THE BIG BOOK OF

CLUBBELL TRAINING
2nd EDITION
by Scott Sonnon

RMAX.tv Productions
Copyright 2006 by RMAX.tv Productions
All rights reserved

THE BIG BOOK OF

CLUBBELL TRAINING
Table of Contents
Forward ........................................................................................................................i
Introduction ................................................................................................................v
What is Fitness?

CST Fitness Standard #1: ................................................................................................................2

CST Fitness Standard #2: ................................................................................................................3
CST Fitness Standard #3: ................................................................................................................4
Fitness and Wellness ........................................................................................................................4

What is Flow in Fitness?

What is the Goal of Fit-ness? ............................................................................................................6

What is the Purpose of Work in Fit-ness?..........................................................................................6
Two Types of Forces: Driving and Restrictive....................................................................................7
Tabula Rasa: Removing Restrictive Forces ........................................................................................7
What is The Ultimate Physical Expression of Fitness? ......................................................................8
Flow Under Resistance: Adding the Driving Forces ..........................................................................9

What is the CST System?

11

What is the CST College?

13

The 3 Courses of CST System ........................................................................................................14

The CST Coaching Development Program ....................................................................................15
CST Level Overview Expanded ......................................................................................................16
How do RMAX Martial Art Systems Fit In? ..................................................................................16

How is CST Organized as a System?

17

Principles of Physical Development ................................................................................................18

Growth is a Universal, Predictable Process ......................................................................................18
Each Individual Progresses with Unique Timing ............................................................................18
Simple to Complex General to Specific......................................................................................19
Head Downwards Center Outwards ..........................................................................................19
Fitness Value Hierarchy ..................................................................................................................20

Our Evolution: from Ancient Tool to Modern Athlete

23

Russian Bulava ................................................................................................................................24

Iranian Meel....................................................................................................................................27
Indian Gada, Jori, Karela, Ekka ......................................................................................................30
British Club Swinging ....................................................................................................................33
American Club Swinging ................................................................................................................34
20th Century Strongman Club Swinging........................................................................................36

The Birth of Three Dimensional Training

45

Russian SAMBO ............................................................................................................................46

Performance Diagnostic Trinity ....................................................................................................49
Training Hierarchy Pyramid..........................................................................................................51
General Physical Preparedness ........................................................................................................52
Specific Physical Preparedness ........................................................................................................52
Three Dimensional Performance Pyramid ....................................................................................53
Experimenting with Designs ..........................................................................................................57
The 4 Intentions of Combat Sport SPP ..........................................................................................58

Tabula Rasa Clean the Slate

61

The Site is not the Source ..............................................................................................................62

Learning to Clean the Slate ............................................................................................................63
Cleaning the Slate ..........................................................................................................................63
Cycle, Circuit but Dont Cocktail ..................................................................................................64
How Do You Plan? ........................................................................................................................64
Short-term Success vs. Long-lasting Development ..........................................................................65
Avoiding the Immediate Results Eventual Injury Loop ..............................................................65

Intuitive Training

67

Resolving the Pain through Mobility Drills ....................................................................................68

Sometimes No Pain Means No Gain!..............................................................................................68
How do You Design RPE into Your Program Assessment? ..............................................................69
How does Recording Your RPE Help your Program?......................................................................69
So All I Need is My RPE to Use My Intuition in Training? ............................................................70
So How Can Intuitive Training Help You Assess Form? ..................................................................70
The Problem with Guys..................................................................................................................71
The Problem with Gals ..................................................................................................................72
Diagnostics and Assessment ............................................................................................................72
Cycle or Circuit, but do not Cocktail ............................................................................................73

The Golden Ratio of Fitness

75

The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Mean ..............................................................................76

Intuitive Training meets the Fibonacci Wave ..................................................................................76
Energy Levels and the Fibonacci Sequence......................................................................................76
Tapering to Peak Performance ........................................................................................................77

Clubbell Training Mechanics

79

Safety Strap ....................................................................................................................................80

Approach ........................................................................................................................................80
Aligning your Spine ........................................................................................................................81
Confirming Your Grip ....................................................................................................................82
Micro-loading Grip Choke Depth ..................................................................................................82
Right and Left Grip ......................................................................................................................83
Split Grip ....................................................................................................................................83
Complimentary Grip ....................................................................................................................84

Intelligent Grip ............................................................................................................................84

