Some thoughts on martial arts training.
WHY? - Some Q&A#
What is the purpose of martial arts training?
At first, the motivation for participating in martial arts training is probably influenced by kung fu movies and martial arts novels. However, after completing the first week of training, thoughts of flying over rooftops and acting righteously will be replaced by the soreness of muscles and shattered illusions. If not, you have probably encountered a fraudster in the martial arts world.
But upon careful reflection after training, you will realize that human civilization has taken violence to a new level and monopolized it to the point of being completely out of individual control. In other words, individual violence has reached its peak, and it is difficult to achieve fame and fortune even as a means of livelihood. Professions such as bodyguards, martial arts instructors, and soldiers no longer exist. The teachings of martial arts masters may not have changed much, but the core objective has.
It is not difficult to see that modern martial arts training is not for survival and fame, but for health and spirituality.
What is the difference between martial arts and competitive combat?
The purpose of modern combat techniques is very clear: to win against an opponent in a one-on-one unarmed fight within specific rules. A modern training system with a clear objective is highly efficient because all its designs serve this established goal. For example, a boxer who has trained for a year can easily defeat a martial arts enthusiast who has trained in any traditional martial arts style for two or three years, assuming they have the same weight.
But does this mean that traditional martial arts training is inefficient? No, let's not forget our purpose. Modern competitive training can teach a person the skills to win in the ring in the shortest possible time, but that is not what we want. We want to achieve a healthy physique and a strong spirit.
We do not possess the extraordinary talent of professional athletes, the time for full-time training, or the guidance of professional coaches and team doctors. We use martial arts training, possibly twice a week, to strengthen our bodies and spirits, to help us perform better in our work and daily lives, and to avoid injuries. Our employers do not want to see their employees taking extended leave due to injuries from participating in martial arts training.
Therefore, I believe that the key points of modern martial arts training are: strength, efficiency, safety, and spiritual cultivation, which differentiate it from competitive combat training.
Do we need to follow traditional martial arts rules?
My answer is: no.
Chinese culture has many ideas that venerate the past, which have been ingrained for centuries in various fields, including Confucianism, evidence-based medicine, and traditional martial arts. It is necessary to show sufficient respect to the ancestors who made significant contributions, but we must not be complacent and believe that the ways of our ancestors are unchangeable. We should not cling to outdated ideas that do not adapt to the current environment.
Every technique or concept was developed to serve the current environment and purpose. Compared to tribal systems, the slave system had higher productivity. Compared to the slave system, feudalism had a more stable ruling structure. These systems were advanced when they first developed, but they were eventually replaced by more effective successors as civilization progressed.
Martial arts are the same. When the social environment changes and the purpose of application changes, martial arts should also evolve. Bruce Lee is revered to this day not because Jeet Kune Do is unbeatable, but because of his inclusive approach, incorporating various martial arts philosophies and contributing to the modernization of martial arts. The globally renowned Gracie Jiu-Jitsu originated from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, underwent significant modifications, and then defeated various orthodox styles, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to achieve immense influence in ground fighting.
In the following sections, I will introduce some new approaches that I have personally summarized in martial arts training. If you come up with any training methods or techniques that can help you better pursue your core objectives, Just Do It.
How? - Some Tips#
Start with Warm-up
The purpose of warm-up is to increase heart rate, warm up muscles, lubricate joints, improve performance in subsequent exercises, and prevent injuries.
I start with low-impact aerobic exercises to raise the heart rate, such as slow jumping jacks or high knees - be careful not to perform movements that are uncommon in your daily life because those muscles are not ready yet.
Then, you can start moving the joints. They are more fragile than muscles and bones, so stretching them properly is crucial for the core objective of injury prevention. As non-professional athletes, it is difficult for our muscles or bones to suffer non-stress injuries due to the intensity of our exercises, but joints can. Therefore, it is essential to protect them.
Finally, you can try some challenging stretching exercises commonly seen in traditional martial arts as a conclusion to the warm-up and the beginning of the formal training. If you haven't practiced these movements before, you can start with the martial arts exercises in P90X.
Equipment Usage
Most of my personal martial arts training does not involve equipment, especially not much strength training equipment. Our goal is a strong body, not a bodybuilder's physique. Bodyweight training allows our muscles and bones to adapt to various dynamic situations of exertion and protection, rather than the stretching and tearing of individual muscle groups in specific movements.
Another reason why I choose not to use a lot of equipment is that I can train at home anytime, anywhere, without having to go to the gym. In the gym, it is easy to be assimilated into the culture of building muscles, while planning muscle group training on specific days and consuming various supplements. That is not our goal.
Some simple equipment can achieve good results, such as a yoga mat and a pull-up bar, and if possible, an amateur sandbag. However, more important are a harmonious family, a positive mindset, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep. If you feel that training will affect these aspects of your life on any given day, do not hesitate to stop immediately and focus on these more important matters.
Avoid Long-Range Strikes
This mainly includes straight punches and high kicks.
When there is no punching bag or target, fully exerting force in long-range strikes puts a tremendous load on the joints. Therefore, replace straight punches with forearm blocks and high kicks with low kicks. We engage in martial arts training not to harm others or ourselves.
Avoid Stagnation
During rest periods, do not lie down or sit still. Dynamic relaxation is better for muscles and sends a signal to the body that the movement is not yet over.
You can try slight movements in place or shake your limbs. It doesn't matter how you do it; the key is to keep moving and avoid stagnation.
Know When to Stop
We are not professional athletes, so we must learn to stop when it is appropriate and not train to the point where it affects our lives or work the next day.
In other words, when your body signals that you need to drink a lot of water or rest for half an hour before continuing, you can stop. We must learn to restrain ourselves, stay away from self-indulgence, even if it is what we love and are most proud of.
These are my thoughts for now because it is time to sleep. We will meet again later.