Random IFBB Chat and Shenanigans 2.0

[patbanya]

LOL that's awesome. And pat you look young as hell like you're 20 (and I say that as a good thing)

Good guy Pat as always . Look great in that pic with Levrone.

Thanks guys! I'll answer the questions from RoroCwalker a little later.

[patbanya]

^
Sick!!

Sick arms too.

How was the seminar?
It was good, but nothing ground breaking. I mainly attended because of the notoriety of the speakers. It's rare to see 2 hall of famers (Shawn Ray, and Kevin Levrone), and a rising star (Fred Smalls), outside of a contest or major event.

How long was it?
2 hours. From 10am to 12pm. The seminar was held at Colosseum Gym in Columbia, Maryland. After it was over, they let us workout for free. Kevin stayed, and interacted with fans/signed autographs, etc. Since he's from Maryland, it's familiar territory.

Why was it free?
Whoever orchestrated the event made that possible. Obviously, Shawn, Kevin, and Fred received compensation at some point. They also sold 8x10 photographs when it was over. However, the seminar itself was free and open to anyone.

Were there a lot of people?
Not really. Only about 30 to 40 people. I honestly don't think a lot of people knew about the seminar. I heard about it on Instagram just earlier this week. Both Kevin and Shawn posted it.

What was the seminar part of? (A show? Guest posing? etc.)
It was a standalone seminar. Team Warrior Within operates out of Colosseum Gym, and I think they were responsible for putting it together. There was an impromptu posing session by Fred at the end of the Q&A segment, but nothing major. No music, and no real choreographed routine. He just hit a few of his best poses for the audience. He was a little reluctant to pose when initially asked. I don't think he was hired as a guest poser.

Any particular info. stuck out?
They basically wanted to impart the idea that you have to earn every penny in bodybuilding. Nothing is just handed to you, and these days you have to use social media, and think outside of the box. A pro card is really just a foot in the door to a very competitive industry. If anything, the seminar was a reality check for people just starting out. The revelation that, being an IFBB pro doesn't carry the same type of compensation as mainstream sports.

Was Levrone looking full blown, M3, 100lbs curls in your face, Mr.O 2016?
Kevin was cool. He actually gave out lots of free supplement samples. They were in single serving packets, so you could try different flavors. I don't know if he's really coming back, but he looks very fit. If anything, as a businessman, being in shape adds credibility to his products.

[TropicalSunset]

Wow Pat that is crazy. Sammy must be replaying that video and have it on a loop in his room, lights off, curtains closed, door locked and a Costco size jar of lube next to him. Awesome.

And you look good brother. You are showing up the ex pros in the size department for sure.

[TropicalSunset]

Did anyone watch the UFC tonight? Honestly, after that Lawler-MacDonald fight, I am done with MMA. If you didn't cringe at that, you have to be a psychopath. Just crazy. I used to be so into MMA and martial arts, but from this point on I just feel like it detracts from who I want to be as a person.

The poor guy will have consequences from that fight the rest of his life.

[kayvez]

Faaaaark!

holy fukn sh*t

[RoroCwalker]

Spoiler!

How was the seminar?
It was good, but nothing ground breaking. I mainly attended because of the notoriety of the speakers. It's rare to see 2 hall of famers (Shawn Ray, and Kevin Levrone), and a rising star (Fred Smalls), outside of a contest or major event.

How long was it?
2 hours. From 10am to 12pm. The seminar was held at Colosseum Gym in Columbia, Maryland. After it was over, they let us workout for free. Kevin stayed, and interacted with fans/signed autographs, etc. Since he's from Maryland, it's familiar territory.

Why was it free?
Whoever orchestrated the event made that possible. Obviously, Shawn, Kevin, and Fred received compensation at some point. They also sold 8x10 photographs when it was over. However, the seminar itself was free and open to anyone.

Were there a lot of people?
Not really. Only about 30 to 40 people. I honestly don't think a lot of people knew about the seminar. I heard about it on Instagram just earlier this week. Both Kevin and Shawn posted it.

What was the seminar part of? (A show? Guest posing? etc.)
It was a standalone seminar. Team Warrior Within operates out of Colosseum Gym, and I think they were responsible for putting it together. There was an impromptu posing session by Fred at the end of the Q&A segment, but nothing major. No music, and no real choreographed routine. He just hit a few of his best poses for the audience. He was a little reluctant to pose when initially asked. I don't think he was hired as a guest poser.

Any particular info. stuck out?
They basically wanted to impart the idea that you have to earn every penny in bodybuilding. Nothing is just handed to you, and these days you have to use social media, and think outside of the box. A pro card is really just a foot in the door to a very competitive industry. If anything, the seminar was a reality check for people just starting out. The revelation that, being an IFBB pro doesn't carry the same type of compensation as mainstream sports.

Was Levrone looking full blown, M3, 100lbs curls in your face, Mr.O 2016?
Kevin was cool. He actually gave out lots of free supplement samples. They were in single serving packets, so you could try different flavors. I don't know if he's really coming back, but he looks very fit. If anything, as a businessman, being in shape adds credibility to his products.

Thanks a lot for the answers!

[patbanya]

Fred "Biggie" Smalls was large and in charge. @fredbiggiesmalls



Ran into Jerry Ward "The Diet Guy" at Colosseum Gym in Columbia, Maryland. Fuark! He's shredded. @jerrywardii

[203mh]

Damn Pat... your arms hold their own there!
Awesome thing you did bro... respect!

[patbanya]

Damn Pat... your arms hold their own there!
Awesome thing you did bro... respect!

Thanks, man. Internet is real life. IFBB Pros are always listening. Sometimes they just need a little nudge to acknowledge their fans.

[psyke007]

Today, I attended a free seminar with Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone, and Fred Smalls. I even shot some video, which I'll share later.

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7861153&d=1436660395[img]

Crazy arms man.
You are 33 and looks younger than me. Fml.

[patbanya]

Crazy arms man.
You are 33 and looks younger than me. Fml.

LOL! The age comments are cracking me up. As long as you're not reckless, bodybuilding keeps you young. Also, my arms are about 18 inches in case anyone is wondering.

[203mh]

Why was it free?
Whoever orchestrated the event made that possible. Obviously, Shawn, Kevin, and Fred received compensation at some point. They also sold 8x10 photographs when it was over. However, the seminar itself was free and open to anyone.

Shawn Ray was there... you KNOW they got paid LOL

[TTimmerman]

anyone here that's a legit watch freak? going to buy my first "grown up" watch soon and having trouble picking one

[flangmasterj]

LOL! The age comments are cracking me up. As long as you're not reckless, bodybuilding keeps you young. Also, my arms are about 18 inches in case anyone is wondering.

Too modest. No way they're that small.

[RoroCwalker]

anyone here that's a legit watch freak? going to buy my first "grown up" watch soon and having trouble picking one

[SammyJr]

anyone here that's a legit watch freak? going to buy my first "grown up" watch soon and having trouble picking one

I really like watches, but don't have the money to buy the good ones lol. what do you mean by 'grown up?'

I have two $400 watches and three $100 watches but that's considered poverty to many :/

http://watchuseek.com/ is a great website

[TTimmerman]

I really like watches, but don't have the money to buy the good ones lol. what do you mean by 'grown up?'

I have two $400 watches and three $100 watches but that's considered poverty to many :/

http://watchuseek.com/ is a great website

thinking of the TagHeuer Link Calibre 16 with blue dial, only thing that makes me doubt is that the strap isn't shiny but matte

[Larfleeze]

anyone here that's a legit watch freak? going to buy my first "grown up" watch soon and having trouble picking one

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...03501&page=318

[flangmasterj]

Just go to aliexpress and find a watch that looks the same and tells the time just like the expensive ones.

