Unleashing the Fujiwara Fury: Why Yoshiaki Fujiwara's Shoot Fighting Submission Systems Will Turn Your Opponents into Pretzels (And You into a Legend)

For the mat maniacs – if you've ever felt that electric surge when you lock in a submission and watch your training partner's eyes widen like they've just spotted a ghost, then buckle the fuck up. For today, we're going into the depths to insert the kind of knowledge that doesn't just teach you to tap someone out... it teaches you to work your submissions with the precision of a samurai's katana slicing through silk. I'm talking about Shoot Fighting Submission Systems by Yoshiaki Fujiwara, the two-volume beast of an instructional from BJJ Fanatics that's straight fire for anyone who wants to channel the raw, unfiltered power of a Japanese pro wrestling god. He also happens to be Karl Goth's BEST STUDENT by the old man himself.

Back in the day in 1972, a young Yoshiaki Fujiwara steps into the ring, not as some flashy showman, but as a goddamn force of nature – a Pankration pioneer who blended catch wrestling's grit with shoot-style savagery. Over 50 years later, he's passing the torch through these videos and still killing it. let me tell you something you guys, after devouring the previews and geeking out over the breakdowns, it's like he's whispering ancient secrets directly into your ear: "Kid, forget the athleticism bullshit. Technique is your superpower. Use it to carve up the world."

Volume 1: Lower Body Lockdown – Turning Legs into Leverage Nightmares

It kick off with the heel hook, that sneaky bastard of submissions that can end a fight faster than a bad Tinder date. Fujiwara doesn't just show you the entry; he dissects it like a surgeon on steroids – precise hip angles, that crucial twist of the knee, and boom, your opponent's screaming "Uncle" before they even realize they're in the family reunion from hell. Then it's knee bars that feel like upgrading from a rusty bicycle to a nitro-fueled chopper, toe holds that grip like Wolverine's rage, and front headlock attacks that transition smoother than a jazz solo into a mosh pit.

But here's a real epic twist: Fujiwara's not peddling parlor tricks. These are SYSTEMS – chains of attacks from defense positions that leave zero escape routes. Imagine lifting a resisting beast off the mat with nothing but leverage and a smirk, then slamming home a crank that makes their spine question its life choices. No superhuman strength required; just smart, savage geometry that turns your body into a human vice grip. I've been in holds like these from another student of Gotch and holy shit – he made me tap quicker than flies on a zapper. These are not the type of holds you want to be on the other end of. They make you humble but when you apply them, your training partners will respect your Authoritah (Eric Cartman).

Volume 2: Upper Body Annihilation – Chokes, Cranks, and Counters That Crush Souls

Flip to the sequel, and it's upper-body Armageddon. We're talking Nami Juji Jime – the cross choke with a towel that sneaks in like a ninja in the night, wrapping around necks with the subtlety of a velvet noose. Hadaka Jime? Rear naked perfection, refined over decades into something so fluid, it's like choking out doubt itself. And the Fujiwara Armbar? You're not going to want skip it, this is the OG – a wrist-wrecker so elegant, it counters escapes before they even dream of happening.

What seals the deal are the counters: Heel hook defenses that flip the script, armbar reversals that make you the hunter instead of the hunted. Fujiwara's voiceover – gravelly, wise, and laced with that old-school gravitas – drops gems like, "Feel the resistance, then explode through it." It's philosophy wrapped in pain: Every joint lock is a lesson in control, every crank a reminder that true power bends without breaking. By the end, you're not just learning moves; you're forging a mindset where submissions aren't finishes – they're symphonies of fucking dominance.

Why This Bad Ass Course Will Supercharge Your Game (And Your Soul)

In a world bloated with "quick-fix" gurus hawking half-baked hacks, Fujiwara's system stands tall like a mountain in a sea of molehills. Benefits? Let's count 'em on bloodied knuckles:

- Lightning-Fast Finishes: These aren't slow grinds; they're blitzkriegs. Dynamic transitions mean you chain chokes to cranks to locks, leaving opponents flailing like fish on a hook.

