Beginners want instant results. They're used to getting what they want right now; microwaves, emails, fast food lunches, drive-thru services, gastric bypass etc. So they expect the same results in their martial arts training. I have to constantly remind students that it just doesn't work that way. Progress takes time. If they've spent to many years at a sedentary job or haven't exercised in a long time, they cannot realistically expect results overnight.
The first job with a beginner is to work on coordination and their general fitness level. Many new students have only worked out on machines like Nautilus, Universal, elliptical, or treadmills. Others haven't exercised since high school gym class and have just been told by a doctor that they better do something physical to improve their health. Some of them have a hard time transitioning to a martial arts workout because they now have to rely on their bodies to do the work. This can be very frustrating.
There are some martial art schools that don't teach their students this way, and your everyday fitness gym definitely does not. Coordination, balance, and general fitness are the most important building blocks in a body conditioning program. So important for instance, that certain types of people will not see any change in their bodies if they don't obtain a certain level of coordination, balance, and general fitness because they will not be able to perform the tasks and the level of intensity that will get them to their goal.
There are many students who train in the martial arts because they can't train anywhere else. These types of students must be patient to be able to develop skills that they never thought they'd have. Once they learn how to control their bodies through martial arts, some take up dancing, yoga, or some other type of physical activity. They are free to explore different forms of physical activity because of their new found ability to move and adapt.
I tell my beginning students to stop focusing on how they look and concentrate on how they feel. Do they have more energy? Do they have more confidence? This is what is important. If you stick with something long enough, you will eventually see the physical results. Don't give up! The small day-to-day victories will lead to huge success at the end of the year!
Training For Martial Arts
There are many varieties and styles of martial arts and each one involves some kind of physical contact. Whether you are interested in the fast combination kicks and punches of karate or prefer the sweeps and throws of judo, a rash guard is an excellent accessory and should even be considered a required piece of equipment.
Rash Guard Basics:
Rash guards are protective shirts. They usually come in long sleeved versions for the most protection and are tight fitting. The fabric and design allow for easy movement, something which is very important in martial arts. Although rash guards are not limited to martial arts and are in fact more commonly used in other sports such as surfing, they are becoming quite a popular addition to the protective gear used in these sports.
The protective fabric of the rash guard is ideal for sparring. It allows the user to avoid painful rashes caused by scraping skin against the floor, concrete, grass or even exercise mats. It also keeps the fingernails of your opponent from scratching you during a grappling session.
When used in martial arts, the rash guard is worn under the gi to comply with the rules that most dojos have regarding uniform. A gi provides a certain amount of protection, but the rash guard is an extra safety measure, like a mouth guard. You can choose a color that fits with your gi or your belt, if you like, for added aesthetics.
If a gi is not required, using just the rash guard gives you a more streamlined body, because of the tight fit and smooth fabric. This can make it more difficult for an opponent to get a good hold on your body and also allows for more aerodynamic movement. The sleek design makes for easy movement and plenty of flexibility, both extremely useful qualities in sports clothing.
Other Benefits of Rash Guards:
Rash guards also have built in SPF, generally very high, for ultimate outdoor protection. This UV protection is quite useful for outdoor presentations and practices. The SPF of the rash guard material is not affected by water or sweat and offers SPF150+ protection from the sun's harmful rays. They were originally intended for beach and water use, which is why they have the SPF built into the fabric.
Practicing katas and movements in a rash guard allows for little air resistance and is often preferred by those who do their movements outdoors, as with tai chi. The UV protection combined with ease of movement is a big plus for anyone interested in practicing their sport outside.
While most rash guards are meant to be tightly fitted, some are designed for maximum breathing and are a little looser. The fabric is specially designed to allow sweat to escape and to keep the body ventilated. This has obvious advantages in a sport as intense as martial arts. These rash guards are not used as often because the regular rash guards cling to the body and provide a more streamlined surface.
Rash guards are commonly referred to as swim shirts because of their aquatic origins. Many people still believe that they are only good only for water sports, but the truth is that they are commonly used for many sports, both in and out of the water. Anywhere that you need minor protection against rashes and skin irritations, or heavy duty UV protection, a rash guard can be used.
To see a selection of rash guards for martial arts use, see http://www.buy-rash-guards.com.
Both Calasanz Martinez & Lori Valesko are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Calasanz Martinez has sinced written about articles on various topics from Martial Arts, Fitness and Martial Arts. Calasanz is the creator of his own system and online martial arts and fitness learning center. For online instructional videos, pictures, articles, and more visit:
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