Here's some more pictures from my time with the Dolphins:
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2203/1000432w.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1540/1000433y.jpg
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2117/1000434j.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8297/1000435h.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8723/1000436ynt.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9449/1000438v.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8653/1000439k.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/181/1000440g.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/1332/1000443d.jpg
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4191/1000446.jpg
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9252/1000462.jpg
And here's some brand new ones from my time with the Huskers:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8242/1000454e.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6343/1000455b.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5468/1000456c.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2301/1000457j.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9886/1000459s.jpg
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5353/1000460d.jpg
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8663/1000461.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9581/1000462f.jpg
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/7913/1000468u.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/689/1000469k.jpg
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4433/1000470l.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3725/1000471.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2775/1000472d.jpg
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Coaching day for the Huskers
Get up at 5:30 AM, it's a chilly 54 degrees, about 30 degrees less then home. I love cool brisk weather. I review the sessions on paper, and then visually in my mind. I pray and seek wisdom, from God of course. I'm not smart enough to do this on my own!
Meet JT for breakfast, get picked up and head to the Nebraska facility at 6:45 AM. Arrive and check in with the coaches. I head out to observe practice, JT's with me. First thing we notice: They have some serous athletes here! Like most of the teams and players I've coached, they need to breathe! Most of the guys hold their breath, and that makes you weak and tired. Most need to work on posture and balance, which are key components in martial arts. Most football players have been so much bigger, stronger and faster than their opponents. Balance, breathing and other aspects haven't been coached, but they need it in college, and really need it in the Big Show, the NFL!
We observe D-line and O-line drills. I discuss points to add to my Combat Football system. We head into the facility where we will be conducting the seminars.
About 40 players are able to come to the first session, with manyc oaches, and the Nebraska youth football camp is going on, so lots of high school coaches came in to see what the Combat Football program is all about.
We begin with introductions. Not sure what gets their attention the most, that I'm a NFL coach, 7th degree black belt, or a trained killer (aka US Marine), they of course know who JT is, there's a statue of him and some players in front of the stadium! And he was a 2 time All American their at NU, a Husker legend.
We begin the session with explaining what my Combat football is not, it is not kicking, karate forms, or any other unrelated drills. Everything is to make you a better football player. We show a few of the drills we'll do and then begin the training. They immediately get fired up, got 'em grunting and exhaling hard.
I'll put up some more of the great NU sessions later, Go 'Huskers!
Meet JT for breakfast, get picked up and head to the Nebraska facility at 6:45 AM. Arrive and check in with the coaches. I head out to observe practice, JT's with me. First thing we notice: They have some serous athletes here! Like most of the teams and players I've coached, they need to breathe! Most of the guys hold their breath, and that makes you weak and tired. Most need to work on posture and balance, which are key components in martial arts. Most football players have been so much bigger, stronger and faster than their opponents. Balance, breathing and other aspects haven't been coached, but they need it in college, and really need it in the Big Show, the NFL!
We observe D-line and O-line drills. I discuss points to add to my Combat Football system. We head into the facility where we will be conducting the seminars.
About 40 players are able to come to the first session, with manyc oaches, and the Nebraska youth football camp is going on, so lots of high school coaches came in to see what the Combat Football program is all about.
We begin with introductions. Not sure what gets their attention the most, that I'm a NFL coach, 7th degree black belt, or a trained killer (aka US Marine), they of course know who JT is, there's a statue of him and some players in front of the stadium! And he was a 2 time All American their at NU, a Husker legend.
We begin the session with explaining what my Combat football is not, it is not kicking, karate forms, or any other unrelated drills. Everything is to make you a better football player. We show a few of the drills we'll do and then begin the training. They immediately get fired up, got 'em grunting and exhaling hard.
I'll put up some more of the great NU sessions later, Go 'Huskers!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Got the confirmation, going to coach the Big Red Machine!
It's an answer to prayer! One of my closest friends, who's also a Mike Storms 2nd Degree Black Belt, was a 2-time All American, and had 2 national championships in Nebraska. Bo pellini, the former LSU Defensive Coordinator who coached during their national Championships is now head coach there.
Day report: Up at 5am, ate fruits, nuts, water, n coffee, leave for airport, check in carry on only! Head to chicago, then meet up with jared Tomich, and head to Nebraska from there.
Jared and I met when I was the assistant to the defensive line coach at the New Orleans Saints with Mike Ditka. I had done Martial arts consulting and coaching with the Saints since 1994. He was a drafter after a great college career, in the second round. Super guy, hard hard worker. We go over the lesson plan, Jared and I have a few laughs talking about the world, and noticing how many people dont smile. We go out of our way to help the elderly, and the moms with kids in the airports. Meet a few folks smile and head to Lincoln with one of the assistant strength coaches.
When we get there, i am blown away. The weight room is 5x as big as any pro team. They have to train in volleyball, basketball and all the other sports. It's equipped with the best of everything. I then meet Coach James Dobson, the head strength coach. What a great guy, we go over the program, go into equipment, get our staff shirts and shorts, and head off to do my presentation with the coaches. At 4:30 the coaches come in, all of them. I never know who's gonna show, who's busy in a meeting or just doesn't want to see it.
You see COMBAT FOOTBALL is an unknown. Just like with the Mike Storms Karate program, I have to overcome alot of stereotypes with the martial arts at the NFL and college teams I work with. They all have had, and still have, 100 people a year telling them they can help their team get better. Their main concerns:
Is it gonna work with our team?
Can Storms present it in a way the players and coaches understand it?
Is it repeatable, can we continue to train in it in between when you come back to coach again.?
Is Storms tough enough to gain the respect of our players, and coaches?
Does he understand football?
Answers to all are an enthusiastic YES! 45 minutes into the coach session, Bo Pellini, head coach, asked when can I come back!I show the drills, and explain the principles, Jared shares how it helped him, and why the players get better, and why he still trains with me. Its very very well received. I answer some specific questions, JT and I pound on each other, and the coaches are sitting up and nodding their heads. We finish, and head out for a famous Nebraska steak! Rare filet for me! Up n at em early the next day! 5am eat fruit, bran, coffee, water, and some eggs.
I'll tell you about the team in the next blog install...go Big Red! Huskers!
Day report: Up at 5am, ate fruits, nuts, water, n coffee, leave for airport, check in carry on only! Head to chicago, then meet up with jared Tomich, and head to Nebraska from there.
Jared and I met when I was the assistant to the defensive line coach at the New Orleans Saints with Mike Ditka. I had done Martial arts consulting and coaching with the Saints since 1994. He was a drafter after a great college career, in the second round. Super guy, hard hard worker. We go over the lesson plan, Jared and I have a few laughs talking about the world, and noticing how many people dont smile. We go out of our way to help the elderly, and the moms with kids in the airports. Meet a few folks smile and head to Lincoln with one of the assistant strength coaches.
When we get there, i am blown away. The weight room is 5x as big as any pro team. They have to train in volleyball, basketball and all the other sports. It's equipped with the best of everything. I then meet Coach James Dobson, the head strength coach. What a great guy, we go over the program, go into equipment, get our staff shirts and shorts, and head off to do my presentation with the coaches. At 4:30 the coaches come in, all of them. I never know who's gonna show, who's busy in a meeting or just doesn't want to see it.
You see COMBAT FOOTBALL is an unknown. Just like with the Mike Storms Karate program, I have to overcome alot of stereotypes with the martial arts at the NFL and college teams I work with. They all have had, and still have, 100 people a year telling them they can help their team get better. Their main concerns:
Is it gonna work with our team?
Can Storms present it in a way the players and coaches understand it?
Is it repeatable, can we continue to train in it in between when you come back to coach again.?
Is Storms tough enough to gain the respect of our players, and coaches?
Does he understand football?
