Unconventional Training
A Study in Swing Strange Sh*t
What do we mean when we talk about “Unconventional training? What is it and why should we waste our time learning it?
Simple answer: Training with asymmetrically loaded weights, using movement patterns which are considered unconventional.
More complicated answer: Unconventional or “tool based training” has a bit of a history lesson involved in its explanation. Going all the way back to primitive man, we look at the tools he used to survive. The original gangster of killing sh*t goes to Heavy Clubs.
Heavy clubs have been used to kill prey and smash things since mankind left the caves. By loading the weight of the club away from the hand of the user we increase the felt weight exponentially based on the length of the lever (remember this principle). We then take that heavy loaded bat and swing it in basic movement patterns which directly relate to basic actions like throwing, chopping, swinging, etc.
Next wen have Steel Maces. Maces or Gada are often looked at as weapons, which isn’t entirely false. In their original form Maces date back all the way to ancient Persia, India, Rome, as well as numerous other societies which used large blunt objects on sticks to smash things. These Maces were used as symbols of strength and later became relate to nobility and evolved into ornate scepters wielded by kings of old.
For our purposes we use the idea of gladiatorial combat training. By moving with the mace and swinging it around learning to move with this unique tool helps build practical muscle which can be translated to any basic working movement you like. Maces embody the concept of extending the length of a lever to increase felt weight. Maces are in essence a weight on a stick. A ten pound weight on a three foot stick feels different from a ten pound dumbbell. It fundamentally changes how we train for movement.
Next is arguably the most functional and versatile tool available, The Sand bag. Sand bags are the zenith of awkwardly loading weight. Sand naturally doesn’t want to sit still, it shift and moves and behaves unlike any solid. When you put it in a bag and move it around your body you can literally simulate any functional or working movement pattern available.
This same concept applies to sledge hammers, Kettlebells, and all of the other tools we use to train fundamental movement patterns and help build better athletes.
Why learn this style of training?
When I first started using these tools I was coming off of a period extended absence from the gym and I knew that returning to the gym and lift the way I normally would inevitably would result in tendonitis very quickly. I decided to look to different avenues in an effort to expand my home gym and learn new skills while avoiding injury.
I started with Clubs and moved to Maces fairly quickly focusing on control, form, and variation between bi-lateral and unilateral movements. Within a month I was hooked and when I got back in The gym I had no tendonitis and I quickly jumped back to pushing higher weights. I honestly attribute this joint health and strength to my use of these tools.
When you look at how these tools are used its easy to see how these tools help retrain our joints to function more fluidly and act as socket joints. In addition to conditioning tendons, ligaments, joints, connective tissue, and other minor stabilizing muscles which help build huge gains.
Training differently, building savages, creating more comprehensive athletes. This is how we build a better future. At DATC we like to say “Hard Times Make Strong Men”. We train how mankind trained to survive historically difficult times. Strong men make good times so it is our goal to build stronger men. You’re welcome to join us.
God Bless
