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One Arm Handstand Work – 7-2-12

Rough clips of some decent holds tonight. I’ve been filming from the side more frequently, as it is a LOT more informative for the handstand. DO IT. Still not where I want it to be, but still happy with the overall progress this year.

Read More » | July 3, 2012 | Category: Videos | Comments: 3 | Tags: , , , , ,

90 degree pushups – negatives – 5-7-12

I worked the 90 degree pushup again in training today. I’m able to push out of one (www.youtube.com – but today I was looking to control the lower down as far as I could go. I used three set-ups of increasing height. The boxes were a bit harder to transition,

Read More » | May 7, 2012 | Category: Videos | Comments: 3 | Tags: , , , ,

Reverse Muscle-up aka “Elevator” Training

The evolution past handstand pushups – I’ve been working with my hands on tall boxes to replicate the “elevator”. Decent results. The body leans towards the wall slightly, and notice how the elbows/arms move behind the torso. Careful with the set-up – it’s easy to flip over and/or put yourself

Read More » | April 9, 2012 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , ,

Improvised Dream Machine (gymnastics ring assist)

Improvised “Dream Machine” I put together the other day. The red belt is from a Vertimax, although any strong belt would do. I tied loops in the webbing (bowline knot) to connect it to the belt. The carabiners act as pulleys and cut one’s weight in half. It could use

Read More » | March 31, 2012 | Category: Videos | Comments: 3 | Tags: , , ,

90 degree pushups – low

What to do after handstand pushups? Here’s a start – 90 degree pushups. They were feeling good this week. Here I’ve clustered 3 together (~10 sec rest between each). I am working to get low enough until I eventually get down to a back lever-like position and then pull back

Read More » | February 18, 2012 | Category: Videos | Comments: 19 | Tags: , , , , ,

Weighted Muscle-ups

Is it possible to do a strict muscle-up if you weigh over 200 lbs? Absolutely. It’s all a matter of getting those shoulders set back and down! This is key! Weighted muscle-ups have been going well lately, so here’s a recent video. I weight 175 lbs+, so you’re looking at

Read More » | January 4, 2012 | Category: Videos | Comments: 1 | Tags: , , , , , ,

Random Training Clips – Summer 2011

Haven’t uploaded a video for awhile, so here are some random clips from my training. I don’t think they’re too amazing – there is a difference between training and performing – but they’ll give you an idea of some of the exercises I’ve been working recently. It’s been very heavy

Read More » | September 7, 2011 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , ,

Muscle-ups on a Rope!

Inspired by this video from CrossFit 515 – bit.ly – I wanted to see how a muscle-up on two ropes and one rope felt. Two ropes was pretty easy, just a major strain on the thumb side of the wrists. One rope was easy to get my first elbow over,

Read More » | May 18, 2011 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , , ,

Blindfolded Handstand

This video was inspired by Eddie Motter. He was a gymnast in the 1950’s who was totally blind. While this is a pretty short hold – just to show you it can be done – Eddie could hold a handstand for over 3 minutes! Are we truly as limited as

Read More » | February 22, 2011 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , ,

Ninja Warrior Training – Take 1 – Beast Skills

Gave a gymnastic seminar at Urban Evolution (urbanevo.com ) the other weekend. (Two guys got their first muscle-ups!) Had a quick moment afterward to try out their Ninja Warrior set-up. Great stuff! And yes… I want to compete. Stay tuned.

Read More » | February 2, 2011 | Category: Videos | Comments: 1 | Tags: , , , ,

Tiger Bend Pushups

Today I’ve got an old video from 2007 I recently found on my computer. (I’m about 20 lbs heavier now!) The skill is called a tiger bend pushup. The shift in weight necessary to complete the skill makes it perhaps more difficult than a regular freestanding handstand pushup. My advice

Read More » | November 30, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , ,

Tiger Bend Pushups

Today I’ve got an old video from 2007 I recently found on my computer. (I’m about 20 lbs heavier now!) The skill is called a tiger bend pushup. The shift in weight necessary to complete the skill makes it perhaps more difficult than a regular freestanding handstand pushup. My advice

Read More » | November 30, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , ,

Acrobatic Chairs Act

I just performed my first solo acrobatic chairs act the other weekend for the grand opening of one of my gym’s new locations (www.balancegym.com) Had several poses, and I’ve included the best in here. My witty banter in between was minimally thought out and practiced, but it went well enough.

Read More » | September 23, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , ,

Acrobatic Chairs Act

I just performed my first solo acrobatic chairs act the other weekend for the grand opening of one of my gym’s new locations (www.balancegym.com) Had several poses, and I’ve included the best in here. My witty banter in between was minimally thought out and practiced, but it went well enough.

