This is a record of my activity from yesterday, Memorial Day 2010:

Morning

Life begins early here, even on long holiday weekends, since our 19 month old, Juliana, doesn’t distinguish weekends from weekdays yet!  So at 6 am I was up making coffee and searching through her Elmo DVDs to find the particular episode she wanted that morning.  As the coffee was brewing I began working through my joint mobility routine in the kitchen.  Each joint from neck down to ankles and toes is rotated through its entire range of motion to flush the joints with synovial fluid and increase blood flow to the surrounding muscles.  This has the effect of lubricating the joints and removing the “rust”, as well as awakening the entire body.

As interest in her Elmo episode waned and Juliana wandered off to “read” her books and play with toys, I began working through San Shin no Kata, the Bujinkan basic movement exercises.  Each movement was practiced stationary, then walking forward and backward with emphasis on using the spine to generate power for the movements.

Mid-Afternoon

In the afternoon I took the kids to the playground.  My older daughter, Caitlin, rode her bike while I pushed the baby along in her little buggy.  As I walked each step was coordinated with breathing to work on breath capacity.  For example, inhale for 5-steps, hold on the inhale for 5-steps, exhale for 5-steps, then hold on the exhale for 5-steps.  This can be done continuously with the same pattern or you can alter the number of steps for each breath cycle up or down to make it easier or more challenging.  See my post entitled Breathing 101 for more breathing related exercises.  At the playground, in between pushing the kids on the swings and taking the little one down the slide, I used the monkey bars for random amounts of pull-ups and chin-ups.

Evening

Finally got the kids to bed around 8:30 and went down to the basement gym for my workout proper.  My current program is geared towards developing unarmed striking power and basic weapons work. 

• Brief joint mobility warm-up
• Suburi with Yari (spear) – 3 rounds of 10 thrusts from Seigan no Kamae, 10 thrusts from Jodan no Kamae, each side
• Suburi with heavy bokken – 3 rounds of 10 cuts from Jodan no Kamae, advancing and retreating
• Swipes with 15 lb clubbell – 3 sets of 10
• Mills with 15 lb clubbell (think omote shuto type movement) – 3 sets of 10
• Reverse Mills with 15 lb clubbell (think ura shuto type movement) – 3 sets of 10
• Clean to Order with 25 lb clubbell – 3 sets of 5 each arm
• Clean to Order with 45 lb clubbell – 1 set of 5 each arm
• 5 minutes of various yoga asana to cool-down

This is just a quick glimpse into a much larger program that I am testing on myself for eventual release.  For more information on my previous programs, please check out my ebook, Warrior Fitness: Conditioning for Martial Arts.

Related posts:

1. Sometimes It’s OK to Not Follow the Program
2. Complete Warrior Fitness Training Program for Bujinkan
3. A Case for Mini Workouts

Warrior Fitness Longevity Program

Please remember that there are no “one-size-fits-all” programs and that this was created specific to a friend’s needs.  It can, however, serve as an example and a template for you to program your own training.  As always, please feel free to contact me here or in the comments section below if you need any help or have any questions.

Related posts:

1. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training
2. User Guide to the Workouts of the Week
3. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training – part 2

Recently, as my own daily grind has become busier and busier, I have been finding just how effective mini workouts can be to fill in the gaps in one’s training.  These types of workouts are often overlooked because their brevity.  How can one possibly get a complete workout in 5 minutes?!  Well, you can’t.  But that’s not the point.  The effects of mini workouts is cumulative.  In other words, they add up over time.  They are not meant to completely replace your regular training, they are meant to enhance it and compliment it.  They are an effective way to keep yourself on track and focused while short on time.  Remember, the goal of the mini workout is not to be too complicated or over-involved.  Make them short, sweet, and to the point!

Examples of Mini Workouts

Here are just a few ideas I’ve found that make ideal mini workouts:

• 10 push-ups + 10 v-ups + 10 squats (repeat 3 x’s)
• Finger tip push-ups (see how many you can do)
• Tabata exercises (pick any one)
• 5 Kettlebell Snatches (each side) + 5 Kettlebell Swings (each side) + 10 Hindu Push-ups (repeat 3 x’s)
• Isometrics
• Breathing exercises
• Joint mobility work
• Pull-ups (5-4-3-2-1 rep scheme)

Mini Workouts for Martial Arts

The mini workout should be an essential aspect of any martial artist’s training.  It is said that great martial artists are training all the time.  Well known and respected masters from Musashi to Tesshu to Ueshiba toHatsumi Soke have constantly extolled the importance of solo-training and dedicated practice.  While mini workouts do not form a complete picture of solo- training, they do play an important role.  In the future, I’ll be sharing a more extensive look at solo-training for martial arts, particularly for Bujinkan practitioners.  But for now, here’s a short list to get you started:

• Ukemi practice – mix up rolls, change directions freely, roll over obstacles
• San Shin no Kata
• Solo flow drill – move continuously for 5 minutes. Flow from strikes to kicks to leaps to rolls, from kamae to kamae – be creative!
• Kamae work in a mirror
• Striking practice
• Junan taiso (see above!)