Answers to all are an enthusiastic YES! 45 minutes into the coach session, Bo Pellini, head coach, asked when can I come back!I show the drills, and explain the principles, Jared shares how it helped him, and why the players get better, and why he still trains with me. Its very very well received. I answer some specific questions, JT and I pound on each other, and the coaches are sitting up and nodding their heads. We finish, and head out for a famous Nebraska steak! Rare filet for me! Up n at em early the next day! 5am eat fruit, bran, coffee, water, and some eggs.
I'll tell you about the team in the next blog install...go Big Red! Huskers!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Miami Dolphins news and update #5-Mike Storms Combat Football-
Up at 5 am- we went straight to the facility, and had some blueberries strawberries, banana, oats n nuts, water and coffee. We review the group format, warm up and get ready to receive players. First group is at 7am
Biggest group of the day. They are ready to go, all the players confirm, they believe the program will help them- I design some special training aides on the spot to help the o-lineman with their hand techniques - secret stuff I can't tell you here. We set up and run the shadow drills, bag drills, then position specific sparring- they are really getting after it! Everyone's hands and feet are moving faster, they are attacking better and better.
BIG happenings! The Dolphins re sign their all time sack leader and defensive linebacker Mr. Jason Taylor. What an athlete. after the press conference, he comes in does his workout and run test, then joins my second class. Picks up everything quickly, catches up from last week, very fast hands and long arms.
I have a great conversation with starting QB Chad Pennington. He tells me "IF the receivers cant get something out of this, that is messed up, this is awesome training!" He also conveys this to the coaches. Great young man, Rhodes scholar! Smart , and tough-gives me some great insight as to what he'd like the o-line drills to include-again secrets I cant share here.
Master S
Biggest group of the day. They are ready to go, all the players confirm, they believe the program will help them- I design some special training aides on the spot to help the o-lineman with their hand techniques - secret stuff I can't tell you here. We set up and run the shadow drills, bag drills, then position specific sparring- they are really getting after it! Everyone's hands and feet are moving faster, they are attacking better and better.
BIG happenings! The Dolphins re sign their all time sack leader and defensive linebacker Mr. Jason Taylor. What an athlete. after the press conference, he comes in does his workout and run test, then joins my second class. Picks up everything quickly, catches up from last week, very fast hands and long arms.
I have a great conversation with starting QB Chad Pennington. He tells me "IF the receivers cant get something out of this, that is messed up, this is awesome training!" He also conveys this to the coaches. Great young man, Rhodes scholar! Smart , and tough-gives me some great insight as to what he'd like the o-line drills to include-again secrets I cant share here.
Master S
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Miami Dolphins news and update #4-Mike Storms Combat Football-
I had a great 3 days back at the dojo and with the family, and I had a great time training Jamar Nesbit, the 11 year football veteran who's now with the Saints. I had a great mothers day with my awesome wife, and my mom. I went to my oldest son's graduation, and I'm so very proud, pleased, and humbled-he graduates with honors. Better at 18 than his old man. I had a nice conversation with a coach at the NY Giants about combat football, a mutual friend introduced us, and the coach used to go to my church. Says the Combat Football system sounds interesting, but with OTA's coming up, and them moving the facility, it's not the right time for them to try it. I'll send him the DVD showing many of the drills so he can see what it's all about.
I get to bed as early as I can, pre pack for Wed. Up at 545 AM- "Early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise" - Ben Franklin
I leave for the airport, after I have my green smoothie (green for life, book recommendation, its a life changer) Ezekiel toast, walnuts, coffee and water-kiss my wife and sleeping daughter,grab the first flight out, back to Ft. lauderdale-looking forward to working with the team again, I gotta say, top to bottom, eager to get better to become the best organization.
I connect with JT at airport in Fl. The Dolphin team van was waiting for us, and we head over to team headquarters, have lunch, and then bike sprint intervals. 3 minute warm up 50 RPM, then 20 seconds 100 RPM, then 40 seconds 50 RPM-10 sprint reps! Awesome! Cardio that is extreme gets more done then moderate for 45 minutes-everyone has 13 minutes, no excuses!
Then abs, biceps and triceps, and shoulders. Gotta admit, being 45 training with these world class athletes and coaches is a bit intimidating- "I can't think that way, I gotta take a shot, if I pass out at least i went for it." It goes great, I finish everything string- I'm blessed with the strength and energy I need. Yes , we all have a little voice from time to time that tells us we'll be embarrassed, but if you face the fear, the fear dies! I have to practice what I preach.
I review the triple training session for the next day-setting up the new drills, writing down the bags needed. We go with some foundation training from last week-with footwork, stances, strikes and escapes, to review and install the Combat Football sparring- game speed against your natural opponent: D line vs. o line- adds some competition to the sessions, everyone brings more energy when that happens.
We complete the class format review with the other coaches and head to dinner, and have my favorite, wood fired veggie pizza! awesome!- crispy! And we also have a salad, lots of water. We head back to coaches' house to crash. I get up to get a bottle of water, go into garage to get it, set off their alarm, his young son Jake is up and down all night- so are we- no more water trips for me at night! All night I pray, review, rehearse in the movie theatre that is in my mind for a great class, and that I can deliver the program so that the coaches and players can be helped the most. That's why I'm here, so they get better, so I can give the team an edge.
Master S
I get to bed as early as I can, pre pack for Wed. Up at 545 AM- "Early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise" - Ben Franklin
I leave for the airport, after I have my green smoothie (green for life, book recommendation, its a life changer) Ezekiel toast, walnuts, coffee and water-kiss my wife and sleeping daughter,grab the first flight out, back to Ft. lauderdale-looking forward to working with the team again, I gotta say, top to bottom, eager to get better to become the best organization.
I connect with JT at airport in Fl. The Dolphin team van was waiting for us, and we head over to team headquarters, have lunch, and then bike sprint intervals. 3 minute warm up 50 RPM, then 20 seconds 100 RPM, then 40 seconds 50 RPM-10 sprint reps! Awesome! Cardio that is extreme gets more done then moderate for 45 minutes-everyone has 13 minutes, no excuses!
Then abs, biceps and triceps, and shoulders. Gotta admit, being 45 training with these world class athletes and coaches is a bit intimidating- "I can't think that way, I gotta take a shot, if I pass out at least i went for it." It goes great, I finish everything string- I'm blessed with the strength and energy I need. Yes , we all have a little voice from time to time that tells us we'll be embarrassed, but if you face the fear, the fear dies! I have to practice what I preach.
I review the triple training session for the next day-setting up the new drills, writing down the bags needed. We go with some foundation training from last week-with footwork, stances, strikes and escapes, to review and install the Combat Football sparring- game speed against your natural opponent: D line vs. o line- adds some competition to the sessions, everyone brings more energy when that happens.
We complete the class format review with the other coaches and head to dinner, and have my favorite, wood fired veggie pizza! awesome!- crispy! And we also have a salad, lots of water. We head back to coaches' house to crash. I get up to get a bottle of water, go into garage to get it, set off their alarm, his young son Jake is up and down all night- so are we- no more water trips for me at night! All night I pray, review, rehearse in the movie theatre that is in my mind for a great class, and that I can deliver the program so that the coaches and players can be helped the most. That's why I'm here, so they get better, so I can give the team an edge.
Master S
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Miami Dolphins news and update #3-Mike Storms Combat Football-
Now the defense does their strike and escape drills: which is how to more efficiently, aggressively and explosively get off blocks, so the players can make more tackles for losses, and get to the quarterback faster. We do the special Secret Okinawan karate moves that I've translated to football for arm attacks and arm toughening for the NFL and college teams I train...I cant divulge them here! Sorry!
The class finishes on a high note of great energy and some photos with the players. Head Coach Sparano watches most of the defensive class, gives us some great feedback, and lets us know he likes what he sees, and tells us to make sure we have lots of footwork in the practices next week.
Me and the other coaches grab some fruit and rehydrate ourselves, while we review that training session and plan the next session with the offense.
During our break we are introduced to Coach Bill Parcels. He is the VP of the Dolphins. After having coached Super Bowl teams and being in the NFL for over 25 years, He is Mr. Football. We discuss what football skills we are going to teach, he gives us his approval and tells us, "don't hurt any of the players!" Very Nice guy. We talk about boxing and a few other things related to our mutual home state, the great state of New Jersey.
Offense comes in the weight room for weigh ins, and checks in with Coach Marcus at 8:50 Am. It was nice to see some familiar faces. Ricky Williams is playing for the Dolphins, and he has always been a great guy, but he has had some not so great things said about him. I have found him to be a very hard worker, gifted athlete, and polite man. I don't listen to others opinions about pro athletes. You cant imagine the pressure on these men, when they are 21, and 22 years old. 'nuff said.
I get a chance to visit with the QB, Chad Pennington, about a mutual friend, Andre Wadsworth, the great receiver from Florida State. Chad's a very nice guy, he and Chad Henne do great in the class. Most QB's don't like the Combat Football because too tough for them, but these two eat it up and do the entire hour, plus some more!
I then spend some one on one time with Jake Long- first round pick, pro bowl alternate as a rookie last year. He is 6' 7" and 310lb, and an superb athlete. I was showing him some of the secret Okinawan karate techniques at the end of class and he was smiling the entire time. His arms are so long I can barely reach his chest!
When we get to the arm toughening drills (koteketai) Tedd Gin Jr. wants a shot at me, this man runs a sub 4.3sec 40yd, and is built like spider man in the comic books. We have a fun stand off and begin the drills, he was tough guy , he takes it great. Ronnie Brown, the rookie of the year running back, tells me if "If you hit me like that, I got somethin' for ya." I tell him alright I'm coming for ya, he says "I'm pretty sure i can outrun you coach!" and the offense laughs..ALOT, I'm sure he can out run me! I finish with the special combat football reverse push ups, bent wrist push ups, 5, 4 , 3 ,2 finger push ups- and yes like most of the class, it turns into a contest. Players telling me next week they'll be better, ready to challenge me in them. I love some fun competition in drills, it makes everyone get better, improving from week to week!
The Combat Football program isn't martial arts for martial arts sake. it is a comprehensive martial arts for football system. Organized combat training for the mind and the body. It improves hand speed, and power - for blocking, and for getting off blocks or gaining separation. All players who do it get better. The ones who focus and drill with enthusiasm get great.
Heading back to Miami tonight for week two.,I'll be moving the drill speed up, and add the next level. I'll also get with coaches and players on specific needs. Check back in for more blog info later in the week.
Success Always,
Master Storms
The class finishes on a high note of great energy and some photos with the players. Head Coach Sparano watches most of the defensive class, gives us some great feedback, and lets us know he likes what he sees, and tells us to make sure we have lots of footwork in the practices next week.
Me and the other coaches grab some fruit and rehydrate ourselves, while we review that training session and plan the next session with the offense.
During our break we are introduced to Coach Bill Parcels. He is the VP of the Dolphins. After having coached Super Bowl teams and being in the NFL for over 25 years, He is Mr. Football. We discuss what football skills we are going to teach, he gives us his approval and tells us, "don't hurt any of the players!" Very Nice guy. We talk about boxing and a few other things related to our mutual home state, the great state of New Jersey.
Offense comes in the weight room for weigh ins, and checks in with Coach Marcus at 8:50 Am. It was nice to see some familiar faces. Ricky Williams is playing for the Dolphins, and he has always been a great guy, but he has had some not so great things said about him. I have found him to be a very hard worker, gifted athlete, and polite man. I don't listen to others opinions about pro athletes. You cant imagine the pressure on these men, when they are 21, and 22 years old. 'nuff said.
I get a chance to visit with the QB, Chad Pennington, about a mutual friend, Andre Wadsworth, the great receiver from Florida State. Chad's a very nice guy, he and Chad Henne do great in the class. Most QB's don't like the Combat Football because too tough for them, but these two eat it up and do the entire hour, plus some more!
