Training Methods For Martial Fitness
Most martial arts have devastating open-hand strikes, which are usually directed at vital points, and which, if used correctly, immediately stop an assault. The problem with such techniques is that they can often be fatal or permanently disable the attacker; and the law in many countries only permits reasonable and proportionate force to be used when defending yourself. So rather than training to ensure any altercation is over within a few seconds, you will have to train hard, get comfortable with using your fists, and be ready to slug it out for several minutes. During such prolonged episodes, other members of the public will normally intervene, and the police may also turn up at the scene fairly promptly. But seriously, do not rely on either of these happening!
Your training regime should be similar to that of a boxer. Do lots of running; the benefits of cardiovascular fitness will be a higher sense of general well-being and confidence, and this is also extremely beneficial to your overall health. Skipping rope is another great cardio exercise you can try, and it keeps you light on your feet, which you will need to evade punches, and seek opportunities to deliver your own.
To train your techniques, get yourself a boxing punch bag and gloves, or some MMA bag gloves. Like with running, you can do interval training; spend some time just punching and jabbing aiming simply to hit the target firmly. Then after a while, switch to concentrating on slower but maximum power punches. Remember also that you can get in close and use knee strikes on a decent quality punch bag – train this too.
To strengthen the legs, either for kicking power or for the ability to withstand kicks to them, try standing in a deep horse stance for long periods – ignore the shaking, burning sensations. This is really an exercise in controlling the mind, not the muscles! Other exercises, called the “Post-Standing exercises”, can be used. These also strengthen the arms and rest of the body, and are a form of health and martial qigong.
And remember with all this extra fitness exercise you’ve been doing, there is one supremely powerful self-defense technique that guarantees you come out the other side unscathed. It’s called running! A huge number of physical assaults are perpetrated by people who are drunk; they will not be willing to chase you a hundred yards down the street. Martial morality is about avoiding fights, but being prepared if there is no easy escape.
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