Advice requested-explosive power

[residentrenzo]

Hello again-

I've come to the realization that I need to do better at kumite in order to feel better about my karate. Problem is, besides not missing training sessions at dojo and working hard there, I don't really know what to do to be a better fighter.

I believe I need more cardio ("wind") and explosive power. I'm strong but too slow.

So I was thinking about taking up kettle bells and retry running.
Any thoughts?

Osu!!

[GJEC]

Hi Renzo

I'd buy a kettlebell. Brutal and efficient. You can adjust sessions to improve the aspects of fitness you want.

If you just have a barbell, I'd focus on the clean and jerk. Once you can C & J your bodyweight you will be hitting very hard indeed (assuming skill's are adequate)

If no equipment is available I'd work on standing jumps (for distance or height) and short sprints (20 seconds or less)

Always remember training is like food. TOO MUCH is just as bad as NOT ENOUGH. Start slowly, build up. Coax improvement, don't try to beat it out.

Gary

[residentrenzo]

Osu!! Thanx a lot Sensei Gary!

I'm looking at the ETK book now... I'm placing an order as soon as I can.
Hopefully around november when I get to visit my dad in Mexico... mail officers are at strike here, so I don't know when I will be able to get international parcels.

Standing jumps and sprints sound like a great idea. I will try next running session.

Osu!

[meguro]

Gary is absolutely right, bw C&J will mean you'll be landing pretty powerful strikes.

KB's are a great idea, however, if they are not readily available in your area, dumbbells work just as well. For conditioning, high rep 1/2 bw C&J's are just the ticket. I like dumbbells for this.