Ikei Performance Athletes Impress NFL Scouts at Pro Day Workouts

Just wanted to send out a proud update of how 5 of our 10 athletes have performed at their recent NFL Pro Day workouts. Each year Ikei Performance accepts 10 elite collegiate football players to join their NFL Combine & Draft Preparation Training Program. This year we had representatives from 6 different schools: Clemson, Oregon State, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State and Hawaii. These athletes have dedicated their last 3 months to training and preparing themselves for a chance to become a professional athlete representing the National Football League (NFL). I’ve had the privilege of traveling to 2 of the 5 athletes pro day workouts and wanted to share some proud video moments with you.

On March 13, 2009 I traveled to Corvallis, OR to witness Oregon State University Safety, Al Afalava, put on a show for all the NFL Scouts.

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 207 lbs
Vertical Jump: 40”
Broad Jump: 10’5”
225# Bench Rep: 25
40 Yard Dash: 4.47
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.07
3-Cone Drill: 6.63
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.05

You can watch Al’s workout on youtube.com or by clicking on the link below.
Al Afalava #9 Safety: NFL Pro Day Workout - Oregon State University
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDOAigebulE

On March 10, 2009 in Fort Collins, CO, I watched Colorado State University Defensive End, Tommie Hill put on an outstanding performance in front of NFL Scouts. Here’s Tommie Hill’s measurables:

Height: 6’6”
Weight: 257 lbs
Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump: 9’3.5”
225# Bench Rep: 23
40 Yard Dash: 4.74
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 7.17
60 Yard Shuttle: n/a

You can watch Tommie’s workout on youtube.com or by clicking on the link below.
Tommie Hill #91 Defensive End: NFL Pro Day Workout - Colorado State University
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQDc6ky_dg8

Three other Ikei Performance Athletes had stellar performances on their pro day workouts but I was unable to attend. Here are their measurables:

Tyler Grisham, WR - Clemson
March 24, 2009

Height: 5’10.5”
Weight: 185 lbs
Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump: 9’6”
225# Bench Rep: n/a
40 Yard Dash: 4.43
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.10
3-Cone Drill: 6.60
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.29

Will Harding, DB – Fresno State
March 11, 2009

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 202 lbs
Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 9’11”
225# Bench Rep: 19
40 Yard Dash: 4.46
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.12
3-Cone Drill: 6.93
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.28

Sharrod Davis, DB – Fresno State
March 11, 2009

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 lbs
Vertical Jump: 31”
Broad Jump: 9’10”
225# Bench Rep: 17
40 Yard Dash: 4.52
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.03
3-Cone Drill: 7.02
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.22

Five athletes are waiting for their opportunity to perform for NFL Scouts on April 2, 2009 in Carson, CA. Three athletes from the University of Hawaii: Josh Leonard-DT, Jacob Patek-S and Francis Maka-DE; University of Colorado Vaka Manupuna-DT; Oregon State University Jeremy Perry-OL will all get their chance to showcase their skills and make an impression on NFL Teams.

Stay tuned for a detailed wrap up of our 2009 Ikei Performance NFL Combine & Draft Preparation Training. See how hard these young men worked, the intensity, the dedication, the sacrifice, the discipline…see their progress of when they started to where they finished and what it takes to become a champion. Go to www.ikeiunderground.com

Adrian Wilson's 66-inch Hurdle Jump on Youtube Becomes Legendary

Over 6.2 millions viewers have witnessed the now legendary 66-inch hurdle jump that Arizona Cardinals Safety, Adrian Wilson, easily cleared during his training at Ikei Performance. Who would have guessed that a friendly competition placed on youtube would have found its way to national TV recently being featured on NFL Live, Jim Rome's Burning and ESPN News. Thanks to the miraculous athleticism of Adrian Wilson and the outstanding performance of our Arizona Cardinals, this 19 second clip has become legendary amongst sports enthusiasts. If you haven't seen the video clip click here: Adrian Wilson's 66-inch Jump

I've had the privilege of working with Adrian since 2001 and have witnessed some of the most incredible feats of strength, speed and power. This young man is a very dedicated and motivated individual and continuously strives to make himself better as well as those around him. I would like to share with you some footage of how hard one of the best safeties in the NFL trains and to prove to the world that talent coupled with hard work is the formula for success as Adrian is living proof. Please take a moment to watch this video and pass it along to any young athlete that you believe would be inspired to exceed all expectations.

NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals Heading to Super Bowl XLIII – An Experience I Will Never Forget

“SHOCK THE WORLD,” was a statement many people used but only a few truly believed. The Arizona Cardinals are the NFC Champions and will be heading down to Tampa for the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII. Ikei Performance would like to congratulate Aaron Francisco, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, Travis Laboy, Matt Ware, Taitusi “Deuce” Lutui, Gerald Hayes, Karlso Dansby, Elliot Vallejo and Antrel Rolle and wish them the best in the road to becoming Super Bowl Champions.

As the owner and founder of Ikei Performance, I’ve had the privilege to work with these players through the years and was extremely honored when Safety Aaron Francisco invited me to join him and his family to attend the NFC Championship Game. The festivities started off with a Kick-Off Luau at the Francisco Hale (house) on Saturday afternoon with great food, family and friends. Everyone got to the game on Sunday early to watch Francisco lead his team out to the coin toss at the beginning of the game as the Special Teams Captain. The Cardinals won the coin toss and the rest is history as they went on to become NFC Champions. Francisco had a great game finishing with 4 solo tackles and 1 interception. I would personally like to thank Aaron Francisco and his Ohana (family) for being a part of the Ikei Performance Ohana and appreciate sharing this wonderful moment with me.

This was an experience of a lifetime. I’ve competed at the national and world championships as well as Olympic Trials, attended every major professional sports game and have coached at some nail biting events, but the Cardinals win this past Sunday was something else. There’s something about the underdog going the extra distance when everyone counted them out and in the end pulling off the victory…that gets me pumped. I would like to share with you the craziness of how I felt on the final play of the game and witness what it was like standing in the stands when the final second ticked off the clock and the Cardinals was officially the NFC Champions heading to the Super Bowl. Click on the image to experience the intensity of the win.


Take a walk with me onto the field as Arizona Cardinals Safety Aaron Francisco celebrates the victory with his family during the NFC Championship Ceremony. Click on image to take a walk onto the field.

Ikei Performance Athletes represent Arizona in Offense-Defense All American Bowl

January 2, 2009, Coastal Carolina University will welcome eighty-eight of the best high school seniors in the country to compete in the Offense-Defense All American Bowl. This prestigious all-star football game has provided numerous athletes opportunity to showcase their skills amongst the best in the country and produced countless NCAA and NFL greats throughout the years.

Ikei Performance is proud to announce that two of our athletes, Ryan Reardon and Caleve Deboskie, will be representing Arizona on the West Team. Ryan Reardon of Notre Dame Prep was selected as a Linebacker and has proven to be one of the top tacklers in the state as he helped lead his team to back-to-back State Championships. Caleve Deboskie of Chandler High was selected as a Wide Receiver and led his team with receiving yards this season. Both of these young men wasted no time after their seasons finished and immediately started training at Ikei Performance in preparation for the bowl game.

“I’m honored to have been selected to the O-D All American Bowl. This year was a great one for me, winning back-to-back state titles and now being able to represent the state of Arizona on National TV, I can’t wait to play” states Reardon. “I’ve worked hard all year long since the end of last season. I took the advice of what some of the scouts and college coaches have shared with me and put in the work to overcome my deficiencies. Now it’s time to lay it all out on the field.”

Caleve Deboskie is familiar with the High School All-star Games as his older brother Covaughn played in the Army All-American Game last year. “Last year I got to watch my brother play in his all-star game and told myself that I’m going to do everything possible to get invited to a bowl game as well” says Deboskie. After receiving his invite to the Offense-Defense All American Bowl Deboskie was pumped about playing stating “I’m extremely proud to be representing my school and the state of Arizona. I know this is a great opportunity for me to show my skills and ability against top level competition.”

“We are very proud of Ryan and Caleve. I think I got more excited than them when I received the news” remarks Chad Ikei, owner of Ikei Sports Performance, “both these boys exemplify what hard work and discipline can do for a young athlete. They dedicated their summers to improving their athletic ability. To make the sacrifices they made to improve their game says it all and both of them are very deserving of playing in this bowl game.”

Congratulations Ryan and Caleve and enjoy this moment as you play your final High School football game on National Television. All of us here at Ikei Performance are extremely proud of you and know you will both exceed all expectations.

Check out our boys play at the Offense-Defense All American Bowl live on Fox College Sports, Friday, January 2, 2009 kickoff at 5 pm EST.

