We’re big fans of the martial arts at Dangerously Fit. Martial arts offer a fun fitness modality, an opportunity for mindfulness practice, and a vigorous workout. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that is characterized by slow, mindful movements, and attention to balance and breathing. Tai Chi has been documented to improve a number of ailments including arthritis. Now, a study suggests that Tai Chi has a beneficial effect for people undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
In some people, chemotherapy carries with it the side effects of cognitive declines. The study performed by University of Missouri researchers compared test results of a group of female cancer survivors who had undergone chemotherapy before and after 10 weeks of Tai Chi practice done twice a week. The tests measured memory, language, attention and more. After the 10 weeks, the women in the study showed improvements in their test scores.
In many martial arts classes, attention is focused on intensity. Tai Chi encourages one to re-connect with their body and slow down and focus. This is a beneficial thing for improving so many parts of ones life, and here is just another example.
While Dangerously Fit doesn’t offer Tai Chi classes, we do have martial arts fitness programs of varying intensities appropriate for people of all types. From a vigorous kickboxing workout, to a slower, more mindful approach of Iaido, a Japanese sword art, we can help you find a way to use martial arts to achieve your fitness goals and improve your quality of life. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our martial arts based fitness programs.
Read more about this study and find a link to the abstract at ScienceDaily.com
Hi everyone! I want to take a moment to write about a topic that seems sadly neglected by many of the fitness blogs and websites out there (except for the really awesome ones). In the quest for flat abs and a perfectly shaped butt, there’s a part of our bodies that just doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I want to call your attention to it.
Chances are good that whatever your occupation, whatever your hobby, whatever type of exercise you enjoy, your hands are of utmost importance. Our hands are one of the most magnificent things we have going for us. From the crushing blow of a skilled martial artist breaking a concrete block to the deft touch of a life saving surgeon, the things we can do with our hands is simply astounding. So, why are you neglecting your hands in your workouts?
We’ve all seen the clerks in the supermarket (not 15 minutes ago I saw this yet again) who wear that tell tale wrist brace. The brace that says “I’m demanding way too much from this hand and wrist, without taking care of it.” Like so many other nagging pains that our day to day jobs can create, it can be avoided with exercises chosen to strengthen. Here are a few things you can add to your daily routine to help strengthen those hands.
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If you’ve been interested in learning the Japanese sword, now is the time to start training! For a limited time, the price of training in the sword arts of Kendo, Iaido, and Chanbara has been reduced to $60.00 per month. Get in touch today and take your first step on the road to Black Belt. Included in the first month is a wooden training sword to get you started.
Also new in 2011, starting later this month we will be adding a kids’ class. If you have a younger one interested in the martial arts, let us know. Your child is more than welcome to try a few introductory lessons. The schedule is still being finalized, so please check back frequently, contact us, or check our Facebook page for updates.
The video that follows is from a television show that aired in the 1950′s. This particular episode probably aired in 1950 or 1951 and was likely the very first time many Americans had a chance to witness Kendo. Considering a how Kendo has undergone various changes in the past half century, it’s interesting to watch an older video in the evolution of Kendo. Of particular note is the way the kenshi are using foot sweeps and leg trapping maneuvers to trip and off balance each other. It would be interesting to see older footage of a shiai (kendo fight) in a regulation size court where the fighters don’t have to worry about destroying a small TV studio. I’d like to see more of those takedowns, and how they were followed up on. Enjoy.
Recently in the Kendo class, we started out with a breathing practice called metronome breathing. For this exercise, a metronome is set and you time your breathing to the beats. There are a few benefits to metronome breathing for fitness and mindfulness in general, and a few for Kendo in specific. Before we continue, here are some key points to note:
- Breathe deeply into the belly. This engages the diaphragm and pulls air deeper into the lungs. Imagine breathing to a point about 2 inches lower than your navel.
- Breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth.
- If nasal breathing is obstructed due to a cold or other reason, do not breathe through the nose.
- Exhale almost completely while drawing your navel in towards your spine at the end of the exhale. This will squeeze more air out of the lungs, and keep you from having stale air in your lungs.
