There is a misconception among many people that strength training using external equipment is a modern development in fitness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Physical culture is an ancient practice. Wars were fought and there was a need for warriors to be in top shape. Of course bodyweight exercises were used. Chin ups, pushups, Squats, etc were and continue to be very important in athletics. But they realized back then just as they do now that there are benefits to using external weights and specialized strength equipment. In ancient Greece, athletes trained using weights made of stone or metal.…
-
ANCIENT STRENGTH TRAINING
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
ELBOW STRIKES IN MARTIAL ARTS
One of the most effective strikes in martial arts are elbow strikes. They're excellent for close range, they're very versatile, and they're very powerful. Another advantage is they're very safe for the person throwing them. In a bare knuckle situation, it can be very easy to break or injure your hand. This is not the case with elbows. It's a very hard bone which is both safe for you and damaging to your opponent. And one more advantage is it's great for defense. Elbows can create a sort of shell around your head sllowing you to defend yourself and at the same…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
AT HOME BODYWEIGHT CIRCUIT WORKOUT
This is a workout I did recently using only bodyweight exercises. I used a Chinup bar as well as Lebert Equalizer bars and an Ab Wheel. There are alternatives to these exercises if you don't have the required equipment or if they're too difficult. However, this routine works very well as is. The exercises are arranged to have an upper body exercise followed by a leg or full body exercise and continuing that way for the entire circuit. Do three total circuits and try to take minimal rest between exercises. This is the best way to get maximum benefit from…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
FUN AND SIMPLE BEGINNER WORKOUT ROUTINE AT HOME WITHOUT EQUIPMENT
Photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS Starting a workout routine as a beginner can be intimidating, but the benefits of exercise are well worth the effort. Regular physical activity can improve your overall health, boost your mood, and increase your energy levels. As a beginner, it's important to understand the significance of exercise and how it can positively impact your life. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build strength, or simply improve your well-being, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Exercise is not only beneficial for your physical…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
MARTIAL FITNESS CIRCUIT
This is a circuit workout I did that trains strength, fitness, endurance, as well as some martial arts specific movements. It can be done at home or at a gym or even outdoors at a playground. The only equipment needed is either a chinup bar or something you can hang onto. Even two chairs with a broomstick across can work. A ton of equipment is not needed to get a good workout. Effort is all that's needed! GIve this workout a try. And if you need to modify anything, just send me a message and I'll help you out!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
400 DUMBBELL CIRCUIT WORKOUT
Here's a dumbbell circuit I came up with. I was inspired by some other trainers who do rep challenges workouts like this, but I put my own twist on it. There are 10 exercises and each one is done for 20 reps. 2 circuits of that will give you 400 reps. It's not easy, but it is very effective! HERE ARE THE EXERCISES : Bench Press Goblet Squat Bentover Row Scott Press Romanian Deadlift Bicep Curls Fist Pushups Kickouts Spiderman Mountain Climbers Bicycle Crunch
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
THE MOST ADVANCED THING YOU CAN DO ARE THE BASICS!
People are often fooled into believing that the basics are only for beginners. What they don't realize is that with almost every discipline, whether it's art, music, sports, martial arts, fitness, etc, you learn the most valuable skills right at the beginning. Consistent practice of the basics is THE key to mastering any discipline. For example, in the Wing Chun system of martial arts, the concepts of centreline and economy of motion are taught the first day you walk into class. And those are the guiding principles throughout your entire Wing Chun journey. That's exactly what this video is about.…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
INCH POWER IN MARTIAL ARTS
Many people in the West were first introduced to Inch Power when Bruce Lee demonstrated it at Ed Parker's Karate tournament in 1964. He famously punched a guy in the chest from only a couple of inches away and then he went flying back into chair. This is how the power could be applied in a real situation, but developing it is entirely different. To do that, you need to go through a full range of motion. Only then will you be able to feel every inch of the movement and ensure that you're using the entire body behind your…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
THE POWER OF SMOOTHIES!
Personally I love smoothies. From a very young age, I've always associated smoothies and various shakes with vibrant health. You can mix it up in so many ways, there's just no limit to the possibilities. In fact, it's possible to replace some of your meals with smoothies. A good protein powder mixed in with plenty of fruits and vegetables is tasty, nutritious, and it will prevent you from giving in to hunger and going for junk food. There have been many times when I knew I wouldn't have time to sit down for a meal, so I just drank a…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
SIL LIM TAO - THE MOST IMPORTANT FORM OF WING CHUN
Wing Chun is a fantastic martial art and one which I've spent many years practicing. One of the best things about it is the fact that it's so simple. Really the concepts and principles of the system and techniques can be taught in less than an hour. Obviously that doesn't mean you'll have a deep understanding or the ability to actually pull it off, but you will know what it's all about. This is unlike some martial arts that will take forever just to learn what the techniques are. The first form which is called Sil Lim Tao (translating to "The Little…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
DO THIS ROUTINE TO STOP LOWER BACK PAIN!
