IKFF Scotland, Edinburgh 2009

I recently had the opportunity to head up to Edinburgh accompanied by Jonathan Lewis to assist on the IKFF (International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation) Course in Scotland.

It's always inspiring to reconnect with Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn, their phenomenal athletic prowess is matched only by their humility, and generosity as Coaches. Jason Dolby also came over from the States to bless the course with his presence, his enthusiasm and technical knowledge helped to sustain the energy of the group over the weekend.

The host for the weekend was Rannoch of Kettlebells Scotland. I had previously been in contact with Rannoch about a collective project we've been working on (more info coming soon), but had never actually met him. Rannoch is without a doubt a diamond. If you are training with Kettlebells in Scotland, seek this man out. Knowledgable, with more passion and enthusiasm then the energizer bunny (once you get him going), Rannoch is welcoming with a no nonsense approach.

The IKFF delivered a high quality content Kettlebell Course, as I'm sure you've noticed by all the stuff circulating online. I met a truly inspiring group of people that weekend, check out some of the highlights below.

Have You Inspired Anyone Recently?

Swimming 2.4 miles (3.8km), followed by a 112 mile (180 km) bike ride then nicely topping it off with a 26.2 mile (42 km) is just plain crazy - phenomenal, but crazy. To endure not a leg of the Tour De France, but the whole thing, the worlds most famous cycling race, is again phenomenal (and slightly unhinged).

Doing all of this, while being diagnosed and being treated for cancer is something else. Beating cancer twice, then dedicating your life to helping others with cancer is something special. This is Mike Grisenthwaite, this is what he does.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike while he was down in London, collecting funds for the Charity he champions, Cyclists Fighting Cancer. Mike has a vision of establishing a centre of excellence in the UK for Exercise and Cancer Recovery, and getting the word out to the public and health professionals the importance of exercise in combating and managing cancer.

CJS Fitness holds a keen interest in Exercise and Cancer Recovery, and plans to create London wide schemes on late 2009. We're giving full support to the workshops the National Association of Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation (NACER) are putting on in April 2009.

Check out the article the Daily Express ran on Mike or Reuters online. Mike is a humbling and inspiring man, and my guess is, that he doesn't even realise it.

Meet Mike Grisenthwaite.

Kids and Kettlebells - Too Much Too Soon?

Have a look at the clip, what do you think?



All credit to Nocona, there is no taking away what he has achieved, it was a truly awesome feet of strength at a body weight of 97lbs and at 13 years of age. But therein lies the question, if he was 23 years of age at the same body weight, Jerking the 24kg what would we be saying?

I would be looking at form, because form determines function. Quality of movement is paramount. It doesn't matter if your three years old, thirteen years old or thirty three, the same rules apply.

When working with a heavier Kettlebell than you are used to, there is a parameter of chaos that your body will have to adapt to in order to execute the movement. After a given tipping point form will go, and then you are in the hazard zone (and you don't want to be there).

The Jerk in the video may not have been text book stuff, and it may not have been pretty, and while I do have some reservations - no injury occurred. The key is to know when to 'Rack it' and end the set as in this video.

No matter how much your ego may tempt you to go on, quitting while you're ahead is not the same as quitting. If you're working with a Kettlebell Coach, a good Coach will know when, and when not to.

Once again, more power to Nocona Jodrey, very, very impressive.

Take My Advice and Don't Listen To Others

When others are in a good mood they like you, when they're in a bad mood they don't. We often value the opinion of others higher than we value our own. Sometimes the key is knowing when not to listen and trust yourself completely.

Do the thing that you're passionate about, if you don't know what it is, find it. Nurture it, help it grow, cherish it and then share it. Jason McElway understands this. Jason is Autistic. Jason McElway is phenomenal.



Thanks to the Desel Crew for posting this clip on their blog.

Creative Training? or Just Plain Nuts?!

Some have you may have seen this video clip before on Youtube or the Industrial Strength London Blog. I had some interesting conversations with some Coaches and Physiotherapists following this post. Watch the video, you'll understand why.



There is a lot of research available on Hypoxia training, or often more specific to altitude training. The theory goes, that when faced with low oxygen concentration levels the body will undergo several adaptations which have a positive carry over to performance when either 1) The body has to perform under low oxygen concentration levels or 2) Performance will be enhanced when oxygen concentration levels are adequate thus giving you the edge on your opponent.

London's very own innovative sports performance equipment company, Hybreathe, are developing a portable device that can potentially deliver the benefits of altitude training. But before they spend silly amounts of money getting it well and truly wrong, they're asking for your feedback and ideas. As a thank you, you're in with a chance of winning some rather cool stuff. Fill out an online survey and give your thoughts here.

Triathlete magazine has an interesting article about altitude (hypoxia) training, but as you can see from the clip above there could be interesting carry over to combat sports."