Training With Weights For Martial Artists?

sensei8 · KF Sensei

I was diagnosed with Afib in October of 2016!! I had a Cardiac Inversion in January of 2017; Afib free, BUT, stayed in Sinus Rhythm for only 6 months, then went back into Afib, and I'm Afib still.

Have been training in the MA for 54 years, and in that, I've always lifted weights and the like much more serious when I was in the 10th grade. Not to get big, but to remain fit and healthy. I had a daily routine when it came to my weight training, to be for sure, albeit, my routines would change if a hit a plateau.

When I was diagnosed with Afib, I had to be careful as to what I could and couldn't do. With Afib, at rest, my heart rate is at 86 bpm, and with Afib, during workouts, my heart would would race to over 200 bpm, and it doesn't take much to raise my bpm during a workout to 210 bpm or more. So I have to regulate my workouts constantly, therefore my workouts take me much longer to complete, than when they use to.

Please check out this...

https://www.karateforums.com/renewing-myself-or-at-least-trying-to-vt50082.html

This might give you an idea as to what my Afib workouts are like for me now!! My Cardiologist might do another Cardiac Inversion this January 2020; something he's seriously considering!! I never reached my goal of 215lbs in a year...3 years later I bounce between 250lbs to 244lbs...this drives me absolutely crazy!!

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**Proof is on the floor!!!

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

Having heart issues changes everything in one's life.

Prioritising changes, appreciation of doing things better.

Dealing with stress differently.

Staying calmer and not sweating the small stuff.

Eating and exercising better than ever.

Heart attacks are the most painful experiences that I have ever had and the weirdest, as there is pain similar to torture (similar to when having a blood pressure test that doesn't stop squeezing) that Intensifies but there is no one there doing it.

Accompanying the pain is total lose of strength with wanting to vomit.

It had taken many years to regain my strength back to "normal"

Now beyond "normal" but still need to be careful as a part of my heart is dead.

Just a few days ago was on the treadmill at the cardiology clinic, being hooked up to ECG (heart monitor) and and checking my blood pressure.

The technician doing the monitoring was concered a few times as my blood pressure wasn't changing due to walking fast.

She was concered that I might no be okay and kept asking "Are you okay?) (Are you sure you are okay?)

Because usually with patients their blood pressure levels not increasing indicates a problem of a blockage of some type or another.

She was very relieved when my blood pressure started going up when the treadmill speed was increased.

She turned to me and asked me very seriously "Do you exercise?"
My answer "Yes a little"
Still serious she asked "What do you do?"
My answer "Martial arts!"
She broke out in to a big smile and looked very relieved by hearing my answer.

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

Betting back on topic to the subject of weights.

To my way of thinking is that "Thera Bands" are better suited to exercising muscles that are martial art related.

I know it sounds funny to say so but for punching for instance, shadow boxing while holding weights is one direction with the weight pulling down , whereas with the bands depening where they are attached they can pull in any and all directions.

Holding a band in each hand that crosses the back works great.

I use the bands for all my strengthing punches
https://youtu.be/H3IJFPNJaQA

Also using cable machines for extreme resistance for punching
https://youtu.be/F9S6vLvR1GI

Bands for kicking training
https://youtu.be/rarkqrRVzpo

Not just for improving punches, check this out
I think what I like the most about this video is that this guy is using cheap thick rubber bands while being surrounded by solid very expensive exercise machines.
https://youtu.be/_PhqKEETEk0

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

I used to think that punching while holding weights would help my punching. What it does, though, is just fatigue the arms to the point that technique becomes and issue and speed is dissipated.

I'm of the opinion that there are many different ways to practice punching and to get better at punching. But I would rather get my whole body stronger overall, and as I get stronger, my punches will get better through practice.
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www.haysgym.com
http://www.sunyis.com/
www.aikidoofnorthwestkansas.com

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

I hit the heavy bag while using resistance bands.

Also hit the bag while on a wobble board.

As well as have a thicker band around my hips, jog in place and punch.

Using the bands and punching as normally putting my body in to it, bobbin and weavin.

I know my performance has improved due to using bands in every way.

If they the bands did not exist, then I am sure I would still improve some other way just because I am determined no matter what to become improved.

Each individual feels different and gauge their own progress over time.

Cutting to the chase.
I'm in my 60's and practice with 40+ year olds and some complain that they are not so good as when they were in their 30's

Where as I don't do things like in the past due to being more solid (as being air borne plyometric, with both feet off the ground, is not advisable, due to being swept and momentarily with no balance) such as jumping kicks, I however feel in most other areas as still progressing.

As those that I know that use weights and don't use bands, yes they are stronger but for speed and coordinated strength I think not.

If a person has never used bands, ever, and just weights they would never know the difference, same as just using bands.

So here is someone that has done both
Free weights and bands comparison
https://youtu.be/xf9QQBc_7e4

Resistance bands for real men
https://youtu.be/0RWU6zoVIOg

Using bands karate training
https://youtu.be/UxDvicbtvI8

https://youtu.be/b24mWuGTK6Q

MMA training with bands
https://youtu.be/s31TAyMsZUk

Your next level of resistance carries your next level of growth and excellence-Robin Sharman

sensei8 · KF Sensei

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

You are right sensei8, listening to oneself, I believe it to be a part of each individual's sixth sense, women would just call it intuition.

Have decided to add Monkey Kung Fu training to my regular exercise, this includes (listening to myself) monkey bars and free weights, barbells in particular.
Using the 10kilo barbells that have a notch on one side so they don't role.

Great for handstand alternate arm lifts also in the push up one arm position, also regular barbell exercises.

As knowing that free weights and that gripping action is an important aspect for being a martial artist, something the resistance bands lack in.

https://www.karateforums.com/monkey-kung-fu-training-and-combat-applications-vt52765.html

mjh1969 · Yellow Belt

This is great reading for me as I starting lifting weights again after stopping for 12 years so I can focus strictly on MA on route to earning my black belt. After benching 425 lbs, squatting 500 lbs and curling 200 lbs I had to refocus and come back to regain some of my strength because I find that it helps me better in martial arts. Now I focus on more reps with a decent amount of weight for a more tones and balanced body rather than looking like the incredible hulk when I was younger.

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