I’m a big fan of Tommy Kono, he’s a bare bones weightlifting coach that focuses on quality training. He’s not only a successful weightlifting coach but also a very accomplished athlete:

• Olympic Weightlifting Career: x6 World Champion and x2 Olympic Gold Medalist.
• Bodybuilding: x3 time Mr. Unvierse and x1 Mr. World

To say the least the guy is very accomplished and is very well versed in many aspects of fitness. Besides all his all his medals and successes, I’m a big fan of Tommy Kono because of his mental strength and respect for the sport. Now a days we see people slamming down empty bars, squatting with the Olympic weightlifting bar, using iron plates on the platform, not returning the weights and bar, etc… showing no respect for the platform or the weightlifting equipment. With that said I believe what Coach Kono wrote below is a great guideline and should be basic rules for EVERY gym.

If I Had My Way

“If I had my way, the weightlifting area would be treated like a “dojo” as the martial arts students would use their area and equipment for training.

The entire area would be treated with respect from the bar to the barbell plates, from the chalk box to the platform.  The barbell bars would never have the soles of a lifter’s shoe get on it to move or spin it, no more than you would place your shoes on the table top. The bumper plates would never be tossed or stepped on.

The barbell will always be loaded with double bumper plates on each side whenever possible to preserve the bar and the platform. The purpose is to distribute the load over two bumper plates instead of one with an assortment of small iron plates.

*The barbell lifted would never be “thrown” down or dropped from overhead except for safety reasons. The hands will guide the bar down in a controlled manner as it is in a contest.

Anger from a failed lift will be controlled so no four-lettered words would be used. Instead the energy for the anger will be directed for a positive result.

A good Olympic bar will never be used on a squat rack for squatting purpose. There is no need to use the good bar on the squat rack where it could ruin the knurling or cause the bar to be under undue stress, damaging the integrity of the quality of the bar that makes it straight and springy.

When a lifter finishes using the area for training, it would be left neat and clean with the barbell bars and plates properly stored.

Imagine how it would be if you did not have the gym to work out in and had to go to one of the spas, health clubs or fitness gym to practice Olympic lifting.

Imagine if you did not have a “good” Olympic bar and bumper plates for training.

Imagine if all the equipment was your very own and you had to replace it if you or someone damaged it by abuse – the money coming out of your own pocket.

Treat the Olympic barbell bars, bumper plates, platforms and any items used for training or competition with respect. Development of a strong character begins with respect even for inanimate objects.

Character Building begins with Respect and Responsibility”

*when written you had to control the weight down instead of dropping it. I believe dropping weights and falling them down is needed with heavier weights but slamming down 40k isn’t needed.

Article originally published from the Old Time Strong Man 

Tommy Kono Lecture:

Respect your equipment and the sport.
Stay strong,

Team Fusion Weightlifting