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Under the Spotlight - Grip Profile - Jedd Johnson


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Today's profile features Jedd  Johnson.

 

A former Baseball player turned Strongman, this CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) co-founded http://www.dieselcrew.com/ in 1999.  In 2003, he started turning an interest in Grip Strength into a passion…one that has carried on to the present.  While a comprehensive list of his grip accomplishments would be impractical…this multiple Mighty Mitts Invitee, placed 1st (overall) at NAGSC (North American Gripsport Championship) in 2015.  He also took top honors in 2005, 2010, and 2014.  Additionally he placed 1st (overall) at Gripmas 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2015.

While Jedd's feats are numerous, I think his greatest accomplishment is the proliferation and direction of Gripsport itself.  Out of the first 14 Gripsters I've profiled, 11 of them sport either a Diesel Crew shirt, or made personal mention of Jedd himself. 

His impact on Gripsport can not be overstated.  Whether from Diesel Crew, The Grip Authority ( http://thegripauthority.com/ )   or his Youtube channel, no person on "this side of the pond," has introduced more people to Grip.  Speaking of his Youtube channel, he recently hit the milestone of 7000 subscribers.

In 2012, still very much the grip newbie, I debated attended the WSH leg in Wyalusing, PA.  I still remember Jedd's response to me.  "Come and get the experience…Brotherrrrrr!"  That was the exact nudge I needed to attend and start me on my own grip journey.  My experience was not unique, as Jedd is responsible for a great many introductions to Grip.

While his personality may be "bigger than life," he's quite down to earth, easily approachable and extremely helpful to gripsters everywhere.

Let's find out a little more about the man they call "Napalm!"

 

 

Jedd profile pic.png

 

 

 

7 questions to get to know Jedd.

 

 

1.  What are your stats?  Gripboard Name, Age, height (inches/meters), weight (lbs/kgs), R/L dominant hand size (cm/in), country, city (or region…whatever you are comfortable with), married/single, kids, occupation ("international spy" is acceptable)

 

 

Gripboard Name: "Jedd Johnson"

Age:  37

Height: 6'2.5” (189cm)

Weight:  245-250lbs (and dropping) (111-113kg)

Hand:  Right 8.5" (21.6cm)

Location:  USA/Wyalusing, Pennsylvania

Relationship Status:   Married  (Delraine)

Kids:  JayCee (5), Alyssa (16), and Todd (20)

Occupation:  Owner of Diesel Crew LLC, brotherrrrr.

 

 

2.  Why did you start training grip (and how long is it now)?

 

I first started training grip when I learned about John Brookfield.  I saw a picture of him tearing a deck of cards, which I always assumed was just a "trick."  I got obsessed with that feat and wanted to get strong enough to do it. This was probably the tail end of 2002.  I really just wanted to be able to rip decks of cards whenever I wanted to as a party or bar trick, and that was the extent of my plan.

 

 

I ended up finding Rick Walker on the old DrSquat.com forum, talking about grip and training to reach the #3 certification.  He announced a Grip Contest in August of 2003.  Once I found out there were feats to train for like 5x10's pinch, challenge items like the Inch Dumbbell, and actual Grip Contests, I was even more intrigued.  Once I figured out I was actually pretty good at this stuff (I farmer's walked the Blob in the parking lot of the Olive Garden, real wholesome Italian Food, the first day I encountered it), I was HOOKED, brotherrrrr.

 

 

 

3.  Before you die, what is your ULTIMATE grip goal/goals?

 

 

Snatch the Inch Dumbbell is probably my ultimate goal.  I would rather do that than certify on a #4, brotherrrr.

 

 

 

4. How do you currently structure your overall training/how do you incorporate your grip training?

 

This is always changing.  It depends on what feats I am working on and what contests I am training for, but here is what I am doing right now (for the most part)…

 

I generally train 4 days per week.  3 of those days are Body + Grip.  The 4th day is primarily just Grip.  I combine Grip right into my Body Training.  You might think of them as complexes or supersets.  Pretty much every workout is a Thick Bar day.  I have a heavier and higher volume Gripper Day and a lighter and lower volume Gripper Day, as I outline in CBT.  I'm training Pinch twice per week as well.

 

 

I am not currently bending right now, unless someone orders a Diesel Designs sculpture or something like that.  I'm also not doing much tearing, unless it's part of a demo or appearance, brotherrrrr.

