MMA News and Fight Videos

A week doesn’t pass without an email from a new reader to the site who feels over the hill in his 30’s or 40’s.  They honestly believe that they are too old to turn back the hands of time.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had people telling me that I’ll be out of commission soon enough.  When I was 18, people told me I’d be all banged up by 25.  When I was 25, they told me I’d be finished by 30.  When I turned 30, they told me I’d be done by 40.  It’s as if people honestly don’t believe the body can keep on going.

I continue to tell others that the body will keep performing if it is treated properly, but there are still many who don’t listen.  Fortunately, the video below offers visual proof.  Actions speak louder than words, and this man is full of action.

At age 67, Dominic is able to perform movements and routines that would crush many 27 year olds.  I don’t know the man, but I was certainly impressed after seeing his video posted on my forum.  Everyone who saw the video had nothing but positive things to say, and most couldn’t believe that a 67 year old was in such tremendous condition.  It isn’t every day that you bump into someone in their 60’s or 70’s who regularly cranks out pull-ups, pushups and burpees.

There are two things that I particularly like about this video.  First (obviously), it’s great to see a man in his 60’s who continues to bust his ass and stay in top condition.  What I also enjoy however is the relative simplicity of his routines.  I don’t see any fancy equipment in his workout room.  He is a perfect example of low-tech/high-effect.

Much can be learned from his example.  Just think of the countless debates that regularly take place on fitness message boards.  A day doesn’t pass without significant bandwidth being devoured by message board fanatics who split hairs over what they believe everyone should be doing.  Debates rage on over various supplements, periodization models, training modalities, books, and so on.

Now think of those message board experts who spend day after day arguing over what they believe we should all be doing.  How many will be capable of what Dominic is doing when they turn 67?  I’d be willing to bet that very few will be anywhere near his level.

Perhaps they can learn from his example. Hard work and consistency often prove more valuable than any so called “state of the art” program or facility.  Some get lost in paralysis by analysis while others just get up and go.  Falling back on the basics doesn’t mean that you don’t understand more complex approaches.  It simply means that you already know what works and won’t become lost in the endless search.

Thanks to the creator of this video for providing inspiration to many.

Ross

Ron Ringewold is doing his part to show that age is just a number.   At age 73, he can be seen pulling 481 pounds at the link below!

http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/8716 

I’ve seen so many “experts” label certain exercises (such as the deadlift) as dangerous.  It is nice to be reminded that actions speak louder than words.  Another example can be seen within this past entry.  The woman seen within is 63 years young and is pulling 300 pounds (perhaps more now).

To those who waste time arguing over dangerous exercises, why not take up a more worthy cause?  Don’t you value your time?  Does anyone actually believe that exercise is more dangerous than REAL problems such as drunken driving, smoking, gang violence, domestic violence, etc.?

Here is a news flash to those who need one.  Exercise is safe and damn  good for you!

Hats off To Ron Ringewold for showing what the body can do when treated properly.

Ross

Can you imagine biking for 112 miles, swimming 2.4 miles, and running 26.2 miles, all in a single day?   At first glance, many would view this challenge as physically impossible, regardless of their training and preparation.

Fortunately, one woman can change your mind. Her name is Sister Madonna Buder.  She didn’t start exercising until she was 50 years old.  She has now been setting Ironman records for the past 20 years.  At age 77, she is still going strong!

Can you imagine approaching a 50 year old man or woman with no exercise experience, and explaining to them the possibility of competing in a triathlon?  Most would consider us crazy for even suggesting the idea.

But who is crazy?  Those who believe that the body is much more capable than others realize, or those who never try to find out for themselves?

If pushing past commonly perceived limits makes us crazy, I’ll live happily crazy for the rest of my life!
Ross

Last year, I linked to a story about the then 40 year old Dara Torres, and her plans to pursue the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing. 

Almost a year has passed, and the now 41 year old Torres is off to her 5th Olympic games!  

Her story is clearly inspiring, as she has shattered many age related myths regarding athletic performance.  Any 41 year old (young) mother who has a legitimate chance at a Gold medal is worthy of respect, and then some. 

Yet, despite her tremendous accomplishments, it should come as no surprise that there are haters looking to rain on her parade.   

For example, a recent Sports Illustrated article stated the following: 

*******

Torres arrived at these trials knowing people would wonder how someone her age could possibly make it to the Olympics without some sort of illicit help.  She endured those whispers in Sydney, where she won two gold medals and three bronzes at age 33, and it ticked her off.

That’s why she volunteered for extra drug testing this time around. She was accepted into a new program that focuses on a dozen athletes in different sports, subjecting them to additional testing and the latest technology.