Make sure to make time for mini workouts!

Related posts:

1. User Guide to the Workouts of the Week
2. Complete Warrior Fitness Training Program for Bujinkan
3. How Dense are You?

Chuuto Hanpa Kihon Happo

This DVD is, as Rob points out, not the “official” version of the foundational techniques of the Bujinkan, but rather a synthesis of each Japanese Shihans’ take on the techniques as studied and interpreted by Rob.

The DVD begins with Rob’s expanation of Hanmi, or “half-body” kamae.  This incomplete Ichimoni no Kamae has the hips at a 45 degree angle forward to facilitate structure, stability, and mobility instead of the traditionally taught kamae with the hips completely sideways while the head looks forward.  Not only is Rob teaching 1/2 kamae, but as each technique is analyzed, he shows how to utilize 1/2 the distance, and 1/2 the time as well to create more efficient, and effective, technique.

Each technique of the Kihon Happo is then presented, first as they are usually performed in Bujinkan Dojos worldwide, followed by a discussion of common problems and mistakes when done as shown.  Make sure to pay attention here as you may recognize some of your own mistakes.  This discussion alone is worth the price of the DVD! 

Rob then moves on to demonstrating and explaining how to use the principles of Bujinkan Taijutsu to effectively do the techniques.  Each section begins with a quick bulleted list of principles that will be taught for each technique.  This is an effective way to prepare the audience for the material to be reviewed in the section and also serves as an effective reminder as the same principles are presented, and added to, each time.  Throughout the principle-based discussions, Rob constantly stresses the importance of correct kamae by using hips, knees, feet, and shoulders in alignment to be able to control distance and move in any direction. 

In the Torite Goho section of Kihon Happo, Rob makes a very important distinction between translating kuzushi as “breaking balance” versus “breaking structure”.  When you break an opponent’s structure, he is still very much on balance, but simply can’t generate force in any meaningful way.  And, since his balance is not compromised, he still believes in his mind that he is okay.  Hmm… sounds like kyojitsu to me.  However, when breaking an opponent’s balance, his body will automatically endeavor to correct it and suddenly you’re in a fight.

Kihon Happo Techniques Taught on the DVD

Koshi Sanpo:

• Ichimonji no Kata
• Jumonji no Kata
• Hicho no Kata

Torite Goho:

• Omote Gyaku
• Mushadori
• Onikudaki
• Ura Gyaku
• Ganseki Nage / Musodori

In the final section of the DVD, Rob uses the Torite Goho to show examples of Hatsumi Sensei’s movement as it is today.  This is done by following all the principles espoused in the earlier parts of the DVD and through manipulation of the kukan and kyojitsu.  It’s a great way to wrap up, pull everything together, and show a progression of the material all at the same time.  This is a very well done DVD with tons of detailed instruction.  Highly recommended!

For more information, and to purchase the DVD, please see Rob Renner’s website, Bujinkan Zeropoint Dojo.

Related posts:

1. A Case for Mini Workouts
2. A Day in the Life…
3. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training

Basic Does NOT Equal Simple 

I think maybe the term “basic” itself is a little misleading.  When someone says, basic, most of us immediately translate it in our minds to “simple”.  Nothing could be further from the truth for the basics of our martial art.  What I’d like us to do today for the purposes of our discussion is to suspend the judgement that basic = simple.  Instead, replace the word basic with foundational.  How do you continue to build upon a skill set indefinitely?  Well, the foundation must be strong.  It must be broad.  And, to keep going higher still, it must be deep.

Each January, every year, for the past 20 years I have been training in the Bujinakn, my teacher, Jack Hoban, spends the entire month with us reviewing nothing but the basics of our art.  This sets the tone for the year and helps to increase the capacity of the entire class to absorb the higher level lessons for that year.  Guess what?  Invariably, I learn something new each time Jack teaches.  Every year, just by practicing the basics… eh… excuse me… the foundational training of our system new ideas, new concepts are born as we go deeper into the details and application of the techniques.

Shu Ha Ri

In traditional Japanese arts, there’s a concept called Shu-Ha-Ri.  This is a method of progression, or more accurately, a cycle of progression, for learning any art.

Shu - “Protect” the form. 

Ha - “Break” the form

Ri - “Leave behind” the form

This process is a continuous cycle in our Bujinakn training.  In order to progress higher in the art, our base must be solid, so we protect the form.  In order to understand the art, we must begin to break the form.  In order to master the art, we must leave the form behind.  Yet, this is not a linear progression at all!  Working on the foundation is never a step backwards.  Think of it more as a ratcheting back to spring forward.  Want to surpass your current level?  Strengthen the foundation.

