Comments on Martial Views: Training For Power

Mireille: Sure. I recommend keeping a log of your ...

2006-09-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

Mireille:
Sure. I recommend keeping a log of your routine so you can maintain this level.

Studies have shown that proper stretching contributes to strength longevity, regardless of any exercise regimen.

But.. isn't it o.k. to do just a little bit of wei...

2006-09-28T18:28:00.000-05:00

But.. isn't it o.k. to do just a little bit of weight lifting.. nothing that will tear muscle.. but just something to keep them going on the same level that they are at right now?

Windsornot: The look of a "toned" physique is a co...

2006-09-25T23:52:00.000-05:00

Windsornot:
The look of a "toned" physique is a combination of exercise and diet. If you prefer lighter weight/high reps, you'll still need to train with the same level of intensity that you would experience with going heavy.

Higher reps are tough if you're doing them right. I don't believe heavy weight/low rep training is necessary for TKD or related styles.
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Mireille:
You absolutely need rest to recover (i.e. grow) from any type of training. The building phase of muscle occurs during rest, not when you're actually training - training is the stimulus for getting stronger. Muscles need 5-7 days to recover completely if you're training with proper intensity.

If I was training in two styles, I wouldn't even think about lifting weights!

I like to do low weight, high repetition weight li...

2006-09-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

I like to do low weight, high repetition weight lifting to increase my upper body strength. My problem is that when you weight lift you are supposed to give a day for the muscles to recuperate. Since I train almost every day of the week there is rarely a "rest" moment for my muscles to heal from weight training. I've had to lower the intensity of the weight training.

Everything mentioned here so far makes sense to me...

2006-09-23T14:10:00.000-05:00

Everything mentioned here so far makes sense to me. As long as you are not developing bulky muscle, but rather toned muscle, you are bound to get stronger and have more health benefits that will help your training. As it's been said, lighter weights and more repetitions are the key, rather than heavy weights and less reps. The former produces the toned muscles, the latter the bulky muscles. Learning to use weights properly, respecting them, and using control when using them is key to prevent injury and building your core.

Mr. James I can imagine how using weighted gloves ...

2006-09-22T23:49:00.000-05:00

Mr. James
I can imagine how using weighted gloves on a heavy bag or even pad work could wreak havoc on joints. Like you, I've made my own adjustments in training. (And you're correct - there's no substitute for true power.)
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Miss Chris:
Because women are outnumbered by men in the martial arts - and usually end up sparring with more men than other women, a little extra power can be nice. And I believe that a weight training program could actually enhance speed and accuracy.
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Frotoe:
For variety, you could try alternating the 1-lb weights with 3 or even 5 lb weights. You may be surprised at how much resistance you can handle.

I think we as Americans mistake muscle strength fo...

2006-09-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

I think we as Americans mistake muscle strength for true power. There is so much more....

The most I do as far as weight/resistance training...

2006-09-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

The most I do as far as weight/resistance training is strap 1 pound weights to my ankles (the kind that wrap around and hold with velcroe) while I do my kicking at home, and sometimes I hold 1 pound weights while I do basics on my own. I don't make contact with anything while I am holding the weights, though. thats it for me.

I think weight training is of the utmost importanc...

2006-09-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

I think weight training is of the utmost importance in karate. Yes, speed and accuracy are important to but if you have strength, you get more of the power you need. Especially for women. We usually aren't the size of our male counterparts so we need the added advantage. And like you said, women need to take advantage of it especially due to osteoporosis. Great post!

Nice post yet I would suggest you give thought to ...

2006-09-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

Nice post yet I would suggest you give thought to weight resistant training.

Even using one or two pounds to cause weighted resistance will provide all the benefits to increasing bone density.

Heavy lifting like I did as a body builder doesn have some adverse effects against speed and so on yet what I describe above can actually benefit.

Then take into consideration that certain movements with weights such as weighted gloves while punching can cause damage to the joints, shoulders, wrists and so on it not closely monitored and done absolutely correct each time.

How do I know this, well at age 52 I have done what you suggest and paid for it. Since then I have adjusted and all is now fine.