Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Training for GotchGeorge Hackenshmidt drew a crowd while in training to face Frank Gotch for the second time, in Chicago in 1911. Hack is shown here building his neck strength with the the wrestler's bridge. His training partners Dr. Benjamin Roller and Gus 'Americus' Schoenlein, look on.
Labels: Americus, Barbell, Benjamin Roller, Build Neck Strength, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Gus Schoenlein, Neck Bridge, Neck Exercise, Wrestlers Bridge
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Monday, December 07, 2009
Krajewski's GymHere's a unique opportunity to take a look at Dr. Vladislav Von Krajewski's Gym in St. Petersburg, Russia, circa 1901. This is the place where an untold number of strength champions trained, most notably George Hackenschmidt. I know that I could sure get strong in a place like this.
Labels: Classic Gym, Dr. von Krajewski, George Hackenschmidt, Gymnastic Rings, Kettlebells
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Edwin ZelloEdwin Zello, of Platt's Valley, Nebraska is shown here with a one-finger deadlift of well over 400 pounds. He performed many traditional strongman feats around the turn of the century, and so did his wife Alice, who was also part of the act, and quite a performer herself. Zello once wrestled George Hackenschmidt to a draw in an exhibition in Canada.
Labels: Edwin Zello, George Hackenschmidt, Performing Strongman
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Sunday, November 01, 2009
Dr. Vladislav Von KrajewskiDr. Vladislav Von Krajewski was one of the leading physicians of the day and the founder of the St. Petersburg Athletic and Cycling Club. The good doctor's interest in physical training was as a method of securing and preserving health, strength, activity and vigor (both mental and physical).
He created a system of training around these goals, and it was the reason behind the success of many of the strongest men who ever lived.
Some of Dr. Von Krajewski's most famous pupils included George Hackenschmidt, George Lurich, and Ivan Poddubny. You can take a rare look into Dr. Krajewski's weight room right here.
Labels: Dr. von Krajewski, George Hackenschmidt, George Lurich, Ivan Poddubny, Physical Culture Pioneer
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Russian Lion - George HackenschmidtGeorge Hackenschmidt was equal parts champion weightlifter and wrestler. One wonders what he might have accomplished had he chosen to focus on one or the other... or perhaps the secret of his success was due to the fact that he did combine the two ! In any case, Hackenschmidt's performance on some of the standard lifts of the day (early 1900's) are as follows:
One-Hand Snatch: 197-1/2 lbs One-Hand Jerk: 231 lbs Two-Hands Press: 281 lbs Continental Jerk: 345-1/2 lbs
Labels: Continental and Jerk, Estonian Strongman, George Hackenschmidt, Oldtime Strongman, Oldtime Strongman Lifts, one arm snatch, One Hand Jerk, One hand Snatch, Press, The Russian Lion, Wrestler
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Wrist Roller TrainingThe Wrist Roller is a simple but very effective method of building grip strength... and here are two other training ideas which make it even better: stand on an elevated surface to increase the range of motion or use it in a supported manner so that your arm muscles don't give out before your forearms do.
Both of these ideas were written up in The Way to Live by George Hackenschmidt written back in 1908. As a wrestler and strongman "Hack" certainly had use for tremendous grip strength.
Labels: George Hackenschmidt, Grip Equipment, Grip Strength, Grip Tools, Grip Training Equipment, Strongman Equipment, wrist roller, Wrist Roller Training
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
George LurichEstonian born George Lurich was a great wrestler and strongman during the early 1900's. He was was a great friend and training partner to George Hackenschmidt (It was actually Lurich who introduced Hackenschmidt to weightlifting.) Lurich's brother-in-law was Alex Aberg, another champion wrestler of the time period.
Lurich was the world Greco-Roman wrestling champion in 1912 and was the last man to face Frank Gotch before Gotch retired in 1913. As far as strength feats, among others, Lurich is credited with a one-hand jerk of 267 lbs., and a two-hands clean & jerk of 344 lbs.
