It’s possible to be a martial artist or have powerful muscles by studying karate and kung fu. There are some things that you should know. These will allow you to select the right martial art for you, and even help with your karate or kung-fu training.
The first is that the martial arts form part of calisthenics.
A squat is the basic horse position. The stance is not very wide. However, it allows you to bend the knees while lowering the weight. You will have strong legs if you hold the weight in depth and over time.
A lunge is the front stance. You will be doing hundreds of lunges during a class. You will be amazed at how strong your legs are.
Plyometric refers to closing the muscles rapidly in punch or kick. The rapid expansion and contractions of muscles is called plyometric. This results in very thin, dense muscles. You might perform literally thousands of kicks and punches during a workout.
The best resistance training is when you have a partner. You get the most effective workout possible by working with a partner. Your muscles can adjust to stress and change, making it superior to any isokinetic machine.
There are two types of muscle: the red slow twitch and red fast twitch.
Long-term endurance activities are best suited for slow-twitch muscles. The slow muscles of cyclists and long-distance runners are remarkably well-developed.
For boxers, karate and any other high-powered activities, fast twitch muscle is the best.
Different combat disciplines create different types of muscle.
Tai Chi Chuan develops slow-twitch muscle. The’suspended strength’ type of weight lifting is when you move slowly through martial arts poses.
Fast twitch muscle development is a hallmark of Karate. It is like you are going bonkers for a kick or punch.
However, both martial arts as well as all other martial arts are likely to build both types of muscles. They will only be different percentages or amounts.
A third truth is that the Martial Arts creates the strongest and most functional type of muscle anywhere in the World. Different art forms produce different kinds of muscle. All muscle is dense and lean. You can use all the muscles for everything, from lifting furniture to sitting long hours in a seat.
Muscles are vital for movement and life. You have life if you can move, which we will include here by including the idea of movement through strong, healthy muscles.
You don’t even have life if you have no motion.