| Most professional athletes use weight training in | | | | endurance are needed just as much as strength |
| their daily regimen. Strength and power is needed | | | | in a self-defense situation. Oftentimes flexibility |
| to continue to perform at a high level for an | | | | decreases the larger a muscle becomes. Large |
| extended period of time. Is weight training the | | | | bulky muscles have a tendency to decrease the |
| only way to enhance martial arts skills? Or are | | | | speed in which a technique is performed which |
| there other types of exercise that could be | | | | limits power. |
| better. In this article we will discuss how to get | | | | Additional exercises and training might include |
| more out of martial arts self-defense training. | | | | swimming or running. Both increase flexibility and |
| Strength is important to a martial arts practitioner | | | | endurance. Swimming may be the best overall |
| in a self-defense situation. Is weight training the | | | | exercise for the human body. Push-ups and |
| most important aspect to gaining strength? The | | | | pull-ups may be better at creating strength for a |
| legendary Bruce Lee did not think bodybuilding | | | | martial artist as they use the full weight of the |
| was the most important element in gaining | | | | body if performed correctly. Isometric exercises |
| strength. Although weight training was part of his | | | | are useful for gaining strength and adding flexibility |
| routine it was not to gain bulk but to increase | | | | as well. Weight training is one aspect of becoming |
| strength. | | | | a better martial artist. Adding other types of |
| Other aspects of martial arts training are needed | | | | exercises to a martial arts training routine can |
| to be proficient. Flexibility, speed, balance and | | | | make one even better. |