January 26, 2015

Chinese New Year Celebration 2015

January 26, 2015/ Monk Wise Martial Arts Academy/ Shifu Woolsey

December 03, 2014

Tireless Resolve

December 03, 2014/ Monk Wise Martial Arts Academy/ Shifu Woolsey

The Martial Spirit Can Arise Anywhere In Any Arena.

November 25, 2014

Reality Check: Are Planks Really the Best Core Exercise?

November 25, 2014/ Shifu Woolsey

Hey Students I came across this article on planks which hits on most of the key points as to when planks can be a great exercise and also where they can fall short.

Planks are like any exercise, they should be used as long as they are helping you achieve your desired goals. I love the explanation cited how planks are like the abc's of core strength. It made me laugh since we do planks almost every youth class and only occasionally for adults. They are not just great for youth but for anyone new to exercise, for certain rehabilitation issues, and for rotating into an appropriate warm up or cool down regimen.

Parents if your helping your children practice at home remember that for youth planks don't need to be done for a very long time. It's more important to have them observe the correct structure of the body and try to hold it 20-40 seconds.

Read the article and bring any questions that you have with you back to class.

Be well, good chi. Shifu Adam Woolsey

Reality Check: Are Planks Really the Best Core Exercise? -By Jim Gerard

Not long after working your core became the central focus of fitness training, the plank eclipsed the crunch (which had overtaken the sit-up) as the go-to core exercise. Also known as a front hold, hover or abdominal bridge, the plank is, at least in its basic form, a static, isometric strength exercise that could be called a pre-push-up. It involves maintaining a difficult, potentially arduous, position in which one’s body weight is held up by the hands or forearms, elbows and toes—often for an extended period of time.

The plank became so popular so quickly—and was proven in both the gym and the research lab to deliver the goods—that until recently, very few trainers even bothered to take a second look. However, now that the dust has settled, a few voices are quietly questioning not whether the plank is a quality exercise, but maybe, just maybe, fitness pros may be over-relying on it in core training or not properly integrating it into clients’ overall workout regimens.

How Planks Got So Popular

The plank gained such rapid favor in the fitness community because it did such good job training the abdominals for what the body needs them to do, explains Dr. Glenn Wright, an associate professor of exercise science at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. “A lot of strength trainers realized that the main function of the abs is to stop, not start, motion, and the plank came out of what the abs are asked to do—resist the spine from moving, such as when fighting off an opponent, and strengthening the lower back.”

Beyond Static Planks

Jonathan Ross, ACE Senior Consultant and author of Abs Revealed, has a fresh take on planks. “In first grade, you learn the alphabet, but if all you do is keep studying the alphabet, you never learn to build words; use words to build sentences; use sentences to communicate.” According to Ross, static planks are like the first grade of core training, “and you shouldn’t stay in first grade forever. Life is movement so effective exercise—including core training—should always progress toward movement, not the lack of it.” Stability is the prerequisite for mobility. Static planks beyond 30 seconds are likely not the most effective use of valuable training time. For more helpful tips on how to create an excellent plank and how to add numerous moving progressions, see the ACE Video featuring Ross,Plank School.

According to Wright, planks work the abs the way they’re supposed to function—isometrically. “They maintain the stability of the core muscles, which support proper posture by safeguarding an erect position and proper alignment of the spine.”Dr. Jinger Gottschall, assistant professor of kinesiology at Penn State University, whose research on the benefits of planks is considered by many to be primary, says that the plank is a superior core exercise to the crunch or sit-up because it provides “more three-dimensional activation, from hip to shoulder, whereas the crunch is an isolated move that hits just your abs.” She adds that planks not only strengthen the core, but also the shoulders and hips—and you can improve your balance if you do variations with your arm or leg.

Wright says that the curl or sit-up goes against the natural curve of the lumbar spine. “When you teach sit-ups, you tell the person to flatten his back to the floor, which alone could cause pain in the lower back—the very condition strengthening your abs is supposed to prevent. Conversely, planks prevent lower-back pain.”

Jennifer Burke, district fitness manager for Crunch in Los Angeles, says that planks serve an additional purpose: “They set you up to be able to do other core exercises in the most efficient and effective way.”

