The Three Rings: Djakarta Iron Excerpt
"I taught them everything they know, but I didn't teach them everything I know." -- James Brown, Godfather of Soul One consistent theme in martial arts is increasing striking power. One of the best analogies was from Grandmaster Ed Parker of American Kenpo. He used...
On Drinking, Health, Muscle and Management
This is a sensitive issue. One does not speak of alcohol without the horror stories of addiction, drunk driving, lost lives and lost dreams. Those who practice a fit lifestyle often question the effects of drinking on their body, longevity, appearance, etc. Let's just...
Physical Changes From Kettlebell Sport
This post is from my FB page. I have cleaned it up a bit, but excuse the formatting. It will be a bit of a mess, but the value of it is still quite profound. Lot's of examples of training methods, results and adaptations....
Martial Artists and Kettlebell People: Get Unfat!
Years ago in an article in Black Belt Magazine, karate legend, Gary Alexander spoke up in an interview. He was a hardcore Marine turned martial artist. Truly the first champion. He thrived on hard training and today is still lean, fit and tough. He spoke of visiting...
Brad Harris is 80 and Trains For Life
Actor, Stuntman and Entrepreneur Brad Harris recently turned 80 years of age. He still trains every day. He was going to UCLA and began weight training with classmate, actor, William Smith. He was inspired by Hercules star, Steve Reeves. Being so close to the film...
The Ability to Change
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”-- Albert Einstein While the change is hardly the contrived, photoshopped and phony "before and after" shots in magazines, this is real. Client is Physician, age 56. Here are the changes- Height - 5' 6" Starting...
Green Ghost Chronicles: The Swing High Pull
[This movement IS NOT the Sumo Deadlift High Pull used at Crossfit. Please read carefully] In Eddie Kowacz' words- It's all about training the Posterior Chain and the Swing High Pull is one of the most effective and efficient training movements that you can do, IMO...
Black and White
Coach Dan John, in the prelude to one of his incredible DVD presentations said to, "....not moralize in the weight room". This is quite a mouthful and the philosophy has spilled over to my thinking in a number of areas. It's a logical fallacy to focus on extremes and...
Consistency Trumps Intensity
These results are because of online training. I've met this client once during his East coast vacation trip for an hour training session. All other training has been through exchange of email, spreadsheets and a twice monthly telephone call. This is what online...
Green Ghost Chronicles: The Intermittent Carnivore
Very little editing is done to this article. It's Eddie Kowacz's words. It speaks volume for what works for HIM. His evolution in diet is based on his training needs and managing a now replaced, damaged knee and the pain associated with training with such an...
Tough Guys: Roger Carpenter
[This is pieced together from various internet sources including my old blog. Enjoy this bio and learn from Sensei Roger's wisdom.] 1973-FIGHT TURNS INTO A SLAUGHTER In Wichita Kansas in 1973 Roger Carpenter battled John Bal’ee. This bout started off under the agreed...
Green Ghost Chronicles: The Heavy Bag
[In his own words. I don't need to add since this says it all!] Training Jounal Entry: Heavy Bag - 100 Power Punches, 30 seconds rest, x 5 ( maintenence ) 16 oz gloves used today. Most of the time its either this or 50 punches, 15 sec. rest, x 10. I rotate between 10,...
Tough Guys: Jim “Ronin” Harrison
“Jim Harrison saved my life once… he pulled his punch an inch from my face!” – Chuck Norris Called ''one of the most dangerous men in the world" by Bruce Lee, Harrison got his indoctrination into the Martial Arts from Bob Kurth, a former Judo Champion and Navy...
“There Was No One on this Earth That Could Ever Beat Me” — Mike Stone
Many reading this will be too young to remember Mike Stone. He was one of the original karate champions, back in 64 and 65. He was born in Hawaii and was a gifted, natural, athlete. He competed in all sports and decided to enter the Army at an early age. He learned...
Steve Maxwell Has Forgotten More Than You Will Ever Know
I just had enjoyable experience of viewing Steve Maxwell's new "Bodyweight Basics" videos. I am thoroughly impressed. For those of you who don't know Steve Maxwell, here is the short version of his bio. Western Pennsylvania born, a wrestler and lifter from an early...
Green Ghost Chronicles: “In the Marines 20 years ago, I could out push up God”.
Following are excerpts from Eddie Kowacz' training logs on push ups. I won't change or add much. They are pretty self explanatory. First is the Speed Pushup- "This is not your everyday push up that is done in a slow and grinding fashion. These are called 'speed push...
Andrew Read is the Beastmaster
Andrew Read is one of those cool guys that tries something, runs into obstacles, then figures out a better way around them. He's been an athlete and martial artist most of his life. I don't feel like typing out his resume, because it is thorough and rich with texture....
Presscott McDonald, RIP
Recently I lost a friend, Presscott McDonald. I met him through the art world. He was a very charismatic, young, man. Ridiculously talented. A former protege' of Annie Leibovitz and a gifted photographer. We spoke about a year ago about his...