Labels: Alex Aberg, Clean and Jerk, Estonian Strongman, European Strongmen, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, George Lurich, Greco-Roman Wrestling, One Hand Jerk, Strongman, Wrestler
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Training with HackenschmidtA look at George Hackenschmidt's training partners from when he was preparing to face Frank Gotch for the second time. From left to right, Jacob Koch, the former German World Champion, "Hack" himself, Gus 'Americus' Schoenlein, and the crafty veteran Dr. Benjamin Roller. It must have been a good camp, they all look like they are ready to take on all comers.
Labels: Americus, Benjamin Roller, George Hackenschmidt, Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Gus Schoenlein, Training Camp
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
| "Do You Wish to Become Strong? "Certainly," you will answer, "That is my intention, that is my wish," to which I should reply that a simple wishing will not do it. You must want to -- in other words, you must act." ~ George Hackenschmidt The Way to Live, Chapter 4 Written in 1908 |  George Hackenschmidt |
Labels: George Hackenschmidt, The Way to Live, Will Power
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Monday, June 15, 2009
| "George Hackenschmidt, Born in Russia, 20th July, 1877 and studied engineering, but on the advice of Count Ribeaupierre of St. Petersburg, took seriously to wrestling in 1897. First big match with Paul Pons at the age of twenty one. Acclaimed champion of the World after a forty-six minute bout. He has defeated such men as Petersen, Jenkins, Hassan, Cannon, McInerney, Munro, and Pierri, and everybody will remember the sensational match with Madrali at Olympia which ended with a broken arm for the Turk in 44 seconds." |  George Hackenschmidt |
Labels: Ahmed Madrali, Alexander Munro, Cigarette Card, George Hackenschmidt, Paul Pons, Russian Strongman, The Russian Lion, Tom Cannon, Wrestling
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Friday, May 01, 2009
1901 Weightroom"...In his gymnasium Dr. von Krajewski had a great number and variety of weights, dumb-bells, and other apparatus and appliances for the purpose of training. It was, in short, a fully equipped school of physical culture..."THIS is a rare photo of the place that Hack was talking about and I would say it definitely lives up to the billing. Great equipment leads to great workouts and there is no doubt that would be the kind of setup that would help someone build some serious strength. (This photo is also the inspiration for our Limited Edition Trading card Program)
George Hackenschmidt
The Way to Live
Written in 1908
Labels: Classic Strongman Gyms, Dr. von Krajewski, Eugen Sandow, George Hackenschmidt, Globe Barbell, Kettlebells, The Way to Live
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Road WorkIf you're going to be an athlete, you better be prepared to run. Shown here is George Hackenschmidt training in Chicago to face Frank Gotch for the second time. (Taken in 1911) Hack is flanked by his training partners Dr. Benjamin Roller, Gus "Americus" Schoenlein, and Jacob Koch, the former World Champion from Germany.
Labels: Americus, Benjamin Roller, Conditioning Workout, George Hackenschmidt, Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Gus Schoenlein, Jacob Koch, Road Work, Wrestling, Wrestling Exercise
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Saturday, April 18, 2009
George Hackenschmidt: "Govern Your Thoughts""This rule is absolutely necessary in all stages of life if you wish to succeed, for without concentration of thought, you are courting failure.
How many people are there who are, so to speak, the shuttlecock of their thoughts! Every moment hundreds of ideas and thoughts rush through their brain, causing an expenditure of energy without adequate return in results.
Just fancy a man at the Bisley rifle range taking aim and shooting at the same moment as he thinks of something quite different. Do you think he will carry off the King's prize, or indeed, any prize? No, he will not even hit the target.
If, therefore, you wish to become healthy and strong, you must give your thoughts to the full and without restriction in this direction, even to the most insignificant performances of your daily life. Concentrate your mind upon the idea of acquiring health and strength!"
~ George Hackenschmidt
The Way to Live, Chapter 4
Labels: Concentration, George Hackenschmidt, Govern Your Thoughts, Mental Strength
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Saturday, March 21, 2009
Gotch vs. HackenschmidtThe greatest pro wrestling match ever held is undoubtedly on April 3rd, 1908 when the Frank Gotch and George "The Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt stepped in the ring to face each other after years of build-up. The undefeated Hackenschmidt was favored to win but after two hours of grappling, he finally submitted to an ankle lock by the American Champion Gotch. The match took place at Chicago's Dexter Park Pavilion.
