エピソード

  • 495: Kevin Secours on Rituals of Strength and Movement

    495: Kevin Secours on Rituals of Strength and Movement
    2025/12/24
    Today’s guest is Kevin Secours. Kevin is a veteran martial arts coach, author, and former security professional with decades of experience across Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Russian Systema. Holding five black belts (including an 8th-dan), Kevin has worked extensively in real-world contexts while also teaching meditation, solo training, and strength rituals. He is the author of Rituals of Strength and Unconstrained, and is known for blending martial tradition, modern training theory, psychology, and philosophical inquiry into human development and resilience The conditioning and tempering of the body in striking sports can draw interesting parallels to collisions needed in jumping, sprinting and landing activities. We can also draw many lessons and ideas from the exercise tradition that goes back centuries with martial arts practice. By understanding combat training disciplines, we can draw out universal application for general movement and performance. In this episode, we explore the deeper purpose of physical training through martial arts and sport performance. Kevin reflects on early experiences with body hardening, cold exposure, and Zen-influenced practice, examining where such methods build resilience and where they become self-destructive. Together, they reframe hardening as a way to develop alignment, force modulation, mindfulness, and restraint rather than mere toughness. Drawing parallels to sprinting, jumping, and strength training, we discuss collisions, long isometric holds, ritualized discomfort, and fatigue as tools for cultivating awareness, reducing excess tension, and supporting longevity. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 0:00 – Martial arts origins and body hardening 17:48 – Body tension, trauma, and reading the athlete 28:23 – Isometrics, Soviet methods, and slow strength 33:58 – Journaling, drawing, and learning through reflection 45:02 – Mindset, adaptability, and mental speed 56:46 – Representativeness, ritual, and resilience 1:04:26 – Simplify versus deconstruct in training 1:12:25 – Microdosing discomfort and daily resilience 1:17:24 – Comfort seeking and modern training challenges Actionable Takeaways Martial arts origins and body hardening Extreme methods can build toughness, but unchecked intensity shortens longevity. Training should serve health and preparedness, not destroy the body you are trying to protect. Exposure must be progressive and intentional, not reckless. Body tension, trauma, and reading the athlete Chronic tension often reflects psychological history, not just physical limitations. Coaches should first understand an athlete’s motive for training. Creating a safe and inclusive environment allows tension to unwind. Exhaustion can reveal new movement options and reduce overthinking. Isometrics, Soviet methods, and slow strength Long isometric holds build physical strength and mental resilience. Slow strength exposes weak links that fast movement can hide. Discomfort creates space for reflection and adaptability. Training methods were shaped by harsher living conditions and necessity. Journaling, drawing, and learning through reflection Writing and sketching reinforce learning more deeply than words alone. Stick figures and simple drawings improve memory and understanding. Documentation is a form of legacy and long term learning. Mindset, adaptability, and mental speed Adaptability in movement reflects adaptability in thinking. Exposure to opposing viewpoints builds cognitive flexibility. Speed is as much mental as it is physical. Ego and rigid beliefs limit learning and performance. Representativeness, ritual, and resilience Not all training must look like competition to have value. Ritual builds consistency and meaning in training. Resilience is a universal quality that transfers across contexts. Training should include experiences where the athlete loses and adapts. Simplify versus deconstruct in training Simplify first to preserve the integrity of the whole movement. Deconstruct only when specific limitations appear. Always return to full movement patterns after isolation. End sessions with success to reinforce confidence. Microdosing discomfort and daily resilience Small daily challenges build long term mental toughness. Discomfort activates the neural centers tied to willpower. Ritualized discomfort is more effective than occasional extremes. Resilience can be trained deliberately and safely. Comfort seeking and modern training challenges Humans naturally seek comfort when it is available. Modern environments require intentional exposure to challenge. Training should balance safety,...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 19 分
  • 494: Quintin Torres on Reactive Strength and Applied Power Development

