Ep. 513: Secrets of Isometrics for Pure Power and Raw Strength (with Jon Haas)
About this episode
The episode explores the benefits of isometric training for strength and power, featuring insights from Jon Haas on martial arts and functional training.
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.AleksSalkin.com [00:00:03] Martial arts monk & isometrics: John's origin story, 80s martial arts culture, and his first "punishment" isometrics with horse stance and phone books. [00:04:47] Old-school dojo toughness & structural strength: Kyokushin stories, harsh training in Japan, long stance holds, slow kata, and building "martial power" and real-world toughness. [00:08:51] Slow is smooth, smooth is fast: Why modern "fast results" culture misses the point, GSP's ultra-slow drilling approach, and how slow, perfect reps hardwire skill and power into the nervous system. [00:15:55] Bruce Lee, Russian systems & the birth of modern functional training: Bruce's daily isometrics, Bob Hoffman influence, Ross training, early Systema exposure, and discovering kettlebells via a Russian named Oleg. [00:25:51] Systema-style isometrics, breathing & body hardening: 5‑minute fist push-up holds, burst breathing to clear tension and lactic acid, learning to "breathe through the hit," and becoming like an "inflated tire." [00:31:44] Isometrics for joints, tendons & older lifters: Using wall sits and positional holds to…
People in this episode
Host: Aleks Salkin
Guest: Jon Haas
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Systema, Kyokushin, Ross training
More episodes of The Hammer Cast
- Ep. 514: Are You Prepared for Violence?
- Ep. 512: Zack Henderson on the Glory of Kettlebell Conditioning
- Ep. 511: Pavel Macek on Old Time Strongman Secrets for Modern Strength Breakthroughs
- Ep. 510: a SNEAK PEEK at my upcoming kettlebell challenge, "High Pull Noon"
- Ep. 509: Building a Better Kettlebell with Colin Lake
- Ep. 508: Be Careful of What You Let Influence You
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