Rich67

I was reading the latest issue of Grappling mag and came across an article by Matt Furey, in which he points out that the bench press is an unnatural movement. He went on to explain how many people have received debilitating injury to rotator cuffs and other shoulder ailments as a result of long years of heavy benching. I saw the logic in this statement, and I think he may be onto something. I noticed that I have also been a victim of shoulder problems, mostly attributed (I believe) to my days of heavy bench pressing. I have not gone heavy in quite a while, but still maintain bench press in my regimen. I have noticed a decrease in pain, but I still have some "catching" in my rotator, which has a lot to do with those earlier days. What's the opinon here on this? Do you guys who bench heavy notice you also have shoulder issues? I mean, I sure wish someone told me that I'd be feeling like this earlier, I might have eased up on the heavy bench presses. I am 37, and I ache like I'm 60!

I train, do moderate aerobics 2 times or more a week, and weight train 2-3 times a week.

I never heard of this procedure. But I found this link; hopefully it helps! http://www.wheelessonline.com/oo1/54b.htm It almost sounds like the same recovery time as ACL reconstruction surgery, if not more so. I was weight bearing the day after ACL, according to this, it wil be 4-6 weeks for mosaicplasty. Why do you need to consider this type of surgery?

Sorry Hudson....I misinterpreted your answer....didn't mean to sound like a jerk there....my apologies

And the reason you find this funny is.....??? How? Maybe you should post something constructive instead of being sarcastic. Just a thought....

If you have to do this on short notice, the only way to do it is to start doing pushups- a whole lot of them. I don't know what kind of breakup you'd be doing at the test...possibly 10 sets of 22?? Well, try this out: Week 1: Do 10 sets of 10 pushups. Rest about 2 minutes between sets. If this seems too easy, then the next day do 10 sets of 12. Do this about 4 times this week. Week 2: Do 10 sets of 15. Rest about 2 minutes between sets again. This is going to start getting rough on you. Do this routine 3 times this week. Make sure you stretch your chest and tri's out before the pushups. Week 3: Do 10 sets of 18. Rest about 2 minutes between sets. Do this only 2 times this week. Week 4: ( Should be a week before you test). Max out. Do your 10 sets of 22 reps. This'll give you 220 pushups total. Rest 2 minutes between sets, and if you feel strong, throw in an extra rep in a few sets to make the 225 total mark. Do this only ONCE this week, and allow about 4 days of recovery time before you test. You don't want to be sore and attempt it come testing time. The reason you taper off the workload each week is to give your body extra recovery time because of the extra stress on it. DONT OVERDO IT by adding bench presses, etc. This will overfatigue the muscle and might hinder your progress. Bench pressing is good for a long term program. But if you only have a month to prepare, this method is the best- using the same exercise that is required of you. You can do incline pushups if you want if you feel strong on some off days, but only do like 4 or 5 sets of 8-12 for those.

You can say that again....he has gotta be one of the worst actors out there...lol Especially his old stuff...blech!

What a bunch of idiots. I guess if you want to raise a bunch of sissies with no self confidence, you might as well shield your child from anything the outside world has to offer. I see more kids crying about going to school than crying in a dojo.....should we say school is a form of child abuse and rid the world of that too??? Hmmmm....

Some people just like to post nonsense that has no value to watch their rank change quickly. Hopefully the info I gave you helps.

I studied TSD in California, and saw my dojo transform into Norris' style which was called United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). While many of the techniques used were primarily TSD, there were a few changes brought about by this switch ( I earned my 1st dan under Norris in UFAF...as a matter of fact he was on my testing panel for both my tests...I also failed the first time around!). One of the main ones was the stress of creating street fighting situations- this was done in a sparring environment by a fellow by the name of Ron Burbidge. Ron would attack as a street fighter would...shoot in, attempt takedowns, etc... we learned to sprawl, apply guillotines, and some very basic groundwork. As far as throws, we learned sweeps and hip throws. Kicks were typical TSD high kicks. Punches were also standard TSD fare. The style stresses more punching than kicking, and doesn't really touch on grappling. I know Norris later trained with the Machados and learned grappling, but that was after I left the style. Norris is a really great guy...he was very much involved in UFAF, and I enjoyed it.

I have the same problem. The best I can tell from feedback I've received from doctors is that I have bone spurs in my rotator cuff. Here's what happens: You embark on a tough bench pressing program for several years. During that time, your rotator cuff and other connective tissue in the ball and socket joint of your shoulder are under tremendous stress. Pieces of tissue are damaged, and scar tissue is formed...some of ths scar tissue floats inside of the joint after it breaks free. This causes some of the discomfort and popping noises in the joint during movement. Calcium or bone spurs also develop from the overuse, and this causes pain and "catching" in the joint during certain movements, particulary during heavy pressing movements. What to do? Well, if the pain is intense, cortisone injections in the site can relieve the pain and any inflammation. Surgery is also an option to clear up the joint, but not a very fun one. Lastly, and the best option, is to change your workout routine. Avoid the flat or incline bench presses...OR use only partial range of motion reps: don't go all the way down to your chest...stop about 6 inches or more above it. Don't "bounce" the weight from your chest. I mix in my benching with pushups...in other words, I'll light bench for a month, then do nothing but pushups for a month. I'll alternate this throughout the year. Good luck, it definitely sucks, and I feel your pain.

Your routine has too much pressing and only one pull. The squats don't really belong on an upper body day. You really don't need to worry about doing biceps work if you do enough pulling exercises (unless you want them for 'looks'). True-- actually 2 "pulls" if you consider the curls. I don't split my workout days into upper and lower body. I do a full body workout each day. I also mix in upright rows, one arm rows and occasional deadlifts as well. I do biceps for looks, yes. I posted as "minimal" workout here just so the original poster got an idea of what to shoot for. It was, by no means, intended to be a toatl workout program. But you have good points...

How did you fair in the street fights? (Win/Loss ratio?) Are you getting pummeled sufficiently to warrant taking a martial art? Is your sole reason for taking an MA so you can go out and instigate street fights? Why do you get into so many? Ask yourself these questions. Taking an MA isn't about: "I like to talk smack, so I wanna be able to back it up if someone calls me on it". It's about, "I'm a passive and peaceful guy, but if you screw with me I will thrash you." Furthermore, it's hard to direct you to a particular style. The style you choose should be one that emphasizes a good balance of discipline and warrior mindset. This will help you keep your mouth at check (not insinuating you have a problem with that) and keep you humble. I personally enjoyed TSD for the discipline.

I've gone out with friends before and didn't feel it necessary to drink. A glass of wine is OK...in fact it may have health benefits. But why do people feel it is necessary to knock back 5 or 6 beers when they go out with friends 3-4 times a week? I can't justify drinking $25-40 of beer to catch a buzz and "assist" my good time. I can enjoy myself with an iced tea as much as if I was slamming shots. It just depends on the company you keep. If you need to be drinking to have a good time, then you should find other friends or do something else, because they are boring and the event you're at STINKS.

By RICE-ing it and taking it easy, it will heal up on its own. But if you overly aggravate it, a foot cast may be necessary...stay off it, or you may be even more incapacitated.

AE: I have asthma, and I (sadly enough) love diet sodas. I also noticed I have been having nighttime asthma recently, and I HAVE been drinking more soda than usual.....I wonder now if the two may be connected. Did you see this info in an article somewhere or can you post a link? Is it the Phenylalinine? (sp?) Thanks!

I would agree with that statement. By "neutral" I would venture to guess he is saying you have an equal amount of opportunities to attack from that position as you would from the mount? I dunno. The advantage of the guard is the unrecognized amount of control you have over your opponent- tying him up, controlling him with your legs, etc. I think he is looking at it from a BJJ vs BJJ scenario. In this case, it could be neutral. However, in a BJJ vs streetfighter scenario, It could be an advantage- regardless of your position. In all honesty, I would prefer to be in the mount in a street fight, and "ground and pound" from there. In the studio, I wouldn't care either way, since my opponent could counter many things I threw at him from the mount. But being on your back in a street fight is not a good place to be, IMO.

First off, I would advise you not to skip breakfast. Breakfast should be your biggest and most nutrient-dense meal of the day to provide you essential energy all day long. You should taper off the meal size as the day goes on, with a very modest dinner. Eating a big dinner can cause you to gain fat, since those unused carbs can go right to your belly as you sleep. Also, drink water.

I had my first drink at 18....a Samuel Adams wine cooler. But I never got drunk until I was 21. I never had a real taste for alcohol, and I would only imbibe when it was New Years or my birthday. 2 times a year...wooo hooo! So, I am a VERY moderate drinker. I don't care all that much for booze, and I'd rather have a protein drink than a cold beer.

Radok...one extreme to the next, eh? Although vegetarian is healthier than Atkins, I don't find it condusive to maintaining muscle. You need to have meat protein sources, complex carbs, and some healthy fats. The best way to lose weight is to ramp up the physical activity and eat six balanced meals a day. Here's a really simplified meal plan: BFAST: Bowl of ceral with skim milk, wheat toast with jam, one banana. MID AM: Protein bar. LUNCH: Lean meat (chicken, tuna or steak) with rice and small portion of veggies, or tuna and crackers. MID PM: Pre workout snack of protein bar or piece of fruit. DINNER: Same as lunch, or one protein shake (Myoplex, Met RX, etc.) PRE BEDTIME: Yogurt or a couple tablespoons of peanut butter. Drink lotsa water all day. You'll lose weight and maintain health at the same time. Plenty of protein and carbs.

