Build a Stronger Neck. Stay in the Fight Longer.

Chad Wesley Smith on Neck Training With Iron Neck

From powerlifting to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Chad knows the value of neck strength for performance and durability training. See why he trusts Iron Neck to train smarter, stay resilient, and help his athletes compete at the highest level.

Why Neck Strength Matters

“For Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, the neck is huge from an durability training standpoint,” says Chad.

In these sports, athletes are literally having their necks attacked—whether during a choke, takedown, or awkward landing. Without sufficient neck strength, setback is almost inevitable.

But it’s not just about durability training. Chad points out that strong necks can serve as an extra line of defense - "There are times when I don’t need to work that hard to defend a choke because my neck is so strong. It just takes care of itself.”

Meet Chad Wesley Smith

Chad Wesley Smith’s athletic journey spans nearly every strength and combat sport imaginable.

From high school football to becoming a 2x NAIA shot put champion, to a career in professional strongman and elite-level powerlifting, Chad built a legacy of strength.

In 2017, seeking a new challenge, he took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - and quickly realized the importance of neck strength in combat sports.

“Neck setbacks are very serious, very debilitating, so investing in something like Iron Neck that can help you have greater longevity in the activities you like is going to be a worthwhile investment.”

- Chad Wesley Smith

How Chad Uses Iron Neck

When the inventor of Iron Neck visited Chad to personally demo the device, Chad immediately noticed how different it was from traditional neck training tools:

More comfortable than four-way neck machines, bands, and harnesses

More hygienic than manual resistance or pressing your forehead on benches or the floor

More Versatile, training flexion, rotation, and multiple angles in a single movement

With Iron Neck, Chad can target sport-specific ranges of motion that are critical for both combat sports and contact sports.

AMBASSADORS

Pioneers of Wellness & Recovery

Our brand partners are leading the charge in disrupting the status quo when it comes to performance, recovery, and wellness. With the use of Iron Neck products, they are forging a new path, one that prioritizes the integration of cutting-edge technology and science-backed practices.