THE WAR ROOM

o

2010-11-24T06:52:00.001-06:00

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2010-10-12T18:40:00.001-05:00

"Sure I am this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond our endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us."

- Sir Winston Churchill

2010-10-08T01:21:00.000-05:00

"the cup is useful only when it is empty. With most of us, the mind is clouded, cluttered up with so many things - pleasant and unpleasant experiences, knowledge, patterns or formulas of behaviour, and so on. It is never empty. And creation can take place only in the mind that is totally empty. Creation is always new, and therefore the mind is made constantly fresh, young, innocent; it doesn't repeat, and therefore doesn't create habits."

-Krishnamurti

2010-10-08T01:16:00.000-05:00

Nothing makes a man more aware of his capabilities and of his limitations than those moments when he must push aside all the familiar defenses of ego and vanity, and accept reality by staring, with the fear that is normal to a man in combat, into the face of Death.

-- Major Robert S. Johnson, USAAF.

2010-02-17T10:10:00.005-06:00

It amazes me that so many people think that they are "special" or "unique". Usually they believe this because their mommy or daddy said they were during their childhood. News flash people.... no one is fucking special or unique. You are just you.... did that sound profound... I sure as hell hope not! I don't know how many "aspiring" fighters I talk to on a weekly basis... but I do know that at least every other one thinks that they have a "special" something that sets them a part from everyone else. Well that belief in that special something doesn't keep someone from knocking them the fuck out. Nothing in this world takes the place of purposeful, consistant training. And boxing and wrestling with your buddies in a garage does not count as training. Have enough respect for the sport of MMA to at least train at a real MMA gym that has an actual coach that has fought before and produces fighters that are successful in the cage. The fact that people actually believe that they can fight in this sport with little to no training is appalling to say the least. It shows complete lack of respect for the sport and to those who actually train and coach day in and day out for years.

If you meet people that fit the above description... tell them to grow a pair and train for real.

2010-01-21T08:53:00.000-06:00

"What fun is it? Why all that hard, exhausting work? Where does it get you? Where's the good of it? It is one of the strange ironies of this strange life that those who work the hardest, who subject themselves to the strictest discipline, who give up certain pleasurable things in order to achieve a goal, are the happiest..."

Brutus Hamilton, Coach of Olympic Track Team, 1952 Helsinki Olympics

2009-12-10T16:28:00.001-06:00

Your life deserves 100% effort. Everything you do is an "investment" to your self. You either progress each day or you don't. If you don't then that is an entire day of lost opportunity. But a wise individual knows when rest is the "means" to the end.

Frustration

2009-10-11T19:24:00.001-05:00

I had some extreme frustration while watching many of the cage fights last night. It is very difficult for me to be just a spectator and not want to coach everyone. I get irritated at some of the most ridiculous mistakes that a fighter can make. I ge...t so fed up with watching 2 fat fucks swinging butterball size fists at each other and the crowd loving it. Makes me want to throw Twinkies instead of applauding.

There is no "E" for effort in combat sports. Purposeful TRAINING YIELDS PURPOSEFUL RESULTS. I do not understand in any capacity how people don't seriously train. I only know one way to train and one way to train people... and that's with everything that I am. I do not in anyway care about the entertainment factor of the sport. I never will. I care about the the performance of the fighters. Warriors displaying their Art in the most skillful capacity.

Get used to taking an ASS BEATING!

2009-09-27T15:58:00.001-05:00

WARNING WHAT FOLLOWS IS INTENDED FOR THOSE WHO TRAIN AS WARRIORS TRAIN AND DO AS WARRIORS DO. IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A "WEEKEND" WARRIOR, OR JUST TRAIN IN THE COMBAT ARTS FOR FUN. THEN DON'T READ THIS BECAUSE YOU WON"T FUCKING COMPREHEND IT. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE FUCKING DAY!

If there is one prolific thing I learned when I first started training 20 years ago is I had better get used to getting my ass kicked on a regular basis, and in some cases on a daily basis. Most people begin their martial arts journey so they don't get their ass kicked in everyday life. The thing is toughness is not a natural born attribute it is an acquired attribute and believe me it has a big fucking price tag. The Combat Arts are not for the faint of heart.

If you truly want to train like a Warrior and BE a Warrior then you have to "pay your dues" so to speak. What I mean by that is you are going to have to deal with more than your fair share of assholes that beat the hell out of you in sparring. Then years later you realize that they weren't being assholes and could have literally turned you into a puddle of DNA on the mat if they really wanted to. They were working with you and teaching you through applicable experience.

I can recall plenty of times that I would go home pissed off, complaining that I had my face beat in, bleeding from one or more places, and with a limb that didn't want to work correctly for at least a week. This would go on for about five years.... for me anyway. Then at some point your perspective of things matures and mutates into longing for those hardcore training sessions where you feel like you have gone through an epic war and wearing all of your "battle" wounds like a badge of honor. There's nothing quite like trying to limp with pride.

As time goes on you get the privilege of being the ass kicker. Which is a completely different experience. Then it is also your duty to help others pay their dues so that they can continually progress as Warriors.

Obviously training like a Warrior is not for everyone and that is completely ok.

