Russian Kettleball...

[kage69]

An old training buddy of mine who was into traditional Uechi-ryu karate-do in a big way, used to rave about the benefits of this Okinawan training tool called a chishi. Basically, a weight (formed concrete or a rock) with a 2ft handle on it. You hold it like a hammer and do basic exercises with with it, working up to being able to perform kata while holding it. This guy has been doing for awhile, and has forearms like rock and grip that makes things pop in your hand when he shakes it.

I tried some basic stretches using this thing for maybe 10min, and remember my wrist and elbow just throbbing for days afterwards.
Apparently it can be kinda rough on some people, and most traditional dojos who use them in instruction forbid students under the age of 14 from partaking. When you're younger and still doing a lot of growing, it's a good idea to go easy on your connective ligaments, tendons, and cartilage I guess.

Anyway, I want to tone up my arms and grip power with this method as it clearly works, but after a hell of a winter and the "snow drift elbow" it gave me, I'm hesitantly cautious in what tool to use. Did some reading and found out about the kettleball - with no long handle should I assume it will be less painful to use than my friends chishi?

Anyone own one, or used one?


tia!

 

[spamsk8r]

It's actually kettlebell and yes, I use them all the time. Mainly for kettlebell swings which produce great power and teach your body to become more explosive in lifts such as the clean and the snatch. You can also do Turkish get-ups, one armed cleans, jerks, and snatches, etc. They really are very versatile. The only problem is that they're expensive, even for smaller ones. Check out http://www.dragondoor.com/ for great articles and a store for buying KBs.

 

[kage69]

Awesome. Forgot to mention I've also been wanting to become more explosive in the snatch! :laugh:




Ahh, bell...gotcha. Good link, checking it out now. Thanks!

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: spamsk8r
It's actually kettlebell and yes, I use them all the time. Mainly for kettlebell swings which produce great power and teach your body to become more explosive in lifts such as the clean and the snatch. You can also do Turkish get-ups, one armed cleans, jerks, and snatches, etc. They really are very versatile. The only problem is that they're expensive, even for smaller ones. Check out http://www.dragondoor.com/ for great articles and a store for buying KBs.

Not only are they expensive, but if you get stronger over time you'll have to get bigger ones! Dick's Sporting Goods has these by my house, but they don't go heavy.

 

[spamsk8r]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: spamsk8r
It's actually kettlebell and yes, I use them all the time. Mainly for kettlebell swings which produce great power and teach your body to become more explosive in lifts such as the clean and the snatch. You can also do Turkish get-ups, one armed cleans, jerks, and snatches, etc. They really are very versatile. The only problem is that they're expensive, even for smaller ones. Check out http://www.dragondoor.com/ for great articles and a store for buying KBs.

Not only are they expensive, but if you get stronger over time you'll have to get bigger ones! Dick's Sporting Goods has these by my house, but they don't go heavy.

Yeah, that's why I'm glad the CrossFit gym I go to has them in all sizes already (up to 2 pood). They're *way* too expensive for me to buy my own.

 

[sonambulo]

Yes, they are awesome but they are very expensive.

From your description I thought you were getting at club bells which are also great tools.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: spamsk8r
It's actually kettlebell and yes, I use them all the time. Mainly for kettlebell swings which produce great power and teach your body to become more explosive in lifts such as the clean and the snatch. You can also do Turkish get-ups, one armed cleans, jerks, and snatches, etc. They really are very versatile. The only problem is that they're expensive, even for smaller ones. Check out http://www.dragondoor.com/ for great articles and a store for buying KBs.

Not only are they expensive, but if you get stronger over time you'll have to get bigger ones! Dick's Sporting Goods has these by my house, but they don't go heavy.

There are some websites as to how you can make a makeshift one that you can actually add weight too if you take a nut off. It's pretty smart, but doesn't look to be exactly the safest thing. I guess it just depends on how handy you are

 

[LongTimePCUser]

Sometimes, you can get them cheap at ebay.