed Rope. Stay strong, get conditioned and keep being amazingly awesome.

Share, Comment & Sign Up With This Blog

Train During Minor Setbacks

    A lot of people take time off from training due to certain setbacks like a small injury, out of the blue car trip for whatever reason, kids get sick, cooking for a party and/or doing projects you need to get done. It's not easy getting the time in especially if you're a parent or someone who's on call for a job like a doctor or some who's time is spent a lot at work but if you want to get something done in your training you don't make excuses, you make compromises. You modify what you want to get done whether you have a few minutes or an hour to kill use it wisely. I recently came back from visiting friends and family in California and was running around being with my buds (mostly my best friend) and relaxing during certain times but always made time to train even if it was a few minutes. In Tahoe it was fun being able to train outdoors going swimming, climbing/jumping/crawling on the rocks and doing a little DDP Yoga while I had time to myself. For you it might be different but there's always a way to get something done even if it's just getting a few push-ups here and there or doing isometrics throughout the day. Make it work for you.

 
    Make a habit of training no matter what. Most look for an excuse and some may be understandable but for the most part you have 24hrs in a day, you can't spare 5 min. worth of exercise? Hell what can you do in that amount of time; 1 min. of Jump Rope, 1 min. of squats, 6 different Isometrics for 10 seconds each that's 3 min. so far, bear crawl for 30 seconds than do jumping jacks for 30 seconds and finish off with a 1 min. plank (with palms touching not forearms) and there you have 5 min. Adjust to what you want to do. Exercise can relieve stress and help you think clearer plus you're jump starting your heart rate which can burn fat, help build muscle and gain stamina. You do not need to do an hour of cardio and weights to get in shape who the hell has time for that? Unless you're a pro athlete, weightlifter, bodybuilder or fitness model your time is precious so make the best of it.

 
    Sometimes training in crunch time can be tough and you may have some doubts and you feel like you're not doing enough. I know a few people who bust their ass for what they do and the time they have to exercise is a very small window of opportunity but they make the time even if it means spreading out the exercises throughout the day. Don't bring yourself down when there's a simple solution. Do what you can and go on with your life. You have a choice to make the time or not to put in the effort and yes it's a small sacrifice but you have the power to do it.

 
    Enjoy what you can do, don't dread on about that you can only do this but you want to do something else but it takes longer make the time for what you need to do. Like I said you have choices no matter how big or small they are, if an opportunity arises than get your ass going. Give yourself a chance to train during certain setbacks because you put in what you get out of it. It's tough for a lot of people like on-call doctors, college students, factory workers, laborers, business men and women, contractors, architects and others so use the time that is open to get a little something done that will help your body and mind get stronger, fitter and less stressed.

 
Happy Thor's Day everyone and remember to take up my Coaching Offer up to 5 sessions. Check out the top of the site for more details. This will only last until Oct. 1^st so act now and find out how I can help you achieve your goals and aspirations in Physical Culture, Strongman, Steel Bending, Fitness, Strength Training & more.