Testing Strength And Resurgence In High Rep Training

 With a few workouts lately at the gym, I'm starting to get a good feel of the place and what I like to do in addition to other aspects of training I do. For the most part, I like to play around with stuff and test some of my strength for the fun of it. I'm not looking to build the type of strength suited to one method or another. More on the lines of using what's possible to carry over to other areas of my journey and whatever comes my way.

My favorites to play with at the gym are the Sandbags, the Infinity Rope and the Barbells. Again, just to feel them out and get a good sweat going. The least of these three is the Bench which is more in tuned to just pure strength. Don't know if I'll hit up over 300 again like I did when I was younger. It's not that important and I can still hit more than my bodyweight for reps for someone who doesn't do that lift consistently. The other two, those are like my bread and butter there. I can do all kinds of stuff with the Sandbag and with the rope, I use it for upper body conditioning.

Today, I tried out a different approach to the Infinity Rope by instead of doing a set for minute or more straight, just did pulls for sets of 25 reps. Mark off the set and get back to it. Wanted to 8 sets but I was feeling great and went for 10. 250 Total Reps. With the Sandbag, just did a pick up and carry for distance back and forth in the room. Did this 10 times which jacked my heart rate up good. Before that, I loosened up doing animal moves, spread eagle splits and other joint loosening & flexibility work. 

The big exercise I ended up having to get a fear over was the Leg Press which I haven't done in ages, the Hack Squat was more recent in comparison. I haven't really done much of that type of training in more than a decade. If I was ever consistent with the Leg Press, it was in my late teens to 20. Worked up from 180-450 for 10 reps each and that was where I started feeling this thing in my mind where if my legs can hold up and the rod and pins can handle the weight. You need to remember that I don't lift very heavy weights for a reason especially with the legs cause of the rod and pins. I got skiddish about going up for one more set so I added another 50 lbs. which hit at 500 lbs on this thing. A part of me wanted to do but I had that governor in my head saying "you're pushing it with those legs". Once I got passed that eerie feeling, I went for it and I managed 5 reps with that 500 lbs. Could I have done more, highly likely cause it wasn't a huge struggle, a small one at that, I was feeling it yes but it wasn't a do or die trying effort. It was more mental and worry about my legs than anything. I'm proud to still be able to pull that off. 

For the most part, 500 lbs on a leg press for most guys in the strength world is like a cakewalk to them, barely even a warm up. I've seen guys press more than 1000 lbs with that but that's where they're far more consistent than I' am. I first did a Leg Press at 15-16 years old and by the time I was 17 I hit 945 for my max and never went past 800 after that. So to go 21-22 years with hardly touching that apparatus and still managing 500 lbs is a win in my book. On Sunday, one of the exercises I went for was the Barbell Shrug which again I have hardly done in more moons than I can count and still was strong enough to do reps with heavy weight. I managed 315 for 4. No straps, no belt, just a t-shirt & shorts and shoes. Just to even pick up and hold it was a small feat for me cause I don't do that stuff. 

Lifting somewhat heavy stuff again at the gym without being consistent with it is awesome at least in my eyes. I'm the guy that does all sorts of bodyweight stuff, isometrics and bands. The only weights per se I really use are hammers, clubs, maces, kettlebells and sandbags. That's it. Most of these never reached 100 lbs. It's little victories that matter and it was cool to do some of those lifts. 

Now, outside of the gym, I have been having a surge of high rep training a lot more consistently in recent months especially with the Dopa Bands as you may have read on the workout circuits I do. This is where I love circuit training where I don't have to focus on one particular exercise and move from one to another in a flow like fashion. Even bodyweight wise I'll do 100 or more push-ups and 200+ squats along with punching, kicking, mountain climbers and such. A couple times I've done 500 Hindu Squat workouts with my deck of cards. 

I have written in the past about not always needing to do crazy high rep training unless you're training for something like in a sport or have a goal to do whatever. In and of itself, high rep work is great but it's not the end-all-be-all of physical training like some who are such fanatics that they'll call you a loser if you don't do that kind of training (in reality, those guys are full of shit). I still believe in not NEEDING but choosing to do that and doing it smart. Not just going all out like a maniac cause it's some kind of requirement you have to do all the time. I do high rep work out of choice and working around what I want to do to build up to certain numbers. Step Ups are always fun for me and I always do a minimum of 500 reps of that exercise; I haven't done them lately cause my mind is occupied on other things but never say never. With circuits, I can do 500-1000 total reps in a session without getting physically drained to the point where I can't move. Circuits give me the opportunities to go longer without tiring out and focus on one exercise at a time instead of just hammering one exercise and be done with it. It's full body conditioning that keeps me active and I'm enjoying the fuck out of it.

 Quite frankly, I'd rather be in the type of shape that lasts rather than having temporary moments of strength. That doesn't mean Temporary strength is a bad thing. Being able to work both is essential to what you can do with your body. Some have more temporary strength than conditioning but the same can be said for the other way around; they don't have a ton of strength but can go. Having both is top tier especially for athletes or even those in later stages of life. Strength comes in many forms whether from a short term or long term point of view but when you have strength that lasts a bit of time and even for a short amount of time, it gives you true perspective on what you may need to do in crucial situations. 

Whatever your goals are, make them worth the effort but also be aware of pushing so hard it can break you; LITERALLY. Injuries are a bitch trust me, been there done that and at this stage of my life, I don't want to so crippled up from training that I can't enjoy other aspects of life. Knew too many guys who have beaten themselves up but have also seen guys that trained with sheer vengeance and still come out unscathed and live life to the fullest for a long fucking time. It's a matter of the choices we make and what we learn to be aware of while finding out what we are capable are. Keep killing it everyone and be amazingly awesome. 

Be sure to use my code POWERANDMIGHT at Dopamineo.com to get 10% OFF your order. Stay fit and be in the best condition possible. 

From Farm Boy to Beast: The Unstoppable Journey of Dan Severn and What It Teaches Us About True Strength

As part of this new year in 2026, I've been reflecting on what it means to build real, lasting power—not just in the gym, but in life. You know, the kind of strength that comes from grinding through setbacks, adapting your training, and never letting failure pin you down.  One of the books I've read at least twice, about one guy who always stands out is Dan "The Beast" Severn. If you're into wrestling, MMA, or just tales of sheer resilience, his autobiography, The Realest Guy in the Room, is a goldmine. It's not just a bio; it's a blueprint for turning humble roots into legendary might. Today, I want to unpack his epic journey, draw out the inspiring lessons, and tie it all back to how we can apply that beast-mode mentality to our own training and lives. Are you ready? Let's hit it....

Let's start at the beginning, because Dan's story screams "underdog origins." Born in 1958 as a Mid-Michigan farm boy, Dan Severn grew up in Coldwater, a small town where hard work wasn't optional—it was survival. See this in your mind's eye: a kid hauling hay bales, milking cows, and wrestling siblings in the barn before he even knew what a mat looked like. Farm life built his foundation—raw strength from manual labor, mental toughness from early mornings and endless chores. By high school, Dan exploded onto the amateur wrestling scene. He wasn't just good; he was dominant. A two-time state and national champion, he set eight national records. We're talking pinning opponents who outweighed him by 100 pounds, all while weighing in at the lower end of heavyweight. His recruitment? Historic. Colleges lined up, and he chose Arizona State University, where he became a two-time All-American. If you're reading this and feeling like your starting point is too ordinary, remember: power isn't born; it's built, one rep, one hay bale at a time.

But here's where the story gets REAL—and really inspiring. Dan had Olympic dreams locked in. We're talking 1984 Los Angeles Games, where he was a top contender in Greco-Roman wrestling. He was an alternate twice, silver medalist at the 1980 NCAA Championships— the guy was primed. Then, bam: injuries struck. A nagging knee, back issues from years of takedowns and bridges. Worse, backroom politics and controversial decisions at the trials derailed him. No gold medal, no glory. Instead of breaking him, though, this setback fueled a pivot that changed combat sports forever. With a family to support—Dan was married young and had kids—he needed to provide. Traditional jobs? Not cutting it. So, he turned to the wild world of no-holds-barred fighting. Enter the UFC in its raw, early days—1994, UFC 4. No weight classes, no time limits, just pure survival. Dan, at 36 (ancient by fighter standards), stepped in with his wrestling base and became "The Beast." He didn't have flashy kicks or punches; he had ground control, submissions, and an unyielding will. In UFC 5, he won the tournament, then the Superfight Championship, and capped it with the Ultimate Ultimate 1995 title. Boom—UFC's first Triple Crown winner. His MMA record? A staggering 101 wins, 19 losses, 7 draws, fighting until age 52. That's not just longevity; that's legendary grit.

What makes Dan's MMA rise so powerful is how he adapted. Coming from amateur wrestling, where strikes were forbidden, he entered a cage where anything went—elbows, knees, headbutts. Yet, he dominated with grappling. His style: take 'em down, control the position, submit or ground-and-pound. Pioneering stuff. He beat legends like Oleg Taktarov and Tank Abbott, proving wrestling could rule in mixed martial arts. But it sure as hell wasn't easy. Early UFC had no gloves, minimal rules—pure chaos. Dan talks in his book about the fear, the unknown opponents, and the physical toll. One fight, he dislocated his shoulder mid-match but popped it back and kept going. That's the beast mentality: pain is temporary, quitting is forever. Dan didn't burn out; he evolved. He incorporated judo, sambo, even pro wrestling moves to stay ahead. Speaking of which, let's shift to his pro wrestling career, because that's where "The Beast" became a household name beyond the cage.

