Eight Fitness Tips For The Combat Realist by Robert Bussey

Forget being the toughest guy on the planet. It's pretty easy for

martial artists to adopt complacency and begin to rest on their laurels.

Not you? Well, if the circumference of your waist is large enough to hide

the knot of your black belt, this article may be for you. Even if you are

in top condition, read on if you want to look lean and feel your best as a

combat warrior. I'll make it real easy for you. I promise you won't have

to execute ten thousand kicks or hold a sword over your head while standing

on broken glass. Lets face it; you'll never stick to your work out plan if

it reminds you of torture. So, instead, I'll give you eight simple

instructions designed to maximize your combat performance while maintaining

good health and longevity. I've managed to remain fit after three decades

in the martial arts and you can do the same.

Tip. #1

Warm up with slow motion exercise and speed up gradually as you loosen

up. This process has become more important as I've gotten older. Before

and after an exercise session, you should perform a general stretch routine

to help break up adhesions and feed the muscles with blood to help speed

recovery. The combination of flexibility and strength together will make a

significant difference in effecting your technical performance. As strength

training builds muscle it limits the overall range of motion. Stretching

can counter this effect by limbering up muscles as they become larger.

Tip. #2

It may be necessary to reshape your attitude and perspective. In our

cravings for perfection, we sometimes place a heavy emphasis on rank,

titles, or goals that don't necessarily relate to meaningful life-goals.

Aim higher at achieving a sense of over-all health and self esteem in

addition to competitive rigors. It's easy to avoid what is necessary to

take care of yourself and to take short cuts. Martial arts are a

discipline, which should compliment your lifestyle of fitness and long life.

Instead of rationalizing your un-healthy choices or using past

accomplishments as an excuse for not making the effort, take responsibility

for yourself. In other words, exercise accountability.

Tip. #3

Martial arts are generally not the most efficient aerobic activity.

This is primarily because as you get better at it, you learn to pace

yourself during the execution of moves.

Stacked against other aerobic exercises, martial arts activity scores low

because the practitioner is usually not in constant motion. So, change that

by engaging in non-stop aerobic exercise for 30 minutes at least three times

a week. Your heart will love you. To avoid boredom and gain maximum

calorie burning, try to diversify your sessions every week or two. In

violent conditions, normal breathing is altered which can adversely affect

your performance. Good conditioning is not only beneficial for your

physical well-being, but also reduces panic, distress, and anxiety.

Tip. #4

I know it may be hard for all you young readers to believe, but in my

day it was frowned upon by masters to combine weight training with martial

arts. The 60's and 70's are behind us now and well-researched weight

training has become an important tool for thousands of world-class athletes.

Remember, exercise increases physical reserve. You may need to call upon

that reserve in a life-threatening encounter. Conduct intense weight

training exercises such as the barbell curl, tricep extension, bench press,

etc., for 30 minutes to an hour, two or three times a week. Consider

exercises that target the internal and external obliques such as torso

twists and weighted crunches. It's these abdominal muscles that help you

change direction quickly during grappling, increase kicking power, and help

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BIO:

Robert Bussey is one of America's pioneers of martial arts, Ninjutsu, and
reality based personal protection. His lifelong commitment to his work has
made a significant contribution to the stream of strategic practices
throughout the world. He can be reached at: http://www.busseystyle.com

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