Kendrick Farris (94k) nailed a nice 211 squat clean and squat jerk at the 2013 World University Games. Naturally many questioned why he switched back to the squat jerk, this is his response:
“People ask me day to day about my decision to Squat Jerk over the Split Jerk. For me it’s quite simple, it just works better for ME. I realize that’s not the answer most people want to hear so I’ve decided to break down my logic for the Squat Jerk over the Split Jerk.”
He goes on to list multiple rationales but ends with this, which I believe is the key point:
“I said all of that to say this, learn the movements than make the decision for yourself. You don’t ask 100 people what you should be doing, because I just happen to be breaking American Records and people are still saying I should be Split Jerking.” Kendrick Farris
To read the full facebook post click HERE.
LEARN the movements THAN make the decision
I strongly believe that too many new weightlifters do not take this seriously enough. Many believe that because they’ve focused on Olympic weightlifting for however many years means that they’v built a strong foundation in the lifts. This is far from the truth, quality training and execution during practice is what will determine this level. Weightlifters develop skill sets at varying levels, so time frame does NOT automatically constitute a higher skill set.
Basics
Weightlifters must have a strong understanding of the basics FIRST before the lifter moves onto highly skilled movements. While some may point out young Chinese weightlifters as a counter argument for this, I’d argue that those weightlifters have put in MUCH more time under the bar than most of us. These young weightlifters not only may train Olympic weightlifting full time but also have a dedicated coach. Sadly, many of us USA-W club coaches can only dedicate a small window of coaching for our own weightlifters.
The Point
I believe it’s an important reminder to many weightlifters that it takes years to master the sport of Olympic weightlifting. While Kendrick is now a nationally recognized Weightlifter, he’s been in the sports since he was 13 years old. 16 years of consistent training, a strong mind set, and genetic abilities has boosted Kendrick to this point. He was not an over night succes and bare in mind that Kendrick has been struggling with split jerk, squat jerk, and “splot” jerk for many years. Next time you’re training and developing your program keep all this in mind. I’ve talked about this before and I strongly believe that learning the fundamentals is key. Far too many weightlifters try to advance too quickly and stunt their long term progress.
Stay strong,
Team Fusion Weightlifting