weight training and CMA

[treelizard]

So I've heard a lot of CMA guys talk about how much better internal martial arts is than weightlifting. I asked one once why can't you do both, and he said they worked at cross purposes, that you can either work to strengthen the tendons and ligaments and relax your muscles, or work to tense your muscles. Also that weights teach you how to use your muscles in a way you will never have to... Also met CMA folks who are really anti-running or jogging, they say it messes up your heart meridian...

I was just wondering if anybody had thoughts on this, whether or not traditional strength and cardio training would complement your CMA practice or they serve at cross purposes.

[joedoe]

Weight and cardio training is fine. The people who say that it is counter to CMA are talking out of their arse. A good weight and cardio routine is a good supplement to your training, as long as you still focus on technique etc.

[humble_student]

bruce lee did wieight lifting and did martial arts

[Tom Yum]

So I've heard a lot of CMA guys talk about how much better internal martial arts is than weightlifting. I asked one once why can't you do both, and he said they worked at cross purposes, that you can either work to strengthen the tendons and ligaments and relax your muscles, or work to tense your muscles. Also that weights teach you how to use your muscles in a way you will never have to... Also met CMA folks who are really anti-running or jogging, they say it messes up your heart meridian...

I was just wondering if anybody had thoughts on this, whether or not traditional strength and cardio training would complement your CMA practice or they serve at cross purposes.

I've heard similar things, treeliz.

I don't think running or calisthenics would be bad though.

[Sagacious Lu]

My kung fu teacher lifts weights and always told us that doing so would help us, although he always encouraged us to focus on body weight exercises first. It wasn't that he thought lifting weights was a bad idea, he just thought it was over-emphasized; an opinion I agree with whole-heartedly. He also encouraged us to get good cardio workouts, whether they were from running, jumping rope, swimming or something else. I remember him advising me to focus more on wind sprints than going long distances like a cross country runner, but he certainly approved of both methods. I've never heard anyone condemn either training method, and I'd be interested to hear why someone would because they have proven their benefits to me many times over.

[Tom Yum]

To lift or not too lift?

There are boxing coaches that say the same thing.

For example, Muhammad Ali never touched a weight, but he still did generous resistance type training and ran long distances.

Likewise there are boxing coaches that champion the idea of lifting weights and use examples like Tyson, Vargas.

Great discussion.

The only problem I see is when one lifts too much, substituting lifting for training. The neuro-pathways can override technique and affect your peformance.

[Sagacious Lu]

We have free weights at the boxing gym, and we definately use them, although they are just one small part of the way we train. My coaches seem to agree with my kung fu teacher as well; lifting has it's place, but it is not emphasized. What works best is a matter of individual needs and personal preference but I don't see how lifting (properly and according to a sensable schedule) could be harmful.

[knifethrower]

So I've heard a lot of CMA guys talk about how much better internal martial arts is than weightlifting.

I’m one of those loser, freak Tai Chi people who practice 3 to 5 hours a day But I’m not far gone enough to add on 2 to 4 more hours of weight and running. That being said, I’ve been in a lot of sports, basket ball, skiing, gymnastics, all kinds of martial arts, weight lifting, running ect…and when I trained in these sports it was 3 to 5 hours a day or more (I know, what a loser ) NOTHING has gotten me into better shape than Tai Chi. I have more muscle mass, better tone, and less fat than I’ve ever had (ya gotta eat right though). It sounds like I’m trying to sell Tai Chi but I’m not; it’s just that Tai Chi has REALLY worked for me

I asked one once why can't you do both, and he said they worked at cross purposes, that you can either work to strengthen the tendons and ligaments and relax your muscles, or work to tense your muscles.

It’s funny Liz...You keep saying things that hit close to home for me. I got this a lot too when I was looking for a good teacher. I think that one is an excuse for Tai Chi people (who aren’t doing the forms right) to have no muscle mass.

[BoarSpear]

Hehehehehe If your Taiji isnt packing on the muscle all by its lonesome, something in the equation isnt doing its part

[SamuraiGuy]

Hehehehehe If your Taiji isnt packing on the muscle all by its lonesome, something in the equation isnt doing its part

Your not wearing your heavy Tai Chi robe?

Thats whats missing, the resistance of many layers of linen and silk, WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII YA!

(I realize that a tai chi person would probably never scream like that, but, I also realise a robe isnt a .... **** it I'm just screwing around..)

[BoarSpear]

Your not wearing your heavy Tai Chi robe?

Thats whats missing, the resistance of many layers of linen and silk, WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII YA!

(I realize that a tai chi person would probably never scream like that, but, I also realise a robe isnt a .... **** it I'm just screwing around..)

Nah the heavy robes interfere with chi flow

[SamuraiGuy]

Nah the heavy robes interfere with chi flow

Not if your chi is as strong as mine!

I had chinese food last night, so its like topped up to the brim right now...

Oh wait.. thats not my chi...

err.. *runs to the washroom*

[knifethrower]

.....WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII YA!

I realize that a tai chi person would probably never scream like that....

You've never heard me do my form.... I’ve had neighbors call the cops

[kingoftheforest]

cops????

You've never heard me do my form.... I’ve had neighbors call the cops

Dude they called a young preist and an old priest.

[Drunken Munky]

So I've heard a lot of CMA guys talk about how much better internal martial arts is than weightlifting. I asked one once why can't you do both, and he said they worked at cross purposes, that you can either work to strengthen the tendons and ligaments and relax your muscles, or work to tense your muscles. Also that weights teach you how to use your muscles in a way you will never have to... Also met CMA folks who are really anti-running or jogging, they say it messes up your heart meridian...

I was just wondering if anybody had thoughts on this, whether or not traditional strength and cardio training would complement your CMA practice or they serve at cross purposes.

In most/nearly all CMA, you have some sort of weapons training. All weapons have weight, some heavier than others, but practising with these, is a form of weight training.