Physical fitness is essential for the training of martial arts and self-defense. If your physical fitness level is poor, your martial arts and self-defense techniques will be difficult to master. It does not matter what your skill level is, in martial arts or self-defense, your tactics will be of little use if you do not possess strength, power, flexibility, and stamina. As always, check with your doctor before beginning any new physical fitness routine.

During a life-threatening or self-defense situation, your body, as well as that of your attacker, experience extreme changes. One of these changes is an increase in adrenalin. The fight or flight syndrome is also brought into your conscious mind. Will you run or will you fight? Both of these changes plus numerous others places a huge amount of strain on the body and the brain.

An adrenaline surge during a self-defense situation produces both positive and negative results. On the positive side, your power and energy are increased. However, this increase is only for a short time if your physical fitness level is poor. On the negative side, the attacker also experiences the adrenaline surge, which increases their power and energy. Martial arts techniques aimed against the attacker must be performed with more force than ever practiced in the dojo. If you have not stopped or disabled the attacker within thirty seconds, you are losing.

Physical fitness is also essential to a well-balanced life. High levels of physical fitness are only obtained through proper conditioning exercises. Cross-training in weightlifting, running, biking, or swimming should be a part of every martial artist’s regimen.

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Source by Pete Kauffer