- No-Strength Shenanigans: Technique over testosterone. Perfect for us mortals in our 40s (or 70s, apparently) who want to outsmart the young bucks without gassing out. If you have some crazy strength, it'll make your opponents wish they were never born.

- Full-Body Arsenal: Upper and lower attacks in one cohesive blueprint. Add this to your BJJ, no-gi, or even wrestling toolkit, and watch your submission rate skyrocket.

- Legacy-Level Nuances: 5+ Decades of tweaks – from towel chokes born in the dojos of doom to heel hook counters that saved careers. This is the stuff that turns good grapplers into legendary combatants.

The price? A steal at $47 for both volumes. But right now, with the Early Bird Holiday Sale, slap in code TOYS2025 for 49% off – that's less than a steak dinner for knowledge that could save your ass in a street scrap or cage. (Pro tip: A chunk of proceeds goes to Toys for Tots, so you're building warriors and spoiling kids. Win-win, you magnificent bastard.)

The Call to the Mat: Seize Your Fujiwara Legacy

So, what's it gonna be? Scroll past this and keep settling for sloppy armbars that half-work? Or grab Shoot Fighting Submission Systems today, drill these bad boys until you reeks of victory sweat, and step onto the mat feeling like Fujiwara himself – timeless, terrifying, and totally unstoppable?

Your opponents won't know what hit 'em. Hell, neither will you... until that first effortless tap echoes like thunder.

Be amazingly awesome. Train hard, submit harder.

The Value Of Conditioning In Your 40's And Beyond

 Strength Training should be a priority regardless of your age but it does become crucial to keep at it especially if you're over 40. Its cousin, conditioning is just as valuable and should be treated with respect. In our younger years, we don't treasure fitness as much even though we give ourselves the idea that we can be invincible and can take on workouts we shouldn't be doing. We recover faster in our 20's because around those years, according to studies, we peak at the highest level of what our bodies are able to handle. When we reach 30-35, we are taught to believe it becomes a downhill slope and we need to slow down because we don't recover as much and our bodies are starting that infancy stage of becoming fragile.

Over 40, things become interesting but the truth is, if you've been training a good portion of your life and know the ways of adapting and understanding what your body's capabilities are, their weaknesses and what challenges you can take on, you can withstand quite a bit. However; it is important that as we do get older, we do need to be aware. Now there are guys who's level of strength and conditioning even beyond 40 are insane and often times inspiring. Take someone like Slim The Hammerman for example, the king of sledgehammer levering and other strongman feats, has said that in his years of 40-50, he felt like he was dangerous. Invincible as well and was doing things that is practically impossible for men even today. This was saying something cause this was a guy who worked in a Rock Quarry shattering and carrying stone 10+ hours a day often 6-7 days a week and that's backbreaking work as it is.

The Great Gama is another example of being able to do things most men couldn't even fathom and wrestled for more than 50 years at a level that would make Frank Gotch blush. His strength and conditioning is legendary and inspired even the likes of Bruce Lee. We are all capable of doing incredible things. We may not have the strength of Slim or have the stamina and power Gama had, but we can condition our bodies to withstand many things beyond certain ages. When you're over 40, those in their 60's will still call you a young man. As complimentary as that is, on the other end of the spectrum, a number of folks in their 20's will call someone over 40 an old man which if you're not used to it, can be a stab in the heart. Shit I'm at a stage in my life where remembering what it was like before google and having the Black Box in my room. When my parents were that age, it was in between JFK the headlines of Charles Manson. 

Now that we've taken little trips down memory comparing being a teen in the 90's and parents being teens in the 60's, let's get back to what I wanted to talk about. Having strength is an asset nobody can afford to lose but real physical strength isn't benching 500 lbs (although it's cool if you're a powerlifter or strongman), it's being able to get up without pain and to do things like carrying groceries, walking up stairs fluidly, handling furniture, loading boxes in awkward positions, it's about having strength that can keep going.  That's where conditioning comes into play, it's to be able to stay strong when it counts in the most crucial times. It doesn't matter if you're into weights, bodyweight, bands or whatever, if you can keep going and have that wind, you're above the majority. 

