Category Archives: Featured

A Day in the Life…

Posted on by
3

At the suggestion of my good friend, and West Coast Buyu, Dave Furukawa, I am presenting a look at one of my daily workouts.  Please see Dave’s comments on my previous post here for reference.

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.

Morning Wake Up Routine

Posted on by
8

Ever have one of those mornings when you have to be up early for work or school, but simply can’t summon the energy to start your day?  This is a routine I have been using successfully for years to shake out the cobwebs and get me moving on the mornings when just a cup of coffee isn’t going to do it.  It’s not your fault, and bear that in mind – some people just aren’t morning people.
Back when I was travelling for weeks on end and putting in long hours every day for consulting work this routine was my morning staple in the hotel room before meeting my colleagues for breakfast.  I find it most effective on the mornings when I am most tired.  Just as an aside, it doesn’t have to be used in the mornings, it has benefits any time of the day when you need a little pick me up.  One caution, and although this should be obvious I’ll say it anyway, don’t do it before going to bed – you won’t sleep!

The Routine

Joint Mobility

This has the effect of increasing synovial fluid to lubricate the joints while at the same time increasing blood flow to the surrounding muscles.  For the quick version we will concentrate on the neck, shoulders, hips, and spine.

Neck:

  1. Up/Down – lift up from crown of head; slide down along plane of jaw for 3 to 6 repetitions.
  2. Left/Right – turn head as far left as possible without pain, turn as far right as possible for 3 to 6 repetitions.
  3. Full circles in both directions.

Shoulders:

  1. Roll both shoulders – lift shoulders up towards ears, roll backward fully articulating the range of motion (ROM), drop them down as far as comfortable for 3 repetitions, then repeat by rolling forward for 3 reps.
  2. Alternate shoulder rolls – roll left shoulder back as described above while pushing right shoulder forward then switch.  Perform 3 times each.
  3. Swing both arms as fast as possible windmilling them forward for 20 seconds then backward for 20 seconds.

Hips:

  1. Circle hips clockwise and counter-clockwise 10 times in each direction.

Spine:

  1. Keep the spine straight and fold forward at the hips, then rotate around to the left and back to center, then forward and around to the right.
  2. Keep the spine straight and fold backward at the hips, then rotate around to the left and back to center, then forward and around to the right.

Energizing Breath

In this breathing exercise we will utilize a protocol founded by yoga and improved upon by Russian sport science and martial art.  Here the breath is divided into 3 levels: clavicular (upper level), intercostal (mid level), and diaphragmatic (lower level).  This exercise will focus only on the clavicular, or upper level.  For more information on breathing exercises, please see Evolve Your Breathing.

  1. Exhale through the mouth in a short, quick burst by compressing the upper chest.
  2. Do not actively inhale.  Allow the inhale to happen by relaxing the muscles in the chest.
  3. Repeat rapidly 20 to 40 times.
  4. Build up to where you can perform continuously for 60 seconds.
  5. If you become dizzy, stop and sit down!

Slap Yourself Silly!

This is actually an ancient Qigong exercise designed to improve circulation and disperse stagnant energy.  The execution is pretty simple.  You may want to avoid practicing this in public though!

  1. Gently, but vigorously, slap your shoulders, upper back, and lower back with the palms of the hands.
  2. Then slap down the inside of one arm and up the outside.  Switch arms.
  3. Slap down the outside of both legs – you can slap a little harder here – and up the inside.

Enjoy and Wake Up!

Everyone Needs a Coach!

Posted on by
2

The other day, I was working out with my good friend Eric Chasko at his studio, Redemption Kettlebell Gym in East Windsor, NJ.  After our training session, we were discussing the mechanics of a basic kettlebell swing and Eric had me demo a few swings.  As I began demonstrating the basic kettlebell swing that I had been taught almost 10 years ago, he noticed a hitch in my movement during the back swing.  Instead of keeping my back flat, I was raising it slightly as the bell moved into back position.  This was something I had never noticed previously.  Initially, it would not cause a problem, but over time, and with some serious volume, it would begin to stress my low back and contribute to pain in that area if not addressed. 

Eric picked up another kettlebell and showed me the difference between what I was doing on my back swing and how it should be done correctly.  We then worked on keeping my back flat while bringing the bell back and then driving with the hips to swing the bell upwards.  After a practicing for a couple repetitions, I got it.  As Eric is fond of saying, “Kettlebell swings are not bad for your back.  The way YOU are doing them is bad for your back!”   Unless you ask questions and talk to a knowledgeable professional, you never know what you don’t know!

So, although I have done kettlebell swings for years, I still had something to learn from a coach.  Never assume you already know how to do something, even something as basic as a kettlebell swing!

Kettlebell Swing #1 - Approach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kettlebell Swing #2 - Back Swing

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Kettlebell Swing #3 – Hip Drive!

 

Warrior Fitness Workout of the Week #5

Posted on by
2

8 is Enough!

This week’s Warrior Fitness Workout of the Week:

  • 8 Pull-ups
  • 8 Burpees
  • 8 Mt. Climbers (left + right = 1 rep)
  • 8 Jumonji Squat Jumps
  • 8 Dumbbell Swings (4 each arm)

Complete 8 rounds as fast as possible.  Rest as needed.

Jumonji Squat

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jump!

 

Modifying Your Workout

Conditioning workouts are supposed to suck.  No doubt about it!  They push your body to its limits and increase mental toughness.  However, they should be approached incrementally, especially if you are not used to them.  In this particular workout, I’d recommend that beginners cut the volume of repetitions in half.  If you still find you are struggling, increase the rest period between rounds; try not to rest in between exercises, if you can help it.   Additionally, you may perform 4 rounds to start and work your way up to 8.  As you gain confidence and begin getting stronger, you can increase the number of repetitions and rounds, and decrease the rest periods.  Change one variable at a time so you are not forcing your body to adjust too rapidly.  Remember, injury is not the goal!

Notes: Make sure you warm-up with brief joint mobility session prior to the workout.  Remember that when you sign up for our mailing list you receive a free sample chapter on Joint Mobility from my Warrior Fitness book!

For further information on the Workouts of the Week, please see our User Guide here.

 

Sometimes It’s OK to Not Follow the Program

Posted on by
2

Every have one of those days when no matter how fun, exciting, and productive your workout program happens to be, you just don’t feel like doing it?  I don’t mean out of lack of enthusiasm or laziness here though; motivation is not the problem.  You’re energetic and ready to train, but really just want to break out of the mold for a minute instead of sticking to the program.  This happened to me last night.  I went downstairs to my basement gym after putting the kids to bed ready, willing, and able to train.  I went through my standard head to toe joint mobility warm-up (sign up for the Warrior Fitness Mailing List to recieve a free chapter on Joint Mobility from my book, Warrior Fitness), followed by some breathing exercises to flush my bloodstream with oxygen and give me a little extra “go”, and then it hit me.  I had no desire to do my planned workout for the day.  Boom.  Just like that.  No warning, no indication, no nothing.  I stood there stunned for a minute just sort of staring into space, looking around the gym with a “what the heck do I do now” expression on my face.  Now don’t get me wrong here, I love the workout program I created for myself that I’ve been following for the past 3 weeks.  My results have been spectacular, my energy levels high, and I have, until last night, genuinely been looking forward to the workouts.  The exercises I was scheduled to perform were a combination of dumbbell lifts and bodyweight exercises designed to push my anaerobic threshold and build lean muscle while burning fat.  Great stuff!  So, what was the problem? 

What Did I Do?

I took a look around my little corner basement gym and my eyes settled on a pair of 15 lb clubbells against the wall, next to the dumbbell rack and thought to myself, Hmmm… haven’t picked those up in a while…. why not?  So I scrapped my preplanned workout for the day and picked up a clubbell.  I started out with some basic cleans to order, then moved into working shield casts, followed by mills, reverse mills.  No sets.  No rep scheme.  No timed rest intervals.  No plan.  Just playing with the movements and enjoying the freedom.  By the time I was done, 30 minutes had gone by and I was drenched in sweat and smiling ear to ear.

Sometimes it’s ok to not follow the program.  But, tomorrow it’s back to the dumbbells!

You Have No Idea What Being Fat is Costing You

Posted on by
1

Special thanks to guest author, Alan Livelsberger for this insightful post!

I have a secret to share with you; I used to carry a few extra pounds with me.  Almost fifty, actually.  But that’s not the secret.  Anyone looking at me could have told you that.  You’ll have to keep reading to learn my secret. 

Several months ago, I decided to do something about the extra weight.  It wasn’t easy and I am certainly not perfect with regard to adherence to my weight loss plan, but I’m halfway to my goal weight.  One of the reasons I am so far along is the Warrior Fitness blog and my access to Jon.  The blog keeps me motivated and Jon is great for keeping me honest about working out.  He’s part of my support system that is so crucial to success and I urge you to make him part of yours.

