Martina Sprague's scientific approach to martial arts is a breath of fresh air in a field often filled with hype and hyperbole. Her writing is insightful, easy to understand, and, most importantly, her ideas really do work. The photos are clear and do a good job of reinforcing the text.
Strength and power training is important--if you want to perform in the ring, on the street, or in just about any martial endeavor, functional strength is an essential component of success. As the author so eloquently states, martial arts skill, background and experiences are not substitutes for strength; they are complementary qualities. If you are overweight, under-conditioned, or lazy, you must condition yourself above the basic requirements of your art, regardless of what kinds of hurdles stand in your way. So how do you build muscular strength, endurance, and power? By reading this outstanding book, of course... Well, that and making a concerted effort to regularly perform the exercise routines contained herein ;-).
The book begins by debunking common misconceptions about strength training then briefly covers important anatomical facts you'll need to take best advantage of the rest of the materials. Ms. Sprague's in-depth knowledge really shines through, explaining how each muscle group is used in the various martial arts, how to develop it effectively, and how to take advantage of anatomical strengths when striking, kicking, or grappling.
Topics include bodyweight and mechanical weight exercises, muscular endurance, strength and flexibility, upper body strength, abdominal strength, plyometrics, cardiovascular endurance, breathing, and flexibility. The mental approach necessary for successful training programs is also laid out. One of the biggest gems in this fine work is right at the end of the book where the author describes how to tailor a training plan for your art and designs a couple of martial art specific programs for karate, tae kwon do, hapkido, judo, jujitsu, aikido, muay thai, and mixed martial arts. Her own training program is also included.
This is a great book for the novice and expert alike. Well laid out, easy to read, and straightforward to implement. Heartily recommended!
Lawrence Kane
Author of 'The Way of Kata' and 'Martial Arts Instruction'
As one of the busiest writers in the martial arts today, Martina Sprague never fails to nail a subject like a well-placed front kick. In her latest book Strength and Power Training for Martial Arts, she tackles the subject with knowledge gained from years of training experience and practical application in the ring.
I've been training since 1965 and over the years I have learned that there are few absolutes in the martial arts. But there is one that's close: fighters who train with resistance - weights, machines and Swiss ball - are almost always superior to those who don't. It just makes sense: resistance exercises, properly done, increases your power, explosiveness, and speed. Not a bad deal for two or three 30-minute sessions a week.
Now, there are definitely wrong ways to go about resistance training, but fortunately Sprague shows you how to do it right. She discusses the various muscle groups, explains how they are used in the martial arts, and then shows you the best way to develop them. She also discusses concepts of cardiovascular training, the impact of flexibility on strength, and how to use your mind in training.
No matter what your fighting art, this books works.
Loren W. Christensen - author of Solo Training and Solo Training 2.