Started in '92 being trained by Al Snow in pro wrestling, by 1995, while holding UFC gold, Dan won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship—the same belt legends like Lou Thesz held. He was the first (and only) to hold MMA and pro wrestling world titles simultaneously. His WWF stint in the late '90s? Iconic. Managed by Jim Cornette, he brought real credibility to the Attitude Era. Remember the Brawl for All tournament? Dan advanced but withdrew to avoid injuring scripted stars. He feuded with Ken Shamrock, blending real MMA with entertainment. Even in Japan with promotions like RINGS, he was a monster. What is incredible is how Dan stayed authentic—"the realest guy in the room." No fake personas; just a mustached farm boy who could suplex you into next week (Even Sheikey Baby knew this). His pro wrestling gigs made him a hot free agent, mimicked by guys like Brock Lesnar. But Dan never forgot his roots. He ran wrestling schools, coached, and emphasized fundamentals: strong neck, core stability, mental prep. Neck training, folks—that's huge. In my recent posts, I hammer on building a strong neck using isometrics and other things such as bridges and the Neck Flex. Dan's career shouts like a war cry why: wrestlers and fighters take hits to the head, but a thick, strong neck minimizes concussions and injuries. He built his to tank punishment, and at 67 now, he's still coaching without regrets.

Dan's story isn't just about wins; it's about the powerful lessons in failure and reinvention. After Olympic dreams crashed, he could've given up and walked away. Instead, he provided for his family by turning those setbacks into fuel. His initial MMA bouts? He lost some, but learned. That resilience? Gold for us. I've dealt with sciatica and other things—stuff that would give me many reasons to give in, but like the beast, I adapted: more bodyweight flows, band work with DopamineO (use code POWERANDMIGHT for discounts!), and mindful recovery. His book pulls no punches on the dark sides—divorces, financial struggles, the toll of 120+ fights. Yet, he emerged stronger, a UFC Hall of Famer, inspiring generations. Think about it: from farm chores to cage dominance, Dan shows that true power comes from authenticity. Be real—whether it's the gym, office, or home. Don't chase hype; build sustainable strength. Train smart: mix high-intensity circuits (like my Broadway Workout—29 rounds of hell!) with yin recovery workouts. Focus on neglected areas—neck, grip, core—to prevent breakdowns. And mindset? Unshakable. Dan didn't have cauliflower ears or a tough-guy scowl; he had quiet confidence.

Wrapping this up, Dan Severn's journey is a testament to what happens when you refuse to stay down and keep fighting. From Mid-Michigan fields to UFC cages and wrestling rings, he became "The Beast" not by luck, but by relentless adaptation and heart. If you're grinding through your own setbacks—maybe a stalled fitness plateau, life curveballs, or just needing motivation—channel Dan. Start small: add bridges to your routine for that beast neck, hit a sandbag session for wrestling vibes, or just reflect on your "why." His story proves: injuries heal, dreams evolve, and true might comes from within. Keep killing it out there, folks. Be amazingly awesome and stay balanced. What's your takeaway from Dan's tale? Drop it in the comments. Until next time, train hard, recover smarter.

At Forge Going After The Sandbag

 My wife and I joined a gym down the road from us just before New Years called Forge Fitness. It has that old school gym vibe with plenty of barbells, iron plates, dumbbells up to I think 150 lbs and racks. Still has a few machines and bikes but the rest is more my forte. On another side of the gym there's a gymnastics mat that can also be used to practice wrestling drills and such next to some other machines, kettlebells, a mace, battling rope and sandbags. 

This was our 2nd time there and I wanted to try some stuff with a 100 lb Sandbag. Started out with some Joint Loosening to get myself "warmed up". Did shoulder to shoulder slams for 2 sets alternating each shoulder 5 times. The next exercise I wanted to do was something was a wrestling type drill where I would put the bag in a headlock on the ground and isometrically squeeze, switch to the other side like a sit-out and repeat, kept going until fatigued. Took a breather and then did another set of that. The guy near me was doing some Yoga and boxing drills to warm up and asked if I was a wrestler and as we were going through our own thing, got to talking with him about Catch Wrestling and even showed him a standing Double Wrist Lock from my POV the way it was shown to me. That was pretty fun and kept on doing stuff with the Bag.

Throughout, I also did 4x5 Squats with the Bag since it has been a while since I've done those. Finished off with some Wall Walking into a Bridge. Definitely been some time doing these and it was a bit humbling but I was still able to do them. Did 10 of those and then my girl and I headed back home. Since it has been a while doing exercises like these, I was a little stiff in my lower back so I did some heat and ice just to keep things in check, no pill popping or muscle relaxers and I was fine after 20 minutes of each. Work on some agility later, deep breathing training and maybe some Dopa Training to keep myself moving and loose. 

This gym in particular would be a dinosaur style gym compared to places like Anytime, Planet or even our Rec Center. There's nothing really fancy about this place and it's the type of place meant for powerlifters, old time bodybuilding and regular fitness. In the room with the long stretched Gym mat, it's the type of place where I can bridge, practice drills and play with some cool toys near the barbells and dumbbells. One machine in particular I like is the Infinity Rope, I like that better than pulldowns cause you get more of an upper body workout continually pulling. Did 3 sets of 1 min pulls the first day we went in and that was nasty to me cause I've only done an infinity rope maybe one other time. 

That first day was just figuring the place out...Did Bench Press, Pull-Ups, Rope and Mace Swinging. Even today it was getting a feel for things and doing things again that keep me strong and in good shape. That drill switching to headlock and squeeze the bag was intense and got my heart rate up pretty damn quick. The switching looked more like a side bear crawl to a side out but it's quite anaerobic for sure. I like training like an athlete but I'm not going to push so far that it's going to hurt me. Just do enough to work things effectively and get the fuck out, that's always been my motto in and out of the gym. 

A New Year and new ideas to train that are resourceful and functional. Sticking to basics as much as possible and have fun with what's available. The cost per month is actually pretty reasonable and it's open 24/7 to members. Part of the journey man. Keep killing and be amazingly awesome.   

Keep A Good Head On Your Shoulders And Happy New Year

 A year has gone by and a new one begins. A fresh start for some, for others, it's a continuous grind that never stops. It doesn't matter what your ambitions, goals or resolutions for that matter, what is important to you will come and if you have the will, you'll make it as bad ass as you can. We all have something we want to accomplish but is it realistic and better yet, will it benefit you as an individual? 

There those who will tell you flat out what they're goals are or what they plan on doing. The truth is, talking can be very convincing to another's ear yet where is the heart of the person saying it. I sure as hell have goals in mind but I'm not going to talk about them because most of the time, I'll end up talking myself out of them later so instead I shoot for what I want to do and then talk about it another time. It's a process for me but it's also part of my journey as a person.

I have talked about showing the Neck Flex after doing some workouts with it which I have and filmed a demo......

Obviously it's a demo and not a full workout, I wanted to show the exercises I've been doing and the form of control I'm using to give you an idea of how I work this thing. A big workout for me is doing 2x25 Reps per exercise with the six exercises shown here which is a total of 300 Reps. The other times, I would do a 10-count hold and then a 1-2 count for reps until I reach 10 reps with these with an added exercise of doing circles. 

As you can see, I don't have a small neck and for good reason. Off and on for many, many years I've trained my neck to the point where I've done Bridging Gymnastics where I've fallen back until my head, kick over and back, held the front and back for as long as 3 minutes or longer (My longest in the back bridge is 7 minutes), Wall Walks, Gymnastic Bridge, even bent a 6 inch spike in the back bridge several times, even performed this feat in front of an assembly of kids when I was with Bud Jeffries when he came around here the first couple times. 

As you read in one of the recent posts, I've never worn a harness until this came and even with getting a feel for it, I'm enjoying it cause it's another tool in my arsenal to building a strong body that lasts. It feels great afterwards and it has even helped me sleep a little bit better at night and I'm a night owl. Training the neck is one of the most crucial elements in physical training yet it's one many don't do out of fear when in reality, they're not shown the true aspects of Neck Training that can be tailored to those who aren't wrestlers, fighters or football players.

I don't have any plans at the moment to use weights with this, it's not my style. Doesn't mean I won't try it one day but for now, I have plenty of exercises to choose from that don't include a plate or hooking up to a machine. Using the band even for the majority is more than enough because it's a teacher on how to control your movements. If you jerk your neck the wrong way during training, things can go south. We can't avoid injuries 100% of the time but we can choose to find ways to prevent them as much as possible and that starts with being in control. The reps will come but it's not about how many you can do, it's about making each rep or hold count for something that will lead to greater strength and condition. 

Hold your head up high and make the New Year great for you. Keep at it and if you fall, get your ass back up, it's either going to happen on your own or someone may lend a hand to get you back on your feet. You never know what's on the horizon. Set goals, be amazingly awesome and welcome to 2026.