[Unbiasedfan]

Did anyone watch the UFC tonight? Honestly, after that Lawler-MacDonald fight, I am done with MMA. If you didn't cringe at that, you have to be a psychopath. Just crazy. I used to be so into MMA and martial arts, but from this point on I just feel like it detracts from who I want to be as a person.

The poor guy will have consequences from that fight the rest of his life.

What do you mean by this? i

Watched it all now, awesome fights. I've been a fan for like a month though lol, know nothing about the sport. Crazy conor dude was what raised my interest in the ufc.

[TropicalSunset]

What do you mean by this? i

Watched it all now, awesome fights. I've been a fan for like a month though lol, know nothing about the sport. Crazy conor dude was what raised my interest in the ufc.

I was an avid MMA fan before it got big, back in the PRIDE days. I guess I am just at a point where seeing a human being beaten so savagely for sport, while thousands cheer it on, DOES seems like we are back at the Roman Colosseum. I used to defend the sport and still think there are many admirable things about it, but instead of elevating you, it brings you down to your most primal self. Some might consider this a good thing, I happen not to think it is.

It also I feel numbs your feelings of apathy and gets you used to gore which should shock you. Thing is I love martial arts, but at this point I have to question what watching it does for my development and improvement, which unfortunately is nothing.

[flangmasterj]

That whole main card was incredible!

Tropical the refereeing was on point. No one got beaten senseless, each fight was stopped swiftly before any serious damage. The fighters know what they're getting themselves into and have every opportunity to call it as shown by Rory quitting when his nose took to much of a pounding.

Conor McGregor's cardio and his ability to scramble out of that last 'almost full round' ground and pound from Mendes was impressive then to stand up and be as accurate as he was was amazing.

I'm the opposite of you Tropical in a way. I only started watching UFC in the last few years before that thinking it was just dudes brawling inside a cage. It is so much more than that.

Lastly the whole deal with Reebok has added an even more polished look to the federation. Each guy wearing the same gear looks swish as hell.

[flangmasterj]

But yeah Rory was almost unrecognizable after three rounds and Lawler's lip was flapping in the wind.

[kayvez]

god damn....

[blessedbabi]

thinking of the TagHeuer Link Calibre 16 with blue dial, only thing that makes me doubt is that the strap isn't shiny but matte

You could go for the Panerai Luminor Marinas. Pretty timeless and clean design for what it is, not far from the price point of the TagHeuer as well.

[purdey]

That whole main card was incredible!

Tropical the refereeing was on point. No one got beaten senseless, each fight was stopped swiftly before any serious damage. The fighters know what they're getting themselves into and have every opportunity to call it as shown by Rory quitting when his nose took to much of a pounding.

Conor McGregor's cardio and his ability to scramble out of that last 'almost full round' ground and pound from Mendes was impressive then to stand up and be as accurate as he was was amazing.

I'm the opposite of you Tropical in a way. I only started watching UFC in the last few years before that thinking it was just dudes brawling inside a cage. It is so much more than that.

Lastly the whole deal with Reebok has added an even more polished look to the federation. Each guy wearing the same gear looks swish as hell.

It was the best card I have ever watched and I watch all of them. Felt bad for Rory but most of that damage would have been superficial, he'll be fine. Robbie was the one who got rocked hard and managed to stick it out. Apparently Rory was winning 3 rounds to 1 up until the stoppage.

Conor impressed me but he is way too reckless and showed that he can be beat via wrestling or if someone lands the right shot. He is very open to strikes. I wouldn't be surprised if when he fights Edgar, Edgar does what he did to Cub, to Conor.

I was also super impressed by Gunnar, I predicted he would win by RNC but didn't see him besting Thatch in the stand up.

The 2 flying knee KO's were sick too, so was Matt Browns fight.

Just watched Ellenburger vs Wonderboy =( That made me feel bad

[TropicalSunset]

That whole main card was incredible!

