This article is about increasing your strength through three popular Martial Arts techniques. The techniques are punching and two different kinds of kicks.
Martial Arts
People come to Krav Maga Illinois for a number of reasons. Some are attracted to Martial Arts because they want to learn to defend themselves. Others come because they want to tap into Martial Arts’ vast power as a tool for personal growth. Still others come merely because they are looking for a way to get in shape that’s fun, motivating, and spares them the tedious repetitiveness and boredom of the gym.
While Martial Arts can give a student all of these things, at its heart they are all forms of strenuous physical activity. The practice of any Martial Art can be an excellent means of becoming leaner, more supple, faster, more flexible, and stronger.
Strength Equals Power
This rule holds true in any kind Martial Arts discipline. At our school, increasing strength is one of the things we focus on. Lifting weights is great but for a Martial Artist, it’s not desirable to develop a bodybuilder’s physique. Much of the strength training we do at our Chicago, IL Martial Arts facility is inherent in the techniques itself.
Front Snap Kicks for Core Strength
Most Martial Arts kicks utilize the muscle groups in the legs. However, many of the kicks we practice also call on core muscle groups like the abdominals and lower back muscles. Practicing Tae Kwon Do style front snap kicks with their high chambering of the knee is a particularly good way of increasing core strength in your abs, while simultaneously strengthening the muscles in your legs.
Punching Your Way to a Stronger Upper Body
When it comes to punches in Martial Arts, strength equals speed which equals power. I see the three as intertwined. So, while a certain amount of weight lifting may help to increase your punching power, similarly, throwing punches will help you develop better upper body strength. Working out on the heavy bag, hitting focus pads, and other methods of practicing punches are all ways to enhance upper body strength through Martial Arts technique.
Side Kicks for Lower Body Strength
The side kick is one of the most immediate and devastating weapons in any Martial Artist’s arsenal. Like a front snap kick, side kicks utilize core muscles to some degree. However, side kicks place a greater demand on the lower body than many other Martial Arts kicks. Practicing side kicks is an excellent way to build greater strength in your legs, hips, and thighs. The hard work you put into building this strength through practicing your kicks will pay dividends by translating as power when you unleash that side kick on a target.
If you want to know more about how Martial Arts can help you increase your strength or anything else regarding either our adults’ or children’s programs, please feel free to contact our Krav Maga Illinois team.