Imagine four (4) dominoes lined up with the intent of toppling them in such a way that they fall perfectly in alignment and sequential order. Each domino represents a phase in Weightlifting.
Domino # 1 – Set up
Domino # 2 – First Pull
Domino #3 – Second Pull
Domino #4 – Third Pull
Now visualize the following sequence of events: A perfect setup allows for a perfect first pull; a perfect first pull allows for a perfect second pull; and, a perfect second pull allows for a perfect third pull.
If one domino is out of sequence, the whole performance suffers. Makes sense? Good. But it doesn’t end here. The lifter must also have the proper mindset.
Enter ‘The Pearl and the Dragon’ coexisting within the Yin-Yang philosophy.
Yin-Yang simply is balance.
“Without balance, there is only imbalance.” – Confuzed Shoez
The balance between the pearl and the dragon must be in perfect harmony. In Asian culture:
a) The Pearl – Represents calmness, peace, and serenity.
b) The Dragon – Represents aggression, bravery, courage.
Got it? Good.
The lifter must understand the significance of the falling dominoes analogy as well as the importance of having the correct mindset as dictated by a well-balanced pearl / dragon Yin-Yang. Then and only then the two concepts can be integrated.
Set-up and First Pull – The lifter must be a Pearl.
Second and Third Pulls – The lifter must quickly become a Dragon in a split-second.
If the lifter is too much of a dragon (too aggressive) during set-up and first pull, when the lifter should be a pearl, it’s guaranteed the lifter will be all over the place during the execution of the second pull. Imbalance occurs. The most common error is when the lifter prematurely initiates the explosive phase. This typically results in the bar moving away from the lifter and the lifter jumps forward.
If the lifter is too much of a pearl (not enough aggression) during the execution of the second and third pulls, when the lifter should be a dragon, it’s guaranteed the lifter will rob himself or herself of kilos. Imbalance occurs. The most common error is when the lifter lacks the necessary explosiveness. This typically results in the bar not achieving ideal height, and it could also result slow third pull (think Newton’s Law of Motion – For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction).
Pho-losopher Confuzed believes in you. Now go find and achieve your balance.
HoofGripWL 