    494: Quintin Torres on Reactive Strength and Applied Power Development
    2025/12/18
    Today’s guest is Quintin Torres, a strength and performance coach specializing in Marinovich/Heus inspired training methods. With a background in martial arts, Quintin focuses on movement quality, coordination, and individualized methods that help athletes build strength that truly transfers to sport. So often in athletic development, it is only the “hard” or easily quantifiable qualities that we look to develop. Although these are vital, sport itself (even output sports) live “in between the cracks” of maximal outputs, and then movement quality. Training rarely looks to infuse a full spectrum of athletic qualities, yet programming such as that put forth by Marv Marinovich years ago, does capture many of these dynamics. On today’s show, Quintin and I explore the Marinovich nervous system training philosophy, contrasting “soft” qualities like reactivity, rhythm, coordination, and perception with traditional hard metrics such as max strength. We discuss why MMA has embraced these methods, the limits of barbell-centric programming, and the importance of observation, experimentation, and individualized coaching. The conversation emphasizes training transfer to sport, creativity, and maintaining athlete adaptability, longevity, and engagement beyond chasing isolated numbers. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and the Just Fly Sports Online Courses Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer Use code “justfly20” for 20% off of LILA Exogen Wearable resistance gear at www.lilateam.com View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 0:00 – Quintin’s background and entry into nervous system training 6:18 – Why Marinovich methods resonate in MMA 10:04 – Soft qualities versus hard qualities in performance 16:11 – Assessment driven training and athlete context 27:05 – One on one coaching versus group models 31:41 – Training quality, group size, and real world constraints 40:12 – Foot strength, barefoot work, and bottom up thinking 1:13:09 – Strength without compression and alternative tools 1:25:55 – Manual resistance and simple coaching tools 1:27:41 – Teaching, sharing, and coaching philosophy Actionable Takeaways Nervous system training priorities Train soft qualities like rhythm, timing, coordination, and fluidity with the same intent as maximal strength. Recognize that many performance qualities cannot be easily measured, but still decide outcomes in sport. Do not confuse testing well in the weight room with performing well in competition. Why MMA accelerates innovation High consequences in MMA force athletes and coaches to evaluate training effectiveness honestly. One on one competition allows clearer cause and effect between training and performance. Customization is easier when the athlete’s output is fully visible and isolated. Assessment over templates Let observable movement qualities guide training choices rather than fixed programs. Consider genetic tendencies such as stiffness, elasticity, and coordination when designing training. Adjust tools and methods to the athlete instead of forcing athletes into a system. Soft and hard qualities integration Maximal strength still matters, but it should not destroy elasticity or coordination. Avoid becoming overly concentric dominant and losing reactive qualities. Balance force production with tendon health and nervous system adaptability. Group training realities Large group settings limit how much individual correction is possible. Use simple movements and constraints when training many athletes at once. Accept logistical realities while still trying to preserve movement quality. Foot and ground based training Treat the foot as a strong and adaptable structure, not a fragile one. Use harder surfaces and direct loading to stimulate neural input from the ground up. Understand that the feet heavily influence the nervous system and movement outcomes. Alternative strength tools Use flywheels, isokinetic tools, and manual resistance to reduce compressive stress. Achieve high neural drive without excessive spinal loading. Match resistance dynamically to the athlete’s output. Manual resistance and coaching feel Hands and simple tools can outperform expensive machines in many cases. Manual resistance allows precise matching of effort and intent. Coaching feel and feedback are critical skills, not outdated practices. Quotes from Quintin Torres “The primary difference is we prioritize the development of soft qualities just as much as hard qualities.” “We do not need you better at training. We need you better at your sport.” “Barbell does not equal maximal strength. It is just one tool on the force velocity curve.” “As the quantity of athletes goes down, the quality of training can go up.” “Your feet are not fragile. They are designed to take abuse.” “There is no strength machine better than your own hands.” “...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 28 分
