Book Review: Viking Ninja Elements
Book Information
Title: Viking Ninja Elements: Kill Your Ego, Challenge Your Discipline
Author(s): Erik Melland, Robinson Erhardt
Genre(s): Nonfiction, Fitness, Health
Published On: September 11, 2018
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Pages: 190
"Many of the most successful athletes across the world train with Viking think Cody Garbrandt, Donald Cerrone, and Carlos Condit of the UFC, Earl Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks, or Bayley of the WWE. But Viking Ninja is more than just a training system. It’s a way of life, a community of like-minded people aiming to unite mind, body, and spirit to exceed their limitations. Viking Ninja emerged from Onnit, one of the globe’s leading sports performance companies, and whose own mission is Total Human Optimization. With that attitude in mind, Elements delves into the DNA of Viking Ninja Systems’ philosophy, covering topics ranging from Norse mythology to the steel mace and how unconventional weapons training will benefit you everywhere from the field to the home and workplace. Kill your ego, challenge your discipline, and change the world. -—————— “Don’t mess with Viking Ninja. Their programs will humble you because the philosophy behind them couldn’t be more real.” - Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone “I love the versatility of Viking Ninja. As a martial artist, I deeply connect with the emphasis on sound technique combined with creativity.” - Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit “I get the best training possible from Viking Ninja to prepare mentally and physically for my fights.” - Cody “No Love” Garbrandt"
This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own!
The Book In 3 Sentences
- Drop the ego: Learn to challenge yourself in new ways, accessing a new level of reality.
- Strengthen your mind: The body is only as strong as the mind, and we should work towards a greater connection between the two.
- Be like water: We must learn to be adaptable to all things, allowing us to adapt to our environment, yet also defend our positions.
How The Book Changed Me
This book has changed the way I approach exercise. For several months, I strictly trained with a macebell, fully embracing everything it had to offer. Fast-forward to now, and it has become a staple in my workout routine.
In addition to adding new equipment to my arsenal, the philosophy discussed throughout the book has changed my outlook on the gym. For many years, it was quite clear that I lifted out of emotion, using the gym as an escape. This was present at the beginning of my weightlifting journey, even into my powerlifting career. Throughout this time it was clear that one driver was causing many injuries - ego.
While some may argue that having an ego can be a good thing, this book instructs dropping it at the door. Having an ego caused me to lift heavier weights than I should, drop my form for progress, and push my body further than it was capable of going. All summing up to injury after injury. This book helped me shift from this emotional state of exercising to a more tactical one. Now I strive for balance in the mind and body, combining passion with purpose.
Ultimately, I have gained a newfound understanding of the interconnection between mind and body, allowing me to overcome mental barriers and push past physical limitations. Through disciplined practice and self-reflection, I have experienced tangible improvements in strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
How I Came Across The Book/Who Should Read It
I came across this book while on YouTube, where I came across one of the authors, Erik Melland. I became interested in training with the macebell and wanted to find a book that talked not only about training but about the philosophy behind it.
This book would apply to those who love philosophy and fitness. The author goes on to talk about a mindset shift in the gym, one that applies to everyone no matter what or how you exercise. The idea brought forth will help you perform better in the gym, have a greater connection with your mind and body, as well as discover a greater sense of fulfillment in exercise. To drop my ego, and to be in control, even in dark times. If you are looking to elevate your fitness journey to new heights, with a blend of ancient wisdom and modern insights, this book is for you!
My 3 Favorite Quotes
"You can be strong in so many aspects of life, and yet have one weak point that will always bring you down. That’s why the myth of Achilles and his heel is so important for us. We need to find our heels and shore them up. They can be physical or mental."
"Every minute you live with discipline is a minute you win the war, and those victories mount up."
"If you were given your strengths they would have no value. Real treasure’s worth is defined by the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to achieve it."
Summary/Thoughts
Viking Ninja Elements walks through a new approach to fitness. With the use of the Valknut, Yin Yang, and Vegvisir Compass, you will learn to combine your mind and body, discovering balance, and uniting passion with purpose. You will learn to analyze yourself, discovering your weaknesses to fortify them.
Implement discipline to demonstrate mastery over the movement of your body. Strive to be like water: flexible yet unbending and resilient. But first, kill your ego. This book will teach you to challenge your limitations, cultivate mental resilience, and foster a deeper connection with your body. The authors provide actionable strategies for implementing these principles in daily fitness routines, whether through macebell training, yoga, or martial arts. This hands-on approach ensures that readers can immediately begin applying the book's teachings to enhance their fitness journey.
This mindset shift will help you no matter if you choose to exercise with a macebell or stick with your current routine. Join me on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's drop the ego, strengthen our minds, and learn to be like water together. Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to fitness? In a future post, I will discuss more in-depth my experience with macebells, and whether or not it is worth the investment for an average individual.
