Kettlebells
Functionalised Fitness for Combat
Right, we're talking about personal defense here. We're not worried about being able to fight a dozen three minute rounds. But a very important part of your training still has to be conditioning. Gabe Suarez has pointed out in his excellent articles numerous times, that he sees far too many folks who think that because they carry a gun they don't have to worry about conditioning. They think that they'll be able to handle any problem with their firearm of choice. He then points out that they have a rude awakening as soon as they have to do any force on force, they're too unfit & slow to move effectively, stress affects them more as they are less physiologically able to cope with it, & if they for some reason find their gun is out of service or not available they are royally stuffed!
Rannoch Donald teaching our November KB course
Think about it, if you are faced with an opponent who is similarly skilled; or one who is MUCH bigger & stronger than you, then you could find that your fate is decided by whether you are better conditioned than your opponent. So I already said that we're not talking aBout running a marathon or fighting endless rounds. We're not talking about sports martial arts, so we're looking for training that enhances our explosive power when we strike, & enhances our core strength for powerful takedowns & throws. We need to be able to go absolutely flat out for a short time, but it is seriously ABSOLUTELY FLAT OUT!
The guys working on their basics
I've found my holy grail people. Over 29 years I've seen every type of training come & go. I've tried all sorts of routines & systems. I'm cynical about almost anything as there is so much absolute chuff out there, but I've found something that really has made a huge difference to the performance of my students.
Perfect practice makes perfect!
The Russian Kettlebells are the perfect conditioning method for combatives. The 'lifts' are all dynamic exercises that are very close analogues for many of the strikes used by martial artists. Like combative techniques they require correct 'kinetic linkage' of the body, & good technique & control. They work dynamic, explosive strength along with aerobic conditioning at the same time. A good 20 minute blast with the Kettlebells is easily as hard as spending an hour going at it hard in the gym!
Our KB coach, Jacqui working with some of 'her girls'
I was first introduced to the Kettlebells by Marcus Houston. One of Marcus' friends is Rannoch Donald, who is Scotlands only RKC certified instructor (& is also certified under Steve Cotter) & the main guy for KB's in Scotland. Rannoch trains in Tactical Edge with Marcus, & is a life long martial artist. Rannoch teaches a blend of Kettlebells, bodyweight & mobility exercises that are absolutely suited to martial arts. His workshops are fantastic, & you are guaranteed to learn a wealth of new information.
Ingenious bodyweight & mobility exercises are an important part of training
We introduced the Kettlebells as our standard method of conditioning in our classes about four months ago, & the difference they have made is phenominal. The difference in performance in the students is clearly visible. When they are striking pads they are clearly faster & hitting harder. Their aerobic conditioning has improved greatly, as has their strength. It is the increase in their explosive power that is most important in my mind. If they have to use their skills to defend themselves then they are going to need to go from standstill to full throttle instantly, & keep operating at full throttle until the threat is disposed of. This will generally require a great deal of physical effort over a short time period. Their training with the Kettlebells has certainly given them the edge in this!
November workshop participants, Rannoch & Mark Davies are in the centre waiting for KB's to get dropped on their heads
Rannoch Donald can be contacted via his website http://www.kettlebellsscotland.com/
News written on: 08/12/08
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