I am a firm believer in being in the best possible shape you can be for personal protection.  Imagine you are in a physical confrontation, maybe more than one attacker but more than likely an attacker may also have a weapon.  You will also probably be at an immediate disadvantage because these predators have initiated the confrontation.  Action is faster than reaction after all.   Now imagine that you are in really bad physical condition.  Meaning you have not been training hard and you have very little cardio.  What do you think your chances would be?

We as martial practitioners need to understand that there is more than just technique training.  You have to be physically fit in order to apply your skill sets.  Sure you cannot neglect your technique training but…. you better not neglect your cardio and strength training.  Why?  Heck you may need to run just to survive and that is hard to do if you have no cardio!  As a practitioner and a teacher I have always made it a point to be in shape and also ensure that those who train with me are getting enough conditioning!  Besides training in class you should be running, swimming, biking, lifting weights and kettle bells, striking the heavy bag, wooden dummy, working with medicine balls, yoga, skiing, rock climbing, hiking or whatever other physical activity that you enjoy!  I personally know instructors who hike and walk a lot with their dogs.  Basically the point of this post is that you need to go above and beyond your training and condition yourself so that you have optimal strength and cardio.  You just may need it!

Copyright: Instinctive Response Training LLC 2011

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This blog is opinion only and neither Instinctive Response Training LLC or Brian R. VanCise are responsible for any third party actions.

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