  • 493: Joel Smith on 10 Keys to Athletic Longevity and Peak Performance

    493: Joel Smith on 10 Keys to Athletic Longevity and Peak Performance
    2025/12/11
    Today’s podcast is a solo episode on keys to athletic longevity and ability. This isn’t just a “stay strong as you age” show, but rather, speaks to principles of comprehensive embodiment of the movement and strength training process. Here I break down 10 core principles for true athletic longevity; physically, mentally, and creatively. Drawing from decades of coaching, training, and personal evolution, I explore why mastery of bodyweight skills, seasonal training rhythms, and “doing more with less” are essential as athletes age. I dive into the power of games, community, mythos, and ritual in keeping training joyful and sustainable, and explain how reflection, visualization, and a generalist mindset unlock deeper layers of performance. Whether you’re 18 or 68, I share a roadmap for staying explosive, engaged, and young at heart; so your training stops feeling like an obligation and starts feeling like an adventure again. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) 0:03 - Introduction to Athletic Longevity 1:09 - Mastery of Bodyweight Strength 7:15 - Doing More with Less 14:48 - Beyond Output: The Joy of Training 33:28 - Working with the Seasons 41:15 - Community and Gameplay 43:04 - The Mythos of Training 54:06 - Reflective Practices for Growth 1:02:29 - Staying Young at Heart 1:05:21 - Conclusion and Training Opportunities Actionable Takeaways 0:03 – Introduction to Athletic Longevity You do not need elite performance goals to train like an athlete. Longevity principles apply to everyone. Frame training around sustaining abilities for life, not constantly chasing output. Use seasons of high intent and seasons of exploration to keep the body adaptable. 1:09 – Mastery of Bodyweight Strength Build a foundation through movements like single leg squats, pull-ups, handstands, and climbs. Treat bodyweight strength as both athleticism and self-care. Create challenges that force coordination, tension control, and awareness rather than raw force. Mastery comes from slow, deliberate practice, not grinding reps. 7:15 – Doing More with Less Minimal equipment forces the nervous system to solve problems instead of relying on machinery. Use odd objects, rocks, or simple setups to create organic strength tasks. The fewer the tools, the more your body must coordinate pathways and recruit fibers intuitively. Minimalism creates long term durability because it reduces stiffness from repetitive patterns. 14:48 – Beyond Output: The Joy of Training Training becomes richer when you stop chasing numbers and start chasing satisfaction. Explore environments that give you novelty, challenge, and a sense of discovery. Use activities like bouldering, trail running, or skill based strength tasks to reconnect with intrinsic motivation. Joy improves longevity by making training sustainable, not obligatory. 33:28 – Working with the Seasons Rotate training priorities with the seasons to avoid stagnation. Winter may prioritize hill sprints, rock climbing, or foundational strength. Summer may lean into elastic qualities, sprinting, and outdoor challenges. Seasonal shifts satisfy both psychology and physiology by adding rhythm to training. 41:15 – Community and Gameplay Seek out communities that support physical play: climbing gyms, pickup sports, outdoor groups. Games create natural variability and spontaneity that cannot be replicated in a weight room. Being around others elevates energy and brings back the competitive spark. Gameplay keeps you young because it connects challenge, emotion, and movement. 43:04 – The Mythos of Training Build a personal mythology around your process to make training more meaningful. Rituals, environments, and narratives help you commit long term. Your system does not need to be rigid to be powerful. It needs to resonate. Treat training as an evolving story rather than a strict set of prescriptions. 54:06 – Reflective Practices for Growth Use journaling, quiet walks, or cooldown reflection to understand how training is shaping you. Reflection strengthens the connection between intuition and programming. Regular evaluation prevents burnout because it keeps training aligned with who you are becoming. Know when a method has run its course so you can adapt before stagnation. 1:02:29 – Staying Young at Heart Regularly expose yourself to novelty to maintain athletic qualities and curiosity. Choose activities that make you laugh, struggle, or fail safely. Maintain low level sprinting and jumping year round to keep elasticity from fading. Staying youthful is a mindset supported by movement variety. 1:05:21 – Conclusion and Training Opportunities Mix ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 6 分
  • 492: Jarod Burton on Simplified Neurology and the Dance of Power Output

    492: Jarod Burton on Simplified Neurology and the Dance of Power Output
    2025/12/04
    Today’s guest is Dr. Jarod Burton. Jarod is a chiropractor and sports performance coach focused on neurology-driven movement. He blends manual therapy, strength modailities, and nervous system training to unlock better mechanics and athletic output. His work centers on identifying and clearing the neural limits that hold athletes back. In training, there are many layers to human performance and athletic outputs. One critical layer is the power transmission of the nervous system, and how to unlock this ability in all athletes. Many athletes naturally have a more adept system, while others may need more bridges to reach their highest levels of performance. In this episode, Jarod speaks on how his approach has evolved since entering clinical practice. He shares how he uses flywheel training to teach rhythm, “the dance” of force, and powerful catches rather than just concentric effort. He and Joel dig into spinal mobility, ribcage expansion, and even breakdance-style spinal waves as underrated keys to athletic freedom. Jarod then simplifies neurology for coaches, explaining how posture reveals brain-side imbalances and how targeted “fast stretch” work, loud/sticky altitude drops, and intelligently high training volumes can rebalance the system and unlock performance. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 0:00 - Jarod’s background and early coaching lens6:55 - Internal vs external focus and simple cues13:40 - What good movement feels like20:10 - Speed shapes and improving posture29:18 - Blending strength with elastic qualities41:02 - Breathing mechanics and better movement options52:37 - Pelvis function and creating better positions1:00:15 - Skill acquisition and training that sticks1:11:48 - Programming principles and individual needs1:19:40 - Coaching philosophy and athlete communication Actionable Takeaways 0:00 – Jarod’s background, influences, and early coaching lens Jarod draws heavily on mentors in track and field, particularly their ability to teach posture, projection, and simple shapes. He notes that he used to overcoach mechanics and learned that athletes need experiences, not micromanagement. Emphasize principles over preferences. As Jarod says, “If I can teach the principles, the application can change.” 6:55 – Internal versus external focus and simple cues that work Jarod prefers cues that help athletes feel positions instead of thinking about them. He explains that internal cues can work when used to create awareness, but they cannot dominate the session. Use cues that point the athlete toward an outcome. For example, he prefers “push the ground away” instead of detailed joint instructions. 13:40 – What good movement feels like and the problem with forcing technique Jarod warns that coaches often chase “pretty” movement at the cost of effective movement. Technique should emerge from intention, not the other way around. He encourages coaches to give athletes tasks that naturally produce the shapes they want. If an athlete is struggling, simplify the environment rather than stack more verbal instructions. 20:10 – Speed development, posture, and improving shapes without overcoaching Jarod explains that acceleration improves when athletes learn to project rather than lift. Upright running quality comes from rhythm and relaxation, not from forcing tall mechanics. He recommends using contrast tasks to improve posture, such as wall drills combined with short accelerations. Let the environment teach the athlete and save verbal coaching for key errors only. 29:18 – Blending strength training with elastic qualities Jarod sees weight room work as support, not the driver, of speed and skill. He focuses on the elastic properties of tendons and connective tissue for speed athletes. He notes that heavy lifting can coexist with stiffness and elasticity if programmed strategically rather than constantly chased. Use low amplitude hops, bounds, and rhythm-based plyos to balance the traditional strength program. 41:02 – Breathing, ribcage mechanics, and natural movement options Jarod uses breathing work to help athletes find positions that allow better rotation and force transfer. He explains that tight ribcages limit athletic expression, not just breathing capacity. Many athletes struggle with rotation due to rigid breathing patterns, not lack of strength. Use breathing resets before high-speed work to create better movement “access.” 52:37 – Understanding the athletic pelvis and creating better positions Jarod emphasizes that pelvic orientation shapes nearly every aspect of movement. He encourages developing a pelvis that ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 17 分
