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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Difference Between Being Fit And Looking Fit

 It's similar contrasts to Karl Gotch's idea of the Conditioned Muscle Vs. Counterfeit Muscle. Looks can be deceiving in the fitness world and just because you look a certain way doesn't 100% tell you how fit someone actually is. You can look like the most fit guy on the planet like those "influencers" on Instagram or Tik Tok but certain things may determine they're not as fit when it comes to real world application. Hell you can look at a bodybuilder like a Physique Contest competitor that has the slimmest waist and has a twelve pack but many of those guys in reality are stiff as a board and have very little flexibility or limberness. Even the Mr. O Competitors that look like a comic book character can barely wipe their own ass or able to touch their toes in a straight legged stretch position.

There's nothing wrong with looking fit and having a good looking body and posing more often in the mirror than walking. Just don't be deceiving and trying to get people to believe you only do this or that when it's not the full picture. Sometimes the most fit guys (ones that last, also limber and have great agility) look average or above average and wouldn't be caught dead on a muscle magazine. They're strong to the extent when they can maintain that strength for an extended period of time and have a stable level of flexibility where they're not so stiff they can't move in awkward positions. 

If you want to look at an extreme level of these differences, look up the UFC Fight between Maurice Smith and Mark Coleman. Smith, a kickboxer who was fit but not that big compared to Coleman who was a wrestler and burly. They went the distance (which is awesome in itself) but you can clearly see throughout the fight that Coleman was wearing down and Smith maintained composure, breathing well and had gas left in the tank. Another example was when George Foreman came back at age 45 and was nowhere near the level of fitness (even by a boxer's standards) he had when he was in his prime and practically had a dad bod with some muscle and still fought 10 rounds knocking out Wilcott. 

What I'm not saying here is to test this theory by just looking a certain way and trying to be fit. If you're way overweight and can't go up ten steps without breathing like you just ran a sprint, you might want to start somewhere and focus on getting fit little by little. Some people are exceptions and are bigger than the average person and are fit as you can get. Others are much smaller and look like they have stamina when in reality, they're stiff, don't have much muscle that is useful and don't have strength that would be lifesaving. Being fit does have a certain look but people are built differently and can get fit really quickly or it takes a longer stretch of time because their genetic makeup or structure prevents them from having a level of fitness within a specific period of time. 

You can get fit and if the look works with it that's awesome but you don't need six pack abs or have a ridiculously low level of bodyfat to be fit. Hell you can look average and be fit. What matters is getting fit using strategies that suit your goals and needs to get there. Sometimes you might have to shimmy around certain areas because none of us can use the exact same strategies and eating plans 100% of the time which by all accounts is impractical. Find ways that work for you and get fit the best way you can. Make it so the quality of life extends as far as it can go. Get strong, be fit and be amazingly awesome in the process. 

To find some of the best resources on strategies and equipment, check out the blog's side bar and check out some really cool books, supplements and minimal equipment to be in the best shape you can possibly be in.