2009 Arnold Blog

UFC fans will have something to cheer about at the Arnold Sports Festival, Friday, March 6, 2009 when UFC World Champion Randy Couture takes center stage at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival.

Couture’s historic background as a Greco-Roman wrestler, UFC Hall of Famer, and the only fighter to ever attain championship titles in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions of the UFC, has well prepared him for the success he has earned as an athlete, actor, apparel leader, and author.

Couture is starring in the soon to be released highly anticipated Stallone film “The Expendables” with other notable action star including Jet Li (Fearless), Jason Statham (Transporter/The Bank Job), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Forrest Whitaker (Last King of Scotland). Couture also starred in the award winning David Mamet film, Red Belt.

Couture will present a live training demonstration from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. with his friend and Arnold Sports Festival MC Fairfax Hackley.

UFC and martial arts aficionados will enjoy the rare opportunity to learn first hand about Couture’s training secrets. Couture will also be on hand to sign copies of his latest book, “Becoming The Natural”.

UFC President Dana White will take the mike at 1:30 p.m. for a thrilling Q & A with the Arnold Martial Art’s Festival audience. Questions will be submitted to event MC Hackley and White will answer live to the full house crowd. UFC 96 Jackson vs. Jardine will take center stage Saturday night at Columbus’s Nationwide Arena.

More Information click here

Raucous Runway

The 2009 Arnold Fitness Fashion Show will showcase the latest trends in fitness apparel, footwear, and jewelry. Models of every age careen along the catwalk under the direction of Fitness International Champion and Phat Camp creator Jen Hendershott. Hendershott choreographs the event that features more than 100 youth and adult models featuring the latest trends in sport fitness attire and fitness inspired sounds.

For more information go to Arnold Sports Festival.

My prep is the same as always, except I’m trying not to come in too lean. I lean out very easy so I’m still doing 5 days of weights/wk and 6 days cardio, but I’m cutting cardio to 20 minutes rather than 30 minutes. Might even cut back to every other day. My diet is clean year round, so the only thing that has really changed is taking out my cheat meals—which is the entire jar of peanut butter!

This will be my second year competing at the Arnold. I’m always very excited about this show, as I truly enjoy the atmosphere and competition. The fact that it is an international show brings a different element and level of competition to the stage that national shows do not have. The show was very well run last year and I’m looking forward to another great show this year.

Additionally I’ll be working with my sponsored company All American EFX during the Expo as well. The company will be previewing the newest line of supplements: Flex Wheeler’s Signature Series (FWSS), and will also be giving people the opportunity to register for and win free supplements, prizes, and even a trip so that will be guaranteed fun coupled with a super busy weekend. Check us out at www.aaefx.com.

Honestly though, I think one of the best features of the Arnold is interacting with fans and others who have a genuine interest in health and fitness. I’m also looking forward to meeting many of the people whom I chat with on the forums. I absolutely love sharing the knowledge I’ve acquired throughout the years with others, so whatever I can do to help, I am more than willing!

Looking forward to an awesome time!
See you there!

I am VERY excited to be apart of the Bodybuilding.com team this year at the Arnold. Not only will I be at the Bodybuilding.com booth all weekend, but I will also be competing in the 2009 Arnold Amateur Fitness competition being held Thursday night at 7pm on March 4th at the Veteran’s Memorial. Fitness events are up first and it is the routines so you don’t want to miss that. After it is the figure gals, the new bikini division, and then the fitness physique round.

My training and dieting are going really well for me this year. My routine is finished, now I just have to rep it out. I am so pumped to be apart of the Arnold event again this year. Cannot wait to see you all on March 4th and then all weekend at the Arnold Expo with Bodybuilding.com.

See you soon,

A.

Here is an email i received form Huong, I asked her what her felling are about the upcoming Arnold and here is what she had to say.

"Hi Dean,

The Arnold Figure International is fast approaching with 25 more days left. I’m excited to be back on stage and to be able to compete with some of my buddies. I’ve been working really hard and at this level of competition every bit of detail counts. I want to enjoy the whole experience and have the expectation to do well too. I want to thank my husband, family, Kim Oddo, friends and fans for their outpouring support. Make sure you come by the Tight Curve Booth/BodyWell Nutrition and say “Hi”.

Thanks again!
Huong Arcinas
IFBB Figure Professional
2008 Sacramento Grand Prix Pro Figure Champion
Team Tight Curve Member
www.fithuong.com"

Here is what Betty Pariso is feeling with only a few weeks left til the Arnold.