  • 491: Reinis Krēgers on Play-Based Athleticism and Elastic Power Development

    491: Reinis Krēgers on Play-Based Athleticism and Elastic Power Development
    2025/11/27
    Today’s guest is Reinis Krēgers, a former champion decathlete turned track and physical education coach. Reinis is dedicated to building complete movers: fast, coordinated, confident athletes who understand their bodies. His training blends classical sprint development with exploratory tasks, helping athletes develop physical literacy and long-term adaptability. In sports performance, we often fixate on exercises, cues, and optimizing micro-qualities in the moment. What we discuss far less, yet what often separates the elite, is the role of play, creativity, and culture. By looking closely at events like the pole vault and hurdles, we can see how a developmental, curiosity-driven approach benefits athletes of every sport. In this episode, Reinis shares the remarkable story of losing a finger, training exclusively with his non-dominant hand, and still setting a shot put PR. This opens the door to a rich discussion on cross-education, novelty, and how the brain actually learns movement. We explore play-based coaching, pole vault as a developmental super-tool, contrasts between Eastern and American coaching philosophies, youth sport creativity, and sustainable tendon development. It’s a conversation full of insight, storytelling, and reminders of what truly anchors a lifelong athletic journey: curiosity, joy, and the art of falling in love with movement. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and LILA Exogen wearable resistance. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) 0:00 – Early upbringing in Latvia and falling in love with movement 6:18 – Play, curiosity, and environment driven athlete development 14:50 – Injuries, setbacks, and choosing to continue competing 23:40 – Czech training experience and constraints based coaching 33:05 – European versus American development and long term athlete philosophy 45:10 – Games, novelty, and bringing play back into training 59:47 – Specialization mistakes and the importance of multi sport development 1:11:48 – Plyometrics, bounding, and gradual tissue adaptation 1:22:40 – Injury lessons, tendon health, and the value of long term gradual loading Actionable Takeaways 6:18 – Play, curiosity, and environment driven development Reinis explains that his athletic foundation came from unstructured exploration, not early specialization. Let athletes solve problems rather than repeat fixed patterns. Encourage outdoor play and varied surfaces to build natural coordination. Curiosity creates better movers than rigid instruction. 14:50 – Navigating injuries and staying in the sport Reinis shares how setbacks led him to rethink training instead of quitting. Use injuries as a signal to adjust training rather than push through blindly. Keep a competitive outlet during rehab to maintain identity and motivation. Return with smarter progression instead of trying to reclaim old numbers immediately. 23:40 – Constraints based learning from Czech training Reinis describes how training environments shaped movement without heavy cueing. Change the environment before changing the athlete. Use simple tasks and small boundaries to create automatic technical improvements. Let athletes feel solutions instead of chasing perfect positions. 33:05 – European versus American development Reinis contrasts long term models focused on movement quality rather than short term output. Early years should build durability, not just speed and strength metrics. Avoid rushing physical qualities before coordination and play are established. Development is a process of layering, not skipping steps. 45:10 – Bringing games and novelty back into training Reinis highlights how playful constraints improve responsiveness and decision making. Add game based movement to keep athletes adaptive under changing conditions. Use novelty sparingly to reawaken coordination and intent. Reduce scripted drills when athletes stop learning from them. 59:47 – Multi sport value and avoiding early specialization Reinis explains why single sport paths can limit long term performance. Multiple sports expand movement bandwidth and reduce overuse. Delay specialization until athletes have broad coordination skills. Early success does not guarantee long term development. 1:11:48 – Plyometrics and gradual tissue progression Reinis stresses that bounding and plyos require patience and slow tissue adaptation. Progress volume and intensity over seasons, not weeks. Start with low amplitude contacts before higher velocity work. Tendons adapt slower than muscles, so loading must reflect that timeline. 1:22:40 – Tendon health and long term loading approach Reinis shares what he learned from repeated injury cycles. Small, ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 35 分
  • 490: Austin Jochum on Engineering an Elite Training Stimulus

    490: Austin Jochum on Engineering an Elite Training Stimulus
    2025/11/20
    Today’s guest is Austin Jochum. Austin Jochum is the founder of Jochum Strength, a former All-Conference safety turned performance coach known for playful, movement-rich training. He blends strength, speed, and adaptability to help athletes build real-world capability and enjoy the process. So often, coaches inadvertently play by the formal “rules” of coaching, through substantial instruction, within smaller boxes of training. Gameplay and sport itself are the ultimate example of task-based stimulation, chaos, and problem-solving, and the more we learn from it, the more effective our training can become. In this episode, Austin Jochum and I explore how coaching transforms when you trade rigid cues for play, stimulus, and athlete-driven learning. We dig into why intent and novelty matter, how to “win the day” without chasing constant PRs, and the power of environments that let athletes self-organize. Austin speaks on his recent dive into improving his Olympic lifting, and subsequent improvement in explosive athletic power, along with the masculine and feminine nature of the snatch and clean and jerk, respectively. Finally, Austin also breaks down the JST Olympics—his team-based approach that’s exploding motivation, competition, and performance in the gym. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and LILA Exogen wearable resistance. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) 0:00 – Austin’s background, wrestling influence, and early training lens 8:12 – How wrestling shaped his coaching, problem-solving, and creativity 14:30 – Working with movement constraints, unpredictability, and the “maze” idea 22:40 – Why he prioritizes exploration over instruction 31:18 – Building athletic bandwidth through games and environmental design 38:01 – Touch on wrestling in training and contact-oriented movement 45:10 – Heavy rope training, rhythm, and full-body sequencing 52:46 – Hiring coaches and building culture inside his gym 1:01:37 – Athlete intuitiveness, imitation, and imitation-driven learning 1:10:55 – Recovery methods, cold exposure, and principles behind them 1:18:42 – Breathing mechanics, sensory awareness, and relaxation 1:24:52 – Tempo, rhythm, and “feel” in athletic movement 1:30:48 – Coaching philosophy and where Austin is heading next Actionable Takeaways 8:12 – Use problem-solving sports to shape athletic intelligence Wrestling taught Austin to read bodies, adapt instantly, and explore solutions without external cues. Add low-level grappling or tagging games to build instinctive reaction. Favor tasks where athletes solve problems on their own rather than through constant cueing. Let athletes “feel” leverage, pressure, and timing instead of explaining it. 14:30 – Build constraints that shape behavior instead of commanding technique Austin’s “maze” concept uses environment and rules to funnel athletes into better movement patterns. Use boundaries, footwork boxes, or timing rules to nudge athletes into desired solutions. Ask “what would make the athlete naturally move better?” instead of “how do I cue it?” Encourage unpredictable tasks that force athletes to explore and adapt. 22:40 – Exploration outperforms instruction for long-term development Austin finds that athletes learn faster when they discover solutions. Give them space to experiment before layering instruction. Adjust one variable at a time and let athletes reorganize around it. Use questions (“What did you feel? What would you try next?”) to guide reflection. 31:18 – Games expand movement bandwidth Austin uses play-based drills to build coordination, elasticity, and adaptability. Rotate games: tag, dodgeball variations, reactive pursuit, to challenge perception-action loops. Use small-sided tasks to increase decision density without overthinking. Keep the focus on fun: fun increases intent and frees up movement quality. 38:01 – Use wrestling-inspired drills for strength without rigidity Wrestling movements gave Austin strong connective tissue without bulky lifting. Use partner-resistance tasks for whole-body strength and tension awareness. Build isometrics out of wrestling positions for joint integrity. Allow controlled chaos; body contact builds stabilizing capacity. 45:10 – Heavy rope work for rhythm, sequencing, and tissue tolerance Austin relies on heavy rope patterns for global coordination. Use ropes to sync hands, feet, hips, and breath. Program flowing, continuous patterns to teach timing and smooth force transfer. Start with simple rhythms, then build patterns that cross midline. 52:46 – Culture and community determine training success Austin emphasizes hiring ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 15 分
  • 489: Bill Smart on Isometrics, Flywheels, and Elastic Power Development

