MANY people loved my article on The Pussification of America. MANY also complained about it.
Here is 101 seconds of TRUTH from one of the baddest BJJ fighters in the world, Dustin Denes, his origins come from wrestling.
If you are sensitive or under 18 this video is NOT for you.
Daaaaaaamn!!!
Seek & Destroy….. Go Hard or Go Home….
The training program that needs to be administered to eliminate The Pussification of America is HERE.
But, I’ve learned that what I do and the way I train is NOT for everyone. Not everyone wants to push the envelope, challenge their mind and body….
Perhaps you want to dig deeper and go beyond your normal “limits”? Perhaps not. I’m confused by the countless many who are satisfied with average in all they do.
Average sucks and gets you nowhere. That’s the TRUTH.
Don’t guess about what to do, challenge yourself and Man the F**K UP. Training in your cozy, posh environment is where losers hang out.
If you’re a whiner, cry baby or complainer, what goes on HERE is NOT for you.
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Not everyone understands my theory of “Get comfortable being UNcomfortable.”
Those who train like this are also those who create BIG success in their life, not just the physical. The mental toughness built from these workouts is what it’s about. Do It!
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Life, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos by on Apr 19th, 2011. 5 Comments. 
I am cranking away these videos in my effort to answer requests from my Facebook Fan Page. MAN, this is how I LOVE to do WORK!
Check the video below of a powerlifting circuit I cranked away…
Now, as promised in the video, I told you I would post a highlight video of Fedor in training, which I first saw YEARS ago back in the day when I had a My Space page. The highlight of training had a killer song from the band POD, which you hear me listening to in this workout.
Unfortunately, I can NOT find this video any longer as the number of Fedor highlight reels back in the day were counted on one hand compared to the 300 + highlight videos today 
So, I did my best, see the below, as Fedor trains like an Underground MadMan in old world Russia!
In my mid and late 20s I was continuing to train in BJJ and Muay Thai. I even competed in a NAGA World Championship Tournament after my first 2 weeks in BJJ! ha ha
I lost in an overtime match to a JUDO Black Belt from Team Matt Serra because my opponent had more near submission attempts than I did – hey, after 2 weeks of training I had my wrestling skills and that’s it! But, as time went on and my daughter was born I began to lay low on competing in combat as my time became less and I was in no position to deal with injuries that might screw up my ability to train others.
I will eventually find time to get back on the mat and begin training in wrestling and BJJ again. My training in the video above, combining floor presses and deficit deadlifts can be used for a combat athlete easily. I would go a little lighter and crank rounds of 3 – 6 reps on the floor press and 2 – 5 reps on the deadlift.
The deadlift would have moderate weights and the rounds would be NON STOP, no rest between sets, just constant attacking between the 2 powerlifting movements.
A finisher would be a circuit of bodyweight training, sled / prowler work & sledge hammer training for conditioning purposes.
Here’s how the above Underground Powerlifting circuit would be tweaked for combat athletes such as wrestlers, mma fighters and BJJ / JUDO athletes:
1A) floor press 5 x 3 – 6 reps
1B) deficit deadlift 5 x 2 – 5 reps
Conditioning: MAX Rounds in 6 Minutes
A) Mixed Bodyweight Pulling Exercises x submax reps
B) Mixed Bodyweight Pushing Exercise x submax reps
C) Prowler / Sled Work x 150′
D) sledge hammer strikes x 20 reps (switch top hand at 10 reps)
We would finish off the workout with grip and ab training and of course, soft tissue work.
The workout can become more specific for fighters if we lock down the EXACT sport. Wrestlers might do work for 6 minute rounds, BJJ athletes and MMA fighters for 5 minute rounds, etc.
Regardless of whether you fight or not, I believe it’s a solid idea to give yourself some “fighter conditioning” on a regular basis for several reasons.