Leverage Grip ..............................................................................................................................85
Packing Your Shoulders ..................................................................................................................85
Practicing the Shoulder Pack with a Basic Swing ............................................................................86
Two-Handed Clubbell Exercise and Shoulder Pack........................................................................86
Locking Your Arms ........................................................................................................................86
Elbow Pit Rotation........................................................................................................................86
Short and Long Arms ....................................................................................................................87
Wrist Alignment............................................................................................................................88
Activating Your Core ......................................................................................................................88
Fear and Anger Level Breathing ....................................................................................................88
Discipline Level Breathing ............................................................................................................88
Flow Level Breathing ....................................................................................................................89
Breath Development is Specific! ......................................................................................................89
Recruiting Your Hips ......................................................................................................................89
Hip Snap......................................................................................................................................90
Side Hip Snap ..............................................................................................................................90
Hip Sit-Back ................................................................................................................................91
Hip Sway ....................................................................................................................................91
Hip Root ......................................................................................................................................92
Driving Your Legs ..........................................................................................................................93
Shock Absorption ..........................................................................................................................93
Rock-It Drill ..................................................................................................................................95

Clubbell Basic Positions

97

Floor Park ......................................................................................................................................99

Ready Position The Silverback ..................................................................................................99
Shoulder Park................................................................................................................................100
Chest Park ..................................................................................................................................101
Arm Stop ......................................................................................................................................101
Order Position ..............................................................................................................................102
Two-Handed Order Position ......................................................................................................102
Guard Position ..............................................................................................................................103
Flag Position ................................................................................................................................103
Two-Handed Flag Position ..........................................................................................................104
Torch Position ..............................................................................................................................104
Two-Handed Torch Position ......................................................................................................104
Back Position ................................................................................................................................105
Two-Handed Back Position ........................................................................................................106

Clubbell Exercises

107

Equipment Substitutes ..................................................................................................................108

Swings

109

Front Swing ..................................................................................................................................110

Two-Handed Front Swing ............................................................................................................112
Side Swing ....................................................................................................................................113
Side Semi Circle Swing ................................................................................................................114
Pirouette Swing ............................................................................................................................115

Pendulums

117

Front Pendulum............................................................................................................................118
Two-Handed Front Pendulum ......................................................................................................120
Inside Pendulum ..........................................................................................................................121
Double Side Pendulum ................................................................................................................122
Two-Handed Guard Inside Pendulum ..........................................................................................123
Outside Pendulum ........................................................................................................................124
Two-Handed Guard Outside Pendulum ......................................................................................125
Lunge-Step Pendulum ..................................................................................................................126
Two-Handed Guard Lunge-Step Pendulum ..................................................................................127
Side-Step Pendulum ......................................................................................................................128
Two-Handed Guard Side-Step Pendulum ....................................................................................129

Circles

131

Front Circle ..................................................................................................................................132

Back Circle....................................................................................................................................134
Inside Circle..................................................................................................................................135
Outside Circle ..............................................................................................................................136
Two-Handed Side Circle ..............................................................................................................137
Alternating Circles: Front Stroke and Backstroke ..........................................................................138

Cleans

139

Front Clean to Order Position ......................................................................................................140

Two-Handed Front Clean to Order Position ................................................................................142
Front Clean to Shoulder Park........................................................................................................143
Two-Handed Front Clean to Shoulder Park..................................................................................144
Front Clean to Flag Position ........................................................................................................145
Two-Handed Front Clean to Flag Position....................................................................................146
Front Clean to Back Position ........................................................................................................147
Two-Handed Front Clean to Back Position ..................................................................................148
Side Clean to Guard Position........................................................................................................149
Side Clean to Shoulder Park..........................................................................................................150
Side Clean to Back Position ..........................................................................................................151
Side Clean to Side Flag ................................................................................................................152

Jerks

153

Front Torch Jerk............................................................................................................................154

Two-Handed Front Torch Jerk ......................................................................................................155
Front Jerk ....................................................................................................................................156

Two-Handed Front Jerk ................................................................................................................157

Shoulder Park Front Jerk ..............................................................................................................158
Two-Handed Shoulder Park Front Jerk ........................................................................................159
Front Clean + Jerk ........................................................................................................................160
Side Torch Jerk..............................................................................................................................161
Side Jerk ......................................................................................................................................162
Shoulder Park Side Jerk ................................................................................................................163
Side Clean + Jerk ..........................................................................................................................164

