How to combine kickboxing and strength training?

[Nomad]

Are there anybody who has just started some form of martial arts lately?
I just started kickboxing, as a old man, 31, and it would be really intresting to hear your thoughts.

Also i need some conrete advice how to combine strength training and kickboxing. I've been training too much lately and i'm taking few days off. I 've come to the conclusion that 2-3 times strength training is enough per week. I don't use weights, i do mainly low rep kb and bodyweight stuff plus i have ring system in my living room for dips and chins. Any thoughts?

I'll leave other questions later,

thanks

N

[oleg_yakimovich]

Hi,

Potentially, some MA-specific strength components missing in your
training routines can be: upper arm (grip) and "core" strength.

What I mean: comparing to grappling and MMA training
kickboxing does not emphasize reliable grip (see more on the subject in Scott Sonnon's IOUF series) - which is otherwise paramount important
in both MMA world and self-defense.

Also, mastering grappling/wrestling techniques is the whole
world in its own and takes a lot of time and effort.
Nevertheless, a "pure" kickboxer or other representative
of non-grappling MA disciplines can anyway put
a serious resistance given they possess overall physical strength,
especially - the "core" strength. You can get more info
on the concept in Maximology series and on the rock climbing
strength training sites.

What I practically mean is that I sometimes could easily defeat
in a sparring / grappling situation a meaty body builder type,
but slim and wiry rock-climber type guys are extremely difficult
to submit even if they don't possess concrete grappling skills.
Try to lock and submit SUV's shocks!

These 2 issues can be effectively addressed with Clubbell training.
I myself combine it with rock-climbing, including in-door
with training boards.

Plus, with your in-door ring system you can do 2 following exercises
or their variations:
hang the rings a few feet from the ground, place a stool (books, etc.)
half-foot high about your height away.

Grab the rings, place you feet on the stool, face down as if going to do
push-ups. Keep a horizontal (or almost horizontal) position for a few sec.
Instead of push-ups allow your body to fully bow in you waist, almost touching the ground; return to horizontal.

Now, face up - and do pull-ups with you body almost horizontal
and try to touch your chest with thumbs.

In both cases you de-simplify pull-and-push-ups (de-sissify
as the Tribe used to say :-) by adding essential core-strength component.

Keep strong,

Oleg Yakimovich

[jamie hale]

It would very hard to give a specific recommendation with the small amount info you provided about yourself, but below i have included some general principles.

1) do not perform excessive amount of aerobic activity, emphasize anaerobic endurance

2) concentrate on range of motion- paritcularly dynamic range of motion

3) emphasize speed strength training

4) use various apparatus for strength training

5) do not forget about agilityand quickness training

thank you
Coach Hale
www.maxcondition.com

[dave_rusin]

Nomad,

Old man at 31?!?!? C'mon, bro! At 33 I feel much better, stronger and more agile than all throughout my twenties... Your perception of age begins in your mind, although obviously there are many factors. Think young and explore like a child...

As for your questions I'd like to add the following.

I'd suggest working on your ability to relax during a confrontation, competitive or otherwise. Residual muscle tension and unnecessary tension held during conflict will more rapidly deplete your energy reserves. Think of using muscular tension selectively, strategically and tactically. Being relaxed will allow for greater sensitivity to your opponent's energy, greater kinesthetic awareness of yourself and your opponent, as well as managing energy expenditure. Additionally, the impact of impellent force can be minimized if you are able to maintain relaxation and tense only as necessary.

Through ROSS and CST we learn to accomplish this by integrating our breathing with our movement and our structural (musculo-skeletal) alignment. This is also the basis of good form in strength conditioning. Breathing is extremely important and many people suffer with dysfunctional breathing patterns. Breathe through your movements (generally, exhale on compression and inhale on expansion of torso) and definitely exhale when hit with impellent (or applied) force.

CBs and KBs are awesome for developing attributes directly applicable to fighting sports.

I might also suggest you look into the Shock-Ability as well as Fisticuffs video series to improve your game.

Good luck on your journey!

[bob_stra]

Worth a read? I'm thinking of doing this myself

http://www.myodynamics.com/articles/pavel.html

[Nomad]

Thanks for excellent advices, i really appriciate it.

I was thinking to do 2-3 strength sessions, 2-3 kickboxing, one sprinting exercise, 1-3 times other stuff per week: (maybe explosive strength training, some kettlebell+bodyweight drills..). How's that?

One big problem is that the "instructors" in my course haven't told us anything about breathing for example. And generally they maybe lack some important knowledge..

One my of the biggest problems is my lack of flexibility, my roundkicks are pathetic. To be more flexible is maybe my biggest challenge right now.
I have Pavel's streching book ( haven't done them recently, oops,) and i was thinking some Scott's stuff too. Would Body Flow for example help me?

BTW, i was kidding about being old, i'm right now in the best shape of my life and will continue to reach to even better results. But it's quite rare to start at my age?

Thanks again,

Jaarli

[rbibbs]

OK Jaarli, you had to poke me in my weak spot, I started FROM SCRATCH at age 53. You're totally on the right track mate, flexibility, strength outside the reciprocal planes, everything from CST that you can integrate, and the support of the tribe.

As you've seen the tribe is very responsive no matter where you are starting from. Soak it up bro, just keep moving, it's more than your "peers" are doing. Read up, get the materials as you can budget them, do what feels good and instinctive, and get out there with what you've got, no fear bro.

Rick

[Nomad]

Hey Rick,

it's great to hear from you. Ok, i'll stop the old nonsense even if i was just kidding. You are a true warrior!

It's all about attitude and doing what you enjoy. Yesterday i once again enjoyed my kickboxing and i made small steps forward. One day my leg will rise high!

Jaarli