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Mash Monster Certification
The Mash Monster Certification is a hand gripper certification administered by The GripBoard. Athletes attempt to close standardized Mash Monster grippers under controlled conditions, with certification attempts recorded on video and reviewed by a panel of judges.
The current certification system uses grippers produced, rated, and maintained by Cannon PowerWorks (CPW). The system is designed so that athletes attempting a particular level face a consistent gripper specification.
The current program replaced the original Legacy Mash Monster certification system.
Certification Levels
The current Mash Monster system consists of rated grippers ranging from 110 to 240.
Female Athlete Levels
| Level | Spring |
|---|---|
| MM110 | Platinum |
| MM120 | Platinum |
| MM130 | Iron |
| MM140 | Iron |
Open Athlete Levels
| Level | Spring |
|---|---|
| MM160 | Cobalt |
| MM170 | Titanium |
| MM180 | Titanium |
| MM190 | Tungsten |
| MM200 | Tungsten |
| MM210 | Chromium |
| MM220 | Chromium |
| MM230 | Chromium |
| MM240 | Chromium |
Eligibility
Athletes must be members in good standing of The GripBoard and demonstrate sufficient gripper strength before attempting certification.
Depending on the level being attempted, qualifying performances can include previous Mash Monster certifications, IronMind Captains of Crush certification, GHP certification, qualifying GSI competition results, or a recent video demonstrating a sufficiently high rated gripper close.
Once an athlete has successfully certified at a Mash Monster level, they cannot subsequently certify at a lower level.
Certification Procedure
Certification grippers are shipped to individual athletes rather than athletes supplying their own grippers. This helps ensure that competitors at each level face the same standardized challenge.
The grippers are maintained within specified tolerances by Cannon PowerWorks. Grippers that fall outside the intended specifications are retired and replaced.
Certification attempts must be recorded in a continuous, unedited video. The shipping box is opened on camera, and the gripper and athlete must remain visible throughout the certification process.
After the attempts are completed, the gripper is placed into a tamper-evident secure bag while still on camera and returned for inspection.
Closing Rules
The gripper must be closed upright using one hand.
The Mash Monster parallel set is used. The handles must be approximately parallel, about 20 mm or wider, before the final closing attempt. Setting blocks are not used.
Other major rules include:
- Magnesium carbonate chalk is permitted.
- The gripper may not be braced against the body or another object.
- The gripping hand or arm may not be touched after the set.
- Both the set and final close must be clearly visible.
- Either hand may be used.
- A maximum of three attempts is permitted.
- The five-minute attempt period begins with the first official attempt.
Judging
Certification videos are reviewed by three Mash Monster judges.
Each attempt receives a pass or fail decision from each judge. An attempt must receive at least two of three passing votes for the athlete to successfully certify.
Successful certification videos are made public as a permanent record of the accomplishment.
External Links
Official Mash Monster Certification: https://www.mashmonster.com/
Certification Rules: https://www.mashmonster.com/rules
Legacy Mash Monster: https://www.gripboard.com/mashmonster/