A pair of 25lb bells to start with or a 25lb and a 15lb?

[raj_menon]

Gentlefolks:
You must think am off my rocker daring to even talk of a 25lb CB being a newbie. BUT am strapped for funds and wife won't allow any "progressional" purchase to start from a 10lb or 15lb.

Plan is to start with two-handed (I have 2-handed DVD) and attempt to progress towards 2-clubbell workouts over a period of time. Also, the savings in buying a pair of 25s is too good to pass. But if I get one 25lb and one 15lb, that would allow some ramp up but no two CB workouts.

I am 36 yr, 6'0, 195lbs, train in Nihon Jujitsu twice a week, do KB, BB and Power Ring workouts regularly and can successfully close the CoC #2 on both hands. My struggles with an 8-lb sledgehammer have convinced me that nothing that I can do now will prepare me for a 25lb clubbell. I just got the Warrior Wellness DVD and will be diving deep into it.

Your inputs/criticism/thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,

[Matt_OZ]

Rajiv, great to meet you buddy. I understand your troubles in deciding on what Clubbell to buy. It sounds like you are already quite strong so that is certainly a plus. Mike Mahler started with a pair of 20's and apparently handled them well (Mahler was already a very strong fella). Hmmm, 15 +25 or pair of 25's? How about the idea of a Bruiser? It would be even cheaper than a pair of 25's, i myself have a full range of Clubbell pairs and I love the variety but if I had to pick just one Clubbell or 1 pair it would be my Bruiser. I have used the Bruiser quite a bit and it gave me some great gains.

I once tested my 1 arm Dead Hang Power Snatch (Dumbbell) and it was 35kg. I then did nothing but Bruiser work (swings and cleans) for a month and re-tested my snatch, it had jumped to 43kg and I could easily have done more except 43kg was the heaviest DB I could find. I also found that the Bruiser work prepared me well for other Clubbell training...

After a month or so of Bruiser work I picked up my 20's and started working on OCS technical swipes. After only 3 workouts I nailed a set of 100 reps in 5mins 28 sec and proceeded to knock out 150 reps in under 10 minutes. I'm not saying all this to rave on but simply to show just how well the Bruiser can help us with any challenges we face.

If yo get the Bruiser then I strongly encourage you to get the 2 Handed DVD and the ABC Manual. It may seem like one can learn the exercises without the materials but I honestly learned 500% more when I got the DVD and Manual.

Best of luck with whatever decision you make mate,
Matt :D

[raj_menon]

Hi Matt:
Thanks so mcuh for the reply. I am more confused now than ever :D

On a serious note, it does make a lot of sense to get the bruiser and then down the road (wife willing) get a pair of lighter bells. I have Coach Szolek's 2 handed clubbell DVD and I can see the value in your advise to get the DVD/book.

I will never be able to afford the entire set but for now I think am going to go with your suggestion and get the bruiser. Thanks again.

[Matt_OZ]

Glad to be of help Rajiv, I am very confidant that you'll be pleased with the Bruiser. The strength gains and carry over transfer to other activities are amazing.

Enjoy,
Matt :D