    489: Bill Smart on Isometrics, Flywheels, and Elastic Power Development
    2025/11/13
    Today’s guest is Bill Smart. Bill is a sport scientist and physical preparation coach specializing in elite fight-sports performance. As the founder of Smarter Performance and the Strength & Conditioning lead for the CORE MMA team, Bill integrates cutting-edge evidence with real-world high-performance systems to enable combat athletes to show up on fight day in optimal physiological condition. Much of the conversation in sports performance hinges on speed and power development, or conditioning, as a stand-alone conversation. Sport itself is dynamic and combines elements of speed, strength, and endurance in a dynamic space. Training should follow the same considerations to be truly alive and effective. In the episode, Bill shares his journey from cycling and rowing to combat sports. He discusses how long isometric holds develop both physical and mental resilience, and their implementation in his programming. The conversation dives into muscle-oxygen dynamics, integrating ISOs with conditioning, and how testing shapes his approach. Bill also explores flywheel eccentrics, fascicle-length development, and why sprinting is a key element for maintaining elastic power in elite fighters. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and the Just Fly Sports Online Courses 30-50% off all courses until December 1, 2025. (https://justflysports.thinkific.com) Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer Use code “justfly20” for 20% off of LILA Exogen Wearable resistance gear at www.lilateam.com View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 0:00 – Bill’s coaching journey and early mentors 6:04 – The importance of movement observation and intuition 11:35 – Why athletes plateau and how to identify limiting factors 20:42 – Strength training principles that actually transfer 30:01 – Using movement variability and play in training 40:36 – Coaching communication and creating connection 52:09 – The role of curiosity and creativity in coaching longevity 1:00:55 – Key lessons from years of coaching experience Actionable Takeaways 6:04 – Movement observation and intuition Bill emphasizes that the best coaches develop a trained eye for movement by observing, not just testing. Watch athletes move in multiple contexts before prescribing anything. Look for how they transition between patterns, not only the end positions. Use video less for judgment and more for curiosity. What is the athlete trying to do? 11:35 – Identifying limiting factors Athletes plateau when coaches overemphasize one metric or capacity while ignoring the real constraint. Look beyond the weight room; technical or psychological factors often drive plateaus. Use minimal testing data to narrow focus rather than justify complexity. Sometimes the limiting factor is overcoaching. Let athletes fail and self-correct. 20:42 – Strength that transfers Transfer happens when strength work complements, not competes with, the sport’s rhythm and intent. Prioritize strength that preserves elasticity and timing rather than just force output. Rotate exercises often enough to keep athletes adaptive, but not so often that they lose rhythm. Load movement patterns, not just muscles. Treat every lift as coordination under resistance. 30:01 – Variability and play in training Bill describes play as a teaching tool that restores creativity and problem-solving in athletes. Use small games, uneven surfaces, or timing constraints to build adaptable movers. Variability should be purposeful. Expand coordination bandwidth without losing technical intent. Schedule “uncoached” time in sessions where athletes explore movement freely. 40:36 – Coaching communication and connection Great coaching depends on trust and empathy before information transfer. Deliver feedback as collaboration, not correction; frame cues as shared problem-solving. Match your communication tone to the athlete's readiness and personality. Be consistent and calm under pressure; emotional stability is contagious. 52:09 – Curiosity and creativity for coaching longevity Curiosity keeps coaching sustainable; creativity prevents burnout. Study outside your lane: music, design, or art can refine pattern recognition. Avoid rigid “systems” that turn coaching into mechanical input-output. Revisit old training ideas with a new lens instead of constantly chasing novelty. 1:00:55 – Key lessons and philosophy Bill’s long-term perspective is about developing people, not just performers. Build a coaching environment where learning continues on both sides. Focus on long-term process rather than short-term validation. Great coaching is about alignment between words, actions, and values. Quotes from Bill Smart “Observation is the beginning of understanding movement. You can’t coach what you don’t actually see.” “If you only measure outputs, you’ll miss what’s driving them.” “Strength is ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 3 分
