Is something better than nothing?

[CLM]

I quickly realized a while ago that (at least at the gym I train), you'll never be as good as you could be without supplimenting your training outside the class. FOr the past months I've done a lot of research into training, different forms of cardio, strength training etc. While I'm definatly more enlightened now, I can't say I've found any crystal clear answers. If anything, most approaches are dispute or have multiple variations that trying to decipher which ones are good can be quite the task.

So, I was thinking, is it better just go out and start experimenting than trying to figure it all out from behind a desk (so to speak)? I mean, that may be a waste of time and reinvention of the wheel (the whole process of trial and error), but it seems in the end thats what you have to do unless of course you have the ability to get some professional help like a trainer. Unfortunatly thats not an option for at the moment. Thoughts?

[Elfunko]

I think you do have to reinvent the wheel so to speak, but that doesn't mean you can't borrow from other's breakthroughs. Keep a log and write it down, add more, cut what isn't necessary anymore or was just a bad idea, etc.

One good idea my old instructor told me was called The Daily Dozen (which he borrowed from some popular martial artist). You practice all your kicks 12 times just 1 set a day. Might not take that long for Muay Thai kicks, but you would probably need a heavy bag to connect with if you are going to put some power into the kicks (opposed to doing a spinning 360 after every kick, lol). I practice a snappy kick to the head, push kick, spinning back kick, spinning heel kick (jury is out on neccessity/practicality, but it never hurts to have too many tools), side kick, and crescent kick. It takes a bit of time since you practice both sides 12 times each, but it gives your leg muscles a workout every day and improves form.

Couple that with stretching, punching (air, with a shirt you should try to hear the snap), shadow boxing, and running (not in this order through). Then theres other things such as weight training, cross training (like roller hockey gives beefy legs, swimming gives full body tone and superior lungs, soccer works instant sprints/leg coordination + knees/ lungs, and anything else you can think up that can vary your training to avoid becomes bored). Just some of my ideas, but you know what you like to do so you gotta decide for yourself.

[SOUTHPAW]

Supplemental Training

CLM..yes, you are correct. In order to become a better fighter you must supplement your skills training with some form of conditioning work. The question is, what type exactly?? The answer depends on many factors such as: your specific goals, type of MA practiced, age, weaknesses, strengths, experience, available training time, etc.
Having said that, almost EVERY fighter can benefit from improved anaerobic conditioning. It has been said that 80% of fighting is conditioning, and I agree. You may have the best form and technique in the world, but if you are totally gassed after 30 seconds you will become sloppy and get beaten by a fighter with lesser skill and better wind. Usually that means interval training and the like. You can run at the track for work:rest intervals that mimic a fight (3:1 for example), you can do punch out drills on a heavy bag the same way, a short circuit of body weight work or even incorporate some weight work into the routine. Something is better than nothing, but that something should have relevance to what you are trying to accomplish.

[darkrelevance]

keep in mind what worked for someone else, may not work as well for you.
experiment to find out what works for you. thats probably the best way.

[47MartialMan]

keep in mind what worked for someone else, may not work as well for you.
experiment to find out what works for you. thats probably the best way.

I have to agree with this.
A workout and other training has to be customed to the individual. I wouldnt go on a total "self-experimentation". I would seek others in each partcicular field.

For weight training, someone who has been doing it for a long time.
For nutrition, a nutrionialist.
so, on....

[Elfunko]

And buy books, read what their opinions are. Cruise the forums and google. But the best thing to do is equip yourself with the knowledge to maske your own (hopefully somewhat educated choices). And know sometimes you will be wrong. But ask for help. And if someone gives their opinion and it's different than yours, maybe even ask them why or have a littlefriendly debate on the merits of each opposing viewpoint. Best way to learn I think.

[Freedom]

Like darkrelevance said. Yeah sure, you may be reinventing the wheel, but everyones wheel is different...

[47MartialMan]

And buy books, read what their opinions are. Cruise the forums and google. But the best thing to do is equip yourself with the knowledge to maske your own (hopefully somewhat educated choices). And know sometimes you will be wrong. But ask for help. And if someone gives their opinion and it's different than yours, maybe even ask them why or have a littlefriendly debate on the merits of each opposing viewpoint. Best way to learn I think.

Nice additonal point