07/02/2021
Have you ever wanted to train in Martial Arts yet thought “I’m too old or too out of shape to start training?”
Well, I am here to tell you… you’re wrong.
Martial arts training isn’t only for the young and buff. Anyone no matter what your age or fitness level can start.
In all my years as a martial arts master and fitness specialist I have worked with people of all ages and fitness levels. I can assure you there is no reason not to start besides your own fear.
But if you’re still apprehensive here are 3 things you can work on before training to give you more confidence and give you an edge as a beginner.
1. Work on building your mobility
Mobility simply is the range of motion your joints have when moved under your own power.
For example, someone who can kick over your head would have a very high degree of mobility.
The best parts of your body to build mobility in would be hips, shoulders, and upper back.
Hips and shoulders are what’s called ball and socket joints and can be highly susceptible to injury when not conditioned properly. You will also free up your body to start performing kicks, punches, and some grappling techniques.
The upper back and torso region relates to general upper body mobility especially with movements from the shoulders. Most of today’s workers are stuck in an office leaning over a computer.
This creates tightness and stiffness all around the chest and shoulders making movement difficult and giving you a rounded upper back.
Mobilizing this area will help with pretty much everything and give a much wider range or movement that will help not only with training but everyday activities.
2. Cardio
Martial arts training can be rigorous and for the average beginner will have you huffing and puffing in no time.
Now this by no means you need to start running marathons or anything like that. Simple is always the best so just a good brisk walk for 20-30 mins to help build the strength of your heart and lungs is all you need.
Bonus is walking will help loosen up the muscles around your hips and losen up the body. The perfect warm up for mobility exercises like I talked about above.
3. Basic bodyweight strength
Again, this is nothing crazy like one arm push-ups or a crazy vertical jump height.
Like I said we only need the basics like squats and push-ups. These are basic human movements and the ones you’re most likely to experience on your first day of training.
The numbers don’t have to be crazy either. A good place to work up to is 15-25 squats and 5-15 push-ups.
There are some other exercises that will be of great benefit but again let’s keep things simple here.
Of course, I want to stress that you be safe. If you have any health concerns or injuries, please consult a physician before you start exercise or training of any kind and be sure to disclose that to your instructor.
Finding a fitness trainer or coach can be very helpful in guiding you through proper technique and catering the exercises to your body and needs. I recommend finding one who has martial arts experience, preferably at least a black belt.
Anyways I hope this was helpful to all you guys looking to start training.
Oh, and these are not just for those of you who are thinking of starting. These tips are just as helpful to those of you who have already started.
A saying I repeat to my students is “You are only as good as your conditioning”. So get a leg up (yes pun intended lol) anyways you can.
Put a “Yes” in the comments below if you enjoyed the post.
Also feel free to message me. I am happy to talk further with any of you to help you start your martial arts journey.
Have a great day,
Master Jonathan
