Westside Barbell Conjugate Method for Combat Athletes: The Westside Barbell Way
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Jul 18, 2025 Dive into the world of specialized strength training for combat athletes! Discover how the Conjugate Method, pioneered by Louie Simmons, elevates performance in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and wrestling. The critical importance of absolute strength is highlighted, showcasing its role in controlling positions and reducing injuries. The discussion tackles myths about heavyweight training, emphasizing that it doesn't compromise speed or agility. Max Effort training is unpacked for its benefits in strength and injury resilience, revealing the keys to year-round peak performance.
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Westside's Origin Story
- Louie Simmons turned five neighborhood kids into world record holders and built Westside from a basement to a global influence.
- Tom Barry describes arriving and learning practical, gym-tested methods that shaped his coaching approach.
First Westside Speed Day
- Tom recounts his first days at Westside where miniband speed squats and 700-lb deadlifts shocked his expectations.
- Louie put him on 225 with double minis and immediately exposed him to the system's intensity and nuance.
Real-Time Adaptive Periodization
- The Conjugate Method provides a weekly feedback loop to adjust strength, speed, conditioning, and weaknesses in real time.
- Tom Barry says this adaptability lets combat athletes train year-round without rigid peaking blocks.
