“Strength training is the starting point for my techniques, and it’s actually very important for this reason. You must do it. For any technique to be properly stabilized, basic physical strength is essential. Therefore, I perform strength training with the following philosophy in mind; great technique in kata can only be achieved with having a solid foundation of strength. That’s my opinion.” – Rika Usami World Kata Champion & Karate Ambassador
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If you go around telling everyone that you’re a fighter or a martial artist, you better be able to back up your words with some form of athleticism. You may do well in class with your ‘enhanced belly’ techniques, but as soon as you are required to do any sort of athletic challenge, for example intense sparring or defending yourself, you may find you are quickly winded and unable to use the technical attributes that you have acquired. It does not matter how much technical training you have if you do not have the stamina or strength and conditioning to pull off techniques effectively.
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Karate-ka need to develop in many areas beyond just technique. The need for strength and power, endurance, flexibility, speed, balance, core dynamics, structural stability, sensitivity, mobility, etc. is just as important as their key karate skills.
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Far too often you hear people saying their techniques are too deadly to need much physical conditioning, when in reality you are showing that you are inexperienced and unprepared. You want to train smart and combine your conditioning to create a strong body.
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In Karate, we are always trying to use our body the most efficient way. Thus, we should pick exercises that challenge the entire body as a unit, based on the true concept of Karate…… Don’t rely on your ‘enhanced belly’ technique. ??
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? Photo Credit: Rika Usami & quote courtesy Jesse Enkamp
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