by Thomas Kurz In the previous articles I wrote about individualization of training and about increasing training loads. In this one I will give an example of a gradual increase of loads in accordance with principles of individualization and accessibility of training. The example is an athlete’s question on endurance training and my answer. Question: […]
Practical Application of Principles of Sports Training I Read More »
by Thomas Kurz I believe that neither the government nor the criminal justice system should be involved when grown-up athletes do illegal doping. Illegal doping violates an athlete’s promise to abide by the rules of the sport and so should lead to a forfeiture of awards and a ban from competition but not to any
by Thomas Kurz There are three methods of gradually increasing loads: the ascending rectilinear (straight-line) method, the stepped method, and the wavelike method. Three methods of gradually increasing training loads In the ascending straight-line method, loads are continuously and uniformly increased within a mesocycle (an approximately monthly cycle of workouts) or a macrocycle (several mesocycles).
Three Methods of Gradually Increasing Training Loads Read More »
by Thomas Kurz This article quotes extensively from Chuck Remsberg’s post “6 myths of police training that inhibit effective learning” but it applies to all skill training in any sport or martial art. The post is based on Robert Bragg Jr.’s presentation on skill instruction at the latest conference of the International Law Enforcement Educators
Six Myths of Skill Training vs. Rational Training Know-How Read More »
by Thomas Kurz Speed of learning and the ability to perfect movements depend on the size of one’s stored experiences of movements (“movement erudition”). Yes, those who have more will get more, easier. This is why well-trained athletes do a wide variety of exercises besides those that are sport-specific for them and practice techniques of
The More You Know, The Easier You Learn Read More »
by Thomas Kurz Click here to read the earlier posted article on the right body alignment for great height and power in the roundhouse kicks. Here are two questions and answers that demonstrate the necessity of having sufficient strength, muscular endurance, and mastery of lead-up skills prior to learning the high roundhouse kick. The first
Questions and Answers on Practicing High Roundhouse Kicks Read More »
by Thomas Kurz Click here to read the previous article, on the right body alignment for great height and power in the side kicks. High Roundhouse Kick—Correct Form (for full instruction see Clinic on Stretching and Kicking) To throw powerful high roundhouse kicks you need to align your body as follows: 1. The thigh of
by Thomas Kurz Click here to read the previous article, “Right Stretches for High Kicks with No Warm-Up.” Apart from the right way of developing your flexibility—meaning doing the right stretches at the right time, to throw high kicks without any warm-up—you need to know and practice the right technique of kicking, including the right
High Kicks with No Warm-Up: The Right Body Alignment for Side Kicks Read More »
by Thomas Kurz The time to experiment with new techniques, tactics, exercises, and training methods is long before any upcoming competitions. The appropriate time for experimentation is in the transition period, which follows a competition period, and in the period of general preparation–way before the intensification of training in the sport-specific preparation leading up to
When and How to Train Explosive Strength Read More »
by Thomas Kurz Question: I am reading a book by a former European and multiple Italian national kickboxing champion. In one section he debates elastic band training vs. light weight training (throwing a punch with a light dumbbell or a kick with an ankle weight, or throwing a medicine ball) as methods of increasing explosiveness.
Proper Resistance for Punching and Kicking Read More »