  • 488: Sam Elsner on Rewiring Athletic Performance and Movement Learning

    488: Sam Elsner on Rewiring Athletic Performance and Movement Learning
    2025/11/06
    Today’s guest is Sam Elsner. Sam is a former NCAA Division III national champion thrower turned motor learning writer and educator. He’s the author of The Play Advantage and creator of the Substack CALIBRATE, where he explores how humans learn movement through play, perception, and environment design. Sam brings a rare blend of elite athletic experience and deep skill-acquisition insight to help coaches and athletes move beyond drills toward true adaptability and creativity in sport. As athletic performance is largely driven by weight-lifting. It digs into maximal strength and force-related outcomes in such excess that all other elements of athleticism are negated. Skill learning and high velocity movement are the wellspring of sporting success. As such, having a balanced understanding of the training equation is critical for the long-term interest of the athlete. On today’s podcast, Sam and I dive into how athletes truly learn to move. Sam traces his journey from WIAC throws circles to Cal Dietz’s weight room, why a rigid “triphasic for everyone” phase backfired with a soccer team, and how ecological dynamics and a constraints-led lens reshaped his coaching. Together we unpack the strength–skill interplay, 1×20 “slow-cook” gains versus block periodization, the value of autonomous, creative training application. We touch on youth development, culture, and team ecology, plus where pros are experimenting with these ideas. This episode is loaded with both philosophy of training and skill learning, along with practical takeaways in program design. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 1:18 - Early training experiences and triphasic background 5:44 - Implementing triphasic as a young coach 11:22 - The failure of rigid block periodization 17:49 - Vertical integration and maintaining all qualities 24:58 - Discovery of the ecological dynamics lens 29:57 - Why skill learning changed his view of strength 35:43 - 1x20 as a slow cooking strength framework 43:15 - Autonomy and stance/position freedom in the weight room 52:38 - Culture, environment, and how athletes learn 1:00:43 - Highlight play examples and perception-action 1:14:23 - Constraint-led models in team sport settings 1:20:55 - Where to find Sam’s work Actionable Takeaways 5:44 - Learning from early programming mistakes Rigid triphasic blocks without speed and skill work led to slower, less adaptable athletes. Keep speed, power, and reactive work present year-round in some capacity. Avoid assuming what works for one context transfers straight across to another. 17:49 - Vertical integration instead of siloed periodization Train multiple physical qualities year-round with shifting emphasis rather than isolating one block at a time. This prevents athletes from losing speed while developing strength, or vice versa. Small doses across the year keep qualities alive and connected. 24:58 - Skill learning must reflect the chaos of sport Sport is unpredictable, not robotic. Training should reflect that uncertainty. Use varied environments, movement options, and constraints instead of perfect reps. Skill emerges from exploration, not memorization. 35:43 - 1x20 for strength that supports skill 1x20 builds strength while leaving room for sprinting, jumping, and skill work. The last few reps in a 1x20 set still hit high effort without excessive nervous system cost. Use stance and tempo variations to match individual structure. 43:15 - Autonomy inside the weight room Allow athletes to choose stance width, bar position, and grip style within a lift. This respects anatomical differences and promotes ownership. Autonomy increases buy-in and self-organization. 52:38 - Culture shapes movement outcomes The environment athletes train in determines how they move and learn. If culture only rewards load and intensity, adaptability is lost. Design environments that reward exploration and awareness, not just output. 1:00:43 - Highlight plays reflect attunement, not force Elite athletic feats arise from pattern recognition and perception-action coupling. You cannot coach highlight movement through force metrics alone. Create rich movement histories rather than perfecting single patterns. Quotes "Sport is chaotic and uncertain. If your training isn’t reflecting that, you’re training for something else." "Strength is only useful if you can actually express it in the environment that matters." "1x20 gave me room to train speed and jumping instead of spending all my adaptation on heavy lifting." "We lose athleticism when we isolate qualities instead of integrating them." "Autonomy in the weight room lets athletes ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 23 分