NOTE: If you're not interested in multi-ply powerlifting, don't waste your time watching this video as it's specific to multi-ply powerlifting and what needs to happen for it to grow and how it fits into the sport today.
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BTW, I have lifted in a few "raw" meets just to demonstrate it's not just the gear, but personally don't consider that to be powerlifting. I always come away from those meets feeling it was more akin to a special training session.