[Ben Edwards]

Al Myers wrote:

Ben,
With the new strict pinch Grip added weight plates MUST be on tight, and with the rule not allowing fingers to touch added plates or the pin. small plates will only be used if the lifter is lifting 20 pounds. After that the lifter would have to move up plate size to do more weight. We made sure the rules specified that plates must be on tight for this reason.

Al, I understand what you’re saying here. I agree with the rule update for the strict pinch grip.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

The obvious thing I forgot to say in my above post was that pinch grip with extreme front hang did not test my pinch grip strength at all. Jason Payne said the same thing. Neither of us felt it in any way was testing pinch grip that day. It felt like more of a finger ledge deadlift to me.

I saw your remark that you were going to feature both pinch grip styles in next year’s grip champs. I would like to respectfully say – “Ewwwww!”

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

There were several people who were shooting for 300lbs (me included) with the extreme front hang allowance. Whereas, my max pinch with symmetrical loading would be around 150-160lbs.

I think the only controversial thing that happened at the contest was that the extreme front hang group (those of us using the two 10 pound plates and a ton of heavy front hang) was shut down and switched over to the more moderate front hang group that was using the two 45s and smaller plates for front hang.

In hindsight, all competitors (in my opinion) should’ve used the same setup if able to. I understand that some of the beginners and/or very light bodyweight competitors might have had to use the two 10 pound plates due to not being able to pinch the two 45 pound plates together.

Here’s an idea – maybe there should be a rule that the smallest weight plates used are 25 pound plates. And if that is too heavy, THEN the two 10 pound plates could be used. If the competitor uses the two 10 pound plates and adds enough weight to go over 50 pounds total – they are automatically moved up to the two 25 pound plates on their next attempt. Same for the two 35 pound plates.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

Looks like a fun list of events, Eric! I am not 100% sure I can attend, but the minute I find out I’ll let you know and register/pay/etc. The Kennedy Lift looks like something that won’t wreck my back since I can get the weight under me instead of out front.

I am undergoing testing (MRI, etc…) for my left shoulder to finally repair it this year. Not sure when I am going to get it done, so that is the big stumbling block. Because if my work approves it and it happens to be right before the contest – I’ll have to jump on it. Because it’s been 9 years at this point. And I want to be able to not only military press again (!) but be able to put my daughter up on my shoulders without feeling like my left shoulder is going to come unhinged.

Well, I just hashed it out in my head a bit and I could technically do the events with very light token weights and use one hand if it comes to that. Thor’s Hammer would still be fine since my right shoulder is my “good” one and I won’t be getting it repaired for a few years. It is nowhere near as bad as the left one. Could do a one hand Hack Press with my right arm. One hand straddle Kennedy Lift. And a one hand Dumbbell to Shoulder. Okay, I’ve talked myself into it!

• This reply was modified 7 years, 9 months ago by Ben Edwards.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

I will admit that the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the title “Clark Lift” was a lift that was paused (for the judge’s “benefit”) for at least 5 seconds longer than any other certified judge on the planet would require it to be held (haha). My first experience with the “long pause” was at a Clark’s Record Day in 2009. Vertical bar pulls with long pauses are NOT COOL, lol. I pulled 315lbs lefty (no hook) but thought I was going to pass out by the time the down signal was called. Al and Thom were there that day too and hit some great lifts.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 9 months ago by Ben Edwards.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

Al, I completely understand your feelings regarding the pinch event with front hang. I used front hang to stay competitive with the group, but it is not something I was familiar with in any other grip contest I’ve been to over the years.

I was at two of the Super Grips and got to witness Matt Graham’s phenomenal pinch strength. I also saw him snatch the blob with ease. It was ridiculous and words can’t really do it justice.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

Dan, you make some great points!

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

[Ben Edwards]

Sorry I missed the Record Day! You guys did some very nice lifting.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." -Mike Tyson

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