Strenght Training for the martial arts: Old Forum Topic
Original Poster: setsu nin to
Forum: Bodyweight Exercises
Posted On: 15-03-2004, 01:39
Orginal Post: setsu nin to: Strenght Training for the martial arts
darkmace
Hey guys,
I'm looking for some advice on making a strength training program for myself. My goal is to be lean and powerfull. I am a martial artist of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu, and have been traning for about 1 1/2 years now. I go to Kung Fu about 3-4 times per week. The sessions last for usually about 1-2 hours and include:
Form practice
Kicking and Punching
Ground Fighting
Sparring
Tai Chi
Combat Techniques
I get a great cardio workout from Kung Fu through sparring and all of the forms practice that i do, but i dont get any real strength training. The only strength training i get is in my legs from holding low stances during class. I weigh about 175 pounds, and am 5'10. I am already a pretty big guy and have a lot of Brute Strength . I am looking to increase some muscle mass, while losing some body fat. I don not want to become "Muscle Bound" and lose speed or flexibility because of muscle gain. I am thinking of a "Bruce Lee" type of physique, geared towards the martial arts, and not just bodybuilding. I don't know whether i should do bodyweight exercises, pushups, pull-ups, situps, sissy squats, etc. Or whether i should use weights. If i do use weights, should they be low weight and high rep, or the other way around. I want to improve my speed and flexibility through strength training and i want to tone my muscles and increase their endurance while adding power to my strikes as well. An example of a goal i have is to be able to preform one legged squats, as i will have to for future forms in my Kung Fu system. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. If you have time you might even make me a strength training program . Thanks for taking the time to help, and train well!
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8LimbsScientist
Well, just about anything is better than nothing, but as far what the best work out for a martial artist is, opinions will differ.
While some people see great results from bodyweight exercises like those found in "Combat Conditioning" I always like lifting weights.
I feel that any muscular endurance I need to build I can build by actually doing my martial art, and I use the weight room solely for the production of strength.
Best thing for this is high weight, low rep exercises mixed with plyometrics. Also, try exploding up when lifting instead of slowly lifting, but make sure to not just be throwing weight around with momentum.
A couple real important things:
1. Work out your whole body. Don't be like some guys who view the legs as just those things that carry around your upper body.
2. Stretch all the time. You can easily lose flexibility if you weightlift but don't stretch. Most GOOD bodybuilders and weightlifters realize the importance of stretching, and its even more important for martial artists.
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