I am a Warrior and I am absolutely thankful to all those that have kicked my ass over the last 2 decades. I am now especially thankful to all of my students who try so diligently to beat my ass on a regular basis. Keeps me humble and keeps me training as hard as I possibly can.

So many experts.. so little wisdom...

2009-09-20T20:45:00.003-05:00

It is very sad to me that there are so many things that you can get "certified" in. Read a manual, fill out a study guide, watch a video... and magically you are a "certified" whatever. But what about experience? What about wisdom? What about being in the trenches and truly learning by trial and error?

Granted it is best to study everything that you can about your craft. But studying is not enough.... NEVER enough! You must get your hands dirty, you must risk epic failure before you can experience epic victory in anything in life.

You walk into any gym in the country and I guarantee you will see an anorexic looking trainer working at that gym putting their clients through the worst possible exercises with the wrong form. I witness it DAILY at the gym I train at. It is very unfortunate in my opinion. People come into a gym expecting that the trainers truly know what they are doing and willingly do the exercises that could very well cause serious injury or exacerbate an old injury.

Experience is the most important certification anyone could ever have. And it is by far the toughest to get.

WTF!

2009-09-15T14:47:00.002-05:00

When I logged into the internet a little while ago there was a headline on MSN.COM titled "New exercise you can do in your chair".... I wish it was a joke but as usual it isn't. WTF! The majority of the population doesn't even have the discipline to sit with correct posture in a chair let alone sit at their desk and do an exercise. I am willing to bet that out of 1000 people that may read that article... less than 3% will even try it. Less than 1% of the 3% will do it more than once. WHY? Because why would anyone in their right mind want to do an exercise at the work place. Most people can't hardly stand their jobs and that doesn't exactly create any self motivation at all. People are better off making time to workout consistently instead of trying stupid shit at work that wastes time and does nothing.....

Stop the Half Ass Effort....

2009-08-28T14:18:00.002-05:00

Nothing great was EVER accomplished in this world by slow, steady, half ass effort......PERIOD. Give all that you have to your endeavors.... your goals... That means 100 fucking percent!!! There is nothing more than that. Not 110... not 101... ONLY 100%. Most people that "think" they give 100 barely have even tapped into 60 or 70% of what they are capable of. The human species has a tremendous reservoir of will power.... But it must be fueled with passion so that it can be used to take you to your current level of 100%. The more you do this and experience this then.... and only then does your 100% capacity increase. Its not that you can do more than 100%... its that you have reached another level within yourself so that you have a new level of 100% to work at...

On any given day your 100% capacity may fluctuate but I promise if you give all that you are capable of everyday then you will reach heights and accomplish things you thought impossible on a regular basis....

WTF!!!!

2009-08-24T14:07:00.002-05:00

I get updates from various strength and conditioning sites on a regular basis. The other day I got one that had new "research" in the title.

Here is the gist of the "research"...

It showed that women who regularly did high intensity workouts (meaning
they were breathing hard) had significantly less belly
flab at the end of a four month period than women who always
exercised at an easier level.

This is true even though both groups burned the same number
of calories during the workout.

WHAT! You mean if people actually push themselves and train hard they will be in better shape than those that train with less effort???

In all seriousness... someone fucking paid for that research! That makes no sense at all. The bottom line is if you train with moderate intensity you get slower results over a longer period of time. You train with high intensity you get faster results in a shorter period of time.

WMD

2009-07-29T16:13:00.001-05:00

Began the WMD (Weapon of Mass Destruction) program this week. So far it is the toughest program I have written to date. Will post progress and such soon.

Poem by General Patton

2009-05-12T10:38:00.001-05:00

THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY
by Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.

Through the travail of the ages,
Midst the pomp and toil of war,
Have I fought and strove and perished
Countless times upon this star.

In the form of many people
In all panoplies of time
Have I seen the luring vision
Of the Victory Maid, sublime.

I have battled for fresh mammoth,
I have warred for pastures new,
I have listed to the whispers
When the race trek instinct grew.

I have known the call to battle
In each changeless changing shape
From the high souled voice of conscience
To the beastly lust for rape.

I have sinned and I have suffered,
Played the hero and the knave;
Fought for belly, shame, or country,
And for each have found a grave.

I cannot name my battles
For the visions are not clear,
Yet, I see the twisted faces
And I feel the rending spear.

Perhaps I stabbed our Savior
In His sacred helpless side.
Yet, I've called His name in blessing
When after times I died.

In the dimness of the shadows
Where we hairy heathens warred,
I can taste in thought the lifeblood;
We used teeth before the sword.

While in later clearer vision
I can sense the coppery sweat,
Feel the pikes grow wet and slippery
When our Phalanx, Cyrus met.

Hear the rattle of the harness
Where the Persian darts bounced clear,
See their chariots wheel in panic
From the Hoplite's leveled spear.

See the goal grow monthly longer,
Reaching for the walls of Tyre.
Hear the crash of tons of granite,
Smell the quenchless eastern fire.

Still more clearly as a Roman,
Can I see the Legion close,
As our third rank moved in forward
And the short sword found our foes.

Once again I feel the anguish
Of that blistering treeless plain
When the Parthian showered death bolts,
And our discipline was in vain.

I remember all the suffering
Of those arrows in my neck.
Yet, I stabbed a grinning savage
As I died upon my back.

Once again I smell the heat sparks
When my Flemish plate gave way
And the lance ripped through my entrails
As on Crecy's field I lay.

In the windless, blinding stillness
Of the glittering tropic sea
I can see the bubbles rising
Where we set the captives free.

Midst the spume of half a tempest
I have heard the bulwarks go
When the crashing, point blank round shot
Sent destruction to our foe.

I have fought with gun and cutlass
On the red and slippery deck
With all Hell aflame within me
And a rope around my neck.

And still later as a General
Have I galloped with Murat
When we laughed at death and numbers
Trusting in the Emperor's Star.

Till at last our star faded,
And we shouted to our doom
Where the sunken road of Ohein
Closed us in it's quivering gloom.

So but now with Tanks a'clatter
Have I waddled on the foe
Belching death at twenty paces,
By the star shell's ghastly glow.

So as through a glass, and darkly
The age long strife I see
Where I fought in many guises,
Many names, but always me.

And I see not in my blindness
What the objects were I wrought,
But as God rules o'er our bickerings
It was through His will I fought.

So forever in the future,
Shall I battle as of yore,
Dying to be born a fighter,
But to die again, once more.

Strength and Power Session

2009-04-23T08:21:00.002-05:00

April 17th

Floor Press
135/12
185/10
225/8
245/6
275/5
300/5
315/3
275/9

Pull Ups

11 sets of 4 reps

April 20th

Dead Hang Pull Ups with one sec between each rep

11 sets of 4

One Arm Floor Press

50/15
70/10
80/10
90/10
105/8
115/5
130/3R 4L
140/3L 4R

Weighted Decline Bench Sit Ups
120/20
165/15
210/12
255/12

April 22nd

One Arm Push Press
30/10
50/5
70/4
90/3
100/3
110/3
120/3
130/2R 1L
140/1R

Pull Ups

5 sets of 5

Strength and Power Session

2009-04-15T13:03:00.001-05:00

One Arm DB Snatch
50/1
80/1
90/1
100/1
115/1
120/1

80/5
80/5
80/5

2009-04-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

Sgt. Hartman: "That's right. Don't make any fucking effort. If God wanted you to be lean he would have miracled that fat off your ass, wouldn't he?"

Strength and Power Session

2009-04-14T11:54:00.001-05:00

Floor Press
135/12
185/10
225/8
245/6
275/5
300/5
315/3...2 were forced reps...
275/9 reps... failed on 10th rep attempt...

Pull Ups
8 sets of 4 reps... each rep done from a dead hang...

Awesome Quote...

2009-04-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

"Through the years, I have combined meditation, action, and the Iron into a single strength. I believe that when the body is strong, the mind thinks strong thoughts. Time spent away from the Iron makes my mind degenerate. I wallow in a thick depression. My body shuts down my mind. The Iron is the best antidepressant I have ever found. There is no better way to fight weakness than with strength. Once the mind and body have been awakened to their true potential, it's impossible to turn back." -- Henry Rollins

Strength and Power Session

2009-04-09T15:36:00.002-05:00

April 6th...

Mil. Press from bottom position on pins...

45/12
135/12
185/12
225/8
265/5
285/3
300/1

Wide Pull Downs

120/15
180/8
220/8
260/10

April 8th...

Bent BB Rows

45/15
135/15
225/15
275/15
315/12
365/10
405/10

Pause Bench Press

45/15
135/12
185/10
225/8
265/3
275/2
275/2

2009-04-05T19:34:00.003-05:00

I truly believe that I have the greatest job in the world....PERIOD. I have the distinct honor and privilege to teach and train a group of individuals who absolutely want to better themselves in every capacity and help others as well. I have done my very best to present a Warrior Family atmosphere in every way. I get very disappointed when I am looking at various MMA / Martial Arts forums and I see so many people with very warped views of MMA, Martial Arts, Honor, Self Respect and all the attributes that encompass being a warrior and a good human being in general.

In many respects our society as a whole is responsible for enabling such views. The "get anything you want now, made your way, fast and in a hurry" mentality is very much a psychological disease and turns into a daily mindset for many people. This has happened in the Martial Arts world as well. I truly love the Martial Arts and the sport of MMA with all my heart and it saddens me to see certain individuals representing the Martial Arts or MMA the way they do. I really feel that I have been very fortunate to have been taught by a few great human beings in my life. On the other hand there have been many not so good individuals as well, in which I learned how not to be towards others.

There are a great deal of people who view MMA fighters and practitioners as brawlers and bullies who just want to kick people heads in. Who can honestly blame them when you see these exact types of MMA fighters in the mainstream promotions on television. Talk about bad representatives of the sport and Martial Arts in general.

Since I began teaching and coaching full time in the last few years I have literally talked to a few hundred people who "want to be cage fighters", most of which had horrible attitudes and wanted to train for all the wrong reasons. The students who currently train with me are the rare exception and are great human beings.

The fact of the matter is ANYONE CAN LEARN HOW TO FIGHT.... VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES....HEART, MIND, and SOUL.... TO BE A WARRIOR. I have met warriors who have never stepped into the cage and I have meet World Champion fighters who are NOT warriors.

Strength and Power Session

2009-04-03T15:37:00.002-05:00

A.M.

Bent Over Rows
45/15
135/15
225/15
275/10
315/10
365/10
405/8
455/3
485/1 (New PR)

PM

One Arm DB Floor Press
70/10
85/8
100/8
115/8
125/4 (New PR for reps)

Tate Press
50/12
70/10
85/10
100/10

Strength and Power Session

2009-04-01T13:42:00.002-05:00

DB External Rot.
5/15
5/15

Cable Internal Rot.
5/15
5/15

Cable Ext. Rot.
5/15
5/15

Mil. Press
45/15
45/15
135/12
185/10
225/8
265/3
300/2

Cross Pull Downs
50/10
70/10
90/10
100/10
110/8
130/8

Mil. Press from Pins set at Bottom position
225/3
245/3
265/2
275/1
295/1

Challenges and Obstacles...

2009-03-31T14:30:00.002-05:00

I welcome a challenge whether it be in physically or intellectually. If you are not challenged then it is very difficult to progress as a person. I do not believe in obstacles.... there are many people who think that challenges are obstacles. To me this is self defeating to think of anything as an obstacle or something impeding my way. If you view something in your life as an obstacle then it is a self imposed limitation. There are many thought patterns and phrases that do nothing but limit your capacity for growth in every facet of your life. Some common ones are...

"Push the envelope".... I say what envelope!

"Think outside the box".... I say what box!

We are the only ones that confine and limit ourselves in any capacity or endeavor.

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-31T09:30:00.002-05:00

Today was the first day I did squats since I pulled my hip adductor. I used a knee wrap around my thigh and it felt pretty good. I worked up to a set of 5 with 315 and stopped there. Didn't feel any pain or aching... which is a plus... but felt pathetic just doing 315 for 5. Was almost embarrassed to do squats...its an ego thing I know. I will get over it and get back to squatting more gradually...

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-30T19:15:00.002-05:00

Morning Session

Superset

Bench
45/15
135/12
185/8
225/8
245/5
275/2

Underhanded DB Press
45/10
55/10
65/10
75/10
85/8
100/8

Stability Ball Push UPs
3sets of 10

Evening Session

Bent Rows
135/12
225/12
275/12
315/10
365/10
405/6
455/3+405/3

Pull Downs
265/5
280/5
300/4
305/4
305/4
280/5
260/5

Technique work...

2009-03-23T15:40:00.001-05:00

Left Thai Kick 12 rounds of 3 minutes on Thai bag...

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-23T09:54:00.001-05:00

Superset

Bent BB Rows

225/10
275/10
315/10
365/10
405/6

One Arm DB Floor Press

85/8
95/8
105/8
120/6
130/2

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-19T13:08:00.003-05:00

Hack Squat

90/15
180/15
270/15
360/15
450/15
540/15
450/15
360/15
270/15
180/15

Power Circuit 3x5 minutes of

Hammer Throw
42pd weight for distance
15pd med ball explosive chest pass
50pd Explosive DB Snatch

Supporting Strength Session

2009-03-16T18:54:00.002-05:00

Today... at 17:15

Cable Crossing Face pulls
50/12
60/12
70/12
80/10

DB Pause Bench
70/10
80/10
90/10
100/9
100/10

Tate Presses
50/10
75/10
90/13
100/9

2009-03-16T16:19:00.001-05:00

Do as Warriors do
Train as Warriors train
No retreat
No surrender
No excuses

By James Bullock

2009-03-16T15:57:00.003-05:00

Never mistake motion for action.

Ernest Hemmingway

The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.

It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.

Vince Lombardi

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-16T15:44:00.002-05:00

When reading the following I am placing weight / then reps...

Internal and External Rotation Complex 2 sets of 12

Military Press...

45/10
135/10
185/10
225/5
265/3
295/1
315/1
325/1
315/1
315/1
325/1
315/1
315/1
315/1
315/1
315/2

Noon

7x6 minute rounds of bag work and drills

110%......WTF!!!

2009-03-12T15:29:00.002-05:00

Something that really irritates me is to hear people say that they or someone else gave 110% in doing something. THERE IS NO 110%..... Hell, very few ever give even close to 100% in anything they do.

I think George Patton said it best;

"If a man does his best, what else is there?"

The problem with goals...

2009-03-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

There are many success experts out there that advocate setting goals on a regular basis. I have never been an advocate of it. Really never did anything for me. It may work for some people but I think it has the potential to limit people a great deal.

The experts say have several small goals to reach an "ultimate" goal. To me there needs to be "room" to play with. In other words be adaptable; it is not only important to be fluid in combat but in life as well. There is no possible way to account for every variable, and any attempt to do so only wastes time that could be better used to progress in some way.

You and everyone else does the very same thing everyday...you wake up...then...the rest is up to you. Sure people have to work, pay bills, eat.....blah....blah...blah... Does that mean you can't progress in some capacity everyday....HELL NO. Everyone is a result of their thoughts yesterday and today. Many people go through their daily lives on autopilot....that is sad. Everyone has the opportunity to think "actively" all the time. I literally have had breakthroughs in training on my drive to and from the gym, standing in line at a store, and in many other seemingly mundane places.

We are always in control of our progress. We choose when and how.

James Bullock

2009-03-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.

Thucydides

Force has no place where there is need of skill.

Herodotus

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

Mahatma Gandhi

Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential.

Liane Cardes

Restlessness is discontent - and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man - and I will show you a failure.

Thomas Alva Edison

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

Aristotle

2009-03-12T13:38:00.002-05:00

Patriots always talk of dying for their country and never of killing for their country.

Bertrand Russell, attributed

If you're going through hell, keep going.

Winston Churchill

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-12T13:21:00.003-05:00

March 11th...

Mil. Press

Decided to change my grip on this lift from relatively close (hands inside the rings) to really wide (index finger on the rings). I was expecting it to be more difficult. This was the result..

135x10, 185x 8, 225x5, 245x3, 275x1, 315x1, 345x1, 365x1, 405 (completed it but hit the pins upon lockout)...dropped to 395 and completed it for 1 rep.... Increased a total of 70 pounds on the lift just by moving my hands out....

Gable Grip Pull Downs

180x8, 200x8, 220x8, 240x5, 220x6

Various Grip Work...

Something to Ponder...

2009-03-10T11:57:00.002-05:00

"The immature mind compares itself with what is and what should be, but it is only the immature mind that compares. The mature mind has no comparison, the mature mind has no measure."

J. Krishnamurti

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-10T11:51:00.002-05:00

Squats: 45x10, 135x10, 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, 365x3.... stopped at 365 due to the tendons on the inside of my thighs started aching immensely.

Hack Squat: 270x15, 360x15, 450x15, 540x10

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-10T11:43:00.002-05:00

March 9th...

High Rows: 180x10, 270x10, 360x5, 450x5, 540x3

Seated Wide Cable Rows: 140x8, 180x8, 200x8, 220x8

Crossing Face Pulls: 35x10, 50x10, 70x10, 80x8

Bench: 245x5 sets of 5 reps

One Arm DB Floor Press: 70x10, 90x8, 100x8, 110x6

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-06T14:02:00.001-06:00

Military Press: 45/10, 135/10, 185/5, 225/5, 245/6, 245/6, 245/6, 245/6

X Pull downs: 80/8, 90/8, 110/8, 130/6

Side Laterals: 45/6, 50/6, 60/6

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-05T10:58:00.002-06:00

Explosive Gable Grip Suplex Pulls: 50x6, 65x6, 80x6, 80x6, 95x6, 95x6

One Arm DB Swings: 40x10, 50x10

Explosive Shrugs: 225x6, 315x6, 365x6

Rack Pulls: 405x1, 495x1, 585x1, 675x1, 765x1

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-03T10:58:00.002-06:00

Today was Squat day.... this was about my 4th official squat workout since I was in high school almost 10 years ago. I really never had a good reason not to squat, I just didn't want to do them. Finally about three weeks ago I decided to quite being a fucking pussy and to start squating again. And damn does it feel good!!!

Three weeks ago I worked up to 335 for 3, two weeks ago I did 405 for 3, today I ended with 440 for 4. I felt stable and strong with the 44o today. I have more in me I know that. The best I have ever done was 550 when I was 19 for a single.

Today's workout...

Squat: 45x10, 135x10, 225x5, 275x5, 315x5, 365x4, 405x4, 440x4(PR), 225 x15 x 3 sets

Hack Squat: 270x15, 360x15, 450x15

Leg Press: 540x20, 630x20, 720x20

Random sets of calf work...

Strength and Power Session

2009-03-02T15:34:00.002-06:00

Military Press

45x10, 135x8, 185x5, 225x5, 245x4, 265x7 sets of 4 reps

Pull Downs

120x5, 220x5, 260x4, 280x5, 300x5, 320x6sets of 4 reps

2009-03-01T17:01:00.002-06:00

February 27th Strength and Power Session

Hammer Strength High Rows: 270x10, 360x10, 410x10, 450x10

Flat DB Bench Press: 55x10, 75x10, 85x10, 90x10, 100x10

Seated Gable Grip Rows: 120x10, 180x10, 220x10, 240x10, 260x10

Triceps Press Downs: 70x10, 85x10, 100x10, 100x10, 115x10, 130x10

Clinch Grip One Arm Cable Rows: 55x10, 75x10, 85x10, 95x10

Strength and Power Session

2009-02-26T17:06:00.002-06:00

Today was Dead Lift day. I opted to do super heavy lockouts in the squat rack.

Dead Lock Outs: Started with 225 and worked up to a final set of 635 pounds.

Power Shrugs: 225 x5, 275 x5, 4 sets of 315x5

New Training Split...

2009-02-25T17:29:00.002-06:00

This week I started a new training split:

Week A

Monday: Horizontal Push (Bench Press and Variations), Horizontal Pull (BB Rows and Variations)

Tuesday: Leg Dominant Movement (Squats)

Wednesday: Vertical Push (Military Press and Variations), Vertical Pull (Pull Ups and Variations)

Thursday: Hip Dominant Movement (Dead Lift)

Friday: Horizontal Push (Bench Press and Variations), Horizontal Pull (BB Rows and Variations)

Week B

Monday: Vertical Push (Military Press and Variations), Vertical Pull (Pull Ups and Variations)

Tuesday: Leg Dominant Movement (Squats)

Wednesday: Horizontal Push (Bench Press and Variations), Horizontal Pull (BB Rows and Variations)

Thursday: Hip Dominant Movement (Dead Lift)

Friday: Vertical Push (Military Press and Variations), Vertical Pull (Pull Ups and Variations)

2009-02-25T16:16:00.002-06:00

Well since I created the forum for Combative Sciences I have spent less and less time on The War Room...

It is time for The War Room to evolve so to speak. From now on I will use this little part of the internet for anything I choose. Whether that be ranting about something, training, fighting, philosophy, or mindless rambling.

2009-01-12T13:53:00.003-06:00

I love Mondays!!!

It is one of my most favorite days of the week. Why? Because it is on Monday that I set the pace for a great week of training and progress.

I often ask people how they are doing and in many cases I get the "on it's a Monday" response. I am thinking Hell yeah its a Monday and I love it....

Start the week strong and positive and end the week strong and positive. You are guaranteed success if you do that.

2008-11-26T09:42:00.000-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL...

2008-11-04T12:32:00.000-06:00

2008-10-26T16:50:00.001-05:00

If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his
vengeance need not be feared.

Niccolo Machiavelli

2008-10-25T18:37:00.000-05:00

"Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

--Winston Churchill—

2008-10-25T18:35:00.000-05:00

"When young men seek to be like you, when lazy men resent you, when powerful
men look over their shoulder at you, when cowardly men plot behind your
back, when corrupt men wish you were gone and evil men want you dead . . .

Only then will you have done your share."

-----Phil Messina

2008-10-25T17:26:00.001-05:00

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.

—William Faulkner

2008-10-25T15:22:00.001-05:00

“The only freedom deserving the name, is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it. Each is the proper guardian of his own health, whether bodily, or mental and spiritual. Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest.”

John Stuart Mill

2008-10-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

GOOD JUDGMENT CAN’T BE BOUGHT OR LEARNED FROM BOOKS. PEOPLE AREN’T BORN WITH IT, AND IT ISN’T TAUGHT IN SCHOOL. ONLY SELF-AWARENESS AND VAST KNOWLEDGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND POTENTIALITIES, WHEN COMBINED WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, RESULT IN GOOD JUDGMENT. MENTORS CAN SPEED THE PROCESS, SUPPLYING INFORMATION AND EVEN EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE ARTFULLY TOLD STORY. OTHERWISE, THE BURNED HAND TEACHES BEST.

GOOD JUDGMENT IS THE RESULT OF EXPERIENCE, WHILE AN “EXPERIENCE” IS THE RESULT OF POOR JUDGMENT.

Mark Twight

Our Soldiers

2008-10-23T13:51:00.002-05:00

OUR SOLDIERS

When the security of our land is threatened,
We call on our soldier's might,
To go wherever they're needed,
To defend us day and night.

They leave their loves ones behind,
A great price our soldiers must pay.
Let us salute their courage and bravery,
May we remember them each time we pray.

Each time we spot "Old Glory"
Waving for all to see,
Let's think of all the soldiers that have
Kept it flying proud and free.

This great country is tolerant
Of cultures from other lands,
But, when they attack our precious freedom
We will punish with a heavy hand.

Our soldiers are tried and true,
Tempered like carbon steel,
Born of American Spirit;
Raised with American will.

Remember our fallen heroes that died,
So freedom may grow,
To nations around the world,
Wherever our warriors may go.

Author Unknown

No man is free...

2008-10-23T13:43:00.002-05:00

"No man is free who is not master of himself"

Epictetus

Day by Day...

2008-10-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

"Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character."

Heraclitus

Updates...

2008-10-07T16:35:00.002-05:00

Both the DSMA website and the Combative Sciences website has been updated.

Mark and Harolds personal Hell Evolutions...

2008-10-03T14:49:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday Mark "The Veteran" did 7 five minute rounds of bag work with 1 min rest in between each round. Great Job Mark!!!

This morning (Friday) Harold "The Kingpin" did 5 five minute rounds of bag work with 1 min rest in between each round. Great Job Harold!!!

Hell Week Evolution 3

2008-10-01T15:12:00.000-05:00

Shedding the unnecessary...

2008-09-30T14:30:00.003-05:00

In training let go of all comparisons, preconceived notions, and expectations. They serve no purpose for the warrior. Its not about what you believe you should be able to do, how good you are compared to others, or what you think may happen.

Its about being in the moment! Comparing yourself to others is a waste of time, just as trying to be like someone else is also pointless. Regardless of who you would like to be; when you wake up in the morning you are still you....so what are going to do? If there is one absolute truth I have learned over the years it is the fact that in order to change who you are now you must change your perception of things and your thoughts.

It is common to look up to people during your life and that is OK. The problem arises when individuals place others on an unreachable pedestal. This does nothing but place a limitation on yourself. Greatness is available for everyone....but few reach out and take hold of it.

Limitations are nothing more than illusions. You will hear people say think outside the box, or push the envelope. Well I say there is NO BOX, there is NO ENVELOPE, the only limitation that exists is the one you place on yourself........

The Forge

2008-09-30T14:24:00.002-05:00

Forging the Warrior
by James Bullock

Training is the fire...

Your body is the steel...

Your mind is the mold...

Your spirit is the hammer...

The Warrior is the Sword

Welcome to your Evolution...

2008-09-30T14:10:00.005-05:00

The 1st and 2nd Evolutions of Hell Week are completed. Congratulations to the Warriors who survived...which were all involved.

Special congrats to Jesse, and Alan the 2 new Warriors of the group.

The bravest...

2008-09-29T13:13:00.001-05:00

The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.

Thucydides

Killer at Large

2008-09-29T11:25:00.001-05:00

Belief...

2008-09-22T16:02:00.000-05:00

Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it.
Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held.
Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books.
Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin.
Believe nothing just because someone else believes it.
Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true.

- Siddhārtha

Do your best

2008-09-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

"Unless you do your best, the day will come when, tired and hungry, you will halt just short of the goal you were ordered to reach, and by halting you will make useless the efforts and deaths of thousands." -

Gen. George S. Patton

True Warrior

2008-09-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

"Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the result."

- Tien T'ai

Great Quotes Movie

2008-09-13T00:16:00.000-05:00

http://www.greatquotesmovie.com/

Survival

2008-09-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

The depth of darkness to which you can descend and still live is an exact measure of the height to which you can aspire to reach.

Self Confidence

2008-09-09T15:29:00.001-05:00

“The self-confidence of the warrior is not the self-confidence of the average man. The average man seeks certainty in the eyes of the onlooker and calls that self-confidence. The warrior seeks impeccability in his own eyes and calls that humbleness. The average man is hooked to his fellow men, while the warrior is hooked only to infinity.”

Carlos Castenada

The Warrior...

2008-09-06T15:17:00.000-05:00

To be a warrior is not a simple matter of wishing to be one. It is rather an endless struggle that will go on to the very last moment of our lives. Nobody is born a warrior, in exactly the same way that nobody is born an average man. We make ourselves into one or the other.

Carlos Castenada

Two rare virtues...

2008-09-01T11:18:00.002-05:00

There are two virtues that are all but extinct in the world in this day and age.

Courtesy and Humility...

It is very rare to meet people who are kind and courteous on a general basis. The word "common" is a rarity as well. As in "common" courtesy or "common" sense. It is easy to spot those that are courteous now days because they are uncommon...

Humility is extremely rare in my opinion. I think that more and more people avoid "humbling" experiences. I have at least a few humbling experiences every week. Humility comes with a wisdom and knowledge of exactly who you are, there is no need ever to be egotistical or to exert the ego onto others.

No Excuses

2008-08-27T15:57:00.001-05:00

Quinton Jackson

2008-08-26T10:46:00.001-05:00

The Orange County District Attorney’s office has formally charged former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for a July 15 hit-and-run melee that landed the popular fighter in jail.

In a press release issued on Monday, Jackson is accused of sideswiping two cars and subsequently fleeing Costa Mesa police officers as they attempted to stop him. In the short chase, Jackson allegedly damaged another car and nearly hit several pedestrians at a bus stop. His left front tire shredded, he eventually surrendered to police officers in nearby Newport Beach.

The 30-year-old Jackson has been charged with one felony count of evading while driving recklessly, one felony count of evading a peace officer and driving against traffic, three misdemeanor counts of hit and run with property damage, and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving.

His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28. Deputy District Attorney Keith Bogardus will request a $25,000 bail for the fighter.

Notably absent were charges related to Holli Griggs, a passenger in one of the cars that Jackson sideswiped. Griggs was 16 weeks pregnant with a boy when she miscarried two weeks after the incident. Orange County DA spokeswoman Farrah Emami told MMAWeekly.com that a subsequent investigation of the miscarriage did not implicate Jackson.

“We reviewed all the medical records and spoke with the victim’s physician, and the evidence showed that the loss of the fetus was not related to or a result of the crash caused by the defendant,” Emami said.

Jackson re-emerged in the public eye at UFC 87 following a long period of silence. At a pre-fight press conference for “Seek and Destroy,” he appeared to be in good spirits, a far cry from the man who was placed under mental observation by police officers shortly after the chase. The charismatic light heavyweight said he was back on track and thanked UFC president Dana White for getting him there.

“I’m already training, so my next opponent better watch out,” he said. “But that was the worst mistake I ever made, I got Dana over my back all the time. ‘Did you eat? Did you sleep? Drink your water?’ It’s like I’m two years old, but it’s all good,” he continued.

If convicted, Jackson could face up to three years in prison. He and UFC representatives were unavailable for comment.

Your errand...

2008-08-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world. You impoverish yourself if you forget this errand.—Woodrow Wilson

Victory

2008-08-22T10:31:00.001-05:00

Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.
Winston Churchill

Unity

2008-08-19T16:31:00.002-05:00

Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius

"To see "all" of the present moment here and now is to see "all" that has eternally been and shall be. For the "all" is a unity of substance and form."

Empty Your Cup

2008-08-16T18:20:00.002-05:00

"To be empty, completely empty, is not a fearsome thing; it is absolutely essential for the mind to be unoccupied; to be empty, unenforced, for then only can it move into unknown depths."

J. Krishnamurti

The Greater Self

2008-08-12T12:01:00.003-05:00

"When you are inspired dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.

Patanjali

Self Development

2008-08-05T15:00:00.001-05:00

Self-development is a higher duty than self-sacrifice.—Elizabeth Cady Stanton

This is way beyond inspirational...

2008-08-01T13:47:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQKUYQ_WgQ&eurl

Fight YOUR fight...

2008-08-01T13:22:00.001-05:00

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.—e e cummings

Circumstances

2008-07-30T13:29:00.002-05:00

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."

George Bernard Shaw

Seminar Picture

2008-07-29T20:12:00.001-05:00

Here is a pic of the guys after a great seminar last Saturday..the 26th

The Will

2008-07-27T12:07:00.001-05:00

"Nothing can resist the human will that will stake even its existence on its stated purpose"
Benjamin Disraeli

Great Session last night..

2008-07-23T09:39:00.002-05:00

Last nights clinch class was great, we had a visitor from the St. Louis area who was a great addition to the class. Dwayne from Andre's MMA Academy trained participated in the class, he is a great guy and definitely has a great attitude.

Here is the link to Andre's MMA Academy in St. Louis

My first day of throwing..

2008-07-21T15:24:00.006-05:00

Or should I say attempt at throwing...lol... I had a blast with James Lee and Dan throwing the implements today. It was so much fun, I have alot to learn and then some but I love it so far.

Here is a couple of pics after practice..

Here is one of James Lee and I...
Here is one of Dan and James Lee
And this is of Dan and Myself...

Wisdom from Dave Tate

2008-07-19T17:54:00.002-05:00

Here are some excerpts from Dave Tate's article Shut The Hell Up and Listen.

“Lock yourself onto your destination and eliminate any possibility of not getting there. Make your goal the core essence of your existence. Fix your focus 100% onto your desired outcome and the process of achieving it.”

“Let nothing stop you from training toward your goal, short of a crippling injury or major life trauma. And as you'll see below, not even that is enough to stop some highly motivated individuals.”

“For those few, however, who do aspire to the highest level of sport, you need to understand that greatness comes at a high price. The price is the time and energy that you can't devote to the other aspects of your life.”

“We all have the same 24 hours, and the choice of where to focus our attention. There's no way you can focus on your work, family, church, personal development, friends, and on your training.”

“Yes you can achieve balance, and as I said, this isn't a bad goal. All I'm saying is that you can either be balanced, or you can be great. You shouldn't expect both at the same time.”

“To be in the top 10% of anything requires a selfish, fanatical drive that most people will never understand, let alone possess. Maybe there's someone somewhere who can be great at everything, but I haven't seen it.”

“People always ask me, "knowing what you know now, would you have changed anything about your training or diet from years ago?" My answer is always the same: no. You can't turn back the clock and change the past. You can only do what you can do today. I see no reason to answer what I can't do anything about. Do I offer people different advice now based on what I feel were my mistakes of the past? Yes, of course. I've made some huge mistakes, but they were necessary, because without them I wouldn't have learned anything.”

Did the warm up

2008-07-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

I am in Wichita and I found a YMCA to workout at this morning....once I found it I felt like I was going to toys r us.....lol.... I love to train, I had a great workout and I did the Ultimate Shoulder Warm Up from the Diesel Crew...It was awesome, made my shoulder feel much better prepared for the torture I was going to put it through.

Shoulder Warm Up

2008-07-18T23:39:00.003-05:00

I have been training for a very long time and the biggest issue I have had over the years is my right shoulder. There are times it feels perfect and times it aches and hurts.

The following video is a shoulder warm up I am going to add to my training routine immediately...

Our YouTube Channel...

2008-07-17T15:16:00.000-05:00

Here is the link for the YouTube Channel...

http://www.youtube.com/user/Taolyn

An afternoon with a Legend...

2008-07-16T15:08:00.002-05:00

I spent 4 and a half hours with Dan yesterday. It was one of the most in depth conversations I have ever had with anyone. It was a great afternoon. I think I have officially decided to do some Scottish Games training and possibly compete a few times. I have never seriously competed in a strength sport and I think it would be a blast.

Current MMA Schedule

2008-07-14T16:12:00.003-05:00

MMA Schedule

Monday

11am
6pm
9pm

Tuesday

Wednesday

11am
6pm
9pm

Thursday

Friday

11am
6pm

A conversation...

2008-07-14T15:29:00.002-05:00

Got to the Powerhouse Gym this morning at about 9am and I had another fantastic conversation with Dan. That man is truly wise beyond words....some of the things we discuss almost give me a headache because its on a whole different level of conversation. We discuss philosophy, training, life lessons, spirituality..and other things. It is very humbling to speak with him. Each and every time I see Dan I always learn something. I most definitely feel like he is a "Mentor" to me in many different ways.

I have had a fantastic training day so far...I worked out for 5 hours so far today...Can't wait to teach later...