1stCoC Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 I saw something on Friday that just amazed me. Big Rich now in "better" ???shape at 406lbs. came by for a visit. His powerlifts and cardio are way up as he readies for competing in upcoming strongman contests. As we greeted each other a resident head trainer/MMA artist of sorts got "froggy" and out of nowhere popped Rich square in the chest with a resounding "thud". In a flash he whirled around and was getting out of the area FAST.Being a speed and agility coach as well we thought he would strike and leave startled Rich in the dust. Not so!!!!!!!! Rich in a blast off the line like a rocket caught him in two strides and by the 4th stride had the man in a one hand grip on his forearm and with a gentle push downward had the man kneewalking in "utter shock".All escape, fight, counter attacks just "ceased".I never saw grip used in such a way as a "neutralizer" I asked the tough MMA guy what he or a "normal" person could do against the bear...all he said was "nothing". RS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifesnotfair Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 After repping the crap outta that 500# thickbar at the Arnold's and now hearing he's 406# and strong and FAST (???)... that's about the last guy I'd want to be gripping my forearm and pushing me down, LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florian Kellersmann Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 (edited) Awesome story, Richard! Thanks for sharing! By the way, is Rich training for the #4 certification? I think he is the man (bear) to do this! Edited May 18, 2010 by Florian Kellersmann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stCoC Posted May 18, 2010 Author Share Posted May 18, 2010 Rich never hits the grippers very much. His other lifting "work" taxes and builds his main strength as he explains it.If he did practice I do think just adding technique work would help him quite a bit. Also, the "random" #4 that is on our grip wall display is pretty much a monster. The times both Rich or Tex tried it( at their peak and "playing" with a 3.5) they both just cringed and shook their heads saying "no way". That gripper is so much stronger feeling (to me) than a 3.5 it might just be "by perception" an un-doable feat. I have other #4s but never thought to put them out. On the Chris Rice calibrating device I did test that particular #4 it was 224.RS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cannon Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 Richard, while you're thinking about it, set out another #4!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifesnotfair Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 224# sure sounds monsterish, since the #4's that have been closed in contests or videos on this board have been what, from 195# to 205# tops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stCoC Posted May 18, 2010 Author Share Posted May 18, 2010 You know,I really should change that #4 out with a new "random one" straight out of the package. Maybe the giants can then get a better idea of what is "at hand" doing the #4. RS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalachiMcMullen Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 If I remember correctly, the heaviest gripper every closed was a 212lb #4 in a choker done by Woodall. I think Brad Ardrey managed 209ish. A 224lb #4 is incredible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climber511 Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 (edited) I have calibrated quite a few #4s now - many right out of the package. The highest ever was like 238# - after oiling it - it went down to I think 224# or so (I'm going from memory here). Almost all grippers will lose poundage if you oil them and then retest them - even brand new out of the pack. I've only done a few that didn't show any change. I usually calibrate them - then blow them out with an air hose - oil them and blow the excess off with the air - then recalibrate. At this point they stay pretty consistent. I would not have thought the difference would be so great - especially surprising to me is the change in most new chrome springed grippers. I assumed the smooth chrome finish wouldn't suffer much of a binding or friction change. Edited May 18, 2010 by climber511 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acorn Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 I've seen a few in that 224ish range. They are not that uncommon. I even have one that was 226# before I filed it. - Aaron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bencrush Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 Jason Payne has an old #4 that was way up there too. I don't have my notes with me right now (in storage) but I think it was around 250lbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florian Kellersmann Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 With so much talent as Big Rich has, even a #224 should be doable with gripper training. He just has to do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cannon Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I've seen a few in that 224ish range. They are not that uncommon. - Aaron Ditto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stCoC Posted May 19, 2010 Author Share Posted May 19, 2010 I agree that "just working on it" could push a monster like Rich to the first #4 credit card legitimate certification. Well, I will say this I don't think anyone I know can close the #4 hanging here on the wall with a CC set and IM rules but I will go yall' one better............... If ANYONE is ready to cert on the #4 on the 26th of June at SummerStrong #3 here at Sorinex and has duly resgistered with Ironmind as a gift to them and the gripworld on my 60th birthday I will put up a 1000.00 prize for the first suscessful CC,out of the package attempt( accepted as a legal, certified close by Ironmind). Now men, go to work! Richard Sorin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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