There are many creative people in our sport, but not many realize their dreams. One of those who do is 18 years old Artem Taranenko, a confectioner by profession, a graffiti artist in his free time, and an armwrestler by choice. His biography has enough material to make a movie.

Artem was born in Izhevsk, and then he spent many years in Raduzhny, where he started armwrestling. 8 months ago his fate brought him to USA. Orlando is his new home, where he studies, learns the language and works at a hotel. It seems his schedule is full, but he still finds time for his hobbies and passions.

I needed an armwrestling table to train in the USA – says Artem. – I’ve decided to make it unique, a table that no one else has. My graffiti skills came in handy. Calligraphy, graffiti, ornaments – no table had that before. A desire to stand out, typical of every artist, brought a new passion into my life – creating unique armwrestling tables.

How does one get inspired to create such an “exclusive” table?

If it’s made to order, the prospective owner dictates the rules. Usually we just paint a picture and finish it with brushes and markers. But we always experiment, try something new every time. For example, we’ve made a Superman table, we found a special cover for it with a logo in the middle. We also found special foil to cover the pads.

You said “we”. Who are your coworkers?

We make the tables with my friend, Brandon Morris. It was his idea to manufacture tables. He does construction work, I do the graphic projects. We have a motto – “a table at every house”. Armwrestling is much more popular in the USA than in Europe, so there’s much more demand for this type of product.

Are your tables up to official standards?

Our tables are made entirely of wood. We keep to standard European championships measurements. It’s important from the point of training and preparation for contests. Sometimes a customer will order an ornamental table, not meant for training on. Often we get requests for seated position tables, to be used during parties. The pads are for protection, you can get injured much more easily on unpadded tables.

Is the wooden construction fit for regular training and fights?

Our customers are always happy with the product. The tables can hold a lot of weight. Those who like to brace their legs against the table have no reason to worry.

Our first table is already a year old, we spar on it with full force and it still holds. We perform special stamina tests on our products – wood has no problem with handling any pressure. We could make our tables iron, but that would increase the costs of production. A wooden table is cheap and quick to make, and it’s very durable.

How much does it cost to make a table, and how long does it take?

It takes about 20 – 40 minutes to put a table together. 10 minutes to a couple of hours to paint, depending on the design. The cost is about 50 dollars, including wood, nails, painting, making the pads and workforce.

How do you get your clients?

They usually find us. We usually advertise before events, offer to bring tables for sale. We collect orders, make the tables and deliver them to the venue.

How many tables have you made so far?

The idea to make tables was born last November, when we decided to sell a few tables during the Florida Championships. Right now we are working on a special order for tables for clothing shops.

Do you have plans to form an official company?

At the moment we don’t really plan to capitalize on this idea. We want to popularize armwrestling by any means necessary. It’s good when a contestant on any level can afford equipment. Making tables is more of a hobby, a way to express ourselves. I get really creative with the designs, I treat it as a way to develop myself. As for the money, it’s enough for us that it covers the costs of manufacture and delivery. As a point of interest – all my tables have so far earned me some 20 dollars. No company could survive on that budget.

Have you had any strange orders in your career?

Sometimes interesting things happen, and not always pleasant. One time we forgot to buy nails and bolts at a store, we noticed that only when we got home. I can still remember a day when we had to write a customer’s name in calligraphy on a table – the guy was Polish, he had a really complicated name. When we were done, I’ve noticed I’ve skipped a letter … I had to redo the whole table (laughs).

Who’s your typical customer?

It’s usually an armwtestler, always heavyweight. I don’t know why, but we had no customers below 90 kg. Only one girl ever ordered from us – it was a gift table for her boyfriend’s birthday.

Аrtur Grigorian © Gra,

photos curtesy of Artem Taranenko