The Art of Hojo Undo: Power Training for Traditional Karate (Michael Clarke)
Three Samurai Cats: A Story From Japan (Eric A. Kimmel)
Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat (Translated by Patrick McCarthey)
Sensei Opalenik's Digital Dojo |
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This is the first in a series of updates that will give recommendations about martial arts books. In karate we train and learn using both our bodies and minds.
The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu (Wong Kiew Kit) The Art of Hojo Undo: Power Training for Traditional Karate (Michael Clarke) Three Samurai Cats: A Story From Japan (Eric A. Kimmel) Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat (Translated by Patrick McCarthey)
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Since most students only spend a few hours per week with their Sensei there is an aspect of traditional Karate training that is sometimes not taught in class. That is nutrition.
The average Okinawan diet is very healthy and nutritious. It includes plenty of vitamins and minerals. The average American diet doesn’t have as many vitamins and minerals so American Karate-Ka should supplement their diets with vitamins. What vitamins are important? A good multi-vitamin will have much of what is required in a martial artist’s diet. Electrolytes are also important because they help athletes be more agile by allowing your muscles to tighten more quickly. These include Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Sodium. Make sure to take your vitamins right after eating a meal. This makes it easier for your body to absorb the vitamins. What vitamins does Sensei O take? I take One a Day Men’s multivitamin, Pharmanex Omega 3, and an all natural magnesium and calcium supplement. For sparring make sure that you store your fighting gear indoors. If you leave your bag in the car, the cold will make your fighting gear harden temporarily which makes it less protective.
Also make sure to use chapstick before class. Otherwise even a light hit can cause a lip to bleed. Stretching is also more difficult in cold weather. This does not mean that you should stretch less. In fact, you should try to arrive to class a few minutes early and do some extra stretches. |