I recently deleted my Instagram account to start @johnparkerballistic. IG was never about notoriety: It was a business resource and a training diary - to interact with my students, strength colleagues, and to grow Hardstyle Kettlebell Training at large.
I had the realization on my 40th birthday of my life’s meaning. I must pursue joy, purpose, and self-realization. Having a public identity encroached on my privacy. My longstanding social media disillusionment has taken its toll on my mental wellbeing.
Beauty is truth, truth is beauty. (Ode on a Grecian Urn - John Keates) In search of my personal truth, my passion, & my reason on earth, I’m here in service of others. My online identify does not satisfy this imperative. My undertaking is accomplished through in-person, community-based effort in the name of loving kindness, camaraderie, and love. So if beauty is truth, and truth is beauty, I must find beauty in coaching, learning, and consistency. If truth is built upon these pillars, this beauty transforms me into a growth-oriented subject, inspired to grow in character, in action, and in the pursuit of service.
I will continue posting my training videos on YouTube and Facebook. IG is for close friends, family, and colleagues. I’m grateful to connect with you on StrengthAxis - this is my preferred medium of expression. Here I can make the greatest significance.
Training
I have been experimenting with conditioning protocols to improve my punching and kicking power. Using traditional StrongFirst layouts, I have focused on exerting power, while building and maintaining relative power ie; bodyweight plyometrics.
I hope you enjoy this month’s conditioning: AGT Ballistics. I have chosen the Spear + Powerlock as MED Kettlebell Chains. They are paired with Clubbell movements for high brain/body benefits, along with classic accessory movements for good measure.
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What’s New With Me
I got back to my private Muay Thai practice two months ago. Building martial skill is not only utilitarian, but a great mental/physical activity. My main goal in my biweekly training sessions is learning preparedness in case of potential physical altercations.
Diana and I will be moving this month to a new home in Northern San Diego County. We look forward to living beachside, exploring new shops and restaurants, and building a new community. As summer dwindles, our joy and excitement grows.
Lastly, I have been fortunate to rekindle my relationship with Christianity. In humility, God has helped me through trying times. Through the example of Jesus Christ, I am reborn to the man meant to lead by example. I am truly grateful for this revelation. May God bless you too!
John Parker
August 31, 2025
Training Muay Thai with my pro coach, Brenden Raftery. As mentioned in the video, I aim for 1% improvement from session to session. 1% adds up over time.
I’m still swinging! I picked up a used Kabuki Shoulderrök and wrapped it in multicam for a very cool looking mace. I love that more and more athletes are finding clubs and maces to swing. Swinging has greatly helped me to open my body and improve my coordination. This video was taken on our trip through the Eastern Sierra in late July.
Diana and I attended a pro pickleball tournament in San Diego, CA to gain inspiration. Diana played tennis her whole life and was itching for a new weekend activity. We decided to make weekly pickleball a hobby for community, movement, and competition. I absolutely love playing!
Me and my girl hiking in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Schedule
Goals
Strength + Hypertrophy + Six Degrees of Freedom: Front Squat, Single Leg Deadlift, Pressing Get Up, Windmill, Mill, Swipe, Triplanar Swipe + Clockwork Squat, Clockwork, Squat
Conditioning: Anti-Glycolytic Ballistics
Resiliency Training
Resiliency: Scapular Strength 15+15+15+15/2, Tibialis Raise: 20/2, Standing Calf Raise: 15+15/2, ATG Split Squat 20+20/2, Poliquin Step Up 20+20/2, Seated Good Morning 20/2, Back Extension 20/2
High Efficiency Stretching: Upper, Midsection, Lower
Nutrition
Preferred Method 2: Standard - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + PWO Meal
a. Protein Intake = 1g of animal protein per ideal pounds of bodyweight.
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Conditioning
Anti-Glycolytic Ballistics
I created Anti-Glycolytic Ballistics to help me with Muay Thai conditioning. The kettlebell serves its purpose in power production and endurance. An external object to one’s bodyweight, it helps the athlete to properly utilize their ground force reaction.
AGT Ballistics also utilize one’s bodyweight for a more relative power production and endurance. The Power Push Up and Jump Squat train common human movement patterns with direct influence to punching and kicking power for martial arts/sport.
Option 1
One Arm Swing + Power Push Up
Option 2
Two Arm Swing + Jump Squat