 

 

5. What hobbies (other than grip/bending/lifting) do you enjoy?

 

Professional Wrestling is a big hobby of mine.  I don't like the current state of the Internet Wrestling Community, so I don't do much discussion regarding the current product.  I like to watch it with JayCee and use it as a stress reliever during the week.  I like to approach it like it's a real sporting event.  (Note: Although the endings are without a doubt pre-determined, I laugh when I hear people say it is fake.)

 

I considered joining a wrestling school last year.  I had to put off joining because I got my sinuses scraped and couldn't risk getting hit in the nose or I might die.  Now that I am cleared to do it, we will just have to see.  I'm torn because it would mean a lot of time away from the family (getting trained and qualified).  There is so much involved in it that you have to learn, technically and choreographically speaking, it isn't even funny.

 

Aside from that, my only real hobby is ice fishing.  I get out a couple times a year on ponds.  I usually go out with my dad, brotherrrrr.

 

 

6.  Do you have a personal anecdote, topic or thoughts you'd like to include in your profile?

 

Anecdotes:  I have so many, it's crazy.  I'll include a few, and hopefully they don't bore you.

 

I drove to Rick Walker's house one time with my business partner at the time, Smitty.  We had like a 4 hour workout.  On the way back, my truck broke down, and while we waited for a wrecker to come pick us up, we trained for another couple of hours in the parking lot of a big truck stop.  We did mainly Strongman at Rick's and mainly Block Weights along the side of the road, but it really showed me how much volume my body could handle.

 

 

In the past, I would travel to a lot of competitions in Ohio, Illinois, and New England with John Eaton.  Well, this one time (I think we were on the way back from Gripmas), he thought it would be wise to drive like 100mph on snowy roads.  He began to pass a tractor trailer and just as we came even with the nose of the truck, a deer ran across the road.  We were blinded by the truck so there was no chance to even hit the brakes.  It was merely luck that we didn't smash that deer and have who knows what happen to us physically.  That might have been our last trip together.

 

I used to train with a group of 4 or 5 guys (the original Team Diesel) for Grip and Strongman.  These were some of the best workouts of my life.  I miss those days.  I quit driving up there because I was cheap - gas hit $1.50 a gallon, and so I started gathering up my own equipment and starting my own gym.  In a way, it was stupid to stop going up there when gas hit that price, because it would more than double that price eventually.  At the same time, it helped me get to where I am now with one of the most unbelievable collections of grip-specific equipment in the world.

 

Topics:  One thing I'd like to discuss is the growth of Grip Sport.  I'm one of the guys who's been in it the longest and I'd like to see it grow.  I'm doing as much as I can (planning to hold several grip contests and challenges all over the country this year), but being a family man, I can't travel as much as I used to when I was younger, single, and didn't have my daughter.  My suggestion or "Call to Action," if you will, would be to help get Grip Sport out in front of as many people as you can.  Take some of your grip stuff out of your house/basement/garage and volunteer to take it to the gym for a couple hours and have people try stuff, or set up a booth at a local fair or bizarre.  You never know who you might engage with Grip.

 

Thoughts:  The board just got a big upgrade, which costs money.  I encourage members to donate to the board if they can to help support Wannagrip.  I also encourage people to support the small companies that sponsor Grip Contests, brotherrrrrr.

 

Acknowledgements:  I want to thank Nate for spearheading this effort.  This is awesome.  Thank you for the time and effort you're putting into it.  I am truly hoping your health stays strong and we continue to see you at Grip Comps.

 

I also want to acknowledge Gil Goodman and Maria Bascetta for their efforts.  It wasn't long ago that Gil emailed me to find out more about Grip Sport, having just learned about it.  Shortly thereafter, he ends up kicking major butt at Nationals, which is where I met Maria and his entourage - how cool is that? - Gil had his own entourage!  Now he and Maria have become successful contest promoters and have a company.  Talk about taking the bull by the horns, brotherrrrrrr!

 

 

7.  Who's Grip profile would you like to see next?

 

I want to learn more about our faithful leader here at the Gripboard, Wannagrip/Bill Piche, brotherrrrr!

 

 

Thanks Jedd.  Bill  will be profiled in two weeks.  This series will return next Wednesday with Bob Sundin.

 

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Great writeup, Jedd. Gripsport does well to have a spokesperson like you. Thanks for the shout-out as well :rock

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Having your sinuses scraped sounds like something only a Bond villain would do.  How is your back these days?  That's what I would worry about with all the wrestling slamming and jarring hits. 

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Jedd Johnson and David Horne ARE Grip Sport - the rest of us are Wannabe's.  Thank you for all you have done and do!

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Thanks for the shout out BROTHERRRR. Was great to read about you and your endeavors into grip. From, SISSTTTERRRRRRR

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Trying to get grip sport in the spotlight around here. Once I get some more gear I will attempt to hold an annual event. I have it planned out for the most part already because that's how I DO. I'm also linking up with a guy this spring, he is setting up a booth at a festival and has invited me to bring and exhibit some of the implements I have. I'm working my ass off to be impressive enough to wow people to give it a shot. 

This was a great write up and Jedd was the dude that got me into it. Go figure. 

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People like you are great for the sport. It gives such a positive vibe to all other grip fans. 
In the Netherlands grip sport is almost non-existence. I'm trying to promote the sport on a big local sport website.

 

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I owe this monster a ton ! like many he started my grip journey, and continues to inspire me daily. My diesel crew tattoo says it all. Keep up all your hard work brother

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A true pioneer of grip sport! I'm lucky to train & compete with Jedd! Gave me tips along the way. I consider him a friend of mine

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Since The Blairwitch Project I have my own project - the Blob-Inch-Project! :rock

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Can't thank Jedd enough for his hard work to promote the sport and for being encouraging and supportive to everyone here. And it's so motivating to watch your training and competing bro, you are a beast! 

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Sorry for my delay in responding.  I have been very busy with the Arnold.

On 3/2/2016 at 0:17 PM, Cannon said:

Having your sinuses scraped sounds like something only a Bond villain would do.  How is your back these days?  That's what I would worry about with all the wrestling slamming and jarring hits. 

My back is pretty darn good.  I feel like I've got a very good handle on my back "condition" these days.  Thanks.

 

On 3/2/2016 at 10:19 AM, Squeezus said:

Great writeup, Jedd. Gripsport does well to have a spokesperson like you. Thanks for the shout-out as well :rock

On 3/2/2016 at 10:17 AM, Sam Radford said:

Great profile Jedd, keep on inspiring! 

 

Thank you sir.

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Gil, thank you, bro.  And you're quite welcome.

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On 3/2/2016 at 0:46 PM, Juha Harju said:

Awesome bro!

Thanks, Juha.

 

On 3/2/2016 at 0:50 PM, climber511 said:

Jedd Johnson and David Horne ARE Grip Sport - the rest of us are Wannabe's.  Thank you for all you have done and do!

Thanks Chris.  We wouldn't be where we are without you and many others though.  No doubt about it.

On 3/2/2016 at 2:22 PM, MCrushetta said:

Thanks for the shout out BROTHERRRR. Was great to read about you and your endeavors into grip. From, SISSTTTERRRRRRR

Thank you, Maria.

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On 3/2/2016 at 2:31 PM, KapMan said:

Trying to get grip sport in the spotlight around here. Once I get some more gear I will attempt to hold an annual event. I have it planned out for the most part already because that's how I DO. I'm also linking up with a guy this spring, he is setting up a booth at a festival and has invited me to bring and exhibit some of the implements I have. I'm working my ass off to be impressive enough to wow people to give it a shot. 

This was a great write up and Jedd was the dude that got me into it. Go figure. 

Sounds like some good stuff is gonna be happening down your way.  Good work, bro.

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On 3/2/2016 at 2:47 PM, Grind said:

People like you are great for the sport. It gives such a positive vibe to all other grip fans. 
In the Netherlands grip sport is almost non-existence. I'm trying to promote the sport on a big local sport website.

 

Great efforts.  Keep up the good work.  Do not underestimate the power of social media, my friend.

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On 3/2/2016 at 4:57 PM, Tank Andrade said:

I owe this monster a ton ! like many he started my grip journey, and continues to inspire me daily. My diesel crew tattoo says it all. Keep up all your hard work brother

Same to you, my man.  Thanks so much for the years of support.

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On 3/2/2016 at 6:44 PM, tspinillo said:

One of the greats!

Thank you.

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On 3/3/2016 at 7:41 PM, David Mitti said:

Huge reason I got into grip, along with Mr Horne. Excellent write up of one of the greats!!

Thanks David.

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On 3/3/2016 at 1:07 AM, JStepien said:

A true pioneer of grip sport! I'm lucky to train & compete with Jedd! Gave me tips along the way. I consider him a friend of mine

Same here bro!

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On 3/3/2016 at 3:36 AM, burkhardmacht said:

Since The Blairwitch Project I have my own project - the Blob-Inch-Project! :rock

Thanks for bringing that up buddy.  Here is the video, in case others haven't seen it.

 

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