As with any sport there are many theories and approaches to training.
The large number of beliefs and opinions on martial arts training can
very greatly from person to person. Some of these beliefs are based on
factual scientific information while others are based on traditions that
have been passed down for generations. This list highlights important
information and key elements in my training. Most of this information is
based on the latest techniques and studies of our modern society and have
proven themselves to be correct or helpful in my training. I will point out
the areas where I merely speculate.
Nutrition
Eating well really does have a profound effect on your daily life and
training. You will find that you will have more energy and not feel tired or
sluggish throughout the day. Not only will you feel better but you will look
better and even find that your thought process is quicker and clearer.
It is also important to supply your body with nutrients to allow it to repair
and improve itself. Read on.
Water
is how our bodies lubricate and clean themselves. It is essential that we
get ample amounts of water. Not only does water act as a lubrication for our
bodies but it also aids in the removal of toxins that are created in our muscles
during activity. Drinking ample water can help reduce soreness and speed up recovery
time afterwards. It is recommended that you drink water periodically while
training and have at least 5OOml afterwards. Studies have also shown that drinking
water regularly can also have a huge impact on reducing your chances of getting certain
types of cancer. Alot of people even confuse hunger with actually needing water.
Instead of having a midnight snack try having a glass of water. 9 times out of
10 your hunger will go away. Point of interest: Cold water goes through the stomach
faster.
Low Carbs.
One of the misconceptions about nutrition is the belief that you need a high
intake of carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are a good source of energy most
people each too much. We over indulge on breads,pastas, and cereals. Man invented
the use of grains and it wasn't until then that man began to have problems with
overweightness. It is not neccessary to drop carbs from your diet entirely but by
reducing them you can benifit. I recommend no more than two portions per day and only
oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat bread and the odd small plate of pasta. Not only
will eating fewer carbohydrates make you thinner but it may also increase your lifespan.
Studies have consistantly shown that eating a low calorie diet will add years to your life.
For more on the effects of diet on aging check out author Dr. Barry Sears and his series of
books on the Zone Diet.
Green Tea
Although not neccessarily an enhancement for Martial Arts training I felt
it was important to point out the exellent benefits of green tea. Green tea is an exellent
preventitive for cancer. It is rich in polyphenols which help prevent the developement of
cancer cells. It is also a great antioxident, so it again helps prevent cancer and helps to
slow aging by removing free redicals. Green tea can also aid in loweing blood preasure
and is actually good for your gums as well. The tea itself is served on it's own without milk
or sugar. Truly a wonderful drink.
Training
Approach
One of the most important things you have to do with your training is make
sure it is tailored for your goals.Fact:You will fight the way you train. If
you are interested in self defense and your training incorporates alot of sport karate
techniques you are not getting the training you want. Muscle memory plays a huge role in your
training. If you do not practice something on a regular basis you are very unlikely to do it
on the street or in the ring. Do yourself a favour and make sure you are getting all that you
want from your training.
Sit-ups
Very few people do sit-ups properly. There is a trick to doing them that makes
the exercise 4 times better. First of all, do not come all the way up. Lift up until your shoulder
blades clear the ground and then release slowly. Here's the trick. Before starting your sit-up push
the lower part of your back to the ground and concentrate on holding it there through the all of your
sit-ups. This should keep your stomach muscles contracted through the whole exercise. Keep the small
of your back on the floor as firmly as you can. This takes concentration but you will know when you are
doing this exercise right.
