Weight-training for martial arts?

[Meat Shake]

If you are going to lift weights, instead of using the bar for benchpress, do dumbell presses so you use the support groups. I try to avoid using machines unless its a kung fu specific activity, like leg kickbacks with a couple hundred pounds. (theres a machine called the "butt blaster" at my gym that works in almost the exact same motion as the backward kicking motion in shuai chiao)

[Pork Chop]

Originally posted by Meat Shake
(theres a machine called the "butt blaster" at my gym that works in almost the exact same motion as the backward kicking motion in shuai chiao)

... don't lie, you know that you only use that thing to increase your "clench", to defend against the "donkey punch", or to make the guy really pay for it if he don't give you a reacharound....

[Shooter]

That's ok, Fu Pow. Like I said, you couldn't handle it. Don't feel bad though, not many people can.

I've been 'training' like that for 40+ hours a week since my teens. 'cept I get paid to do it!

[Vash]

I like the Wood Chop exercise with a fairly heavy dumbbell. By rep eight, you know it's working.

[Chang Style Novice]

Meat Shake, as usual, is full of it.

The "Butt Blaster" is no exercize machine - it's the extra-large chimichanga platter he always orders at his favorite mexican restaraunt.

[SevenStar]

Originally posted by Meat Shake
If you are going to lift weights, instead of using the bar for benchpress, do dumbell presses so you use the support groups.

by doing that, you limit your strength gain. I bench 285... you won't find two 142.5 lb. dumbells.

[Shooter]

You know what, Seven? I can't do 1/3 the reps or near the same weight that my sons (14 and 17) do in their weight training (I've never done any kind of w/t).

They can't last 30 minutes doing what I do all day on the job.

Different kinda strength.

I got them doing 100lb pitches, cantilevers, and one-handed hoists with their barbells though, so there's still hope.

[SevenStar]

Originally posted by Shooter

They can't last 30 minutes doing what I do

duration... the key component there is endurance, which is what they are lacking.

I got them doing 100lb pitches, cantilevers, and one-handed hoists with their barbells though, so there's still hope.

Are you teaching them TCC? If not, you should be!

[Shooter]

the key component there is endurance, which is what they are lacking

Yes. A specific kind of endurance. Also, efficiency gained through proper training and time spent (kung fu).

Are you teaching them TCC? If not, you should be!

TCC is a family thing.

[IronFist]

Benching 200 != DB pressing 2 100's

("!=" means "not equal to" in some programming languages)

['MegaPoint]

Originally posted by SevenStar


A while back, someone (I think it was omegapoint) gave a long theory of his that summed up qi as being nothing more than metabolism and everyone ridiculed him. It sounded plausible though.

Well, more than metabolism. Yeah, I get criticized for being right a lot ! I could give you my entire soliloquy of what some in theoretical physics, modern medicine and so on think it might be. here's my quick take on it: Biomechanics (structural qi), the sum of biological processes (chemical and electrical energy), the duality of mechanical forces (antagonistic/protagonistic) and the polar energy which fuels our Universe (in accordance with the "seeds" of either opposite energy/force embedded in one or the other for the purposes of probability/change). Not here to steal a thread though. Just know that ki/qi is real, is internal and external and is a force or energy so fundamental and elegant that it is too complex in this simplicity and very hard for many to comprehend.

Weightlifting for any physical endeavor will only enhance things. Keeping supple, lifting for functional as well as aesthetic reasons and integrating this with your MAs activity is the key. Even if you do machines instead of dead weights you will get stronger and look and feel better about yourself. This enhances confidence and increase your overall self-image. All positive training goals. Also good for "the strategy of appearance".

Maximizing your time in the gym means doing a combination of strength and bodybuilding techs. You don't want to be a contracted, inflexible powerlifter. You don't want to have that gut either. You do want that explosive strength and speed that comes from powerlifting though. On the other hand, you don't want overly bulky, thin-skinned looking bodybuilder muscles. It is an intimidation factor, having big muscles, but you need to lift for real world strength too. Not that bodybuilders aren't strong, of course they are. I just think a good combo of both, sans deep squats that'll tear connective tissue eventually or ruin your hips, is a better training idea.

Plyometrics are okay, but do them in a modified fashion with a little heavier weight (like on explosive bench press) and less reps. All that balancing on one leg like Daniel-san while doing standing Arnold Presses is silly and stupid. Just lift moderately, with controlled motion, don't lock out on most lifts, and don't use that slow body-building contraction crap either. It'll slow you down. Do it with some speed and lots of control. Use a good weight. Do some aerobics on days when you go light, but not everyday.

Most of all, for you strikers, do light heavy bag, speed bag and/or double-end bag work as a warm-up on some days and end your workout with a good 15 minutes of heavy bag work after you lift on those days (at least 3 times a week). Also give your muscles recoup' time (~48 hrs.), and trick your muscles after you've been doing a certain routine for some time. You will get bigger gains in size and strength. Remember moderation means a good sweat, not a light sheen or extreme dehydration. Stretch between sets (wait no more than 30-45 secs. between sets), and after you are completely done with your workout.

Then do kata, hahahaha!

[IronFist]

Originally posted by 'MegaPoint
sans deep squats that'll tear connective tissue eventually or ruin your hips, is a better training idea.

What you meant to say was "deep squats done incorrectly..."

People who squat correctly have no problems, and are stronger and less prone to injury.

and don't use that slow body-building contraction crap either. It'll slow you down.

Not really.

[FatherDog]

Originally posted by SevenStar


by doing that, you limit your strength gain. I bench 285... you won't find two 142.5 lb. dumbells.

No, but you can find adjustable dumbbells which you can load with as much weight as you like - I got 'em for my brother last christmas, in fact.