Snatches

165

Front Torch Snatch ......................................................................................................................166

Two-Handed Front Torch Snatch..................................................................................................168
Front Snatch ................................................................................................................................169
Two-Handed Front Snatch............................................................................................................170
Side Torch Snatch ........................................................................................................................171
Side Snatch ..................................................................................................................................172

Presses

173

Torch Press....................................................................................................................................174
Two-Handed Torch Press ..............................................................................................................175
Front Press ....................................................................................................................................176
Two-Handed Front Press ..............................................................................................................177
Flag Press ......................................................................................................................................178
Two-Handed Flag Press ................................................................................................................179
Side Torch Press ............................................................................................................................180
Side Press ......................................................................................................................................181
Side Flag Press ..............................................................................................................................182
Clean and Press ............................................................................................................................183

Casts

185

Wrist Cast ....................................................................................................................................186

Two Handed Wrist Cast The Crowbar ....................................................................................187
Arm Cast ......................................................................................................................................188
Alternating Arm Cast Drumming Cast ....................................................................................190
Two-Handed Arm Cast The Gama Cast ..................................................................................191
Two-Handed Arm Cast Circular Pivot ........................................................................................193
Two-Handed Arm Cast to Flag Position The Barbarian ..........................................................194
Shoulder Cast................................................................................................................................195
Two-Handed Shoulder Cast ........................................................................................................196
Shoulder Cast to Side Flag Position The Muscle Out ..............................................................197
Double Shoulder Cast The Crucifix ........................................................................................198
Alternating Shoulder Cast The Kodo Cast ..............................................................................199
Head Cast ....................................................................................................................................200
Shoulder Cast Leverage Hold Variation ........................................................................................202
Alternating Head Cast The See-Saw ..........................................................................................203

Two-Handed Head Cast ..............................................................................................................204

Shield Cast....................................................................................................................................205
Two-Handed Shield Cast ..............................................................................................................206
Parry Cast ....................................................................................................................................207
Reverse Parry Cast ........................................................................................................................209
Two-Handed Parry Cast................................................................................................................211

Clubbell Superiority

213

Constant Center of Mass ............................................................................................................214

Dangers of the Shifting Center of Mass in Plate and Shot Loaded Tools ......................................215
Dangers of the Contour of Plate-Loaded Tools ............................................................................216
Protective Coating of the Clubbell ..............................................................................................216
Dangers of Grip Textures ............................................................................................................216
Dangers of Cast and Lathed Designs ............................................................................................217
Knob Design ................................................................................................................................217
Dangers of Collar Failure in Plate Loaded Tools ..........................................................................217
More Collar Dangers ....................................................................................................................218
Choosing Metal over Wood ..........................................................................................................218

Frequently Asked Questions

221

What are the advantages of using Clubbells for CST? ..................................................................222

What are the differences between traditional antique clubs and modern Clubbells?......................223
Which sports have been improved by the use of Clubbells? ..........................................................223
With which Clubbell weight should I begin? ..............................................................................224
Which should I purchase next? ....................................................................................................224
What about the 45-lb Clubbells? ..................................................................................................225
Should I purchase the entire Clubbell PRO Gym immediately? ..................................................225

Safety Guidelines

227

Sample Programs

231

Basic types of Work ......................................................................................................................232

Longevity Program Guidance........................................................................................................232

Basic Strength Conditioning

235

Dense Strength..............................................................................................................................236
Swing Power..................................................................................................................................236
Neural Strength ............................................................................................................................236
Club Mass ....................................................................................................................................237
Power Plant ..................................................................................................................................237
Functional Hypertrophy................................................................................................................238

Ladder Training

239

Linear (Geometric) Ladder ..........................................................................................................240

Wave Ladder ................................................................................................................................240
Competitive Ladder ......................................................................................................................240
Step (Exponential) Ladder ............................................................................................................240

Ratchet Ladder..............................................................................................................................241
Choking Ladder ............................................................................................................................241
Control Pause Ladder....................................................................................................................241

Century Training

243

Double Century Training..............................................................................................................246

Phi Century Ratchet Sequencing

249

Youth Clubbell Classes

253

Youth Athletic Training Guidelines ..............................................................................................254

International Clubbell Sport

257

ICS Rules and Regulations ..........................................................................................................258

2005 Womens Qualifications ......................................................................................................260
2005 Mens Qualifications ..........................................................................................................260
ICS Ratings ..............................................................................................................................261

