The EllitpiGO 8S Outdoor Elliptical Bike

 

 

In 2010 Idai Makaya started training on the ElliptiGO 8S outdoor Elliptical bike, a revolutionary new cardio bike designed to simulate running - with all the great cardio conditioning effects of running but without the pounding on your joints running gives. This article, written for Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine, explains how this sort of training device can be of benefit to martial artists and also to anyone who wants to be super-fit.

 

 

Dorian Yates - High Intensity Training

 

Idai Makaya interviewed the bodybuilding legend and six-time Mr Olympia Champion - Dorian Yates - about High Intensity Training and its possible applications in martial arts fitness conditioning. High Intensity training may just be the most efficient approach to martial arts conditioning and could have further uses as an approach to general martial arts training. This article was run in the October 2010 edition of MAI Magazine.

 

 

Visualisation Techniques to Improve Performance

 

 

In this insightful article from 2010 Idai Makaya shares the expertise of TV presenter, martial artist and author - Jules Williams - in gaining insights into innovative and effective ways of using visualisation techniques to improve your performance. Visualisation requires a multi-layered approach and there is an aspect of 'block clearance' therapy required to truly get the best out of it. Read the article to find out what it all means and how to approach it.

 

 

Preparing for Combat - Lee Hasdell Interview Part 2 

 

 

In the February 2010 Edition of MAI Magazine the second part of Idai Makaya's interview with MMA legend Lee Hasdell's was featured. Idai and Lee discused Lee's favourite combat conditioning drills and why he prefers those drills in particular. The wisdom Lee offers is priceless (lots of demonstration pictures included too - so may download slightly slower)...

 

 

Preparing for Combat - Lee Hasdell Interview Part 1

 

 

In the January 2010 Edition of MAI Magazine Idai discussed the physical and mental aspects of preparing for peak performance in combat sport with MMA legend and former World Champion Lee Hasdell (lots of demonstration pictures included too - so may download slightly slower)...

 

 

Midsection Conditioning with Dean Karnazes

 

 

In this special interview with American and international endurance sports star Dean Karnazes Idai Makaya covers the importance of fortifying your midsection - regardless of what sport you do or what your health goals are. Dean Karnazes is a champion of healthy living and spends his life aiming to inspire people into being healthier and better than they ever thought possible.

 

 

The Warrior Diet - Interview with Ori Hofmekler

 

In 2009 Idai interviewed Ori Hofmekler - author of The Warrior Diet. The main topic was "Intermittent Fasting for Combat Athletes." Ori's Warrior Diet is an Intermittent Fasting programme designed for athletes - and is still as popular today as it was when the book was first launched way back in 2002.

 

In his discussion with Idai, Ori shares his insights and tells readers more about Intermittent Fasting. He also explains what actually led him to write The Warrior Diet.

  

 

 

Interview with Nutritionist Brad Pilon - Eat Stop Eat

 

 

Idai Makaya interviewed Brad Pilon for Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine's December 2009 issue. They discussed Brad's intermittent fasting programme called Eat Stop Eat and Brad's views on fat loss and exercise.

In the November 2009 Issue of Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine Idai shared ideas on how all martial artists can improve their skills and conditioning by taking up boxing training. An easy way to do this is to join one of the increasing number of 'authentic' white collar boxing clubs springing up around the UK - where you can train exactly like the amateur and professional boxers do.

Idai Makaya Interview - by Women's Fitness Magazine

Idai was interviewed by Women's Fitness Magazine to help advise women on how best to stay safe while out running. The advice given applies to men as well, so if you do get out on your own it's probably worth having a read.

Combining Martial Arts with Bodybuilding - Flex Wheeler Interview

In this MAI article Idai explores the intricacies of building your musculature for aesthetic reasons, while maximising your athletic performance at the same time. He also catches up with Flex Wheeler, one of the most impressive performers in bodybuilding contest history.

 
Protecting Your Joints - Joint Care Nutrition

Idai looks at the importance of respecting your future health whenever you train or condition yourself and explores in detail the potential foods and supplements which may be of genuine value in protecting your joints over a lifetime of 'serious' training.

Protecting Your Joints - Clarence Bass Interview 

In one of his most popular MAI articles Idai talks to a leading international authority on health and physical conditioning, Clarence Bass. They debate the issues relating to sustainable physical conditioning and Human Physical Performance and explore some of Clarence's personal experiences over almost six decades of serious training.

Learnings From Olympic Taekwondo 

Idai shares the results of a recent study examining the physical traits best suited to martial arts performance - specifically in Taekwondo - and explains how most people may just be able to mould themselves to suit any martial art of their choice. The science spells it out!

 
Broomstick Exercises 

Idai outlines for MAI readers some of the exercises you can use to isometrically develop your muscles using just a broomstick. It's really simple stuff - but very effective - so no more excuses about a lack of equipment...

Press-ups for Better Punching and Conditioning

Idai explains to MAI readers the physiological role of the popular press-ups exercises and gives a few pointers on what to do - and what to avoid...

Strength Conditioning for Beginners

Idai shares ideas with MAI readers on how best beginner martial artists can condition themselves to get the most out of their bodies and to reach their genuine physical potential.

Distance Running For Better Sparring Performance

Idai gives details of an experiment he conducted to improve sparring performance using a different approach to long distance running.

Elastic Resistance Band Training – Part 3 

Idai shares ideas with MAI readers about the potential benefits of using elastic resistance bands for combat conditioning - Part 3 in a series of 3 articles.

Elastic Resistance Band Training – Part 2 

Idai shares ideas with MAI readers about the potential benefits of using elastic resistance bands for combat conditioning - Part 2 in a series of 3 articles.

 
Elastic Resistance Band Training – Part 1 

Idai shares ideas with MAI readers about the potential benefits of using elastic resistance bands for combat conditioning - Part 1 in a series of 3 articles.

Flexibility Training for Martial Arts 

Idai shares his insights into effective flexibility training and gives MAI readers a few routines to try out for the hamstrings.

Technical Conditioning - The importance of Periodisation for Martial Arts Training

Idai explains the importance of 'seasonal' training in order to consistently reach a physical peak. He shows MAI readers why anyone who is "always at their best" must - by definition - be mediocre.

 
Lower-body Strength Training for Martial Arts

Idai gives MAI readers some convenient training information for the legs and lower body (advice which doesn't require the use of exercise equipment/facilities).

 
Personalise Your Training - Ask the right Questions - Part 2

Idai shows MAI readers why it is essential that they know as much as possible about what it is they want to achieve in their physical conditioning and general training goals in a two-part article series. Are you doing everything you can to ensure you get the most out of the time you invest in training? Part 2 of 2.

 
Personalise Your Training - Ask the right Questions - Part 1

 
Motivational Techniques for Martial Arts Training 

Idai shares some ideas with MAI readers on how to sustain high levels of motivation and explains why it is essential to be able to do this over many years if you are to make the most of your training - and, indeed, of your entire life.

 
The Importance of Training Progression & Frequency

Idai explains the importance of gradual increases in training load and complexity. He outlines some 'unbreakable' rules for successful physical conditioning and general performance improvement. It's definitely worth your while to be aware of certain 'laws of human physical performance' if you are engaged in a phycical training journey of any sort. Here's why...