Read More » | September 23, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , ,

How to climb a rope

I was watching the CrossFit Games the other weekend when I saw the final event – the rope climb. It proved challenging to many competitors. For those that have never tried it, climbing a rope with your hands and feet is a lot more technical than you might think. In

Read More » | July 26, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: 1 | Tags: , , , , ,

Two Finger Chin-up

Here’s a video of a two finger chin-up on rings with the index fingers, then the middle fingers. These weren’t perhaps the strongest ones of the night, but they’re a pretty average representation of my strength in the skills now. Notice how much faster (and stronger) the middle finger chin

Read More » | May 12, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , , ,

Assisted One Arm Handstand Pushup

In 1954, Roger Bannister was the first man to run a sub-4-minute mile. Within 3 years, 16 other runners had also. The psychological barrier had been broken. The one arm handstand pushup holds a similar mystique. While some say it is impossible, others are busy training for it. I’ve been

Read More » | January 29, 2010 | Category: Videos | Comments: 1 | Tags: , , , ,

Product Review – EXF Rings from RingTraining.com

Hey guys, Jim from BeastSkills.com, just reviewing some rings from RingTraining.com. The new EXF Rings are the 3rd version of rings that has been offered by the site. Lots of new innovations – rubberized grip, S-hook system that allows doorway mounting and easier ceiling mounting, as well as measurements on

Read More » | December 16, 2009 | Category: Videos | Comments: 2 | Tags: , ,

Assisted One Arm Muscle-Up on Rings

Inspired by Yury Tikhonovich and his one arm muscle-up in this video: www.youtube.com I wanted to try a similar skill on the rings. As you see, I try various grips for the pulling and assisting hand. Like Yury, I kick into it as well. If anyone can do the skill

Read More » | August 1, 2009 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , ,

Pseudo-Maltese Training on Gymnastic Rings

Hey guys, here’s an exercise to try that will help strengthen up your chest and shoulders for the maltese position on rings, as well as for the backward roll on rings. The hands are right by my hips, palms facing down. My arms are slightly bent and I’m pressing them

Read More » | March 13, 2009 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , ,

Philadelphia/New Jersey Area Beast Skills Seminar – …

Learn a handstand! Learn a muscle-up! Learn a front lever! And much more!!! I’m holding a seminar on March 1st, 2009 for all those in the Philly/Jersey area. It will take place at High Performance Gymnastics Training Center in Chalfont, PA. The beginner seminar (8am-10am) is best for those just

Read More » | January 23, 2009 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , ,

Fingertip Handstand

Hey guys, just posting a quick video showing my fingertip handstand from a month ago (with only 8 fingers used). I’ve worked up to this point by practicing pushups on my fingertips, then elevating my feet over time to put more weight on my fingers. The balance isn’t too difficult,

Read More » | January 22, 2009 | Category: Videos | Comments: 2 | Tags: , , , , ,

Live in Tortola? Train with me! (plus a new seminar)

Hi guys, this is Jim from BeastSkills.com – www.beastskills.com I know this is a long shot, but I wanted to see if any of my fans lived in Tortola and wanted to meet up for a training session. I’ll be there the end of January on a family vacation. If

Read More » | January 5, 2009 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , , ,

Handstand Walking – Stepping up and down off a bench

Just a video of me stepping up, then stepping back down from a weight bench while in a handstand position. If you have a solid handstand pushup, the technique isn’t too difficult. Just come at the bench stomach first, put one hand up, lower your chest to the edge of

Read More » | November 17, 2008 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , ,

The human flag – a study

Hey guys, just a few quick clips of some flag training last Monday. After looking over the footage, I’ve come up with a couple more tips to help you get the skill – especially if you’re close. It basically breaks down to: – hop or swing your legs, rather than

Read More » | November 14, 2008 | Category: Videos | Comments: 1 | Tags: , , , , ,

Quick Tip for your Planche

Hey guys, just a quick tip for those of you working on the planche. If you don’t have a set of parallettes, try a set of dumbbells or pushup handles to work your exercises on. I’ve found it’s less wear and tear on the wrists. More tips and exercises for

Read More » | November 4, 2008 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , ,

Beast Skills Seminar – Nov 9th, 2008

Hey guys, this is Jim from BeastSkills.com. This video is to let you know of a gymnastic seminar I’m holding Sunday, November 9th, 2008, from 9am to 12 noon at Potomac Crossfit (www.PotomacCrossfit.com) in Arlington, VA. I’ll be covering basic and advanced handstand work, as well as basic and advanced

Read More » | October 17, 2008 | Category: Videos | Comments: none | Tags: , , , , , ,