Sport-Specific Program Examples

263

Basketball Teams. ..........................................................................................................................264

Baseball Swinging..........................................................................................................................264
Baseball Pitching ..........................................................................................................................265
Football Quarterbacks ..................................................................................................................265
Soccer Goalies ..............................................................................................................................266
Tennis Players ..............................................................................................................................266
Field Hockey Teams ......................................................................................................................267
Volleyball Players ..........................................................................................................................267
Golf Players ..................................................................................................................................268

Bibliography

269

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on entering the world of Circular Strength Training (CST).
Id like to begin with a word about the language used in this book. Theres a
rule of thumb that applies to communication of sports and combat athletics
instruction: athletes need to experience the instruction and teachers need to
provide it in a language that the athletes understand, whether thats words or
drills. Youll get both here.
Some of you may already be very familiar with terms that are used in
scientific or instructional materials for either exercise or physiology.
Others of you may not.
Everywhere that I introduced a technical or scientific term, one that is part of the exercise physiology
or sport psychology lexicon, Ive tried to explain it such that the general reader will understand it,
without surrendering the precision of the science or losing those who care more about the practice
than the underlying principles or theories.
It is also important to note that my coaching involves symbolism. Symbols embody deep and
complex imagery and communicate empowering dimensions beyond cold, sterile terms. I use symbols
deliberately because we think in images and not in elaborate strings of scientific terminology. Talk to
a quantum physicist and to a Zen Monk and you may have a very similar, if not identical, dialogue.
Language is a means to an end. Symbolism accelerates communication and amplifies understanding.
If you have a question, please ask it on our forum at WWW.RMAXINTERNATIONAL.COM. The only
dumb question is the one that you dont ask. An entire tribe of athletes, instructors and coaches is at
your disposal 24 hours a day.
To begin the practice of the material in this book youll need at least one pair of authentic, patented
Clubbells, and the Clubbell Training Basics DVDs.
I want CST to be the most satisfying fitness experience youve ever had, and I want to provide you
with the tools that you need to surpass your goals. Its my hope that this book will give you both.

Chief Operations Officer

RMAX.tv Productions

Introduction

HOW IS CST
ORGANIZED
AS A
SYSTEM?

CST is a complete system unto itself. You cannot remove a

portion from a circle and still have a circle; to remain a
holistic approach, you must have a whole. The micro of the
macro is that the body is not composed of hundreds of
individual muscles, but of one muscular sack of bioelectric jelly
with hundreds of sets of insertions. Nothing in isolation.
Everything a complete whole, a perfect circle.

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

Many people have asked why I constructed CST in the manner in which I did. They ask this, as you
might, to understand how to properly fit CST into their lives. Let me first explain the developmental
principles that I observed in order to create CST, and then explain options for how you can tailor
your personal practice to meet your needs and demands.

PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT
As we develop from infant to child to adolescent to adult
to old age we experience a complex process of perpetual
refinement of skills. Each period in the development of these
abilities is punctuated by a short and rocky regression. We
undergo four general developmental principles in the first
few years of our life, and understanding these helps create a
template for development in later stages. It is from these four
principles that I forged the format of CST.

GROWTH IS A UNIVERSAL,
PREDICTABLE PROCESS
We can generally predict the sequence of development in all
areas: physical, emotional, mental, social and verbal. For
example, locomotion proceeds from sitting, crawling, and
standing to walking. As a result, I orchestrated CST to
progress according to the simple rubrics of each joints
movement (flex, extend, rotate) and formatted an
incrementally progressive, step-by-step advancement of
recovery to coordination to refinement. Simply stated, I
constructed CST to be Incrementally Progressive.

EACH INDIVIDUAL PROGRESSES

WITH UNIQUE TIMING
Although this may appear to contradict Principle 1, each of
us progress through the generally universal and predictable
sequence in our own unique time. For example, some of you
may recover full elbow range of motion within 3 months and
full knee range of motion within 6 months, while others may
experience the reverse. However, in general for all people,
shoulder range must improve before elbow, and hip
before knee.
18

How is CST Organized as a System?

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

SIMPLE TO COMPLEX GENERAL TO SPECIFIC

I constructed CST to progress with Increasing Sophistication. (I use the term
Sophistication to refer to both increasing complexity and increasing potential
specificity.) Simple movements must come before and must be built off of complex
skills. This is why children first eat with their fingers before learning how to use a
utensil. As a result, I crafted CST to progress from simple range to circles to infinities
(first cardinal, then diagonal) to clover leaves to waves.