This is where I believe circuit training is by far one of the best methods for conditioning. It leads up to a total instead of just doing hundreds of an exercise in one shot. Doing hundreds of push-ups and squats at a time is great, essential even in some cases but that shouldn't be your only option to get in solid condition. With circuits, you learn to do small steps that lead to a bigger outcome. When I do my Circuits with the Dopamineo Band, I have it planned out for what I want to accomplish; I pick a certain number of exercises, do 10-20 reps and take as little rest as I can until I'm finished hitting all the rounds I want to do. Really when I do rest, it's just a few seconds. I've done this with Bodyweight Training as well where I've lasted as long as 45 minutes with less than a couple minutes total resting. My totals have ranged from 500-1500 reps at the end. 

You don't have to go that long when it comes to circuit training, 30 minutes even would probably be better suited. Sometimes if you picked out a hard circuit of exercises, resting until you caught wind again is an option but i believe at your very best, do what you can to work more with less rest. That's from a circuit POV, if it's Sprinting or other HIIT styles, then rest as long as needed to be efficient for your next round or set. Although I've done workouts doing HIIT for 30 minutes but it's on a 45 sec on/15 sec off protocol doing 5 exercises 6 times, that's a different level of conditioning. 

What makes it valuable to be able to have great conditioning beyond 40? It gives you a lasting impression on being an asset to yourself and to others. It's inspiring and even admirable at times but deep, deep down, conditioning with the right mindset and knowledge, goes a long way to having a quality of life to be proud of. Being able to keep up or even outwork those younger than you has its perks for sure especially on the ego, but that's where it stops. Don't try to prove to others in a manner where it compromises your personality and be an asshole. Prove to yourself that you can be capable of doing things others would never expect you to be capable of. It's not always what others think, what they think is their problem; you on the other hand learn what YOU can do and make a habit of being fit and healthy to live long and prosper (did I really just quote Star Trek even though I'm a Star Wars nerd?). 

The value of conditioning goes beyond the physical, it's a matter of pride with humbleness that you are in the kind of shape that would drop jaws. When others feel the need to tear down people who aren't in the shape THEY'RE in or call people losers and whiners because they don't follow their style of training, that's not someone to be trusted. That's someone who doesn't know the true value of inspiring others. Sure they may be in "decent" shape (even claiming to be the very best in the world when they're REALLY not) but if they also smoke like a chimney, drink enough caffeine to put others in the hospital (and call it being healthy) and tell others to go extreme all the time, that's nothing more than a sales pitch to guilt trip you into buying something from them. It's not realistic or even good for the body, it's degrading and wastes everybody's time. 

Be amazingly awesome and do what's possible for you to be in the best condition you can be in while staying healthy and living a quality of life that brings purpose to you and for others.    

Blissful Hell Doing 1000 Reps With The Dopamineo Band

 This morning, I felt strong, energetic and ready tackle a good workout. Took my bag down to the complex gym, hooked up my Dopa Band & Strap and went at it. Everything felt right and with the exercises I was doing, they were flowing to the point where even at 7 Rounds, I knew today I could do 20. 

Why do I call it Blissful Hell? Simply put, even in a state where I can keep going, the workout still wasn't going to be an easy one. Why would it? Unless you've experienced it, it is a workout that challenges your sanity. After yesterday's 800 Rep Circuit of 5 Rounds, I was determined to get at least 10 with the Dopa Band but I just kept going and doubled it. For this workout, I felt invincible and nothing was going to stop me. 

5 Exercises for 10 reps each as usual, just going even further. The only rest was marking off the circuit which is only a few seconds in comparison. 

