Sep 05 2008
Are You Running In Karate Class?
I argue about this quite a bit with other teachers. Some disagree that you should have students doing laps or sprints in class. The argument is that people come to class for training not for specific cardio training.
I disagree on this point however; is fitness not essential to Karate practice?
- What if you have to run away after you fight?
- What if you are faced with a swarming or other multiple attack situation?
The worse case scenario here is that you can no longer protect yourself & loved ones because you are out of gas… I simply can not fathom how ‘we’ could keep cardio-challenged students from improving in class.
That being said I do agree with the point that students want training, not to spend good portions of the classes doing laps or wind sprints. Students would get bored and move on; so where would that leave your club?
The happy medium to this of course is to present training material that is both technically satisfactory and helps to improve cardio levels at the same time.
For those who are already members of the Uechi-ryu Newsletter you already know my passion for cardio, stretching, etc. as to compliment ones training. Heck if you read my Practical Drill Book you will see how I integrate this concept into class…
What do you think about this, cardio in class or no?