Planks are also pretty safe, argues Dr. Mike Bracko, a sports physiologist, ACSM Fellow and director of the Institute for Hockey Research in Calgary, especially compared to sit-ups. “Planks use neutral spine loading and not trunk flexion—as in sit-ups—to strengthen the abs. If you ask a client with a weakened intervertebral disc to do a sit-up, it can cause that disc to herniate or bulge by pinching it.”

Bracko says that the forceful trunk flexion required by sit-ups and the like is exactly the type that we try to avoid performing in regular daily activities. “More people than ever realize the perils of forcefully bending over at the waist from a standing position.”

Some trainers feel that planks, if anything, are underrated. Burke is one such voice. “A lot of people underrate planks, but if they’re done correctly they induce scapular retraction [the movement of your shoulders up and back], and activate the transverse abdominus, glutes and quads.”

Bracko thinks that not enough trainers introduce planks to their clients or athletes. “Front planks are a great way to work the abs and obliques. Some people complain that you can’t get a ‘six-pack’ look by doing planks. Not only is that false—you can achieve that look if you do planks on one arm and one leg—but it raises the question of your intention. Are you doing core exercises to get a six-pack or to strengthen your core?”

Burke says that any backlash or boredom regarding planks is probably the result of doing them incorrectly. “A lot of people think it’s an easy exercise, so they don’t keep their pelvis in a neutral position; it’s either too high or too low. They also don’t keep their shoulders aligned and retracted, allowing the shoulder blades to wing up, and don’t fully engage the transverse abdominus and glutes at the same time.” How do you know if you’re doing them wrong? “If you’re feeling the brunt in your lower back and arms and not through your abs, glutes and quads,” says Burke.

Are There Better Alternatives to the Plank?

While planks are universally respected in the field of exercise science, some people cite reasons for why there may be better alternatives. Dr. Wayne Westcott, instructor of exercise science at Quincy College and co-author of ACE’s Guide to Youth Strength Training, says, “I'm not against planks, but I feel that they don’t work the abs in the most advantageous way and have multiple drawbacks. To build muscle strength,” Westcott explains, “you need to activate the muscle to near fatigue, within the anaerobic energy system, which typically takes 60 to 90 seconds. Any exercise that takes longer (including planks held beyond that range) doesn’t address muscle strength or size.”

And, because planks are isometric and have limited range, Westcott argues that they don’t provide the universally recommended full range of motion. Plus, “some populations shouldn’t do isometric exercises because they raise blood pressure,” cautions Westcott. “They also put tremendous pressure on your lumbar spine.”

Additionally, another of Westcott’s caveats is that there’s no way to use added resistance while performing a plank, which impedes muscle resistance and potential growth.

Anthony Wall, director of professional education for ACE, has a slightly different take on the value of planks. “One of the reasons for doing planks is that they are a good way to focus on the core without movement—as seen in a push-up. They can be used as part of the stability phase of training, immediately prior to movement, and in a number of ways to increase or decrease the degree of difficulty. For example, they can be done on your elbows and knees, which is much less taxing than doing them on your hands and feet.”

However, while Wall feels that planks occupy an important place in core training, he acknowledges that they can be overused. “If a client cannot stabilize effectively through his core, a plank may not the best exercise for him. And while many people think planks are a boring movement, a good fitness professional can change levels and add movements for variety.”

PLANK ALTERNATIVES

So, in keeping with Wall’s advice to add variety and movement to the basic plank, here are several alternatives worth trying. Hold each exercise for as long as possible while maintaining proper form. If the exercise calls for movement (or reps), do five to 10, unless otherwise specified. Planks—or any of their variations—can be performed two to three times a week, combining them with exercises that work other areas of the core. You can vary the intensity a little or a lot, depending on your choice of exercise. You can also add in different challenges, either by creating instability (with a TRX Suspension Trainer or stability ball, for example), or by adding movement.

Jacks. From a standard plank position, jump your legs out and in.

Mountain climber. Start in standard plank position. Bring the left knee in toward the chest and set the foot on the floor behind the hand. Jump up and switch feet in the air, bringing the right foot up and the left foot back. Continue alternating the feet as quickly as possible for 30 to 60 seconds. (Option: Keep the toes off the ground and simply bring the knees up to the chest.)

Side plank. While the standard plank targets the connection between the lower back and the abdominals, this most common variation targets the obliques and helps stabilize the spine from side to side. Lie down on your side, leaning on one hand or elbow, your chest facing out instead of toward the floor. Make sure your hand or elbow is aligned with your shoulder. And don’t let your hips sink—keep them inline with your head and feet. Lift your hips off the ground and raise the top arm straight up to the sky. Hold the position for up to 30 seconds, then lower the hips back down. To increase the difficulty, lift your top leg as high as possible.