10 Chest Presses

10 Wave Pulls

10 Squats

10 Ski Jumps

10 Power Pushovers

In all....20 Rounds comes out to 200 Reps each for a grand total of 1000. Even when I was done, I felt like I could go maybe another 2-3 rounds but this was satisfying enough. One of these days, I might see how many rounds I can do in an hour, with a routine like this, I can probably hit close to 30-32 but I'm not going to make that assumption of myself until I've actually done it. 

This is one of the reasons why the Dopa Band is such an amazing tool. It adds resistance to practically any movement you do, even a smidge can make a difference. It's effectiveness is beyond description and it helps you stay fit for life. Another big perk is that unlike other bands, this fucker doesn't snap as easily, quite frankly, it's CLOSE to impossible to snap this thing. Since September of 2023, I have not had to replace this thing and I've put it through hell, stretching as best as I can, hitting it on gravel, wet grass, sand, concrete, in the rain, hot and cold weather and it still hasn't had scratches or tears. 

This band is addicting and I'd rather be addicted to training with this than to smoke, drink and party. Exercise has been my second language since 2005 and I can't find any reason to take a day off unless I'm in a full body cast or dead. I will find a way to train every single fucking day, not because of motivation but for the love and discipline of it. For me, without training, it's like not breathing. I can be laid up and in severe pain and I'll still do something even if it's isometrics. I do like pushing myself and it has bitten me in the ass a time or two but I don't give up, I adjust and do what's possible in the moment. Since about June of 2024, I haven't been in any pain, sore sure and a few scratches here and there but not pain and I feel grateful to do things in my 40's that will continue for as long as possible. 

I'm not the strongest, the fastest, the biggest nor do I look like I should be on a magazine but I do what's possible for me and do things that keep me going no matter what. The band is just another tool that has given me new ways to love training. It's not the ultimate training tool, nor is it the end-all-be-all like anything else, it's just a tool, like your bodyweight, weights, machines or whatever. You choose what works best for you and get the biggest benefit out of it. I don't settle for one method, I practice many and combine them to form my own ideals to what I want to accomplish. 

I do believe Dopamineo Bands should be a part of any program but I won't ever call you a loser or f@ggot or anything derogatory/negative because you choose not to do them. That's what Charlatans/Cowards do, they treat you like garbage when they don't do things their way and if you don't do what they say, you're nothing but a speck of dirt and someone who isn't worthy of a human being to them. Those type of people are unworthy of your time and have no business teaching others how to be fit since some of these guys look like they couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag for one and make ridiculous claims that makes you ask yourself "Is this guy off his meds or something?" The truth is, these numbnuts come and go. Keep being you and find ways to be a little better and evolve. Make good choices, kindness isn't a weakness but don't be a pushover either, we all have our limits. 

Be amazingly awesome and be sure to use my discount code POWERANDMIGHT to get 10% OFF your order. You have the power to change, make it epic. 

Building Unbreakable Strength with Fingertip Push-Ups – Feel Like Wolverine's Adamantium Claws

At times in our journey, we get tired of the same old push-up routine that's leaving gains on the table, so it may be time to level up to something savage or even amplify a tool in your arsenal: fingertip push-ups. I'm talking transforming your fingers into weapons of mass destruction, strong enough to grip, crush, and dominate like Wolverine's indestructible adamantium claws. I've hammering these bad boys in workouts a time or 2, and I'll tell you bro– It's very discomforting yet, the unbreakable feel is just phenomenal. It's next-level badassary. Today, I'm going to be breaking it all down: how to build insane strength with this insane exercise, the science behind it, progression tips, and exactly what it feels like when your digits turn into razor-sharp supertools that'll make you feel like a god damn superhero. Shall we get this party going?

First off, let's get real about why fingertip push-ups are arguable one of the GOATs of grip and core strength. Regular push-ups like Military Style hit your chest, shoulders, and triceps with sheer vengeance. however; when you switch to fingertips, you're forcing your fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms to carry the load. It's like upgrading to a Harley – every fucking rep recruits those tiny stabilizer muscles that most folks ignore. Think about it: rock climbers, martial artists, wrestlers and even classic strongmen swear by this because it builds functional strength that translates to real life. Want to deadlift heavier? Crush someone's hand? Or just feel like you could claw through steel? Fingertip push-ups are the real deal.