Since March, she’s been tested at least a dozen times, with testers drawing five vials of blood from her body each time to look for the telltale signs of illegal drugs.

“Anyone who makes any accusations, I take it as a compliment,” she said.

*******

I’m appalled that society is so quick to form an “assume guilt, prove innocence” opinion towards athletes.  The media attention harnessed around the Barry Bonds story (among others) has given casual fans the impression that all athletes are illegally enhanced.  Any worthwhile physical accomplishment will raise eyebrows and questions about illegal drug use. 

Why must a few bad apples spoil the bunch?  Yes, there are dirty athletes in the sporting world, but there are just as many (more) clean, legal athletes out there who have busted their ass and earned every bit of success.  Why can’t we give them the benefit of the doubt? 

Perhaps the has-beens or never-weres feel better blaming their lack of achievement on everyone else’s imaginary drug use?  How pathetic is that?  Could it just be that the never-weres either weren’t good enough or just didn’t work hard enough?  Why must they cast doubts on others?  Perhaps to comfort their own failure?    

Could it be that the never-weres have a different interpretation of hard work when compared to a lifelong, dedicated athlete? 

Those who hate on athletes such as Dara Torres should observe the training that takes place behind the scenes of a world class athlete.  Training is a full time job.  Torres didn’t start swimming last year.  She was an Olympic athlete in 1984.  Clearly, she is blessed with talent, but that shouldn’t mask the hard work and dedication that she has endured for over 20 years.  

Many people in this world sit on their ass all day.  Many never competed in anything (not counting the professional armchair quarterback).  These people have no idea what kind of work is required to produce a world class athlete.  I’m talking about the kind of training that literally beats your ass up, down, and all around.  When you dedicate your life to this kind of training, year after year, it is amazing what the human body can achieve. 

We have far more potential than most will ever realize.  When someone such as Dara Torres offers a glimpse at our potential, we should applaud her achievements, rather than looking to spoil what she has worked so hard to achieve.

Hats off to Dara.  I’ll be cheering for her next month!

Ross

Don’t let age slow you down.  Sam Bryant is 65 years young and still going strong.  Check out his story:

Bodybuilding Keeps 65 Year Old Young

Bryant competes against others who are 20 years younger.  His story is yet another example of the body’s potential.  At age 65, Bryant is all natural and continues to train several hours each day.  And while you may not be able to train for hours each day, you can certainly find inspiration in Bryant’s story.  Don’t let age dictate your life.  

In Bryant’s own words:

“The more you exercise, the more you top the aging process. You get old in the mind. We are all living to age. If you think you’re old, then you start acting old. When you start acting old, you feel old, look old and act old.”

*****

I’m only in my 30’s, but I’m certain of the truth in his words.  As a younger fighter, I was fortunate to train with both Kent Ward and Rollie Pier (who are now coaches at Strike Zone MMA).  Kent is now in his 60’s and is still in better shape than most 20 year olds.  You’d be amazed at how strong and well conditioned he is.  Rollie is in his 80’s and still going strong.  When I was younger, Rollie was still getting in the ring to spar with the young amateurs.  He bought a new headgear in his 70’s!  He was in the gym every day.  I learned a lot from both of these men (in regards to the fight game and life in general). 

Staying young starts with how you act and feel.

Ross

In my last entry, I linked to a strength program from the past.  Within this entry, you’ll find present day bodybuilders who were likely around when some of the material from Sandowplus.co.uk was first published.  Please refer to the link below for an inspiring age-related story.

Bodybuilding For The Young… At Heart

Perhaps the best part of this story is contained within the video caption.  It reads as follows:

Walt Radke took up bodybuilding at age 65…

Look at what this man has done in five years.  More importantly, look at where he is as a 70 year-young man.  His story is absolutely incredible.  What’s even more shocking however is that I’ve received emails from men in their 30’s who already label themselves as over the hill.  What gives? These people need to wake up and start living!  Each day offers the opportunity to improve in some way.  Use it or lose it!

Train hard!

Ross

PS - Here is a similar story for those interested

Simple advice from Jack, which is still true today.  Unfortunately, it seems like less and less people are listening in today’s world.

Do you rule your body? 

Ross

Simple advice from Jack, which is still true today.  Unfortunately, it seems like less and less people are listening in today’s world.

Do you rule your body? 

Ross

At 101 years young, Buster Martin is busy preparing for a marathon.  He certainly fits the mold of stay busy and you’ll stay young doing so.  Use it or lose it. 

Check out his amazing story:

He Sings, He Runs, and He’s Only 101

Ross