Stability-ball plank. This exercise can be done one of two ways—with the forearms on the ball (and feet on the floor) or the tops of the shins or feet on the ball (and hands or forearms on the floor). Both present a significantly greater balance challenge than the standard plank.

Stir the pot. Kneel on the floor behind a stability ball with your knees hip-width apart. Place your hands on the ball with your palms together. Keep your spine in neutral alignment as you roll the ball away from you until your elbows are on top of the ball. Move your elbows on the ball to simulate stirring a big pot, while maintaining a stable plank. Pull your abs toward your lower back to initiate the return to your starting position. To add more challenge, lift the knees and tuck the toes under to perform the exercise. Note that the size of the circle in your "stirring" motion directly affects the intensity—a larger circle is more challenging. Do five to 10 reps in one direction and repeat in the other direction.

Stability-ball knee tucks. Lie across a stability ball and walk your hands out in front of you until you are in plank position with the ball positioned beneath the shins or ankles. Brace the core and curl the knees in toward the chest. The ball will roll forward as your knees tuck under your torso and your hips lift toward the ceiling. Hold this position for a breath and then extend the legs back to return to plank position. Do 10 to 15 reps, or as many as you can with proper form.

Suspension Trainer knee tucks. This exercise provides the benefits of both a plank and a crunch. Adjust the TRX Suspension Trainer cables so they hang about 12 inches off the ground. Place your feet in the foot cradles, with the tops of your feet facing the ground. Point your toes down toward the floor. Reach your arms out and get into push-up position. Pull your knees into your chest as you bring your hips up slightly into the air. Extend the legs and return to the starting position. Complete the appropriate number of repetitions.

Down-dog Split With Knee Dives. Begin in downward-facing dog. Raise the left leg high up to the sky and then bend the knee and pull it toward the outside of the left shoulder, feeling a pinch in the side body. Straighten the leg back and repeat three to five times. Repeat on the right side. (Optional: Alternate between bringing the knee to the outside shoulder and crossing to the opposite shoulder.)

See full article HERE:

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Jim Gerard is an author and journalist. He has written for the New Republic, Travel & Leisure, Maxim, Cosmopolitan, Washington Post, Salon, Details, New York Observer, and many other magazines. For more information, visit his site at www.gangof60.com.

November 25, 2014

Martial Arts After 50, Is it for me?

November 25, 2014/ Shifu Woolsey

Practicing martial arts at Monkwise is demanding, often exhilarating, and a bit addictive. If you’re among the over-50 crowd, and a baby-boomer looking to beat the ever encroaching physical manifestations of aging, martial arts can bring many challenges. The benefits, however, can be truly amazing.

We are now learning that many aspects of aging can be slowed, or in some cases reversed. In his book, “Martial Arts over 40,” Dr. Sang H. Kim takes each physical and mental attribute, previously thought to be naturally depleted with age, and explains how exercise, specifically martial arts, can improve those attributes. Strength, agility, flexibility, balance, and memory are all aspects of martial arts training that can positively affect our health as we reach middle age and beyond.

Many doctors are prescribing Tai Chi and Qi Gong to help patients with health issues ranging from diabetes to arthritis. Qi Gong is thought to increase hormone production, prevent autoimmune diseases, and improve mental clarity and function.

In an article on martial arts in AARP [8/03], it was reported that:

Tai Chi also can improve balance, posture, flexibility, coordination, and strength. Studies have shown that older people who practice Tai Chi reduce their risk of falls.

So why isn’t everyone over 50 doing this?

I’ve asked many of my 50+ friends, why they don’t try martial arts for their workouts. The most typical answer has to do with familiarity. As adults we’ve successfully managed jobs, homes, families, joys and tragedies. We generally think we are competent at most things and if we’re not, we just hire someone to do it for us. Our workout routines may include following a leader, a trainer, or solitary work on an exercise bike or treadmill. So imagine walking into a room with a group of students, all ages, athletic, focused, picking up forms five moves at a time and we think, “I’m old, how can I ever do this?” We just don’t have that beginners mind any longer; we want to look cool from the very start.

