From the desk of Tony Aponte, Aponte Training Systems.
It’s very hard to say anything with all this madness. If I don’t the hate mail won’t stop about the BJ Penn vs. Georges St-Pierre fight. Our site is getting overwhelmed with emails wanting an explanation on BJ Penn’s conditioning. The questions asked to Aponte Training are “Why wasn’t he in shape?” “Why was his body fat so high?” “Why wasn’t he big enough?” “Where is BJ’s muscle?”
First off, I want to say we did not prepare BJ Penn for the Georges St-Pierre fight. Due to previous commitments we were not available to be on the island to train BJ in person. We were told he was following our exercise and strength conditioning program. He did not; I don’t know what he did, I haven’t spoken to him since the fight. BJ Penn and his family have been dear friends of ours for years. But we must act as professionals who take pride in what we do and represent Aponte Training. The rest is not our business. The Vaseline, the camps going crazy… that’s not our concern nor a topic that concerns us. What does concern us are the fans and the athletes. Fans and Athletes who know when you hire us we work so very hard to achieve the reputation of a top notch and world class organization. We have a combined 45 years in the health, strength and conditioning fields with a vast of knowledge of nutritional conditioning. We have years of hands on experience and a team of the finest well educated professionals that are dedicated to their work and constant pursuit of perfection. The athletes we have worked with are not only in MMA but are in many different fields of pro sports, Olympic Weight Lifting, Olympic Power Lifting, Pro Bodybuilding and preparing NFL players. Our athletes have been awarded with the highest honors and top awards in all these fields.
The problem we run into is a lot of MMA fighters think they can get away with being in “Okay” shape. High body fat or worse, they are uneducated about athleticism, nutrition and strength. That’s the real lesson here. BJ Penn and Randy Couture are the most talented fighters in the MMA industry. They are very well accomplished in the areas of martial arts, wrestling and many forms of MMA. But all MMA fighters must realize that Strength, Brut Power and your very best conditioning will give you the biggest edge, Period! I believe BJ needs to be in top condition, between 165 and 168 lbs but 4 to 6% body fat, Penn can accomplish this! My bro has to do it all. He must become a conditioned beast. He must bring up his push power, lower his body fat and incorporate the very best conditioning his body can handle. Beyond that, I believe if BJ can do this then it will be skills against skills when Rush tries to take Penn down. It’s not easy if Penn's strength is almost equal to Georges’. It would be a fight to remember, a war that will REALLY want to see. I would have to give the edge to Penn because of his skill over Georges and his team. Georges’ team beat BJ Penn that night on every round, no question. But he did not beat (and probably couldn’t beat) the very best BJ Penn. This is a scientific conclusion. I also know that Rush has the very best people in the game on his team. They know their business, I commend them for doing a fantastic job. I know the strength coach saw the lactic acid getting ready to shoot to the top of the shoulders. After that they overwhelm him with power and super fast paced conditioning, the rest is history.
I want everyone to know what was up. I believe George is a pillar and a great champ. I'm not making any excuses but I wanted to clear the air about the conditioning and strength issues that weren't as 'There' as we would've liked them. Today’s UFC athletes are in top shape, especially when you’re facing a person that’s all athletic with top notch conditioning. Today your game and conditioning are essential. I wish my brother BJ the very best and I again would like to congratulate Georges “Rush” St-Pierre and his team.
BJ, can we get in shape and show the world what’s F&%$#ing up? When you’re ready to beat this guy call Aponte! Now is the time Kid.
Thank you all for your time, we wish you all well.
Sincerely,
Pro Trainer, T. Aponte
Aponte Training systems
http://www.specificfitness.us
