An unprecedented level of speed thanks to a return to lifting

In recent months I've increased my supplemental training.

As many will know, since corona I began an extra running program, which I've been following since early 2020. It is nothing radical, but I run at least three times a week and often up hills and, occasionally, mountains.

This year I extended this by returning to the gym and 'moving lots of plates around'. I'm following a 'strength functional routine' and further intensified my diet (I have always been strict, but I've gone to the 'next phase'). To be honest it has been great to get back to pumping iron in the gym.

Today I made a breakthrough. I executed the fastest tsuki I've ever made. It's very interesting with the increased muscle mass. It really proves that muscle and weight gain doesn't necessarily mean loss of speed. Indeed, on the contrary.

All of this, of course, is common sense; however, it is exciting to experience a higher level of explosiveness than ever before. Literally, a BREAKTHROUGH thanks to weight training. It's also a joy to personally experience the benefits of contemporary sports science.

While I still continue the body weight exercises, the return to lifting has given an edge.

The other aspect is that my muscles are bigger, so I'm heavier; therefore, I have more mass, in addition to the increased speed. Clearly, no need to explain basic physics here. My message here is that if you want to move faster, and impact harder, you need to increase muscle strength and weight, in addition to using relaxed physical action and movement of the center. These points combined with ever-improving technical skill will result in optimal waza.

All I can say is that I am training hard, feeling lots of pain, and having fun doing so.

TRAIN HARD AND TRAIN SMART.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2022).