Think you know the basics?  Think again.

I will be sharing my interpretation and experience of the foundational skills of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu here.  Please come and check it out!

Related posts:

1. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training

Instructions

Move from one exercise to the next with no rest between exercises.  Determine rest periods at the end of each set on your own.  If no rest is required then move back to the first exercise and begin again.  Strive to perform as many sets as possible in 20 minutes. 

 Upper Body: 

• Pull-ups – 5
• Shuto Push-ups – 10
• Fist Push-ups – 15
• Hindu Push-ups – 20

Shuto Push-up

Fist Push-up

 Core:   

• V-ups – 20
• Knee Hugs – 20

For reference, these exercises are illustrated and described here.

Legs:   

• Ichimonji Squats – 10 each side
• Walking Lunges– 20
• Mountain Climbers – 20

Finisher:   

• Wall Sit for time

This last exercise we will perform only once when the main work above is complete.  The idea here is to provide a final challenge to both the body and the mind.  You will already be exhausted from all the prior work, so consider this an exercise in willpower and mental toughness.  This will require the mental fortitude to push yourself just a little bit farther!

Remember, it requires more than a black costume and funny split-toe shoes to be a ninja – train hard!

Related posts:

1. So Ya Wanna Be a Ninja?
2. Warrior Fitness Workout of the Week #2
3. Warrior Fitness Workout of the Week #5

The seminar is $50 at the door, or to pay in advance, please click here:

Related posts:

1. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training
2. Basics Ain’t So Basic After All
3. Complete Warrior Fitness Training Program for Bujinkan

Time Saving Strategies

1.  No gym will be required.  Right here you save the time it takes to commute to and from the gym, waiting for equipment, and the general socializing chit-chat around the water cooler.

2.  Virtually no space required.  We can do these exercises anywhere from a park and backyard to a small apartment living room or hotel room.

3.  No equipment required.  We can begin training right now with only our bodyweight as resistance and obtain amazing results.  In future installments, I’ll show you how to add in portable equipment as I discuss here.

So, we have pretty much eliminated time constraints, space constraints, and financial constraints from the equation.  No more excuses!  Let’s get down to work!

Oh, did I forget to mention that this workout will be brief, but intense,  and help to build whole-body functional strength?  Another time management function brought to you by Warrior Fitness.  The only caveat I have is this – remember that GPP exercises are not sexy.  Yes, they will help you to look sexy, but the exercises themselves don’t get seriously cool until we move up to Specific Physical Preparedness and beyond.

Exercise One

Push-ups.  Do them on your fists to strengthen the structural alignment for striking.  We will be incorporating the Dynamic Effort Method here, which is basically lifting a non-maximal load (your bodyweight) as fast as possible.  Begin in the top portion of the push-up.  Descend in a slow, controlled manner.  At the bottom portion of the exercise, explode upwards as fast as possible.  Try for 5 repetitions.  Rest 60 seconds, then move on to exercise two.

Exercise Two

Bodyweight Squats.  Do them in Jumonji no Kamae, as shown below.  Utilize the same protocol as above.  Descend in a slow, controlled manner.  At the bottom of the squat, explode back to standing.  Try for 5 to 10 repetitions.  Rest for one minute, then move on to exercise three.  

Exercise Three

Straight Leg Sit-up.  Lie flat on your back.  Exhale, contract the core, and begin to sit up slowly keeping your spine straight.  Inhale at the top of the movement.  Exhale again and slowly lie back down.  Perform 5 repetitions of the straight leg sit-up.  Rest for 60 seconds and return to exercise one.  Continue until you have completed 5 sets of all 3 exercises.

How Often?

This workout can be performed 2-3 times a week, depending on your schedule and your fitness needs.  If you are including conditioning work as well, for an example see Warrior Fitness Workout of the Week #1, then this strength based GPP workout should only be done twice a week.  Here is an example of what a weekly schedule may look like:

This is just one option of how fitness and marital arts can be combined in a weekly schedule.  If you have the luxury of being able to do a conditioning workout after your martial arts class instead of on a separate day, you can save more time.  Or, try getting up earlier and doing the workouts in the morning so your evenings are free for family time or more budo.

Future articles in the series will look at Specific Physical Preparedness, as well as Activity (martial art) Specific Exercises for Bujinkan training.  Additionally, I will expand on GPP, showing new exercises, and how to increase the difficulty levels of the exercises discussed today.

To receive a free PDF on joint mobility, sign up for the Warrior Fitness Mailing List on the top right side of this page.

To learn more about the Warrior Fitness training method, exercises, and programming options, check out Warrior Fitness: Conditioning for Martial Arts.

