Hudson Power Team: Articles and Advice

This is a collection of articles on powerlifting and other topics, as well as short answers to questions I receive by email. If there's a topic which you'd like to see me address, or if you have questions related to training, competing, injuries, gear, or any other aspect of the sport, email me at

Powerlifting Articles
The Old School Deadlift Program			The Old School Deadlift Program, also known as the Hud-Stud Deadlift Program, is the program that I have used successfully for several years in my own training. I've also had great success using adaptations of this program for many of the novice lifters I've trained in recent years. This is the program that has been instrumental in the pulling success of Illini Powerlifting's fabled Old School Squad. Be warned: while many features of this program will be familiar to experienced lifters, some aspects fly in the face of conventional thinking about deadlift training. As always, though, the proof is in the pudding: give it a try and see if it works for you.
Powerlifting Heaven is in Okayama			This is my report on my 2006 visit to Japan, during which I paid a visit to the Illini Powerlifting sister club: The Okayama University Powerlifting Team in Okayama, Japan. Find out what went down and why I believe Okayama has the best collegiate powerlifting program on the planet.
The Battered Shoulders Bench Program			This is my not-so-mysterious, non-secret bench program that I used to build a decent bench after a couple of shoulder injuries stopped my bench progress in its tracks. If you, too, have had your shoulders battered by life and training, then this program is for you.
Answers to Email Questions
I Might Have To Quit		A former member of Illini Powerlifting is desperate. He graduated, found a job, and moved away to a large city outside the Midwest. Now he can't find training partners, let alone anyone to help him with his gear on bench day. What's a lifter to do?
Articles on Other Topics
Goodbye Messages		As the time of my departure from Illinois for Texas drew near, a number of lifting friends said goodbye.
My Academic Job Search		This is where you can follow my progress as I carry out my academic job search for an assistant professorship.
Articles About Me
Getting to Know . . . John Hudson. Windy City Times - December 20, 2006	The Windy City Times is the LGBT newspaper of Chicago, and they ran this brief profile on me and my lifting. While I've received some good coverage in the LGBT media in the past, I was especially pleased with this article as it's good to receive coverage aimed at the local LGBT community and particularly within the pages of The Windy City Times, one of the largest and best LGBT newspapers in the country.
Powerlifter Shatters Records, Stereotypes. RealJock - August 22, 2006	RealJock was impressed by my performance at both WABDL Nationals and also the WABDL Midwest Regionals in May, so they did this fairly in-dept interview. It's impressive to get this much interest and coverage for powerlifting outside of Powerlifting USA. It's also gratifying to get coverage as an "out" powerlifter. I hope that someday having an openly LGBT lifter in the sport won't be anything special.
Gay Powerlifter Sets Record. RealJock - June 7, 2006	This article was a surprise as I didn't even know about the RealJock website. It's basically a brief summary of the Outsports write-up of June 1, but I'm flattered that they considered my lifting noteworthy enough to write about. I especially like the "limp-wristed pansy" part.
Gay Powerlifter Sets Record. Outsports - June 1, 2006	Oh, my! My first coverage by the LGBT media. Outsports is a great LGBT sports news site, highlighting the accomplishments of LGBT athletes around the world. It's a good feeling knowing that my efforts and achievements in powerlifting might actually be changing attitudes and destroying stereotypes.
Instructor Uses Powerlifting to Reach Students. Inside Illinois - May 18, 2006	A nice write-up from the official newspaper of the University of Illinois News Bureau, primarily a newspaper for UIUC faculty and staff.
Hudson Second, Third. Petoskey News Review - January 3, 2006	This article, from my hometown newspaper in Petoskey, Michigan, is a summary of the doings of some local athletes. I'm all the way down at the bottom. This is coverage of my disappointing performance at the 2005 WABDL World Championships.
Petoskey Graduate Sets Powerlifting Records. Petoskey News Review - July 26, 2005	More coverage from my hometown newspaper. This coverage includes my first-ever 600+ bench press, as well as my return to the deadlift platform for the first time following hernia surgery.
Petoskey Grad Second in World Lifting Championships. Petoskey News Review - December 2, 2004	A write-up in my hometown newspaper of my very satisfying performance at the 2004 WABDL World Championships where I pulled a PR 727.5 deadlift.
Hudson Wins Two Titles. Petoskey News Review - September 15, 2004	Coverage of my double National Championship at the WABDL National Championships in Portland, Oregon. This was my first time going 700+ in deadlift at a meet.
Petoskey Native Wins Class I Lifting Championship. Petoskey News Review - December 16, 2003	A nice write-up about my WABDL World Championship debut in 2003, where I placed 1st in Class 1 and 2nd in Submaster.
Heavy Lifting: Former Petoskey Man Heads to World Championships. Petoskey News Review - December 5, 2003	Coverage about my preparations for the 2003 WABDL World Championships in Las Vegas.