Life Fitness

The following is an article leading up to a series of articles on fitness for life. As I train for multiple sports and competitions I realize how important it is to train. I also realize how little people, even regular athletes don't know about how to train. With the help of fellow martial artsiest and athletes I will be publishing a series called Life Fitness, here and in the newsletters of Warriors for Christ and GGA Martial Arts. If there is a specific training issue you would like to see addressed let me know, if we aren't already planning on discussing it we will add it to the list of Topics.

Enjoy

Sensei TJ

Fitness for Life: Intro


One of the greatest benefits of Martial Arts is the ability to pursue your goals no matter the age. With so many of today’s popular sports there is a point where age is a factor. To be a competitive Gymnast you must start at 6 or 7 training for a career that will most likely end between 16 and 20. In Football you start as a kid training for a window that closes around 36. You get a couple of more years. By comparison Martial Arts is something you can pursue your whole life. In fact, some of the greatest Martial Artist I have known have been in their 50’s and 60’s.

Kyoshi Max Andrews is a great example of the longevity of Martial Arts as a practice. He was introduced to Martial Arts as a teenager. His first art was Judo, after an injury he switched to Jiu-Jitsu. And he has been practicing Martial Arts for over 40 years. His accomplishments include multiple black belts, the creation and recognition of his own style of Jiu-jitsu, achieving the rank of Grand Master, and induction in to the Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2007.)

Being a life long martial artist has many rewards fitness, flexibility, strength and much more. However, the more you progress the more you must be aware of your body and how to train it. At the basic level (yellow and under,) training in class 2 times a week is sufficient exercise to pass your tests, Improve your technique and fitness. Generally speaking this time frame is 6-9 months for the beginner, and serves as a good time to get used to regular fitness activity.

As you prepare to enter the intermediate level you realize that some “outside of class” workout time is needed. This is normal and needed to progress. It is also part of the life changing habit formed by being a Martial Artist. The higher you go the more you have to prepare for advancement. Preparation for advancement is normal in business, finances and even your personal and spiritual growth. Why should it be any different in Martial Arts and personal Fitness?

In the coming months we are to look at several important things to know about out side of class training. Topics will cover every thing from planning a work out schedule, how to properly use a heart rate monitor, an how to prevent injury inside and outside of class. We will discuss how to incorporate hobbies and activities you already do in you life in to training for Martial Arts. We will finish training for Spiritual Fitness. If you have any questions feel free to find the nearest Instructor, as we have all had to work through this on our way through the under belts.