Combat Training

http://www.homeimprovementfitness.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/michael-phelps-using-combat-training.html

The training

As mentioned in our article about Michael Phelps (linked above) many people are adopting combat training as a form of keeping fit, even if they don't intend on becoming a hardened warrior. But what are the benefits and why should you try and add such techniques into your workout schedules?

Techniques such as striking pads, circuit training between punch/kick bags and sparring help with so many aspects of fitness - in fact some would argue that it helps develop all aspects of fitness. It certainly helps with fat-burning, improving cardio, agility, balance and flexibility. With so many benefits from one focus of training its not hard to understand why so many people adopt this method rather than splitting their training up into these separate categories.

This does not mean to say that training focused on these and other aspects (long distance endurance training and powerlifting etc.) are not worth while pursuing, but it can be an excellent way to supplement these methods. Likewise these methods can be used to supplement your combat training. No offence to those that enjoy long drawn out slogs on the treadmill, but it's also not hard to understand how people often consider combat training a more fun approach to keeping fit. Chances are you will be focusing on how good your technique is and whether each hit was better than your last, so this may even take your mind off any natural discomfort you feel from exercising, such as the build up of lactic acid.

Martial arts gyms

The gym method might not be for everyone, afterall this is why Home Improvement Fitness was first launched. Some may feel intimidated performing techniques amongst people who are more advanced or have different goals to themselves (such as becoming pro fighters). Similarly, advanced fighters may feel that they are not getting enough focus in group classes or that they are not allowed to work on aspects they want to. For example they may want to add weights into their routine, or drill their advanced moves more often and are forced to do less intense routines so the rest of the class can keep up. If this is the case, or you just want a personal focus then get in touch with someone who can provide personal sessions with padwork.

The martial arts gyms have their advantages over us too, such as the social element and bringing sense of achievement with their grading systems working towards a black-belt. However it must also be said that no matter how much these focused gyms assure you that there is no pressure for you to start fighting, they will do so. Once you have progressed from the earlier belts you will have to start competing in a set number of amateur bouts before they will allow you to do the next grading. As you may have guessed the grading also costs money whether you pass or not so the incentive for them for your progress may be purely in their financial interest.

Comprimising between costs and technique

Add up the membership fees, uniform, class fees, equipment, grading and fight entry fees and you could find yourself much more out of pocket than they initially claimed. Some martial arts gyms don't even have free parking with a sixty pound plus fine if you don't display a valid ticket. We are not saying avoid martial arts gyms like wildfire but please ensure that you weigh up all the costs before committing to them.

You might be more interested in free group classes at your current gym and we say if your already paying your membership fee go for it! Its a great way to stay in shape and socialise at the same time and employs many of the cardio elements that martial arts training does. Just be aware that more often than not such techniques have been watered down to make things more accessible to the masses and easier for the instructor too. By this we mean that the techniques have been altered to be a group training/circuit friendlier workout and will most likely not be correct form. So while these classes are fun and good for cardio be aware that they are rarely a substitute for self-defence or real training techniques used by combat sport athletes. Furthermore they can lack a sense of focus and adjusting/perfecting each technique for better results.

The moral of the story here is that anyone can benefit from combat training, but you should make sure that you know what you want from it. If your serious about becoming a fighter then join a martial arts gym. If your more interested in meeting and socialising with people then maybe try a group class in a gym or leisure centre. However, no matter what level of fitness you are at or skill level you are, if you prefer a personal session then contact our instructors. You wont find anyone more devoted to your progression at a competitive price and we wont charge you monthly fees and will provide all the equipment needed.