Yes, that is his real name (I asked).
John is a giant of a man with superhuman strength and the founder of the Orange Kettlebell Club. He has snatched a 70kg kettlebell (known affectionately as "Nibbler" - made of depleted uranium), and has jerked a 32kg and a 48kg IN ONE HAND. That's a total of 80kg - which for any normal person would be impossible if that weight was in one bell. Two bells makes it a truly extraordinary feat of strength. Further, John has pressed one Steve Cotter overhead. An impressive lifter lifing an impressive lifter - nice work!
Here is a brief interview with John to get some insights into his training (so that you too may become unbelievably strong...):
How did the OKC start?
I started the OKC (Orange Kettlebell Club) so I could spend all my time learning about and teaching kettlebell technique. Because I am lucky enough to travel around the world teaching and studying the OKC has grown to over 300 members in over a dozen countries. I am happy to say that we are truly an international organization.
Stats?
I am 6'6" and about 330lbs, my weight always goes up and down even though my height stays the same,,,weird.
PRs?
I am not sure what my personal bests are. Right now my power lifts are much stronger than my GS numbers. I come from the natural angle of bending and breaking things so the transition to Kettlebell Sport started slowly. Recently however I have learned some new training method and my progress has really picked up! Both in absolute strength as well as Sport numbers.
Goals?
My personal goals are to become a master of sport and to take my strength as far as I can. I love the feats of strength and once my MS is completed I think I will fool around with that stuff more.
Sporting background?
When I was younger I played football and threw the shot and discus. I started bodybuilding in College and then I moved into Kettlebells about 5 years ago.
What do you like best about training with kettlebells?
My favorite thing about kettlebells is that you can get better at lifting them, not just stronger. Technically you can get more perfect. There is a beauty in that I have not found in my prior experience. Nt to say that there is no beauty in other forms of lifting, but for me this is it.
Favourite lift?
My favorite lift? uhh,,, the jerk? Wait no the snatch,,,wait,,,it's the jerk,,but the the snatch is my favorite when I am not practicing the jerk, or snatching,,,you know what I mean?
What other equipment do you like using? Examples of exercises with these?
I would love to say that I am well rounded and I guess I do a little deadlifting and sandbag work but the kettlebell is my tool. I want to master it and I use it 99.9% of the time. More or less the same percentage Thor used his hammer.
Example of what a day's training might look like at the moment?
My current training is overwhelming. I have changed my philosophy from time to reps with rest intervals. It has been working for me but the number of reps I do in an average workout would be 300-450 snatches or 200-300 jerks (doubles always for me) plus assistance exercises.
Recovery methods?
My recovery methods are usually crying and complaining about how sore I am. If I am feeling saucy I'll go down to the sauna and sweat a little.
Any supplements you think are important for your training?
Suppliments,,,hmm,,,Steak, beer, sleep. Usually I use Sunwarrior protien and barley. It's funny because they are vegan suppliments but they are very good.
What sort of music do you train to?
I like to listen to all kinds of music when I train. But if I am listing to metal, watch out.
What can you do with Nibbler?
Oh, Nibbler? I can do everything with Nibbler that you should be able to do with a bell. Just not to many times :-)
Add anything you like...
Last thing, You're probably not going to know if you are my reason for training. If I am thinking about you during my sessions or if I can't wait to see you on the stage. But if you are the one, there is probably a voodoo doll of you in my gym right now.
Here are some clips of John's awesome lifting: