Martial Arts Professional Magazine

In this series of columns, I’ve addressed the topic of so-called controversial exercises that many martial arts instructors have been doing for years, but those exercises may lead to student injuries. Now, I want to address, perhaps, the most controversial exercises of all, “ballistic stretches.”
Ballistic stretches can include the swinging leg-lifts to the front and […]

If you’ve been a martial artist for very long, then you know that many of the “old-timers” seem to have bad knees. Some of these problems stem from dramatic injuries, such as a strike to the knee joint (like my ACL tear several years ago) or an attempt at a jumping or spinning kick. Some […]

There has been a long-running dispute among the “experts” about certain exercises used in many fitness workout routines. Some say that there are contraindicated exercises that should probably be eliminated from any program that targets a general audience.
Other experts want to see scientific evidence that certain exercises are harmful before they consider modifying their programs.
Health […]

I want to reiterate that most people can do these exercises with no problems. Since modern research has proven that there can be harmful effects for a minority of people, however; it is important that fitness professionals (and if you are a teaching Black Belt, then you qualify) take a conservative approach and utilize only […]

Recent research has shown some exercises that martial artists routinely perform carry an increased risk of injury. Remember that any exercise program must be designed to maximize benefits while minimizing detrimental effects. This series will continue to help you formulate the safest and most effective program for your workouts.
Part 1 included standing toe touches. Some […]

Washington, D.C…Chuck Norris’ new book, tentatively titled, Black Belt Patriotism, will be published in summer 2008, according to Regnery Publishing. The book will include many of the messages that Norris shared with the American electorate, early in 2008, when he toured with Mike Huckabee, a former Republican presidential candidate.
Norris is well known to the martial […]