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 kung fu movies and martial arts novels. But after completing the first week of training, you will no longer have thoughts of flying over rooftops and being a chivalrous hero. Instead, you will feel the soreness of your muscles and the shattering of illusions. If not, you have probably encountered a fraudster in the martial arts world.
However, upon careful consideration after training, you will realize that human civilization has taken violence to a new level and monopolized it to the point of being completely beyond 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. The professions of bodyguards, escorts, and soldiers no longer exist. The things taught by 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 spirit.
What is the difference between martial arts and competitive combat?
The purpose of modern combat techniques is very clear: to win one-on-one unarmed combat under 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 have the natural talent of professional athletes, the time for full-time training, or the guidance of professional coaches and team doctors. We need to use martial arts training, which may only be twice a week, to strengthen our bodies and spirits, to help us perform better in our work and life, and to avoid injuries. Our employers do not want to see their employees taking long leaves of absence 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. This is what sets it apart from competitive combat training.
Do we need to follow the rules of traditional martial arts?
My answer is: no.
Chinese culture has many ideas that worship the past, which have been deeply ingrained for centuries. This includes Confucianism, evidence-based medicine, and of course, traditional martial arts. It is necessary to show enough respect to the ancestors who made important contributions, but we must not be complacent and think 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, the feudal system 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 martial arts philosophy and his contribution 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 itself, to become a major force in ground fighting.
In the following sections, I will introduce some new approaches that I have personally summarized in martial arts training. If you can think of any training methods or techniques that can help you better pursue your core goals, Just Do It.
How? - Some Tips#
Start with warm-up exercises
The purpose of warm-up exercises is to increase heart rate, warm up muscles, lubricate joints, improve performance in subsequent activities, and prevent injuries.
I usually 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, as those muscles may not be ready.
Then, you can start moving your joints. They are more fragile than muscles and bones, so stretching them properly is crucial for preventing injuries, which is the core objective. As non-professional athletes, it is difficult for us to cause non-stress-related damage to our muscles or bones due to exercise intensity, but joints are vulnerable. Therefore, it is essential to protect them.
Finally, you can try some challenging stretching exercises commonly seen in traditional martial arts as the end of the warm-up and the beginning of the formal training. If you have not practiced these movements before, you can start with the martial arts exercises in P90X.
Equipment usage
Most of my martial arts training is non-equipment-based, especially without using much equipment for strength training. Our goal is a strong body, not a muscular physique. Bodyweight training can make our muscles and bones adapt to various dynamic situations in terms of exertion and protection, rather than the expansion 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 by the environment of muscle building and plan muscle group training on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule while drinking 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 importantly, we need 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.
Without a punching bag or target pads, fully exerting long-range strikes puts a huge load on the joints. Therefore, change straight punches to forearm blocks and high kicks to low kicks. We engage in martial arts training not to harm others or ourselves.
Avoid being stationary
When resting, do not lie down or sit still. Dynamic relaxation is better for muscles and sends a signal to the body that the exercise is not over yet.
You can try shaking your body slightly in place or shaking your arms and legs. It doesn't matter how you do it, the key is to keep moving and avoid being stationary.
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 need to learn to restrain our desires and stay away from self-indulgence, even if it is what we love and are most proud of.
That's all for now, as it is time for sleep. We will meet again later.