Westside Barbell in Toledo: Max Effort Lower Day

At Westside Barbell, strength has no boundaries—especially in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Recently, Tom Barry and Burley Hawk traveled to Toledo, Ohio, to coach Dante Leon, Max Hanson, Lawson Grime, and the Adamas Jiu-Jitsu team. Their mission: a Max Effort Lower Day featuring sumo deadlifts—just days before Dante heads to Thailand for ONE Championship: ONE Fight Night 27.

Showcasing the Conjugate Method

This trip wasn’t just about heavy lifts; it was a chance to showcase the power of the Conjugate Method and the gym culture Louie Simmons instilled in Tom. Tom and Burley didn’t train—they coached, reinforcing programming principles and fostering the mindset that has made Westside Barbell the authority in strength training. These athletes, who regularly make the two-hour trip to train at Westside HQ, are now applying these lessons in their own competitive journeys.

Sumo Deadlift Highlights

The session focused on the sumo deadlift, a key exercise for building strength and resilience:

• Stance & Mobility: The sumo stance builds strength in the legs, hips, and glutes, which are critical for dynamic guard play and injury prevention.

• Posterior Chain Power: Pushing heavy weights strengthens muscles needed for takedowns and guard passes.

• Durability: These lifts prepare athletes for the demands of competition and intense scrambles.

Dante Leon’s Final Lift

Dante’s last Max Effort lower body lift before Thailand showcased his readiness. Facing Tommy Langaker in a 180-lb catchweight bout, Dante’s heavy sumo deadlift served as both a confidence boost and a measure of his progress.

Evolving Westside Barbell

Dante Leon, Max Hanson, and Lawson Grime represent the next generation of Westside Barbell athletes. Under Tom Barry’s guidance, they are being taught to apply the Conjugate Method to excel in Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and MMA. Tom’s mission is to push the boundaries of strength training in these combat sports, ensuring Louie Simmons’ legacy continues to evolve and thrive.

What’s Next?

As Dante competes on the international stage, Westside Barbell’s methods will once again prove their effectiveness. Stay tuned for training highlights and updates on the blog. Whether you’re a competitor or an aspiring athlete, there’s always a new personal record to chase.