HEAD DOWNWARDS CENTER OUTWARDS

During the first few years of our development we experience what is called the
Cephalocaudal-Proximodistal Trend: we develop from the head downwards and from
the center outwards. This is evident in the shape of a baby, with its large head
and torso compared to its small arms and legs. Each of us experiences our
own unique pace through this sequence as per Principle 1. However, in
general, the sequence is consistently and repeatedly verifiable empirically.
CST was created to take into account the way we universally and predictably
develop in our own unique timing sequence from infant to adult:
Incrementally Progressing with Increasing Sophistication from the head to toe
and from the core to periphery. For optimum development its best to follow
that format, not because CST is The One True Way but because CST
observes these and other important laws and principles.
CST is also highly adaptable to your needs and demands. Some CST is
better than none. Based upon these laws, if for some reason you cannot
afford to practice for 1520 minutes in the morning, its best to hit the neck,
shoulders, spine and hips as primary. I would suggest that throughout the day
you can fit in the rest 23 minutes at a time: elbows, knees, ankles, wrists,
fingers and jaw.
This also assumes that you have no local inflammation. With local
inflammation mobility is contraindicated. However, mobility is still indicated
adjacent to the inflammation to carry away toxic byproducts and to restore
nutritive and lubricative flow to the area.
Problem areas are not always the source of an issue and may be merely
compensatory sites of tension another argument for completing the full
regime daily. However, if you find that local CST resolves your problems,
then keep it up.

How is CST Organized as a System?

19

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

FITNESS VALUE HIERARCHY

To understand how to organize your personal practice you must
first assess your personal value structure for training. The CST
Value Hierarchy is:
1. Health
2. Mobility
3. Function
4. Attributes
5. Physique
CST states that you must first ensure that you are promoting what is
healthiest for you. You must then ensure that you have full coordinated
mobility; that you are able to move with complete, sophisticated freedom.
Next, you must be able to function within tasks (rather than merely at
the gym). Then you may be concerned with attributes (such as strength,
endurance, flexibility, or agility) for their own sake. Lastly you may be
concerned with your physical bodys appearance (however, when
following the CST Value Hierarchy, a beautiful, powerful physique
is a natural by-product!).
The conventional bodybuilding model orders its value hierarchy in the
following way:
1. Physique
2. Attributes
3. Function
4. Mobility
5. Health
The recent functional training vogue orders its values in this manner:
1. Attributes
2. Function
3. Physique
4. Mobility
5. Health

20

How is CST Organized as a System?

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

The conventional sports / martial art model holds this value hierarchy:
1. Function
2. Mobility
3. Attributes
4. Health
5. Physique
It can also be argued that recent bodybuilding and functional training influences may locally reorder
values to meet their agendas, regardless of detriment to combat sport performance.
Concerning your fitness with appearance and attributes over function, mobility and health is like
hauling your family around suburbia in a monster truck. Sure, you can get where youre going, but
the excess is not only a danger to yourself but to your friends and family as well.
Bigger, stronger and faster is only good in so far as it is balanced and tempered with function,
mobility and health. The primary emphasis of conventional fitness is upon the physical. It focuses
somewhat upon the emotional, mental and spiritual components, and pays only lip service to the
social implications of physical culture.
A balanced approach, as in Circular Strength Training, uses the physical as a vehicle to emotional,
mental and spiritual well-being. Implied within this use of the physical as a vehicle to intrapersonal
transformation is, of course, dramatic social change.
We must help shift the paradigm back into balance. We do this in the most effective way possible: by
focusing upon our daily personal practice in a balanced, compassionate, and patient manner; by
concentrating on moderate, sustainable movement for pain-free health and longevity; and by
shielding our right to exuberant play with our friends and family.

It is upon this core doctrine that CST is built.

How is CST Organized as a System?

21

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

Contributed by Chris Beltrante

It is up to you to arrange your hierarchy and then to program your training and organize your
personal practice (if any) appropriate to your goals. However, if you wish to maximize your CST
experience, then I urge you to seriously deliberate upon the balanced CST Value Hierarchy, as it is
tailor fit for optimal living.

22

How is CST Organized as a System?

