Introduction...and need some help

[jonny999]

Hello, i m subrata, from india, Well i am training Karate alone (private) from my brother, he's has got Black belt in Okinawan martial arts, from hyderabad at age of 18, nw he's 44....

But, the first day of my training, he asked me every exercise to do 100 times, not allowing rest...for example, say hopping, back benting, side raising, side sittin, staying in Horse stances and throw 300 punches nonstop, my thigh vibrate vigoriously doing this, etc etc, 1st day was killing me, he said it would be alright in 20 days, i also had joined other schools (wing chun kung fu and wushu) they didnt pressure me so much anyways, i have another question:

my bro says that if i go to gym and gain muscles there(weight lifting) that is very bad, and i cant do karate properly....? lol

ALSO:

As i have learnt in Wing chun, the style is soft, according to wing chun, we should always use less energy to do whatever(as if we fail to hit, the energy will be a waste) which will be rewarding in the sense of combat, unlike karate-do, they say to do every punch, kicks with full-energy....So what to say which is better?

LASTLY: I have problems in push-ups, i cant do more than 5 properly, any suggestions to improve push-ups? say when i go down, and about to lift my body, i feel no energy in my shoulders to do again...

So, i m just a beginner, give me some suggestions to improve me better, contact me in skype: jonny99961

Thanks karate forums!

Regards,

Edited April 15, 2013 by jonny999

[JusticeZero]

'Weights are bad' is a common misconception held by many, even teachers. Strength is strength. The approach he is using is a bit harsh if you havent worked up to it, but yes you will adapt to it after a couple weeks. One of the teachers I had had a similar approach, which you rarely see because it chases the money sources, students, away.

[jonny999]

'Weights are bad' is a common misconception held by many, even teachers. Strength is strength. The approach he is using is a bit harsh if you havent worked up to it, but yes you will adapt to it after a couple weeks. One of the teachers I had had a similar approach, which you rarely see because it chases the money sources, students, away.

Thanks for ur response!

btw, do u believe weight is good? He says, if i gain thigh muscles(say) i will have difficulties to raise kicks, and say for if i gain biceps, i cant move punches as fast...

[Wastelander]

No, building strength in the gym will not be bad for your karate. I'm not sure when that idea came about, honestly--Okinawans have always done strength training with weights to improve their karate. I also find it surprising that this idea would have found its way to India, because your culture has a rich history of fighting arts that incorporate strength training. Just do your lifts quickly and stretch when you are done working out, and you shouldn't have any issues at all.

As JusticeZero and your brother said, you will get used to the training after a few weeks, but it isn't fun. You will also get stronger, certainly, but it's easier to get stronger, faster, if you use weights.

We recently had a rather lengthy discussion on the topic of strength here, if you are interested in some reading, but it can be a little hard to follow if you weren't participating: http://www.karateforums.com/building-muscle-that-directly-applies-to-fighting-vt44731.html

[jonny999]

No, building strength in the gym will not be bad for your karate. I'm not sure when that idea came about, honestly--Okinawans have always done strength training with weights to improve their karate. I also find it surprising that this idea would have found its way to India, because your culture has a rich history of fighting arts that incorporate strength training. Just do your lifts quickly and stretch when you are done working out, and you shouldn't have any issues at all.

As JusticeZero and your brother said, you will get used to the training after a few weeks, but it isn't fun. You will also get stronger, certainly, but it's easier to get stronger, faster, if you use weights.

We recently had a rather lengthy discussion on the topic of strength here, if you are interested in some reading, but it can be a little hard to follow if you weren't participating: http://www.karateforums.com/building-muscle-that-directly-applies-to-fighting-vt44731.html

thanks for ur kind response, yeah i m reading the thread nw..

[mal103]

.....

my bro says that if i go to gym and gain muscles there(weight lifting) that is very bad, and i cant do karate properly....? lol

ALSO:

As i have learnt in Wing chun, the style is soft, according to wing chun, we should always use less energy to do whatever(as if we fail to hit, the energy will be a waste) which will be rewarding in the sense of combat, unlike karate-do, they say to do every punch, kicks with full-energy....So what to say which is better?

LASTLY: I have problems in push-ups, i cant do more than 5 properly, any suggestions to improve push-ups? say when i go down, and about to lift my body, i feel no energy in my shoulders to do again...

Hello,

Lifting weights is not bad for your Karate, getting massive muscles by doing heavy weights slowly might end up being restrictive, but certainly not an all round tone up of all muscles. Be careful about speed weights - speak to Gym experts!

Hard or soft MA? Be careful not to chase 2 rabbits.... go with what interests you. sometimes you may need/want to hit hard, other times to move out of the way and arm lock, throw etc. Depends on the attack but better to use your head and not be there first.

Not all punches/kicks should be done at full energy but that's another topic...

Push ups, get a chair or lean on stairs/table so that less weight is on your arms and more on your legs, train this way and do 20/30/40 each time, then gradually move lower.

Trick to all of this is gradually and not trying to do 100's at the start. When you are stronger, train harder and longer but it should also be enjoyable.

You can't become like your bro in 4 weeks and he may be pushing you hard to test if you are really interested in learning. Remember it is sometimes more about the path and not just the destination.

Good luck, train as hard as you can and enjoy!

[Harkon72]

Most styles of good Karate have hard and soft aspects, the secret is to relax. If you have no tension between techniques, the application is faster and more focused. Strength must be developed in muscles in both directions - in shortening and stretching. Weights can build endurance and definition as well as conditioning. You also need stamina and a degree of muscle memory - these can be developed through repeating relaxed movement and good breath technique. Always practice against resistance equipment and impact shields and a living target. You can condition your body and mind and develop a peaceful open consciousness, that can give the insight that the practice of Martial Arts can bring - a new state of calm in realizing your spiritual potential. Good luck on your journey, peace be upon you.

[Lupin1]

I'd say just be careful not to hurt yourself going that hard that fast. Make sure to give your body time to rest and recover. You don't necessarily have to take it slow, but listen to your body. You're not going to get any better if you end up injuring yourself and have to stop while you heal. Be smart.

Good luck! Welcome to the forums!

[jonny999]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, i will definitely implement this!

[Poseidon33]

If you get the opportunity, do leg extensions. They are great power for your kicks. Weight training is great. I prefer weights first then martial arts, you'll just be a little tight and it will not make you slower lol.