Advice on training and Tips

The first piece of advice I can offer is do not expect good results in a short period of time. Karate training may extend over your entire life, so there is no rush no matter how old you are when you start.

Many people train furiously in karate initially but lose their enthusiasm even before the end of the first year. Little good can be gained from training in this manner before the body is properly conditioned and can result in injury.

So train regularly without becoming impatient or overexerting yourself, developing gradually, advancing steadily, one step at a time.

Many people become weary after training a short period of time ie six months to a year. This is a common thing and is not restricted to the practice of Karate. This is a critical time, and a student may succeed or fail depending on his/her attitude during this period. Once aware of this state the student must redouble his/her efforts to pass through this period with inspired effort.

 If he/she allows themselves to become discouraged and quits at this point, all the entire previous effort will be lost. Anyone who enters into this state shows that they do not understand or appreciate Karate. Therefore, If he/she does quit training and gives up Karate with only a superficial understanding then it can be said of that person (in the words Gichin Funokoshi)

"That a little knowledge is a dangerous thing".

Once you have begun Karate for the benefit you would like to get from it, it is my sincere hope you will continue to train thoroughly until you do come to a full understanding of it.

Makiwara (Striking Post) Training

Makiwara training is a traditional training method which is used to ensure use of proper technique. 

Warning

This training is not recommended for students under the age of 16 as bones have not formed properly.

When you start using a Makiwara post it is important not to rush into doing lots of full power strikes as this will result in injury to unconditioned hands - this is not the aim of this training. Start slow 10 seiken (fore knuckle) straight punches on each hand everyday is sufficient for the first two weeks then you can increase this by two each week until you get to fifty punches on each hand everyday.

Do not be impatient

If you break the skin use antiseptic to clean the injury and do not train until the injury is fully healed

This is a picture of my personal Makiwara post which is situated in my garden this is the traditional version but you can buy modern ones which you can attatch to walls etc, If you do not have a garden or somewhere suitable to dig a hole and put a post in. The straw rope is prone to rot so cover with something that will allow it to breath not a plastic bag!

Weight Training for Karate

Traditionally Karateka (students) did not train in gyms and have access to the equipment that we take for granted in today's modern high-tech gyms, but the past masters did understand the importance of training strength. They used items that were common place at the time such as wooden clubs, Iron clogs, Iron hand grips and steel axels. All were designed for resistance training and most importantly for Karate power to weight ratio.

In the past it was thought that weight training for the Martial Artist would result in being muscle-bound slow and lethargic, nothing could be further than the truth. Weight training followed by stretching will aid your Karate rather than hinder it.

Nutrition is key to any form of training and a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats and water are essential for maximum gains.

The first 6-8 weeks get to know the exercises keeping the weight low, after this period gradually increase the weight as in Karate keep good discipline and form especially when you are tired!

If you want to achieve your goals quickly without the guesswork then speak to a professional personal trainer.

I personaly recomend you speak to:

Peter Smith of Aspire Fitness 0797400875 Cardiff

Peter has taught me a lot and has forgotten more about weight training than I know! Thanks Pete.

Here is a link to download a begginers training log

http://blitzsport.com/downloads/wtbeg.pdf

Here is a link to download an Intermiediate training log

http://blitzsport.com/downloads/wtinter.pdf

Here is a link to download an advanced training log

http://blitzsport.com/downloads/wtadv.pdf

Disclaimer.

Reikan Ryu karate accepts no responsibility for injury loss or damage resulting from any of the training routines shown in the links above. Please see a Doctor before any new excercise regime.