By Samuel Johnson BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) While full range of motion (ROM) training is generally superior for increasing overall strength and muscle hypertrophy, partial ROM training has unique tactical benefits. It allows athletes to handle heavier loads, reduce fatigue, protect joints, and build strength at specific joint angles. Integrating both full and partial […]
Knowledge
Reflections on Service and Conscription in the S. Korean Army
By Seung Ho Choi Before I share my thoughts on the Korean military, I want to clarify that everything here is based solely on my personal experience during my year and a half of service. In South Korea, all healthy males are required to serve in the military for approximately 18 months. This mandatory conscription […]
Arete 6.14.25
Military / National Security Congress Must Constrain Trump, Foreign PolicyBragg Soldiers Who Cheered Trump’s Political Attacks While in Uniform Were Checked for Allegiance, Appearance, military.comThis French Senator Has Become Trump’s European Nemesis, NY TimesMarines tasked with LA mission have not yet completed use of force and nonlethal training, T&PNATO to boost missile defences 400%, allies to […]
The Definition of a Professional: Exceptional Work. Every Task. Fast.
By Rob Shaul, Founder Exceptional Work. A professional doesn’t cut corners. He never half-asses it. His work is clean, correct, and complete. It’s durable. It lasts. If someone double-checks his work, the professional doesn’t get defensive. He doesn’t treat scrutiny as an insult. He welcomes it. Not because he’s blindly confident—he can make mistakes—but because […]
From Fitness Warrior to Fitness Craftsman: Lessons and Program Design After 50
By Rob Shaul, Founder I was never a great athlete, but I was always a gym rat. Fitness wasn’t my sport — it was my passion. From my pre-teen years, I gained deep satisfaction from hard training. I was admired for how hard I trained, and I liked being admired. Looking back, for decades I […]
The Case for Professional Oversight in Military Physical Training
By Seung Ho Choi The Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program is a comprehensive initiative designed to optimize soldier readiness through an integrated approach that includes physical training, mental resilience, sleep quality, nutritional support, and spiritual well-being. Intended as a shift away from traditional physical training, H2F represents a broader cultural transition toward long-term […]
The Effect of Nicotine Pouches on Athletic & Cognitive Performance
By Jackson Mann BLUF While nicotine pouches may provide short-term cognitive stimulation, research indicates that nicotine has minimal impact on endurance and strength. However, it has been shown to enhance fine motor skills and short-term memory during the window of use. Once the substance leaves the body, cognitive abilities may decline to below pre-nicotine levels. […]
What does it mean to be a good father?
In this MTI podcast episode, Rob is joined by Charlie, Dan, and Derrick for a raw, introspective discussion on modern fatherhood. Drawing from personal experience and research, the conversation dives into what makes a good dad, where the responsibilities lie, and how fatherhood shapes men across career paths and family structures. Key Takeaways Providing vs. […]
Arete 6.7.25
Military / National Security IDF retrieves bodies of hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai, husband Gadi Haggai from Khan Yunis, JPost.comBritain wants to launch large drones from Transit vans, UK Defense JournalAfghanistan, Myanmar Included on Trump Travel Ban List, The DiplomatUkraine Shows It Can Still Flip the Script on How Wars Are Waged, NY TimesSECNAV Tasked to […]
Letting Go of the “Perfect Plan”: How I Discovered the Principles that Matter Most
By Samuel Johnson When I first started lifting, I wasn’t thinking about structured programming—I was just training. In high school, I followed the structured plan laid out by our strength coach: three days of lifting, two days of speed and agility. It was consistent, progressive, and well-balanced, even if I didn’t know the terminology […]