KP Team - Karate Philosophy

"The Hierarchy of Training: Martial Arts Time Management" is an article written by Jamie Clubb - martial artist, self-protection expert, and founder of Clubb Chimera Martial Arts. It was first published in Jissen, a free online magazine focused on practical martial arts. As Jissen is freely distributed, we have republished the article here in accordance with their policy. You can access the original issue via the link below. Download the entire JISSEN Issue 2 In this article, Clubb criticizes the emphasis on general conditioning in martial arts, arguing that too much time is spent on fitness routines at the expense of actual martial arts practice. He introduces the "Hierarchy of Training," a framework that prioritizes three types of training: Specific Training (focused drills for skill development), Attribute Training (mental toughness through combat sports), and Functional Fitness (physical conditioning that supports martial arts). Clubb stresses the importance of training with clear, goal-oriented methods, ensuring fitness efforts enhance martial arts performance while also building resilience and mental fortitude. Key Takeaway: Train with purpose, prioritize skill-specific drills, and develop resilience through hard, realistic practice. True growth comes from overcoming physical and mental challenges. We previously wrote about the importance of training with specific goals in mind, but this article takes a broader approach to the topic. By sharing it here, we hope you find valuable insights to help structure your own training programs more effectively, get more out of your training time, and progress faster. Below is a brief summary and discussion of the key concepts covered in this article. Common Problems with the Structure of Martial Arts Training Programs Swimmers practice by swimming, runners by running, and climbers by climbing. However, Jamie Clubb observes that many martial arts training programs often prioritize fitness exercises over practicing actual martial arts techniques and lack clear, defined goals. Jamie Clubbs finds that students often focus more on general conditioning - like running, weightlifting, and stretching - rather than practicing specific martial arts skills. In his view, this trend is problematic because many martial artists spend little time on actual martial arts techniques, even in their home training. Clubb criticizes martial arts classes for often prioritizing lengthy warm-ups and fun games over focused training. He argues that martial arts training generally lacks clear goals and a defined purpose in many schools, which is exacerbated by the "by-product myth" - the belief that skills will develop naturally without focused and purposeful pursuit and effort in the martial arts field. Clubb suggests that martial artists should adopt a strict time management approach with clearly defined goals and focus, such as isolating techniques for specific training, testing them under pressure, and progressively building skill through drills, sparring, and feedback. This structured approach, as practiced at his club, Clubb Chimera Martial Arts, emphasizes the importance of direct, goal-oriented training to achieve mastery. Three areas that Clubb recommends focusing on are Specific Training, Attribute Training, and Functional Fitness. Specific Training Specific Training focuses on specific skills, pressure testing, and sparring to refine techniques relevant to martial arts and self-defense. Specific Training is a key part of grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling, and Wrestling. In these disciplines, students focus on mastering one position or technique for weeks. At CCMA, grappling starts with "Primal Grappling," which is based on natural, instinctive movements to assert control without causing harm. From there, students practice and refine these movements with drills and then increase the pressure by sparring. Eventually, they add other elements like striking, weapons, and multiple attackers. In addition to grappling, Specific Training includes drills like role-play and escape techniques, which are essential for realistic self-defense. These drills help students practice dealing with real-world situations, including verbal aggression and distractions. The main focus in self-defense training is often learning how to escape from dangerous situations, and Specific Training drills are designed with this goal in mind. The Specific Training concept can also be applied effectively to karate training, for example, if you are into sports karate competitions, you could spend an extended period of time focusing on perfecting a single strike, such as a reverse punch (gyaku-zuki) or a roundhouse kick (mawashi-geri). You might isolate the reverse punch through various drills, working on aspects like speed, power, precision, and body alignment. Start with slow, deliberate practice to ensure correct form, then gradually increase speed and intensity in controlled sparring scenarios to refine execution under pressure. Attribute Training Attribute Training, coined by Mo Teague,(1) refers to combat training focused on developing mental toughness and adaptability rather than specific self-defense tactics. It involves practices like full-contact sparring, where the goal is to "win" rather than "survive," (full contact sparring in Kyokushin karate tournaments is a good example) and helps build resilience by stepping outside the self-defense framework. This type of training includes cross-training in different martial arts, such as boxing, grappling, and Muay Thai, to develop a broader understanding of combat principles. By learning diverse techniques and critically analyzing their effectiveness, practitioners can enhance their self-defense skills while adapting to real-world situations. Functional Fitness Functional Fitness focuses on exercises that directly enhance martial arts performance and avoid irrelevant routines. It aims to develop muscle memory and strength for combat through training methods like heavy bag work and weight training. It emphasizes compound and combination exercises, such as squats and press-and-clean, to engage multiple muscle groups and improve stamina and explosive power. Additionally, techniques like supersets and shock training are used to increase endurance and muscle response. Tools like resistance bands, kettlebells, and unbalanced equipment help target specific martial arts movements, enhancing striking and throwing abilities. Clubb’s recommendations align closely with what Bruce Lee advocates in his book “Tao of Jeet Kune Do“. Bruce Lee suggests that endurance training should be customized to match the specific pace and intensity required in martial arts. Therefore, training at speeds and intensities that closely mimic the demands of sparring or competition is essential. Conclusion In conclusion, to improve in martial arts, focus on training the specific skills needed, while also developing adaptability and resilience under stress. Ensure your training aligns with your goals - whether for self-defense, combat efficiency, or fitness -and critically assess your methods. In Functional Fitness, aim for exercises that enhance combat skills, not just body composition and aesthetics. Reflect on the purpose of each type of training (Specific, Attribute, and Functional) and question how they support your overall development. While martial arts can be spiritually enriching, they were originally designed for survival and combat. True growth comes from pushing physical and mental limits, learning from defeat, and embracing both the harshness and the deeper, more philosophical aspects of training. By doing so, you cultivate not only strength but also a greater appreciation for life and others. Note (1): Maurice "Mo" Teague is a highly respected self-defense expert with over four decades of experience in martial arts and personal safety. He holds black belts in various traditional martial arts, including karate and judo, and has trained extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, and Jeet Kune Do. Mo is a certified instructor in Krav Maga and has completed advanced training in personal safety and situational awareness. His teaching background includes instructing self-defense to individuals of all ages, corporate seminars, and specialized training for law enforcement. Mo is also a military veteran with 15 years of service, including covert and intelligence operations. His achievements include induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, serving as the Director and Chief Instructor of the Tactical Research and Development Group, being a member of the London Chapter of the Guardian Angels, being featured in media outlets like Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men, and founding the Weymouth Martial Arts Centre. Below is the full article "The Hierarchy of Training: Martial Arts Time Management" by Jamie Clubb for your reference. “The Hierarchy of Training: Martial Arts Time Management” By Jamie ClubbDownload Other Posts You Might Be Interested In: Is Karate All About If You Can Fight or Not? In Defense of Sport Karate Should You Strike First in a Street Confrontation? Practical Tips for Effective Self Defense on the Streets Best Fighting Stance: Going Beyond Physical Form