[Al Myers]

Randy, I made my first one using epoxy cement. I really think super glue would work as well.

This “research project” is still in the works for me. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Al

[Al Myers]

Thom,

Obviously you didn’t “stir up controversy” with your Shoulder Drop Blog story. I’ve been waiting to see if there was going to be any big discussion on this and it seems as if NO ONE really cares much for the Shoulder Drop!!!

I want to take a little time and remind everyone about the proper protocol for lift submissions, as it’s not like Thom stated in his blog that he’s just going to submit it for a new lift at the next meeting. That is a violation of our rules, and something I feel very strongly about. The reason we have several of the BS lifts in our current rulebook happened as a result of someone just proposing a lift at a prior meeting, which seemed good to the membership at the time, and it was passed by a vote only to find out afterwards there were flaws in the description or proposed rule, or it was a lift that was a cheap “knockoff” of another lift and not a good addition as a new USAWA lift. But the damage was already done.

The USAWA does not function in that “flim flam” manner anymore. A protocol has been established to insure that all new lifts are evaluated fully before being presented for new lift approval. This is well described in the rulebook:

I. Rules of Lift Approval
1. The USAWA recognizes the various lifts not currently governed by other international weightlifting or powerlifting organizations, such as the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) or the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). This includes the Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Squat, Bench Press, and the Deadlift.
2. New USAWA lifts may be added to the current list of approved lifts by submitting a description of the lift and rules of the lift to the executive board for review 30 days prior to the Annual National Meeting. The executive board may ask for more description or added content to the submitted written rule before a vote is taken. Upon the board’s approval by majority vote, the submitted lift will be presented to the membership at the annual meeting and voted on by the membership. The lift must receive majority vote by the membership present to be approved. No amendments or changes to the submitted lift may be made at the Annual National Meeting. If the lift fails membership vote, it may be resubmitted at future meetings following this same protocol.
3. New approved USAWA lifts or any other approved lift of the USAWA may be presented to the IAWA for IAWA approval if membership deems so by majority vote. At the Annual National Meeting a call to the membership by the President will be made to initiate this process. Only lifts following this protocol will be presented to the IAWA for IAWA approval. The USAWA representative of the IAWA Technical Committee will be the person responsible for presenting lifts to the IAWA.

This allows the necessary time to critique new potential lifts for approval, without “just approving” a lift without any prior thought put into it. I KNOW lifts have been voted on and approved before this rule was in place without a written rule even being in place!!! Al

[Al Myers]

good tribute Thom

[Al Myers]

haha

Ben – I never even thought of you when I wrote that quote in the announcement, but looking back maybe you are “that guy”.

But there is nothing wrong with being “that guy”. I often wonder at times if anyone even reads my blogs and the stuff on this site, so it actually is refreshing to me to get feedback. And as far as everyone liking all lifts in an all round meet – well, that has NEVER HAPPENED!!!! This organization is for the lifters – and this website is for the voice of the lifters to be heard. I welcome all feedback, even if it is critical.

I miss Dale. I could ALWAYS count on at least one email from him every week with suggestions. He was passionate about the USAWA and I really respected that.

BTW – I only made one “dig” in my announcement, and I’m sure everyone knows who that was directed at. I’ll give ya a hint – his nickname rhymes with BIG ME. haha Al

[Al Myers]

I heard that news yesterday as I was sitting down to my Thanksgiving meal with family. Very saddening news indeed. My prayers are with his family and friends… and when things like this happen it makes me realize that I should EVERYDAY be thankful for the things in my life and enjoy each day to the fullest. He will be missed by many. Al

[Al Myers]

Welcome back Dan!!!

Your post sounded like an infomercial….teasing us with big promises but no details of how this is accomplished!!! haha I’m sure you’re saving this big breakthrough for the next issue of Pure Power. Looking forward to it. Al

[Al Myers]

Denny,

You are exactly right. Most lifters don’t have the opportunity to be able to travel to meets.