The pair would face each other once again on September 4, 1911, this time at Comiskey Park in front of 30,000 fans. Gotch won the rematch in two straight falls and would go on to hold the heavyweight title until he retired in 1913.
Labels: Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Professional Wrestling, Wrestling Match
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Gustav FristenskyCzechoslovakian-born Gustav Fristensky was known professionally as "The Bavarian Hercules" -- and he was aptly named. He once ran the 100 meter dash in 14 seconds while also carrying an extra 90 kg. He was also very good at repetition lifting, having been able to jerk 176 pounds 26 times and 220 pounds 18 times.
Like many strongmen of the day he was also a very good wrestler and won the World Championship in 1903. Fristensky's wrestling coach was George Hackenschmidt's good friend George Lurich.
Labels: Czechoslovakian Strongman, George Hackenschmidt, George Lurich, Gustav Fristensky, Oldtime Strongman, The Bavarian Hercules, Wrestler
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Monday, January 26, 2009
Carl BuschCarl Busch was a great strongman and wrestler who was active in the early 20th century. After winning the 1901 German national title, he toured europe performing feats of strength and wrestling all comers. He even wrestled the great Frank Gotch to a draw under Greco-Roman rules. Busch also wrestled the likes of George Hackenschmidt, Professor Roller, and even Farmer Burns.
As far as feats of strength, Busch could bent press 250 pounds at a bodyweight of 175. Here he does a Crucifix with a pair of German Kettlebells.
Labels: Bent Press, Carl Busch, Crucifix, Farmer Burns, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, German Strongman, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Kettlebell, Strongman Feat, Wrestler
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Friday, December 19, 2008
Pole Climbing - George HackenschmidtAn incredibly rare snapshot from the training of George Hackenschmidt. In addition to lifting, road work, and wrestling practice, Hack also liked to climb telephone poles to build his upper-body strength. "Hugging" the telephone pole built the perfect kind of strength for throwing and grappling. His training partner Dr. Roller looks on in amazement.
Labels: Benjamin Roller, Bodyweight Exercise, Dr. Roller, George Hackenschmidt, Pole Climbing
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Dr. Benjamin RollerDr. Benjamin Franklin Roller was an early catch wrestler who sparred with the likes of Gotch, Hackenschmidt, Great Gama, and Zbyszko. Aside from wrestling, Roller was a great athlete in other sports, captaining the football and track teams at DePauw University where he attended in the late 1800s.
Upon graduating from medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, he accepted a professorship at the University of Washington. Shortly after, he instead chose to chase fame and fortune -- mostly fortune -- as a professional wrestler. Roller was a very good (but not great) wrestler although he did win his fair share of matches. Eventually he became a training partner for George Hackenschmidt
Labels: Benjamin Roller, Catch Wrestler, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Wrestling
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Great GamaAfter seeing this picture it is not difficult to see why The Great Gama was known as the greatest of all the Indian Wrestlers. In a match against Benjamin Roller the great Indian Champion "threw" his opponent 13 times in 13 minutes! From then on it was tough for the Great Gama to get matches. It was said that George Hackenschmidt and Frank Gotch both refused to face him in the ring. This rare picture was taken in 1934 - Gama was 51 years of age at the time.