This brings me to my secret, “Looking thin is cool, but being thin is awesome.” It is a hard feeling to describe, almost like waking up from a drug induced stupor.  The best way that I’ve found to describe it is that it’s like when you’re not getting enough sleep.  Any parent knows what that is like with a new born in the house.  Months of getting up one, two, or three times a night.  You’re grumpy, you can’t focus and then . . . you get two great nights of sleep in a row.  All of a sudden you notice how you are supposed to function and what you have been missing. 

Well that is what losing 20 pounds of fat is like.  You have more energy.  I used to struggle to finish my Muay Thai class.  Now, not only can I finish the class, I can jump rope or lift weights afterward.  You can think more clearly.  I feel I am retaining more of what I read and also making those connections among seemingly unconnected data pieces.  I’ve also noticed that I have more confidence and less aches and pains. 

One of the most surprising benefits is that you feel like a winner.  You are literally piling up victories.  Every time you forgo an unapproved food or get a workout in, you are instilling a culture of winning within yourself.  Not a bad thing to have in life, for sure.

Those are some great benefits to dropping a few pounds, and I urge you to examine how you feel each and every day.  If you think there is something more to life, there is – go find it.

About the Author

Ever since being inspired by Kung Fu Theatre, Alan has been a martial arts enthusiast.  Over the course of 20 years, he has dabbled in Judo, BJJ, and Russian Martial Art.  He is currently an Instructor Candidate in ROSS and a Muay Thai practitioner.

Tabata for Kids!

Posted on by
1

Usually my favorite place for the kids to exercise is outside.  There’s nothing like running around, climbing on the jungle gym at the local playground, or just enjoying a walk on a beautiful day in the  fresh air and sunshine to fulfill your children’s daily recommended allowance of exercise.  But how about those dull, rainy days when the kids are cooped up indoors?  For some reason, indoor activities always seem to lend themselves to sedentary type things, like: video games, watching tv, surfing the Internet, playing cards or boardgames, and reading (although my kids and I all love to read, and it is fundamental, of course), for example. 

Break Up a Boring Day with Exercise!

One way I’ve found to insert a daily dose of exercise that’s fun for the kids and short enough to hold thier attention span is working on Tabata Intervals with them.  Click here for a more in-depth discussion on Tabata.  These don’t require a lot of space so they are a perfect indoor, rainy day workout to get the kids moving.  Check it out –

The Exercises:

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Lunges
  • Base Switches(Start from all fours on hands and balls of feet. Lift right hand and left foot together.  Switch to crab walk position.  Pick up left hand and right foot. Switch back to base position. Continue.)
  • Mountain Climbers

Per the Tabata Protocol, each exercise is performed for 20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest for 8 rounds.  Rest for one minute and then move onto the next exercise.  Try not to push them too much or provide too much instruction.  Just enough for them to get the form down.  Let them move at their own speed through the exercises and they will gradually pick up the pace on their own  This workout provides 16 minutes of high intensity exercise for any kid.  Get them off the couch and away from the TV to get their daily dose of exercise!

Basics Ain’t So Basic After All

Posted on by
4

As a teacher and student of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, I often hear the same question over and over again – how can I improve my skill?  What should I practice to get better?  Since I remember myself asking that question several times (probably several hundred times if you ask some people!) to my teacher and seniors in the art, I always take time to give a thoughtful and honest answer.  And, my answer to these sincere seekers is always the same  – practice the basics. 

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!

How to Train for the Endurance of a Ninja

Posted on by
6

As promised, here is an example strength endurance workout to start you on the way to building ninja-like endurance.

We will work the upper body, core, and lower body for a complete, whole body workout.

The goal of this type of training is to improve the body’s general endurance capacity so as to increase our overall resistance to fatigue.  This will enable you to train longer, harder, and more frequently, as well as improving your ability to recover between training sessions and between exercises.

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 – SM (submax)
  • Shuto Push-ups – 20
  • Fist Push-ups – 20
  • Hindu Push-ups – 20

Shuto Push-up

  
 
 

Core: 

  • V-ups – 20
  • Knee Hugs – 20

For reference, these exercises are illustrated and described here.

Legs:

  • Ichimonji Squats – 25 each side
  • Walking Lunges– 20 per leg
  • Mountain Climbers – 50 per leg

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!

 

 

 

Martial Power Cover1

Blueberry Almond Joy Protein Shake

Posted on by
Reply

Looking for a quick and easy meal that’s healthy too?  Try this delicious recipe for a shake full of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants!

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 Scoop natural whey protein powder
  • 1 Scoop Greens Plus powder
  • 1  Tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 Tablespoon shredded coconut (no sugar added)
  • 1 Cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 Cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 Cup coconut milk or organic whole milk (depending on preference)

Put all the ingredients in a blender.  Mix it up and enjoy!