u/tgbjj

To begin from order position -> RL grip - Cast over left shoulder - absorb and reverse pendulum and pull back over to right arm curl cast - cast back over left shoulder - absord and reverse pendulum and pull back over to right arm curl cast again - toss straight up, casting over right shoulder - absorb and reverse pendulum and pull back over to left arm curl cast - right hand slides to the bottom -> now sequence repeats with LR grip, casting over right shoulder.

This is meant to be done with a moderate to heavy weight, and for max volume / intensity. Sets of 1:30-3:00 mins, depending on weight. End of set should be very near muscular and systemic failure.

3 sets each grip configuration for 20,20,10 before putting in some non mace related work - 3 sets of strict clean and press 2x50lb dumbbells x8 reps full ROM from floor, 2 sets of 10 bodyweight rows underneath dip bars, 3 sets of static 45° bent elbow handstand holds on dip bars.

It's worth understanding the mechanics and mathematical nature of the swing in order to improve yours. And you absolutely must analyze video of yourself to neurologically marry the feeling during your swing to the actual geometry and physics at play, and how and where to apply necessary adjustments.

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When holding the mace in order position - hands below belt buckle - plot points at the mace head and then below the hands with a gap of approximately the mace head. This is your swing path diameter. Now, map out a circle from the radius - this is your swing path, or track, that the mace head should follow.

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It's important to understand that the fulcrum or radius of this circle is not fixed, as it would be if the handle were spinning on a bearing, like a loose clock hand.

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Rather, the radius is a free point plotted in space, abstract from the mechanism itself, which the body constantly dynamically shifts the fulcrum and transfers the competing forces in order to maintain. This is where all the magic lies.

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It's just a circle. Where the head sits in order position is the top of the circle. There is no need to lift it high in the air followed by a swooping drop, and wonky elliptical.

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The hands and shoulder girdle dynamically follow a smaller, concentric circle around the same radial point. The mace is an extension of the body.

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Of course, this process is not automatic. It's fully manual. Nor is it easy. And a microsecond of miscalculation, maladjustment or displaced breathing rhythm results in total chaos.

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There is so much more going on than meets the eye when watching someone swing a heavy mace with grace. I'm often asked - Doesn't that get boring?

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Trust me. There is no time to be bored. This is flow state.

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People talk about being Locked In without ever truly knowing what it feels like to LOCK IN.

Go swing.

When we got Bean he was 4.5 months old and was being fostered by this guy. It's now 8 months later and he has moved out of the city but we randomly ran into him on a walk today. Bean was so excited to see his old buddy!

Nobody is safe around him, unfortunately.

Bean made a friend today. He was being oddly quiet outside so I went to check and found this situation lol.

He listens very well

Bean loves good shark sesh

I love my main rotation belts. In a sea of cheap BJJ belts with different brand tags, I like having belts with character.

I've had both of these since around 2014. Mizuno Gold Label IJF black belt made in Japan. I had a local tailor put a red cuff on it. I don't know if there's a better overall belt on the market.

The other is even lesser seen and something of a relic now. The Green Gi hemp belt. TGG has been out of business for a decade or so now, but they were a big surge in the BJJ gear subculture in the early-mid 2010's. It has a totally different feel than any other belt and the hemp fibers having uniformly faded the belt to a slate gray now gives it a nice OG look.

In another handful of years once the white core of the Mizuno starts showing through, I'll know I made it lol

Bean just wants Ruben to play with him so badly