The Ying And Yang Of Physical Training

 

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that doing some form of hardcore training will get you the best results. The truth is, in certain cases it's true but from a certain point of view. Going completely nuts in a training session whether it's for 20 minutes or an hour, has its perks but only if you understand the awareness of what needs to be done after and how you apply the recovery process so you can build muscle. 

There's also the polar opposite of this in the sense where if you have a fear of going hardcore and all you do is "soft" stuff that doesn't do much for you, your progress is going to be unsuccessful in that regard. What can you do about this? You learn to find a balance, a Ying & Yang so do speak. It's the understanding of doing something crazy but being aware that you can have sessions as well that benefit your body's ability to recover and adapt from the breakdowns.

It's a learned flow state of being able to charge into battle in your training but knowing you don't need to do it all the time. If you do one or the other too frequently, it's going to bite you in the ass and by that I mean, you're either going to get injured more often or your body and mind just won't have the juice needed to test yourself. I've done enough sessions that were rough as hell yet other sessions that looks like something out of Tai Chi or something to know that it becomes a balance game and only you can figure out how your body responds to the "trauma" along with being "passive" in your journey. 

I train every single day for many reasons but in the last couple years, I've been relearning how to balance myself with testing my capabilities and going into a state that seem like I don't get anything done but getting more than what the eye sees. Often I train multiple times a day doing little things or multiple workouts that last 30 minutes or more that keep me going. Training to control your movements not from a forced aspect but an entity of effortlessness even though it's not easily done by any stretch. You can go into a gym and do some insane stuff for a period, in the same day do something that is less intense but keeps you moving. It's the blending with intent that keeps you into that flow state. 

Now, not everyone is capable to go so hard they can't do anything else the rest of the day, not because they're not trained that way but why? What's the purpose of training so hard you can't move almost at all but think you can go another set of rounds just as crazy? That's geared for more of those in the pros or world-class level for specific purposes. In reality, very few can withstand what it takes to be world-class. If you took a well trained sprinter who has been trained to take trauma and the type of training that pits him at the Olympic level and put a guy who's never trained in his life let alone done a sprint and put him on the same type of regimen....That guy would be injured severely within a week or even the first day or worse and you expect him to keep showing up? That's where some people's minds go, they believe they can keep up with routines that are found in magazines and on youtube and find out the hard way that your ego could get you killed just out of sheer stupidity. There's no balance or progressive steps. 

This isn't about learning one thing or another, it's learning how to use both sides of the coin effectively and with mindful awareness that your body is a very powerful tool and can do extraordinary things but not at the expense of doing things that can either easily put you in the hospital or have no ambition and just go through the motions without any real intent or purpose. There are some people who will tell you that going hard everyday is the true key and they can be very convincing because they have mastered that level of manipulating into thinking that you either go hard no matter what or die trying. This is a dangerous and inhumane mentality in the sense where you're telling people without deliberately saying it to purposely injure themselves or torture themselves into pain. It's that "No pain, no gain" level of stupidity that hinders progress more than doing something that will have you gaining. Not to mention it comes from those who believe losing 132 lbs in less than 8 weeks is healthy when here on earth, that could be a death sentence. 

Find your balance and be in a flow that channels your energy regardless if you train like a maniac or utilize recovery training. It's a process but when you can flip that switch so do speak and go through life outside of training, things will have a clearer form of what is useful and what isn't. There are ways to learn this, it's a practice not many have figured out yet and some can pick up on it right away, others it can take a little time but it's beyond worth the effort that you can make progress at a much faster rate instead of looking at one thing or another and keeping them separate. 

Be amazingly awesome and flow with purpose.   

Training The Neck And Minimizing Injuries As Much As Possible

 I know what it was like having a pencil neck at a time in my life. Before I was a teenager, I was on Ritalin to help keep me focused in school but that also led to not eating a whole lot when I needed to for growth. I was skinny and had a bobble shaped head where my noggin was big compared to my neck and the rest of my body. I joke about that now. After I went off the Ritalin, my appetite shot through the roof but not in a good way. I grew taller of course but I was expanding more than lengthening.

I didn't eat the best foods for a growing boy and by the time I was 13, I was just under 5'5 along with being 180-185 lbs. Not a great weight for a teen that short. Didn't have much muscle to show and even when I started weight training around that time in P.E, I didn't understand how to build muscle and kept doing various activities to get my energy out during recess or after school like Street Baseball, Basketball and other things.

As I got older and experienced things more from a training stand point, my neck was starting to grow out more but not by specifically training for it. The only time I ever trained my neck for anything was when I tried out for wrestling as a senior in high school. We did bridges and all that stuff, what stopped me wrestling wasn't the calisthenics, those were a bitch on their own, I left because I got hurt during a sparring session working on drills where a guy in my weight class landed on my left knee and I damaged my left hand where it had to be wrapped up. It wasn't in the cards for me and I still think about to this day if that hadn't happened. I quit after a few days of tryouts. 

Since that time, I went on to explore aspects of weight training and learn the basics on my own. I was barely coached at all in high school, by 18-19, I was on my own and mimicked the muscle books and the guys in the gym. Still had no clue what training the neck really was and even tried a machine once that had you work your neck but it never felt right to me. 

After the accident and rehabbing, part of the Royal Court I learned along with the Hindu Squats & Hindu Push-Ups was Bridging. I worked it with the other two everyday for a month just feeling out how to do the rocking, the flexibility progressions and holding the positions. I wasn't anywhere near nose to the mat those first few weeks but I kept getting stronger and eventually held my first back bridge, nose to mat, hands folded and feet flat. At first I only used a towel for padding which now that I look back on it, wasn't probably the best idea LOL but I figured out how to get my hands on a mat and made my bridging better. I even worked up to getting my chin down at one point, that was insane for me to pull off.

Of course I did Front Bridges, Wall Walking, built up to a Gymnastic Bridge and then years later was kicking over and back in the Front/Back Bridge thanks to the guidance of Logan Christopher. My neck got crazy strong, thick and kept me from a lot of potential injuries. Think ever since I learned how to bridge and the multiple variations, I've never had a concussion (knock wood). It built my back to where I was building muscle there and eventually it would be the most muscular area of my body. I'll always credit Bridging as my foundation and I'll still bridge from time to time. 

Now in my 40's, training my neck has changed in recent years where even though I can still Bridge, I focused mainly on working my neck in multiple directions through Isometrics & Tension Control during movements while standing from Self Resistance to Mobility Work. I've built a routine I picked up on Matt Furey's Youtube Channel and added a few things to it and this routine has kept my neck thick but flexible. Last time I measured it, it was around 18 inches. 

For years and years I've resisted buying a neck harness because I've always associated those with weights when in reality, you can still work with bands and don't need barbell plates to use it. That's where Mike Bruce comes in. The true KING of Neck Training. If you researched him, you'll know why. I even interviewed him for this blog many moons ago. Nobody knows more about training the neck than this guy. So after years of hesitating, I got his Neck Flex Apparatus that comes with a resistance band. 

Although I've only done 3 workouts with it so far, it's still in a phase of experimenting. I can feel it that's for sure and have a bit of soreness but nothing irritating or anything. I'm learning to control my movements and sticking to 6-8 directional exercises as my foundation. First workout was just getting a feel for it and hit 180 Reps. Next workout, did 2x25 reps for each exercise totaling 300. This morning after my Joint Loosening routine, I worked it similarly to what I do with my Neck Mobility; hold an exercise for a 10 count and then do reps in a 2 count format. It felt really good and loosened up things really well. The band is at about 20 lbs resistance which even for pros that's more than enough, even Mike does things with that Band that are unbelievable.  

It's another tool in the arsenal for building a strong and powerful neck. Now that doesn't mean thickening it to the point where it has Kurt Angle vibes but having a strong and mobile neck is crucial regardless you're an athlete or not. The neck is one of the most neglected group of muscles and people forget what actual Neck Training does. Whether you get a harness with a band or just do Bridges & Self Resistance/Mobility Work, it doesn't matter, what matters is how you are able to work your neck with efficiency and keep it strong so to minimize injuries because let's face it, those who've had concussions know that later in life things can very much go south and not just through physical trauma but what happens with the brain and how it effects personality and function. 

The Neck Flex isn't a NEED unless you're looking to build a thick neck for Combat Sports like Wrestling, Football, Hockey or whatever but it is very much an optional form of training that also expands knowledge on how to train the neck properly and with effectiveness. I didn't get it cause that's all I'm going to do from now on, I have all the other stuff at my disposal, I got it because it doesn't just support my love for strength training and physical culture, it's because I want to work on something that is useful in my own life and be able to maintain levels of strength and condition for many years to come. It's part of my journey and if you want it to be a part of yours as well, fucking go for it. Just be wise and don't go overboard otherwise you won't like what happens. Be resourceful, build knowledge and learn to control your movements using progressive formalities. 

Be amazingly awesome and keep killing it everyone.   

Xmas And A New Strength Toy

 I hope you all had a kick ass Xmas and got some cool stuff. My wife and I exchanged gifts beforehand cause she was busting her ass making Eggnog Cheese Cake from scratch which she made a total of three. First one was an experiment that didn't pan and missed a couple ingredients but the next two came out incredible and used those to take to a family get together at a relative's house. 

