The Martial Art of Strength Training, Vol 1

Description

Martial artists have long been admired for their speed, power, and body control. Watch your fighting ability skyrocket as a Full Contact Champion reveals, step-by-step, the most important strength training techniques for martial artists. Never before has such a thorough strength training program been available for combat athletes or those interested in some of the best kept training secrets in the world.

Gain the insights of Steve Cotter, a Full Contact Champion who knows what works — and what doesn't. All of this presented in an easy to follow and cohesive step-by-step instruction process that lays the strong foundation necessary for advanced power development!

Now there is no excuse for fighters to train like bodybuilders! Full KOntact Kettlebells: The Martial Art of Strength Training will take your speed, power, flexibility and endurance to levels beyond what you ever dreamed possible. Hit harder than ever before and smile as your opponents bounce off of you. Learn how to maximize your power in every movement by applying the best in resistance training with proven, no-nonsense martial arts principles.

Destined to become a classic for Martial Artists and conditioning freaks, Volume One lays the foundation for power development by teaching and explaining how to create a strong connection to the ground via the legs.

This DVD will not only show you HOW to condition for martial arts, but explain WHY, so that you will maximize your training time and gain immediate results in your performance!

    * Hit HARDER and FASTER
    * Have ENDURANCE to Spare
    * Develop Short-Range Striking POWER
    * Build STRENGTH at All Angles
    * Get the Dynamic FLEXIBILITY to Escape Any Jam
    * Learn all drills from multiple camera angles
    * All exercises taught first with bodyweight, then with weight
    * Learn how to brace the body for heavy impact
    * Avoid common errors that lead to injuries
    * Learn the principles behind the techniques

Reviews

Steve Cotter's DVD Full KOntact kettlebells is a tremendous asset to anyone wishing to greatly enhance their performance in their chosen sport, activity or physical conditioning. I highly recommend it.

John Brookfield, Author of Mastery of Hand Strength, Multiple World Record Holder

I received the DVD a few days ago, right in the middle of finals week. I had a lot to study, but after watching the incredible intro to the video, I could not stop watching.

Steve does an incredible job of explaining a martial arts principle, rooting, and then reinforcing it with kettlebell exercises. The techniques in here are very powerful!

Tyler Hass, RKC, Power Athletes Magazine, Pullman, WA

Steve, I'm about 15 minutes into your DVD and just wanted to congratulate you on your great work. The explanations are thorough, logical, and you've done a great job in explaining the martial arts carryover from KB training.

I'll send you a note when I've completed the DVD but so far I'm super impressed!

Thanks again...

Charles Staley, Staley Training Systems, Las Vegas, NV

Steve Cotter's DVD is Outstanding!

I finally had a chance to watch Steve's DVD and I am really impressed. The quality is top notch (no camcorder in someone's basement). Steve's DVD begins with a real cool music video that shows Steve displaying some incredible feats of strength and conditioning.

Steve speaks very well on the DVD and is clear and concise at all times(no umms, uhhs, etc). It is apparent that Steve knows a great deal regarding the subject matter that he is covering and that he put a lot of energy and time into the content of the DVD.

Steve makes many of the exercises that he covers look easy. However, when you try some of them, you will be amazed at how difficult some of them are. Fortunately, Steve shows you clearly how to work up to the exercises and what you need to focus on for proper execution.

I really like the rack weaving and shuffles and can definitely see how they will be beneficial to any athlete.

I like the one-legged deadlifts with kicks as well. very cool drill that will carry over to the martial arts.

The real sign that Steve's DVD is great is that when it is over, you cannot wait to see Steve's next DVD.

Finally, every exercise on Steve's DVD has a purpose. No fluff or wasted space. Steve maximizes every minute.

If you are a martial artist, then you have to get this DVD. If you are a serious athlete or simply a kettlebell fan that wants to take his or her game up a notch, then you will love this DVD.

Great job Steve!

Mike Mahler, Strength Coach, Los Angeles, CA

I really liked your DVD. It was light years ahead of everyone in your market. You've set the bar very high for the other RKC trainers.

The presentation was awesome. You did the right thing waiting until you were assured that you would be selling a first rate product. IMO it was better than Steve Maxwell's video and more organized. I'm not putting down Steve's great video, just comparing a similar product.

The content is great. If I had not started Hsing-i training I may have not understood some of your concepts. Great video.

Ellis Jones, San Diego, CA

I received your video on Monday. Very well done. I like that you explained the "why and how it works" and behind the drills, rather than just, "do this b/c it works". The progression from BW drills, to drills with racked KBs to drills with KBs overhead (extreme compromise) was nice, and gives people a way to progress and refine. The setting was nice as well. The plants in the background were a nice touch (was that planned, or were they just there?) and makes the video warmer, rather than just a room with white walls. As someone mentioned on Dragon Door, everything is presented in a relaxed and confident manner. There is no fumbling with words or any uhs and ahs. You present yourself in a way that makes the viewer feel that you know what you're doing. Great job. The quality of the DVD itself is excellent, from the menu to the quality of the picture. The DVD label and the box are also very well done and look very professional.

