What is the secret to lasting weight loss? What is the meaning of life? How does one unlock the code to the universe? Well now I will address one of these three questions in this post but first I want to update my progress.
I did well this week. I ran the mountains a couple of times and did one neighborhood run. I also did some bag work creatively working on mostly kicks. I have been shying away from hand workouts on the bag because my right hand is still recovering. I also did three kata and basics workouts.
In this post I will review what katas are and how they help me as a martial artist get in and stay in shape. I will address adding whatever physical activity that you like into your workouts as a winning strategy! Here is an example of a kata performed on a mountain top called Panther Set. I know the same kata as Book Set in my system.
For those of you who do not know what katas are, katas or forms, are karate or kung fu dances that incorporate the moves into one dance. These katas are excellent types of exercise because one has to do the moves like he or she would if in a real fight! Some parts of the kata emphasis isometric exercises as well as the kicks and punches.
Now did you notice the mountain view? I like to pause on my two mountain run and do katas on the first mountain top. I like the close to nature feel as well as enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding area!
Now why would I incorporate katas into my workout? Because it is one form of exercise that I already know and like! Do you get my meaning? I am a martial artist and while I need to do the road work to increase my stamina – I also want to increase my proficiency at my chosen martial art! Why not accomplish both goals at the same time? For instance if you have always loved B-ball or Ballet in your youth – why not take it up again in some limited fashion (at least at first)?
Ok – now that you all understand what a kata is and why one might want to do some in your workouts, Just how will this help me to lose and keep the weight (read FAT) off?
As I have learned from experience, you can only maintain weight loss if you keep doing the things that got you to this point. And by the way, to lose the weight – it will take increasing your movement and decreasing your energy intake (however you choose to do that).
Katas imitate how past masters performed the martial arts. Masters of Kung Fu imitated animals and came up with some of the fighting styles. I remembered this clip of the old Kung Fu series that showed some of the animal forms.
Grasshopper, go in peace and design your own effective weight-loss strategy!
I love where you said that you will only maintain the loss if you keep doing the things that gave you success in the first place. I had never heard of Katas, but it looks pretty intense.
One thing I loved doing as a child, but stopped doing once I got to be fat was swim. So when I lost enough weight where I felt comfortable in a suit, that’s what I did. I added swimming into what was already working for me. Now, 12 years later, I still swim laps in addition to my other exercise routines!
Thanks for this great post!
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I feel that kata is the physical history of the art. While some of the moves may not always have applications in a fighting situation, a martial art is much more than fighting. I feel kata also teaches discipline and focus. That was a beautiful display on the mountaintop!
Dr. J´s last blog ..Healthy bites: On aspirin, low carbs, fiber and the truth behind eating an apple a day
I have never heard about katas. Interesting!