This is a routine which I teach my clients and I do it regularly myself. There are four strengthening exercises followed by eight stretches. None of them are too difficult, it's quick, simple, and effective. Lower back pain has become a part of our lives. Unfortunately the majority of jobs involve long periods of sitting. This can have numerous health consequences and lower back pain is one of the most common ones. By doing this routine, it should help alleviate some of that pain. This is of course not a replacement for a proper medical exam. If you have serious…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
AN APPPE A DAY. FACT OR FICTION?
This well known phrase was first coined in 1913 and based on an old Pembrokeshire proverb from 1866. They may not have known all these things at that time, but it turns out they were right! Let's take a look at the benefits of an apple a day. APPLES ARE HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS Here's a quick breakdown of the nutrition in an average sized apples 95 calories 24 grams of carbs 4.5 grams of fiber 9% daily value of Vitamin C 5% daily value of Copper 4% daily value of Potassium 3% daily value of Vitamin K APPLES SUPPORT HEART HEALTH One study with over 20,000 adults found that eating higher amounts…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
THE THREE HARMONIES OF MARTIAL ARTS
One of the key concepts in the Chinese internal martial arts is the Three Harmonies. This refers to the connection of the upper body to the lower body whoch will in turn allow you to use the entire body as one unit. This actually apllies to all martial arts at the advanced levels, but they're specifically taught extensively in the internal arts. The best known internal Chinese martial arts are Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, and Tai Chi Chaun. The three harmonies are as follows The Hand is connected to the Foot The Elbow is connected to the Knee The Shoulder is connected to the Hip Watch…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
BODY CONDITIONING
One of the most neglected aspects of martial arts training is body conditioning. This refers to the toughening up of the hands, arms, and body of the practitioner and not strength and fitness training. Both are needed and the majority of practitioners understand te need for cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance. But they don't always understand the need for the toughening up of the body. If you're going to do martial arts techniques such as punching, palm strikes, finger jabs, tiger claw strikes, etc. you must condition those parts of the body to actually be able to do these…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
USE XINGYI TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR MARTIAL ARTS!
Out of the three best known Chinese Internal Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Bagua, and Xingyi), it is Xingyi which is by far the most applicable to Wing Chun, Boxing, and other striking arts. Xingyi (or Xingyiquan) translates to “Strength And Intent Boxing” and is based upon linear attacks from spear techniques. So the backbone of the system is aggressive linear attacks along the centreline. These are also known as The Five Element Fist, and the five elements are a fundamental part of Chinese medicine and martial arts. The system does have Twelve Animals as well, but those came later. The…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE HIPS
Using the hips is probably the most important part of making your martial arts techniques effective. Many people will punch and kick and only think of the hands or feet. This is essentially the same thing as focusing on the arrow while having a poor bow at the same time. No matter how nice and sharp your arrows may be, without a good bow to launch it, it will be useless. That's why we always emphasize the hips and feet for proper movement as well as power and health benefits.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
HIIT CIRCUIT WORKOUT
Many people talk about HIIT training nowadays and for good reason. Not only is it super effective for both Cardio and Strength Training, but your body remains in fat burning mode for an extended period of time due to what's commonly referred to as the Afterburn Effect. Here's a HIIT workout for you combining weights with bodyweight only exercises. The only equipment needed for this workout is dumbbells. I used a kettlebell for one of the exercises but that can be done with dumbbells as well. Do each exercise with as little rest between as possible and a total of two…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
LET'S DO SOME BAGUA!
Bagua (or Baguazhang) is one of the key internal martial arts. The other two well known ones are Tai Chi Chuan and Xingyiquan. Internal martial arts are generally referred to as such because they don't use hard blocks or force against force. Instead they tend to use angles, positioning, and deflections. Rather than doing a hard block, we yield to the force and then counter attack from a different position. It also refers to cultivation of Chi or internal energy. This is done through Qigong breathing methods combined with movements. However, when you understand this, then many martial arts can…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
DON'T BOUNCE IT, PAUSE IT!
One common problem people have when training with weights or even bodyweight exercises, is they tend to bounce the weight or somehow use momentum in the exercise. It may feel good for the ego to lift more weight, but you're not doing much to stimulate quality muscle growth. And on top of that, you're risking injury. One of the most important things I learned from Powerlifting was that you need to control the weight properly at all times. Judging is very strict at Powerlifting meets and any kind of bouncing or lack of control is grounds for a red light.…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
-
NEW YEAR CIRCUIT WORKOUT
This is a circuit workout I did very early in the new year. It's a full body, functional workout. Always keep in mind that if your goal is to build muscle, endurance, improve athleticism, or anything else that's worth getting from your fitness efforts, then multi-joint, compound, and functional exercises are the way to go. Exercise machines have their place. Suppose you're injured or otherwise unable to do certain movements. Machines can help fill those gaps. But if you're able to do it, then functional exercises are the way. For today's workout, we have five exercises all arranged in a circuit. Minimal…
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE »