Dojo.com Blog

In a previous post I discussed a New York Times article that stated in part that stretching had little or no effect on performance or injury prevention.

One of my “missions” is to bring you the latest cutting-edge techniques for martial arts strength and conditioning.

There is a concept quickly gaining hold in the fitness world know as movement-prep. Basically it’s performing a series of slow, rhythmic movement sequences to warm up the body for full-out movement as well as stretch the muscles in a dynamic rather than static manner- a functional warmup if you will.

In the next few weeks I will be posting video to teach several movement-prep sequences.

It’s funny though- most of these “new” techniques are exercises I’ve been doing and teaching for more than 30 years!

Today’s New York Times Fitness and Nutrition section featured an article titles “Does Weight Lifting Make a Better Athlete”. Here’s the link to the entire article”http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/health/nutrition/28BEST.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th

Naturally, the article is slanted to “stir the pot” and ultimately gives no definitive answer to the question.

I think a better title is “Does Weight TRAINING Make a Better Athlete?”

As a personal trainer and believer in the benefits of core and functional weight training for athletes, my opinion is that the majority of men and women I see “lifting” make two big mistakes”

1. Wrong program
2. Bad technique

For martial artists, your body is the tool of your craft. Like the master carpenter of plumber, we must keep the tools of our trade in peak condition. Most martial arts are lacking in two areas- strength and aerobic conditioning.

The Right Program

Bruce Lee was a huge believer in weight and other esoteric methods of physical conditioning. My Teacher has always been a devotee of the now in-vogue functional bodyweight fitness programs. Bodyweight exercises, lifting boulders, training to build sinew as well as muscular strength- all of these as well as traditional weights have been a core aspect of his training regimen as long as he has been my Teacher. There are a number of good bodyweight programs on the market- check out the link on my sidebar for one I use and recommend.

Bad Technique

I am going to make a gross generalization here- ready?

1. Many men try to lift too much weight
2. Many women use way too little

I bet you’ve seen this in the gym- some guy trying to curl dumbbells way too heavy for him so he flings his body back and forth while making contorted grunts and groans like a wounded hippo. Two words: dumb and dangerous.

Here’s another common occurrence: you’re standing next to a stick-thin women curling 8 lb dumbbells in slow-motion with perfect form- 30 times! When asked why she’s using so little weight, she says “I don’t want big muscles- I just want to “tone”. Two more words: ignorant and ineffective.

OK, that’s my rant. Now it’s your turn to “weigh in”. Do you use weight training as part of your martial arts regimen? If so, what benefits do you get? If not, why not?

From Master Mark: Here’s MY Shaolin Action Principle. why not write and submit your own?

     Commitment is an undervalued principle today. There is tremendous power and freedom in surrendering to your commitment. When you are committed to a person, a purpose, or a passion, there is never any doubt or question. You will do whatever it takes to honor your commitment.

     When you say “I am going to be a Black Belt.”, be committed.

     When you stand at the altar and say “I Do.”, be committed to your spouse.

    When you figure out what your purpose and passion in life is, be committed to living it.

     When you give your word, be committed to keeping it.

     Many people leave themselves a “back door” to their commitment, a less than honorable way out of keeping their word.

     “I’ll try this for a while.”

     “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll get a divorce.”

     “Well, I really didn’t mean that…”

     When you close your back doors, there’s only one way to move in your life and that’s forward. Honor yourself by honoring your commitments.