Related posts:

1. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training
2. Complete Warrior Fitness Training Program for Bujinkan
3. Top 10 Things to Look for in a Kid’s Martial Arts Class

Bujinkan Practitioners and Fitness

Why do Bujinkan practitioners need fitness training?  Fred Hatfield, aka “Dr. Squat” once wrote, “Optimal physical conditioning provides the platform from which the skills can be used.”   Meaning that the specific physical skills of taijutsu must be built upon a solid foundation of basics, like sanshin no kata and kihon happo, and even more fundamental, a strong budo-body.  Without this platform in place your martial art skills are like a house built on sand. 

From the book, Warrior Fitness: Conditioning for Martial Arts:

 ”Since combat occurs in a volatile and unpredictable atmosphere, training must prepare the warrior to adapt. Remember that the goal of all the exercises in this manual is to develop the ability to control the degree of tension in our body and be able to utilize just the right amount of force at the appropriate moment. This way we may be able to sustain activity for longer and longer periods of time without exhausting ourselves.”

 The first step in ensuring you are building skill on top of a solid foundation is General Physical Preparedness (GPP).  The goal of GPP is enhanced work capacity.  This is the ability to run faster, jump higher, and hit harder.  When work capacity increases, it allows the budding warrior to adapt more easily to increases in both mental and physical demands.  In other words, it increases your capacity and level of readiness to absorb higher levels of specificity.  In a martial art as seemingly limitless as Budo Taijutsu, one must possess the endurance to “keep going!”

In the forthcoming part 2 of this series on fitness for Bujinkan practioners, we’ll look at some examples of GPP type exercises and how to incorporate them into an overall training program.

For more information on increasing your level of readiness for martial arts training, please see the book on Warrior Fitness here.

Related posts:

1. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training – part 2
2. Complete Warrior Fitness Training Program for Bujinkan
3. Top 10 Things to Look for in a Kid’s Martial Arts Class

1.  Is the school a franchise? 

 These typically have cookie-cutter, one size fits all programs and tend to be belt factories.  Steer clear!  There may be franchises out there that do not fall into this category, but I haven’t run into them.

2.  Do the kids in class fear the teacher or respect him? 

This is very telling.  As a kid, I was afraid of my first karate teacher and even though I loved the art and practiced like crazy at home, I’d try to get out of going to class almost every week. 

3.  Are the parents sitting in the waiting room comfortable with the teacher and happy with the class? 

When you visit a school, talk to the parents who have been there awhile.  Do they constantly complain about the teacher, the atmosphere, or even the cost?  Do their kids love the program or simply tolerate it?  Also, what is the vibe you pick up when walking into the school – listen to your gut!

4.  Variety! 

Kids get bored very easily.  And, when they are bored, they don’t learn very well.  Classes should have a wide variety of drills to show children principles and techniques from many different perspectives.  Remember, martial arts are not academic subjects!

5.  Tons of physical exercise. 

Kids have a lot of energy.  Exercises that teach physical skills, as well as give them an outlet for their energy are the best.  Also, in case no one has told you, we have a growing childhood obesity problem in this country.  Exercise, along with a focus on a healthy diet, is key to resolving this issue and giving our kids the tools to ensure a lifetime of health.

6.  Do they teach self-defense applications of kata, or just the forms?

This is essential, not only for the correct transmission of the art, but also for the students to understand how to actually apply the techniques.  Obviously, this must be tempered to make some aspects of practice age appropriate, but it must be taught.

7.  Do they teach rolling and falling techniques?

 Not only are these fun for the kids to practice, but they can, and do, prevent injuries.  Very important both in the dojo and out in real life.  Additionally, they help to develop coordination, agility, and kinesthetic awareness!

8.  Is situational awareness stressed?

This is, without a doubt, the most important aspect of self-defense and must be continuously stressed and communicated.  Bad things do not “just happen” to kids.  There are always pre-incident cues that are present, if one is paying attention.

9.  Do the kids in class appear to be motivated or just going through the motions?

Watch carefully when you visit the class.  Are they lackadaisical in their practice?  Do they look like they don’t want to be there?  Or, are the kids energized and focused throughout the class? 

10.  Leadership. 

A school does not need to have a specific, defined class program on “Leadership” (these are usually a colossal waste of money for parents… hint, hint!).  It should, however, endow the students with leader qualities through the example of the teacher and by getting the kids involved in the class room (dojo) instruction.  This can be done by rotating who leads various drills and allowing children to teach their peers by explaining and demonstrating certain kata, techniques, or exercises.  This is not only good for the child’s self confidence, but also for their overall and long term development.

Related posts:

1. Warrior Fitness for Kids!
2. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training – part 2
3. Fitness Requirements for Bujinkan Martial Arts Training