Labels: Benjamin Roller, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Indian Wrestler, The Great Gama, Wrestling
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Sunday, December 07, 2008
George Hackenschmidt - The Russian Lion"...Any man who is normally of good physique, who has indulged in any form of athletics, or who has practised the series of exercises dealt with previously, for a period, say, of six months, should, however, devote his principal attention to muscular development. He may secure and maintain a condition of fair physical fitness by means of exercise without weights, but he cannot hope to become really strong unless he exercises with weights; for it is only by so doing that he can develop muscle of really good quality, and, as already hinted, it is important, both from the Health and the Strength points of view, that every muscular group throughout the body should be of the best quality attainable..."- The Way to Live by George Hackenschmidt Chapter 9
Labels: George Hackenschmidt, Physical Training, Strength Author, The Russian Lion, The Way to Live
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Monday, July 07, 2008
| "The natural invigorating remedy for an exhausted body is rest, both in the physical as in the mental direction, and a healthy sleep. This is the only means by which the various organs and muscles may rid themselves of the "fatigue poison" and collect and develop fresh energy." ~ George Hackenschmidt, The Way to Live, Chapter 6 |  George Hackenschmidt |
Labels: George Hackenschmidt, Recovery Techniques, The Way to Live
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Sunday, April 20, 2008
| "The frequent employment of one's will power matters all organs of movement and trains them to perform feats which otherwise would have been difficult, painful, and even impossible. The man becomes independent and self-reliant; he will never be a coward, and, when real danger threatens, he is the one looked up to by others. The knowledge of one's strength entails a real mastery over oneself; it breeds energy and courage, helps one over the most difficult tasks of life, and procures contentment and true enjoyment of living." - The Way to Live by George Hackenschmidt, written in 1908 |  George Hackenschmidt |
Labels: George Hackenschmidt, Physical Strength, Strength Author, Strength Book, The Way to Live, Will Power
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Friday, February 01, 2008
 Hack Squat | The Hack Squat, (or Hack Lift) is a behind-the-back deadlift, as demonstrated by Oldtime Physique star Walter Donald in the pages of Super Strength by Alan Calvert. This movement is not named after George Hackenschmidt but gets its name from "Hacke" the German word for ankle, which is roughly where the bar touches before the commencement of the lift. Several lifters have been able to perform this movement with nearly 800 pounds. |
Labels: George Hackenschmidt, Hack Lift, Hack Squat, Oldtime Strongman Exercises, Walter Donald
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Frank Gotch Step Over Toe HoldFrank Gotch's step over toe hold was the most feared submission move probably of all time. It could be applied quickly and efficently from almost any angle and few people knew how to defend it -- his opponents never knew what him 'em.
He used it to dispatch the likes of George Hackenschmidt, Benjamin Roller and Stanislaus Zbyszko.
Gotch, as masterfully trained by Farmer Burns had two main weapons: a precise execution of his moves and holds, and an almost superhuman level of conditioning.
Labels: Benjamin Roller, Conditioning, Farmer Burns, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Stanislaus Zbyszko, Step Over Toe Hold, Wrestling, Wrestling Hold
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
| At the turn of the century, wrestlers and strongmen were often one and the same. Stanislaus Zbyszko was born in Poland in 1879 and began his training career at a gymnastic school. Soon after he followed his contemporary George Hackenschmidt into the wrestling profession where he would hold the Heavyweight World Championship Belt on two occasions. |  Oldtime Wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko |
Labels: Benjamin Roller, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Oldtime Strongman, Stanislaus Zbyszko, The Great Gama, Wrestling
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Friday, October 05, 2007
George Hackenschmidt: The Russian LionGeorge "The Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt was equally well known as a wrestler and as a strongman.
As a wrestler, he faced all comers. He met and defeated Tom Cannon and later American Heavyweight Champion Tom Jenkins before he famously lost to Frank Gotch twice.
He used his great strength very effectively in the ring. Hackenschmidt could long jump 16 feet and excelled at gymnastic events in addition to his lifting feats. He bested Eugen Sandow's bent press record in 1898, and could could perform a "pullover and press" with 361 lbs.
In order to prepare for his matches, he would often walk around the gym with a heavy sack of cement on his shoulders.
You can learn more about George Hackenschmidt, his training and his fascinating life in The Way to Live published in 1908.
Labels: Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Oldtime Strongman, Supporting Feat, Wrestling
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Monday, September 24, 2007
Frank GotchHe defeated George Hackenschmidt twice, and the likes of Tom Jenkins, Benjamin Roller and Stanislaus Zbyszko on his way to holding the Heavyweight Championship longer than any man before or since.
It was his technique that made him a Champion (Gotch's feared step-over-toe-hold was nearly impossible to defend) but it was his training that made him a Legend.
There have been few wrestlers since then who trained more seriously than Gotch... and he trained just like a wrestler should.
Calisthenics, road work and sparing gave Gotch a killer's heart and an advantage in every single match.
The "Old Farmer" Farmer Burns understood the game of wrestling better than anyone and trained his student to be the best.
Labels: Benjamin Roller, Calisthenics, Farmer Burns, Frank Gotch, George Hackenschmidt, Stanislaus Zbyszko, Tom Jenkins, Wrestling
www.oldtimestrongman.com
All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
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