I think a lot of consideration should be given in regards to long term training and injuries. Just as typist, etc. deal with carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis players have elbow problems and baseball pitchers have shoulder problems, basketball players have knee problems, we martial artist tend to have all of the above. The problem is, where the other sports and professions eventually retire, we tend to see our training as a life long endeavor so we generally "tough it out", probably to our detriment. Stretching will help to some degree, but the repetitive movements involving twisting, jumping, squatting, high kicks and hard punches take their toll over the years.
Master Rhee often says "no speed, no power" referring to doing a form with proper movement and technique and not get caught up in speed and power. Now I "feel" the wisdom in that.
Any thoughts?
Sun Martial Arts Blog With Hosts: Master Tim Baker, Master Dave Pryga, and Mr. Matt Dowds
5 comments:
I completely agree with you Master Crane. This is a great area of concern for myself and for my students. I am constantly looking for ways to reduce chances of injury while still increasing our ability to practice our techniques at a level we can enjoy. I'm quite sure everyone is sick of hearing me telling them to take it slow and easy, LOL. We also have over the years incorporated a cycle of certain exercises we put in our warm ups to directly prevent the most common injuries and also have eliminated movements and techniques that I feel are just bad for the body.
In general, most injuries I see are from people trying to do something at a level their body is just not conditioned to do yet.
Its so ironic though, when someone like yourself or Master Rhee demonstrates, it is so powerful. Its hard to accept that that power comes from being totally relaxed, vs. putting in more effort.
Stretching is very, very important. However when your class time is limited as in our high school setting where do you cut?? More stretching and less content or less stretching a quick warm up and more content! Master Hawk and I discuss this often. What is best for long term safety and success??
I wish I had a nickel for every time Master Hawk has drilled us on Technique in class. In my humble opinion, adhering to proper technique while balancing it with attention to flexibility and conditioning is critical in our efforts to remain injury free.
Speed and Power are advantageous in most sports, but without proper technique I believe they are very vulnerable.
I've experienced this first hand in many sports and can strongly appreciate the wisdom of Master Rhee's statement.
Take leverage for example. It is a force multiplier that is achieved through proper technique. It is what provides a 160 lb football player the ability to block or tackle a 250 lb player. It is also a big part of what enables a 140 lb martial artist the ability to neutralize a 250 lb attacker.
Most importantly, I find that technique is what enables me to avoid injury for when I lose focus on technique, I almost always get dinged. Stub a toe, roll and ankle, torque a wrist when punching the bag, pull a muscle, strain my back, etc. If I keep my mind focused on technique I most often perform at a higher level and avoid injury. At the same time, speed and power appear to meld in a subconscious manner enabling fluid execution of form for example. When my focus on technique is at it's best, it is a very calming experience or calm place to be mentally.
If lack of conditioning or flexibility prevents one form maintaining focus on technique, than more attention to them is required. I would also think a H.S. class would require the discipline of a regimented warm-up/stretching routine. I'm sure it's assigned as homework as well. I believe an intense 10 to 15 minutes focus would do the job for H.S. class purposes. That may account for 25% of class time I imagine - and I would assume that would keep most young minds happy, interested, and attentive. Just my humble opinion. I claim no expertise.
Sun!
Falcon
I knew if anyone would be on top of this matter it would be you, Master Pryga.
I commend you for identifying and eliminating those techniques which damage certain tissues,especially over years of training.
When we are young we think we will live forever. We seemingly heal quickly from injuries and so, pay little attention to the event that caused those injuries and the long term implication it may have.
Breaking boards comes to mind. Heavy bag workout is another. Not to mention 30 years of reverse punches.
Some tears: tendons, miniscus, ligaments, I don't think can be repaired without surgery. Other damage to joints may cause or hasten the onset of arthritis.
But, you know, we love what we do. My particular profession probably causes many of these injuries and more. So, I conclude that it is a balancing act. Identify those techniques which have a useful purpose and practice them thoughtfully but with restraint. If and when the time comes to use them the power and speed will be there since power comes from proper rotation, penetration and body weight and speed comes from the adrenaline pumping through your body.
May we all do our forms well into our 70's, 80's and beyond!
"May we all do our forms well into our 70's, 80's and beyond!"
SUN!
That is the plan!
A great example of the power of focusing on technique happened a few years ago after one of our belt tests. We had a bunch of 2" concrete tiles set up for breaking. The break we usually use these for is a "soft" downward palm strike. There is no strength or force needed. Only dropping your weight. Our own Mr. Puma attempted a 3 tile break (6 inches of concrete, no spacers)and easily broke through. After he made the break he looked at me with a look of surprize, however I was not surprized a bit, because his technique was perfect.(I was thrilled for him, thats a heck of a break)
We've had some big guys try to do those breaks and power through. They might break one, maybe even two. No way they can get 3 or more. That takes pure perfect technique. Speed and power are no match for technique.
Mr. Wolf,
I always liked it when we did the 3-4 laps around the gym (or out in the snow covered parking lot) followed by a set of pushups, crunches and leglifts. Then hit a few basic stretches. If I had to pick warmup exercise vs. stretching cold, I'd always go for the exercise.
I know you have your hands full getting everyone moving, but you lead the way and hopefully they'll follow...and then at least you'll get a little extra exercise for yourself.
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