Suffering for the Win

Have you stopped to realize that gunfighting is fighting. Wow…really blew you away with my obvious statement there I’m sure, but hang with me on this one.

Pick the big guy said no one

If we are fighting, would you rather fight someone who is strong or weak? Be honest, if you had to really fight an opponent you probably would wish for a weak and less committed individual. So, if we can agree on this premise, would “we” want to be strong or weak? I see strength and conditioning tossed around these days as if it is new. Folks, if you are not working at getting stronger then you are only getting weaker. It really is that simple.

Digging deep for the team

There is a reason the military places a high value on physical readiness, because combat is physical, demanding and at times pushes you beyond your limits. If you are not physically prepared for the demands it will crush you. I saw this first hand as a student and then as an instructor. Believe me, if you failed to meet the physical standards I would move mountains to get rid of you. How does this translate to what I’m trying to say right now. Many times when people ask me how to improve their shooting they are looking for isolated response, what I want to tell them is “get stronger.”

Tune out the idiots

There are so many benefits to improving your strength and conditioning; people who tell you otherwise are idiots. Lately I’ve seen some pretty idiotic comments why strength training is not valuable, to which I would reply are you really in a position to comment about the negative effects of S&C as it relates to gunfighting. You may be a firearms instructor, but are you qualified to speak on the benefits or risks associated with strength training. Probably not. Full transparency, I’m not either…I’ve just lived my live and represented my community with the understanding stronger people are harder to kill. I have surrounded myself with some of the very best in the business and believe me these folks are the best.

Just get stronger

Having above average strength to grip, manage and control a firearm is only a good thing. Not only have I seen it in my own performance, but I have seen it with the top athletes I have been fortunate enough to train and work with; some of whom were at the very top of their game. These were people both men and women who’s strength capacity was well beyond average and when I placed a firearm in their hands they physicality dominated the shooting techniques. They bring to bear something other people overlook, the ability to recruit the appropriate muscular chain for shooting at an above average level. It is impressive to say the least.

The cost of pain

While I could go on and on about strength training, I would rather comment on a subject rarely talked about; suffering. Those who commit to a lifestyle to be physically prepared have endured great hardship. To commit to the physical abuse time and time again, knowing full well the pain you will experience is something few can understand. When it comes to combat, it is even fewer who can foster. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then that is part of the problem and one I would highly suggest you remedy.

When you are facing insurmountable odds the tenacity you need to prevail is not incased in a vile you break. It is honed through years of suffering to improve, to be better, to not quit and to prevail.