She got me some house shoes, a graphic novel and a couple Funko Pops of Pro Wrestlers that were really awesome. I got her a book on Photography using Exposure for any Camera that will help her pursue her passion for Photography and got her a Spice Rack since she has been wanting a while to add spices to for extending her cooking skills. Went to a 3 Houses on Xmas day spending the whole day with family. Fun times...Big ass breakfast at one house, spent a couple hours talking and hanging at another and finished up at the last house in the mountains that had an Italian feast of Lasagna, Pasta & Garlic Bread. 

When I was living in California, most of the holidays were spent at my dad's or my aunt's house and we would cram about 30 people into a living room which wasn't the easiest thing to do but we made it work and had fun. Been a few years since I've done that. I love being surrounded by good people and laughing it up or watching a game and chilling out. 

For me, I got a few things for myself with some Xmas money that included some PS5 stuff and a new Strength Toy I've been having my eye on for many years and was always hesitant but made the decision to get it. I ordered the Neck Flex from Mike The Machine Bruce. Wanted to extend my knowledge of neck training beyond the bridges and the Neck Mobility work. They're both excellent for building a strong neck and I've already thickened mine from years of training which at it's peak is around 18 inches or so. The Neck Flex is another tool I wanted to add to the arsenal because I wanted to find out what would make it useful for me. Never wore a neck harness in my life until today. The harness came with a carry on bag, a door anchor to add more exercises and a Resistance Band with Carabiners hooked onto them. 

I gave the Band a shot and once I was able to adjust hooking it up to the D Rings of the harness, I went to work on it. Front, Back, Side To Side & Head Turns. Managed a total of nearly 200 Reps which is more than enough at the moment. Once I get a bit more experience with it, I'll be filming doing demos with it so people can see what I do. If anyone knows the true secrets of Neck Training, it's Mike. Trained by the legendary Bud Jeffries, Mike is a multiple time Shootfighting Champion, a Marine, Judo champ and a world record holder for multiple feats of Neck Strength including having bars bent across his throat and even Horseshoes (no joke). 

I've corresponded with Mike for many years and he was the one who told me about Bud's death the day he died. One of the most emotional days of my life but I have to thank Mike because if he hadn't, I would've only found out either later on or by a day or two. Always got along with him and he has taught me a few things that I still carry to this day. When I told him I got the Neck Flex, he thanked me but also told me I should've contacted him and he would've given me this thing for FREE!!! I told him like I'm telling you guys now that I didn't want to be rude and just expect the guy to hand it over to me without some form of exchange. He did say that to contact him if I needed anything. Very generous guy despite his hardcore attitude. Dude is rough and probably one of the Most No-Bullshit kind of guys I've ever met. If you thought his training was beastly, the way he talks is just as equal if not more so.

Thought I'd share these experiences with you and hope you all had a wonderful holidays and if there are holidays still going on, have fun and enjoy each other. Be amazingly awesome and keep on killing it.  

Happy Vs. Satisfied

 Merry Xmas Eve everyone. I trust you're going to have a fun time today with family/friends or happen to be on your own. Get any training in to build up that appetite for later? Here's some things for today's post....

When it comes to building or maintaining a physique, for some it comes easy and they build muscle easier, for others not so much. It may require more time, a different approach to a regimen and it can be daunting when things don't come our way. Trust me, I've had years of being self conscious with my own body. There are bodybuilders, models and some rugged mother fuckers that would make you give up just by the site of them. Even in my early days of training every day, I knew I was rebuilding and getting in good shape but I kept comparing myself to the other guys, even the old timers that I studied. It took time and by the time I was about between 28 and 30, I made the choice to let go of that bullshit.

It's one thing to admire someone and what they accomplished when it comes to building muscle and having solid conditioning, it's another to compare yourself to someone who's either had more experience than you or in the early stages of their fitness journey. You're never going to see the good in what you have done for yourself when you try to be just as good or better than someone else. It's not going to happen. It's like trying to compare George Hackenschmidt to a Ronnie Coleman. They both are iconic in the world of Muscle and both are strong as shit but their strengths are very different. Hack was also a well conditioned athlete that wrestled, lifted, rode bikes on the hills and had a physique that had no equal in his prime. Ronnie was a cartoonish looking Bodybuilder that was the most massive Mr. Olympia that looked like an enhanced version of John Henry with strength even by today's standards in the world of bodybuilding. 

When I stopped comparing myself, I found a new light in what I was able to accomplish from bodyweight training to hammers, sandbags, bands, Isometrics and even barbells and dumbbells. I felt happier, but I wasn't satisfied. Happy vs. Satisfied are two very different aspects. One is an emotion, the other is leading to an outcome. I wanted to continue to see what I can do and how my body would turn out with the way I did things. Always experimenting but have made mistakes and did what I thought was best to correct them. 

A time came where I bit off more than I can chew and had to refocus on rebuilding myself. Limited the amount of training I was doing and used one or two methods to self rehab again. I came back with a vengeance and gears shifted to being leaner, focus on things that matter more than just being physical with my workouts. My physique is far better now than it was a couple years ago and my intentions to work on controlling my movements more than ever was a choice I'm glad I made. I'm happy with what I've done but I'm not satisfied with it. I have talked about me never going to a level of muscle even remotely close to someone like a Sandow or even Bill Pearl, I don't have aspirations to be a model or go after some title in a physique contest. I will never be the strongest, the fastest or the biggest because quite frankly, no matter what I do, there will be someone better than me. What I can choose to do however, is be in better condition than I was yesterday, get leaner but rugged like an old school Full Back and be able to keep up with folks younger than me as best as possible with lesser risks of getting injured. That's more important to me than trying to kill myself or wear myself out to the point I'm no good to anybody. 

I will never be satisfied, my journey is continuous and will always find things to do to better myself. I have succeeded in a lot of ways but I've also failed too and need to take those failures and create something better from them. It's not going to be easy but it is very much going to be interesting. If you're satisfied, you don't have anything left, use that fire in your own journey and find ways to be better little by little each day. Keep killing it and be amazingly awesome. 

The DopamineO Band Broadway Workout

 No this isn't a musical of songs and dances. There is a stage though, it's called the gym or wherever you can hook up the Dopa Band to. This is an inspiration from pro wrestling of a long and forgotten tradition. The Broadway, where a champion was in the main event and matches lasted as long as 60-90 minutes to a draw. These matches go as far back as the 40's up until the early 2000's that evolved into the Ironman Match where a competitor had to get as many "points" as possible within the time limit. Before the days of television when real matches were more common, matches at times lasted for hours. One of the most famous is Ed Lewis & Joe Stecher who went at each other for more than 5 hours. 

 Unlike a match, this was a workout that consisted of a circuit of 5 exercises for 10 reps each (my kind of circuit) and I would do as many rounds as possible within an hour. Here are the exercises:

10 Chest Flys

10 Wave Pulls

10 Uppercut To Squats

10 Alternating Skis

10 Propellers

The first few rounds weren't too difficult but once I started reaching 12-15, things got interesting. I may have gone one round where I did more than 10 reps of the propeller exercise but I kept on going. It got to a point where the knots came undone from the sweat which happens. I did a round or two without having the knots that were used to make handles but gripping it hard enough to remain efficient was tough and my hands kept sliding where the band nearly slipped out of my hands. After those rounds, I moved fast to wipe down the sweat and create new knots in them and tightened them as much as possible so the chances of them slipping out again was very slim. It worked so I was hammering away again. That was probably my longest "rest" since after each round I would mark off the circuit. 

The last few rounds were hard believe me but I still felt like I was in a groove and focused to the point where everything other than the exercises and the marking off went black. It felt like being in a different realm, I swear I thought I was somewhere else and the only thing I noticed was the band and the moves. I barely even remember what songs played on my spotify, that's how far out I was in that workout. The last three rounds, basically felt like a sprint, just going sonic the hedgehog on that fucker and keeping form as best as possible. The last round, I put practically my entire heart and soul into it before the timer went off and finish strong.

At the end, sweat pouring out of me, my durag on the floor cause during one of the rounds towards the end it got knocked off my head but I just didn't stop to care it happened, high as kite, breathing like I went into a battle and seeing how many rounds I got in was just icing on the cake. I managed 29 Rounds in 1 HOUR!!! that's an average of just over 2 minutes per round. I wanted to drop and die right there but I had to get back home somehow and nobody was in there so I don't think they'd want to see some dude lying on the floor in a puddle of his own sweat. I unhooked everything, put them in my little bag, grabbed my keys and walked out of there back to the apartment. 

Saying the shower felt like being in a rainfall in the amazon would be an understatement. Just feeling good all over, no soreness and the surge of positive energy was at peak levels. Can you say dopamine high? No drugs or alcohol, just good old fashioned post workout bliss. 

A workout like this doesn't happen all the time, quite frankly most of the time it rarely goes past 35 minutes and I wanted to challenge myself to see how many rounds I can get in 60 minutes. Safe to say I thought I'd get in at least 25 but I went more than that and I'm happy I did it. This band is a phenomenal tool you can add to your arsenal, it doesn't need to be relied on but it has usefulness that even Olympic Caliber Wrestlers would agree with. These men and women use bands like these to reach peak levels of conditioning that are unbelievable. In the recent Olympics, one woman won gold in Freestyle Wrestling at the age of 21 for the United States in the 68 kg weight class (Amit Elor) and credits Dopamineo as part of her training. Several men have medaled as well in the last three Olympics from various countries. It builds champions and world-class athletes. 

