Learn Self Defense and Get In Amazing Shape!

Learn Krav Maga…
Krav Maga will help you feel more confident!
Krav Maga will teach you self-defense and get you into great shape!

Krav Maga is the official self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces and has been taught to militaries, law enforcement agencies and civilians in the United States and all over the world. Krav Maga is designed to be instinctive, natural, and easy to learn and implement. Krav Maga is appropriate for everyone from military to civilians, elite athletes to people who have never trained a day in their lives.

No experience is necessary to begin Krav Maga. In the beginning, you will learn basic stances, striking, techniques for falling and getting up safely, and basic defenses against common attacks including chokes, bear hugs and headlocks. In addition to learning how to deal with an attack, you will train to perform better under stress and learn awareness and prevention techniques. Besides just learning self-defense you will also get into great shape!

We’re committed to sharing with everyday men and women the best way to stay safe in the face of danger. Join us today for an effective total-body workout and a cutting-edge approach to real-world training. Just give us a call to set up 1 Week of FREE classes!

 

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

How Can Krav Maga Prepare You For A Street Attack

Street altercations and attacks are dangerous and can occur when there is nobody around to help you out. These situations can often lead to potentially fatal or crippling injuries. It is best to avoid walking through alleyways and empty streets at odd hours, but sometimes it is not possible. This is the reason it is better that you know some techniques for defending yourself in case of an attack. If you are looking for ways to prepare yourself, read on.

Preparing Yourself

It is true that you cannot predict when you might be attacked or get involved in a street altercation so you need to be ready to defend yourself. The basic human instinct dictates you either fight or flight in such situations as the adrenaline in your body is what determines your response. In any case, it is better to take off and avoid confrontation unless it is not an option.

Being prepared mentally and physically is a must. If you show any signs of fear or distress, there’s a good chance you’ll lose. When you are physically prepared, you can take on anyone who challenges you or attacks you on the street. That being said, staying alert can enable you to avoid potential attacks altogether.

Practice Krav Maga/Self-Defense

There is a lot of information on the internet you can follow for learning self-defense techniques in order to defend yourself. It would be wise if you actually consider joining a Martial Arts school to get proper training in order to improve your chances of successfully protecting yourself. Moreover, it is also a good idea to stay fit. Krav Maga training will get you in good shape and give you the necessary strength, energy and confidence to defend yourself in any situation.

A Great Stress Reliever

Besides learning how to defend off attackers one of the most important and perhaps the biggest benefit of Martial arts training is it provides you an outlet to get rid of the stress which builds up inside your body and mind. Practicing martial arts trains you to focus on yourself. Which in return helps build self-awareness.

As you can see, there are several compelling reasons why you should opt to learn Martial Arts like Krav Maga/Self-defense. That being said, all of them offer the same benefits equally.

Keeping these factors in mind, you will come to realize Self-Defense training can help your body and mind to function as one. Aside from learning how to defend off attackers, improving your fitness, you can motivate yourself to accomplish feats you might not have considered before.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

It’s A New Year, What Krav Maga Can Do For You

People often wonder what benefits there are to learning Martial Arts. Learning Krav Maga is not only for Self-Defense, but also for personal aspiration too. Martial Arts, especially Krav Maga, strongly implements the idea of pursuing and achieving personal goals. Through the struggles of practice and studying Krav Maga, you can bring energy to yourself as well as others. There is a long road of discipline, training, and knowledge that needs to be absorbed before you can really be comfortable, but each class you take will get you that much closer.

Beyond just the shear comfort of personal security that you will develop for yourself, there is the ever-existing factor of the presence of other people. Krav Maga isn’t just to defend yourself, but also for your love ones too. Keep in mind, not everyone knows how to defend themselves, so stepping in to take action and saving someone you love from getting hurt, or worse, may be a situation that you will come across sometime in your life; luckily for you, you will be ready for it. In addition to saving other people and/or yourself, Krav Maga/Self-Defense training at its core is just a great way to exercise. For people that prefer more hands-on fitness training that require precision, strategy, and accuracy, Krav Maga is a fantastic way to let out some built up aggression all while learning how to defend yourself and get into great shape.

To get away from the physical benefits of Krav Maga and Self-Defense training, there is a very large emotional benefit to studying and learning Krav Maga. By enduring the long, challenging, but fun process of pursuing higher ranks in Krav Maga, you will develop a strong center of self-confidence knowing how much your mind and body are able to achieve. Krav Maga is for a wide variety of ages, physiques, and personalities, which makes it such a universal way to exercise, study, and improve ones overall mental and physical well being.

