BRAVE THE COLD

“Be nice, introduce yourself, and say hi; like a normal person.”
-Greg Walsh

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The beginning of 2018 commenced with a trip out east for Cj and I. A trip to solidify bonds and camaraderie through physicality. We planned a trip; the forecast said it’d be cold, colder than usual… we didn’t give a shit.

Although the temperature was around a balmy 2 degrees in the area and was said to feel “colder than the artic,” the welcome into Wolf Brigade Gym was warm. It is anticipated that this may not always be the case, pending a person’s intent or their commitment level. Wolf Brigade and The Sect are similar breeds – Our hospitality is earned not given; and warm, even hot, if willing to brave the cold.

Wolf Brigade is a place of work, our kind of place. When Greg, is not conducting sessions or assessing clients he has metal dust on his face and hands from the handcrafted quality tools built and customized in the back of the gym with pride and experience. The attention to detail and amount of effort that is placed into everything he does is admirable. It’s obvious that there are not enough hours in theday for this man, but he is willing to make time for us. What they have built is impressive and real. No fake bullshit, no over glorified and dramatic shows… a place of real effort, and real people. It’s great to go away to somewhere that also feels so much like home.

Share what you know, as that’s how we all grow

Everyone we met and/or reunited with during our stay, was absolutely great. Heather McAllister was full of knowledge, ability, and awesomeness that she’s willing to share with those fortunate enough to be around. Lexis Hammond is a powerhouse that doesn’t even realize it yet. Both are strong, capable individuals that represent Wolf Brigade and their ethos exceptionally well. Aimee Jacot from Cult 21 is super cool, has downright scary skills with a mace and is eager to learn more. It was also great to reconnect with Chris Burkeybyle who, as always, was insightful, knowledgeable, and respectful.  We were also welcomed to jump into their group training sessions and was very impressed, but not surprised, that the level of detail has been transposed throughout the WB members.

There is more insight on the walls of WB, than in the pages of most books

We were able to share, plan, and learn much while in Rochester, and was also even able to stumble into a “show” (ERRA) while there as well. One of the coolest things that went down was the #203 Kettlebell clean. Greg and I were talking about kettlebell movements as I was admiring their arsenal. We walked by the cannonball sized kettlebell that at most places is considered novelty, not available, or perhaps not even heard of; In fact, I hadn’t seen one in person till now. Here however its a tool that gets utilized, and they have quite a few of them. Greg spoke of it being the only bell he has yet to get to his shoulder someway, somehow. He mentioned he had got it close with a stacked hand clean, and a little farther away with a high pull, goblet catch. When he spoke of the clean, I could see in his face and hear in his voice that it was super close and that he wanted it. I placed my hand on the bell to test the waters… I picked it up and was immediately intimidated. Then picked it up again and took a few little swings to get acclimated. I knew if I could get it close, he’d go for it. I made an attempt and came up short… but closer than anticipated and close enough to know that it would go. Made a couple more attempts and was able to get it. I could immediately feel and hear Greg was now committed to doing it as well. He quickly did on the right side, then on the left. Cj who is also way more capable than he realizes was able to hit it as well.

The highlight wasn’t that I personally got the bell to my shoulder, the execution was messy enough to almost not even count it. The highlight was that our perspective had changed, what we once thought not possible… now simply was.

What’s next?

“I’m not giving up, I’m not giving in, so let’s begin again.” -Irreversible, Erra