Kettlebells for Martial Artists

[Ginko]

This article was originally written for Mixed Martial Artists, but I believe that it will be of interest to those of us that have a kettlebell. Enjoy!

http://news.adcombat.com/article.shtml?id=3223

[PaoloV]

I attended a kettlebell workshop with Mike. He was very helpful and knowledgeable, especially in just about all uses of kettlebells. His articles are all good.

[Joseph Svinth]

Another kettlebell discussion: http://ejmas.com/pt/ptart_brennan_0103.htm

[Ginko]

Joe,

Here's the rebuttal to that article:

http://www.girevikmagazine.com/six/response.htm

Here's the rebuttal to the rebuttal:

http://www.girevikmagazine.com/seven/mrbrennan.htm

[PaoloV]

Once again, I have seen Mike Mahler teach and demonstrate kettlebell lifts in person. He has indeed trained fighters for mixed-martial arts (MMA) bouts. He is a certified kettlebell instructor and what I have seen in person has verified that he is indeed knowledgeable and skilled in the use of kettlebells. His articles are reliable sources of information on kettlebell training.

Other kettlebell articles which are also good sources of information (outside of the Dragondoor.com website) have been written by Clarence Bass and Coach Davies, among others. Yet another eminently qualified authority is Steve Maxwell, a BJJ champion and trainer (http://www.maxercise.com).

Raymond Brennan, on the other hand, I have not seen, nor am I aware of his qualifications. His experience with kettlebells appears to be in the minority among martial artists who have tried them. It is true that you CAN get hurt by kettlebells if you do the movements improperly - but this is true of any form of exercise, from karate to dancing to lifting other types of weights. As if oft-repeated, before beginning a new type of exercise, consult a doctor if you have any concerns, especially one who is trained in sports medicine or orthopedics.

[PaoloV]

I forgot to add...

Why not just try the dumbell drills that Mahler mentions in the article quoted by Ginko? Not quite the same as doing them with kettlebells, but at least you'll get a taste of what the ballistic drills are like and thus draw your own conclusions on this type of training.

[Ginko]

Paolo,

I agree that Bass, Davies & Maxwell are all the tops in their fields & are very qualified. I enjoy my kettlebell & think that it is a unique piece of equipment, but to each their own.

[desparoz]

Joe,

Here's the rebuttal to that article:

http://www.girevikmagazine.com/six/response.htm

Here's the rebuttal to the rebuttal:

http://www.girevikmagazine.com/seven/mrbrennan.htm

Unfortunately those links are now dead. Do you know if the rebuttal articles can be found elsewhere?

Cheers

Des

[donaldhilson59]

Very useful to us newbies, thanks.

[Kevin73]

Just some quick input. What is interesting is how some people are against kettlebell training in the traditional arts, but if you are familiar with the hojo undo found in okinawan karate. They used an "ishi sashi", which looks and acts like a kettlebell.

Once again, there is nothing new under the sun.

[George Best]

Was hoping to take a look at this but it would appear that the original link is broken. May have to search it out online.

George
http://wingchununiverse.com.au