For these reasons and more learning Krav Maga/Self-Defense can benefit and extend far beyond physical training. It may be a new growth opportunity to help you reach your goals in class and beyond.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

SCHOOL ARTS AND MARTIAL ARTS

The start of the school season can be exciting or challenging for your child. Some may look forward to school days while others may struggle with their school work or social challenges. Either way Martial Arts can help your child develop tools to make the school year more successful.

FOCUS and DISCIPLINE

No matter what age, learning requires the ability to focus on the task at hand and the discipline to see it through. These skills won’t come naturally but can be developed with practice.

A belt system in Martial Arts training gives students goals to work toward. These goals can take years to reach and require commitment and discipline to reach them. In each class, students need to focus on the tasks at hand as well as what they need to do for their personal journey. Shutting out distractions and focusing on task at hand are skills that transfer to many other areas of life.

CONFIDENCE

Confidence can affect many aspects of a child’s life. It may interfere with their ability to tackle tasks or cause social problems. Low confidence can even prevent your child from experiencing new opportunities. Even children who have good confidence can benefit from reinforcement as they move through adolescence.

Martial Arts training provides regular challenges and paths to overcome them. As the child reaches their goals, their confidence grows and not just confidence in the martial art itself. They will feel more confidence in their ability to overcome challenges, in their physical abilities, and in their ability to defend themselves if needed. This kind of confidence can carry over into how they handle challenges at school or address bully situations.

BULLY

Children may be the bullies, victims, bystanders, or even those that assist the bully or victim. Like most social problems, solutions can be complex but martial arts may play a role. Low self-esteem and confidence is a common factor among bullies and victims. Children who develop more confidence through activities like martial arts may be less likely to bully or be bullied. They may also feel more confident to step up and say something if they see someone else being bullied.

Contrary to popular belief, martial arts does not promote physical violence and bullying. Negative aggression is actually against martial arts principles and this kind of feedback makes negative behavior less enjoyable for children.

Many martial arts programs also have an antibully component that helps children learn how to deal with bullies through nonviolent means. Of course, if needed, children also understand how to physically defend themselves. Sometimes this type of knowledge, gives a child the confidence to defend themselves verbally before bullying escalates.

COMMUNITY

Children in Martial Arts programs often train together for years which can form unique bonds. Classes also often include children with a variety of skill levels. This means your child has the chance to develop patience and compassion when working with children with less training; and receive benefits from other students that have more experience.

These experiences may make your child less likely to be bullied or to bully. It may also help your child learn skills to step in and stop a bullying situation.

For these reasons and more martial art benefits extend far beyond physical training. It may be a new growth opportunity to help your child reach goals in class and beyond.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

 

Staying Fighting Fit With Martial Arts

Looking to do something exciting to lose weight and stay fit? There is no better way than martial arts training like Krav Maga/Self-Defense, BJJ-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Thai Kickboxing. Apart from self–defense, there are various other reasons you should consider it as a means to stay fit.

Weight Loss

Many trainers and fitness experts are incorporating several exercises and training techniques from martial arts. You will come across many trainers who make extensive use of kick pads or punching bags during their sessions. Martial arts training has been used for cardio workouts for some time, which in turn aid in weight loss. The techniques and workouts are high intensity and can last an hour or more. This means you will start burning calories in no time and is hence the most effective way to lose weight fast.

Fitness

Fitness has a lot to do with building muscle strength and flexibility. In the same fashion, martial arts incorporate drills and techniques which enhance endurance and cardiovascular fitness. It is the perfect method of improving your overall fitness as you will undergo a series of exercises that will train you to be resilient using your own body weight. Additionally, almost all styles include stretching exercises that enables you to improve your flexibility.

Coordination and Balance

The benefits of martial arts are not restricted to helping you become faster or stronger. Since you are taught different techniques, you will learn more about your limitations and how you can overcome them. The only way you can possibly master these techniques is by having superior body coordination and being well balanced. While you practice to master these techniques, you naturally train to improve your coordination and balance, which can help you in various other aspects of life.

Spirituality

Considering the fact that Martial Arts has been practiced for centuries, they can renew, heal and comfort you in times of distress. In other words, learning martial arts is spiritually uplifting, it allows you to achieve a better connection between your mind and body. If your mind is at peace, you will be able to function effectively during training routines. Furthermore, it allows you to transcend to a new level where you will find it easier to connect with others and the world around you.

A Great Stress Reliever

One of the most important and perhaps the biggest benefit of Martial arts training is it provides you an outlet to get rid of the stress which builds up inside your body and mind. Practicing martial arts trains you to focus on yourself.

As you can see, there are several compelling reasons why you should opt to learn Martial Arts like Krav Maga/Self-Defense, BJJ-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Thai Kickboxing. That being said, all of them offer the same benefits equally.

Keeping these factors in mind, you will come to realize martial arts train your body and mind to function as one. Aside from losing weight and improving your fitness, you can motivate yourself to accomplish feats you might not have considered before.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

5 Reasons Your Child Should Train In Martial Arts This Summer

Summer is almost here! All of us are looking forward to lots of daylight, warmer weather, and of course trips to the beach. Wouldn’t it be comforting to know your child will be safe and independent this summer? Here are 5 reasons why Martial Arts will help your child to feel capable and self-assured this summer.

1. Self-Defense

Your child will feel empowered by learning self-defense techniques and strategies during their martial arts training. Self-defense is a need for kids that they wont learn anywhere else. Learning Martial Arts will help the build confidence in their ability to handle themselves if necessary.

2. Bully Proof

Just having the confidence to know they can handle a situation can make all the difference in the world. We often tell our children to stick up for themselves if someone is bulling them. However, if kids don’t have the confidence in their physical ability then they wont feel comfortable speaking up for themselves. Martial Arts will Bully Proof your child.

3. Increase Self-Esteem

Martial Arts instill confidence and self esteem in its students. Learning how to master a punch can make a child feel more capable in their physical abilities. The increase in self-esteem leads students to feeling more confident in taking on new challenges.

4. Exposure to diversity

Participating in a Martial Arts Program this summer will give your child an opportunity to meet other children that they wouldn’t normally meet. Through interactions with new people your child will learn that the world is a big place with lots of people that do different things than they do.

5. New Friendships

Often children will continue Martial Arts long after the summer is over. The relationships made through a martial arts program are positive lasting friendships.

Helping your child to establish lasting friendships, confidence, and assertiveness will benefit them when they doing things on their own. The skills they learn will help them in all aspects of life for years to come. In the long run enrolling your child in a Martial Arts Summer Camp will benefit your child for their lifetime.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga/Self-Defense and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

New Year Resolution Solution

The start of the new year brings the inevitable New Year’s resolution followed often by the abandonment of the resolution. While most start out on waves of positivity, the challenges brought by reality can become difficult to overcome. If you are miserable, bored, or not reaching your goals there is little to keep you motivated to continue. Choosing the right activity and support for your resolution can be the difference between success and starting again in 2018.

Beginning Martial Arts like Thai Kickboxing, Krav Maga, or (BJJ) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a common choice, but it can help you reach many of your fitness resolutions…

FITNESS AND CONDITIONING

Martial Arts training, like Thai Kickboxing, Krav Maga, and (BJJ) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, can provide full body conditioning and it doesn’t matter if you are an athlete, workout novice, or recovering couch potato. Punches and kicks not only work arms and legs but also require a lot of work from the abdominal and back muscles so you’ll get full body workouts in every class. Training also involves mixed periods of high and low intensity workout which is a great way to improve endurance and burn calories.

The nature of this training also allows you to work at your desired intensity level, instead of keeping up with the class. You set your pace and push yourself as you feel ready. At the same time athletes will find routines that challenge their current Fitness levels and skills. The nature of Martial Arts training also means that your workouts will vary from class to class keeping you regularly challenged.

CHALLENGES

Without challenges, there is no growth, and without growth it is easy to become bored. Martial Arts can provide both physical and mental growth. Even those who have trained for years continue to grow, adapt, and learn.

Learning and applying new skills is a constant physical challenge throughout martial arts training. Martial Arts training also requires persistence and a willingness to face obstacles. Reengaging and committing to your training helps develop a mental toughness that carries into everyday life. And, yes, mental toughness comes in handy when you are trying to stick to your resolution.

CONFIDENCE

Most believe confidence from Martial Arts comes from knowing physical skills or how to fight. It is true that learning an art, progressing in your skills, and reaching goals can give you a confidence boost. Learning Self-Defense techniques, like Krav Maga, will also naturally make you feel more confident out in the real world. However, confidence also develops from understanding your limitations and learning how to handle yourself in difficult situations. When you know what your limitations may be, it gives you the confidence to approach challenges head on inside or outside of the Martial Arts school.

PROGRESSION

Standing still is boring and not motivational. By its nature martial arts is about constantly growing and improving your skills through training and interacting with a variety of fellow students and coaches. A martial art program that includes belt levels can also help you set smaller goals to help you focus through training. Both those who have trained for a few months and those who have trained for several years will have paths for growth and new challenges, a lifetime of training opportunities.

All resolutions start with one step, visit a Martial Arts school to see how it can help you reach your resolution goals.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Martial Arts Is More Then Just A Sport

It’s that time of year when you begin to explore activity options for your child. While both martial arts and team sports can provide conditioning and team camaraderie, martial arts has a unique set of benefits for your child. Whether martial arts and self-defense is your child’s sole focus or a part of their activity schedule, they can find the following benefits.

Everyone Gets a Chance

One of the best features of martial arts is that everyone gets the chance to shine. Each child is taught to focus on achieving their best in every class and encouraged to participate no matter what skill level they are at. In sport teams, the focus may fall on team achievements. Developed players often have more opportunities than late bloomers. As a result, some are left to watch from the sidelines, leading to a disparity in skill development. This can be demoralizing.

With martial arts, the mats are always full and “benches” remain vacant. Everyone has a chance to participate and engage with a variety of students. Children are encouraged to try even if they may fail because this helps them develop physical and mental strength to grow their skills and face obstacles with confidence.

Self Confidence

The growth of physical skills and progression through belt ranks can boost your child’s confidence, similar to that in team sport accomplishments. However, part of martial art and self-defense training is the ability to assess a situation and problem solve. This thought process is not only helpful in self-defense situations but also in finding ways to navigate awkward social encounters, stressful situations, or new environments.

Stopping Bullying and Safety

Bullying is a common and stressful childhood encounter. There is no doubt that martial arts can teach children to physically defend themselves when needed. However, the majority of bullying can be stopped when a child or children stand up to the bully. Martial arts can give children the confidence and knowledge to stand up for themselves and others.

There is also a fear that martial arts build bullies, but that is not true. Compassion and respect are deeply rooted principles of martial arts, practiced in class, and encouraged in everyday life. Since bullies are often struggling with self-respect and control, martial arts can help them feel more positive about themselves and decrease the risk of them bullying others.

Gender Equality

Both boys and girls benefit from martial arts training and it is one of the few activities where they can compete together. This gives both genders an equal opportunity to bring out the best within themselves and avoid gender-set limits.

If you have more than one child it is also an opportunity to have all your children in one place at the same time.

As you begin to search for activity options for your child consider martial arts training for a well-rounded activity that includes skill development, confidence building, self-defense, compassion, respect, and opportunity. Your child may find that martial arts are their main focus or an important part in helping them excel in other sports.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Belt Blindness In Your Martial Arts Journey

Belt blindness, when the quest for the next belt becomes more important than the martial art itself, is a common affliction among those training in martial arts like Krav Maga, Thai Kickboxing and  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ). Of course students can be proud of belts they have earned but it is important not to lose sight of the fact that you aren’t working toward your next belt rather, you are furthering your Martial Arts training and your commitment and work are acknowledged by belts. The differences may seem subtle but the effects can be significant.

In pursuit of the belt

Chances are most didn’t start with the sole goal of earning belts but at some point the martial arts journey became secondary to receiving a belt. Obsession over what belt they have, who ranks higher, how they compare to others, and how long to the next belt, took over. And this leads to the primary problem with belt blindness…

Worrying or agonizing over your belt changes your focus to others, where a martial arts journey is about you and the changes you’ve made. When you are frustrated with your coach for not bestowing the next belt or obsessive of the belts of your fellow students you are throwing your energy away on things you have no control over instead of focusing on your Martial Arts Training. You lose the opportunity to truly progress in your martial art and may even irritate yourself into quitting.

Belt levels generally require a demonstration of specific skills but martial arts progression isn’t simply about a checklist. It is a combination of skill growth, time, respect, attitude and commitment. When you pursue a belt instead of the art, your training becomes focused on the checklist not on your overall progress. Yes, the factors on the sheet are important but only working on what you think needs to be done for the belt can blind you to your personal progression opportunities.

In pursuit of a martial art

A martial arts journey requires patience, humility, and an openness to learning which are generally lacking in the pursuit of a belt. A martial artist will learn not only from drills but from experiences, making mistakes, and overcoming obstacles. When you do earn your next belt, it will be a personal representation of all the work you’ve done not simply the completion of a checklist.

Martial arts training can become an integral part of your life by providing any number of benefits like fitness, stress relief, increased confidence in and out of the Martial Arts School, or pride in meeting challenges. These benefits can be easily missed or dismissed if your focus is the next belt and not on your personal journey.

The day you earn a black belt in Krav Maga, Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ) may be the first time you truly appreciate the value of your belt because although your belt journey is done, your martial art journey is just beginning. The experiences that have brought you to the black belt have also taught you that you are never truly done, you are always a white belt, and there are always ways to grow and develop as a martial artist. Those that never move beyond the mindset of a belt quest are unlikely to ever earn a black belt, not because of a coach’s decision, but rather because a pursuit without a purpose isn’t worth pursuing.

When you pursue a martial art, each belt is a representation of your journey. When you pursue a belt you get a belt. Which path you choose is completely up to you.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Can Martial Arts Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals…

There are hundreds of options for conditioning but few have the all around benefits associated with martial arts training like Krav Maga, Thai Kickboxing and (BJJ)Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Classes can offer both cardiovascular and strength benefits through dynamic routines. They also provide an alternative to single focus activities like running or lifting and improve agility which can transfer to other sports or physical activities.

Interval Training

Most martial arts training include intervals, periods of high intensity followed by rest or low level    activity. Rounds may be 2-5 minutes of all out effort with a rest in between rounds. From the bleachers, 2-5 minutes may not seem like much, but working at high intensity can make those few minutes feel much longer. Training in these burst help your muscles work more efficiently under high demands and recover quickly in case you have another round to go. This type of conditioning not only improves your martial arts capabilities but is also associated with:

• Improved cardiovascular endurance for workouts and day to day activities
• Improved muscle strength and power
• Increased metabolism (calorie burning) during and for a few hours after workout

Martial Arts training includes a variety of interval training options. Pad drills in Thai Kickboxing have 2-3 minute sessions where you’re working hard, then you hold for your partner and have down time before you do your next round. (BJJ) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has 2-3 minute rolls which may be all out or have bursts of activity. Krav Maga principle requires all out defense efforts and training follows that suit. In any of the activities you have potential to reach heavy breathing intensity then have time to recoup before you go again.

Interval training is suitable for the beginner to advanced students since everyone works according to their abilities. Beginners may use rest period as actual rest where more advanced students may use lower activity during the time to keep it challenging.

Core Conditioning

Very few, if any, martial arts skills can be done without the core. A punch loses its bite without pivots and the core helps transfer power from the hip pivot up to the arm. A (BJJ) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu roll would simply be flailing legs and arms without the core to connect and move your body. Kicks would be impossible without the core’s ability to stabilize the rest of the body while energy moves through the hip and leg.

The core is constantly challenged in martial arts training because it is called on to stabilize you during certain movements, load or transfer power, and manage sudden explosive changes in direction. It is a nice alternative to millions of crunches. Core strength will improve as you practice and many martial art skills will improve as your core strength grows. A strong core will also help to:

• Decrease the risk of injury to the back and other areas of the body
• Improve balance and stability
• Improve efficiency of movement

Muscle Conditioning

Muscle training is associated with strength but faster reflexes, being able to work in full range of motion, and agility are equally important benefits. Healthy muscles also decrease wear and tear on joints, reduce chance of injury, and increase energy levels. Traditional strength training can increase strength but does not always improve function.

Improvements to muscle strength are achieved by overloading muscles and in martial arts this is often done with body weight based exercises. In addition to providing overload, body weight exercises can engage smaller stabilizer muscles that often go unchallenged with traditional strength training. Stabilizer muscles help make movements more efficient and protect joints. Most martial art exercises also encourage movement through a full range of motion which can help maintain flexibility. This type of training can lead to both strength and agility improvements.

Of course, as with any training, the overall effects will depend on the work you put into it.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers the most  functional and realistic self-defense and fitness programs in the North Shore area.

We offer Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Krav Maga and Children’s programs.

Visit Our Website! www.DWMMA.com

Don’t Wait!  Call TODAY to sign up for your FREE PRIVATE LESSON 978-745-8511 Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including: Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA