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December 3, 2006

Athlete Spotlight: Sam Larson (Happy Birthday!)

Ah shieze! This video is linked from the top page of CrossFit.com!


Sam Larson is one of our most experienced and highest performing CrossFit athletes: in fact Nicole and I owe our introduction to CrossFit to him! Sam recently tested for the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Danzan Ryu jujitsu and continues to teach classes at Suigetsukan Dojo in Oakland. This is an important rank: Sam could now legitimately have his own Dojo now, should he so desire.

Danzan Ryu ("Sandalwood Mountain School" from a Chinese name for Hawaii) is a Ryu of jujitsu founded by Professor Seishiro Okazaki (1890-1951) in Hawaii. Danzan Ryu is ubiquitous in the United States, particularly on the west coast.

Check out the pre-CrossFit picture of a distinctly chubby Sam on the Suigetsukan Instructor page!

Sam is also the owner of a German to English patent translation business if you have the need.

Today is Sam's birthday, so say "happy birthday Sensei" when you see him.

Posted by Max Lewin at December 3, 2006 8:41 PM

Comments

Here is the WOD from the national site for tomorrow.

Monday 061204

For time:
50 Box jump, 24 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 45 pounds
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
50 Burpees
50 Double unders

We will scale as needed.

Posted by: Max Lewin at December 3, 2006 9:08 PM

Ich kann auch Deutsch. Gut gemacht, Sam!

Posted by: Jonathan at December 3, 2006 10:16 PM

Happy Birthday and thank you Sam--for introducing me to CrossFit, many changes later I am happily addicted!

Posted by: Nicole Okumu at December 4, 2006 7:06 AM

Thanks guys! Nice video, Max. As I was watching it, I just thought, "man, my kb swing form needs work". See you tomorrow.

Posted by: Sam L at December 4, 2006 9:54 AM

Happy Birthday Sam! I think there will be no swinging of kettle bells for me today because of the old back. Hopefully I can do this one again sometime.

Candace

Posted by: Candace at December 4, 2006 11:08 AM

Happy B-Day Sam....... Good thing that was a toy gun (-;

Franklin

Posted by: Franklin O at December 4, 2006 1:45 PM

Happy Birthday Sam. Now you're CrossFit famous.


Hey, what did you guys do for Murph this morning? I plan to do a scaled version this afternoon.

Thanks.

Posted by: tim at December 5, 2006 3:04 PM

Tim,

There were 2 versions:

1. As Rx'd.

2. Run 800m, 100 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 150 squats, run 800m.

#2 is half-volume for everything but pull-ups (you can never get enough pull-ups!).

There were, of course, variations upon variations. For example, a few did the mile run but half-volume for the push-ups and squats.

Posted by: Mike Minium at December 5, 2006 3:08 PM

Thanks, Mike.

Posted by: tim at December 5, 2006 3:27 PM

Tim:

Murph is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKSPRtKG00g

Posted by: Max Lewin at December 5, 2006 5:12 PM

Max, you are freakin' nuts, and I say that with all the sincerity and respect I have. Yeesh.

Great video. Classy tribute.

Posted by: tim at December 5, 2006 7:36 PM

Better late than never: Happy Birthday Sam!

Posted by: Leo P at December 6, 2006 12:14 AM