The value of impact training and conditioning

The Value of Impact Training in Silat

One of the most important lessons in Silat or any martial art training is the value of impact conditioning. It’s not just about learning to deliver strikes, but about preparing your body—and your mind—to take a hit. The pain and sting from bone-on-bone contact, like forearms clashing, can be enough to distract anyone, but that’s exactly where conditioning comes in. It teaches you to endure, to stay calm, and to keep moving forward.

Forearm conditioning is particularly vital. With time and practice, the sting fades, and the focus sharpens. That’s the key—it’s not just about toughening up your body, it’s about training your mind to push through discomfort. In moments of real conflict, a conditioned forearm and mind could mean the difference between hesitation and quick action.


Bruises come and go

I recently had a training experience that again drove this home. I took a controlled hit to the side of my ribs, and it felt like the energy bounced around inside my body. The physical sensation was intense, but what stood out most was how my mind responded. It wasn’t just about the pain, it was about staying present and calm through it. That’s the true benefit of impact training—developing the mental resilience to stay focused under pressure.

My first experience with impact training involved conditioning shins, quads, and forearms. These areas took hits in a controlled manner, and while the soreness was real, the long-term benefits were even more significant. It taught me that conditioning isn’t just about hardening your body, but about preparing your mind to stay resilient!

I plan to make impact conditioning a regular part of my training—at least once a month. It’s not just about being physically tough; it’s also about building the mental resilience to stay calm, focused, and determined, no matter what comes your way.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Training Silat with a Western fitness framework

Silat, a traditional Southeast Asian martial art, can be integrated with Western fitness principles to create a more comprehensive training program. By combining Silat techniques with strength and conditioning exercises, the following benefits can be achieved: Improved functional fitness. Silat training emphasizes functional movements that mimic everyday activities, which can improve overall physical performance. Enhanced power and explosiveness. Integrating Western strength and conditioning principles, such as resistance training and plyometrics, can help increase power and explosiveness in Silat techniques. Better endurance.  Western fitness approaches, such as interval training and circuit training, can help improve endurance and cardiovascular fitness for Silat practitioners. Improved injury prevention.  By incorporating flexibility and injury prevention exercises into the training program, Silat practitioners can reduce the risk of injury and improve recovery times. Better mental
Read more

Tenaga Salam (Internal Energy) and Chi/ Qi : a comparison

Internal energy and qi are similar concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Internal energy refers to theoretical energy believed to exist within the body and be related to various physical and mental processes. This concept is found in many different traditions and cultures, including martial arts, yoga, and energy healing practices. Internal energy can encompass different aspects of a person's well-being, including physical strength, mental focus, and spiritual awareness. Qi, as described in Chinese philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine, is a specific type of internal energy that is believed to flow through the body and the universe. Qi is thought to be responsible for maintaining health and balance in the body and for guiding various physical and mental processes. According to this belief, imbalances or blockages in the flow of qi can result in physical and mental health problems. In summary, while internal energy is a more general t
Read more

Self Defense : A summary

Image
Self-defense is a set of skills, strategies, and mindset principles designed to protect oneself from potential threats and dangers in various situations. It encompasses both mental preparedness and physical techniques to effectively respond to challenging or dangerous scenarios. Self defense is easily 90% soft skills. It all starts with the mindset, having common sense, situational awareness and the ability to decide in a stressful situation. The hard skills are only used when one is so pressed that not doing anything will result in grave bodily injury or lethality. Here's a breakdown of key aspects of self-defense: Mindset (25%) : A major part of self-defense is mindset. Cultivating a mindset of empowerment, confidence, and assertiveness is essential for navigating challenging situations with resilience and strength. Within your mindset, the most important aspect is to define your mission. (Sam Rosenberg, Live Ready). What is your mission? Your mission is the most important thing
Read more