I then spend some one on one time with Jake Long- first round pick, pro bowl alternate as a rookie last year. He is 6' 7" and 310lb, and an superb athlete. I was showing him some of the secret Okinawan karate techniques at the end of class and he was smiling the entire time. His arms are so long I can barely reach his chest!
When we get to the arm toughening drills (koteketai) Tedd Gin Jr. wants a shot at me, this man runs a sub 4.3sec 40yd, and is built like spider man in the comic books. We have a fun stand off and begin the drills, he was tough guy , he takes it great. Ronnie Brown, the rookie of the year running back, tells me if "If you hit me like that, I got somethin' for ya." I tell him alright I'm coming for ya, he says "I'm pretty sure i can outrun you coach!" and the offense laughs..ALOT, I'm sure he can out run me! I finish with the special combat football reverse push ups, bent wrist push ups, 5, 4 , 3 ,2 finger push ups- and yes like most of the class, it turns into a contest. Players telling me next week they'll be better, ready to challenge me in them. I love some fun competition in drills, it makes everyone get better, improving from week to week!
The Combat Football program isn't martial arts for martial arts sake. it is a comprehensive martial arts for football system. Organized combat training for the mind and the body. It improves hand speed, and power - for blocking, and for getting off blocks or gaining separation. All players who do it get better. The ones who focus and drill with enthusiasm get great.
Heading back to Miami tonight for week two.,I'll be moving the drill speed up, and add the next level. I'll also get with coaches and players on specific needs. Check back in for more blog info later in the week.
Success Always,
Master Storms
Friday, May 8, 2009
Miami Dolphins news and update #2-Mike Storms Combat Football-
Dear Friends,
Had great evening catching up with Coach Marcus and Jared Tomich. I went to bed before 10, knowing 5am in Miami is 4am in Louisiana. I would need all the sleep I could get facing 65 Pro football players that have seen and heard almost everything, and I would have to prove my toughness and knowledge right away.
Up at 5 am, I had some water, blueberries, strawberries, banana, with nuts and homemade oats. The dolphins headquarters is only 15 or so minutes from where we were staying, and at 5am the roads were clear, caught green lights the whole way. I then review the plan of the day, Important point here: I had mentally played the sessions over in the theatre of my mind, how I would walk, speak, demonstrate, interact, and more importantly how the players would train and respond to the combat football system.
At 6:50 am the defense shows up. Now Ive coached NFL players since 1991. I did some with the San Diego Chargers with Master Advincula. And had my 6 year stint with the saints. The Dolphins defense comes in and these players are very very big, and athletic, and super fit. Coach Marcus introduces me, and the measuring begins. Can this silver haired karate master really coach football, and can he really help the team? With Coach Marcus's kind introduction and support, the players are polite, and eager to learn.
We go over to the practice field in the bubble at 7am sharp. We begin with warm ups, stretches and introduction to principles of balance and power. Then cover striking. Then escapes. Then attacks!
We begin shadowboxing with individual base moves. I work one on one with the players walking down the line, the great linebacker Joey Porter, who is a very focused and intense man. The players are really working hard and listening. We pair up, go through striking targets and working on getting off block much faster with more intensity. They are really loving this segment, and they begin to loosen up.
Next report....more defense, and the offensive group at 9 AM.
Master Storms
PS: Check out some of the pictures from today's practice:
Master Storms and Coach Marcus
Coach Marcus, Master Storms, and Dave Paluka
Master Storms with Jared Tomich and the Defensive Backs
Master Storms with Jared Tomich and the Defensive Line
Master Storms with Jared Tomich and the Linebackers
Master Storms practicing Combat Football with Jake Long
Master Storms with Jared Tomich and the Runningbacks
Master Storms with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown
Master Storms with Jared Tomich and the Wide Receivers
Master Storms with Jared Tomich, Chad Henne, and Chad Pennington
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