| Weight training for martial arts was once frowned | | | | Remember that what you are trying to do is increase |
| upon by traditional martial art trainers. Some | | | | your functional strength, not just weight lifting strength, |
| denouncing weight training, because they thought it | | | | thus use free weights rather than rely on the |
| would make the martial artist either slow or | | | | machines. Machines are good as well, but free weights |
| muscle-bound. Little did they know that a few years | | | | work more core supporting muscles, generally |
| later, some of the best martial artists were including | | | | speaking. |
| weights in their regime. Now lifting weights is not just | | | | Muscle tears and cramping are often the result of not |
| accepted, but commonplace for most athletes, | | | | being hydrated enough and overtraining. You will need |
| including martial artists! | | | | to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water and maybe |
| You may wonder why so many combat arts now use | | | | some sports drink, prior and during the workout. You |
| weight training in their program? Firstly, because the | | | | should also eat a carb-containing and protein snack or |
| martial arts require those athletes to be strong, weight | | | | drink to help the muscle replenish from the workout. |
| training accomplishes this certainly. A good | | | | This helps substantially for your recovery process. |
| strength-training program will include fewer sets for | | | | You will be much less prone to injury if you perform a |
| each muscle group, low reps, and quick movement as | | | | couple of lighter warm up sets and some stretching |
| opposed to training to gain muscle mass. A | | | | before pumping the iron. During the workout, high |
| strength-training program will also involve cycling the | | | | intensity training will yield the best results, however, do |
| intensity in the workouts. | | | | not ever over train your muscles and keep your |
| Secondly, because martial artists need a different | | | | workouts brief. As in any program, build up gradually. |
| amount of strength in order to perform the kicking, | | | | This will help you recover better for your martial arts |
| punching and grappling strength needed for their own | | | | workouts. |
| sport, different muscle groups will be used as opposed | | | | Perform weight training around twice a week. If you |
| to power lifters. Power lifters may concentrate on, for | | | | can recover fast you might consider 3 times a week, |
| example, their triceps or pecs for bench pressing. But, | | | | however, don't overdo it, as it will affect your martial |
| since you are involved in a full-body sport, you will | | | | arts training and your enthusiasm for the gym. Short |
| need to condition yourself involving full-body | | | | brief weight training workouts combined with good |
| weight-training sessions. | | | | nutrition and plenty of sleep will help your martial arts |
| If you desire to be really powerful and not just strong, | | | | ability. Whether it's kickboxing, judo, karate, kung fu or |
| a martial artist needs to integrate various types of | | | | mixed martial arts, adding a couple of gym sessions |
| speed training as well into a weight-training program. | | | | can give you a good overall workout and help you |
| Lighter and heavier weight training should also be | | | | become a better martial artist! |
| factored into the program. | | | | |