Give Your Friends and Family the Invaluable Gift of Good Health

This year, why not give something healthy and beneficial to a loved one? Why not give the gift of health? Living a healthy lifestyle is important, but sometimes challenging. Due to the tough economy, many Americans are facing financial hardships and have cut back on fitness memberships and many other things that aid in healthy living. With the help of Ikei Performance and the 30 minute Warrior Fitness Workout, you can give the gift of better health to friends and loved ones this holiday season, without breaking the bank.

The gift of health is something that you can give to virtually anyone-- from your parents, to your spouse, a friend, your siblings, even your children. Health and fitness go hand in hand, when you give someone the gift of fitness, you are helping them open a door to better health both physically and mentally. It is an invaluable gift that you will be proud to give.

Chad Ikei, Owner of Ikei Sports Performance had this to say “Giving someone the tools to feel better, look better and live healthier is a priceless gift. It shows that you care about their well being. In today’s society there are gyms and personal trainers everywhere but not everyone has the time or the funds to take advantage of it. The Warrior Workout program was designed with that in mind…it is fast, effective and very affordable.”

With the 30 minute Warrior Fitness Workout the “I just don’t have time” excuse is no longer valid. In just 30 minutes the Ikei Sports Performance team will have your friends and family on the road to better health and the physique they desire in no time. This intense and effective workout incorporates a mix of weight training, strongman training, athletic conditioning and plyometrics.

According to Kamalei Magnani, a trainer at the Ikei Sports Performance facility in Scottsdale, “The Warrior Fitness Workout is a fun and exciting way to lose weight or take your fitness training to the next level. Each 30 minute session is a full body workout that incorporates both cardio and strength training. Each session participants are challenged with something different to keep them motivated, like flipping tractor tires, pulling and pushing sleds, tossing medicine balls or lifting sand bags.”

Warrior Fitness Workout Classes are being offered Monday-Friday with morning classes at 6:30-7:00, 8:45-9:15 and evening class at 5:30-6:00. There is also a Saturday morning class from 8:45-9:15. Classes are open to everyone but limited to 12 participants per class. Monday-Friday morning 8:45-9:15 classes are exclusively for women. For more information on Warrior Workout packages, please call (480) 657-6937 or visit Ikei Sports Performance online at www.ikeiperformance.com.

About Ikei Performance
Ikei Performance is an exclusive sports & fitness training center that trains numerous professional, college and high school athletes as well as serious fitness enthusiasts. The private 9,300 square foot facility has an indoor field turf area, outdoor 3-lane 70 yard turf track, strength training area including Olympic lifting platforms and medical offices. Under the direction of 5-time National Weightlifting Champion and World Record Holder, Chad Ikei, the Ikei Performance team has proven time and time again to produce fast and effective results. Personal Training, Sports Performance Programs, Naturopathic Medicine, Chiropractic care, Active Release Technique, massage therapy and the Ikei Performance Nutritional Center are available to interested fitness enthusiasts, junior athletes as well as professional athletes in training. Visit Ikei Performance on-line at www.ikeiperformance.com.

Vote Travis Laboy for Defensive Player of the Week

Ikei Performance Athlete and Arizona Cardinals defensive end Travis LaBoy, is a nominee for the GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week for games played on Oct. 5-6. Travis led the Cardinals defense with seven tackles and two sacks in the win against previously undefeated Buffalo Bills, 41-17. His performance currently gives him 4 sacks on the year and leads the team into next weeks game against the Dallas Cowboys. You can vote for Travis here at http://www.nfl.com/partner/story?id=09000d5d80b6ae35&partnerType=players-defense, select Travis Laboy and click “VOTE.” Voting will last until Thursday (October 9, 2008) at 4:00 p.m. ET to determine the GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week (you can vote as many times as you wish for Travis). The winner will be announced Thursday evening on NFL.com. After the regular season, five players will be nominated for GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/gmc throughout the month of January. Hurry and log in your vote for Travis today.

We encourage everyone to log onto www.travislaboy.com and click on the blue bubble and join the “Sack Pledge Program” to help tackle autism. A simple donation for every sack that Travis has this season will help The Travis Laboy Foundation – Supporting Autistic Causes for Kids (S.A.C.K.). Currently with 4 sacks under Travis’ belt a pledge of $1 would amount to a donation of $4 to benefit children with Autism. Let’s help Travis spread the word and tell everyone to visit www.travislaboy.com and make a pledge today.

You can also join the Ikei Performance Warrior Fitness Challenge as proceeds benefit S.A.C.K.

Over $1,000 in prizes will be awarded:
• 20 Free Personal Training Sessions
• Autographed NFL Football
• Authentic Autographed Arizona Cardinals #55 Travis Laboy Jersey
• 5-days of Sunfare personal gourmet meal delivery service

Help us spread the news in our efforts to “Level the playing field for children with autism.”

For more information on The Warrior Fitness Challenge, contact Chad Ikei at 480.657.6937 or via email at chad@ikeiperformance.com.

Article Video - Building a Champion, Phase 4: Power

This is the fourth and final installment of a four part series on our unique and proven system for producing the very best athletes.

Four Phase Approach for Elite Athletes
Phase 1: Structural Phase
Phase 2: Functional Hypertrophy
Phase 3: Maximal Strength
Phase 4: Power

The final installment will be focused on maximizing force application dependent on time also known as power, Phase 4 - Power. This phase will focus on the components of applying the greatest amount of force in the quickest amount of time maximizing lower body power. It is important to follow the strict guidelines for the technique and rest intervals. Nutrition and supplementation, especially pre & post workout nutrition, plays a large role in building muscle. In this article we will be focusing on the exercise portion.

Power
At the end of the 12-week plan the focus is on developing power. Power is a product of both strength and speed. As most athletes, especially football players, need to make quick first moves or plow through defenders, this power component proves to be very useful. We accomplish the desired effect by using movements in the gym that focus on accelerating the weight as fast as possible and minimizing ground contact time. This is best achieved with Olympic Weightlifting movements, such as the power snatch or power clean and their derivatives and specific plyometric (jump training) drills. With this type of lifting the quality of the movement is of paramount importance, therefore we feel that it is necessary to take extra time to learn the technique of the lifts properly. Following many years of world-class competition as a weightlifter Chad Ikei has witnessed countless injuries caused by poor mechanics and inexperienced coaching of these highly technical movements. The coaches at Ikei Performance urge you to please consult with an experienced lifting coach if you plan on using these movements to help you evolve as an athlete.

Basic Guidelines
Don’t forget the importance of Tempo, Rest, Sets & Repetition. Please refer to Part 1 of this installment from the last issue. During the Power Phase the emphasis is on moving the weight as fast as possible while maintaining proper form. For the heavier athletes, the volume or reps may have to be lowered or adjust the number of sets due to the natural loads of body weight. This workout is not meant for conditioning so please allow for the proper length in rest intervals.

An individualized Program
This program is focused on improving hip extensor strength (lower back, glutes and hamstrings). Please note that the workout below is only 1 of 2 lower body programs our athletes perform in the weight room during the week and the entire program changes every 3 weeks. Our athletes will also be performing 2-4 days of energy system training through sprinting, agility drills, stadium stairs or strongman training to name a few, to enhance lower body conditioning and speed.

During this phase it is important for each athlete to choose the appropriate weight for each lift. These lifts require proper technique and can lead to injury if inappropriate weight selection and poor coaching is made. Before attempting this program it is advised to consult with a qualified professional. However, those of you who are qualified to perform these exercises remember this one phrase: “you will only get stronger when you lift heavier weights.” Select the appropriate weights and your goals should be to break your personal bests each time you workout.

A1) Power Clean & Split Jerk
Tempo = XXXX, rest = 0 sec, sets = 5, reps 2+2 (2+1 means perform 1 clean and 1 split jerk then repeat)
A2) Penta Jump
Tempo = XXXX, rest = 120 sec, sets = 5, reps 1 (5 consecutive broad jumps with minimal ground contact time, cover distance)

B1) Paused Db Squat Jumps
Tempo = X2XX, rest = 0 sec, sets = 4, reps 3
B2) Side-Side Knee Tuck Jumps
Tempo = XXXX, rest = 105 sec, sets = 4, reps 6 (jump for height each jump with 3 feet lateral distance)

C1) Backwards Mb Keg Toss
Tempo = XXXX, rest = 60 sec, sets = 3, reps 6 (use a mb approx 10% of bodyweight)
C2) Eccentric Floor Glute-Ham Raise
Tempo = 6-0-X-0, rest = 60 sec, sets = 3, reps 6

Note: The above exercises that are paired with an A1/A2 represents performing one exercise (A1) followed by the second exercise (A2) with the designated rest interval between each exercise. For more information on training programs, log onto www.ikeiperformance.com or email questions to info@ikeiperformance.com.