I have seen a lot of training courses -- and I do mean A LOT of them over the years. Most of them
are decent enough, but every once in a while one comes along that truly stands out above the rest. One
of my all time favorite training courses though is "Lessons in Wrestling and Physical Culture" by Farmer Burns.
To understand why I think so highly of this course, you'll have to know a little bit more about Farmer
Burns himself: |
Most people know that Farmer Burns was a great turn of the century "catch" wrestler and physical culturist
and the teacher of the legendary Frank Gotch... who was arguably the greatest wrestler who ever stepped on the mat.
Once Burns' competitive career came to a close, he began his own school in Omaha, Nebraska. Fortunately
for us he produced a number of training courses outlining his methods and philosophy (this being one of them.)
What most people don't realize, however, is that his notions on successful physical training began long before then...
Farmer Burns was born in a log cabin on a farm in Cedar County, Iowa in 1861 and took a liking to wrestling as a young man.
Life was pretty tough back then anyway, but when Burns' father died when he was 11 years old and he was left to
support his mother, brother and five sisters. He did so by flat out going to work: farming, logging, chopping firewood
anything which came with a pay check.
The work ethic was certainly there just for the sake of survival, but he also noticed that this kind of intense
physical labor also translated very well to his success as a wrestler...
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Consequently, the messages he promotes through his training materials are all based on hard work, proper conditioning
and correct practice -- and I like that a lot. These are the types of messages that I think people need to hear,
and they are just as important today as they were when they were written back in 1912.
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"YOU, a Farmer Burns Student,
- a Century Later!" |
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Farmer Burns' "Lessons in Wrestling and Physical Culture" was
originally a set of 12 lessons which were sent to Burns' students each month for a year.
They consisted of physical training advice, exercises & calisthenics, suggestions on diet and clean living,
encouragement & motivation and, towards the end of the course, specific tactics to be used on the wrestling
mat.
Today, all of these lessons have been compiled into one complete
volume so that you can now enjoy them all at once.
As mentioned previously, what I like most about
this course is that it is straight and to the point. In fact, the very first line of Chapter 1 is:
"This course
of lessons is PRACTICAL"
... and I couldn't agree more. I particularly like the focus on conditioning - a message that is
rarely spoken of but incredibly important as far as I'm concerned. Take a look below for more information
on what this course can teach you:
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Lessons in Wrestling and Physical Culture
by Farmer Burns
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Some Topics Which Are Covered: |
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Necessity of Actual Work
Time Required for Training
Muscular Soreness
Dietary Suggestions
When to Take Exercises
How Long to Exercise
Deep Breathing
Two Kinds of Breathing
Breathing for Internal Exercise
Rule of Wrestling
Speed Work
Running Program
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Some Things Not to Do
Rolling and Kneading the Muscles
Value of Gymnastic Exercises
Lifting Heavy Weight
Wrestling in Physical Culture
General Principles in Wrestling
The Hammer Lock
Fall from a Standing Position
How to Break a Head Chancery
Combination Exercise with Dumb Bells
"TIME" in Wrestling
The Flying Mare
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The Gotch Toe Hold
Training for Boxers
Punching the Bag
The Value of Neck Training
Wearing Out Your Opponent
Dividing and Bunching Your Work
Science in Wrestling
Blocking vs. Breaking Holds
The Crooked Head Scissors
The "Nelson" Series
Jumping The Rope
The Severe Arm Hold
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A Special Bonus For You: |
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As an additional special bonus, included with "Lessons in Wrestling and
Physical Culture" is a reprinted advertising booklet for the Farmer Burns School of Wrestling
in Omaha, Nebraska.
This 32-page booklet is a nice keepsake and features some of Farmer Burns'
most famous students and testimonials for his training courses - an interesting bit of physical culture history
for your collection. You'll also be able to see some of the results that Farmer Burns' students achieved
by using this training program.
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As you can see by the wide range of topics that are covered, the "old Farmer" knew a thing or two
about what it takes to build health and strength... and there's something in his course for everyone. I recommend
it for the motivational and physical training advice which can be used by just about everyone.
And if you're
a wrestler or combat athlete, you are sure to learn more than a few things that your opponent does not. -- Either
way, this is a classic training course that belongs in your personal library - get your copy below:
Train hard,
John Wood
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Have questions or need assistance?
- Try our LIVE SUPPORT -
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Lessons in Wrestling and Physical Culture +
Booklet by Farmer Burns - $34.99 + s/h
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