Arnold Classic

[chuss]

Hello everyone! I am back from the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH and would like to give a brief report.

This was my first time attending...and I must say it was overwhelming! I only spent about 8 hours walking thru the aisles on Saturday, so I didn't spend much time in any one spot...except for Pavel and Scott's booths. It was definitely a rewarding experience and worth the 3+ hour drive from Louisville, KY.

I just want to make a quick point---and then I'm done.

Although the internet is the information highway, it can be very impersonal. It is very difficult to judge a person's character, intentions, or personality over the net.

I have always been impressed with Scott's contributions to the fitness industry as well as the MA industry, but I didn't know the kind of person he was. It was necessary for me to understand this in order to fully believe in what he was offering to me as a lifter and RMA practitioner. I really have only one test that I require anyone to pass: when you shake my hand, look me in the eyes, and be sincerely interested in getting to know me.

I walked up to Scott and Doug, introduced myself, and they both passed the test with flying colors. I was impressed. The fitness industry is filled with people that are only concerned with themselves....I had only to look around the convention to see that. It was important for me to see that Scott and Doug were different than that. I also want to note that everyone at Pavel's booth were extremely friendly, too...and genuinely interested in listening and talking to me. I felt as though I've known these people for years. It was a good feeling to meet the people behind the websites, books, and videos.

I couldn't resist purchasing the bruiser from Scott's booth..especially when I saved so much on shipping, and I've already tore thru the ABC book he gave me. I also purchased a 2 and a 2.5 pood from Pavel--I can't wait to take my training to the next level!

Thank you Scott, Doug, and everyone at Pavel's booth...for making a believer out of me. Call me naive, but I truly feel that your intentions are sincere, you are not just trying to sell someone a better protein powder, you are honestly trying to equip us with better tools to train with and you really do care!

Thank you,

Chris Huss

[DaveRandolph]

Chris beat me to it.
He & his wife and another friend & I drove up Sat to the Arnold as Chris has said.

I talked to Scott about 10 or 15 minutes and we had a good discussion about many things. I also talked to Doug & met Daniel & Brandon. Also got to talk to my friend Coach Jamie Hale who was also at the Torque Athletic Booth. He & I have done some seminars for each other.

I was great to talk to Scott and Doug & meet the others. Tyler Haas was there as was Jeff Martone.

Thanks to Scott for his hospitality and I look forward to talking with you more. Hope you manage to survive yuor upcoming schedule. Wish I could join you in Lancaster next weekend.

I want to reiterate what Chris said. I believe that Scott is not out to make a quick buck, but that he truly has something to offer. Teaching us to fish as it were

Good luck in your endevours

Dave

[JClayton]

Sounds like you both had a good time; thanks for the report.

But....inquiring minds want to know.....how was the Bruiser demo???

Regards,

[Doug Szolek]

From where I was standing the Bruiser Demo was pretty tough. :wink:

All in all though guys and girls, it was an amazing weekend :!:

The work that the tribe has put in this past year has really paid off is helping us to be prepared for this event. We were ready for all the questions and puzzled looks from those who couldn't believe that a "wiffle ball bat" could weigh so much. And really knocked out of our socks when guys like Phill Phister and John Brookfield handled the Bruiser like it were just a plastic bat.

Many Bruiser challenges were attempted a few managed to meet it, which only further demonstrates the work of the tribe in the past year. Because last year as soon as the Bruiser was lifted it was quickly replaced with a laundry list of excuses as to why they couldn't lift it. This year there was actual belief on their part that it could be done, and that it would be of great benefit to them to do it.

The Clubbell's genious design and use stole the show over and over as more people handled them and learned how to use them. It seemed to me that anyone who handled them properly instantly showed a desire to own them, not because they are the next best thing, but because they are the best thing. I know that't gonna ruffle some feathers but it was proven over and over as athletes from every field learned their use and expressed interest in taking them home with them. Coach Brandon Jones (CST Alpha and soon to be Delta) summed it up masterfully when he said that if you train with anything else, you will have gaps to fill. If you train with Clubbells you'll have no gaps.

Back to the Arnold, I was rather hooked on Mr. Brookfield's feats of strength so every chance I got to get away from the booth for a break (and there weren't many) I made an effort to swing by his booth and just bask in the glow of so much mastery. And I did get to come away with a 3/4" by 38" peice of square steel that was no longer 38" after John folded it neatly into a "U". I've tried several times to close it further and/or open it and believe me it is quite solid. :twisted: :shock:

I also stopped by Pavel's booth and was given some gracious instruction on my Jerk and Snatch technique as I'm looking to get into Girevoy Sport some time this year. There were good feelings all around as we talked shop over there as when Pavel, Mahler, et al came over to visit us.

Arnold breezed through quickly surrounded by body-guards and secret service, and try as I may I could not get him to notice me demonstrating the exercise I named after him, The Barbarian.