Be amazingly awesome and kill it in your own training with this band. Use my Discount Code POWERANDMIGHT to get 10% OFF your order. 

How DopamineO Bands Transform Kids Into Unstoppable Forces Of Strength and Vitality

Keep an eye on this one everyone. This is important especially in this day and age. In a world where screens steal our thunder and couches chain our spirits, a revolutionary ally emerges from the shadows – and it's the Dopamineo Bands. These aren't just rubber strips; they're epic tools forged in the fires of innovation, designed to ignite the dopamine rush that fuels unbreakable bodies and indomitable wills. Put this into your mind: Your child, once glued to gadgets, now bounding like a young Hercules, building strong, healthy bodies one exhilarating pull/push/squat at a time. I'd like to take you deep into the legendary benefits these bands offer kids, why they're one of the ultimate weapons for forging strength and vitality, and how they make the journey as fun as a mythical quest. Sit back and breathe it in – this is no ordinary tale; it's a call to arms for parents ready to empower their little legends!

First off, let's charge into the heart of what makes DopamineO Bands a game-changer. Crafted from premium, solid rubber that's hypoallergenic, heat-resistant, and LFGB-approved, these bands are built to withstand the wildest adventures. No more flimsy toys that snap under pressure – Dopa Bands are durable bad asses that last as if it had immortality with proper use, perfect for the boundless energy of children. They're safe for kids, child-friendly materials ensuring no nasty reactions, and kids absolutely love them. But safety is just the shield; the real magic lies in the dopamine boost. Exercise with these bands triggers that feel-good chemical rush, turning workouts into joyful explosions of energy. For children, this means better focus, reduced fidgeting, and a natural high that beats any video game level-up. Imagine your kid channeling that inner fire to conquer school, sports, and life – that's the DopamineO promise!

Now, let's unleash the beast: building strength like never before. In the arena of youth fitness, DopamineO Bands stand tall as a top quality resistance trainer. They're versatile powerhouses, offering adjustable tension from ultra-light for beginners to heavy-duty for aspiring athletes. Kids can target every muscle group – arms, legs, core, back – with exercises that mimic real-life movements. Pull-ups become epic ascents, squats transform into mountain conquests, and rows feel like rowing across stormy seas. The result? A strong, balanced body that defies weakness. Studies show resistance training for children enhances muscle development, bone density, and overall physical prowess without stunting growth – it's like planting seeds of steel in their growing frames.

With Dopa Bands, your little ones build endurance that lasts through soccer matches, dance recitals, or just playground battles. No bulky weights needed; these compact bands slip into a backpack, turning any park or living room into a training coliseum. Epic win: stronger kids who move with confidence, dodging injuries and embracing challenges head-on.

But strength alone isn't the full story – healthy bodies demand more, and these Bands deliver some serious holistic glory. They promote cardiovascular health by blending resistance with dynamic moves, getting hearts pumping and lungs roaring. For growing bodies, this means improved circulation, better posture, and a metabolism that burns like wildfire. Think of it as armor against the villains of modern life: obesity, poor coordination, and sedentary slumps. Kids using Dopa Bands develop agility and flexibility, turning clumsy steps into graceful leaps. And the fun factor? Oh, it's legendary. It's true, it's true (channeling Kurt Angle). Turn workouts into games – "Band Tug-of-War" with siblings, "Superhero Stretches" mimicking comic heroes, or "Dopamine Dance-Offs" where pulls sync with beats. Laughter echoes as they stretch, pull, and conquer, making fitness a hilarious adventure rather than a chore. Parents, start smiling: no more begging for activity; these bands make movement magnetic.

Let's go into into the motivational blaze. The Bands aren't just tools; they're catalysts for mental fortitude. In a era where kids face stress from school and screens, the dopamine release from band workouts acts like a shield of serenity. Exercise boosts brain chemicals that enhance mood, concentration, and even creativity. For children with ADHD or high energy, these bands provide a fun outlet to channel that power productively. NCAA Champion Yianni Diakomihalis raves about how Dopa Bands build strength, endurance, and technique – imagine your kid feeling that champion vibe!

It's epic: watching a kid evolve from tentative tugs to confident commands, building not just muscles but a mindset of resilience. Every session is a victory lap, fostering discipline and self-esteem that spills into academics and friendships. Healthy bodies breed healthy minds – with DopamineO, your young warrior learns to push limits, celebrate progress, and roar with PRIDE!!!

Why are they a great tool specifically for kids? Let's rally the troops with real-world application. Tailored sets like the Durable Resistance Band Set for Youth & Kids or the Ultra-light Dopa Band make them accessible for all ages and skill levels. Unlike traditional gym gear, they're portable superheroes – train at home, during travel, or even in class breaks (with permission, of course). For sports enthusiasts, especially in wrestling or team activities, they hone techniques that translate to on-field dominance. But the true awesomeness? Inclusivity. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just starting their fitness odyssey, these bands adapt, ensuring everyone feels the thrill. Plus, they're multi-purpose: stretch for yoga calm, resist for power bursts, or even use in rehab to heal minor things faster. Fun tip: Pair them with on-demand workouts from DopamineO.com for guided quests that keep things fresh and exciting.

Parents, heed this battle cry – investing in DopamineO Bands is arming your child for a lifetime of health and heroism. Watch as they sculpt strong bodies that stand tall against life's storms, with hearts full of joy and minds that are as sharp as katanas. The benefits cascade like a waterfall of wins: physical power, emotional balance, social confidence, and that infectious fun that bonds families. In testimonials across the realms (Such as TikTok and Instagram), athletes and dads alike praise how these bands inspire kids to move, grow, and thrive. Don't let your young ones miss this epic tool – head to DopamineO.com and grab a set today. Unleash the dopamine, forge the strength, and let the adventure begin. If i had something like this at a young age, things would be very different as far as athletics are concerned. 

In the grand tapestry of childhood, DopamineO Bands weave threads of might and merriment. They're not just equipment; they're the spark that ignites lifelong habits of health. Strong bodies? Check. Healthy vibes? Double check. Fun factor? Off the freaking charts. Rally your family – the path to epic greatness starts with a single pull. Be amazingly awesome and use my Discount Code POWERANDMIGHT to get 10% OFF your order. 

Why It's Important To Master The Art Of Training Anywhere

 Mastery, is a word that people carry around at times and not only believe it, but indulge in it to the degree that they make it sound like they're better than anybody else when in fact they're not a master at all. It takes discipline, time, patience and observation along with the obvious application at the thing you are striving to master. 

Now when people say they've mastered something, listen to how they say it. The tone in their voice, the expressions, the way they may even write about and the personality behind it. Some treat it like it's a gift and something that they cherish and want others to work at it too. Others, are just plain arrogant about it and treat it as if they're some kind of emperor/king/duke or whatever and act like they can talk down to people and that they can't do cause out of 8 billion people in the world, he/she is the only true master. Quite the bullshit way of them don't you think?

Learning from several masters of their craft that range from strength athletics to concert virtuosos to bodybuilders and powerlifters, you begin to pick up on things that aren't always seen. One of the true masters of Strongmanism, Bud Jeffries, was cunning and methodical in how he did things. He didn't lift and do things the same others have. At first glance, it may look ugly to the untrained eye but once you understood his positioning, the way he conducted himself in workouts and the way he spoke about it, you were seeing a rare breed of a human being that was in a class by himself. He was doing things outside the norms and it wasn't just squatting a 700 lb barbell or sprinting with a tire behind him, he made his training look like a unique blend of practicality mixed with nutty formats of unbelievable strength that will never be duplicated. 

The point for this article however, is to see how you can possess the knowledge to train no matter where you are because if you truly want to understand the world of physical culture, you need to learn about the old timers and how they were able to do incredible things before supplements, steroids, PED's and (ironically) without going to a gym on a consistent basis. Back in the day, a gym was very different; there were no machines to work your hamstrings or to pulldown with a metal bar, no treadmills to run on for cardio and sure as hell there weren't rubber tubes to pull. There were Global Barbells & Dumbbells, Indian Clubs, Hand Crafted Racks, Pulleys that were strung together on walls, gymnastics equipment and of course Mats made for those who practiced wrestling, Japanese Jiu Jitsu and other arts that were part of the era. They weren't even called Gyms, they were called in most places, Health Clubs or a club named after an instructor or someone famous of the time or a YMCA. 

The old timers, had to be craftier than those of today. Many of them were laborers, farmers, miners or whatever and needed an outlet to work their bodies outside of those insane jobs of the time. Some worked in the Carnival and would train to take on all comers in either lifting or wrestling. There were strongmen who didn't even see a barbell until they were in their early-mid teens or older. Compare that today when you have 10 year olds doing things with a barbell or dumbbell. Back then, they relied mainly on the things they worked with or used sports such as Baseball, Wrestling, Boxing or something else to get their cardio going. They had tons of sparring partners or others to lift with because since there were no cell phones, tvs or the internet for that matter, the distractions were far less. 

