My humble 2 cents is if you have ample mat time, can complete the simple standard and do all the sfg level 1 skills tests, you already have a solid base
The great Stew McGill says there are no two ways about it, heavier weights require a certain inflexible stiffness. There's no getting around it. You have to sacrifice one for the other.
Again - i very much doubt that McGill spoke these words, "you have to sacrifice one for the other", he speaks about stiffness often in relation to being able to tighten supporting musculature to create the proper structure for lifting heavy weights safely, but inflexible stiffness is a term of strength it is not a term that means a lack of overall flexibility. You do not need to sacrifice your flexibility in order to lift heavy.
And yes Kyrinov, i recognize that the split doesnt translate directly to flexibility necessary for grappling, my point is that the OP's assumption that getting stronger through handling greater resistance will automatically limit his ability to be flexible is faulty reasoning. There is no scientific evidence showing that correlation and the picture of the bodybuilder doing the split is tongue in cheek jab at that theory.
@Megatonsunshine the patient in that video is Brian Carroll, a top powerlifter who has squatted (in gear) over 1,000 lbs. That is not even close to "normal" strong and he is so far to one end of the bell curve that it isn't really that comparable for the rest of us. Scroll towards the bottom of this page to see his background:
Ten/Twenty/Life :: Learn How to Maximize Your Strength for Life
Yes, to squat over 1,000 lbs you need a LOT of stiffness and don't need any EXTRA mobility than what it takes to get to legal depth ... but you still do need enough mobility to get down there.
It's important to remember that "too much" here depends on many variables and, for most people, it's _not_ an issue. I think it's probably safe to say that for _all_ people whose goals are general health and fitness and do not include a sport, it's simply a non-issue - become as strong and as flexible as you can.Too much flexibility can hinder certain activities, while building too much strength, the same.
S&S is a brilliant design.In fact, since I started strength training (not S&S), I found my Jiu jitsu to be less fluid and smooth - I've since developed way more tension and relied way more on strength while rolling, than before when i had to be softer, more aware and quicker vs people stronger than me.
Nonetheless, since I started S&S I think I've gotten a some of the 'feel' back, and what seems like better joint connectivity.
Read Pavel Macek's article in on this site, called Preparing an MMA Fighter, Preparing an MMA Fighter - StrongFirst - his trainee practices with 40-44kg bells - there is no ideal weight for a sport, weight is determined by the objectives, training and patience of the individual.Thanks for the reply. It is very likely I missed context, but like i said I've heard him say elsewhere before in varying contexts that strength and flexibility are negotiated depending on activity. Too much flexibility can hinder certain activities, while building too much strength, the same. I just provided the video as to one particular context.
In fact, since I started strength training (not S&S), I found my Jiu jitsu to be less fluid and smooth - I've since developed way more tension and relied way more on strength while rolling, than before when i had to be softer, more aware and quicker vs people stronger than me.
Nonetheless, since I started S&S I think I've gotten a some of the 'feel' back, and what seems like better joint connectivity. So I sort of relate to what Kyrinov was mentioning - choosing between the afferent (feeling) pathways and the efferent (doing) pathways.
I'm also curious why the article on this forum would specifically mention that grapplers and MMA types should do 32kg, when everyone else here says, "poppycock!!". Then why even the mention in the article. Something to at least consider?