The magic happens in the connective tissues. Your fingers aren't just bones – they're supported by tendons, ligaments, and muscles like the flexor digitorum profundus (yeah, I geek out on anatomy at times). When you press up on those tips, you're stressing these in a good way, promoting hypertrophy and resilience. Studies from sports science journals show that grip-focused exercises like this can increase forearm strength by up to 20-30% in just a few months. And bonus: it torches your core harder than planks because balancing on those narrow points demands insane stability. No more wobbly push-ups – you'll be locked in like a heavily secured vault.

Now, let's talk progression because nobody starts as the most awesome X-Man of all time. If you're new, don't dive straight in or you'll risk finger strain or worse. Start on your knees or against a wall to build tolerance. Week 1: Aim for 2-3 sets of 5-10 reps on all ten fingers. Focus on form – fingers spread wide, body straighter than Robin Hood's arrow, lower slow to FEEL the tension. As you get stronger, drop the knees and go full plank. Pro tip: Use a soft surface like a yoga mat at first to cushion those tips. By week 4, challenge yourself by reducing fingers – go to eight, then six. If you plan on going to beast mode: thumb and index only. Very few people on the planet have been able to do it and one of them is Garin Bader: An unsung legend of the Strength game.

I remember my first full set on five fingers per hand. My fingertips were screaming, but after a few sessions, things got slightly easier. That's the key – consistency turns pain into power. Mix in variations to keep it fresh: Ever try the Finger-Tip Clap Push-up?. Pair 'em with grip tools like fat gripz or hang from a pull-up bar post-set to amplify the burn. Don't skimp on recovery – do joint loosening exercises that keep those forearms healthy or they'll tighten up like cables.

Here's a really juicy part: what does it actually FEEL like to have fingers forged like Wolverine's claws? Man, it's euphoric. At first, it's raw – that deep ache in your phalanges (finger bones) as they adapt, like forging metal in a fire. Your tips get hot, sensitive, almost buzzing with energy. Then, as strength builds, the transformation hits. Imagine gripping a barbell and feeling zero slip – your fingers lock in like vices, unyielding. It's that adamantium confidence: unbreakable, razor-sharp focus. I've crushed personal records in my own training because my grip is that strong. It even helped me with steel bending back in the day. Out in the world? Opening jars? No problem. Even giving a massage will have someone remembering (I'm not talking happy endings here pervs). Feels natural. It's like your hands evolve into superhuman extensions of your will.

Think of it this way: You're in the gym or wherever you train, sweat dripping, and you drop into a fingertip push-up. The world narrows to those ten points of contact. Each rep is a battle – gravity pulling you down, but your fingers push back, defiant and ruthless. The pressure builds in your tips, radiating up your arms like electricity surging. Your forearms pump up, veins popping like Wolverine's when he's raging. And when you get close to failure? That sweet endorphin rush floods in, making you feel immortal like Duncan MacLeod. It's not just physical; it's mental toughness. Fingertip push-ups teach you to embrace discomfort, turning weakness into weaponized strength. I've had days where life throws curveballs – stress, setbacks – but after a set, I feel powerful, claws out, ready to slash through anything. See for yourself as a do a 20 Rep Set.

Don't just take my word – pros like Bruce Lee incorporated finger training for that explosive power. Lee could do two-finger push-ups, thrusting his body skyward like a spring. That's a goal: not just strength, but explosive, claw-like precision. If you're into calisthenics, combine with exercises like handstands for full-body dominance. Women, this is for you too – builds elegant strength without bulking, plus killer nail beds from the callus care (pro tip: moisturize post-workout). And for athletes? Grip is a major ingredient in sports like MMA, where a weak hold means game over.

