Time To Get Tough Like The Toonz
Youtube certainly has no shortage of fitness channels, all of whom are dedicated to turning the average viewer into lean, mean subscribing machines. However, there’s one that has gone on to break the mold by melding together workout videos with iconic comics, cartoons and anime. It may seem like a strange combination, but it can’t be denied that the results are just as entertaining as they are legitimately helpful.
Who’s the architect behind it all? None other than personal trainer/aspiring Z-Warrior Jordon Downs aka JaxBlade, who was kind enough to take time out of his intense training to chat with us about his online career and all things nerdy!
First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to let us probe your brain! Â
“Thank you for having me, I’m a big fan of WatchMojo and usually watch them in my downtime from work.”
For those that aren’t familiar with your work; your channel is an awesome amalgamation of workout videos combined with all things nerdy. How did such a fusion come about?
“When I was a little kid I used to be this chubby anime fanboy and I used to get bullied and made fun of everyday for liking a bunch of nerdy stuff. But I was enamoured with heroes and characters who actually worked out to get stronger instead of just being blessed. I saw characters train to be badass and thought well why can’t I? That’s how I started my series Tough like the Toonz so anyone could become the badass they want to be.”
Out of all the mini-series on your channel, such as Tough like the Toonz, Would that Workout as well as your various discussion videos, which do you feel has evolved the most since you started your Youtube career?
“Definitely Tough like the Toonz, before I just sorta did a workout program based on a character with nothing new but as I went on, I started to add a lot of my own flair and personality to make the videos fun for those watching even if they don’t workout. I enjoy that because then I get people saying they just watched me working out as their fav character and didn’t plan on getting up but I made them want to be healthy. Those are always the funniest comments to read haha!”
It’s clear to anyone who has watched your videos that you are a diehard fan of Dragon Ball Z. In you mind, why do you think the series has endured so well over the years?
“It’s literally the grandaddy of most everyone’s favorite series these days. I mean seriously without Dragon Ball shows like Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, My Hero Academia, Fairy Tail etc would not exist as those series were directly influenced by Akira Toriyama’s work. I think that’s why it will be always be welcome and respected even if it has its ups and downs.”
Which of these two fictional character do you believe to be a bigger inspiration for you and why? Spider-Man or Izuku Midoriya.Â
“Spider-Man has been my favorite superhero since I was little kid, and always will be, but a bigger inspiration to me is definitely Izuku Midoriya. The kid had no powers or abilities of his own and worked his butt off to be a worthy of inheriting a superpower that could tear his body apart if he didn’t train hard enough. Then practiced even more to master it. Also Deku is just so likable and earnest and I truly respect him for everything he does. Spidey is great too but again I’m more partial to heroes who work for their strength rather than just *snap* ya got it.”
What anime do you believe portrays fitness in an enjoyable, upbeat and overall positive way?Â
“Actually its not an anime as of yet though I hope it will be, but definitely Danberu Nan Kiro Moteru aka How Many Kilos Are The Dumbbells You Lift. Its a manga about these schoolgirls who start going to the gym with each other and get their own personal trainer. And the way they explain how to do exercises safely and properly along with what foods to eat and how to lose fat, all while being hysterical has made this one of my favorite manga experiences of the last decade. As a personal trainer myself I really appreciate it and say its def the best when it comes fitness wise. I love shows like DBZ, Kenichi, Baki, One Punch Man etc but a lot of them have that training that damages yourself to get better. This series is just fun and slice of life and I’m really hoping it gets its own anime.”
Out of all the workouts videos that are inspired by animated characters, which was the most challenging?
“CORY in the House DESTROYED ME, hahahaha kidding though I did make that one for April Fools. Honestly the toughest one that still kicks my butt on a regular basis is the Kenichi Mightiest Disciple one, those damn Burpee Knees get me wiped every single time!”
Which animated character would you love to serve as a personal trainer towards?
“Honestly I’d love to train Deku during those 10 months of prep. All Might did a great job but I feel like Deku could’ve gotten some more martial arts and combat training in that time frame so he could better amplify his powers.”
On the flipside, which animated character would you have loved to have as a personal trainer?
“Train me…whoo, there’s a ton to choose from. Some of them I’d love to train me if I didn’t die afterwards. I’d love to work with Master Roshi but I know my ass might get eaten by a shark or dinosaur the first day. But honestly I’d love to train with Whis from Dragon Ball super since he knows how to train effectively per skill and could constantly heal me if I was on the verge of death and accurately assess if I was getting stronger or not, I’d could be his project of how strong a mortal could grow!”
What do you believe are the greatest misconceptions surrounding both Japanese animation and general fitness?
“Only socially awkward folks like anime or only conceited folks are into fitness? I’ve heard this from various folks over the years but thankfully anime is becoming mainstream so I don’t hear that as often anymore and fitness is for everyone so that’s never the case.”
In the everlasting battle that is the Waifu Wars, who do you claim to be the best and why?
“Haha, I knew this was coming. I’ve got my Top 5:Â Sailor Venus from Sailor Moon )though that’s tied with Lucoa from Dragon Maid) Boa Hancock from One Piece. Juvia Locker from Fairy Tail, Musubi from Sekirei, but my number one to this DAY has always been Miia from Monster Musume. I love that SNAKE BAE so much!”
Jordan, thank you so much for your time! If fans want to message you and ask for advice on how to work leg day like a Saiyan, where can they find you?
“Thank you so much for having me. You can find me on my Youtube Channel JaxBlade, my Twitter is @JaxBladeFitness, my Facebook is Jordan ‘JaxBlade’ Downs, my Tumblr and Instagram are just jaxblade.“
And finally, as an honorary member of WatchMojo, if you could choose a subject for a top ten list, what would it be?
“TOP 10 ANIMATED TRAINING SCENES ALL DAY!!!”