John Kuc

[61pwcc]

John Kuc

[Thom Van Vleck]

First, When I was starting out, Kuc was my idol. He was exactly what I wanted to be. Super strong, a Marine, a big deadlifter, and a WINNER. My uncle made me a motivational plaque with Kuc’s picture on it pulling 880lbs.

A couple comments as I have followed his career closely. First, Kuc used steroids big time early in his career. He quit in 1980 and was very candid about this.

I lifted with a guy that ended up totaling 2105 at 220lbs. He got tired of everyone giving credit to the steroids he was on so he quit using and when to the ADPFA to “prove” how strong he was and eventually totaled 1900. So, he lost 200lb quitting the roids. Interesting, all of it was off his squat and bench. His deadlift remained about the same. Kuc was like that, too. He never equalled his lifts as a drug user but his deadlift was just as good. Not sure what that means, but wanted to mention it.

Finally, Kuc was a gifted genetically. The first time he ever did a deadlift I heard he did 500lbs. He was strong before he ever picked up a weight. The reason I bring this up is that a guy like that will get strong doing just about anything. You can’t make too much of a cause and effect statement regarding his training. I have done just about ever routine he put out there and I even corresponded with him years ago. Which, by the way, he was very nice, helpful, and offered motivation to my training.

The book is a good book, but it is a list of what worked for him and he’s a special individual. Hopefully, nobody was offended by any of this, Kuc is still someone I would have liked to have been like. He no doubt had talent and drive and he lived in an era where the “juice” was pretty normal.

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

[61pwcc]

Thanks, that was a good post. I think alot if not most of the greats got where they were in SPITE OF not because of their training. I believe Dr. Ken Leistner made this statement about Ed Coan in PL USA a few years back.
Sometimes looking at what a great lifter did to improve their weakest lift is helpful.

[Thom Van Vleck]

Having broken both legs and being told at one time I might never walk again I have always wanted leg strength. When I started lifting I could not even squat to sit in a chair and get up without using my hands. One guy I admired was Tom Platz. The guy had amazing leg development. I ordered his “leg manual” and began to follow it religiously. Years later I found out that he didn’t even use that workout…..he was pretty much a genetic freak and did one set of 40 plus reps on the squat once a week to develop his leg strength. He said he knew no one would ever believe that so that’s why he wrote the leg manual with all the lifts of the day! I also did the same thing on a Mike Mentzer calf routine…..ended up with my calves so sore I could hardly walk!!!! I think a routine needs to be well thought out, customized, adaptable but rigid enough to keep you disciplined, and most of all….it needs to keep you interested (mentally fresh).

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

[61pwcc]

my first idol! Something about well developed legs screams strength to me. A thick back is a close second. Yeah, a good coach to take you under their wing can be a big help. Keep you motivated but grounded is the hallmark of a good coach.
Didn’t Chet Yorton do ok after a couple of horrific leg injuries?? Didn’t he also start the natural bodybuilding movement??

[Thom Van Vleck]

I don’t recall the Chet Yorton leg injury but I do recall him being a big part of the natural bodybuilding deal. Of course, of the body builders, my all time favorite was Bill Pearl. The guy won in three different decades and was super strong. My Uncle Phil attended two of his seminars at two different times about 10 years apart. One time he did stuff like blow up a hot water bottle, rip a deck of cards in half, etc. But one time he loaded 300lb on a bar, power cleaned it and then pressed it in front and then behind the neck. Phil said he made it look easy.

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

[61pwcc]

Won his last Mr.Universe@42y.o. in 1971 weighing 240ish. He said that Ray Mentzer had to be the strongest Bodybuilder he ever saw. Bill mentored 1982 Mr. Olympia Chris Dickerson as well. They don’t make ’em like Bill anymore.

[Thom Van Vleck]

Well, I’m accused of being “Topper”….so let’s see if this will get ol’ Dave Glasgow going…. I just happen to have Bill Pearl on speed dial on my cell phone! I want to make it out and work out with him some time.

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

[61pwcc]

Have you gotten Bill’s newest books on the history of the Iron Games?? It has George F. Jowett(I think) in two differnt phases of lifting an Anvil by the horn and then pressing the upside down Anvil overhead.

[Thom Van Vleck]

I have seen the Jowett photos. I had hoped to be an editor on that book but that never came to pass. He has been great to visit with on the phone and seems genuine in his desire to help others. In 2004 I was supposed to workout with him when I had a trip to Oregon for the Highland Games Masters Worlds. Joe Gold died and Bill went to the funeral and had to cancel our workout….which I totally understand….but I am still disappointed I did not get to work out with a legend!!!!

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

[61pwcc]

Like Sinatra sang, “Regrets….I had a few…”. Missing a workout with Bill Pearl….ouch! Beyond your control for sure. So, you are going to try again…RIGHT?? There’s got to be a meet in Oregon, correct?? Why not set-up a meet with him?? He’s into/performed the Olde-Time Strongman events so why not?? Running a meet with Bill Pearl would be kinda cool don’t ya think? The worst he could do is say no.

[Thom Van Vleck]

I keep in touch with him. Time and money are issues for me. But you are right, I’ve got to get out there some time.

Thom Van Vleck
Jackson Weightlifting Club
Highland Games athlete and sometimes All-Rounder

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