Topic: A bit of a clarification about the Bulgarian training system...

[ViKtoricus]

Hi!

I just wanna clarify some things to people.

Many assume that weightlifters schooled under Abadjhiev are automatically put on training regimens where 90% of their training consists of nothing but snatches, cleans+jerks, and front squats.

But the truth is, Ivan specializes in training weightlifters who are already pre-prepared for the Bulgarian-style training.

I don't think you can just go from absolute newbie with zero training background into training with nothing but the classical lifts and the front squat. It starts off with a good preparation of a training program that involves the development of weightlifting-specific strength BEFORE moving to a super-specific-training.

The only difference between the lifters who are genetically-gifted for the sport and the lifters with average genetics is that the preparation stage for the gifted ones is much shorter. Naim Suleymanoglu was put on the Bulgarian training program when he was fifteen years old.

[Arturo Gómez]

Exactly. A training based only in classic lifts + squats requers an harmonious phisical structure. If this condition is not true, you must make a different work, still to finish making "bulgarian system"

[ViKtoricus]

Exactly. A training based only in classic lifts + squats requers an harmonious phisical structure. If this condition is not true, you must make a different work, still to finish making "bulgarian system"

Agreed!   

[Mike Frost]

I agree with the both of you. I'd go on to say in my case, or an average lifters case with some flaws that the Bulgarian program is not the answer. Because usually people require certain attention on weaknesses. But I do agree that it is a proven winner(if you have no flaws and are technically sound in all the lifts and can evolve into only squats/classical lifts). Where I may ideologically differ from the Butcher, is that things like the Chinese popular 3s 3r with 100% of clean performed as a clean high pull to me just makes sense. It makes you the lifter legitimatly stronger and gives you tonns of confidence. Also I believe things like Overhead squat, snatch balance/drop snatch, and jerk recovery can have a place becase under the bar work in the snatch would in my mind theoretically improve your likely hood of making a higher percentages of snatches as opposed to a Bulgarian style lifter who does absolutely no overhead type of assistence.

Personally training at a gym(previously) who did Bulgarian style, I can honestly say when I attempted 100% or 95% cleans, I never felt totally confident in myself, why? Because we did zero pull work lol, since throwing in some basic Chinese proven successful methods, when I attempt a 100% clean now, I'm way more confident. So for me, probably mostly Bulgarian+back squats+ohs+pulls....then I'm covered. Mind you I'm not Naim, so I'm biased where I still need to snatch balance ect.

[Mike Frost]

Sorry for the double post but 1 more point. The other issue I see with Bulgarian(or say Average Broz gym) is just that the only variation they perform is the power versions of the lifts.....but the power versions at least for me and most ppl is like 80%/70% of your best squat clean/squat snatch lifts, so its hard to get the immense strength and confidence needed to attempt a weight 100% or more when your switch up is doing light weights lol. The Chinese method of the high pull gets you plenty ready, that combined with sufficient squat strength, and your good to go.

[ViKtoricus]

Power-cleaning a weight that is somewhat close to my true full-clean gives me confidence!

[MasterChief]

One should be able to achieve in the power version about 90 percent of the result of the full version lift.

However, what is your point viktoricus? Do you want to promote the bulgarian system?

[Mike Frost]

Power-cleaning a weight that is somewhat close to my true full-clean gives me confidence!

Then I guess you don't need pulls....but know this, the explosive clean pull+shrug is one of your top power generators(probably the number 1) just trying to help your explosiveness dude.

Are you an agent of Bulgaria lol? I to was fascinated and still am but to a lesser degree, with Bulgarian weightlifting.