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Breath easy with martial arts.

Martial Arts And Asthma: Can They Get Along?

By David Roy Kelly on February 1, 2019 Health & Fitness

The numbers of Americans who have asthma has steadily risen since the 1980s, and has reached a whopping 26 million. Despite these increasingly high numbers, there are ways to limit symptoms of the common disease, and martial arts may be one of them. Martial arts can provide enormous benefits to physicality and even brain function. But it may be that participating in martial arts can also have a positive effect in improving symptoms of asthma. What Is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 13 Americans. Asthma causes breathing problems as the airways become inflamed. Although there is no cure…

How to train safely while pregnant.

Martial Arts: What You Can And Can’t Do During Pregnancy

By David Roy Kelly on January 4, 2019 Health & Fitness

48% of people who do martial arts are women, meaning there’s a huge amount of people who want to continue their training if they become pregnant, but need to know how to safely do so. You shouldn’t start martial arts training during your pregnancy, however if you’re already involved in martial arts training it easily becomes a dedication and can be difficult to give up. You should not feel bad or shamed for wishing to continue to train. Pregnancy can reduce what you should and shouldn’t do during your training, such as no contact and limited travelling, but it’s perfectly healthy…

Is martial arts training the ultimate way to improve your mental health?

Why martial arts is the No.1 way to keep your brain young

By David Roy Kelly on January 3, 2019 Health & Fitness

I’m no longer the spring chicken I was. I’m approaching 40, and I want to maintain a healthy brain as well as healthy body. Turns out according to this article in Psychology Today that I’m on the right path, because Physical Activity is the No.1 way to keep your brain young. This article explains the link between aerobic fitness and cognitive function. Christopher Bergland the author of the article goes further stating that maintenance of close knit social bonds are second only to exercise in terms of maintaining longevity and psychological well-being. Great news for martial artists This is great news for martial…

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How to Supplement Your Martial Arts Training in a Safe Way

By David Roy Kelly on December 21, 2018 Supplements

As confidence in supplements grows all over the world, 76% of adults report that they perceive the dietary supplement industry as trustworthy. This is good news for the industry, as supplements can be a great way to ensure that your physical and dietary needs are being met. However, while supplements are widely used all over the world and becoming increasingly more popular, the supplements you’ll need for combat sports vary than those needed for general weight or endurance training. Substances to Stay Away From Even though a majority of Americans admit taking dietary supplements, many are unaware of the substances inside of them, and…

Photo by Ryan Tang on Unsplash

Best Martial Arts for Fitness

By David Roy Kelly on December 1, 2018 Health & Fitness

by James Davis of MMAstation.com There’s no denying that martial arts provide you with the invaluable tools needed to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations. Alongside the obvious benefit of knowing a form of self-defense, martial arts training is an incredibly effective form of exercise, which is going to the be the topic of our article today. We’re going to be taking a look at some grappling and striking based martial arts that are not only incredibly fun, but an effective form of exercise as well. Let’s get to it. Best Martial Arts for Fitness BJJ First up on our…

Video analysis is fast becoming a go-to method for any sportsman (or woman) trying to up their game.

Perfecting your MMA Technique through Video Analysis

By David Roy Kelly on November 9, 2018 Training Equipment

The face of MMA is an ever-evolving one with fighters becoming faster, stronger and more disciplined by the day. Even those passionate MMA athletes who are not bound to become the next McGregor or Nurmagomedov are making use of whatever means possible to be the best they can be. Apart from strenuous workout routines, healthy diets, and physical and mental aptitude, video analysis is fast becoming a go-to method for any sportsman (or woman) trying to up their game in MMA. While video analysis has long been used by elite sporting teams and individual athletes, its benefits are finally being recognised in the various martial…

How best to look after your teeth when training?

The (Martial) Art of Protecting Your Teeth During Training

By David Roy Kelly on October 3, 2018 Training Equipment

If you are sparring or competing in any form of martial arts, it is likely that you will get hit in the face at some point. A study of 18-34 year olds, who were training in MMA (mixed martial arts) found that the highest proportion of injuries – 38.2%, were to the head, neck and face. This is why it is so important to look after your teeth when you are training. Mouth protection can help to stop you from getting cuts to your mouth and gums, as well as reducing any swelling. Mouth Guards and Face Shields For light sparring, a…

Adjust Exercises To Work With Your Injuries

Pain Management Techniques for Martial Arts Students

By David Roy Kelly on September 25, 2018 Health & Fitness

A martial arts practice can offer you a host of physical benefits. Becoming more physically active is always good for your circulatory system, respiratory system, and mental health. However, martial arts, in particular, create an increased level of risk for injury. After all, practice will often involve sparring with others or pushing yourself to the limit. Don’t let pain control your exercise; instead, take a proactive approach to controlling pain as you practice martial arts. Known Your Own Limits, But Try To Work With Them Philosophies differ between different schools of martial arts, but generally speaking, acceptance of reality is important.…

Breathing exercises for martial arts.

Breathing Exercises for Martial Arts

By David Roy Kelly on August 26, 2018 Health & Fitness

Martial arts across the world assume that an energy known as Ki, Qi, or many similar names flows through the body and that proper breathing techniques can regulate the flow of this energy. Regardless of the true nature of Ki, studies show that the breathing techniques in many martial arts, such as Aikido and Shaolin Kung Fu, do have effects that reduce stress and fatigue in the body. The distribution of oxygen changes when using these techniques, healing the human body. Deep Breathing Is The Common Connector The one commonality between martial art breathing styles is an emphasis on diaphragm breathing or deep…

Tips for getting back to training after an injury.

Why It’s Important To Get Back To Martial Arts After An Injury

By David Roy Kelly on July 28, 2018 Health & Fitness

Martial arts fulfill many roles, including teaching us self-defence and helping us keep fit. But part of that second benefit is its ability to help us recover from injuries. Getting back into martial arts after an injury can be a big jump for some, but here are some tips to help give you that push. After all, studies suggest the sooner after an injury you start practicing, the more mobility you’ll regain. And unlike riding a bike, martial arts are a skill that you can get out of practice with. Hesitation Hurts Rehabilitation After an injury, muscles struggle to reattach and remember…