All in all our energies were sustained by the buzz of the crowd, the good humor of comrades in strength, and plenty of coffee. I planned my diet well to accomodate the extreme workload of the event and I am now the biggest and strongest I have ever been in my life. I'm looking forward to a week of jacuzi's and double a day Warrior Wellness leading up to what is sure to be a great ROSS IDPS.

I am left with only one regret, that being that I could not track down the lovely Vera with whom I spoke early on Friday. I guess there is always next year :wink: :oops: :)

[Doug Szolek]

I also talked to Doug & met Daniel & Brent.

Having a consonant-clad last name like mine I tend to be a bit anal about getting names right, so I just wanted to point out that I think you're talking about Coach Brandon Jones (CST Alpha soon to be Delta) when you say "Brent".

No worries though Dave, it's just something that strikes a cord with me :)

By the by it was nice to see you again since the Beta Cadre CST seminar and nice to meet Chris and his wife aswell. I'm looking foward to hearing about your work with the ABC's Chris :) and remember my inbox is always open to any questions that you may find about them.

Good luck,

[DaveRandolph]

Yep, Sorry I meant Brandon..... :?

[Vbrown]

Congrads to my brothers! (that's Scott, Doug and <ahem> Brandon)

Thanks for representing us in such fine fashion. Makes the rest of us look good...and some of us can use the help.

And my thanks to those behind them making it possible for them to make a mark at such a massive convention. I've been to a few and they are so very draining...and that's been without having to demo a large hunk of steel! Support both local and from afar is always welcome.

Well held to all,

Vince
A,CST

[Connie Brown]

Welcome Back Coach S and thanks so much for the report. I have worked trade shows and was thinking much of you guys in the booth. I'm glad you had a good time and will look forward to your movie of bending steel. :twisted:


The work that the tribe has put in this past year has really paid off is helping us to be prepared for this event.

How sweet of you to say this. You have a way of making me feel I can contribute.

Oh and not to worry. You are young yet so tightening up your observe-orient-decide-act during a trade show with the likes of lovely Vera will improve I am sure. ha ha ha.

[fitnutrn]

Hi all,
Unfortunately I didn't get to go, it seems to me that many people had a lot of fun and met many wonderful people. For those who did go, did anyone have a chance to see and or meet the world strongest man contestants(specifically Mariusz Pudzianowski who was the winner of the 2002 as well as the 2003 WSM)? I have seen Mariusz on tv many times, the man is incredible(not just strength wise, but speed, mobility, intensity, physique etc.. a great over-all athletes as far as I can see). Any comments about him if anyone of you guys had a chance to see him perform, talked to him etc...

Rick Kan

[Coach Jones]

The Arnold.

It was as fun and weird as the people who attended. Everyone from the highest caliber athletes to fitness models to celebrities to people suffering from the worst cases of denial I have ever seen. I was happy and honored just to be there alongside Coach Sonnon, Coach Szolek, and Coach Chomycia, not to mention Nikolay (the hardest working man in show business). Then there were those like Dave Draper, John Brookfeld, and Phil Phister. All legends of the game and really nice guys as well. It was a true honor to meet them. I especially want to thank Phil Phister for the nice big slice of humble pie (but it could have waited until after the demo :wink: )

Then there were others….. :shock:

It was also great to meet some of you there from the forum. Those names that I’ve seen for a while and now have a face to go with it. Everyone at the Torque booth was great as well.

I also want to congratulate all those athletes who had the courage to step up and try something different without the fear of looking bad. Those folks will reap the rewards while the others languish in last place.

Before I arrived at the Arnold, I had no idea what a dangerous place it was, especially for big fellas. So many of the really big guys had some kind of injury that kept them from even picking up the Bruiser…I hope they recover soon.

It was an absolutely amazing time. Coach Sonnon’s CST and Clubbells kicked in the door to the fitness industry and announced it’s presence with authority.

-And if Vera is out there, dial 1-800-THE-HULK.

-Brandon Jones, CST

[Dan Chomycia]

One of the most insightful weekends of my life!

I really enjoyed meeting everyone!
Special thanks to Nikolay & Elena Travkin, for being so helpful, and organizing the trip.

Torque Atheletic Crew and Odis Meredith.

Scott Sonnon for being a True Coach.

And Brothers in the trenches Coaches Szolek & Jones.

Have a good time at IDP!

[WarpedMind]

I really enjoyed meeting all of you... I had a blast! You guys are all brutes, bigger than life.

[NikolayTravkin]

Brandon, Dan and Doug,

Thank you very much for all your help at the Arnold Expo. You did a great job! And, many people now know how strong you are, guys!

It was nice to see how many people were interested in Coach Sonnon's CST and Clubbell Equipment. And, of course, it was nice to meet in person people from the Tribe.

Nikolay Travkin