Having a mindset like this is a key ingredient to mastering the ability to train anywhere. You learn to blend the old world with the new using bits and pieces that suit your goals. Yes it's true, bodyweight training is the Michael Jordan of anywhere, anytime exercise but it's only a piece of the puzzle. If all you do is bodyweight, awesome, that's your style. It was my style too for a long time. I believe in variety and applying ways to train that go beyond bodyweight training, it's another tool in the box that's part of your journey. Now when it comes to variety, yeah it's important to know what you want to do and how to utilize them in ways you'll see fit. Obviously we can't travel with barbell plates, a bar and a dumbbell rack in our suitcase, but we can use that old school aspect by finding things like rocks, logs and other things on our travels. Yes there's a gym on just about every corner in every major city, but we must learn to not rely on the gym itself to make ourselves strong and healthy.

Gyms provide things that we don't always have at home or on the road like camping for example, they have uses that are beneficial, but too many rely or are stuck into believing equipment is the only way to train. That's where certain things like building a home gym can be beneficial. It saves more money than you'll believe than a regular gym but it's also important to know what equipment to have so you can get the most benefit. Some hotels have a gym but not all and some areas don't have a gym around for miles on end. When it comes to equipment, find things that are easy to travel with that can be put into a backpack or suitcase. For me, I'll take my WorldFit Iso Trainer, My Dopa Band and an ab wheel or my other Isometric Strap and I have all the equipment I need when I travel. If it's too much for you to travel with things other than your clothes and essentials, that's great, you still have bodyweight training to count on. 

True mastery in this case is that you have built a mindset, the knowledge and the awareness that no matter where you are, you can always find a way to train. You won't always be able to get to a machine or do power lifts, but you can still build strength and fitness that matters. In this pursuit of knowledge, learn exercises from a bodyweight point of view first and foremost, that's your foundation. Whatever comes next, be resourceful and find things that are practical and can easily carry around. At times, I'll grab my half tire, put my hammers in my backpack and walk to the park that isn't far so I can train with them, it's not fun carrying those things cause it goes up to 100 lbs overall with those fuckers but the reward is to do things out in the open air and train your ass off using things that matter to you. Carrying them back after kicking your ass can be a bitch though. You do what you have to do. 

Master these ideals and you're on your way to having a journey that will take you on many roads. Share your knowledge with enthusiasm and do your best to share it without being an asshole. There's too many of those in this world, kindness isn't a weakness but don't be a pushover either. Hold this mastery sacred but don't be like Gollum with the ring, that can get you into the fires of Mordor (talk about geeking out for a moment) or in other words, it can bite you back in the ass. Be a badass in your mastery and don't stop being Amazingly Awesome. 

The Basics For Bodyweight Training In A Circuit

 For years, I've been doing circuits since I first started doing them in the gym as a teenager which that first one ever nearly made me go to the hospital. I was about 19 at the time and experimenting different things I learned in the bodybuilding books I had like Ironman & A Bodybuilding Encyclopedia that featured workouts from the top guys that included Arnold, Lou, Franco, Boyer Coe and others. For real, I tried this circuit of weights and machines and not even halfway in, I was hyperventilating so much I rushed into the bathroom, sat down (which was a really bad idea) and nearly blacked out. For a split moment I thought I was going to die.

Didn't do another circuit after that until I was rehabbing from my accident and learned a few things based on Combat Conditioning from Matt Furey. That was my first taste of circuit training which at the time, wasn't anywhere near the level I can do now but it was an interesting experiment for me and would do it once in a blue moon. 

When I learned about Darebee after years of Bodyweight Training and Conditioning, it lit a spark in me to work on them. Some circuits were easy to get through, others were a bitch and tough as hell (Those Batman & Daredevil Workouts, dear god man). At first, I'd just work into them doing the amount of circuits it tells you what level you're at. Within some time, I wanted to go even further and do 10 Rounds of a circuit and that's where I felt it gave me the best benefit. Not just the amount of rounds but to rest as little as possible if at all. I really wanted to test my conditioning and to keep the timing down. I don't believe I went more than 45 minutes doing these, kept it between 10-30 minutes. 

The one thing I like about circuits is that they test you on the basics. You can do more advanced exercises or whatever reps you want to do per exercise but the basics is where things shine the brightest. The advanced stuff looks cool and they have benefit but in the long run, the basics are what make the difference. Yesterday, I did a bodyweight circuit consisting of Split Lunges, Hindu Squats, Push-Ups & Punches and that was it. 

10 Split Lunges (5 Each Leg)

10 Punches

20 Hindu Squats

10 Punches

5 Push-ups

10 Punches

5 Push-ups

10 Rounds with the only rest in between circuits is marking it off. Total was 100 Split Lunges, 300 Punches, 200 Hindu Squats and 100 Push-ups. Worked up a pretty good sweat. Wasn't too difficult but it wasn't easy to do either. It was great, "warming up" beforehand doing Neck Mobility & Joint Loosening Training. A workout that really kicks off the day and having that surge of strength running all around you. It was basic, simple and can be done anywhere. 

Circuits provide some good testing of mental toughness as well because you're going from one exercise to the next without a break and to stay focused while having the best form possible and learning how to pace yourself. Let the speed come naturally but at the same time, don't be slacking off either.

Come check out Darebee.com and see which workouts would work for you. You can modify them if you wish to make an exercise variation easier or harder. Mainly bodyweight style so many of these can be done anywhere you can do them in. You are your own gym, you are the equipment that has all sorts of things at your disposal. Go kill it and be Amazingly Awesome. 

That HIGH From A 1000 Rep DopamineO Workout

 Sitting here in the office, after a great shower and shave, just wanted to reflect on a workout I did on Tuesday. Brought my Dopa Band to the complex gym, had my watch on and knew what I wanted to do that day. Put on some tunes since nobody was in there and the Xmas music died down a while, put my stopwatch on and hammered out one of my 1000 Rep Circuits.

5 Exercises, 10 Reps Each and a partridge in a pear tree. Things were flowing, sweat was pouring and each song on my playlist was pumping me up like fucking crazy.....

10 Chest Flys

10 Wave Pulls

10 Butterfly Power Squats

10 Curls

10 Propellers

Each round felt greater than the last and although it was just me, the energy was roaring like the crowd in the Silverdome when Hogan slammed Andre at Wrestlemania 3. That surge of power and focus, striking each exercise with fierceness and intensity, that feeling that you can keep going and knowing you have it in you to win the battle of the band. It was like being in a meditative state where everything except the band, the music and you goes black. A universal entity that explodes with strength.

By the end, I completed 20 Rounds in 35:21. The high, that dopamine hit, nothing like it. A challenge worth the reward and a checkmark in the works for continuous conditioning training. The only real rest was marking off the circuit and getting back to it which only takes seconds. Felt invincible, a sense of relaxation yet awareness but overall, it was still that urge to want to keep going. That's the craziness in me. Maybe before the year ends in a couple weeks, I'll go for as many rounds as possible within 45 minutes to an hour.

Conditioning can be done in many ways, from weights to bodyweight, sandbags, hammers and of course bands. There is no superior method, only what gives you the greatest benefit and I believe in doing them all. If the weather was more like California, I'd be out doing these all the damn time. For now in the winter, it's bands, bodyweight and Isometrics (maybe some weights from the complex gym but that's a rare thing). The rest are in storage and they'll be ready for spring and summer. 

This band is nothing short but amazing. I love being able to move with it in so many different formations and it has made some of my other movements better and a bit more springy. I feel explosive and powerful when I use it and I love the circuits and HIIT Workouts I can do. Going for 20-30 minutes is more than enough most of the time and the rest of the day is fair game to either train some more, rest up, go for walks or hikes and just be. 

It's a feeling that's really indescribable, I can give you ideas of what it feels like but until you've done these workouts or using the Band itself for a period of time, it's not something that can easily be said. Has kept me in great shape being at 235 lbs. Always doing what I can to train my physique but for a recent photo (the only thing fake in this pic is the background, that's all me), not too shabby. Abs are coming in a bit better don't you think? 

One of the best exercises with this thing is the Propeller which anyone with this band (in good health of course) should learn to master. It hits many muscles especially the Core. Even after doing this exercise thousands of times, I'm still figuring out ways to make it better for me. It's usually the last exercise I do in my circuit training and I'll do a total of 100-200+ reps in these workouts. Rotate, Twist, Bend and Pull. Conditioning your body in a fun but unorthodox manner. Way better than any sit-up in my opinion and works well for combat sports including Wrestling, Judo, Sambo & Boxing. 

Be amazingly awesome and get your hands on one of these bad boys. Get it at Dopamineo.com and use my discount code: POWERANDMIGHT to get 10% OFF your order.    

My Sanctuary, Social Media Walk-Outs And What Helps Me At Certain Times

 We all have our struggles, our demons and what we choose to do with what's possible to keep going. I'm no different, had my fair share of battles, physically and mentally. Others have it way worse than me and I wouldn't compare myself to someone who doesn't have much but wishing they did so they can live a peaceful life. Hell, maybe it's the universe or god or whatever you want to call it that gives me a reason I'm still going strong when I was already close to death before I even knew what the word meant and able to spell. 