Things that I personally got out of it: re-enforcement of the usefulness of rack and overhead holds and walks. I need to do more of those.

I think you did a great job, and I'm sure a lot of people will be surprised to hear this is your first video.

By the way, the intro was spectacular. Show off. Can't wait for Volume 2!!!

Thanks, and great job,

Eric Tiarks, Omaha, NE

I just received your DVD and will listen to it in great detail when my boys aren't vying for attention. What I've seen so far was very professional, clearly explained & shot, which is trickier to accomplish than it would seem. Conveying information with clarity is an invisible (or at least under appreciated) skill. It was exciting to see you include some excellent Hsing-I at the intro, and even a taste of Bagua! I would imagine that for many of the DD gang, this will be their first exposure to internal art done with genuine martial intent.

Barry Crain, Chicago, IL

Full KOntact KB is an excellent DVD, showcasing Steve Cotter's ability to apply martial arts thinking to strength training and showing clear progression in KB drills that anyone, regardless of MA style or fitness level will find useful.

David W.

I just received my DVD and want to tell you how awesome it is! I really appreciate the way you explain the principles and combine the strength and conditioning of the KB with martial drills. The exercises you demonstrate will make any serious practitioner a powerful martial artist. Your teaching style is very clear and informative. You are a true inspiration!! Thank you for making such a quality product. I'm really looking forward to your next one!

Mahalo,

Susan R, Kapaa, HI

Get Steve Cotter's video!

It is a superb exposition on strength training, specifically designed with Xingyi (his art) in mind. It is a great conditioning video, but it has the added advantage of having some great excerpts of Steve in motion — something you have to see to really appreciate. By all means, use this resource. Aloha!

Makena White, Honolulu, HI

I just finished watching Vol. 1 of Full KOntact Kettlebells and I can't recommend it enough. The video is very high quality and full of great drills that any martial artist will find invaluable.

Bill Ripley — Watkinsville, Georgia

Watched Full KOntact last night for the first time. This DVD is awesome. Steve Cotter has created a highly-energized, highly scientific training DVD. I have been using KB's for a little over a year. I also train Police and Fire recruits with KB's and am a beginning martial artist. This DVD goes a long way in providing some very high-level training ideas.

Steve A. MS, H/FD, CSCS

Steve Cotter's Root DVD is awesome!

Steve's DVD is excellent material with fairly high production quality.

For anyone interested in primal movement, the basis of athletic development, and truly working your body as a unit — Steve's DVD is perfect. He goes over many drills and the theory behind the drills as well. I would add this to the must have library: it is applicable to almost any sport, pattern of movement, and overall coordination.

Many of the basic principles of rooting into the ground for increased power are those which are most quickly forgotten. Steve brings them back up as an interest with fresh drills and insight into why they are so important.

Of course, Steve demonstrates everything perfectly and the demo section is enough to make one jealous — particularly the jump-switch splits between the swiss balls. For those who haven't seen it: he has two half swiss balls which he balances on in a suspended front split. He then jumps in the air from that position, switches legs, and lands in another front split. Quite impressive.

Chris Muscarella, Annapolis, MD

It's a great video...

Steve,

It's a great video, every drill was one that was clearly applicable and easy to integrate into training... that's what has me eager to get the others as soon as you release them... April is too long to wait, though!

JLB

I finished watching Steven Cotters DVD, Full KOntact KettleBells Vol. 1, last night for the 3rd time.

I'd have to say Steve's DVD is breath of fresh air when it comes to Martial Arts related fitness videos or DVDs. Absolutely no mysticism, BS, or outlandish claims.

The Full KOntact KB DVD is a reflection of the man who put it together, direct and to the point. No complicated routines or rehashing of old tired ideas. Steve doesn't try to fluff up his presentation with any worthless exercises, he gets down to business with a handful of useful KB exercises. Steve doesn't just show you how to use KBs to build strength and power for MA, but more importantly to use them to build strength and power for those times you're not in an advantageous position.

If you are interested in MA or KBs, I'd recommend you buy Steve's DVD.

Batboy2/75

The swing as Systema....

on Vlad's tape "strikes" he shows a "chest punch". The hip snap generated by Cotter's 2.5 pood 2 handed swing is basically a hip punch — the martial applications of the movements demonstrated can't be questioned.

Bill Fox, Attorney, Philadelphia, PA

It was great to hear your clear and concise explanation on the DVD. It was great to see that your video catered to those of us who enjoy the martial arts.

I enjoyed your DVD very much. I watched it for the second time last night. The concepts make a lot of sense and I enjoyed your explanations. Your body positioning discussions are very good and make sense. Additionally, as a martial artist, I am trying out the shuffling and weaving and will work on the Dragon weaving next. I had an acl reconstruction last year so I am going to work into that slowly. I am looking forward to the next DVDs in your series.

May I be so bold to suggest that you may want to put out your own IMA videos. It is clear that your understanding of body mechanics is superior and your own conditioning is very enviable. Watching the trailer was quite visually appealing. There may be a market for someone with your ability to clearly impart concepts to bring the concepts of the internal Chinese arts to the public. I know I would welcome them in order to understand arts I do not practice. Looking forward to your seminar.

