Preparing for first class...

[karatewannabe]

hello everyone,

I'm going to be taking my first "adult beginner" karate class (Chito Ryu) beginning of June. I am probably one of the most unfit people around - granted I have been speed walking and strength training for a few months and have noticed improvements.

I'm curious what type of things I should/could be doing at home in preparation for my first class (ie: sit ups/push ups, etc)? We have a multi-gym here as well.

I'm not sure what to expect from the class in the way of warmups and training (I'm lucky to do 3 "lady" push ups)...sigh.

Ideas and suggestions anyone?

Thanks in advance.

[TigerDude]

I don't know if your style will have conditioning as a big part, but core exercises will help a lot. Kicks work your abs/obliques more than you would think. Anything you do will likely help, but pushups seem to be fairly standard in martial arts training.

Good luck, & welcome to karate-do.

[karatewannabe]

Thanks again TigerDude. From what I understand there will be an "aerobic component" to the Chito Ryu class and I recently heard that the Shotokan class does some work on the core with lots of ab-concentrated exercises.

Needless to say I'll be trying to figure out "the plank" and doing crunches everyday til class starts to hopefully build up some endurance!

[bushido_man96]

Doing the ab exercises and push-ups will help you with your daily tasks as well as assisting you with your preparation with Karate, so doing them is not a bad idea at all. Also, hopping on that multi-gym will benefit you as well. I would do both of those, when you can. You can also use them to supplement your Karate training once you get started.

[DisgruntledGirl]

I wouldnt worry too much if I were you. I am also quite unfit and I've just started a little more than 3 months ago.

It can be rough at times though, I can almost see the grin on my senseis face when he's killing us because I am pretty much the most unfit person in the class... though he keeps commenting on my "spirit" cus I probably do *try* the hardest even though I dont quite measure up endurancewise.

You will be fine. I didnt even do any preparatory training before I went... I went with absolutely not doing anything physical for quite a long time beforhand so good for you for at least doing something now.

Though I would see if you can get up to at least 10 "lady" pushups. My sensei allowed me to do lady pushups the first time or two of us doing pushups and after that I made it a point on my own to not do the "lady" types. It seems my sensei will allow some of us females to do lady pushups and some not (cant tell if it is because of rank level or because of just plain physical difficulties/age).

I'm rambling now... but if your sensei is anything like mine or many others he will probably not make you do more than you are able to. He will push you far past what you *think* you are able to, but not past what you are actually able to do.

Have fun. I'm still having a blast at it.

[JackCrevalle]

The class will probably get you in shape as people have said but if you want to be prepared you may want to add some cardio to your routine.

You might want to see if your dojo or another offers cardio kick boxing. That will get you ready to do sustained kicking and punching.

[lordtariel]

I'd also recommend some stretching and balance training. The need to be limber can also be as important as being strong.

[JackCrevalle]

I'd also recommend some stretching and balance training. The need to be limber can also be as important as being strong.

That is an excellent suggestion.

[karatewannabe]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - didn't get a notice saying there were more replies otherwise I'd have checked sooner - so thanks

I definitely am going to have to do the modified pushups for the time being - I can figure how y'all can get on your toes - or am I not getting the idea? Anyway - I have a month til the start of class and am walking (at a fast pace) daily and trying to interval train with some light jogging granted it's a slow start.

I'm completely terrified about what to expect, but am so looking forward to it as well!