"One Thousand Pounds Falls to the Ground"*
Although this is the name of an actual martial arts move, the topic here I would like to cover is quite different. It is very apparent just how out of place a black belt instructor looks doing any sort of martial arts when they are overweight. Overweight is defined as having a BMI score of 25 or higher according to the USDA BMI Calculator. Of course there may be some of us who are over the BMI due to muscle mass or to a more stocky build; however, there are still a few who are legitimately overweight. It is a general consensus that when you are overweight you can't move as well. As an instructor you should be setting an example. This example should include a healthy lifestyle, healthy eating habits, proper hygiene and a moral compass.
With the exception of health issues that may prevent you from exercising, you should be following a regular fitness routine outside of your martial arts training: The CDC Physical Activity Guidelines.
I have always recommend a supplemental training program to my students. Even in the most carefully thought out martial arts program there are still muscle groups that get neglected simply due to the nature of martial arts training. Ensuring comprehensive strength training, as well as cardiovascular fitness, are best served by supplementing your martial arts with different activities.
For better or worse martial arts has been categorized in the realm of physical fitness; and as such, an instructor should be able to perform a basic fitness assessment with results that are moderate or better: Adult fitness test
Disclaimer
Before starting any new diet and/or exercise
program please check with your physician and clear any exercise and/or diet
changes with them before beginning. I am not a doctor or registered
dietitian. This is merely an opinion blog. The information held on this blog is
merely the opinion of a laymen individual. The research and information
covered in this blog is open to public domain for discussion and in no
way breaches or breaks the boundaries of the law in any state of the the
United States of America where I live. I am not a doctor nor do I
claim to have any formal medical background. I am not liable, either
expressly or in an implied manner, nor claim any responsibility for any
emotional or physical problems that may occur directly or indirectly
from reading this blog.
I am in direct ability and use of conversation under following articles.
(9) A person who does not hold himself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when that person furnishes nutrition information on food, food materials, or dietary supplements. This Article does not prohibit that person from making explanations to customers about foods or food products in connection with the marketing and distribution of these products.
(10) An herbalist or other person who does not hold himself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when the person furnishes non-fraudulent specific nutritional information and counseling about the reported or historical use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, enzymes, food concentrates, or other foods. (1991, c. 668, s. 1; 1995, c. 509, s. 135.2(s).)
Again, you are not on the website of a nutritionist or
dietitian. If you wish to do so please contact a board certified person
in your state.
Sources:
*Patrick McCarthy, 1995. The Bible of Karate; Bubishi, Tuttle Publishing ISBN:0-8048-2015-5
Wise words. :)
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