Martial Arts and Cycling

[onimity]

Hey Liberty,

I trained in TKD (ITF) for several years and *loved* it, it was a great experience and taught me a lot in terms of confidence and self-defense. I also gained a lot of upper body & abdominal strength. I wasn't cycling then so can't tell you if they make a good balance, but I did get injured *a lot* in TKD, broken ribs and fingers, lots of joint and tendon issues. This was almost all from sparring. I think patterns, stretches, line exercises would all be excellent, and a good complement to cycling, but I would caution you against joining a group that does a lot of sparring if injuries are getting you down with cycling...

Anne

[TexanCzexican]

I have a black belt in TKD (ATA), got it when I was a teen....I've given some thought to getting back into it, but wasn't sure of the cost....might have to check out my local training center!

[Trek420]

Nidan in Aikido, training since roughly 1980. I must admit between recent foot injury and back to back to back ALC rides I have not been in the dojo enough. Need to fix that. Probably forgot my right foot from my left.

Whatever style you pick M.A. is great cross training for cycling and vice versa.

[liberty]

Okay... New world. Ladies, could you please explain all the abbreviations? M.A?
TDA? ATA? TDK?

Thanks for the encouragement. This is sounding good.

[TexanCzexican]

Okay... New world. Ladies, could you please explain all the abbreviations? M.A?
TDA? ATA? TDK?

Thanks for the encouragement. This is sounding good.

I'm thinking it references the styles of Tae Kwon Do. My black belt is with the American Tae Kwon Do Association, shorthand is known as ATA

[Trek420]

Okay... New world. Ladies, could you please explain all the abbreviations? M.A?
TDA? ATA? TDK?

Thanks for the encouragement. This is sounding good.

M.A. is often used as shorthand for Martial Arts of any style.

[sundial]

Liberty, I think it's an excellent idea to study martial arts. You will learn breathing techniques that will carry over into your cycling, balance, flexibility, strength from the core (mid-section), power punches and kicks, and it's aerobic as well, particularly when you do your kicking/punching drills.

Also, martial arts will give you a sense of empowerment. Having martial arts training will help you to feel more secure should you ride solo. Also, martial arts training can be used in many environments where concealed weapons with a permit are not allowed (federal buildings, libraries, universities, malls, restaurants that sell liquor, etc. according to your state laws).

I've studied taekwondo, escrima, kali, kenpo, and others styles as well. I enjoy knowing that I should be able to defend myself against an attacker should the need arise.

Have fun and keep us posted on your martial arts training.

As for the cycling, have you considered a recumbent bike? You use different muscle groups (higher hamstrings, some quads, etc.) than the traditional bike. I have a Sun EZ rider trike and I plan on using it in the fall and winter months. I have knee problems too and I found it to be a very comfortable ride with no stress on the knees, shoulders, wrists, neck or arms. You would be surprised, too, how it's so different pedaling on a recumbent.

[onimity]

ITF is the International Tae Kwon Do Federation: http://www.internationaltaekwon-dofederation.com/

[KnottedYet]

I tried TKD once, and found it miserable for me. A class in Karate was a little better, but still didn't feel right. Took 6 months of Tai Chi and just LOVED it! I still use things I learned from it, even though it was nearly 20 years ago.

So, if your first martial art doesn't seem to suit you, don't give up! There are so many lovely styles and disciplines it's almost certain there is one out there that will just suit you like the perfect bicycle!

Edit: the Tai Chi I took was from a teacher who fought/sparred in it. We learned the exercises you see folks doing, and then learned how they could be used as blocks and such during sparring. Our instructor did a demo Tai Chi fight with his instructor, and it was like watching snakes fighting! It was so cool! If I could find a TC instructor like that again, I'd take it again.