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

ROCK-IT DRILL

Clubbell Training Mechanics

95

CLUBBELL
BASIC
POSITIONS

The Basic Positions are the starting and ending points

in Clubbell exercise:
1. Floor Park

6. Guard Position

2. Ready Position

7. Flag Position
a. Side Flag Position

3. Shoulder Park
a. Chest Park
4. Arm Stop
5. Order Position
a. Side Order Position

8. Torch Position
9. Back Position

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

SHOULDER PARK
This is the prime catch point for presses, ill-timed casts, or an off-balanced Order Position. Be sure to
land the Clubbells as high on your shoulder as you can without hitting your ears, neck, head, or bony
surfaces (like your AC joint). Use a knee dip to absorb most of the impact, and as always ensure that
youre Packing your Shoulders and not lifting them out of joint to hold the weight.

Aside from its use as a safety position,

Shoulder Park may also be used for
positive effect in your training. For
example, in a Clean to Shoulder Park you
could perform a squat, jerk, press, or
simply dip to absorb the impact. You
would then use your stored and released
rising motion to send the Clubbells into
a subsequent Swing. Practice going into
Shoulder Park from both front and side
movements to ensure that your neck,
head, and ears do not become injured.

100

Clubbell Basic Positions

CLUBBELL
EXERCISES

The following represent the basics of Clubbell training.

Practice them and develop your skill in the order in which
they are presented in this book: first learn and practice
the main exercise in each skill family before
moving on to the subsequent variations.

Think of the purpose of a pendulum as moving the Clubbell from

one side of the body to the other, but unlike basic swings, catching
it in a position on either side of the swing.

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

OUTSIDE PENDULUM
Moving to the Outside actually requires more skill and strength, as it travels at a distance from your
root rather than carrying across it. All nuances from the Inside Pendulum apply.
The Outside Pendulum differs from the Inside in that it does not cast across your centerline for arm
lock into the downswing. The Outside Pendulum casts directly to the near side outwards (Right Hand
Order Position casts to the Right Side; Left Hand Order Position casts to the Left Side). Remember to
cast outward and up at a 45 angle to achieve full arm lock before the downswing begins.
Use the Hip Sway to bring the Clubbell across and then back up to float weightless before you catch
it in Order Position.

124

Pendulums

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

FRONT JERK
The less technical Front Jerk requires greater attention to the Leverage Grip, since the exercises
climax is an overhead leverage hold of approximately 45.
Perform the Jerk as you would a Front Torch Jerk, but as the Clubbell floats weightless punch your
arm lock out with your elbow pit upward. Accompany this with a second forceful exhalation (after
the exhalation of the Jerks Leg Drive) to fully lock down your core.
The Leverage Grip will be taxed heavily in the crease of the thumb and forefinger, so tightly curl your
fingers around into your hand while squeezing from the pinky first to evenly distribute the Clubbell
in your grasp.
Jerking one Clubbell, you project towards your centerline while slightly rotating your torso towards
the lifting arm. You can also perform a strict jerk, which projects straight out from Order Position. To
perform the double Clubbell Front Jerk you must develop a strict jerk, since both Clubbells must
project directly upwards from Order Position.
Be careful when parking the Clubbell. To ensure safety, work on pulling the
neck under the barrel head as you drop the height from 45 to having your
forearms parallel with the ground in Order Position. Then park from Order as
usual. As you become more proficient you can tip the barrel head inwards,
circling the neck around outwards to move
immediately to floor park. This latter movement
takes practice and naturally develops out of the
former.

156

Jerks

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

FRONT SNATCH
The less technical Front Jerk requires greater attention to the Leverage Grip, since the exercise
culminates in an overhead leverage hold of approximately 45.
Perform the Front Snatch as you would a Torch version, but as the Clubbell floats weightless punch
your armlock out with your elbow pit upward. Accompany this with a second forceful exhalation
(after the exhalation of the Snatchs Leg Drive) to fully lock down your core.
The Leverage Grip will heavily tax the crease of the thumb and fore-finger, so curl your fingers
around into your hand squeezing tightly from the pinky first to evenly distribute the Clubbell in
your grasp.
When snatching one Clubbell, pull it from ready position between your
legs (at your centerline) while slightly rotating your torso towards the
lifting arm. To perform the double Clubbell Front Snatch, pull both
Clubbells from directly in front of your knees, if not slightly farther
apart at shoulders width.
Next, slowly grind to Order or swing to park. As you become more
proficient you can tip the barrel head inwards, circling the neck around
outwards to move immediately to Floor Park.

