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Better Human Magazine is dedicated to helping athletes, fighters, boxers and martial artists improve their performance by providing education, tips and real stories from industry experts. We believe that the rules and disipline of training as an athlete can influence all aspects of life in a positive way – and make each one of us a better human.

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Keep your game sharp (and your guard up…!),
Shir

KBC Galvanized 2010 Convention Is almost here!

It is That Time Again!

Summer is just about here, and another Galvanized Convention is coming up very soon—July 9–11, 2010. This year I’ve designed a very special class for you*: It’s called “Ultimate Rush: Combat”, and was created especially for combat athletes. We will work our way around a high-intensity circuit, involving Kettlebells, heavy bags and other equipment, and perform exercises that are directly derived from martial arts and boxing, and others that were designed specifically to enhance a fighter’s performance — both standing up and on the ground. Your heart-rate will rise during the rounds and drop in between rounds, much like it does in the ring or in the octagon.

To register please visit the convention website; Registration deadline is June 24th, and space in this class is limited – so hurry up and reserve your spots!.

Keep your game sharp (and your guard up!)
Shir

* I strongly believe that things in life happen for a reason… As it happens, I am due to give birth on the day of this class; If my son decides to arrive on time, the charismatic and knowledgeable Pete Isip will be teaching this class—either way you are in excellent hands!

The ‘Culture’ of Martial Arts

Part III

In the last and final addition of this series we will focus on the little known but widely influential African martial arts.

The African continent is infinitely rich in history. It is not surprising that it boasts one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Some of the earliest evidence of martial arts in Africa were discovered in the Beni Hasan tombs in ancient Egypt, dating back to 2,040 and 1,785 BCE. Archaeologists found paintings of fighters displaying techniques such as punching, kicking, throwing, and locking the opponents’ joints. (It is important to note that Egypt is in Africa, and that many years of racial intermingling have transformed the population of ancient Egypt into its current and modern inhabitants). The Nuba people of Sudan already performed a form of martial arts around 2,800 BCE. This form of martial arts included empty-hand combat along with weapons training. There are no records in the world that can claim a documented martial arts tradition older then the fighting arts of the Nuba. Read More

MMA and Kettlebells

A very good friend of mine, who happens to be a personal trainer, fellow CSCS (NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), and my gym training partner, has recently published his own website. Being an experienced and well-versed trainer, one who took his own body through the entire spectrum of being part of this world—from bodybuilding to athletics and even running marathons, Al Kavadlo now trains clients at the New York Health and Racket Club in Astor Place, and is as inquisitive and hungry as one who truly loves his work.

Check out Al’s MMA-specific Kettlebell workout (those of you who attended our “Way of the Warrior” Kettlebell workshop last June may remember some of these exercises)—here Al is being trained by MMA fighter Matt Ruskin, who is also a personal trainer.

Holiday/New Year’s workout

Being a “summer baby” and loving the outdoors, I feel that as the days become colder I tend to lose some of my otherwise abundant motivation to leave my cozy apartment and go push myself like I do on warmer, sunny days. It seems the only thing that really helps me survive those dark and blustery New York winters is the cheer of the holiday season. Read More

ANNUAL CHINESE KUNG-FU,WU-SU EXHIBITION

Every year, around July, something starts to feel different at our Kung-Fu school. Students seem to be more focused; Teachers start talking about discipline and practice more than usual; everyone stays after class to get in more individual practice; people reflect on the past few months and look at their newly acquired techniques, specialties, weaknesses and strengths. Read More

Better Human, Crunch and Everlast!

Every Thursday night I teach a classic boxing class at a NYC Crunch gym; That specific location is set up with an enormous boxing ring, surrounded by about seven heavy boxing bags, a speed bag, an uppercut bag and other fantastic equipment. The class is sponsored by Everlast and goes by the title “Everlast’s Art of Boxing”; It is structured to review basic technique in the ring, perform about 10 rounds on the bags, after which we come back into the ring for an intense conditioning circuit. Read More

Workout of the week

Lately I’ve noticed that I am approaching another plateau in my resistance training routine. On the bright side, it’s a great thing, because it means I’m getting stronger and can move the weight around more easily. On the other hand, it also means it’s time to take a close look at what I’m doing, set new goals and go to work.

Read More

Using Weights to Improve Your Punch

There are several ways to work on your punch. The basic way for any athlete to practice their punch is slow, with control. Building strength and control are vital for any fighting technique. Read More

Quality of Life Part 5: Setting Standards

— Anthony Robbins

If you want to make real changes in your life you have to raise your standards. You have to demand more of yourself. You have to know what you’re tired of accepting in your life, know what you will not settle for, and who it is you aspire to become. Read More

Ab-stract…

Another great bunch of sport-specific exercises from Martin Rooney, this time it’s all about abdominal strength: