Interestingly, one of the biggest things I learned at this year's Middletown Roy Harris seminar wasn't strictly martial arts related. Since Roy trained with Pavel - The Man Himself - I asked him a few questions about kettlebell training.
One of the things I love about Roy Harris is that he always answers questions so incredibly patiently and always - and I mean ALWAYS - has something profound to say.
What I learned above all else, was the difference between kettlebell training and weight training. I grew up training typical bodybuilding and powerlifting routines and, although I had a strong interest in kettlebells, I didn't really "get it" about kettlebell training until I talked to Roy, asked questions and watched and listened to his answers. Some of the revelations were in what he said and some were in what he did...
Roy demonstrated the concept of "linking" muscle groups by having me clinch up with him and try to move him. He contracted or "linked" different sequences of muscles and noted the effects each time. First none, then the fist and arm, then the fist, arm and shoulder, then fist, arm, shoulder and core, then added the glutes and legs. By the time the entire side of his body was linked I couldn't even budge him. It was like trying to move a tree.
What I Learned - Kettlebells train you to link muscle groups and create functional strength. This has some really important implications for me. First off, it gives me a new dimension to consider when I’m training. Second, it showed me how much I wasn’t aware of when doing barbell training.
Toward the end of the second day, Chris (he runs Modern Self Defense) asked Roy something about HOW to remember and be motivated to train with KBs every day. Roy grabbed a 16kg and put it in the middle of the door of the school. Essentially forcing anyone entering or leaving to trip on the thing!
What I Learned - Don't make training a big deal. Put a bell where you'll SEE it and PRACTICE. I now have a 16kg in my living room and I pick it up every day and clean it and snatch it a few times a day. Both movements have improved in less than a week!
Something else I began to consider while Roy was talking was just how much kettlebells might do for my powerlifts. If kettlebells can increase “functional strength” and increase ligament and joint health as well as Roy has found in training at his academy, then I hypothesize that training with kettlebells could potentially increase my bench, squat and deadlift.
What I learned – kettlebells might best be used as auxiliary training for my powerlifts in addition to combat conditioning and overall health.
Roy Harris is always puts on a great seminar that’s packed with value. His website is www.royharris.com. Thanks also to Chris Wright-Martell at Modern Self Defense Center for hosting Roy. MSDC can be found at www.modernselfdefense.com.
ttylAdam
Adam Farrah is a Personal Trainer and Freelance Writer for Mixed Martial Arts, Kettlebell Training, Weightlifting, Bodybuilding, Power Lifting and Nutrition. He serves Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and the online and internet community.
Adam's blogs are alphanolimits.blogspot.com and adamfarrah.blogspot.com.
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