The martial artist's guide to physical fitness and flexibility
by
Danny Young
One thing I have noticed over the years is how many martial artists train to fight, but do not train to be physically fit. What would happen if you need to run for your life? How far could you go before falling in a fit of overexertion? What would happen if you were in a fight that went to the ground; how long could you wrestle before your muscles reached exhaustion ? How much weight can you lift? Could you fight for five minutes without stopping? Multiple attackers chase you down the street: how far could you run, stop and fight, then run some more?
All of these scenarios are designed to make you think about your physical fitness. It is easy to spar with friends in the dojang. Once someone scores a point, the action stops. Pause, reset, fight. It is not that way in the street. Street fights start and stop when someone is no longer able to fight back or is fortunate enough to have friends to pull the Tasmanian devil off you, or is dead.
I do not claim to be a street fighter. I am not but I was in several fights in my younger days. Most of them ended fairly quickly when one of us said "uncle" or our jaws hurt too bad to go on. Those times were different from the world we live in today. As it grows more violent (and it will continue to get worse), how can you be better prepared to face it as a martial artist?
First, grow in awareness of what is going on around you.
Second, keep training in your martial art. There is no ultimate system, no unbeatable art. It is up to you to study, train and have the attitude of a warrior. You keep yourself safe, the system won't. A system is just that-- a system. You're alive and breathing, you give learning life. Principles and techniques do not mean anything without a living soul attached to them. Continue to grow and learn. Think outside the box.
Third, shape up! Don't ship out. It is not my intention to tell you everything there is to know about getting in shape. There are plenty of experts in the field to help you with that. What I do want to do is get you pointed in the right direction in getting physically fit and gaining flexibility.
I am going to share my own personal workout schedule and provide you with links to other sites about this subject. You must find what works for you. Everyone has his or her opinion. Find a workout that fits your lifestyle, goals and needs. Be realistic! Learn what type of body you have. What is your metabolism like? Do you know what type of personality you have? Styles of thinking are all different: How do you think?
OK, I can hear you saying, "What does this have to do with working out?" Only everything. The better you know yourself, the more successful you will be at starting and maintaining a regular workout schedule. Say you're a fun person, the life of the party type. If your workout isn't fun, new or different, you will become bored very quickly and stop training. Your challenge is to keep things fresh and different and to keep learning new things. So, as you can see, knowing yourself and style of thinking is extremely important to your training.
Find what motivates you. Do you like to feel healthy? How about the way you look in the mirror? Does working out relieve stress for you? Maybe it is a good way to socialize, meet new and interesting people. The list can go on and on. I like being fit, the physical excretion, knowing I can do just about anything without having to call for an ambulance or an oxygen tank.
How do you motivate a couch potato? Well, I guess you could tell him or her there is a bomb underneath the couch. Most couch potatoes would just pray that the explosion propels them towards the refrigerator. "Please God, let me land face first in the cheese cake!" You cannot motivate said potato unless he or she wants to get going. You can influence people, but you cannot provide them with a commitment to their own health. They must do that themselves. I go, regardless. It can best be expressed in the ham and eggs breakfast. The chicken is involved, the pig is committed. Guess I am a pig!
Workout options. What do you like to do? Working out can be any type of exercise that you enjoy. I really enjoy lifting weights, stretching, and aerobics. This type of exercise is not for everyone. How about walking, working in the yard, gardening, jogging, swimming, jumping rope, stretching programs, biking, roller blading, skiing, golfing (walk the course), tae bo, cardio karate, tae chi, tennis, racquet ball, basketball, baseball, football, rugby...well maybe not. Any type of exercise where you burn calories is good. Again, find out what you enjoy and do it. There are numerous options so you really cannot find an excuse not to exercise on a regular basis. Do something, anything! Walking to the pantry to get the Oreo cookies does not count.
Diet. Oh my goodness. Not the D word! Diet is simply defined by what you are eating, not how you're starving yourself so you can be thin. I have read a few books on nutrition and food. What this did was provide me with enough knowledge to know what is in the food that I am eating: How much fat and calories are in each item (You can cheat and look at the package) . In knowing my body type, height and desired weight, I can manage my calorie and fat intake every day. Knowing what your intake is and how much energy you re expending each day will allow you to maintain your desired weight. Be realistic about your weight. Being five feet tall and 110 lbs might be OK for your body type. If you're the same size and 220 pounds you have a problem. Always check with a health care professional for what is right for you.
Danny Young's personal testimony
Danny's-Martial Arts Background
Danny's Ministry Background
Calendar of Seminars and Events
Shape Up
Making the transition from techniques to principles
For every negative ... God has a positive!
The conquest of one's soul is the greatest journey of all.
General Colin Powell Quotes and Comments
What Happened to Innocence
Bob Orlando's personal testimony
Bob Orlando
Photos
Recommended Books and Videos
Links to other sites
7/18/03