It takes a special person to face the possibility of looking silly, because at 50+ you really can look quite uncomfortable trying your first mabu (horse stance). Diane, at 58, is a fit flight attendant doing martial arts at MonkWise. She told me that looking and feeling “stupid” was her primary concern starting martial arts. She has since met this challenge and feels like her classes at MonkWise make her feel young. Diane receives many compliments from co-workers about her newly found confidence and athleticism.

The pressure to excel in everything we do is very strong in older adults. . In an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding older adults and martial arts (5/10) the author wrote,

Instructors say many older students seem energized by working out with younger ones. And sometimes the energy is contagious. "Older students can be very inspirational," says Bill Pottle, the owner of the school where Mr. Roe [an older student] trains. "They often have an uncommon determination that can set a great example for younger people."

We have a lot to offer younger students in class. Whether they choose to take advantage of our wisdom, well… we can still enjoy their energy.

Jean, at 65 is a retired business manager who tried Tai Chi for the first time six months ago. Her first experience in class left her feeling intimidated, and guilty. She explained that she felt like she was holding back other students in the class and taking up practice time for classmates that came to help her. Her love of Tai Chi won out and she realized that first of all, everyone was focused on practicing and weren’t watching her at all, and secondly everyone has challenges. She learned to take what she likes to call her “baby steps” and she now feels great about her accomplishments.

It’s normal to feel anxious when you begin a new skill and especially surrounded by new people. It will take some time to get acclimated but most students in class and your instructors are happy to help.

If you are considering martial arts as a form of exercise, whether it be the relaxed and contemplative forms of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, or the more physically challenging courses of Kung Fu, there are a few things to consider:

· Check with your doctor. It’s always best to consult a physician before trying a new exercise routine. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses and be sure to pass the information along to your instructor(s) in class.

· Check in with your body. Be sure to take an internal and external assessment of your physical condition before each class session. Are there any injuries you need to report to your instructor? Do you have tightness in an area that needs to be warmed up or stretched? Always spend time warming up then gently stretching before class.

· Check in with your mind. Personal issues such as work, family responsibilities, moods, etc. will affect your performance in class. If you are angry, upset, or frustrated you may wish to spend time meditating or running through forms before class. You will likely feel much better after your workout, but releasing negative emotions initially may prevent an injury to yourself or another student.

· Check your competitive instincts. You have great potential as an older student but you also take much longer to heal after an injury. Be patient with yourself and ask for assistance from your instructors and fellow students. Be sure that you know your limitations and that you express them when doing partner work. Learn to respect your own journey and not compare yourself to younger and/ or more experienced students.

Other common concerns:

What happens if I get injured? Surprisingly injuries are rare but if they do happen be sure to give yourself time to heal. Consult with Shifu Jung or Shifu Woolsey on the proper way to treat muscle and tendon issues. Shifu Jung is trained in Chinese medicinal techniques and can often suggest dietary changes to help your body cope with the new exercise routine. Keep practicing. If your injury is located from the waist down you can work on arm movements or weapons. If it’s from the waist up you can walk through your routine. If your back is having issues, go through the routines in your head or create diagrams on paper. [In Kung Fu, you are not required to “spar” with other students until your body has adapted to the beginning workouts. The beginning routines really will increase your strength and flexibility, both of which are vital to avoiding injures. Especially the Injuries that can happen if one is not a martial artist, like using muscles long forgotten, or tripping over a rug at home.]

If you are having problems remembering routines, try memorizing one step beyond what you know. It will help even if you only remember turning in a specific direction, a hand movement, or the next foot movement. With experience you’ll start seeing patterns and will retain more. Write notes about the forms, the simple act of writing something down will often help you remember. Practice small sections of a form rather than start at the beginning every time. Break longer forms down into smaller sets of moves. Forgive yourself for memory lapses, they happen to everyone. Don't give up, remember that learning a sequence of movement will actually improve cognitive function over time. That is why martial arts like Kung Fu or Tai Chi are so often recommended by doctors for those struggling with memory issues. Our mind, just like our bodies falls under the category "Use it or lose it".

Once you get past the self-consciousness, you will find that the physical limitations will begin to lessen after every week. You will find balance and confidence, and you can amaze your friends and neighbors with your sword wielding technique. At Monk Wise you will be accepted as an equal, expected to perform as an equal, and feel like you've found a new healthier person inside your baby-boomer body.