WhiteBelt

I have been training in a heavily modified version of Shotokan. We do more and more ground fighting, and weapons as we progress up the ranks. During my recent yellow belt grading I noticed that I am going to need to suppliment my training with some work in the gym. What I am unsure of is all the misinformation on the web, and in books on this subject. I read a few books on weight training for sports, and one specifically for the martial arts. They suggested that my prorgam include a wide range of exercises including both free weights and on the machines. But I have also read that in some places that for the martial arts we should stick to exercises that most resemble what we do, and stay away from the machines. Pretty much everybody suggests that you work the larger muscles first, and then progress to smaller and smaller muscles, but finish with the abdomen and lower back. What exactly is the proper order? I have also read that because we need a lot of power in the abdomen and hips, a beginner should focus more on crunches, sit-ups, and lower back work than on building up arm and leg strength. Is this true? I have more questions but work calls... Thanks in advance.

What about rythem? If you want your kata to look good, you need to practice that as well.

I was in a similar situation. But I resovled the situation without violence. When they knew they could not intimidate me, they left me alone.

Hello. I'm student of a modernized karate style which has no name. The foundation for new students is shotokan, with some grappling and ground work thrown in. We also study traditional Okinawan, and sometimes modern weapons. Our school tries to hold seminars on a regular basis, so that we can learn from, and experience other arts. I have been studying for only 2 months, but have prior, but limited, experience with wado, jkd, and street fighting.