Stephen Koch

ABOVE: Stephen in the gym. VIGILANCE by Stephen Koch Vigilance is alert watchfulness. And as a climber it is paramount to be vigilant, not only for my own safety, but for the safety of my partner. Through the act of belaying, or protecting a partner with the rope, is when I am most watchful. My [...]

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I love swimming, and going for dips in extremely cold water is great too…it is invigorating, a way to appreciate warm clothes, environments, the sun and to simply have an intense physical experience that is psychologically challenging too. This morning I went for a short run, which I rarely do, with my host in Chicago, [...]

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If you are training for mixed martial arts or for your next UFC/cage match, adding ice climbing on an indoor wall or cave will benefit you with stronger hands, forearms (both good for grappling) as well as back and biceps (good for all around strength and punching power) as well as a strong core (good [...]

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Self exploration and expression through danger has been part of my DNA since I was a small boy.

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This is a short video of Kim Young and me doing part of our Mountain Athlete workout (see below video for workout) today. I enjoyed having Kim to workout with. She works hard and is a talented and dedicated athlete. Additional comments that I sent to Rob Shaul, my Coach and the main man at [...]

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This is a short video of me from Mountain Athlete, the gym where I train, in Jackson, WY. I was able to figure 4 many more times than just a couple weeks ago, so I know I am getting stronger from the training. My goal for all this training was to make the finals at [...]

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Below is a short video of me training at Mountain Athlete. This workout, called Birdbrain and written out below, was very intense. One of my coaches, Dan Corn (a.k.a. Coach Junior) describes his intentions with it. I felt very pumped going without resting through the laps and sled push. I was able to rest while [...]

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My coach, Rob Shaul of Mountain Athlete (mtnathlete.com), asked me: are you recovering faster after these efforts (compared to my first 2 hour workout last Thursday)? Were you as hungry this time (as the last) after the session? To review the workout, check out Rob’s website (mtnathlete.com). My response follows: Rob, Thanks for a great [...]

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