I remember when I started in the Highland Games – it was MUCH smaller and there were lots less throwers nation wide. At the time there was only one game in Kansas (in KC, and the athletics at the time were not well organized). I would go ever year to the KC games and see a new crop of throwers each year there, which was only a handful. Most were guys who showed up to watch, and since walkons were taken, these guys would sign up and throw for the day. However, when you can’t travel and you have only ONE LOCAL games to go to each year it is hard to keep motivated and to train for only that one game. It wasn’t until Steve Scott started hosting his Community Center games, the Mac games started, as well as the Wakenny games, that throwers started “sticking around”. The base of Kansas throwers could have lots of throwing opportunities and never leave the state.

Al

[Al Myers]

Randy, Art has made many and he just uses a piece of leather with the insert pieces glued in. The chain ring is attached by leather rivets.

I was going to make one yesterday, but ran out of time. I’m gonna to try to make one today so I’ll have better input on this tomorrow. I’m going to try to make one like Steve Schmidts. He used thicker leather than Art. Al

PS and I got some ole leather that once was a cow hobble. It is covered with cow crap and other dried fluids – should be a great one to use as the “loaner” at the Dino Gym Challenge. haha

[Al Myers]

RJ,

The information in that blog is mostly NOT TRUE.

I’m going to run a blog tomorrow that has the correct information on the history of the Kennedy Lift.

Al

[Al Myers]

Lance, Sorry about that, I just noticed that I put that up there without giving a good description. The Kennedy lift is a partial lift Jefferson. Or as the old timers would call it the Hands Alone Lift (WLT called it the two hands grip lift). Pretty much the same position as pulling on the Dinnies – except you are grabbing a bar.

I’ll do a followup story on the Kennedy Lift with more history/explanations. We’ll see how we like it – may be a good OTSM lift?? Al

[Al Myers]

The Heavy Lift Championships is yet to be set for the spring. I’m hoping for the meet to be in May (traditional time for it). The past few years we have been trying to have a rotational plan for this big USAWA meet to allow for lifters all around the country to have it close at least every few years to them. I’ll contact the Exec Board this week and see if we can get something lined out. Al

[Al Myers]

Randy,

It has not been set yet – but will be probably be one of the last two weekends in June.

[Al Myers]

ET, That is why the power rack is the second most important thing in a weight room (behind bars and plates) – it is needed to insure safety when lifting. And the reason over 50% of my training happens in the power rack. Also – I noticed you had an old school husker rack laying out in front of your gym. Why don’t you have that thing set up to be used???

James – block pulls are WAY BETTER than pulling off pins. I have a set of adjustable blocks (each 2″ thick) to accommodate all types of block deadlifts of different heights. You may also notice that my big monster power rack has platforms to the side to catch the plates instead of catching on pins. I’m surprised no one else that commercially makes power racks have made a rack like mine. Having those platforms to the side allows the plates to land on them instead of having the bar hit the pins, allows for all kind of other exercises to be performed (like rack zercher squats, bottom squats, etc) with ease, and allows for the use of a extra long squat bar with a wide grip (otherwise you hit your forearms on the pins if the pins are set at the right height). Al

[Al Myers]

Equipment for lifting really have come a long ways since the days of Hoffman and Rader. However, I will say this – Good equipment is NOT NEEDED to get stronger. Guys of the past generations have gotten tremendously strong using nothing but a bar and some plates. And poor bars and ugly looking plates at that.

Now a little story. Most of you know I like to also hunt and fish. My grandfather (the wisest man I’ve ever known) would always make comments to me when I came home with some new fancy decoys, the latest in camo, or a upgrade to my shotgun, or a better fishing pool. He would tell me that in his days all you needed to hunt was a gun and a few shells, and to fish all you needed was a rod and reel, a hook, and some bait. Nothing more. However, I thought these new items that I just bought from Cabella’s were going to be the key to my success out in the field. Just look at Cabella’s – a big huge store making a fortune off of nothing more than selling TOYS for the outdoorsman. Nothing they sell will actually make you a better shot, or more finesse with a the tip of the rod when you have a fish on. That comes with practice and experience crafting your talent.

The same thing applies to weightlifting or training in general. The toys (like a fancy power rack) are just a luxury, and the real passion should come “from within” by making the most of your training in every session using whatever equipment is available to you. Al

[Al Myers]

That’s REALLY impressive Timo – keep after it!!!!! Al

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