Tropical the refereeing was on point. No one got beaten senseless, each fight was stopped swiftly before any serious damage. The fighters know what they're getting themselves into and have every opportunity to call it as shown by Rory quitting when his nose took to much of a pounding.

Conor McGregor's cardio and his ability to scramble out of that last 'almost full round' ground and pound from Mendes was impressive then to stand up and be as accurate as he was was amazing.

I'm the opposite of you Tropical in a way. I only started watching UFC in the last few years before that thinking it was just dudes brawling inside a cage. It is so much more than that.

Lastly the whole deal with Reebok has added an even more polished look to the federation. Each guy wearing the same gear looks swish as hell.

Oh yeah, the referee was on point. The guys could continue, so they did. There is a LOT of strategy in MMA of course (way more than in boxing for example) just due to the versatility of the art. That is the reason you don't see guys in MMA with a 30-0 record, because there are so many aspects to the game and you cannot match up well with everyone.

I used to make the same arguments as you "They are amazing athletes, its supreme competition, there is so much technique and strategy". But at the end of the day it is a stadium full of people watching one man (or now woman), beating another until they quit or are unable to continue.

It is a interesting philosophical question, because if what happened over the weekend happened on the street, it would have been a crime. I see more and more parallels with this and the Roman Colosseum. The wealthy (UFC, Zuffa) pay the people from lower social brackets (almost exclusively), to fight for their entertainment.

And my main issue is that even though there is a TREMENDOUS amount of skill and heart it takes to do it, what is the ultimate goal? These fighters end their careers as drug addicted wrecks and do it out of need for approval and status. Of course there is a counterargument that it is their decision and that is absolutely legitimate.

At the end of the day, you cannot convince anyone of anything when it comes to ethical or moral questions. I just feel as humanity evolves, if we are still around, these things will not be, as they are remainders of our more primitive past.

[TheMullah]

interesting discussion. i find that while some fighters appear to be violent knucklheads, some like gsp really make you see that it can be a sport more about technique rather than the act of beating the snot out of another human.

can't say i understand your feelings regarding watching ufc and not furthering your developement as a person. i'm quite apathetic towards it in the same way i am towards bodybuilding or any other hobby, its really not important or relevant to my life so i take nothing negative from it because after i'm done watching i'm back to thinking about work and family or whatever else is on my plate.

[Unbiasedfan]

Oh yeah, the referee was on point. The guys could continue, so they did. There is a LOT of strategy in MMA of course (way more than in boxing for example) just due to the versatility of the art. That is the reason you don't see guys in MMA with a 30-0 record, because there are so many aspects to the game and you cannot match up well with everyone.

I used to make the same arguments as you "They are amazing athletes, its supreme competition, there is so much technique and strategy". But at the end of the day it is a stadium full of people watching one man (or now woman), beating another until they quit or are unable to continue.

It is a interesting philosophical question, because if what happened over the weekend happened on the street, it would have been a crime. I see more and more parallels with this and the Roman Colosseum. The wealthy (UFC, Zuffa) pay the people from lower social brackets (almost exclusively), to fight for their entertainment.

And my main issue is that even though there is a TREMENDOUS amount of skill and heart it takes to do it, what is the ultimate goal? These fighters end their careers as drug addicted wrecks and do it out of need for approval and status. Of course there is a counterargument that it is their decision and that is absolutely legitimate.

At the end of the day, you cannot convince anyone of anything when it comes to ethical or moral questions. I just feel as humanity evolves, if we are still around, these things will not be, as they are remainders of our more primitive past.

That one thing you mentioned, being their decision, makes it completely different than the Colosseum. That and the level of violence + the justice of the fight. This is based on my history knowledge, gained by watching the gladiator 10 times lol

[bartosh]

I had to stop watching the bloodbath fight. Literally had to look away. All the fights were great, but that one just wasn't watchable for me