Thanks to Greg Shindler for bringing Tabata drills to our Krav class on Saturday.
Up until the class I had never heard of Tabata Drills. I must say they are simple yet extremely intense. So impressed that I put myself through a six round Tabata work out myself today, and it was an absolute tail kicker. I haven’t been this tired or exhausted since I tested for 1st degree black belt in Goju-ryu during December of 2000. That was a four hour belt test. Six rounds of Tabata lasted only 27 minutes, and I am drained.
The principals behind Tabata is explosive interval training. For example, my first round was four minutes long. Within the first four minute round I ran in place with knees high. I moved as quickly as I could for 20 seconds, then you rest for ten seconds, then you do your drill again for twenty seconds followed by the ten second rest. This alternation/interval occurs throughout the four minute round. After the four minute round you take a one minute rest, then move onto rounds two, three, four, and beyond if possible. Each round should be a different exercise. So, options are unlimited, but I utilized a mountain climber round, fast squats round, one round of fast non-stop shadow boxing, and a round of burpees. My final round six was a casserole of the previous five rounds. So, each twenty second interval was a different exercise. We shall incorporate Tabata drills into Krav Maga and Goju-Ryu once in a while to test the metal of our students and assist them in upping their overall conditioning, their anabolic rate, and to give them the occasional metabolism boost. Again, we are always looking for drills to keep classes fresh, challenging, and interesting. One might suggest that Tabata has no place in a martial arts program. Well fitness is a huge part of our martial art philosophy. One must be in shape if he or she is forced to defend his/herself. Plus, the Tabata Drills truly test one’s heart, fortitude, and fighting spirit.
Lastly, I leave you with the Goju-Ryu Fist Image below. I am thinking of incorporating the fist and the Krav Maga symbol on our next round of T-shirts. Enjoy.