- You stay mentally tough, you gotta keep the eye of the tiger, losing your edge is NOT admirable
- Being “in shape” is critical, being out of shape is NOT acceptable
- Conditioning work often forces you to crank the stuff you are NOT good at, and that mirrors life, sometimes, you just gotta DO it, even if you don’t love it. Once again, giving you another mental edge over the cry babies who avoid being UNcomfortable
In the end, you need to be comfortable getting UNcomfortable.
Earn your respect around here!
In Strength,
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
- The Underground Inner Circle 30 Day Test
- Kettlebells for Combat
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Mar 16th, 2011. 3 Comments.
Diesel Crew + Underground Strength = BMF Strength & Conditioning
Coming Tuesday, stay tuned….
Filed under Announcements, Calendar, Kick Ass Life, Success, Videos by on Nov 12th, 2010. 5 Comments.
Amazing. Last week an MMA fighter was scheduled to train at The Underground 2 x. He never showed to either workout. In the ring or the cage, there is a chance of death. Even though the chances are ever so slight, the chances of losing become greater as the fighter makes more excuses.
Training is as much, if not more, mental than physical.
Preparing the mind and body for combat requires a specialized style of training. Often times, it is a hybrid of training methods and movements in addition to your skill work. Without great skills in your specific combat sport, you are in DEEP S**t.
High level skill in your combat sport allows you to effectively and efficiently use your strength, speed, power and conditioning. I’ve seen this very often in combat sports where the muscle head gets his ass whooped by the skinnier opponent. Lack of skill can be a deadly detriment.
But, if you blend your skills with specialized training methods, you can become a deadly man. In the heat of battle, conditioning can become your deadliest weapon. When a fighter gets fatigued we REALLY see what he is made of.
But, perhaps you are like me, a busy man, a family man, no longer training regularly in combat sports yet you want the results that come mentally AND physically from training like a combat athlete.
Being strong feels awesome, BUT, having speed, power, athleticism AND conditioning to add is infinitely a better feeling.
Check out what I’ve got coming around the corner for you….
Stay tuned, release date of The Diesel Underground Combat Seminar will be announced shortly.
Peace!
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Videos by on Nov 10th, 2010. 4 Comments.
Last night I had my friends over to watch The UFC fights. It’s actually rare that I stay up so late to watch the fights.It’s more common for me to be asleep between 10:30 and 11 PM nowadays.
I used to ALWAYS watch The UFC main events AND PRIDE Fighting. Who remember Pride held from Japan? Damn those fights were amazing!
I was psyched to see Frankie Edgar defend his title against The Prodigy, BJ Penn. BJ is a straight up animal and his long list of accomplishments is undeniable. BJ Penn’s intensity is awe inspiring and his skills are freakish, hence, why he is called the Prodigy.
BJ’s new training for strength, conditioning and overall performance as of a year or two ago took on a new role, from Marv Marinovich, and if you’ve been around for a while, Marv’s son, Todd Marinovich was a high level collegiate QB back in the day who was being trained by Dr. Yessis with Russian Methodologies specialized for the role of a Football QB, VERY sports specific. I believe this has influenced Marv’s training system for BJ with lots of plyo training, nervous system training and balance work. Check it below for a little insight into how BJ Penn now trains.
I expected a battle for 5 rounds. I have seen Frankie fight and know of his training methods….. Frankie Edgar does NOT get tired. It’s scary to see such a machine. Frankie gets in his wrestling workouts with The Rutgers Wrecking Crew, and, from my inside sources, he NEVER rests and never sits down when live wrestling against these college animals…… he keeps going and going and going….banging heads with one fresh wrestler after another.
His intensity is second to none. You don’t become the world champ by taking it easy. Then again, do you get anywhere good by taking it easy? No matter what BS story someone tries to sell you, becoming an ass kicker at any endeavor always required some sort of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. ALWAYS.
See Frankie in training below with Martin Rooney:
There are certain things about Frankie that shock, awe and inspire me. You can Learn from THESE:
- The dude seems immune to punishment and pain. He gets hit, he keeps charging. Nothing stops him. When you get hit or run into a stumbling block, how do you react?
- He NEVER stops moving, his energy is endless, he has a TRUE relentless attack. That’s how life should be lived. Leave NOTHING on the table, go for everything, why settle for anything less than your best. This is how you leave behind a legacy for family, friends and all others to be motivated from your actions. Winning is an internal game. You can sometimes win by points on the score board, but, if you didn’t leave it ALL out in the open, and honestly give your 100% best, then have you truly won?
- He’s a Jersey Wrestler. He has that relentless attack, relentless movement and doesn’t like being held down. A few times BJ Penn got a hold of Frankie, he just could NOT be held down. Frankie was a top state and national level wrestler through high school and college. He put in the work. NOT everyone is willing to put in the work necessary to become a champion. Do you wake up early, stay up late, do what others do NOT ask of you? If you always need a Coach giving you motivation and can’t pull it out of yourself, you will NOT become a champion.
- He drinks Jersey Water. There is “something special” in Jersey Water…. and the air…. Jersey Shore air is better than breathing in The NJ Turnpike air, I can assure you 
- He has trained with my bruddahs, Uncle Mike, The Milkman and Martin Rooney. These 3 guys have handed me ass whoppins with their workouts unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The three of them are BUSY and still remain deadly in their physical performance. ALL three are husbands, fathers, full time + plenty more hours of work. They ALL Lead from the FRONT. Do you Lead from the FRONT?
- Frankie is undeterred. It’s easy to be the younger guy psyched out by a fighter who is touted as one of the best pound for pound fighters to ever live. Don’t let others psyche you out or dictate what you can or can not do. Blaze your own path and get thick skin. Most people try to run their mouth in an effort to deter you or put fear in your eyes. This is where The F**K You Factor comes in. Put your head down and get to work. Charge FULL force.
- Frankie is focused and committed to training and his goals, NO excuses. Commitment and focus seem to be lacking in many people today, both in athletics and / or business. Many people talk of lofty goals yet very few are willing to do what it takes to make it happen. The excuses are rampant: too early, too late, no money, too busy….. In my opinion, there are too many Bull S**t excuses being spat out. It’s ALL or nothing, if you want to become a champion or a HUGE success at what you do there are NO excuses.
- Be in shape so you can be relentless, regardless of your sport. Sports specific training is fine and dandy, BUT, what about the ability to dominate on the practice field and in the real world. Being out of shape yet having first step quickness and a big vertical ain’t s**t compared to a warrior who has a relentless attack, never tires, falters or weakens. Mental toughness gets developed with workouts that often have little to do with science.
Train like a fighter, sports and life are often times a battle of will, prepare to WIN. Period.
Take action with what you’ve learned.
I’m fired UP after watching Jerzee BadAss, Frankie Edfar defend his title. Time to hit some sprints and Kettlebell Training in the backyard.
Lead from the Front!
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
Underground Inner Circle 30 Day Trial
Martin Rooney Combat Readiness Audio Interview
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Life, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on Aug 29th, 2010. 11 Comments.
Mike Medrano was BIG time impressive while training and he unleashed some awesome info about his own life through cross training and how he trained The Yeshiva Wrestling team to national victory through the use of bodyweight workouts.
Pay attention, because Mike drops GOLD!
I also peaked through Martin’s NEW book and the info is mind boggling.
I am fired up just thinking about getting the book in the mail, which you can get on pre order HERE, for 50% off. It’s valued, in my opinion, at least 100 times more than the asking price of $19 and change
Comments on cross training and the above videos, please add your thoughts below.
Lead from the FRONT!
–Z–
Reccomended Resources:
Training for Warriors Books and Videos
Underground Strength Coach Certification
Kettlebells for Combat DVD Kit
Training for Warriors Road Trip and The Books!
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on Apr 20th, 2010. 11 Comments.
Here is Part II of my Training for Warriors Road Trip with Martin Rooney.
I jump in with these animals and it was NOT easy!
Check the Video Below:
Drop a comment or question regarding this MMA Workout.
On the flip side, although these are MMA fighters / Combat Athletes in training, this does not limit the training to only MMA fighters, athletes can use these workouts as well to improve their overall conditioning and mental toughness.
Lead from the FRONT!
–Z–
Reccomended Resources:
Filed under Articles, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Apr 12th, 2010. 18 Comments.
Matty Wichlinski calls this a Freestyle Fighter Barbell Complex.
Matty and I tore up a 1 Day Underground Strength Coach Cert this past Saturday at his gym.
The night before we had some good grub, GREAT conversations and a few brews
I even witnessed a dude get caught stealing liquor from a 7-11. Yep, in the “South” people are buying beer, wine and all types of liquor from 7-11. Strange.
Check out Matty in action below, the Dude is a straight up BEAST!
If you missed The Va Beach Underground Strength Coach Cert, you missed the best damn training and business methods you ever came across.
Lead from the FRONT.
–Z–
PS: Wanna become a BEAST? It ain’t gonna happen training like any ol’ normal workout has you training. It takes something completely different. Click HERE for The BEAST Program.
Filed under Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on Mar 22nd, 2010. 5 Comments.
Fedor Emelianenko won a hard fought battle this past Saturday night.
I was worried it was over. Scared this was going to be it, that he was going to be dethroned by the BIGGER Rogers.
But his experience in the ring, his long, hard years training…..they payed off.
While others train in fancy gymnasiums and around countless other people and camera crews, Fedor goes about things differently…..
He trains in seclusion, eats properly, doesn’t party, gets the rest he needs, spends time on recovery to maintain his health and longevity
See for yourself below, especially around 6:20 where Rogers is pounding away on Fedor!
Here is Part II where Fedor makes the comeback:
And here is a small clip of some of the Underground Training Fedor goes through….
It’s been a while since I’ve watched an MMA fight. Years ago I rented every UFC and PRIDE event relentlessly.
I began to remember the MANY times Fedor got knocked down or hit extremely hard.
It looked ALMOST as if it was over, but it NEVER was.
He kept getting back up….again and again and again.
He pushed forward, regained composure and emerged the victor…EVERY TIME.
Now, just so we’re clear….. This post isn’t just about Fedor training Underground.
It’s about getting back up….EVERY TIME you fall.
Do you get my point?
Drop a comment, let me know your thoughts.
Peace!
–Z–
PS: I’d love to send Fedor and his Coaches The Underground Strength System, they would love it and so will you.
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on Nov 9th, 2009. 21 Comments.
My gym, The Underground Strength Gymnasium, is connected to an auto garage. On the side of that garage, the owner throws old tires away. Some with the wheel still intact, others just the tire. I snagged a few and helped guys make these tires into sleds. They were happy
Can you build muscle and build strength through the use of things you might find in a junk yard?
You better believe it.
Check out the video below and fast forward to the 1 minute mark. I am not too fond of the partial reps and pump training this fighter does, although he can kick my ass
Many athletes are successful in spite of their training methods because of their high skill levels.
There are many incomplete and / or incorrect training programs, and for any athlete, the partial reps and light pump training is what I wouldn’t want to see, unless it was a deload session.
The explosive work with the tire in this video is some really good stuff.
You can do this with a light kettlebell as well.
Check out the video and pay attention to how you can get in some tire training or any other form of Underground Strength Training to deliver ass kickin’ results.
In Strength,
–Zach–
P.S. – When my athletes stopped following the traditional workouts most people use in gyms today, their results exploded. I want you to learn these methods, either through the up and coming Gladiator Seminar, or through Underground Strength Coach.
Filed under Uncategorized, Videos by on Jun 20th, 2008. Comment.
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