DOH!

Here we go: I agree with the others as far as if you are in your teens you shouldn't be drinking booze. First off, look here: http://www.youthrights.org/dastatelist.html You'll see 21 is the legal age for alcohol consumption pretty much everywhere in the US, with RARE exceptions. Of course, no one really obeys the law. So if you drink, and CHOOSE to, here's my 2 cents: 1) The only booze beneficial to drink would be certain varieites of wine for their antioxidant properties. Otherwise...what's the point? To help have a good time when you are unable to because you are socially * otherwise? 2) A good portion of alcoholic beverages are laden with calories and carbohydrates which will make you fat. They don't call it a "beer belly" for nothing. This is further exascerbated by lowering your metabolism and reducing the body's ability to uptake nutrients efficiently. 3) Although I see nothing wrong with the periodic drink now and then if you are OF LEGAL AGE, everything done in moderation is fine. I DO have a problem with "binge drinking", or drinking to the point of vomiting. Not only are you poisoning your body, but you are opening yourself up to the potential of alcoholism if you are inclined to it. Bottom line: If you are serious about your art, discipline, and want to remain healthy, moderate your alcohol intake. Never drink and drive and KNOW WHEN TO STOP. Maintain discipline in your personal life as well as in the dojo, and you will find alcohol is an unecessary evil. It really serves no purpose other than a crutch for weak people to lean on in order to cope with day-to-day issues.

Ditto for the ^ on aerobic work. I also suggest an upper body strength focus routine like this: 3 working sets of incline or flat bench presses, 12-15 reps. 3 working sets of squats with a barbell, 10-12 reps. 3 working sets of pullups or chinups (max out to failure) 3 working sets of dips (unweighted) 12-15 reps. 3 working sets of dumbbell shoulder presses, 12-15 reps. 3 working sets of dumbbell curls, 12-15 reps. In this workout, you've hit all major muscle groups with a stress on the upper body: the bench presses hit the pecs, anterior delts and triceps. The squats hit major leg muscle groups and help out with total body strength. The pullups hit the back muscles and the biceps. The dips hit the delts, triceps, and chest. The shoulder presses hit the shoulders and triceps (you can drop these if you hit the dips hard) and the curls work the bi's, tris and forearms. The program you have listed is good for a VERY beginning lifter. I try to avoid machines, since they really are not good for form and stabilizer muscles. The lat pulldown machine is no subtitute for the pullups. But if you are just starting out, I see no harm in using the machines to build a good base. But make sure you do all exercises with good form, no cheating, and graduate from the machines to free weights when you start feeling stronger. As far as aerobics go, it depends on how much weight you need to lose. If you do too much along with weightlifting, you will overtrain and become weaker. I'd suggest you hit the cardio 3 times a week at least, and follow Steve B's reccomendations. Then lift 2 days a week, and try to squeeze in at least 2 days of rest every week. Some might disagree with the 2 day lifting regimen, but I find that a full body workout necessitates more time off than a split routine. You must rest in order to gain strength.

^ correct. When you are training with a partner in the dojo environment, it is best to just "go with the flow", and let the person learn the technique. Granted, it is always best to train with a little resistance. But if you completely stonewall a person it can cause injury to one or both of you. Now, if you are training one-on-one before or after class during some open-mat time, there is nothing at all wrong with resisting more than you would normally to give the person a feel for real-world applications. But during training, go over easy.

I posted a similar question after seeing Tim's ad in Grappling magazine. Upon visiting his website, I noted he pimps himself out to law enforcement and military personel under the guise of a two day program valued at serious bucks!!! This guy claims to have many credentials, one of which is his having to drop out of SEAL training due to an injury. I take claims like this with a grain of salt. As far as the mindset and tactics he pushes, it is along the lines of Kung Fu San Soo training. Target Focus essentially translates to learning about vital areas to strike to cause maximum pain and debilitation during a street encounter. He teaches an "offense" style, and suggests that a violent attack in response to another violent attack will overwhelm the aggressor, and win the fight. All fine and dandy, but there is NO WAY you can attend his one day seminar and be a born killer with NO M/A experience. If you are at all interested in a similar methodology of training (target and offensive attack training) I suggest you look into KF San Soo. http://www.jadedragon.com/archives/martarts/kfsansoo.html http://www.martialway.com/arts/kungfu/san_soo/san_soo.htm http://www.kungfusandiego.com/san_soo.htm