Have my own struggles and fears daily but also have places that I can call home, be around those I'm closest to me and be able to talk to those who care enough to listen. I'm very grateful for those things. It's never easy to ask for help but if I need it, there are people I know I can turn to. I wish others had this because many are alone in this world or feel like they're alone and have no one to turn to. At times it may be by their own mistakes or people shut them out and they end battling themselves more than what they may end up doing to themselves.

This isn't just some random rant about anything. Just what I'm thinking in my head. Have I had the worst upbringing? Hell no, but it wasn't sunshine and rainbows either. There were things I learned growing up a kid shouldn't know and understanding some of the things that could've led me down a path to drugs, drinking and smoking but didn't. I knew people who were heavy into drugs, some were and some are still very close to me. The things I saw what drinking does to people, pushed me away from it damn near to the brink where I never wanted to drink at all. Been only drunk once in my entire life and that was in my early-mid 20's and that was it. I didn't black out or anything, I was a happy drunk from what I remember but after that, having a sip of anything was the majority of the time. When it comes to drugs, I think the closest things I ever did was have a few pot brownies once and that was more than a lesson I don't want to remember. Another was when I had my sciatica injury and I was taking muscle relaxers and getting to a point I had to stop myself and just push through my own pain so I stopped taking them and focused on supplementation and other things.

There are very few things in my life that I would call my Sanctuary or things that give me a sense of peace. One will always be my workouts because when I get into them, the world shuts down and I get to create my own universe, be in a state of mind that I feel safe and get to do what makes me happy. Another is being around people I love especially my wife who's just insanely awesome and makes things in my life seem like it's a dream. Yeah, I can be a sap at times, but I'd rather be a sap than some hateful asshat with no remorse towards other human beings that don't agree with him. A third sanctuary, is my office in my apartment. Sometimes, I just sit in here, by myself and write down things, train, read or listen to music and/or meditate. It's where I'm calm, collected and get to look at things that are cool like my decks of cards, mandalas I've drawn, pictures of legends I've met and seeing what I know is me.

I've had my ups and down days like anybody else. The one thing I do believe and anybody who knows me will understand it right off the bat is that I break out into laughter at the most random things at the most random times. A certain thought I think is funny that pops into my head just has me burst out laughing to the point where people like the wife has asked "what the fuck man, the hell you laughing about." I would tell her or whoever and I get looks at times that have them questioning my sanity. In the words of Uncle Albert from Mary Poppins "I love to laugh." Either I find things funny somewhere or a random movie line/scene that comes out of nowhere just has me rolling at times. I guess that's one of the reasons why I've never had severe depression, something inside of me won't let that happen. Laughter, truly is a gift and not just a form of emotion.

For a while now when it comes to Social Media, it becomes more mind boggling how ugly it can get each and everyday. Now I still have Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tik Tok and Threads but I don't have others such as Lemon 8, Tumblr, Rumble, Truth Social or Snapchat. The first two I ended up walking away from because neither one were doing anything for me and I have no appeal for them. The rest, just a poor excuse of apps that people go on to shit talk about dumbest stuff that hold no real merit to anything relevant. Snapchat to me, is a poor man's Onlyfans. I deactivated my twitter/X account a while ago and have no desire to go back to it. It just has way too much bullshit and other things that take away other people's reach who have far better platforms than dumbasses who seem to try to be like the Mean Girls in high school, popularity that ends up hurting others. Granted some numbnuts out there have claimed that I only ended my account because of them and want credit for it and act like it's a fact. It isn't, they don't get or even deserve any credit, not to mention that they're just wanna be ego maniacs who can't fight out of a paper bag. If I were a betting man, a 16 year old nerdy girl has more fight than people like that. Besides, they're nothing more than a sag of bones that have no life and have nothing to offer other than wanting someone to put them in a chokehold just to shut him up. 

Social Media is a whirlwind but the ones I've kept, suit me well and have plenty of friends and acquaintances on them that are great people that accept me for me. There's negative bullshit on there like anywhere else but I can choose where to go and have conversations that matter. Twitter at the end of day has more people getting away with murder than anywhere else. I do miss some of the folks there like baseball fans or wrestling fans and the few friends I had there but after a while with the other stuff being shadowed, it was a "fuck this" kind of moment for me and it was a route in my journey that I didn't want to cross into anymore and I'm happy to make that choice.

Overall, sure nothing is perfect, why would it? If it were perfect, it be boring as hell. I'm in the best shape right now at 41, I've maintained and even built muscle this year I didn't expect from, I live in a great apartment with an amazingly awesome and beautiful woman, I can still train at a level that has my conditioning be where it's needed, I'm not a big spender so money isn't a huge issue and have a system in place that works, donating clothes I don't need anymore or tossing out ones that have too many holes in them and get to eat awesome food. I'd say, life is pretty damn great and it can only get better from here. We never know what tomorrow will bring but we can make it interesting. 

Hopefully you all have a great day and keep killing it. Be amazingly awesome and thank you for taking the time to read this, I do appreciate your patience. 

Recovery And Training While Sore

 On Saturday And Sunday, I did 500 Hindu Squats using the Deck Of Cards. Been some time since I've done that many but I chose to do them and I'm glad I did it. Yesterday, I decided to do a little recovery training since my thighs were sore and felt like rocks. Working with the Dopamineo Band, focusing on technique and movement doing my usual pushing, pulling, squatting and core. Not going as fast as I normally do but that's ok. Still managed to do 500 Total Reps of the circuit of 5 Exercises with the the only rest was marking it off.

Doing the Hindu Squats again was fun and putting in another form of cardio. When it comes to the cards (which I've written about before), it's one of my top favorites for a workout because although the destination is the same, the route to get there is never the same so you're getting unexpected amount of reps. Here's the idea of how to get to 500...

King/Queen/Jacks are 10

Aces are 16

Jokers are 50

2-10 are as is

Tally up the suits for them, it'll get you to 500 Total Reps for the whole deck. In my opinion, it's best to have the jokers near the start of the deck cause you can get those out of the way and hit up the rest of the cards. If they're towards the middle or even the end you'll be screaming "FUUUCCCKKK" unless you're some kind of sadist like Gotch or a Iron Mike Sharpe then by all means go nuts if you can do it. Done enough decks of this to know that when it comes to that, just fucking do it lol. 

Now, being sore doesn't always mean you had some great workout, it's really pushing yourself working muscles or a long stretch of a workout you haven't done in some time or ever. Being sore sometimes can be a good thing because it's more of a lesson than anything. It gives you insights that you can make a choice to do a session the next day or rest up all together. Personally, I choose the former and won't go as nuts, do lighter things or focus on Isometrics where I can be just as intense but it's not going to make me any more sore. For yesterday, I picked doing the band and stretch the muscles while utilizing tension and technique. Felt great and moved efficiently. That's the beauty of training everyday, you can go hardcore one day and focus on something the next and still feel like you got something out of it.

There are debates on recovery, some say it's not necessary and just let the body adapt, others are dogmatic about recovery being absolutely needed when it comes to muscle growth and using it to avoid injuries; for me, I'm in the middle for the reasons where recovery has its perks but I'm not going to sit on my ass and not do ANYTHING. I believe in listening to the body and although I also believe in the adapting aspects, it's important to know you don't have to go as crazy about it. The body will heal up from the breakdown of the fibers whether you rest completely the next day or not, it's really an individual thing. I like doing lighter stuff such as band work or DDP Yoga or crawls or whatever that isn't as intense but I can keep moving and keeping that blood flowing. Even in my 40's, I recover rather quickly than the average person in my age range. It's because I'm aware of what body is doing and what it can do rather not what it can't, that's the biggest difference. Many focus on the can't and inadvertently put up this wall of what can be done. 

I'm still recovering when I do lighter stuff and when things are recharged, I'm back at it with a vengeance. It becomes a cycle at times but I rarely ever get sore, so when I do, I know what to adapt to. That's coming from decades of training and understand what the body is capable of doing. You can do it too, it may be difficult to understand it at first but once it becomes a habit and practically a second language so do speak, it becomes clear to what you know you CAN do on any given day of the week and never having to need a "rest" day. Quite frankly, I have no idea what a REST day is anymore.

You have abilities beyond of what you're being told. it's a matter of what choices you make and what you are willing to work with at any given moment. I don't believe in going extreme all the time cause what's really the purpose of that? To be some kind of superman or to keep up with someone like a Tyson or a Herschel Walker? These guys had a completely different focus on what they needed to do, these were professionals who trained for specific sports and pushed themselves to the brink of what 99% won't be able to do or even should do. I'm not saying don't push yourself but don't even begin to compare yourself to the GOATs either. You are one person, one body, one mind. It's awesome to admire them and do things beyond your own abilities but at the same time, comparing yourself to a world-class athlete is like comparing Jack Nicholson and Hulk Hogan on acting in films. Train to make your abilities better and if you do have aspirations to be World-Class, be the first you, not a second to someone else. I have admiration and respects for guys like Michael Jordan, John Grimek, Frank Gotch, Pele and even Tyson & Walker but I sure as hell know I'll never be on their level and don't NEED to be. I'm only me and I can only be the best version of myself and that's part of the journey.

Recover well, recover smart and if you are sore, keep at it but don't kill yourself, find ways to keep things flowing and having each session be lessons on what you're capable of. Be aware of yourself but don't give up on your journey. You got this. Be amazingly awesome and kick ass. 

Insane Weight Loss: 60-120 Kgs In Under 8 Weeks? Biggest BS I've Ever Heard

If there is ever the biggest bullshit claim I've ever read about when it comes to the fitness industry and Weight Loss...This is probably at the top of the list. Let's talk about it and see where it goes shall we?

I've been grinding in the fitness game for years—no steroids, no bullshit shortcuts, just real talk and sweat. Today, I want talk about why getting into this rapid weight loss fantasy is a dangerous trap, the risks that'll fuck you up, and why sustainability is the only path to true power. 

First off, let's talk numbers because math doesn't lie, and neither do I. Losing 60 kg in 8 weeks means dropping about  roughly 7.5 kg per week. Bump it to 120 kg, and you're looking at 15 kg weekly. To put that in perspective, a safe, sustainable weight loss rate is closer to 0.5-1 kg per week. That's for fat loss, not just water weight or muscle. Why? Because your body ain't a video game where you can cheat-code infinite energy. Fat loss boils down to calorie deficit: Burn more than you eat. A pound of fat is roughly 3500 calories, so for 132 pounds (60 kg), you'd need a deficit of about 462,000 calories over 8 weeks—or 8,250 calories daily. Bro, the average dude burns 2,500-3,000 calories a day just existing and moving. To hit that deficit, you'd have to starve yourself to near zero intake while cranking workouts like a possessed demon. Impossible without crashing hard.

120 kg? That's double the madness—16,500 calorie daily deficit. You'd need to be in a coma or something to not die trying. Sure, extreme cases like bariatric surgery or medically supervised very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) exist, but those are for morbidly obese folks under doctor watch, not your average Joe chasing a beach bod. Even then, they don't hit these numbers without complications. Remember those reality shows like "The Biggest Loser"? Contestants dropped massive weight fast, but studies showed most regained it all, plus wrecked metabolisms. One study from NIH followed them: Average contestant lost 58 kg in 30 weeks, but six years later, they'd gained back 41 kg, and their resting metabolic rate tanked by 600 calories a day. Imagine your engine running on fumes forever. That's the "success" story. Now scale it to 8 weeks? Pure delusion.

I've had my share of weight issues and weighed 275 at my heaviest still training everyday. It didn't feel right and I knew that it wasn't good for me. So I shifted gears, trained differently and ate a bit better and got down to under 250 for a while. Still fluctuated but I rarely if ever at that time went past gaining 2-3 lbs back. When I was laid up with my Sciatica Injury, it got so bad and extremely painful that eating was difficult for me. At one point, I lost 11 lb in 18 days because of it. That's not healthy and I don't wish that on anybody. After recovering from it, I made it my mission to be more aware of what I was doing, listening to my body and paying attention to how I ate and did things. I'm now at around 235 and haven't had issues since spring of 2024.  

Let's get back to what this article is really about. I'm sure by now you're thinking, "What if I go hardcore? Keto, intermittent fasting, HIIT marathons, supplements galore!" Nah, dude. Let's break down the dangers starting with your physical machine. Rapid weight loss isn't fat—it's everything. Your body, in panic mode, torches muscle first because it's metabolically expensive. Lose muscle, and your strength plummets. We're talking weakness, fatigue, and looking like a deflated balloon instead of sculpted steel. A 2016 review in Obesity Reviews found that in extreme deficits, up to 25% of weight lost is lean mass. For 60 kg down, that's 15 kg of muscle gone like Chris O'Donnell's movie career after Batman & Robin. Years of gains erased in weeks. And muscle isn't just for show; it's your metabolic furnace. Less muscle means slower metabolism, making it harder to keep weight off. Vicious cycle, right?

Then there's the organ apocalypse. Your heart? Starvation stresses it like a motherfucker. Electrolyte imbalances from dehydration or nutrient voids can cause arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats that could KILL you. Potassium, magnesium, sodium—gone. Boom, cardiac arrest risk skyrockets. Kidneys? Overloaded filtering waste from protein breakdown (if you're chugging shakes to "preserve" muscle). Gallstones form from rapid fat mobilization; painful as hell, might need surgery. Liver? Fatty liver reversal sounds good, but too fast and you risk inflammation or failure. A case study in the New England Journal of Medicine detailed a guy who tried a 600-calorie diet: Lost 20 kg quick, but ended up with acute liver injury. Scale to 60-120 kg? You're playing Russian roulette with your internals and if you just happen to survive, it's going to affect you the rest of your life whether you "believe" you're in shape or not.

Don't forget bones. Rapid loss leaches calcium, weakening density. Osteoporosis precursor, especially if you're over 40 like me, doing what is possible to prevent that. Women? Hormonal havoc—missed periods, infertility risks from estrogen drops. Men? Testosterone tanks, leading to low energy, mood swings, and erectile dysfunction. Yeah, that "might" you're chasing? It'll vanish downstairs first. And skin? Loose, saggy folds everywhere because elasticity can't keep up. Surgery to fix? More risks, scars, and cash.

Now, the mental minefield. Quick fixes breed obsession. You're not eating for joy; it's warfare. Anxiety spikes, depression creeps in from isolation (can't eat out with friends), and binge urges explode. A 2020 study in JAMA Psychiatry linked extreme dieting to eating disorders—up to 20% of rapid losers develop anorexia or bulimia traits. Sleep? Wrecked by hunger hormones like ghrelin raging. Cortisol (stress hormone) surges, inflating belly fat ironically. And the high? Dopamine from scale drops is temporary; crash comes hard when progress stalls. Are you starting to see the big picture here?

Just a quick FYI....There is a guy who actually claims to have accomplished this (60-120 kg in -8 weeks).

Sustainability? Laughable. 95% of dieters regain weight within 5 years, per UCLA research. Why? Your body adapts. Set point theory: It fights to return to "normal" by slowing metabolism, amping hunger. After extreme loss, you're wired to pack on pounds faster. Yo-yo effect damages arteries, raises diabetes risk. A Harvard study showed cyclical dieting increases heart disease odds by 30%. Plus, habits don't stick. 8 weeks of torture? No way you build lifelong routines. It's like sprinting a marathon— you'll collapse before the finish.

Let's get real with examples. Remember Jared from Subway? Lost 111 kg eating subs, but sustainably over years—not weeks. He kept it off by changing lifestyle. Contrast with celebs: Oprah's yo-yo, Jonah Hill's fluctuations. Or that viral guy who lost 100 kg in 3 months via surgery? Complications galore—nutrient malabsorption, dumping syndrome (explosive diarrhea post-meal).

But scams fuel this fire. Supplements like fat burners? Caffeine and green tea extract at best—minimal effect, heart palpitations at worst. Detox teas? Diuretics causing dehydration, not fat loss. HCG injections? Banned by FDA for weight loss, risks blood clots. Keto pills? Placebo bullshit. And surgeries: Gastric bypass for extreme cases, but complications like infections, leaks, or death (1-2% risk). Liposuction? Removes fat cells but not visceral fat; regrows elsewhere if habits suck. Cost? 10k-50k bucks, plus recovery hell. Influencers hide this. Spot the frauds and don't fall into their claims.

So, risks recap: Physical—muscle waste, organ strain, bone loss, skin sag, hormonal chaos. Mental—disorders, stress, burnout. Sustainability—rebound gain, metabolic damage, habit failure. Unrealistic because biology says no. Even athletes like UFC fighters cut 10-20 kg water weight temporarily, rehydrate post-weigh-in. Not sustainable, and they're pros with teams.

What's the alternative? Real power: Slow, steady, mighty. Aim 0.5-1 kg/week. Keep your Calorie Deficit within range that still includes whole foods—veggies, proteins, fats. 

-Strength Training within smart goal setting. Compound movements whether bodyweight or with weights build muscle, boost metabolism. 

-Cardio? Mix HIIT and steady-state, but don't overdo—very effective in doses. 

-Track progress: Measurements, photos, not just scale. 

-Mindset: Consistency over perfection. Slip? Get back, no guilt. 

-Supplements? Stick to basics like protein and creatine if needed. Sleep well, manage stress with meditation or walks. Community: Join groups, accountability rocks. If you're into checking out supplements, research on Lost Empire Herbs. Just remember not to RELY on them, they're a tool but not the solution. 

In your 40s like me? Prioritize conditioning and strength that lasts (Sandbags, Bodyweight Training, Weight Vest Walking etc). Circuits with bands (shoutout Dopamineo—use code POWERANDMIGHT for discount, ha!). Build resilience for life, not likes. I've kept off my own weight loss making little by little progress and have ideas to lose more within reason. No extremes, just grind and being intelligent about it. Philosophy: Fitness is a journey that leads to many routes, you don't need to be a speed demon to reach your goals or else you may crash and it'll bite you in the ass hard. Embrace the process and make it beneficial to have a solid quality of life.

Wrapping this beast: Chasing 60-120 kg loss in 8 weeks? Dangerous delusion peddled by charlatans and psychotic marketers. Risks wreck body and soul; unsustainable as fuck. Choose power: Sustainable habits, real results. Crush goals smartly, stay strong and as always, be amazingly awesome. 

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.