Strength and Power Notes September 2010
It’s been a busy summer! I just finished instructing the USAW Level I course at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. Twenty-seven participants took part and successfully passed the Sports Performance Coach exam.
Many thanks to LtCol Chad “Ricky” Nelson, USMC, who organized the event, which was staged at his CrossFit affiliate, Lightning CrossFit (www.LightningCrossFit.com).
Participants at the Eglin AFB Level I course take a break.
Ricky Nelson, Lightning CrossFit honcho, works on his clean form off the low blocks.
A few weeks earlier found me at Fort Bragg, NC, also conducting a Level I course. As has been the case of late, both of these events included a significant number of CrossFit participants. Let’s hope all this cross-pollination leads to more weightlifting coaches nationwide.
The next Level I course for me will be on October 16-17, when I head to Amelia Island (www.SandboxAthletics.com).
On October 23 I’ll offer my Performance Keys workshop at The Razor’s Edge/CrossFit Pensacola, FL. Anyone needing NSCA, NASM, or BoC CEU credits, here’s a convenient opportunity. Click here to register.
Another Performance Keys program is scheduled for Daytona Beach, FL, November 13. Click here to register.
Readers of Explosive Lifting for Sports know I am a big supporter of doing lifts and pulls from the blocks. Blocks offer a much more consistent means of doing reps than lifting “from the hang.” Generally they are safer and more effective, especially for beginners just learning the lifts. Obviously they also work well for advanced lifters who handle big weights.
The usual problem with blocks is: 1) adjustability and 2) price. There are some reasonable (and inexpensive) wooden designs that work well. There are some hugely overbuilt wooden blocks, which while quite durable, are nearly impossible to move from one platform to another. There are some steel pulling stands (I’m currently using a decent pair), but they have limitations, as well.
All of these are pricey.
Well, along comes Derrick Crass, USA National Champion and two-time Olympian, with his latest creation, DC Blocks. At press time (he’s in Turkey, at the World Championships) the product’s web site is still under development, but Derrick has several You Tube clips up. Lifters are deliberately dropping weights from overhead and the blocks (made of recycled plastic, a la HighTec plates) just take the beating and look new on each set.
Let me know if you want more information on these blocks. And, look for near future announcements about the blocks being showcased in the Sunshine State and at www.Newton-Sports.com. DC Pulling Blocks look to be a definite addition for any high-performance training facility.
Tommy Kono, America’s finest weightlifter, recently turned 80 and to celebrate published his second book, Championship Weightlifting: Beyond Muscle Power (The Mental Side of Lifting). This, and Tommy’s first book, Weightlifting, Olympic Style, are self-published works. As a result, he gets to say what he wants to say, without having to deal with various editors seeking to keep the waters calm.
Championship Weightlifting offers many gems that give viewers a peek at how Tommy accomplished his eight world (including two Olympic) titles, 26 world records, and the IWF’s Best Weightlifter of 100 Years award. Tommy also served as national and Olympic coach for Mexico and (then) West Germany, along with USA Olympic Coach in 1976.
In addition to many intriguing insights into his own success, Tommy periodically takes US lifters to task for their apparent lack of ability to close the gap with many other nations teams over the past 20 or so years. Much of this is well deserved and all of it is worthy of further consideration by today’s lifters and coaches.
Championship Lifting is available from Tommy for $44.95, plus $6.75 for US shipping. I’d suggest getting both books. Check with Tommy if you decide to order both so you can confirm proper shipping costs. Book and other product details are available at www.TommyKono.com.