Common pitfalls to avoid: Overdoing it leads to tendonitis, so listen to your body. If pain shoots (not just soreness), back off and build slower. Warm up with finger stretches – spread 'em wide, make fists, rotate wrists. Hydrate like a boss; dry hands crack easier. And form check: Keep shoulders down, no sagging hips – video yourself if needed. Once mastered, the payoff is huge. Your posture improves from the core work, confidence skyrockets, and yeah, you'll turn heads when folks see you banging out sets on fingertips.

Wrapping this up, fingertip push-ups aren't just an exercise – they're a mindset shift. From fragile digits to claws that shred, it's about pushing limits and emerging stronger. Start today, track your progress, and watch your strength explode. Whether you're a gym/calisthenic newbie or seasoned beast, this will elevate your game. Hit me in the comments with your experiences – what's your grip PR? Let's build that community power. Remember, strength isn't given; it's fucking earned, one rep at a time. Stay mighty, folks and as always, be amazingly awesome. 💥

13 Rounds In 31 Minutes Of My Dopa Circuit

 Thought I'd go a little longer than usual with my Dopa Circuit today and try a couple of exercises that I've rarely if ever done. In most workouts with the band I'll do 500 total reps, only less than a handful ever done 1000 reps but today, I just wanted to see what I can do with as many rounds as I can within 30+ Minutes. 

The band is no joke and can put you down for the count if you know the way to do it. It's a reason why wrestlers use it as part of their conditioning. You can build just about any workout you want out of it. I like circuits mainly cause I can keep going with little to no rest and get a lot done in a short amount of time. In all the workouts I've done with that thing, I don't believe a workout went past 50 minutes, if that. 

In the 500 Rep workouts, I usually can breeze through it and feel great, speed is a bit more in tuned and keep things at a pace that flows well. If I wanted to go a little longer, I don't speed up as much. It's more methodical, calculated and focused more on technique and control. I let the speed come naturally, I'm not trying to kill myself but I'm not going to be sitting on my ass in between circuits either. What exercises did I do? Here's the rundown....

10 Chest Presses

10 High Pulls

10 Uppercut To Squats

10 Oblique Twists (5 Each side)

10 Propellers

Worked them but not trying to be so explosive and fast because that's not what the intention was. It was more about being precise with the movements and focus on the muscles more than trying to cut down the time. I hadn't done the High Pulls before and the last time I did Oblique Twists with the band, I made them more explosive but I ended up having issues because of it and that was back in late 2023-early 2024. This time, I kept things at a slower pace and work my hips and core muscles instead of looking like I wanted to throw somebody LOL.

This workout was interesting to do and it was great. Set my stopwatch, went at it and stopped when I felt like I was done. Got 13 Rounds in within 31 minutes or so and I'm happy with that. Going extreme every once in a while for a challenge is great but it's not necessary to do it ALL the time. Whoever tells you to go extreme everyday, needs a reality check and a dose of "Fuck off with that bullshit". It's the same type of guys who believe in the "No pain, no gain" mentality, it's a myth and a fool's errand. It's better to be consistent with what gives you the best benefit of your health and keeping things at a level that brings long term results. If you're trying to set records in every workout, it only leads to heartache, injury and a fragile ego. 

Fitness is a journey that takes many roads, obstacles and discoveries. It's about testing your capabilities but also learning what to be aware of, what to do and what not to do. Many don't get that because they want shortcuts, a quick fix and something that will turn them into some world class athlete. That's not how this works, it takes discipline, knowing when to bring it back a bit at times and taking it one day at a time. Time catches up to all of us, the question is, will you make that time worth it to be less injury-prone and maintaining levels of strength and condition that keeps you out of the nursing home? 

Be amazingly awesome and don't forget to snatch up a Dopa band at Dopamineo.com and use my discount code POWERANDMIGHT to take a few bucks off your order. Train anywhere, get one for the kids and let them get that excess energy out. Got a group or a team you're training? Bands are great for that as well and don't forget as well there's discounts for Military Veterans as well.