Snatches

169

Think of a press as having the purpose of driving the Clubbell off a

position from an unlocked arm position to a locked arm position,
not by jerking (dipping under the weight) but by grinding it up
or out smoothly.

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

FRONT PRESS
Although it appears less technical, the challenge of the Front Press involves performing the leverage
grip while driving the Clubbell in an arc upwards.
Confirm and Activate: Begin with the Clubbell in Order Position. Tightly confirm your grip
around the neck of the Clubbell with a sharp exhalation. Ensure crown to coccyx spinal alignment
and lock down your core.
Drive: Drive your elbow underneath the neck of the Clubbell. Slightly rotate the neck of the
Clubbell underneath the barrel head so that you achieve arm lock at an angle of greater than 45
upwards. As you press squeeze the neck tightly, especially with the pinky finger side of the hand
where the Clubbell threatens to rip out of your grasp. Tighten your pointer finger and the thumb
side of your hand to ensure a more effective leverage hold.
Lock: In arm lock your elbow pits point upwards! Keep tight shoulder pack and avoid shrugging.
Keep proper crown to coccyx spinal alignment! However, as in the one-handed Torch Press, you may
perform the Clubbell Front Press with a slight turn of the torso, or you may do it strictly pressing
with no twist. Develop the strict press to perform the double Clubbell Front Press.
Lower: Lower the Torch Hold in a slow and controlled manner until the
Clubbell once again rests in Order.

176

Presses

The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

TWO-HANDED ARM CAST THE GAMA CAST

The primary distinction between the one- and twohanded variations of the Arm Cast involves threading the
head around the far arm connected to the Clubbell.
Avoid crossing your face. The forearm lifts parallel to the
ground like a face shield on a Medieval knights helmet.
The second distinction involves the elbow flare in twohanded work.
Place: Begin with the Clubbell in Order Position.
Confirm your grip tightly into the handle with a strong
exhalation. Keep proper crown to coccyx spinal alignment
and lock down your core.
Choose one shoulder for the movement. Because you will
move off of your centerline and over one shoulder, be sure
to provide sufficient clearance for your head and ear such
that you dont need to lean away. Drive your elbow behind
the knob of the near arm (i.e. the right arm if traveling
over right shoulder) and drive the neck behind the barrel
head. Exhale as your move into Back Position. Place do
not swing the barrel head into Back Position.

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The Big Book of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

SHIELD CAST
The Shield Cast requires prior mastery of the Arm, Shoulder and Head
Casts, since it could be considered an amalgam of the essential
elements of all three.
The unique challenge of the Shield Cast involves sticking the Clubbell
in the far side Back Position, and swinging the barrel head in a short
arc to the near side Back Position to propel it back to Order.
Use all of the basic nuances present in all casts: shoulder pack, wrist
alignment, core activation, spinal alignment, hip recruitment, and leg
drive.
Arc: Begin in Order Position. With an exhalation, drive the neck in line with the
barrel head of the Clubbell in front of your face and over your far shoulder. The
Clubbell should not cast over your head. Simultaneously, thread your arm in a
manner similar to the action of the far arm in a Two-Handed Arm Cast.
Stick: When you stick the barrel head in the far side Back Position your forearm
should be approximately parallel to the ground behind your head.
Swing and Cover: Do not hold the far side Back Position. With a tightly
confirmed grip, swing your elbow from flaring to tucked close towards
your ear, as in the action of covering your head against an
incoming blow to the side of your head. Due to your grip, this
elbow and shoulder motion will cause the barrel head of the
Clubbell to swing rapidly towards the near side Back Position.
The momentum will carry the Clubbell barrel head beyond your near
side back position so that the neck points at a slight angle towards
your centerline and the barrel head points outwards away from your
centerline.
Return Arc: You will feel the Clubbell reach the zenith of the
outward flare of the barrel head center of mass, where if you did
nothing it would begin the return swing to your near side Back
Position perpendicular to the ground. Pull when the Clubbell floats
at that zenith. With a strong exhalation and no spinal rocking, rip the neck of the
Clubbell in line with the angle of the outwardly swung barrel head. Pull the
Clubbell in an arc over your shoulder towards Order Position in front of you.
Stick and Move: Land in a modified Order Position held in your centerline.
Slightly shift the Order Position to its proper place to your near side.

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Photographer: Wesley Buckingham Contributed by D. Cody Fielding