Jim Tirey, Martial Artist, MD

For anyone who has Steve Cotter's Full KOntact Kettlebell DVD —

I got my copy yesterday and was wondering if anyone else who has seen it had to pick their jaw up off the ground when he was doing the jump splits between the half balance balls? Or how about the pistols holding two kettlebells in each hand "waiter press" fashion? I was really impressed with Steve at the last RKC Cert. and after watching his DVD I was just blown away.

This is a must have for any martial artist who's serious about their training. I can hardly wait for volume two.

Great job Steve!

Stay Strong,

Mike Johnson, RKC

Steve, finally saw it this week, SHUGYO!

Great production quality, even better content. I've been playing with movement drills for awhile, but now I have some new stuff to work on. I just got done designing my program for the next 6 weeks and I had to throw some of your stuff in there. Truly a great DVD, from a great Sifu.

Shugyo!

Dylan Thomas, Virginia

The opening sequence of "Full KOntact KBs — The Martial Art of Strength Training"... is one of the most excellent pieces of film I've ever seen!

After only a quick viewing of the instructional portions, they seem extraordinary as well. I've not yet had an opportunity to review those parts with the concentration of a lesson-setting that I do plan to devote ASAP, but I'm really looking forward to absorbing the teaching.

For the past week, each morning, my twin 3.5 year old sons, before requesting any children's programs, have been demanding, "Daddy, we want to watch your friend, Steve Cotter, with the kettlebells". I've played and watched the opening sequence with them about 15 times. (To the point where I anticipate the small puff of dirt Steve kicks up as his foot sweeps along the ground in the slow circular walking portion at the beginning, as the music starts to play and the rays of sunshine beam down — wow, great production.) The kids and I wish that opening sequence was at least 30 minutes long. It's amazing! Side effect of these viewings is that the outstanding (I believe original, yes?) music has been bouncing around the inside of my head all week. Bravo, Steve!

"Root" is excellent. Sign me up for Vols. II & III.

Comrades, the Steve Cotter DVDs should be a mandatory holding of every Party member's viewing library.

Edward Friedman, Long Island, NY

I got your DVD which is great. I was very impressed with the content and the production. It is so rare to find someone that comes up with something new and your concept of training in a "position of vulnerability" is definitely a must for any martial artist. I look forward to volume 2!

George Hynec, Australia

I went to one Mr. Cotter's Classes in San Diego and I was taken aback by the depth of knowledge and practical applications he bestowed. A few of us got together and viewed the DVD that we purchased and were pleasantly surprised by the realistic information and manner in which it was presented. He is exceptionally well versed in the Martial Arts and how to augment your prowess with the addition of Kettle Bell strength training. Thank you!

J. E. F., Phoenix, AZ

DVD Contents

Section 1: Basic Mobility Drills

• How to stand — the importance of foot placement
• Develop "root"— strengthening your connection to the ground via the legs to increase full body linkage
• Transfer power through the legs
• Horse Stance for rock solid stability
• Learn bridging tactics-how to close distance to the opponent
• Forward and Rear shuffling
• Lateral shuffling
• Lateral shuffling and weaving
• How Kettlebell training compliments and enhances Martial Art training

Section 2: Kettlebell Basics: Movement within Stillness

• Review of KB basic techniques
• 2 hand swing — use this drill to teach the powerful hip snap necessary for martial arts application
• 1 hand swing — learn the proper wrist alignment for effective punching
• Clean — the importance of the clean for combat athletes
• The basic guard position
• Proper application of tension and "bracing" for shock absorption
• Learn to use the "issuing point" on the palm for powerful striking
• Double clean — develop an impenetrable "iron vest"

Section 3: Kettlebell Basics: Lateral Weaving and Shuffling

• Learn the universal principles behind the techniques
• Position of Strength — the ideal: contracted and ready for impact. Coiled and ready to strike
• The reality of exchange- why we must train for the unexpected
• Positions of "Extreme Compromise" — how and why it is important to train in both extremes. Learn to be strong even in positions of extreme compromise
• How to get back to a position of strength
• KB Rack Position — learn how to brace for impact
• Rack walk
• Rack shuffles
• Rack weaving
• KB Jerk Position — be strong in a compromised position.
• Develop linkage by connecting the core with the stance
• Jerk walks
• Jerk shuffles
• Jerk weaving

Section 4: Dragon Twisting — Low Basin Power

• Develop explosive power by linking your entire body to your stance
• How to be mobile while remaining stable
• Root — the body is the tree, the legs are the root
• Learn the coiling power of a serpent — the whole body moves as one unit
• Build springy legs for bone crushing kicks and an immovable stance
• Develop pinpoint footwork and balance — teach the body to be self-correcting so that you never lose balance

Section 5: Dynamic Balance

• Specificity of Balance Training — Why martial artists need to train balance dynamically, rather than statically — external forces are always present
• 1 Leg Deadlift — "stop" the body on 4 sides for stability
• Create a strong intent behind your movements
• 1 Leg DL with Kicks — stronger root = stronger kicks
• Develop a powerful midsection for purposeful movement