"The Arnold weekend holds a special place in my heart since this will be my 12th invite and participation as a Ms. International competitor.  I attended the Arnold years ago as a spectator when there were only about 30 vendors…it’s pretty amazing to see how things have grown.

The privilege of getting an invite to the Arnold never gets old!  Each year I start my preparation months out and wait with anticipation for the hopeful invitation.  Even though I’m considered a "veteran" in our sport…I never feel like one as I prepare or get on stage.  

Betty at the 2008 Olympia

I’ve been told I’m somewhat different from other competitors.  My contest prep is always pretty steady.  Although bodybuilding requires a decent amount of time, I have many other obligations that do not allow me to become consumed with preparation.  I have a realistic view of bodybuilding, and the role that it plays in my life…it’s a hobby.  Bodybuilding has to fit into my life…not the other way around.  The more important things in my life are my family, precious grandson, our business, and friends.  And, we like to enjoy life and have fun.  I work hard to make sure that everything stays balanced even during the hardest contest preparation."

Betty Pariso

I had the privilege to talk with Ahmad for a few seconds about the upcoming Arnold.

Q. How have you changed your conditioning for the upcoming Arnold, are you doing anything different or new then before?

A. I’m going to try to be fuller for the Arnold and in better condition,what I’m doing different is I’m using Cytogenix supplements, the Cytonox and Cytocell before and after workouts, it’s great for your body to recover fast, and Xenadrine as a fat burner and end it with Taraxatone to lose the excess water.

2009 Iron Man
See why they call him Abzilla?

Q. What are your feelings about the upcoming Arnold, what is your goal for the Arnold?

A. I feel great, coming strong, planing for the top 5.

Q. You started the year off great with a 5^th place finish at the Iron Man, is this the year of Ahmad?

A. Yes this is my year, especially since it started with a new contract with Cytogenix a 5^th place finish in the Iron Man and a Pass to the Olympia! So let’s see what is waiting for Ahmad this year.

I promise my fans that they are going to see new Ahmad this year!

Thank you very much Ahmad Haidar.

This event is not open to the public and RSVP is required, so if your a distributor, health/nutrition store or a gym then this event is for you so make your reservation today.

If you plan on attending please RSVP to michael@gasparinutrition.com with how many are in your party.

There will also be a nutritious lunch buffet available.

Another Arnold Sports Festival and another weekend of awesome martial arts workshops and seminars. This year at The Arnold Martial Arts Festival there was no holding back. There are going to be some of the greatest martial arts athletes, teachers and trainers from around the world at the festival this year and a line up of workshops and seminars to keep you busy all weekend, so get out to the Arnold and check it out.

Here are some of the workshops and seminars tha are already lined up to be there:

Joe Lewis *7:00 - 8:00 pm*

The Arnold Martial Arts Festival (especially Tokey Hill) welcomes a LIVING LEGEND… 10th DAN Grandmaster and Former WORLD Karate/Kickboxing Champion, Joe Lewis!

UFC’s Shonie Carter *7:00 - 8:00 pm*

SC’s MMA knowledge and techniques at a SUPER low Arnold price… the man has SERIOUS info to share, you may want to listen… Marine’s usually don’t mess around.

A seminar by none other than Shonie Carter featured on the Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter season 4 ” The Comeback” and BET’s “the Iron Ring”. Shonie has accomplished many World titles in MMA and National Titles in Kickboxing and Olympic Pankration and former All-American Wrestler.

Kevin Kearns *5:00 - 6:00 pm*

MMA fitness, $270.00 worth of DVD’s and Elite training for the FIRE-SALE price of $99.00

Kevin is offering a SPECIAL Arnold package that is too good to pass up… Two hours of elite MMA training (a $150.00 value) , ALL 4 of the Burn with Kearns conditioning DVD’s (a $120.00 value)… Its PRACTICALLY FREE!!!

Kru Jason David Frank *6:00 - 7:00 pm*

Workshop: Muay Thai Kickboxing

Jason David Frank is a world renowned actor, martial artist, and philanthropist. As a martial strict he began his training at the young age of 4 and hasn’t stopped yet. Currently he holds a 6th degree black belt and owns/operates 4 successful martial arts schools that specialize in changing and influencing the lives of kids and adults, in a positive manner, through the martial arts. As a teenager he was given the opportunity to pursue a dream of becoming an actor.

Soke Kevin Cullen – Sharing 36 years of Goju *5:00 - 6:00 pm*

Workshop: SOFT DEFEATS STRONG SEMINAR

Grandmaster Kevin Cullen has always been into old school traditional full contact bare knuckle karate. No pads of any kind were ever worn. His work ethic was simple, take every new technique learn and later that day perform it at least 500 times. So, 6 new waza meant 3,000 techniques before he would retire that evening. As a result of this type of dedication on separate occasions Mr. Cullen was invited by Kyoshi Yamazaki and the recently departed Hidetaka Nishiyama to move into their respective dojos to become their dojo deshi private student. In the case of Nishiyama, he had plans for Cullen to become his next Chuck Norris world champion.

Master Chen Youze – Chinese Weapons *6:00 - 7:00 pm*

Workshop: Chinese Weapons

Evening at the Holiday Inn Downtown Capital Square, Master Chen will be sharing his knowledge in a workshop. This intermediate/elite workshop would normally cost HUNDREDS but for the 2009 Arnold, Master Chen is offering the workshop for $50.00. This 1 hr workshop will show the student some of the skills that the Chen Family has learned and passed on for 20 generations AND that Master Chen Youze’s 3000 students are already learning.

Hill Brothers *9:00 - 10:00 pm*

Workshop: Pankration Revolution

Masters Ron and James Hill, better known as the Hill Brothers, will share over 50 combined years of martial arts experience. The Hill Brothers wear many hats in the martial arts industry as gym owners, instructors, coaches, organization heads, promoters, combat sports managers (Professional and Amateur), and ISCF/IKF Representatives/Judges. The Hill Brothers are the Team USA National Pankration Coaches for the USAFPA, under President Dave Sixel, and FILA Wrestling organizations.

Ron Chapél - Kenpo *8:00 - 9:00 pm*

SubLevel Kenpo Concepts explores the side of Kenpo that few have ever seen. Taught from an anatomical based perspective, it includes Anatomical Structure Theory, Control Manipulation Theory, Cavity Presses, Destructive Sequencing, cultivation of internal energy, among others. In particular, it relies on an in-depth understanding and knowledge of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation relative to the dynamics of human combat interaction.

Dr. Shie-Ming Hwang - Taiji Push Hands *8:00 - 9:00 pm*

Dr. Shie-Ming Hwang is a Grandmaster of Taiji and Kungfu including Shaolin, Praying Mantis, Baji, Baqua, and Piqua.  Dr. Hwang has practiced the Chinese Martial Arts for over 50 years and taught the arts for 40 years, including the last 36 years in the United States.

For more information and registration go to arnoldmartialarts.com

All Workshops and Seminars at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival headquarters hotel - Holiday Inn Downtown Capital Square
Friday, March 6, 2009

The Arnold Sports Festival and Expo is approaching rapidly and Bodybuilding.com wants to make your visit to the Expo the most memorable so make sure to stop by, get some samples and check out the Bodybuilding.com booth. The booth will be set up right inside the front door with a direct shot to the stage, so you wont be able to miss it.

Here is a list of the Models that will be at the booth to assist you with your nutrition, supplement and fitness/exercise needs and questions.

Female Models
Crystal Mathews
Kyla McGrath
Michelle De Maria
Tana Gabrielle
Fawnia Dietrich
Allison Ethier
Katie Barnes
Ginger Redeker

Male Models
Bob Cicherillo
Charles Glass
Jerome Ferguson
Nick Scott
Sean Harley

We are getting closer and closer to the Arnold, and those competing in this major event are hard at work hoping to make a statement on the first big female competition of 2009. I was fortunate and honored to interview the reigning Fitness Olympia champion and 2005 Fitness International champion, Jenny Hendershott!

http://www.fitgemsnation.net/page/fitgems-nation-exclusive

The 2009 Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge will be the Mecca of Muscle as it welcomes the world’s top male and female athletes in arm sports.

The annual two-day event features wall to wall flying forearms, bulging biceps, and tough tendons.

Each year the Titans of Arm Sports gather inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center on the centerpiece Arnold EXPO stage for two days of armsport action that annually showcases male and female armsport athletes.

International qualifiers are held across the world in advance of the event in Great Britain, Armenia, Canada, Norway, Israel, and the USA. Two new qualifiers have been added in 2008 and will be held in Turkey and Brazil.

The 2009 Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge (ACAC) will take place before a teeming throng of arm sport aficionados on the Arnold Fitness EXPO stage Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

[More Information]
[Tickets]